Did most of that route long before HS1 or even Eurostar was a thing, on the Network Day in September 1986. Only as far as Ashford as was heading for Canterbury. Got the Ashford local, changing there, as was anticipating the faster direct train to Canterbury to be overcrowded - which it was. Did mean I didn't experience an express run from Paddock Wood to Ashford though - that came a few years later when I repeated the journey to Canterbury for other purposes, and again on Eurostar heading ultimately for Montpellier.
Did a circular route, returning from Canterbury East and thus doing much of the Chatham as well, though a fine morning had turned wet so didn't see so much on the return journey.
Yes, nice route: the fact that the railway cuts through not one but two escarpments (the North Downs and the greensand hills of Sevenoaks) is particularly interesting.
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Ah ok - thanks. Wonder if this is the most efficient way of doing it? Seems to me that considerably less mileage would be involved if they extended a regular pattern service and then formed its 'normal' return service from Dartford, or wherever, from stock out of Slade Green or ECS from a London terminal.
Also if it's come from Gillingham for an 0925 departure out of Cannon Street, presumably the stock is not involved in the morning peak; can the railway really afford to leave units unused during the peak periods when they are most needed?
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