Kent & East Sussex Railway

Funny looking class 20.

 

I've not been down myself recently.

I have seen pics on the private Facebook group. But I don't copy them onto other sites, without permission.

 

If youre on facebook theres a photo on the GMs public site: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=6933398026718776&set=a.149641825094464

 

According to Brian Janes's new book on Col Stephens railway locos, Hecate was always banned from the Bodiam to Robertsbridge section because of its weight and such use as it saw was on the Headcorn extension. Of course the modern railway has been much improved as regards axle loading and bridges.

 

Thanks Paul & Tom

Given that the old K&ESR loco Hecate is only four axle (rather than five as a 9f) she may well be suitable for a check railed curve. But then of course someone will need to build a replica of that wonderful machine so we can give it a try! Now what a tantalizing thought that would be.

Mike

 

P'r'aps something for the RVR Trust to consider as their next project - after funding & completing the extension/engine-shed/carriage-shed/station-building/Charwelton & whatever else is already on their priority list

 

Again on the GMs public facebook site the second of the "new" pullman cars passing through Tenterden tonight: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=6950612124997366&set=pcb.6950617284996850

 

Since they’re apparently in very good condition, and someone must’ve gone to a good deal of effort & expense to restore them to running condition several years ago, I wonder why these Pullmans’ve been sitting around unemployed for so long.

It’ll be great to see them back in use on the KESR.

 

They wanted a railway with covered carriage storage.

 

Weren't they stored at Carnforth while the owner was waiting for the carriage shed at Swanage to be built?

 

I am not 100% sure, but I think they have changed hands recently.

 

I can't see anything posted about it yet, but according to the railway's Instagram page No. 78019 will be visiting for the Winter services courtesy of the GCR.

Edit to add link to post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czowl77IiHB/?img_index=1

 

Correct. We're very grateful to the GCR for letting us have 78019, after our initial hire fell through.

 

Yes that was the plan when they were repatriated from the US. Must have been at Carnforth for 20 years or so waiting for the Swanage shed? Obviously plans have changed.

Bertha was also stored at Carnforth waiting to go to Swanage I think? So not sure what is happening with it now.

 

https://winstonchurchill.org/publications/finest-hour/finest-hour-111/around-about-18/

22 years it seems.

 

A third Pullman from the funeral train, Perseus is owned by Belmond.

 

Newly-restored D9504 brings Pullman ‘Isle of Thanet’ to Rolvenden.

photo: K&ESR

 

A Teddy Bear on a Pullman working? Is this not just ‘Big Pullmanitus’

 

Hello
I'm planning on going down to film and photograph the Santa trains on Friday 22 December - does anyone have a copy of the working timetable they could share? Or more details about the Santa operations at KESR as I haven't been to see them before.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give

 

I enjoyed my visit on Friday to see the Santa Special services. Swiftsure and Sapper were on great form and gave a swift run-up Tenterden bank. No.78019 was running, but was on the downhill end of the train it was top and tailing with class 20087, which was a shame, but it was nice to see it out. I'm looking forward to riding behind No.78019 at the Spa Valley's winter gala in February

Hope you enjoy the video for some Boxing Day viewing - comments and feedback welcome