NEWS that the venerable Southern Class 313 EMUs are to be withdrawn in May has led to a farewell charity tour being organised by the Branch Line Society (BLS) to mark the end of use of this BREL York-built PEP stock.
Expected to be a sell-out tour, the ‘Sussex Rambler’ will operate on April 29, along the Coastway route now synonymous with the class, starting at Brighton (c0845) and ending back in the resort at around 18.30.
Using a pair of Class 313 units, the route for the day will be Preston Park, Havant, Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham, Bognor Regis Middle Siding, Littlehampton (one hour break), Worthing, Haywards Heath, Three Bridges, Lewes, Eastbourne, Hastings, Ore Up Siding, Newhaven Marine, Haywards Heath and Brighton. The route will include several sidings and a number of reversing moves.
Fares are £62.50, accompanied under 18s benefit from a £31.30 reduction. There is no surcharge for non-BLS members.