Loadings Force Class Two Rethink

Passenger loadings at the beginning of the school holidays are already forcing a rethink regarding small engine use on the 1145 and 1420 Vintage train departures from Tenterden Town.

Indeed the 1145 train on Monday worked by No.3 “Bodiam” was reported as leaving full to capacity, with precious little space on the preceding 1040 Mark 1 set, boosted by a “Kids Go Free” promotion.  A similar situation seems to have arisen with Tuesday’s services.

And this is without any advertising regarding usage of the iconic Terrier.

The situation has also been exacerbated by a lubrication failure on P-class 753, which cascaded “Bodiam” up the order for its last few turns on its current washout cycle.  It is now withdrawn for washout and annual boiler inspection.

K&ESR Engineering Manager Paul Wilson has advised TTT that 32678 has had to be stepped up accordingly.  The latest scheme is to run her daily to Monday 9th inclusive and then over the long weekend Friday 13th to Monday 16th.  A two week break will ensue, with 32678 then back for the Bank Holiday on the 30th.

With the exception of these dates, the K&ESR will resort to two Class 5 locomotives with the Vintage train significantly augmented.

HN-04/08/2010