Kent & East Sussex Railway

It is important to remember that the railcar mentioned is not an original, neither is it a 'new build' to the original plans. It is a (slightly reduced size) reproduction.

 

I thought it looked a bit small!
I wonder why the maker decided on such a strange scale?

 

I've seen from the railway's social media that No.4141 is visiting from Didcot. Does anyone know if it's operating this weekend, and what timetable the Santa Specials are running to? I'd like to get some photos if I can

Thanks in advance!

 

It's 4144, not 4141! There are due to be three engines in steam this weekend, so I think there is a fair chance that it will be out.

 

And 4144 should be running after Christmas on 'normal' trains

https://kesr.org.uk/4144-3/

Andrew

 

Thanks both - much appreciated!

Ah yes - sorry, @Fireline all the right numbers, just not necessarily in the right order

 

Does three engines imply a banker from Rolvendon to Tenterden? Always a highlight of Santa ops I felt, but just too far from Dorset.
Does give you the chance for this sort of thing though.

 

So what's pulling the Yuletide Special?

 

Overpriced and never on time?

 

Not as I understand it, Gladiator. The first train goes out top and tailed, but then the leading loco is removed at Northiam, and the trains then do a round trip back to Northiam with one engine. It means that we can do a quick departure at Northiam, by swapping locos there.

 

I didn't get to see No.4144 running before Christmas, but I was glad to be able to see it out on the Winter Wonderland trains today alongside No.25. No.4144 was looking great! And it looked like it had a cab full of crew too - I think I saw at least 4 people on the footplate!

Here's my video from today - 4144 at Bodiam and No.25 at Northiam.

Also - I was intrigued / confused by the signalling arrangements at Northiam - see 3:23 in the video - where the signal facing the camera clears - I would have thought this should be at danger to protect the oncoming train? Or is this signal linked to the level crossing in some way? Thanks!

Does anyone know when No.4144 heads back to Didcot?

 

As regards Northiam signalling.
The signalbox there can be 'switched out' with the route set for the Main.
When a signalbox is switched out, the signals for both directions via the route set will be left 'off' in the frame.
(Some of the signals are motorised and will actually clear only when a train approaching Treadle has been activated.)
The level crossing is interlocked with the signalling. The signals protecting the crossing are 'slotted' with the level crossing ground frame.
When the gateman has opened the gates for the train, lever 1 in the frame is released electrically by detection switches on the gates. Lever 1 can then be reversed, which locks the gates across the road.
Lever 2 can then be reversed to operate the slot on the Down Inner Home and Up Starting signals.

If there were no level crossing, then the signals would be off in both directions all of the time that the 'box is switched out. Because of the crossing, the Outer Homes for both directions have to be approach controlled to satisfy SGI 7.3, to avoid a driver getting a clear signal towards the signal at Danger protecting the crossing.

(Edit: If you visit Wittersham Rd when the signalbox is switched out, you will see all signals for both directions via the loop off together. The gates there are not interlocked with the signals because they are designated as 'Train crew Operated' and thus only need a " STOP" board)

 

Yesterday 2nd Jan saw my first visit to the line for almost six and a half years - 25 and 4144 did the honours. Does anyone know if KESR are planning any events/galas for 2022. Id love to make KESR a regular feature in my railway outing calendar again.

 

Thanks very much @Wenlock - that's all interesting to know!

 

You're welcome.

I was trying not to put down too much info, but the KESR signalling is arranged to simplify operation, but is complicated to describe.
Four signalboxes, each working somewhat differently to the others. Three single line token sections, plus one One Train Working section. One of the token sections uses tablets, the others use key-tokens. The switching out arrangements allow for the whole line to be operated by two Signalmen, or three or four. This means that there is a Long Section Key Token allowing the normal two key token sections to be treated as one section. There is train crew operated equipment for exchanging a key token for the one-train-working staff. Three signalboxes use upper-quadrant signals, the other uses lower-quadrant. I've been a signalman there since 2010, but so far I've limited myself to learning two signalboxes in order to maintain competency in those boxes.

 

The latest K&ESR enewsletter states that 4144 will be staying to late summer.

Sent from my SM-A125F using Tapatalk

 

The latest K&ESR enewsletter states that 4144 will be staying to late summer.

Sent from my SM-A125F using Tapatalk

 

Interesting. Didcot still has the Terrier from K&ESR nicely tucked up in the shed. I expect it will next be operational over February half-term.

 

On FB 25 Northiam is advertised as the February half term loco in traffic .

 

Not the first time the GWR have found themselves in possession of a superior bit of kit and decided to hang onto it...