Kent & East Sussex Railway
Members e-newsletter No.81
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Welcome to the latest edition of the K&ESR's e-newsletter |
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This month I want to talk about people. Basically, if we are to deliver our potential we need more of them, and in the right places. We have a dedicated paid staff, to whom we are all grateful; ideally we would have more of them, but at present the money simply isn’t available.
We are, and always have been, a volunteer-led Charity. As we all know, this means we need volunteers in the operational, engineering and public-facing roles, and thanks to Sarah Tagart and her committee we have a healthy stream of joiners, although the requirements are never-ending.
But we also need volunteer leaders, and people with specialist, perhaps non-railway, skills. Running an organisation such as ours in the modern and ever-changing world is increasingly challenging. Expectations are higher, legislative and regulatory requirements increasingly difficult to meet, and resource of all kinds always limited. In common with other heritage railways, we are now a medium-sized and complex business operating in a highly regulated industry with all the challenges which that implies. For some of us, regardless of age, it can be like a regular and demanding job, albeit without the normal pay and perks.
My colleagues on the Board, all of whom are volunteers with other commitments too, will know only too well what I am talking about. So will a number of others, often in unseen roles. All of them deserve our thanks and support.
But let’s not forget that in return for all those efforts, there are also rewards. Things like the opportunity to keep our brains active, to be part of teams and activities that give us new perspectives on the Railway, and to feel a real sense of making a difference to the longevity of the K&ESR.
Many of the success stories around the Railway have come from people who joined in one role, and soon realised that they possessed skills in other areas that were equally useful and important to our many and varied activities. So my plea, and challenge, is this. If you have skills and experience in any of the following areas and would like to become part of our team, we would particularly like to hear from you:
• Administration and office organisation, especially (but not only) of HR processes
• Marketing – to advise and support the paid staff
• Writing grant applications.
• IT management
• Retail
• Project management
• Safety governance
• Museum curation and management
Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive! You can contact me via smarsh@kesr.org.uk or Robin Coombes rcoombes@kesr.org.uk in the first instance and we will put you in touch with the right people.
One final, but important, thought. Have you ever considered being one of our directors/Charity trustees? As well as being responsible for ensuring that our Railway successfully pursues its charitable aims and is governed effectively as it does so, you would have the satisfaction of playing a major role in a sector that is always interesting and never dull. I’d be very happy to have a word with anyone who believes they have the right skills
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From the General Manager
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As we navigate through the final stretches of winter, one might assume that our beloved railway is in hibernation, especially with no services running except during the half-term school holiday. However, the reality behind the scenes is a hive of activity and preparation.
Most excitingly, we are gearing up for the new running season, which promises to be a landmark event: our 50th Anniversary Festival, scheduled for the 1st and 2nd of June. The Gala Committee is diligently working to ensure this celebration is a memorable one, with the hopeful return of a much-loved ‘friend’.
Our anticipation further builds with the upcoming Diesel Gala. I must confess, this event particularly excites me, as we are hosting two extraordinary guest engines. The first, a Class 17, is a rare gem that I fondly recall from my enthusiast days. The second guest, a Class 37, holds a special place in my heart. Our other guest is a Class 37, these are one of my favourite diesel locomotives since I remember seeing my first one at Newport on trial in the early 1960's they then became synonymous with South Wales hauling coal trains along the South Wales Valleys, the two highlights were their high speed trials on the South Wales to London expresses, and when for a time they triple headed the Port Talbot to Llanwern iron ore trains, the sound of three 37s thrashing up Stormy Down Bank is a sound never to be forgotten. I am looking forward to its climb up to Tenterden.
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Behind the scenes, our Permanent Way department has been industrious, relaying track at Wittersham Road.
Meanwhile, the Loco team at Rolvenden and the Carriage & Wagon team at Tenterden have been fully engaged in winter maintenance. Unfortunately, during repairs, more rot was revealed in its end timber panels.
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Meg has again undertaken her sign-writing work on Barbara.
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Similarly, Diana, our Kitchen/Restaurant Car undergoing refurbishment for daytime 'A' set usage, has shown extensive corrosion.
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These unforeseen repairs have impacted on the restoration of the GWR Railcar W20. While regrettable, we must prioritise the commercial viability of K&ESR and the maintenance of our service coaches. Consequently, the railcar will be temporarily moved to CSS at Rolvenden, returning in late April or early May for further work.
