With the era of British Railways' transition from steam to diesel and electric influencing the country-wide fleets of trains beyond the 1970's, the Southern proved no exception to such, integrated within its flotillas of commuter electric trains. Southern Region motive power was territorial, thanks to the requirement for electric trains to remain within the live third rail network. Remaining pockets of non-electrified routes provided the last bastions of diesel-electric units and locomotive hauled trains, not only in Dorset, Sussex and Hampshire but also especially along the South West mainline to Exeter. Although with a limited range of Class 33, 47, 50 and 73 locomotives serving the passenger sector in the 1980's, there remained interesting passenger workings to note such as that along Weymouth Quay or through the rural tranquillity of Devon's countryside to Barnstaple. Railfreight ensured a wider variety of locomotives within in the Region. Standard colours of B.R. blue and grey livery may have been monotonous but the bright and clean Network SouthEast colours were welcomed, along with the much needed emphasis on running clean and punctual services as part of the Network SouthEast ethos. Brand new fleets of trains in the Southern area continue to offer the railway enthusiast and photographer the chance to study the impact of privatisation in the modern railway. Fortunately we have several preserved lines in the Southern area which perfectly capture the character of the traditional Southern branch line in the days of heritage diesels. AUTHOR: David Goodyear was educated in West Lancashire, and studied for his Religious Studies degree at Lancaster University. He completed his PGCE at Hull University. David has been Secondary school teacher throughout his career, with responsibilities for leading a Religious Studies department and also as coordinator for able, gifted and talented students. His teaching has often involved presentations to students using images to illustrate theoretical concepts within Religion and Philosophy. David has been long term fixtures secretary for Plymouth Railway Circle. His regular contact with professional railway photographers has helped to develop and refine such interest and accompanying photographic skills. In retirement he fulfils roles as a volunteer on the South Devon Railway and as PCC member and Safeguarding officer at his local church. 200 colour illustrations
