Gala Time

It is Gala time again on the K&ESR and thanks to the cooperation of James Palk, we are able to advertise the Terrier workings over the three days.

There are two visiting engines this year, 80072 – built at Brighton in 1953 – from the Llangollen Railway and Jinty 47493 from the Spa Valley Railway.

Saturday begins with all four resident small engines running out to Northiam first thing then returning to Rolvenden to form up ready for the Cavalcade launching the at Tenterden Town at 0930hrs.

This is followed by the now-traditional dispersal of light engines either side of the first passenger departure at 1030hrs – the two Terriers follow – to Rolvenden, in order to work the strengthened Vintage set empty back to Tenterden Town.

32678 is first away with a freight for Wittersham Road, where she attaches to the front of USA 65 working the 1220hrs ex-Bodiam.  No.3 joins P-class 753 on the noon working of the Vintage train, detaching on arrival at Bodiam for a lunch break.

A particularly interesting combination on the 1330hrs then sees 32678 joining up with 80072, passing the P-class and No.3 at Northiam.

It is now 32678’s turn for an hour’s break at Bodiam before working the 1520hrs with “Charwelton” on the Vintage.  On arrival at Tenterden Town, the “birdcage” is split off; No.3 works the shortened train on the 1630hrs departure, being reunited with 753 at Bodiam for the journey back.

Meanwhile 32678 works a ‘birdcage’ special off Tenterden Town at 1715hrs, passing 753 and 3 yet again at Northiam then the ‘Fish & Chips’ Special on its way back at Rolvenden.

On Sunday, No.3 “Bodiam” and 32678 get proceedings under way with the BR freight from the sewage siding at Rolvenden at 0845hrs.  On arrival at Tenterden Town, No.3 takes up station pilot duties for the day whilst 32678 recreates last year’s fabulous mixed train working with the ‘birdcage’ attached to the BR freight.  This leaves at 0930hrs – on arrival at Bodiam, this stock makes a false arrival from Robertsbridge before departing the station at 1045hrs.

With the ‘birdcage’ removed and the freight strengthened 32678 works to Wittersham Road at 1220hrs.  Arrival is scheduled for 1239hrs; departing half an hour later to regain Tenterden Town at 1324hrs.  There is no rest of the wicked, for 32678 then works the shortened Vintage train at 1415hrs to Bodiam.  Here she is detached for almost two hours before returning on the 1650hrs in company with the other visitor, Jinty 47493

Monday features an intensive half-hourly service between Tenterden Town and Northiam, with an hourly shuttle on to Bodiam.  The placement working for this stock is off Tenterden Town at 1000hrs with 32678 and “Charwelton”, attaching No.3 to the rear at Northiam.  On arrival at Bodiam, 32678 splits off and runs to siding, so that No.3 and “Charwelton” top-and-tail the first Bodiam departure at 1110hrs.