This article was opened on Sunday 29 June 2008, and
last modified on Tuesday 1 July 2008.
Above: This stunning view of our 5-car DEMU on its test run was taken by Alan Crotty. 1001, with Motor Coach Mountfield leading, is seen near Westwell Leacon, Kent, on the eastward approach to Ashford and the final run to Hastings via Rye.
In preparation for our train’s first outing since it was fitted with Central Door Locking, a test run was carried out on Thursday 26 June 2008.
1001, which was formed 60118-60501-69337-60529-60116, ran to Hastings where it reversed and began a large circular tour of the Kent/Sussex area: this took in Tonbridge, Redhill, Clapham Junction, Catford Loop, Swanley, Maidstone East, Ashford, Rye, and back to St. Leonards Depot.
The test run did not expose any problems, and ran to timetable.