The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 10 (February 1, 1930)
British Electrification Schemes
British Electrification Schemes.
The London-Brighton electrification is estimated to cost something in the neighbourhood of two million pounds sterling. The tracks involved are those between Victoria Station and Brighton Station, with branches from Preston Park (near Brighton) to Worthing, and Redhill to Guildford, via Reigate and Dorking Town. This work will be the first main-line electrification scheme of any magnitude attempted at Home, and it is thought that three years will be spent on the job. Direct current, at 1,500 volts, with third-rail transmission, will be employed, and trains will consist of motor and trailer cars operated on the multiple-unit principle. A very heavy passenger business is handled all the year round between London and Brighton, and it is over this section of track that the world-famed “Southern Belle” Pullman has for many years been breaking records for fast running.