Ashford Hitachi Depot

Kent Rail

Ashford Hitachi Depot

11th June 2008

This westward view is full of interest: prominent in the centre is the five-road maintenance shed, which has

four out of five doors open. On the left can be seen the multitude of EMU sidings which were re-laid nearer

the CTRL viaduct, to accommodate the Hitachi site. In the background, emerging from behind the main depot

structure, is Ashford IECC, whilst in the foreground, on the right, is the depot control room. Third rail on all

sidings here is flanked on either side by wooden planks, for safety. David Glasspool

11th June 2008

This view better illustrates the jutting out offices of the workshop / storage section of the depot. The structures

here occupy an area of approximately 107,640 foot² (or, if you like, 10,000 m²), and are equipped with WiFi

throughout. The site will be host to six ''Javelin'' sets each night; the remaining twenty-three units will be

stabled at the rebuilt maintenance facility at Ramsgate. David Glasspool

11th June 2008

This view not only shows the main depot building in the background, but also includes the 155-foot-long wheel

lathe shop. The yellow machine emerging from the doorway will be explained in the following caption. Stabled

outside the wheel lathe building is a restored 1962-built Sentinel diesel shunter, complete with a pair of converted

BR Mk 1 barrier vehicles. The latter allow the shunter to couple to the ''Javelin'' units, to move them around the

site. The shunter was completely refurbished by LH Group Services Ltd, Staffordshire. David Glasspool

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