‘Tractor’ concludes line-up for KESR anniversary diesel gala comeback
THE Kent & East Sussex Railway’s first diesel gala in more than a decade has confirmed its full line-up with the addition of a Class 37 to the April 1214 event roster – perhaps the largest diesel locomotive to ever grace the light railway.
Built by English Electric in 1961, No. 37714 began life as D6724 and initially worked out of March Depot. Its early days were spent on duty in the Eastern Region, and its first passenger service role came in Scotland in the mid-1990s.
After renumbering and relocations, including a stint in Spain, the locomotive was bought by the Heavy Tractor Group in 2017 and resides at the Great Central Railway, where it is currently joined by the first example of the class, D6700, on loan to the group from the National Railway Museum.
Despite its deceptively large appearance, the ‘Tractors’ have a relatively low axle loading which, save for rebuilt 37/7s and 37/9s, which are RA7, gave them route availability five classification, which straddles the GWR’s blue and red RA classification scheme with a 4-6-0 7800 Manor (No. 7822 Foxcote Manor) and 4-4-0 City class (No. 3417 City of Truro) both RA blue and having appeared on the line during the heritage era.
Last one standing
The second of the visiting trio is Class 17 Clayton D8568, appearing courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group and Severn Valley Railway. The sole survivor of its class, the ‘Claytons’ were operated by BR 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 D8568 was withdrawn from service in October 1971 but found service with two cement companies before being bought by the DTG in 1983. The final guest is Class 20 No. 20087, which is on loan to the KESR from Road and Rail Steam Services and arrived on the railway during 2023.
The guest fleet is being supplemented by the resident fleet of locomotives, with Class 14 0-6-0DH D9504 making its debut following a comprehensive overhaul that has lasted four years and Class 03 0-6-0DM D2023 also in operation.
The final rostered locomotive will be Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0DM No. 423661, which was built in 1958 for Rowntree Mackintosh, York, where it was identified as Rowntree No. 1 and donated to the KESR in 1987. Throughout the event it will be operating driver-for-a-tenner experiences at Tenterden Town station, which can be booked online in advance or, subject to availability, in person on the day.
An evening Beerex service will operate on April 12, top-and-tailed by No. 37714 and D8568, with the ‘Tractor’ leading the charge to Bodiam while the ‘Teddy Bear’ works the return. Modelled on the KESR’s popular Real Ale and 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 will depart at 7.30pm and arrive back at Tenterden at 10pm. Included in tickets for the Beerex train is live music at Tenterden, dinner, and a complimentary first pint.
Vintage transport
A vintage bus connection will run between KESR’s Tenterden and Network Rail’s Headcorn stations, allowing for those wishing to attend via public transport the easy opportunity to do so, with services to Headcorn served by trains departing the capital out of Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge, or from Folkestone and Ramsgate on the Kent coast.
➜ Advance tickets are available with a discount offered against on the day fares; visit kesr.org.uk for more information and to book.