TENTERDEN-NORTHIAM & RETURN!
Just after 5pm the assembled party crammed into the open wagon ready for departure. The movement to Rolvenden was combined with a light engine movement, so No.23 guided us down the bank.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
The Rocket Visit
| As part of the railway's special events for
1999, the replica of Stephensons Rocket was hired. The loco and wagon provided short rides
around Tenterden station during the day, however a much bigger challenge was attempted on
the Tuesday evening. TENTERDEN-NORTHIAM & RETURN! Just after 5pm the assembled party crammed into the open wagon ready for departure. The movement to Rolvenden was combined with a light engine movement, so No.23 guided us down the bank. |
|
 Onwards and upwards, as we leave Wittersham. |
At Rolvenden we detached No.23, paused for a quick oil round and replenished the coal supply. Once the terrier had passed with the last service of the day it was all ready for the off.
Off we set trundling through the countryside at a very respectable pace, arriving at Wittersham Road in no time.
At Wittersham we paused just outside the station, whilst the gates were opened. With a fair pace we started the run-up to the bank………. |
| ……A good attempt, but not quite
enough puff!
Not one to be beaten easily, the driver decided to give it another attempt (all be it a longer run-up!) The second run proved much more successful, with us reaching the summit. |
 Not quite at the top of the hill! |
 A volunteer admires the locomotive. |
Once over the top, it was a good
run to Northiam. (Even the rain did not dampen the atmosphere)
After a short pause at Northiam, whilst the loco and ourselves we watered, we set of on the return trip. |
| Once all were refreshed, we set off on the return leg……….. |  The rocket rests at Northiam, attracting interest of passing motorists. |
 Running into Wittersham on the return. |
……Wittersham no problem, even a bit of sun peeping through the cloud!
A good sprint and we were in Rolvenden, pausing only to drop a few people off……….. |
 Rocket runs along Newmill channel at Oxney straight. |
 Rocket sits on the bank, whilst awaiting assistance. |
……So near and yet so far. A grand
effort but the weight of us all must just been too much, when combined with a 1 in 36
gradient.
With a bit of assistance (all be it diesel), we made it back to Tenterden. A great time was had by all. |