Yesterday coming from Victoria to Horsham, I went through one of the tunnels
just north of Redhill while the train windows were open.

I noticed what seemed to be the smell of either coal or soot.

Could it really have lasted all those years since steam finished, or was I
imagining it?

When was the last regular steam service on that line?

On Mon, 7 Jun 2004 at 14:30:20, Henry wrote:

Yesterday coming from Victoria to Horsham, I went through one of the tunnels
just north of Redhill while the train windows were open.

I noticed what seemed to be the smell of either coal or soot.

Could it really have lasted all those years since steam finished, or was I
imagining it?

When was the last regular steam service on that line?

Regular, at least 50 years ago. But they do sometimes run steam
specials, even today, so perhaps that is what you smelt?
--
Annabel Smyth
http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/index.html
Website updated 6 June 2004

"Henry" wrote in message
...
Yesterday coming from Victoria to Horsham, I went through one of the
tunnels
just north of Redhill while the train windows were open.

I noticed what seemed to be the smell of either coal or soot.

Could it really have lasted all those years since steam finished, or was I
imagining it?

When was the last regular steam service on that line?

There are quite a few steam excursions on that line this year. Mainly the
VSOE lunch trains, but also some more by Hertfordshire Rail Tours.

Similarly, I used the East London Line last month,
after a 15-year gap.

There was this very distinctive smell in the trains
which I have only ever smelled on that line (when they were
using D78 stock for a while). Is it cleaning material ?

Would they be using the same product after 15 years ?
Why have I not seen it on any other line/train ?

Richard [in PO7]