Marshlink Line - Tour 1 - Ashford Station (now Ashford International)
1st January 2005 to 31st December 2008

Ashford Station was opened on 1 December 1842, and was renamed Ashford International on 28 February 1996. It is a major junction in the South East railway network with services extending to London, Dover, Ramsgate, Margate and Canterbury West, plus, of course, the Marshlink Line, which must be considered one of the lesser sources of passenger traffic at the station.

A small number of pictures of Ashford Station are included for completeness as the northern terminus of the Marshlink Line.

<-- Index | Showing 1-12 of 12 pictures | Index -->
Turbostar 171725 enters Ashford International with a Marshlink service from Hastings on 01.07.2005. There are no bay platforms at Ashford for terminating trains, but the long platforms are sub-divided into sections A, B and C. The two car Turbostar occupies only section 1C of the platform whilst turning round.
Turbostar 171725 enters Ashford International with a Marshlink service from Hastings on 01.07.2005. There are no bay platforms at Ashford for terminating trains, but the long platforms are sub-divided into sections A, B and C. The two car Turbostar occupies only section 1C of the platform whilst turning round.
 Different day, same unit. Turbostar 171725 waits in Platform 1C at Ashford International ready to depart east for Hastings. The rear of a second train can just be seen. This is a London bound service waiting to depart west from Platform 1A/B. This arrangement achieves very efficient use of the platforms. 04.10.2005
Different day, same unit. Turbostar 171725 waits in Platform 1C at Ashford International ready to depart east for Hastings. The rear of a second train can just be seen. This is a London bound service waiting to depart west from Platform 1A/B. This arrangement achieves very efficient use of the platforms. 04.10.2005
 Looking east from the end of Platforms 1 and 2 at Ashford International. The lines running straight away from the camera are en route to Folkestone, with the Marshlink line turning sharp right on the extreme right of the picture (see also next photo). The lines on the left of the station are shown in subsequent pictures. 01.07.2005
Looking east from the end of Platforms 1 and 2 at Ashford International. The lines running straight away from the camera are en route to Folkestone, with the Marshlink line turning sharp right on the extreme right of the picture (see also next photo). The lines on the left of the station are shown in subsequent pictures. 01.07.2005
 It is quite difficult to find a viewpoint showing the Marshlink line leaving Ashford International as the platforms are staggered and the Marshlink line turns sharp right at the eastern end of the station. This shot shows sidings to the right, with the Marshlink line to the left of the overhead gantries, slightly concealed by the stairs from the footbridge. In the foreground are the two Channel Tunnel platforms, to which access was not available at the time of my visit. 01.07.2005
It is quite difficult to find a viewpoint showing the Marshlink line leaving Ashford International as the platforms are staggered and the Marshlink line turns sharp right at the eastern end of the station. This shot shows sidings to the right, with the Marshlink line to the left of the overhead gantries, slightly concealed by the stairs from the footbridge. In the foreground are the two Channel Tunnel platforms, to which access was not available at the time of my visit. 01.07.2005
Moving the camera to the left and looking east, this is the departing main line to Folkestone, with a depot in the background. Note the speed limit signs also show KMH to cater for Channel Tunnel trains which may use the platform. 01.07.2005
Moving the camera to the left and looking east, this is the departing main line to Folkestone, with a depot in the background. Note the speed limit signs also show KMH to cater for Channel Tunnel trains which may use the platform. 01.07.2005
 This final view east from the end of the Ashford International platforms shows the modern flyover which allows non-stopping Channel Tunnel trains to pass Ashford. Directly in front of the camera the line to Canterbury turns sharp left to run north under the flyover, with points also allowing a movement on to the main line. 01.07.2005
This final view east from the end of the Ashford International platforms shows the modern flyover which allows non-stopping Channel Tunnel trains to pass Ashford. Directly in front of the camera the line to Canterbury turns sharp left to run north under the flyover, with points also allowing a movement on to the main line. 01.07.2005
 Turning round and looking west from the eastbound platforms the Channel Tunnel platforms can be seen on the left, although overhead power is also supplied to other platforms to cater for unusual movements. Looking through the canopy on the left the front of a terminating Marshlink Turbostar can just be made out, waiting to depart east (towards the camera) to Hastings. The unit is some distance away because the platforms are staggered. 01.07.2005
Turning round and looking west from the eastbound platforms the Channel Tunnel platforms can be seen on the left, although overhead power is also supplied to other platforms to cater for unusual movements. Looking through the canopy on the left the front of a terminating Marshlink Turbostar can just be made out, waiting to depart east (towards the camera) to Hastings. The unit is some distance away because the platforms are staggered. 01.07.2005
 Near the end of their life on Southern metals, 4-VEP 3412 stands in Platform 1A at Ashford International, waiting to depart with an Ashford to Londfon Charing Cross train. It is in Connex livery. 01.07.2005
Near the end of their life on Southern metals, 4-VEP 3412 stands in Platform 1A at Ashford International, waiting to depart with an Ashford to Londfon Charing Cross train. It is in Connex livery. 01.07.2005
In stark contrast on Platform 6 at Ashford International a much more modern 375903 waits to depart coastbound. These units come without individual draughty doors for which the 4-VEP was known and (un)loved....! 01.07.2005
In stark contrast on Platform 6 at Ashford International a much more modern 375903 waits to depart coastbound. These units come without individual draughty doors for which the 4-VEP was known and (un)loved....! 01.07.2005
 Looking west from Platforms 5 and 6 at Ashford International. These platforms are normally used for eastbound services, but all platforms are signalled to allow movements in either direction. On the left a westbound train leaves for London. 01.07.2005
Looking west from Platforms 5 and 6 at Ashford International. These platforms are normally used for eastbound services, but all platforms are signalled to allow movements in either direction. On the left a westbound train leaves for London. 01.07.2005
 Looking west towards London from Platforms 1 and 2 at Ashford International. Overhead power for Channel Tunnel trains can be seen on the right. A depot is out of sight around the bend. 01.07.2005
Looking west towards London from Platforms 1 and 2 at Ashford International. Overhead power for Channel Tunnel trains can be seen on the right. A depot is out of sight around the bend. 01.07.2005
 Turning round this view looks east from the western end of Ashford International Station. On the left are Platforms 3 and 4, used by Channel Tunnel trains (or, at least, those that stop). On the extreme left the concrete walls enclose the new line that allows Channel Tunnel trains to pass Ashford, a move not welcomed by the local community. 01.07.2005
Turning round this view looks east from the western end of Ashford International Station. On the left are Platforms 3 and 4, used by Channel Tunnel trains (or, at least, those that stop). On the extreme left the concrete walls enclose the new line that allows Channel Tunnel trains to pass Ashford, a move not welcomed by the local community. 01.07.2005

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© 1998-2009 Derek Hayward - All rights reserved - All copyrights rest with the Author
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