KESR: Permanent Way Volunteers needed urgently

No. 25 Northiam was never known as Linda. It came to KESR from the Army (No. 197 Sapper) but was renamed when it entered service. A previous KESR no. 25 was ex Army 196 Errol Lonsdale, most recently at the South Devon Railway but (allegedly) on the move again.

Linda was ex NCB Maesteg and I think was KESR no. 26. It is now at the Mid-Hants, rebuilt as a Thomas. Before no. 24 was re-named the Rolvenden name was intended for another Austerity, KESR no. 27, but this was sold before restoration started and is now Norman at the Swanage Railway.

 

Sorry, my mistake. I remember 'Sapper' sat in Rolvenden shed not long after delivery, still in army green. Wasn't there something about the army not permitting the name 'Sapper' being used? Can't remember for sure now, it was many years ago.

Indeed, I remember 196 well, as noted in the thread in the Steam Locos area on this 'ere forum. Would be lovely to see it back at the KESR, if only...

I think that's right becuse the RSH 'Ugly' was renumbered from 26 to 29 to accommodate it

It was sat at Tenterden for the kids to clamber on for a number of years with nameplates made of wood, black letters on a white background

Never knew that, thanks for the tip.

Dear oh dear, that's really not the attitude is it? Back in the good old days when the Tenterden buffet was in Theodora and Ken Lee's pies were the stuff of legend, catering staff on the KESR were expected to be a little more courteous.

Kids these days... ;-)

 

Yes - I remember the RSH 'Ugly' no. 26! Now at Ruddington with its original number (Stewarts & Lloyds no. 56). As for the pies ..........

 

The fact is, over the years, we have lost a number of damn useful engines, and seemed to have retained the Buckets as a result.

Engines like the H class and the U, 1618, made it as far as the KESR in the VERY early days, but never ran in anger and moved on to new homes.

We started with two Sentinel engines, and two Manning Wardles. We have one of the latter, Charwelton, left. Gervase is away being restored, and Dom was sold. Hastings too was sold, and is now being restored at Mangapps.

Errol Lonsdale left us to move to the Mid Hants after precisely one day's service. I think we spent more time cleaning it than actually using it....

We had two static engines, one each at Northiam and Bodiam. Minnie, a Fox Walker loco, is now at Mangapps, and Westminster, a Peckett (?), is now at the Northampton & Lamport.

Numerous engines were stored in the "loop" at Rolvenden in the 70's and eighties. The RSH "Ugly" tank no.29, together with Manning Wardles Rhyl and Dolobran moved to the North Woolwich Museum in the early 80's. They have since moved on to Ruddington. Arthur was sold, and went to those nice chaps at the Middleton, where it became Matthew Murray. Even 32650 Sutton moved away from us to a new home at the Spa Valley.

Ok, the Buckets. The RSH one, no.27 started with the name Rolvenden. It was indeed in the station at Tenterden for years. It was sold, and moved to the Midland Railway Centre. Many moons later, she was exchanged with SLL, and went to Sellindge for restoration. Now named Norman, she has moved on to the Swanage Railway.

No. 26 Linda was owned by a much-loved member of our staff. He decided to sell up, and she moved to the Mid-Hants, where she was "Thomasised", and now runs around in blue.

23 Holman F Stephens, 24 Rolvenden (William H Austen) and 25 Northiam are all still with us. 23 and 24 are in ticket, with 25 under overhaul. I believe the re-naming of 24 was the owning group's idea (as they previously owned 27). I seem to recall that the nameplates for Sapper weren't available to us, so it was decided to rename it instead.

As for the other engines, we still have the two USA tanks, two Terriers, the P class, our Pannier tank, the Norwegian, and Marcia. Ah, Marcia, now there's another story....

 

Blimey there are some names from the past - you're making me come over all misty-eyed, Fireline

In fairness it should be pointed out that, due to the axle loading of the U class, it was restricted to Tenterden yard. So it's debatable as to actually how 'useful' it was!

I have very faint memories of it moving up and down the yard (where the C&W shed has been for many years) at some 'Steam Up' or other.

 

It's a fact. If they haven't done anything worse then we'll get over it.

 

This thread dropped back a few pages. Are volunteers still needed please?

 

I am pleased to say that the RVR has laid track on every inch of the presently available trackbed. I was there (to quote a phrase) during the tracklaying of Phase 1 and the ballasting of Phase 2!

Some photos here http://phil-edwards.photobook.org.uk/c1784991.html of the second phase.

Being a member of the KESR and not the RVR, I do not have any information on what happens next, but I expect this thread will be resucitated as and when necessary. In the meantime I would keep an eye on the RVR website.

 

So the post was actually useful then?

Marvellous - I'm rather fond of the KESR; it was the first time I had ever stood on a footplate and I was on a school trip, aged 7.

And now I'm a mainline driver.

Happy to help!