The ever-busy Brighton Main Line that features in the upcoming Rush Hour- London Commuter has so much history and unique features throughout the route, we thought we would show you some of the most interesting stations, viaducts, and architectural landmarks you will see as you hurtle past them in your Electrostar unit of choice.
London Victoria Station- Grade II listed building
Opened in 1860, Victoria Station, or London Victoria as its commonly known serves Brighton Main Line services bound for London, Chatham Main Line services also started arriving two years later, giving it easier access to the Kent coast. This was done by creating two separate stations internally, but the appearance of a single station from the main entrance. Its entrance façade is an impressive structure and a wonderful location to start an adventure to the coast. Due to the eclectic mix of railway lines that connect from both the Brighton and Chatham Main Lines, it has developed itself as one of the major transport hubs of central London. Additionally, it connects to numerous London Underground Lines and the Victoria Coach Station giving passengers even more choice of destinations. This access to transport links and central location ensured it was one of the busiest stations during both World Wars, and welcomed the body of The Unknown Warrior to London.
Under the ownership of the Southern Railway in the 1920s and 30s the station changed significantly, the wall that separated the two sides was removed, platforms were renumbered into a single station, and major works were completed to install the 3rd rail electric on all Brighton Main Line platforms. It would be around another 30 years and under nationalisation before the Chatham side of the station would receive the same upgrade. In more recent years it has earnt itself the title of the second busiest station in Britain handling over 81 million passenger entries and exits in 2015/16, currently, platforms 1 to 7 facilitate Southeastern services, platforms 8-12 & 15-19 facilitate Southern, with 13 & 14 being dedicated to Gatwick Express.
Battersea Power Station - Grade II* listed building
Noted as being one of the world’s largest brick buildings this imposing structure has been stretching into the London skyline since its completion in 1955, however, a full half of the station was completed and in service as early as the 1930s, this was known as “Battersea A”. Situated on the South Bank of the Thames just south of London Victoria the now Grade II* listed building is impossible to miss as you approach or leave the London terminus.
Designed by a team of architects and engineers that included popular Architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who was hired to address concerns over it being an eyesore on the London skyline. He addressed the publics' concerns brilliantly with the building you see today, adding it to his already impressive portfolio of aesthetically pleasing industrial buildings, this so-called “Temple of Power” is thought of as one of his best. By 1983 both parts of the power station had ceased outputting power. It then gradually fell into a state of disrepair despite a variety of bids to utilise the space. Finally, in 2013 building work started and the redevelopment began. You can even see some of the cranes bought in to facilitate that work in Rush Hour- London Commuter.
East Croydon Station
The station that stands today at East Corydon is very different from its Victorian predecessor. This modern station has evolved into a juxtaposition of different design aesthetics and ideas and is one of the busiest non-terminal stations in the entire United Kingdom. From the ultra-modern and recently installed footbridge to traditional detailing of the station canopy poles.
Having undergone a major refurbishment in 1992, the Victorian-era station building was replaced by a lightweight steel-framed building, its complete with towers on each corner that are suspended with wireframe rigging, making it look like a suspension bridge or sailing ship. Each tower is topped with the Nation Rail banner, appropriate to the station at the time of construction, now a reminder of an era of railways gone by. This modernisation was ideal for the passengers as it included an updated concourse area and easy access to the town's tram network.
Ouse Valley Viaduct- Grade II* listed structure
With the Brighton Main Line leaving the busy city behind it encounters the cinematic undulating landscape of the South Downs. Something that is fantastic for passengers, but less so for railway engineers. Deep valleys and steep hills had to be conquered as an easier route didn’t present itself. The Ouse Valley and River were one the biggest challenges. The London and Brighton Railway’s Chief Engineer John Urpeth Rastrick, and Architect David Mocatta stepped up to that challenge and achieved excellence, what they created has been described as the most elegant viaduct in Britain. Located just south of Balcombe it was constructed with approximately 11 million bricks and stretches 1,480 feet/ 450 m across the valley on 37 semi-circular arches, it is framed by four small rectangular Italianate pavilions at either end, and is completed with classically balustraded parapets, string courses, and pier caps. it was opened in July of 1841.
Clayton Tunnel North Portal – Grade II listed building
Constructed in 1941, with the signalman’s cottage added 8 years later across the top of the tunnel mouth, this incredible tunnel portal is a treat for any railway or architecture enthusiast. Its complex Gothic castle-like aesthetics are thought to have been designed by its Chief Engineer John Urpeth Rastrick or one of his sub-contractors, as it's not in keeping with Company Architect David Mocatta’s favoured design stylings. However, to this day its designer is still unknown. Even the reason for its construction is shrouded in mystery.
Located between Hassocks and Preston Park Stations the Clayton Tunnel cuts through 1 mile 499 yards/ 2,066 m of the South Downs, keep your eye open for its impressive features and large octagonal turrets that decorate either side of the tunnel mouth as you hurtle south. We can't think of a better location to try your hand at Railfan shots, find out more about Railfan shots here.
Brighton Station- Grade II* listed building
With a vast quantity of historic sites and tourist attractions that attract passengers to Brighton such as the beautiful Royal Pavilion, the ever-popular pier, and the exciting nightlife and entertainment, it is unsurprising that Brighton attracts millions of tourists and day-trippers every year. As you arrive at Brighton Station, the southernmost terminus of the Brighton Main Line, you are greeted by an imposing Grade II* listed building with a double-spanned curved glass and iron roof, it stretches across all of the station’s 8 platforms and is a fitting end to your scenic journey.
Designed by Architect David Mocatta as not only the main station for the East Sussex town but also as the Head Office of the London and Brighton Railway, it was completed between 1839 and 1840 and followed a similar Italianate style to the Ouse Valley Viaduct. The first train from London arrived in September 1941. Today the original three-story structure is obscured by a variety of extensions and additions to the building, however, some traditional features such as the street-facing clock remain visible. The station has also been renovated following a grant from the Department of Transport and saw upgrades to ticket booths, retail outlets, and many more facilities.
Rush Hour: London Commuter arrives for Train Sim World 2 on 7th October for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam! It will be available to purchase separately at launch or get it as part of the Rush Hour Season Ticket alongside Boston Sprinter and Nahverkehr Dresden (both out now).
Purchase the Rush Hour Season Ticket now to save big on all three routes!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1490114/Train_Sim_World_2_Rush_Hour_Season_Ticket/
Last month, we confirmed that the Meißen branch for Nahverkehr Dresden would be added to the route for those who own the Add-On (either as a single route or part of the Rush Hour Season Ticket). We're pleased to confirm this will come with the patch to support London Commuter next week!