Kent & East Sussex Railway

What a silly post. Those of us who spend a day in the country with our camera but donate rather than buy a ticket won’t be counted in visitor figures. Hope the air isn’t too rarified on that high horse of yours.

 

No need to explain yourself Herr Uhu, you’re well known for supporting financially the railways you visit.

 

Ok, the roster for Wednesday and Thursday is Swiftsure and the DMU.

 

76017 is back in service tomorrow, along with the DMU. I understand that 76017 is intended to be in service this weekend, though Sunday is a little unclear at present. It will either be diesels on both sets, with 76017 on the Sunday lunch train, or Hastings and Knowle may be double heading. Afraid I won't be able to update this before it happens.

 

Just my luck. Five minutes after I post that, I get a message that it's 76017 on both days, with Knowle and Hastings working the Sunday Lunch train!

 

Coming back to photography at Rolvenden if I may please. With all the usual caveats I am thinking about 76017 to start the day tomorrow, before moving on to 34059 later.

Am I right in thinking that the only public access actually at the station area is only on the platform? And on the platform, is the raised viewing area the same one I have picked up from a 2015 photo. ie it's not been raised since then.

I am aware of the photo spots the Tenterden side of the road xing, but I much prefer to try and include parts of railway infrastrucure in my photos when I can. All down to this dreadful fussiness I am inflicted with!

Bryan

 

Afraid so. It's the platform and the viewing area.

 

It had been hinted at further up, however Northiam is going to the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
L&HR Behind the Scenes Newsletter - June 2025

 

Judging by the plan I've just seen, Swiftsure and 76017 will both be out on Saturday. It looks like 76017 and the Class 20 on Sunday, with Swiftsure on the dining train.

 

According to the website tomorrow (Sat 14th) is the Orange timetable with only 3 departures. I'm at the Colonel Stephens Museum so will be trying to educate and entertain visitors between trains.

 

In which case, it may only be a warming fire in 76017 tomorrow. I got a bit caught up with the fun and games that are going to happen later in the month.

 

Tom, You need to phone the office to make sure theyve got your size in tyrannosaurus rex suit for jumping up and down outside museum for the 4 express departures to Northiam not in the public timetable.

 

I think the fish and chips would be more my thing!

 

It says a long-term loan, is that a number of years? The K&ESR are left with Sapper, Swiftsure and 76017 as 'Class 5' locos in their terms - is that likely to be sufficient?

 

Our understanding is that Northiam is on a multi-year deal. While 3 is a bit short, it's a lot better than the years we only had 30065!

 

Looks like it's Swiftsure or Swiftsure for the next ten days, at least, as 76017 is now on washout. Knowle is out tomorrow, apparently.

 

Ok, the guy that sends out the information has come back from a well deserved holiday. It's Swiftsure and the DMU for the rest of this week, until Friday, when the Diesels take over for the gala!

 

Does anyone know which way the Class 50 will be facing this weekend?

 

I imagine it will be with a drivers' cab facing forward into Tenterden?

Bryan

 

At least they can take it to the Robertsbridge Turntable via road for turning first before off-loading it at Witt Road. Don't want it facing Bodiam all weekend.