The most special event on the Kent & East Sussex Railway this season is now just a matter of days away and more details have now been passed to The Terrier Trust, at least on an unofficial basis.

The timetable for the day’s events has now been released and published on the main K&ESR website.

Basically the programme is based around a modification of the classic three plus two Red Timetable but with variations.

The first train will be the commemoration service and effectively the part-running of the last train in reverse – that is with 32670 and 32662 topping and tailing the 10.45am Tenterden Town to Bodiam.  The reverse (literally) working will start an hour later from Bodiam.  This will set up 32662’s climb up Tenterden Bank and entry into the station shortly after 12.30pm; the main back to the future experience of five decades ago. 

Unlike 1961, the train may well be additionally banked from Rolvenden.  It is expected to be formed of five coaches instead of seven and likely to be missing “Theodora” – the middle coach of 1961 – required for Pullman service later in the day.

The second departure at 1.15pm is slated for double-heading, apparently throughout, by 32670 and 32662 whilst the final service, off at the slightly later time of 3.35pm is currently expected to provide the exceptionally rare sight of a triple-headed Terrier master-class that is rumoured to even encourage the General Manager to reach for his camera.  The fact that all three will be in BR livery is hardly a minor detail!

Unsubstantiated indications are that the P-class, as 5753 will work two return trips with the Vintage train at 11.45am and 2.20pm from Tenterden Town whilst 32678 will find entertainment on two short trips with the birdcage brake from Tenterden Town at 11.10am and 1.50pm and returning from Rolvenden at 12noon and 2.30pm.  That said, it would be quite possible for 32678 to work the first Vintage and second birdcage before joining its older classmates for the big finale.

One thing is certain – in spite of the photographic attractions, space will be at a premium on the 10.45; an anticipated sight that no-one in their wildest dreams could have thought possible of witnessing again in 2011 half a century ago.

HN-02/06/2011