With not long to go until its June 1/2 golden anniversary gala weekend, the Kent & East Sussex Railway has announced additional details which includes the presence of two main line locomotives on the Rother Valley Railway section.
Joining the previously-announced BR Class 7 Pacific No. 70000 Britannia to operate shuttles from Robertsbridge to Northbridge Street will be an as-yet unidentified GB Railfreight-owned class 73/1 locomotive, but one which will be turned out in a stunning new livery that has been developed in collaboration with the main line train operator and railway heritage experts. The two locomotives will top-and-tail shuttle services along the half-mile section on what will eventually become the terminus of the KESR when the two sections of the former Colonel Stephens Light Railway are reunited in the coming years.
Furthermore, Class 66 locomotive No. 66718, which is named after Network Rail chairman Lord Peter Hendy, will be on static display on the newly-restored turntable, which will be demonstrated throughout the event too.
Meanwhile, services on the 11.5-mile line between Tenterden Town and Bodiam will be operated by locomotives from the railway’s home fleet, along with two visiting locomotives. SR U class 2-6-0 No. 31806 will be the first of its class to appear on the KESR route since classmate No. 1618, which was restored at Tenterden, departed for the Bluebell Railway in 1977. More significantly, it is the first appearance of an example of the class in the county for passenger services since the end of Southern Region steam in 1967. No. 31806 has been made available from its usual home at the Swanage Railway thanks to owner John Bunch, along with the generous sponsorship of Rapido Trains.
Another locomotive appearing on loan from John Bunch is another mogul locomotive, BR 4MT No. 76017, which arrived earlier this year at the start of a year-long loan.
Unfortunately, the third previously-announced guest locomotive, SECR O1 0-6-0 No. 65, has been withdrawn from the gala line-up as it is now required to operate services at its home on the Bluebell Railway over the same weekend. It is, however, hoped that KESR’s resident LBSCR ‘Terrier’ No. 2678 Knowle will have its repairs completed in time to be able to appear at the gala.
“We are celebrating the past, present and future at our gala and are thrilled to reveal the final elements,” said KESR general manager Robin Coombes. “The appearance of Class 73/1 in its striking new livery adds a particular layer of excitement and will certainly captivate enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This locomotive stands out as a beacon of rail history, showcasing the elegance and versatility that has made the Class 73 so beloved. The combination of its versatile electro-diesel power with the steam prowess of No. 70000 Britannia will offer visitors at Robertsbridge a once-in-a-lifetime ride behind a unique pairing of historic locomotive.
“There will be some special workings at the Tenterden end of the line too, which will create their own spectacle as well!”
Celebrations will start at 9.30am on June 1 with a reenactment of the 1974 opening ceremony at Tenterden Town station before the first public passenger service departure at 10.20am. The original ceremony was conducted by the then MP for Ashford William (later Lord) Deedes, who was instrumental in ensuring that the line was reopened. The re-enactment will be performed by the current MP for Ashford, Damian Green.
A brass band will perform at Tenterden Town station throughout the weekend, where model railway layouts and traders will also be present, alongside market stalls from local businesses and charities. Driver For A Tenner experiences will take place throughout the weekend using 1958-built Ruston DE locomotive Rowntree’s No. 1.
A rail replacement bus will connect Bodiam and Robertsbridge, with passage aboard this included in gala ticket fares.
On June 1, additional semi-fast services are being operated by Southeastern trains that will stop at Robertsbridge main line station, providing an easy connection to those wishing to start their day at Robertsbridge. A bus connection will also connect Tenterden with its nearest main line station at Headcorn. For full details, visit www.kesr.org.uk
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