Network SouthEast’s Network Days were among the most memorable opportunities offered to rail enthusiasts during the sectorisation era — and one such day, on 10 June 1989, provided the backdrop for a determined quest to experience as many Class 50 locomotives as possible in a single outing.
For a modest fare, Network Days allowed passengers to travel freely across the entire Network SouthEast system, encouraging exploration, spontaneity and — for enthusiasts — ambitious locomotive-hunting plans. One such traveller was Pip Dunn, who set out on that June Saturday with a clear objective: to maximise Class 50 mileage while the class was still active on front-line duties.
By 1989, the Class 50 fleet was already in decline, with withdrawals accelerating and diagrams becoming increasingly unpredictable. Despite this, Network Days offered a rare chance to connect services, take chances and follow the traction wherever it appeared — even if that meant long waits, missed connections or rapid changes of plan.
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The article reflects the realities of late-1980s rail travel: busy stations, sector liveries, mixed traction and the constant challenge of staying one step ahead of diagram changes. It also captures the atmosphere of the period, when locomotive-hauled services still formed a visible part of Network SouthEast operations and determined enthusiasts were willing to criss-cross the system to make the most of them.
Illustrated with a period photograph showing Class 50 No. 50009 standing at a platform beneath traditional station canopies — a scene typical of the era — the feature offers a snapshot of a time when freedom of movement, affordable rovers and locomotive variety combined to create unforgettable railway experiences.
Looking back, Network SouthEast’s Network Days stand as a reminder of how accessible and adventurous rail travel could be, and why days like 10 June 1989 remain fondly remembered by those who were there to experience them.
The original article was in Railways Illustrated Magazine. You can subscribe, here
