Ashurst Station
A line was then constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888.
However in those days all services were directed towards Tunbridge Wells and it was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services travelled south from Ashurst towards Uckfield.Text.
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Looking south from Willetts Bridge with a long lens a northbound Turbostar waits at the main signal (seen just below the train's headlight). Beyond the main signal (nearer the camera) is the rear of a SPAD (Signal Passed At Danger) warning signal. These signals are more clearly illustrated in the collections for Hever and Crowborough stations. No SPAD signal was fitted at the time of the Cowden collision. 09.04.2008
This view north from the station, also taken in 2003, shows the bridges directly adjacent to the station. The nearest is the road bridge over the A264 and next the bridge over the River Medway, which flows directly past the station on the western side and then crosses under the railway to head east. The final bridge in shot is an accommodation bridge to allow farm animals to pass under the railway. 18.04.2003
A later picture taken in 2006 shows that the Southern colour scheme and signs have appeared. The brick shed on the right is the only part of the original station buildings that survives. The area on the right was originally occupied by a station house, booking hall, canopy and platform lever frame for the points and signals. 19.03.2006
The same view in 2007 with a slightly longer lens. On 15 October 1994 signal OD58 seen in the distance in advance of Willetts Bridge was passed at red by the 08.00 Uckfield to Oxted train, which then ran through (and broke) the points and entered the single line section. Just south of Cowden it collided with the oncoming 08.04 Oxted to Uckfield service which was correctly within the section. The reason why the driver passed the signal will never be known as he and the guard (who was riding in the front cab) were both killed, together with the other driver and two passengers. A memorial to those who lost their lives is at Cowden station. 02.04.2007
A view north down the line from Ashurst station again showing signal OD58. At the time of the Cowden rail crash the weather was foggy but the line is straight at this point and should have provided adequate sighting. In 1994 the signal had no supplementary SPAD (Signal Passed At Danger) warning signal although one has since been provided and technology has advanced since the collision. The enquiry into the accident considered that the signal met the signalling standards that then existed. 02.04.2007
Another view south five years later in 2003. The broken fence has been taken down on the left and replaced by a temporary metal version protecting the gravel car park. There is a new fence and lights on the northbound platform, but unfortunately they appeared to be on all day. So much for saving energy. 18.04.2003
A most unusual picture from 1998 with two Thumper units both running on the wrong line as a result of engineering work. Passengers were required to change trains at Ashurst. 205018 is about to depart north to Oxted on the southbound line, and 205032 will shortly leave southbound for Uckfield on the northbound line. By an amazing coincidence both of these units were involved in the Cowden rail crash. 205018 was the leading unit of the Up train and 205032 was the second unit in the Down train. 205032 was not significantly damaged, but the leading coach of 205018 was destroyed. 10.10.1998
A second view of 205018 and 205032 waiting to depart wrong line from Ashurst. 205018 (nearest the camera) was the other way round at the time of the Cowden accident, with it's motor coach at the Uckfield (south) end of the train. In this view the train has it's driving trailer at the south end, and the coach in view must be a replacement for the destoyed coach. 10.10.1998
Moving the camera slightly to the left the area behind the wooden fence marks the site of a two platform bay where trains from the south terminated, and from which services would set out towards the now closed Tunbridge Wells line. One line was directly behind the fence, then there was an island platform, and finally another track. The levels of the adjacent land have now changed (see subsequent pictures). 19.03.2006
A closer view of the bridge with a longer lens. Further south the former up line is used as a single track section through Eridge station and towards Crowborough, The former down line is still in situ beyond Birchden and is now used by the Spa Valley Railway to gain access to Eridge station. An interchange has been provided there to allow passengers to join the Heritage line. The Spa Valley Railway's extension to Eridge is in a separate collection. 02.04.2007