Tattenham Corner
| Tattenham Corner is one of two stations (the other is Epsom Downs) for Epsom racecourse that are at their busiest during Derby week, and on Derby Day itself has frequently seen the Royal Train, as well as Pullman Race Specials in the days of steam. As at Epsom Downs, Tattenham Corner was provided with a turntable and plenty of siding space so that there was no need to keep race special stock on running lines waiting for the return to London after the racing had finished. Electrification of the branch happened in 1928 though many race specials continued to be steam-hauled. During Derby week the breakdown tool van from Norwood Junction was moved to Tattenham Corner, and two steam engines were stabled there. On pre-WWII Derby Days as many as eight Pullman Trains were run and to clear the line for the additional traffic the Caterham branch was worked as a shuttle from Purley whilst trains that were scheduled to terminate at Coulsdon North were diverted to Smitham and sent on to Tattenham Corner. All race trains carried side destination boards. |
| Tattenham Corner with a 4 EPB arriving in the days before the semaphore
signalling was replaced. Here down to four platforms, the "T" boards
indicate the end (termination) of a speed restiction.
photograph used by kind permission of Gregory Duncan-Studart |
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The colour lights posts are up, but the semaphores are still
being used. Note that under the new arrrangements only three platforms are
signalled,the one on the far side will shortly to be taken out of use.
photograph used by kind permission of Gregory Duncan-Studart |
| As mentioned above, the Royal Train would sometimes visit Tattenham Corner.
Here the Royal Saloon is pictured on 29th May 1963, Derby Day, sandwiched between
a couple of Pullman cars.
photograph by Mike Morant |
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Tattenham Corner pictured in September 2003. Only three platforms remain
with the original station building having been demolished. This station only
ever has crowds during race days! A regular 30 minute service operates to
Charing Cross on weekdays, with an hourly service on Sundays. A gaffiti daubed
class 455, unit
5835, waits to return to Charing Cross.
photograph by Paul Ferbrache |
| Tattenham Corner's rather neat replacement station
building. The original was constructed of wood but was destroyed some years a
go when train driver, who was under the influence of drink, failed to stop and
drove his class 455 unit into it!
photograph by Paul Ferbrache |
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A view looking across the platforms at Tattenham Corner with 5835 waiting
to depart to Charing Cross. Note the complete absence of any protection for
passengers when on the platforms during inclement weather.
photograph by Paul Ferbrache |
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This page was last updated 12 May 2004
