Southern Region, first generation EMUs, AC and DC.

[Harlequinuk]

Am on the hunt for information and photos of the original Southern Region electric stock. Both the Crystal Palace (CP) and Coulson and Wallington (CW) stock ; along with the DC units, the 2SL and 2Wim who between them all make the first generation southern electric units before 1 standard had been decided.

Have read eveerything on Blood and Custard , and the 1 page SREmG.

But does anyone have any more? Very interested in the AC overhead of south London in 1925

 

[Acathater]

Some interesting photos of the overhead system on this website

THE BRIGHTON BRANCH OF A.S.L.E.F.

 

[30907]

David Brown's Southern Electric, vol. 1 should have some info.

Pedantically, only the WIM and SL rebuilds survived "whole" to be considered Southern Region, the rest were repulsed by the early Southern Railway

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Book wise the early units don't figure very much in photographs, but there are a few here and there. There are far more images of the overhead installations (gantries/wires etc) taken with steam locos as the main subject. The following all have some information and the odd photo of the likes of the early overhead suburban system;

'Southern Electric Album' - Alan Williams (Ian Allan/1977)

'Southern Electric 1909-1979' - G.T.Moody (Ian Allan/several editions, first 1957/fifth (last?) 1979)

Middleton Press - 'Victoria to East Croydon' (Middleton Press/1987)

Middleton Press - 'London Bridge to East Croydon' (Middleton Press/1988)

Of particular interest for the SWD electrification, so perhaps outside of your area of interest, but a very well researched and produced book, is 'The Riverside Electric - LSWR Electrification 1912-1922' (South Western Circle Monograph No.5)

Another possible source, but I have no idea if anything has been published about the early South London O/head system, is 'The London Railway Record'. I believe there is an index of their booklets on the web, (www.Londonrailwayrecord.co.uk).

 

[Rescars]

Also a few photos in Middleton Press - 'West Croydon to Epsom' (Middleton Press/1992). This volume also includes details of the layout at Cheam, created specifically for the overhead system, though the wires never stretched that far.

Separarely, there may be some additional information to be found relating to the conversion of some of the coaching stock to third rail and the power cars into Queen Mary brake vans.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Some interesting photos of the overhead system on this website
THE BRIGHTON BRANCH OF A.S.L.E.F.

What an excellent resource. Thanks for posting.

 

[Rover]

Some interesting photos of the overhead system on this website

THE BRIGHTON BRANCH OF A.S.L.E.F.

That website is absolutely fascinating.

 

[Harlequinuk]

Do any of our current visitors started life as a `Motorman`?

Incredible website @Acathater , thank you for sharing!

 

[Harlequinuk]

A photo of the `CW` stock from the first post (From Blood and Custard)

 

[Acathater]

That website is absolutely fascinating.

Just realised he has an updated version of that site at

IGNITING THE FLAME OF UNITY

 

[Rover]

Just realised he has an updated version of that site at

IGNITING THE FLAME OF UNITY

Thanks, even better!