The South Western Train that runs on The District Line

Did you know there's a small number of trains a day on the South Western Railway network where they divert and run along the Underground's District Line? They do this so that the route can be used as an emergency diversion, but they schedule a small number of trains to this this way to keep up drivers route knowledge.

So I met up with Dave - professional "Rare Track Basher" - as we rode the early morning train from Basingstoke to Waterloo ... via the District Line!

If you want to do this yourself, the trains that go over the District line and curve of track, are:

The 0454 Basingstoke - Waterloo (Monday to Saturday)
The 2312 Waterloo - Basingstoke (Monday to Saturday)
The 2311 Shepperton - Waterloo (Monday to Thursday)
And the 0105 Waterloo - Southampton Central (Sundays only)

[dariengoodwin]

My favourite rare track bash story was from back in the 1970s or 80s when a Swansea bound HST was approaching Neath but got signalled onto the Swansea district line. The driver thought it was just an alternative into Neath and went with it, rather than stop and phone. So the HST proceeded on an increasingly rural line until eventually it came to a halt in the middle of nowhere. The driver sheepishly announced to the bemused passengers "I'm sorry, but we appear to be lost".

[PokhrajRoy.]

Geoff at Basingstoke: “It’s coming home!”
Geoff on the train: (Euro Cup Results)

[squarewheelsorguk]

I love that you showed the failed attempt in full, where most anyone (who did this at all) would have said “Well that’s torn it!” and binned the whole attempt.

[jamesfunnell]

I once accidentally did this route very late at night on one of the last trains into Waterloo, was very confused, the alcohol from the party I was at probably didn't help....

[SilverGear_]

Say Geoff, there's a bit of a unique happening in Bristol between the 9th and 14th(?) of August where passenger trains between Weston Super Mare and Bristol Parkway are being sent through St Phillips marsh, a bit of track that has likely not seen a passenger train in decades, if ever. Might be worth a look for a track bash perhaps.

[DwellerUK]

Not everything goes to plan, but the great nature of Geoff saved his video 4 days later. What a legend! Excellent video as always.

[sjf]

The fact that SWR has the same colors as Southwest Airlines here in the US always makes me laugh. Plus it’s the only National Rail operator I’ve ever been on, so it’s extra special to me! Thanks Geoff!

[ShoummaShams]

Seeing that Basingstoke station immediately reminded me of James Acaster's story on WILTY

[PokhrajRoy.]

“I like Dave’s map but I thought I’d draw my own one here.” - Geoff Marshall, Night Owl/Lark Combo, 2021.

It’s a great T-Shirt Idea.

[PokhrajRoy.]

Geoff making a video at 4:45 a.m: I’m happy to finally see someone who’s bright and early and rather than the gloomy, “Don’t talk to me till I have coffee.” kind. Also, condolences to Dave’s sleep cycle.

[brianbell]

In the past, when the District Line had engineering work north of East Putney, Southern used to run a shuttle between Wimbledon (District Line platforms 1-4) and East Putney (the platform you passed through) calling at Wimbledon Park and Southfields. I have ridden it with both slam door stock and sliding door stock on different occasions.

[DanLoudShirts]

Used to stare out the window when I had to go in and out of London via Waterloo for work and wonder if anything actually went up and down that track! Now I know!

[ianmcclavin]

I've been diverted that way on a Sunday afternoon before now, when there have been engineering works at Earlsfield. It's interesting to note that before 1994, East Putney, Southfields and Wimbledon Park stations were still under BR (as it was then) management, rather than LU, despite only District Line trains calling. There was therefore no roundel signage on the platforms (there still isn't at Wimbledon), and they therefore had the standard BR black on white signs until the late 80's, when they amazingly put Network SouthEast signs up for a few years at those three stations!

[brooklyntrainspotting]

Fantastic work Geoff. I really enjoy all your videos that you make. Really loved the content. Keep up the hard work!

[milohunter]

HOLY Smokes, you’re in Basingstoke: MY HOMETOWN!
What a good place to start the video 😊👍

[christophernoble]

Often used during engineering possessions. Most unusual track I ever passed over was in South Yorkshire which involved running through an enormous coke works with flames shooting everywhere making it seem like you were in Dante’s Inferno!

[PokhrajRoy.]

I feel so bad for Dave: Sleep-Deprived, Hungry, and in need of a Coffee. I hope he’s feeling better now.

[warrentimothy]

It's very useful this piece of track. If there are late running engineering works around Clapham (Which happens a lot), they can use the Windsor lines and this District line in the early morning only cancelling services through Earlsfield.

[markbowerbank]

Occasionally worked in an office that overlooked East Putney station and remember seeing empty trains running over that curve. Never knew you could ride over it on an service train though. Happy memories of the staff & colleagues at General Accident Putney Branch.

[TheNapalmFTW]

I get unreasonably happy when I see a new a Geoff video. Cheers mate