In addition to these efforts, TREATS' DMMU is undergoing extensive repairs.
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As Meg aptly put it, "if it is a timber coach, it rots; if it is a metal coach, it rusts." This reality underscores the continuous and varied challenges faced by all departments.
We're also proud of our involvement beyond the tracks. A recent trip to Brighton for the Heritage Railway Association Awards resulted in the K&ESR being highly commended for our Quiet Santa and Environmental Work.
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Additionally, attending the HRA/ORR seminar on Safety Management Systems with Neil and Pete was an invaluable experience, emphasising the need for vigilance in safety and the importance of review, monitoring, and auditing. It was a great opportunity to share knowledge with other heritage railways and to identify some of the areas we are doing well in and some where more work is required. The ORR highlighted that across heritage railways one of the very weak areas is reviewing, monitoring and auditing of safety systems, this was a good wake up call for ourselves and I will be leading on this as it is a critical area for improving our safety, better to do in advance rather than be castigated on their next inspection, or much worse have an incident because we did not pick up something which we should have known, remember Clapham and the many other rail accidents that could have been prevented.
Despite challenging weather conditions, our half-term services were a success, with loadings similar to last year, barring one day where a large group booking had been carried in the previous year.
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As we move towards spring, let's carry this momentum forward, remembering that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and every success a reason to celebrate our collective dedication to the K&ESR legacy.
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On Saturday 3rd February we marked 50 years since passenger services resumed in a special way. The past, present and future of the K&ESR were brought together for a photo to signal the start of our golden anniversary celebrations.
General Manager Robin Coombes (centre) was joined for the photo by engineer Liam Head (left), one of the dedicated team keeping the railway fleet moving into the future, and volunteer Dick Dickinson (right) who was a young fireman on those first passenger services back in 1974 and today still serves as a locomotive driver.
The trio posed with the original reopening headboard in front of ‘Poplar’: one of the original Terrier steam locomotives which pulled some of the first services to and from Rolvenden 50 years ago.
The official opening ceremony for the line was conducted by the then MP for Ashford, the Rt Hon William Deedes, on 1st June 1974 - an event that we shall be celebrating at the 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June
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Robin Coombes
General Manager
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Diesel Gala
A line-up of five locomotives has been confirmed for the much-anticipated three-day Diesel Gala on the 12th, 13th & 14th April, the first major event in our 50th Anniversary programme.
Leading the quintet will be three guest diesel locomotives which are all making their first appearance at the K&ESR.
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Class 17 Clayton BO-BO D8568 will be on loan from the Severn Valley Railway and courtesy of owners the Diesel Traction Group. Built in 1964, D8568 is the sole survivor of the 117 Clayton Class of locomotives which were operated by British Rail for just a decade in Scotland and the North East, mainly hauling freight. D8568 was withdrawn from service in October 1971 but found service with two cement companies before being bought and preserved by the current owners in 1983.
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Class 37 37714, coming to the Gala from the Great Central Railway with the kind permission of owners the Heavy Tractor Group, will be the largest Diesel ever to visit the K&ESR. Built by English Electric in 1961, 37714’s early days were spent on duty in the Eastern Region, but it found its first passenger service role in Scotland in the mid-1990s. After various renumberings and relocations, including a stint in Spain, the locomotive was bought by the Heavy Tractor Group in 2017.
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Completing the line-up are privately-owned Class 20 20087 (from Road and Rail Steam Services) and K&ESR’s own diminutive Class 03 D2023 and Class 14 D9504 diesel locomotives. The latter will be pulling passenger carriages for the first time in 4 years, following its comprehensive overhaul. D9504 is one of the 1964 Swindon-built locomotives, nicknamed ‘Teddy Bears’ and it was heavily involved in building the UK's first high speed line High Speed 1.
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Be a diesel driver for a tenner!
In addition to the passenger services, there will be the chance to try your hand as a diesel driver! A unique opportunity to take the controls in Ruston 165 DE (Rowntree Number 1) at Tenterden Town Station for just £10.
Vintage bus service from Headcorn
For those making their way to and from the Gala by public transport, a special vintage bus shuttle service will be operating between Tenterden Town Station and Headcorn Station to connect with the mainline services between London (out of Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge via Tonbridge and Sevenoaks) and the Kent coast.
