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[Photoplug] Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Rly

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by wcmlbls1846, Jun 21, 2012.

  1. wcmlbls1846

    wcmlbls1846 Well-Known Member

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    I have uploaded 46 photos of this line, most taken during a visit earlier in June but some by Les Tindall dating from 1969, shortly before Bowater's closed it.

    The company arranged for the Locomotive Club of Great Britain to operate the two miles from Sittingbourne to Kemsley Down as a heritage line. The LCGB subsequently transferred the operation to the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Rly, and it later took ownership of the locos and rolling stock, hitherto retained by Bowater's and their successors. In 2007 Sittingbourne paper mill closed and the SKLR were given notice to quit. The SKLR fought back, gathered local support, and have secured a 135 year lease on the southern part of the line. A separate lease is being negotiated for the Kemsley Down end. The Sittingbourne mill has now been demolished and its site, including the railway, sold to developers, who are including the railway in their plans. Trains began to run in April 2012 for the first time since December 2008.

    Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway, 2012 - andrewstransport's Photos

    cheers

    Andrew N
     
    wcmlbls1846, Jun 21, 2012
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  2. ragl

    ragl Well-Known Member

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    Many thanks Andrew, the 1969 photographs were particularly evocative. The up to date photos give a good overview of the railway and present locomotive status.

    Cheers

    Alan
     
    ragl, Jun 22, 2012
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