green_old11.jpg) On the final day of service on the Westerham branch, 28 October 1961, Class H No.31518 and Maunsell set 610 waits in the loop opposite the branch platform at Dunton Green as the D1 No.31739 and shortened mainline set 277 takes over the branch service. The push-and-pull train will have disgorged its passengers at the platform before reversing and shunting into the loop. Following departure of the D1 and train it would have proceeded off the branch and returned to Tonbridge. The reason for this procedure would have been the rear coaches of the 7-car main line set (reduced from 10-car for the occasion) fouling the points at the north end of the loop. The Union Flag which had adorned the front of No.31518 was presumably removed as soon as the train arrived at Dunton Green but the bunting which also adorned the locomotive is thought to have dropped off along the way if the sequence of photographs is anything to go by. Ahead of the camera the Southern style branch Down starting signal can be seen; this was the last of several signals which had stood at this spot throughout the life of the Westerham branch. On the far right the track leading into the goods yard is seen. This 'yard' comprised just three dead-end sidings and as such was rather a poor excuse for a goods yard. What facilities existed were somewhat remote from the sidings; the wooden building seen on the right, for example, being the goods shed. Dunton Green stationmaster's house stood just beyond the end of the sidings and adjacent to the west side of the station approach road.
Photo by Bryan Benn |
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