Home > Services > Royal Air Force
Electrification of the Brighton Line, 5 October 1931
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Air Force
Electrification of the Brighton Line, 5 October 1931
A new electricity sub-station next to the London to Brighton line
The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation
Media ID 1530323
© Charles Brown Collection, Royal Air Force Museum
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum
> Railways
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "Electrification of the Brighton Line, 5 October 1931" by Charles E Brown, offers a fascinating glimpse into the interwar era of railway development in the United Kingdom. The image, held in the archives of the Royal Air Force Museum, documents a significant moment in the electrification of the London to Brighton railway line. The scene is set against the backdrop of a crisp autumn day, with the sun casting long shadows and the trees displaying the vibrant hues of the changing season. In the foreground, a new electricity sub-station looms large, its modern, angular design a stark contrast to the traditional railway landscape. The sub-station, with its imposing transformers and towering chimney, is a testament to the engineering prowess of the time, symbolizing the shift towards a more efficient and sustainable means of powering the railway. The railway tracks, shrouded in a thin layer of mist, stretch out into the distance, disappearing into the horizon. Steam trains, a common sight on the rails just a few years prior, have been replaced by electric trains, heralding a new era in railway travel. The photograph captures the moment of transition, with both steam and electric trains visible in the distance, underscoring the significance of this technological advancement. The electrification of the Brighton Line was a major undertaking, requiring the installation of overhead power lines and the conversion of locomotives and rolling stock to electric power. This photograph provides a unique perspective on this transformative period in railway history, offering a glimpse into the past while also highlighting the ingenuity and innovation that drove the railway industry forward during the interwar years.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
![Southern Railway Brighton Reconstruction Elevations [1927]](/sq/229/southern-railway-brighton-reconstruction-15471934.jpg.webp)
![London Brighton and South Coast Railway - Brighton Station Proposed New Steps [1882]](/sq/229/london-brighton-south-coast-railway-brighton-15471940.jpg.webp)
![LBCS New Station at Hassocks Gate - Offices Waiting Rooms etc on Down Platform [1880]](/sq/229/lbcs-new-station-hassocks-gate-offices-waiting-19219916.jpg.webp)
