N2 1744 for K&ESR Gala

GNR N2 No 1744 is now confirmed for the Kent & East Sussex Railway Gala on May 5th, 6th and 7th, don't miss it! Keep an eye out for news of the second visiting loco to be announced soon!

 

Thought that was 4247, or have I misread Steam Rly?

 

There will be a second loco to be confirmed very soon, you might be right!! The contract for 1744 was signed today.

 

Several recent galas which have featured 1744 have also included "Bittern" - a Gresley double act. However, 4247 would make more sense - for one thing seeing the finished article in action would provide a great plug for the 4253 project. The mind boggles at the thought of an A4 on the K&ESR!

 

I rather think an A4 would be above the axle limit for the line!

 

What would Colonel Stephens' ghost make of an A4 at Rolvenden?

 

I expect he'd be happy if it was already painted in K&ESR blue, even if he had to change the letters on a tender (or two). He would probably insist it was used only on mixed trains (passengers & freight).

 

I'm not so sure it is! The K&ESR can operate anything up to RA8, not sure of the top of my head what an A4 route availability is. Someone will know to save me searching!

 

RA9, so 'fraid there won't be a streak on Tenterden bank.

 

Thank gawd for that! :lol:

 

Just as well, I can't think of anything that looks quite so ridiculous on a branch line! However I think a few people would be surprised at what we can run on the K&ESR, we can certainly operate much larger locos than Austerities!

 

Did the K&ESR host 2-8-0Ts in the Colonel Stephens era - Hesperus or similar?

 

K&ESR No.4 Hecate, purchased new in 1904, for the Headcorn to Maidstone Extension was a 0-8-0T. It was however only able to run between Rolvendon and Headcorn, as it was above the 10-ton axle load of the Robertsbridge to Rolvendon section.

 

Thanks. I never was much good at maths.