Following its appearance at the Kent and East Sussex Railway’s July Diesel Gala, Class 205 Unit No 1118 will be remaining at the railway for the foreseeable future.

The railway has signed an agreement with the Thumpers’ owner, Nigel Remmington, as part of their aim to create more reliable services, especially during the high risk of lineside fires during summer.

It also works in the railway’s favour to help them prepare to reopen the line to Robertsbridge, which will include shuttles between Robertsbridge, Bodiam and Northiam.

Ahead of its appearance at their Diesel Gala, the unit underwent some repair as well as a repaint at Tenterden.

The locomotive can be seen out and about for the necessary training for both driving and guards ahead of its full integration into services next year.

“We are extremely grateful to Nigel Remmington for agreeing to an arrangement that enables ‘Thumper’ No 1118 to stay with us and become part of our regular home fleet,”

“As one of the first of its class to be built in 1957, 1118 has huge significance in diesel heritage and, had the railway survived as part of the national rail network, it is undoubtedly one of the units that would have been a regular sight here in the Weald due to the proximity of the St Leonards depot. It was also one of the last units to operate the Ashford-Hastings line.

“We look forward to the ‘Thumper’ being part of a bright future here at the K&ESR.

K&ESR Chairman Derrick Bilsby