Topping and Tailing - and with variations

The planned topping and tailing using the Terriers on the main A-set during the ninth annual Hop Pickers’ Weekend on 12th and 13th September at Bodiam Station did not work out entirely satisfactorily from an operating point of view, although as it worked out, there were several interesting variations, not often seen on the K&ESR in recent years.

The problem is that neither of our Terriers has the extended Isle of Wight pattern bunker so coaling is essential if they are to work more than two round trips during the day.  Five bogie coaches are also very much on the limit for the two engines, particularly if a restart at Cranbrook Road is involved, and in addition there are track-circuit implications at Rolvenden.

The problem did not really arise to the same extent for the last-train recreations at the May Gala for one engine always came off at Tenterden Town and coaling facilities were readily available using the TRAMM (Track Renewal and Maintenance Machine).

The conclusion drawn is that topping and tailing is fine provided it is limited to four coaches and ideally only two round trips.

It was interesting to observe how the respective crews dealt with the coaling issue at Rolvenden over the two days.  On the Saturday, drivers Masterson (No.3) and Harman (32678) ran round on arrival at Bodiam with the 1.15pm from Tenterden Town so that whilst still topping and tailing, No.3 headed the 2.15 off Bodiam bunker first thus enabling 32678 to coal on the 3.30pm Down.  On arrival of this train at Bodiam, 32678 only ran round to enable conventional doubleheading bunker-to-bunker on the last Up service.

On Sunday, Trustee Ian Scarlett – who drove 32678 with Tom Featherstone in charge of “Bodiam” – reported that they were able to maintain conventional top and tail operation by careful positioning at Rolvenden to avoid fouling the gates and then dropping off in for coal.

Ian also explained that whilst time was lost both coaling, and watering at Northiam, there was considerable make-up time due to no need to uncouple, run round and recouple every train at Bodiam and Tenterden Town.

Last year witnessed three trains in use including the Class 03 diesel, but this year’s was committed to a Red timetable with a “Wealden Pullman” on the Sunday.  For an event Saturday, this meant a signalman was not required at Northiam and as a consequence the station rather lacked atmosphere.  It also meant heavy loadings on the first two trains from Tenterden Town, particularly the strengthened Vintage set worked by Pannier 1638.

No.3 has now completed its washout cycle and is unlikely to see further use in 2009 once it has had its visual check, annual boiler inspection and steam test.  Peter Cloake has carried out necessary repairs to the air pump, including replacement of a fractured copper washer to an improved design.

32678 is now scheduled a break, with P-class 753 lined-up to complete its washout cycle on forthcoming RXD duties and the Folk Festival at the beginning of October.  Harry Watson has repaired the spark arrestor and both the fireman’s side clack valve and injector are now working satisfactorily.  “Knowle” is presently lined up for duties over the half-term holiday at the end of October working a hybrid train like “Bodiam” worked in February on four days and then a conventional Vintage train on Friday 30th.  This year, the Blue timetable will be in use, as the clocks will have already gone back to GMT.

HN-25/09/2009