22nd June 1981

 

On Monday 22nd June 1981, No. 33056 ''The Burma Star'' is seen approaching Rochester at 11:12, with Sheerness Steel scrap wagon No. PR3000. This is possibly a Willesden to Sheerness working. Of note is the Southern Region green-painted HEADROOM 10'6'' sign on the railway bridge, which crosses the entrance road to the goods yard. Towering in the background can also be seen the spire of Rochester Cathedral. © Chris

 

31st March 1982

 

On 31st March 1982, at 10:16, locomotive Nos. 33010 and 33027 ''Earl Mountbatten of Burma'' are observed coming off the Medway Valley Line into Strood. The pair are hauling thirty-six empty ARC (Amey Roadstone Corporation) PGA hopper wagons from Allington to Westbury. © Chris

 

September 1983

 

About one and a half years later, we see the Allington to Westbury ARC working entering Strood from the Medway Valley Line once again. No, 33107 is fronting the formation this time, and this particular working was one of few opportunities to see Eastleigh-based Class 33s working in Kent. For many years this working was Class 47-hauled, and after the Class 33s, Class 56 diesels were diagrammed to front the service. © Chris