We reported earlier in 2019 that the current trains running on the Southend Pier Railway are set to be replaced in the next few years with the Council planning to fund new vehicles to run along the mile long railway on the Pier. But before they go they are still running and in this article we take a look at it operating as well as taking a quick look at the Southend Cliff Lift, a second survivor in the Essex coastal town.We reported earlier in 2019 that the current trains running on the Southend Pier Railway are set to be replaced in the next few years with the Council planning to fund new vehicles to run along the mile long railway on the Pier. But before they go they are still running and in this article we take a look at it operating as well as taking a quick look at the Southend Cliff Lift, a second survivor in the Essex coastal town.
A view from off the Pier looking across the Southend Pier Railway with one of the trains in operation taking weary visitors along the length of the country’s longest Pier. Funding has been secured for upgrade work on the Pier which will include the acquisition of new trains.
Southend also have a cliff lift – one of many coastal towns around the country to do so – which runs between Western Esplanade and Clifton Terrace. Originally opened in 1912 it ran until a fault in 2003 which led to a seven year hiatus. Fortunately thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund it was restored and returned to operation in May 2010. Here we see the upper station and carriage.
The carriage can hold up to 13 people (which includes the operator) and has disabled access with ramps. In this view we see the lift heading down.
The lower station.
A look down the side of the line from top to bottom. (All Photographs by Nigel Pennick, 7th August 2019)