Sutton's transport history - a journey in pictures - the 1930s
1934 - September
In 1934 an exhibition train, hauled by the Southern Railway's Lord Nelson class No. 859 'Lord Hood', visited Sutton and was placed in the goods yard adjacent to the station. The exhibition was one that was regularly seen around the Southern Railway system before the war. The Lord Nelson class of locomotive was then the most powerful on the Southern Railway. From and Copyright © the Sutton Local Studies Collection |
1935
This scene from the Benhill Avenue tram terminus in the centre of Sutton dates from 1935. The trolleybuses were about to commence running on tram-replacement route 654, and are testing the new overhead electrical equipment prior to the changeover. From and Copyright © the Sutton Local Studies Collection |
1936 - July
In July 1936 a 3-car suburban railway unit became derailed at Cheam - is anyone able to provide any further information relating to this incident for us? If so, then please do CONTACT us. From and Copyright © the Sutton Local Studies Collection |
1936 - July
A train from Bognor Regis approaches Cheam in July 1936 on its way to Victoria station. These electric multiple units were classed 4-COR units, but were affectionately known as 'Nelsons', in acknowledgement of the single front driver's window. From and Copyright © the Sutton Local Studies Collection |
1937 - Autumn
The 156 bus route was unusual in as much as it was circular, beginning and ending at Morden Station to feed the tube station. Seen here at the crossroads at the top of Sutton (well known as ‘The Cock’ after the adjacent public house) in 1937, this bus was a Dennis Lance built in 1930. From and Copyright © the Sutton Local Studies Collection |
1938
STL966 in West Drive Cheam on the lengthy Country Area route 403 between Tonbridge and Leatherhead via Croydon. The route was run in two overlapping sections: Chelsham to Leatherhead, and Tonbridge to Wallington. Note the lack of a door, and what London Transport famously described as the ‘draft-proof’ entrance! We have yet to discover why the vehicle was in West Drive, which is away from its normal line of route - possibly a publicity photograph? From and Copyright © the Sutton Local Studies Collection |