0-6-0 Hunslet No 469 (ex K&ESR Hastings)

By about 1972 that area at Tenterden had an additional siding, and Hastings was in a back siding at Rolvenden with the paintwork a bit more faded. Also ISTR that the Ford Diesel was at the Robertsbridge end of the line at the end of the 1960’s when BR restricted operations and only returned just before the track was lifted. This confirms the dating as probably 1967 or earlier

 

Hastings had

Link is https://www.flickr.com/photos/21602076@N05/4946428050

 

The Rother Valley Railway news blog has announced Hastings is expected to appear at a Robertsbridge event this year, date tba. The loco is currently at Statfold with lots of progress reported in the Facebook page linked up-thread.

 

Woke up and started scrolling to see a post from Mike Hart that Hastings has steamed but hasn't had Con-Rods fitted and one of the injectors is a bit iffy so hes on the hunt for a new one.

 

Thanks Paul. Yes we steamed 'Hastings' on 7th May for the first time in just over 56 years. Built in 1888 that makes her by far the oldest working standard gauge Hunslet loco. All the items on the snagging list are now sorted just waiting completion of the reconditioned side rods that should be back on the loco in the next few days. Just looking for a replacement drivers side injector with many good friends having offered help. 'Hastings' face book site is updated every week or two and included several of her back in steam. That at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/169705223661918

 

Looks brand new, well done.
Did it not ever have brass window frames then?

 

The Hunslet window frames were timber fitted on the inside face of the cab. The roof of cab was timber matchboard until the 1920's when a traditional steel roof was fitted

 

Hastings was pulled out of the shed at Sproxton by Charwelton(MW 1955/1917 ).The driver and shunter insisting they done it for me. That was on13/06/1956. Photo attached.

 

Video of Hastings at Statfold Barn Railway on Sunday 13th June