Photography of a fast-moving train in 1909 presented a huge challenge. The era's photographic equipment was bulky, emulsions were painfully slow and shutter speeds were only really suited to stationery objects. All the more remarkable then that Wentworth S. Gray managed to capture such a wonderful image as this over a century ago. This has to be one one of the finest images yet seen of the famed 'Southern Belle' Pullman train hauled by the epitome of LB&SCR Edwardian motive power. No.40, built in February 1906, is one of the original five (Nos.37-41) of Douglas Earle Marsh's famed Class H1 4-4-2s - the famed 'Brighton Atlantics'. The Southern Belle train, running twice daily between Victoria station in London and Brighton was introduced in November 1908. It was was billed with aplomb as 'the most luxurious train in the world' and consisted of seven beautifully appointed Pullman carriages. Oh to have witnessed such a sight! Footnote: viewer Owen Chapman has contacted me to add, that the Bluebell Railway project to build the H2 Class version of a 'Brighton Atlantic' will realise this dream, hopefully within a decade.
