Southerham Today

Southerham near Lewes is quite significant from a railway infrastructure point of view. From the junction of the East Coastway routes to and from Seaford and Eastbourne, the River Ouse bridge and the exchange sidings with Eastwood's cement works, there has always been something of interest here.
The main reason for the trip out today, Tuesday 06/12/2016 with my mate Keith, was to photograph a steam special of double headed Black 5s 44871 and 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' which were working from London Victoria to Eastbourne, a short break then diesel hauled to Hastings before the steam pair took over again before working back to Victoria via Tonbridge and Bromley South.
Things didn't start too well with reports of the coaches for the special being delayed on the trip from Southall to Victoria (internet gen indicated air brake problems) and arriving at Victoria 82 minutes late. However a smart turnaround meant just 59 minutes late departing, which with a good run (and a lack of Southern services due to ongoing industrial action) saw the train just 18 minutes late at Lewes.

44871 and 45407 at Southerham 06/12/2016

Prior to the main action GBRf class 66 diesels 66721 'Harry Beck' and 66731 had topped and tailed 3W91, a Railhead Treatment Train, that had originated at Tonbridge at 09:00 and after taking in the delights of Redhill and Guildford and other places traversed the Seaford Branch. 66721 in London Underground 150 livery and 66731 in standard GBRf livery.

66721 'Harry Beck' leads 3W91 towards Seaford..

...tailed by 66731

Southern appeared to be running a half hourly service of 8 car class 377 Electrostars between Brighton and Eastbourne and vice-versa.

377202 working 2D27 1245 Brighton to Eastbourne

The original river bridge was built for the opening of the line in 1846 and was moveable to let shipping pass and was replaced by the present fixed bridge in the 1980s.

Southerham Bridge showing the pier pilings only visible at low tide