The first major event to celebrate the Kent & East Sussex Railway's (K&ESR) 50th will be held this weekend, Friday, 12th to Sunday, 14th April, with its first Diesel Gala in 14 years.
Among the attractions will be five historic diesel locomotives, with two from the railway's diesel fleet and three guest locomotives that have never before appeared at the railway.
Friday, 12th April
A Beerex train to Bodiam, based on the railway's Real Ale & Cider trains will depart from Tenterden Town Station at 7.30 pm and return to Tenterden at 10 pm in time to connect with a vintage bus link to Headcorn station.
Food, drinks and live music will be available beforehand, with music from “The Rockitmen” from 6pm. Tickets for the Beerex special include the entertainment, but exclude refreshments which must be purchased separately.
Saturday, 13th April
On Saturday morning, before the start of services, all five diesels will travel together in a cavalcade travelling up Tenterden Bank into Tenterden Town Station; the cavalcade will depart from Rolvenden at 9.30 am.
Driver Experiences
Friday, 12th to Sunday, 14th April
Budding train drivers can sample the experience by driving a Ruston diesel shunter for just £10. Driving experiences will be held in a siding at Tenterden Station from 11 am to 3.30 pm each day.
These cannot be booked in advance, and are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Monday, 15th and Tuesday, 16th April
On Monday and Tuesday, there will be the chance to enjoy a full 90 minutes of driving a diesel-hauled train. There will be a choice of a Class 17 or Class 37, both types which have never operated on the railway before.
The driving experience will also take the controls up Tenterden bank, the steepest incline of any heritage railway in the UK. Booking for this experience must be made in advance via the website.
Connecting bus service to Headcorn
A vintage bus shuttle service will operate between Tenterden Town and Headcorn stations to connect with mainline services from London to the Kent coast.
Other Information
The railway expects this to be a busy event, as diesel trains just like steam trains have their own loyal following amongst railway enthusiasts.
Booking in advance online will avoid disappointment and save money on ticket prices, which will be higher when bought on the day.
Full details about Gala and locomotives taking part are available at https://kesr.org.uk/diesel-weekend/
Later this year, the iconic steam Locomotive No. 70000 Britannia will be operating on the railway.
Diesel trains have played an important part in the evolution of the UK's rail system and were there at the start of the K&ESR's services back in 1974
They are iconic in their own right and it is our job as an educational charity to help visitors understand and appreciate that role as we bring British transport history to life while giving passengers an amazing day out
Robin Coombes, Kent & East Sussex Railway General Manager
As permissions are now fully granted for the final few miles of track to be relaid to the junction with the main line at Robertsbridge with reconstruction starting this year or next (www.rvr.org.uk), the next K&ESR Diesel Gala may include engines (and DMUs) arriving by rail rather than loader truck. Something to look forward to, along with the possibility of excursion trains to and from Tenterden via the National Rail Network.