Heart of Kent Hospice circular with Northern Belle - 11/05/19

The timings are now out for this train:-

ECS 08.00 Southall WCR to Maidsotne East:- http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52098/2019/05/11/advanced
1Z32 12.50 Maidstone East to Folkestone West via Canterbury West and Deal:- http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52099/2019/05/11/advanced
1Z33 15.35 Folkestone West to Maidstone East (presumably after water stop):- http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52100/2019/05/11/advanced
ECS 16.40 Maidstone East to Southall WCR:- http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52101/2019/05/11/advanced

The page on the Hospice's website says that the train will be hauled by "a Black class 5 steam special locomotive." This strongly suggests 44871 although 45231 could technically be a possibility now it has functioning air braking.

Maybe not the most authentic recreation of steam in Kent, but for those of us living in the rather main line steam starved far South East (i.e., Kent and East Sussex), still a most welcome prospect. No ticket price is shown on the website and although it's a fairly short trip with the emphasis as much on the catering as the motive power, hopefully there will be sufficient interest and the Hospice will benefit.

 

£349 according to the website now.

 

UKSteam has a vague trip from Maidstone East to ? and return, with a loco TBC, on 11 May. Is it fair to assume that this is not happening?

 

I think it is this:
https://www.hokh.org/events/detail/northern-belle-luxury-vintage-steam-train
Blurb suggests Black Five, so 44871?

 

Already has a thread: https://national-preservation.com/t...ircular-with-northern-belle-11-05-19.1364246/

 

Thanks. There was no thread in my search when I posted. It's also now been removed completely from 'UKSteam' - is there a significant trespass threat?

 

The schedules are still live on RTT.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/sea.../11/0600-2000?stp=S&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

Perhaps the promoter has asked for the entry to be hidden or deleted until after operation for whatever reason.

It's not worked by the Gresley pacific rebuilt in Bury, so trespass problems will hopefully be no worse than any other special train around Kent.

Cheers, Neil

 

I know that it is a labour of love but frankly for the past couple of months I have found UK steam less than reliable and not updated frequently.

 

You should treat it as a calendar like I do.

 

Which is what I do but it is no longer reliable as a calendar as it is so infrequently updated.

 

44871 is certainly on her way from Carnforth to Southall:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52148/2019/05/09/advanced

 

I always use UK Steam but also use this site as backup, it’s particularly useful if you’re interested in non-steam hauled tours:

http://www.railtourinfo.co.uk/diesel.html

 

Black '5' no.44871. Sat. 11th May, 2019. <BJ>

5Z32 0800 Southall Wcr to Maidstone East
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52098/2019/05/11/advanced

1Z32 1250 Maidstone East to Folkestone West
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52099/2019/05/11/advanced

1Z33 1535 Folkestone West to Maidstone East
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52100/2019/05/11/advanced

5Z33 1640 Maidstone East to Southall Wcr
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52101/2019/05/11/advanced

Northern Belle luxury vintage steam train
Date: 11th May 2019 Starts: 12:30 Finishes: 17:00
Departing from Maidstone East, the Northern Belle will take a circular route around the Kent countryside

All aboard with Heart of Kent Hospice
Heart of Kent Hospice is bringing the style and glamour of 1930s steam travel to Kent with an exclusive trip on the magnificent Northern Belle.

We are proud to be chartering Britain’s finest luxury vintage steam train for a unique, lunch-time excursion through the spectacular Kent countryside. Guests will be welcomed aboard by liveried stewards and shown to individually designed carriages, each inspired by the grandeur and elegance of a British castle or stately home.

A Black class 5 steam special locomotive will transport passengers back to a golden age of travel as they enjoy champagne and canapés, followed by an exquisite, four course meal prepared from locally sourced organic Kent produce, seasonal ingredients accompanied by a carefully selected bottle of fine wine. Lunch will include a British cheeseboard, biscuits and chutneys and will be rounded off with coffee and petit fours.

The trip takes place on Saturday 11 May 2019, departing from Maidstone East at 12.30pm and returning at around 5pm. Dress code is smart day wear. Tickets priced at £349 per person include:

• Return travel on the Northern Belle luxury vintage train
• Black class 5 steam special locomotive
• Champagne reception
• Table canapes
• Half a bottle of wine per person
• A sumptuous four course lunch including a
• great British cheeseboard, biscuits and chutneys
• Coffee and petit fours
• Scenic Kent countryside route

STEP ON BOARD THE VINTAGE AND BEAUTIFUL NORTHERN BELLE LUXURY TRAIN FOR A TRULY UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.

 

I find that site even worse for updates. UKSteam WAS actually updated, in that the tour was removed a few days ago, but I must say it has become far less reliable of late. EDIT - it is now back on UKSteam, but still showing as "Maidstone East to TBA", although the second line of the entry now says it's to Folkestone. Perhaps I happened to catch the site at the precise time that it was being (partially) updated.

Incidentally, the blurb seems poor - "a Black class 5 steam special loco" - why "special"? They also claim to be using Britain's "finest luxury vintage steam train" - as they are not using the 'Belmond Pullman' stock - really?

 

I would suggest because it is an advert aimed at the public. It is steam, hence special, and whilst the NB set is not Belmond it will certainly be better than anyone in Kent travels in on a daily basis. It is for charity after all.

 

Looking at the timings, it appears to me the Canterbury and White Cliffs Statesman passes the Hospice train at Lenham and then itself gets re-passed at Ashford International. The Statesman arrives in Canterbury four minutes after the Hospice train has left.

Might be worth a look but guess that a black 5 is unlikely not to have assistance with Martin Mill Bank on the itinerary.

 

Martin Mill Bank, working hard but assisted.


Bad news and good news for me personally, misread the times and went there an hour early, derrr! however two minutes after I got there I had the unforgettable sight and sound of a Spitfire passing low overhead (had not turned camera on!)

 

Crossing the Great Stour at Chartham

 

Lovely picture, even caught it with the rods down. Would be a good subject for a jigsaw puzzle.

Dave B