Three Historic Boat Train Requests

[03_179]

Evening all,

Before I head to bed I hope someone can assist with a query (well three)

Question 1
1st August 1992 I caught the Boat train from London Victoria to Dover Wester n Dock to catch a morning Ferry to Oostende.
I am looking for the headcode and departure time from London Victoria.
I think it was about between 08:00 - 09:00 maybe. We caught that train and then over to Oostende. We left our luggage at the station and had about 3 or 4 hours there before catching the night sleeper to Vienna.

Question 2
On the return on the 15th August 1992 we caught a ferry back to Dover Western Docks. Then the Boat train from there to London Victoria.
Again I am looking for the headcode of the train and the time departure from Dover Western Docks.

Question 3
I have listed down that the units both to and from Dover were 2x 4VEPS. Am I correct?

Many thanks in advance.

p.s.
Does anyone have a copy of the 1992 Thomas Cook European Times Table book that could be able to answer a couple of European questions?

 

[30907]

The headcode would most likely be 46 via Herne Hill and Orpington or 47 via the Catford Loop.

Photographs show that 4VEPs were used on boat trains by that stage, rather than CEPs - rather a comedown

The 1991 DB timetable is on timetableworld.com, and that has an 0745 via Dover-Oostende (a Jetfoil). For many years that would have been a Catford Loop path, but I don't have convenient access to the BRTT.
(the Vienna train didn't leave until 20.30 so you would have had 8hr in Oostende.

On the return there was a conventional ferry at 10.00 after the arrival of the Vienna train D224 and a 1340 boat train due 1506, likely via Herne Hill, or later alternatives.

 

[03_179]

The headcode would most likely be 46 via Herne Hill and Orpington or 47 via the Catford Loop.

Photographs show that 4VEPs were used on boat trains by that stage, rather than CEPs - rather a comedown

The 1991 DB timetable is on timetableworld.com, and that has an 0745 via Dover-Oostende (a Jetfoil). For many years that would have been a Catford Loop path, but I don't have convenient access to the BRTT.
(the Vienna train didn't leave until 20.30 so you would have had 8hr in Oostende.

On the return there was a conventional ferry at 10.00 after the arrival of the Vienna train D224 and a 1340 boat train due 1506, likely via Herne Hill, or later alternatives.

Thanks for the info.

Due to the old staff travel we couldn't get the Hydrofoil and had to catch the traditional ferry. We did have a fair amount of time in Oostende. Even found a great restaurant for a late lunch.

The headcode I'm looking for would be something like 1xxx

 

[30907]

Thanks for the info.

Due to the old staff travel we couldn't get the Hydrofoil and had to catch the traditional ferry. We did have a fair amount of time in Oostende. Even found a great restaurant for a late lunch.

In that case, 0900 off Victoria via Herne Hill, 1100 off DWD due 1545 local time, which fits your description nicely.

The headcode I'm looking for would be something like 1xxx

They only appeared in the Working Timetable, sorry, and I haven't any later than 1978-9.

 

[03_179]

OK thanks very much
Looks like the 09:00 train is the one
All ties in nicely

 

[Taunton]

My understanding was that whether via Herne Hill or via Catford for nonstops was a fluid decision almost minutes before presenting at the divergence point, depending on how late, how other things were running, and what boat train reliefs were around, although I'm sure there was a formal booked path. Drivers were told to accept either route without question. So surprising they had different headcodes. I didn't notice such things.

Used to spend some time in this period at Ravensbourne on the Catford Loop. Did notice many more boat trains, and indeed Kent expresses, through there in the Up direction than Down, as the former were more likely to be delayed, but that may just have been the hours I was using it.

 

[30907]

My understanding was that whether via Herne Hill or via Catford for nonstops was a fluid decision almost minutes before presenting at the divergence point, depending on how late, how other things were running, and what boat train reliefs were around, although I'm sure there was a formal booked path. Drivers were told to accept either route without question.

Still are! Outbound of course they would generally run booked route.

So surprising they had different headcodes.

It helped the signaller at Shepherds Lane/Loughborough Jn/the power box!

Used to spend some time in this period at Ravensbourne on the Catford Loop. Did notice many more boat trains, and indeed Kent expresses, through there in the Up direction than Down, as the former were more likely to be delayed, but that may just have been the hours I was using it.

I am sure that was the case from my earlier memories - the main line and Catford Loop stoppers were timed far enough apart for the switch of route to work.