Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway May Gala, Night Running

Dear All,

The 13th and 14th of May sees the RH&DR attempt something never attempted before on this wonderful worlds smallest public railway. As this year sees the railway reaching its 90th Anniversary Year, we will be running a service for 33 consecutive hours.
Starting from New Romney at 09:30 we see a parallel run to ease us into the weekend ahead, as the railway attempts to run the most intense service ever attempted throughout the Hythe section, before reducing to an hourly running as we continue through the night.

Sunday will then play host to Hercules' attempting to complete a 90 mile challenge, then as Sunday draws to an end there will be a procession of all steam engines (that can travel through the tunnel) for a trip around Dungeness and back.

All available locos out, and this year Hercules is going to be the star of the show recently back from intermediate overhaul (if all goes well). Plus two visiting engines from at least two other railways.

Here's to a wonderful 90th Anniversary Year Gala.

Thanks
Will T

Volunteer at RH&DR

 

Any chance of a timetable being posted up soon (not on official site as yet)

 

So just a little over 2 weeks to the event and still no TT on the railways website.

I would have liked to attend this event but need more information so that I can make domestic and travel arrangements, the lack of information now means that I probably cant get these arrangements made in time. Thus both I and the railway lose out.

Its things like this that let the heritage railway sector down, no other tourist attraction would not have details of a major special event up on its website with only 2 weeks before the event.

 

The timetable is now on the website, although with no loco allocations.

 

Will, is it possible to pass a message on to the powers that be there? I went on the Saturday, and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time... apart from the difficulty of getting out to Dungeness and back. The trains were packed, people couldn't get on them at Dungeness to get back, and it seemed that just too many trains terminated at New Romney. I know there was the difficulty with the two oversized loan engines, and the problem with Hercules couldn't be helped, but it seemed that the southern end should have been used more. Not knowing the operating capacity, was that as much as could run that way?

 

I had a great time at this event - I think I have just about recovered - I left at around 4am on Sunday and then went on the Bluebell branch line gala later on Sunday! It was my first time at an RHDR gala and I will certainly be back for more! The atmosphere over night was great and it seemed like lots of people turned out for the spectacle, including a good number of locals out for the ride.
It was a shame about 'Hercules' failing so soon out of the works, but can't be helped. Has it been fixed yet?
I agree with Fireline about the shortage of trains to Dungeness - it did seem rather like everyone was trying to get there! But an amazing one-off event and thanks to all the volunteers and those organising it. I think Captain Howey would be very proud!
My video:
Photos: https://goo.gl/photos/jiFxr3i4V3Uk9jtc9
A short review on my website: http://www.totally-transport.co.uk/rhdr-90th-anniversary.html

Any comments on the video, photos and review welcomed! I was learning how to use a Panasonic GH4 - a great camera, especially in low light it seems!