207017 & 207203 approach Hurst Green Junction with the 16:30 Uckfield to Oxted Network SouthEast service on 25 May 1997, during the Uckfield Line Gala, which saw extensive use of several classes of 'thumper' DEMUs. A convenient footbridge spans the junction where the line from Uckfield joins the East Grinstead line. Both these lines were once part of through routes but are now branch lines, although still retaining double track, entirely on the East Grinstead line and in part on the Uckfield route.

The Class 210 DEMU was intended to be a replacement for the plethora of DMU types which were reaching the end of their economic life in the early 1980s. However, its extravagant specification led to its downfall, as it would have been far too expensive to produce in the quantity required. On 23 April 1983 passengers on the Cotswold Line got their first taste of what they assumed would be the future traction on the line. In the event they had to wait nearly a decade before the heritage units were displaced! 210001 arrives at Kingham with the 08:10 Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh service, while the order departs in the background. This is something you don't often see - ladies of the 'Country Set' taking an interest in modern developments on the railways!

210001 made its first foray over the Cotswold Line on 23 April 1983 in what was thought at the time to be heralding a new era of high quality trains on the line. In miserably dull weather conditions this pioneer unit is seen passing Shipton station with the 09:55 Moreton-in-Marsh to Oxford service. The flour mill in the background is still a thriving business, but otherwise this view has changed considerably, with bushes and small trees obscuring the view. In 1983 Shipton station still retained its quaint GWR waiting shelter on the down platform, but that was to disappear within a couple of years.