Friday evening Beerex Train
A Beerex Train – double-headed by D8568 and 37714 to Bodiam and returning under the power of Class 37 37714 with D8568 rolling behind - will be running on Friday evening (12th April). Modelled on the K&ESR’s popular Real Ale & Cider trains, this special service will offer an on-board selection of real ales. Food and entertainment will be available at Tenterden Town Station, with a band playing from 6pm. The Beerex train departs at 7.30pm, returning to Tenterden at 10pm, in time for a vintage bus link to Headcorn station. Included in tickets for the Beerex train is live music at Tenterden, dinner and the first pint.
Advance booking for this special weekend is advised to avoid disappointment and there are great discounts on tickets - including one-day and three-day Freedom Tickets – when you book online, as prices will be higher on the day.
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News from 4253
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While the work continues on the boiler at HBSS Liverpool, the lads have been busy on lots of little tasks that will save time for when the boiler does come home. It is in the final stretch with the tube plate about to be installed, which will allow for the tubing of the boiler.
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In the meantime, here in Rolvenden; the main event this month was the calibrating of the valves. This required a lot of forward and reverse movement of the frame to get the valves into the right position. |
To do this four ‘marks’ are placed on a wheel, and once these line up with a ‘pointer’, the position of the valves are checked. Below is a photo of the ‘Left Back Dead Center’ mark, together with a nice photo of an exposed valve in its chest. Getting these right is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is otherwise known as the ‘motion’.
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Also, work continues on the Vacume brake cylinder, with Liam making new securing rods, with the first of these now manufactured.
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Finance Update
We all know how difficult life has been through and after the Covid years. Despite all the problems from 2019 to 2022 we managed to preserve our cash, invest in the business and reduce our borrowing.
However, the last of these years was more difficult, with significantly higher costs and a much slower recovery in visitor numbers. Therefore, the Railway focused last year on building back passenger numbers, improving yield, only running trains where we were confident there was sufficient demand and a tight control on costs. We also continued to manage to invest in the infrastructure and rolling stock.
Despite our best efforts though costs rose by 9%, and continue to do so, cutting into the amount we can invest. Early bookings for 2024 show good signs - special events, the Wealden Pullman and normal trains are on sale and we've already a healthy level booked for the 2024 Santa Specials. Book now to avoid disappointment!
So how can you help your Railway?
- Have a great day out with us – either with a trip on a service train or attend a special event. Have you tried an Afternoon Tea or had one of our famous Wealden Pullman meals?
- Help with a donation – small or large to one of the appeals or just to help improve the Railway. All money raised through donations goes to enhancements to locos, carriages or the infrastructure.
- Help with your time – we need volunteers to work at all levels in the organisation – Guards, Shop staff, Waiters, Administrators, etc. You name it we have a role for you. Commitment can be as little or as much as you wish.
- Provide goods or services – there is an incredible shopping list of “wants” (see our Amazon wish list) or just donate unwanted railway books or re-usable materials. Also, if you have a professional skill, your expertise would be welcome.
- Lastly – remember the K&ESR in your will. As a charity there may be tax advantages for your estate and you will be heartened that your money will go towards keeping the Railway in good condition to be enjoyed by many generations to come.
Ian Legg
Finance Committee
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Wedenesday Working Group
The Wednesday Working Group has taken on some big projects that require urgent attention. We want to ensure that the K&ESR maintains its high standards,not simply to please ourselves but to provide a great customer experience.
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The station buildings grant has allowed us to start the task of repair, but before we can rebuild, we have built a painting store at Wittersham Road so that we can get on with massive amount of wood painting that requires a dry space. |
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As the season fast approaches, we have set up some actions that will allow us to continue on the station and signal box refurbishments at Tenterden, but also the leaflet store - all of which are in various stages of rot. |
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Repairs will all be in line with the original and the same heritage colours. Cost of course is paramount and we hope to be able to do the works within the available grant - although donations are of course very welcome! We are very optimistic, we will keep you informed. This next month is crucial to see where we get to although we really hope the weather improves somewhat.
John Holland
Wednesday Working Group
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W20 update
First, some good news
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The Headcorn-end controller has been permanently fitted with its associated foot throttle bar installed and connected (see photo) and the controller wiring loomed in and connected for final testing.
