Kent & East Sussex Railway

I am surprised that things like the Rother bridge can take something like a Pacific. Originally the line ran little tank engines.

 

They are “light” pacifics

 

Well, I say this as a concern for the railway in question, it is a light railway and although they are light pacifics, they aren't THAT light.

Anyway, you also have to think about run-round loops at both ends, I reckon 257 is far too long meaning [shock horror] it will HAVE to top-and-tail, once again, spending money on a big engine that won't do much, not exactly "cost affective" is it?

 

I suggest you read the post by one of the mods on here regarding what the K&ESR’s GM’s had to say, I’ve found it rather interesting.
Fair play though those in charge, they’ve found reasons to make it work. Hope it goes well for them.

 

Do you know for certain?
I’d just cool it a little if I were you.

 

The Severn Valley wasn’t exactly known for running things like Kings, Rebuilt Light Pacific’s, Deltics or D400’s back in the day either was it?
Things like Class 47’s, 67’s etc have been allowed on routes like the West Highland the past however many years or so but with restrictions concerning various pieces of infrastructure, I’m guessing something similar would apply in the South East?

 

4253 has a GWR red route classification. I do hope they’ve considered that one too….

 

The headshunt at Tenterden is about 200 yards long, and the one at Bodiam about 3/4 mile. Running round won't be a problem.

 

The KESR can cope with anything up to RA8, weight wise. As for running round, you can propel a 5 coach set up the headshunt and, with the engine attached, still clear the loop points at Tenterden. Bodiam has easily enough clearance. (And before you ask, even Robertsbridge track layout has enough clearance to let a Bulleid run round).

May I politely suggest that, instead of reckoning next time, you might do better if you actually ASK us.

 

Well within our weight limits over 5 axles. Funnily enough, even we managed to think about that one before we bought it.

 

Indeed. This is because, although the Preservation society took over a lightly built line, it has been regularly maintained since and upgraded in the process.
ISTR that one of the bridges, which used to be subject to a 10mph speed limit, is now line speed.
A USA tank probably does more damage to the track than a light pacific would.

 

Yeah, I know. I was being cheeky!

I actually just bought a little something which will add just a tiny bit to its axle loading…

 

It's okay. They are all on a Look & Point Department Railway Apprenticeship Scheme. Their whole purpose is to sound knowledgeable on matters they have no expertise in. It is an essential role within the heritage movement as it provides great entertainment to those that actually do know what they are talking about. At the end of the scheme they are awarded a dirty old anorak and Level 0.000000001 NVQ for their efforts. They receive a commendation if they start each sentence with a nasal, "exxcuuuuse meeeeeee", during their oral examination.

 

I think it’s about time that wishes of the L&PDRAS were properly met by the They Department …

Tom

 

Why do that when you can post utter nonsense on the internet?

 

Original Bulleid Battle of Britain class locomotives are equivalent to RA5 and do not hammer blow.

2 cylinder industrials will batter the track to a far worse extent than BoB locos.

 

Surely the answer to all those worrying that the loco is too big, is for all of them to take a trip behind 34072 and see whether it makes the full round trip!

 

Give a slightly damp day on Tenterden Bank and a full load, life will become interesting. It is a challenging section of line for any motive power and is always the highlight on any journey.