NE visitor to boost Rolvenden’s roster
THE Kent & East Sussex Railway (KESR) is due to host three visiting steam locomotives for its peak summer season following confirmation that North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) based ‘J27’ No. 65894 is to spend six weeks operating on the line. The North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG)owned 0-6-0 returned to traffic at the NYMR in early May following winter maintenance which included the replacement of three boiler stays. By mid-May, the arrival and departure dates for No. 65894 remained to be confirmed. However, the loco’s presence will provide a further boost for what is already a varied roster this season. Didcot Railway Centre’s GWR 2-6-2T No. 4144 and ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST No. 75008 Swiftsure (2857/1943) from the Dean Forest Railway are operating alongside resident Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST No. 25 Northiam (3797/1953). LBSCR ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T No. 70 Poplar (No. 3 Bodiam) arrived back at the KESR from North Norfolk Railway Engineering on May 13 for testing, finishing off and painting in Stroudley Improved Engine Green. On the morning of May 12, the locomotive had a successful boiler inspection. It was towed at 5mph from Weybourne to Sheringham after the NNR’s public trains had finished for the day. As previously reported, June 2-5 is set to see two ‘Terriers’ in action on the KESR for the first time in many years, when No. 70 will perform alongside sister No. 2678 as part of the ‘Best of British’ celebrations over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.