4th July 2019 · Clapham Junction Outdoor Meeting

Thursday 4th July saw five members from Thames Valley branch enjoying a sunny warm afternoon observing plenty of trains at Clapham Junction station. This was a new venue for the branch. Initially the group congregated on the London end of platform 11 but after a short while moved to platform 10 as it provided both shade and seating. During the afternoon various classes were observed from four train operating companies. Southern class 377 units, Southwest Railway classes 444 (express units), 450 and 458 (outer suburban) and 707 (suburban units) were in abundance, along with occasional class 158/8 and 159 sets. Two class 442 units were also seen (working a service to Poole later in the day). In addition, there were many rakes of Class 455 and 456 units. Gatwick Express class 387s were also seen including the white liveried set. London Overground’s class 378 sets slipped into and out of platforms 1 and 2. Also seen were some class 66s on freight duties, including a triple header of light engines from different companies. Clapham Junction certainly lived up to its reputation as a major railway hub.