Driver H. Potter

As today is officially the last day of the Class 455s in passenger service, here are some photos that I’ve captured of the 455s in the last few months. I sadly didn’t get the chance to spot the remaining 2 today on its last day, but glad I’ve been able to spot the 455s when I did

Definitely one of the best runs I’ve ever had with these ❤️

Amazingstoke 😍😍

Happiness

On pnb as 5712 & 5732 arrived on their final day.

@AdamRichman Thanks matey, I shall pass that along. Top man!

@DriverPotter Roosters was really kind to us when we were there, but I think they were predominantly steak. When I’m in Nashville, I generally try to do hot chicken and country breakfast or I go somewhere like Rolf and daughters or the incredible City House

@AdamRichman Hey up flower - quick question: can you recommend a BBQ joint in Nashville? My lady’s brother is visiting in a few months and I thought I’d grab some advice from the BBQ Bible himself (this being you) Hope all is well. Peace! Potter

@StedmanSlowSix Ah yes :) A proper driver’s traction course :) I was taught by Andy Nash, Steve Le Tissier, Tim Reynolds & Dave Webb. To say nothing of the gentlemen of Wimbledon Park’s Fleet department. It was a genuine education :)

@DriverPotter One last bash before they go. Ironically 455s were the first traction I learnt as a Brighton man in the early 2000s, not that we had them there of course! Big brakes, dumpy doors, sausage suspension, can still remember it all...

So long, girls. Thanks for being such good company. It’s been fun.

@railnigel No. Machines only live when you work with them every day. All weathers, all times, day & out. The power source is immaterial. What you see with them, what you deal with, what you do with them… That’s what gives them life. That’s what makes them more than equipment.

Correct! The nearest thing to a living machine we have ever invented.

Rampart’s workshop yesterday. We hope you approve of the livery choice, Please help us ‘Bring Her Home’. Find the fundraising link here: bit.ly/4dECDot

@DVATW Is your memory going or something?!

Destroying the relationship with the United States has been Starmer’s main achievement. Having detonated that, he will now betray Brexit and return us to EU rule. He is the worse Prime Minister in living memory.

@Captain_Deltic Absolutely achievable - needs buy-in from senior management & staff, but it could be done. How much fun would it be to put 50s on a few Exeter stoppers from Waterloo on a Summer Saturday?

Could something similar be done with traction and rolling stock, I wonder? i suggested slipping a heritage train unannounced into regular service as part of the Rail 200 celebrations

It's a giant emotional honour tonight to be working my final ever Class 455 pending their withdrawal within the coming days / week. Bring it on.

@mickytaylor84 @DaveWeb93044940 😉👍🤟

Just started my shift with something a little bit…

@mickytaylor84 @Project_SETG455 @Gordon_3417 Ready for the next step :)

ebay.us/m/qJFeQY Fancy a GSMR radio? Have a little bit of 5848 for your collection, and help put some money towards #5871 at the same time! #HappyBidding

Well, that shift was…. Forgettable. One day I’d like to try whatever was being sampled when the Portsmouth Direct resignalling scheme was being developed. It must have been something potent….

Ten minutes to departure at Waterloo. Clear, cold, 10 on and an unusual calling pattern. Not a bad way to spend an evening.