Buxted - 1995

An Oxted bound train prepares to depart from this underused station which is well-situated in the heart of the village. Since 1990 all trains have used this platform.

Although this photograph was taken during the summer of 1995, the scene remained practically unchanged until the spring of 2003, with the same 1950s class 205s still serving the route. All that had really changed was the paintwork, with the short-lived "Network SouthEast" and its red lamp posts a fast-receding memory for most travellers.

However, in June the platform was lowered by around 8" to prepare for the arrival of the class 170s Turbostars. In addition to a new platform surface, this meant a ramp was now needed from the station and side entrance to the platform. That December, the 170s began to replace the old DEMUs on the route. (Grid Ref. TQ 497 233)