Typhoon strikes Ravenglass

Gently does it - RHDR No. 7 Typhoon is lowered onto the rails at Ravenglass. RER


The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has welcomed a visitor from the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, in the form of RHDR No. 7 Typhoon.

The Henry Greenly-designed locomotive is making its third visit to ‘La’l Ratty’; the first time it was a guest there was in 1997, when it celebrated its 70th birthday. Typhoon made its most recent trip to the RER in 2008.

The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway’s marketing manager, Rachel Bell, says: “Typhoon will be a big draw for us during the summer holidays, as everybody loves a visiting engine and we are sure lots of families will come along.

“It is nearly 20 years since she was first here with us and eight years since her last visit, so younger enthusiasts will never have seen her in person.”

Typhoon is not the only RHDR engine to have graced RER metals. No. 1 Green Goddess underwent running-in trials on the 15in-gauge line in 1925, while No. 5 Hercules, No. 6 Samson and No. 8 Hurricane have also steamed on the Cumbrian railway.

Davey-Paxman-built Typhoon will remain at Ravenglass until the late autumn, when it will return to its Kent home.

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