Northam Depot Open Day 2019 Pictures
A few photographs from the Siemens Rail Week Northam Depot open day, in Southampton. Northam Depot was opened to a small number of visitors on Saturday 28th September with a variety of things to see and do. A free shuttle bus service provided easy access to the depot running every 15 minutes between Southampton Central station and Northam Depot. It’s worth mentioning that this is the first time the depot has been open to the general public in 6 years. Thanks to the team at Northam for opening it up today.
Upon entry, visitors pass the unmissable SWR class 707 number 707014, which was stabled beside the entrance. 707014 later worked 5Z07 Northam CSD to Wimbledon depot via Havant, a route which class 707s are rarely seen on.
Train 5Z07 runs SO from 28/09/19 to 28/09/19 Type STP EMU Timed at 100mph Operator SW (24676004) Vehicle 707014 Northam C.S.D. 2024 Northam Sig. E842 2030-2036 Northam Jn 2037 St Denys 2040 Fareham 2056 Cosham 2105 Cosham Jn 2106 Farlington Jn 2109 Havant 2116-2117 Petersfield 2129 Haslemere 2140 Farncombe 2149 Shalford Jn 2151 Guildford 2153 Woking Jn 2202 Woking 2206 Hampton Court Jn. 2213 Surbiton 2219 New Malden 2222 Raynes Park 2223 Wimbledon 2225 Wimbledon Park C.S.D. 2227-2227 Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs 2239
Inside the Northam Depot, 444040 was stabled alongside several other units. The general public also had the opportunity to write their name on the front of the unit’s PIS, at the expense of a 30 minute wait. Due to multiple freight trains passing, we decided to give it a miss and was worth it:
Freightliner’s G&W orange livery class 66 number 66415 passed the Northam Depot, working 6Z97 Eastleigh East Yard to Westbury yard, hauling a continuous welded rail train. Not the best shot as there was a class 450 stabled to the right, cropped out of the above photo.
Back inside the depot, 450004 recieved some attention on the wheel lathe. Dragging brakes and train slipping due to poor rail head conditions, can lead to flat spots on the wheels. These flat spots, called wheel flats, make a banging sound and over time, can fracture the wheels shortening the life expectancy of the wheel. The wheel lathe gradually cuts the wheel into the correct profile.
Video of the class 450 being turned on the wheel lathe:
Similarly to the Three Bridges Thameslink openday several years ago, general public had the opportunity to explore the pits inside the depot, receiving some education about the components under the train. Various other activities were available during the open day, such as a chance to drive a train on a simulator, and have your face painted.
That about sums up the Northam Depot open day. Thanky for reading.
Author: matt
Owner of Rail Record