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The luggage compartment panelling’s countersunk screw holes have been filled, rubbed down and primed in preparation for final painting and scumbling.
- The ceiling centre trunking has been painted to match ceiling sheet material.
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Scotia trim fitting around the floor edge has commenced in the saloons.
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The redundant heater water tank cabinet in the luggage compartment has been re-installed. The internals have been redesigned to accommodate catering utensils etc. for future ‘jollies’ when back in service.
- The pressure vessel inspector has undertaken a thickness and hydraulic pressure test on both air reservoir cylinders. This successful preliminary test has resulted in the inspector being satisfied with their basic condition, enabling him to issue an approval for the next stage to proceed. The cylinders will now be reunited with the vehicle when a final, full air pressure test, will be performed. Once this is satisfactorily passed and the cylinders formally certified, the initial live testing of the air-control systems will be performed.
Less good news is that the fault with the second dynamo has still to be fully diagnosed, although the fear is that it may be a winding issue. The vehicle is able to correctly operate on one dynamo but would lack any redundancy which the design allows for.
It also appears that the services of the C&W metalwork contractor, who we were expecting to undertake the work necessary to reconstruct the cab ends, will now not be forthcoming. We are therefore looking into engaging an alternative contractor to undertake this specialist task; something which has now been outstanding for many months.
The anticipated vehicle lift, for bogie inspection etc. has not taken place and now, due to the issue identified below, it is not certain when this or the sheet metalwork on the cabs will happen.
The most disappointing news for the team and with regard to project completion timescales is that the railcar is to lose its spot in the Carriage & Wagon workshop within a couple of weeks and will temporarily be returned to the Carriage Storage Shed (CSS) at Rolvenden. This re-location is to allow urgent overhauls to be undertaken on other vehicles, including Diana, in readiness for the new season’s advertised services requiring catering facilities. Therefore, tidying the workspace and making the railcar fit for the move and its subsequent storage will occupy the team in the short term. It may be possible to progress some Railcar-related work whilst the vehicle is away in the CSS. However, in the spirt of the “One Railway” concept, it might be that some of the team would be better engaged assisting the C&W staff tasked with the urgent carriage servicing, in order to ensure those vehicles are available as quickly as possible and, by doing so, hastening W20’s return to Tenterden.
Watch this space. We will soon be back to finish the job, that we have so nearly completed!
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 The connected Headcorn-end controller and foot throttle bar. Note: the flexible tubing is for the new cab heating and windscreen de-misting system.
Photo: Chris Mileman
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Chris Mileman / Neil Edwards
W20 Railcar Group
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Following the extraordinary lengthy period of rain we are thinking of re-naming the station.
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This has been a frustrating period as we are anxious to redecorate the exterior of the main station building in time for the Easter services. However, some progress has been made and with a few more dry Tuesdays (please!) the bulk of the work could be completed by April.
We seem to have found a source for some replacement hop poles, subject to finding a way to transport several 20ft long pieces of wood to Bodiam from Rolvenden Lane. Does anyone have a small lorry we could commandeer?
If we get a spell of drier weather we can also make a start on preparing the ground at the Robertsbridge end of the site for sowing wildflowers and developing the proposed wildlife area.
Malcolm Burgess
Bodiam Group
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 https://www.railwayglampingcoach.co.uk/
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Some of the ways you can support the K&ESR
- When you shop
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Did you know that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your holiday – you could be raising free donations for the Kent & East Sussex Railway with easyfundraising?
There are over 4,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny extra to help us raise funds.
All you need to do is:
1. Go to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/kesr/?utm_campaign=raise-more and join for free.
2. Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.
3. After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to Kent & East Sussex Railway at no extra cost to you whatsoever!
There are no catches or hidden charges and we’re really grateful for your donations.
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- When you shop for us
We have a long list of wants on our Amazon Wish List - but you don''t have to buy them from Amazon! Take a look at the list here
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- By making a donation
We've always a variety of projects in progress that need your support. Find out more at https://kesr.org.uk/donate/
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- By volunteering
Whatever your skills, whether you've a day a week or a day a year available, there's a place for you at the K&ESR! Find out how you can enjoy your railway from a very different perspective at https://kesr.org.uk/volunteering/
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Kent & East Sussex Railway
Tenterden Town Station, Station Road,
Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE
www.kesr.org.uk
Registered charity 262481
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