Ore Station

Ore Station is currently subject to a major redevelopment project so only a few pictures of the old station are included. The station opened on 1 January 1888, and originally the area on the left of the picture held a four road carriage shed and six goods sidings. There was also a separate siding for the generating station that served Hastings Tramway. All the area is now subject to redevelopment, and some of the former rails have been donated to the Rother Valley Railway. This view looks north east along the platforms towards Rye. 08.08.2005

Looking north east from the end of Ore Station platform. Although electric trains originally reversed back into Ore carriage sheds for cleaning, these facilities have now vanished, and the electrified line extends only to the mouth of Ore Tunnel (1042 yards long and out of shot around the bend). This line serves as a headshunt to allow electric trains to reverse. The Down line (on the right) is only electrified as far as the headshunt, and then becomes the single track that passes through Ore Tunnel and on towards Rye and Ashford. 08.08.2005

Looking north east with a longer lens unit 377152 enters the headshunt to reverse and head back towards Hastings. For many years the signal on the left was a rather strange sight. It was fully operational, but the line it served was fenced off as it led to the redevelopment site. It is unclear why the signal was not taken out of service. Further north east (out of shot around the bend) separate sidings led into what was then a large power station, but is now part of the redevelopment area. 08.08.2005

It has only ever been possible to approach Ore Station on foot, down a long bleak path, and the station has suffered badly from vandalism. None of the original buildings exist, and the area is surrounded by security fencing. It could not be less welcoming. This view looks north east down the platforms. Under the redevelopment plans vehicle access will be provided for the first time, and the regeneration of the area should improve facilities for passengers. Southern has reduced the number of trains calling at the station, and when the redevelopment is complete this situation will have to change. 08.08.2005

Ore Station looking south west towards Mount Pleasant Tunnel, which is 230 yards long. Trains from Hastings climb a steep gradient through the tunnel to reach Ore. 08.08.2005