East Kent Railway Diesel Gala

26/7/14

My first visit to the East Kent Railway coincided with some firsts for the Railway.

• first public run of Thumper 1101
• first public run of newly arrived class 108 DMU from the National Collection.
• first public run of 2 DMUs together

the timetable

My ticket. £8 for all day.

I got on the 1030 Shepherdswell to Eythorne formed of the 101 and 108 DMU.

At Eythorne I declined a brake van ride

Views at Eythorne

Back at Shepherdswell for the 1125 departure, the stock was shunted out of the platform for the loco attachment so got pics of the EPB and loco's.

Units with loco attached

More views at Eythorne

On the way back into Shepherdswell got a glimpse of my final train of the day

A history of the line at Sheperdswell station

Then travelled on the 1230 to Eythorne

Last views from Eythorne

Inside 1101

final views at Shepherdswell

Then a couple of pints from the the real ale tent were imbibed. Forgot to take photos.

A shot of the disused signalbox at Shepherdswell

Back home then. A great day out. Met a friend from Maidstone who I haven;t seen for years. Also 2 of the MHR Thumper support crew.

Only about 2 miles of line but there is plenty to do here. The all day ticket for £8 was excellent value even though I only did 3 round trips.