The D1s could haul two standard coaches and gradually phased out "Terrier" workings, the last being no. 661 (Kirby, 1983).

During 1925-1928, more than a dozen different D1s operated the branch line, all shedded at West Croydon (Kirby, 1983).

LBSCR "Stroudley" 0-4-2T D1 class no. 259 Barnham, pushing a two-coach train out of Belmont to Sutton
(Lens of Sutton)

The caption on the postcard reads "Royal train near Banstead"; the towering signal on the left is the "intermediate signal box C" (in use only on racing days) and shows that the train has only a few hundred yards to go before it reaches Epsom Downs.

Branch goods trains were hauled by various E1 class locomotives during the LBSCR period. The Southern Railway used various 0-6-2T engines, such as classes E3, E4, E4X, E6 and E6X. Initially out of West Croydon shed, they later had their base at Norwood Junction shed. During the British Railways period, C2X 0-6-0s and subsequently Moguls were used on freight traffic such as domestic coal, gradually dropping off after 1964.

Following the demise of such services to the stations along the line, steam hauled trains became a rarity. In most cases, such ventures onto the branch occurred as specially chartered "railtour" events.

Belmont goods yard, c.1935
(Lens of Sutton)

ELECTRIC MULTIPLE UNITS (EMU)

In the days of the classic "Southern Electric", most services were operated by SUB (suburban) EMUs.

After 1945, all-steel units steadily started to replace the older wooden-bodied stock.

In 1951, the first EPB (Electro-Pneumatic Brakes) designs, direct descendants of the SUB, were introduced.

These two and four car units (2EPB and 4EPB, later designated Cl 416 and Cl 415) became the main motive power on the branch throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and these slam-door EMUs were only gradually replaced by sliding-door stock (Cl 455) during the latter half of the 1980s.

Two 3SUB sets with two additional coaches in between on a Victoria to Epsom Downs service at Banstead in 1938
(Lens of Sutton)

Cl 416 325 pulls into Banstead in July 1987 with an Epsom Downs to Victoria train
The interior of these slam-door units was characterised by wooden panelling and soft seats
(Adrian Wymann)

An artist's impression of a Cl 455/8 to promote the NSE livery

All were formed as four car sets with two driving trailer coaches, an intermediate trailer and a non-driving motor coach which carried all the traction equipment (four 250hp motors reclaimed from 4-SUB units). The body shell was a shortened version of the Mk.3 coach body.

The Cl 455/8 were the first batch, delivered in 1982 to the Central and South Western divisions of BR network.

Since 1988, the Cl 455/8 EMU works by far the largest part of all services running onto the branch, and the long reign of the Cl 455 on the Epsom Downs Branch is reflected by the variety of liveries seen on members of this multiple unit.

In July 1987, a British Rail Blue & Grey liveried unit makes its way across Banstead Downs en route from Belmont to Banstead.

(Adrian Wymann)

The Network South East era is long gone by August 2000, but a Cl 455/8 glides into Banstead station still wearing NSE "toothpaste" livery.

(Adrian Wymann)

(Adrian Wymann)

Refurbisment was undertaken at Eastleigh, with the most noticeable exterior difference being the removal of the end gangways, now plated over with a central window. Unit numbers are now displayed in full TOPS form in two groups of three digits (e.g. 455 840), replacing the traditional four digit unit designation (e.g. 5840). Furthermore, a black box recorder and improved train performance diagnostics are fitted.

Refurbished Cl 455 831departs Epsom Downs for London Victoria on 1 October 2005
(Adrian Wymann)

14 April 1979

Cl 73 127

"Suburban Venturer" Railtour

Organised by the D.A.A. Railtour Society, the "Suburban Venturer" arrived at Epsom Downs shortly after 11am and then headed back to Sutton a quarter of an hour later. Class 73 Electro-Diesels have been occasional visitors both to the old and new Epsom Downs stations on railtour duties.

(Alan Austin)