Well, not that quiet. OK, so the last cover was issued in February, and the next one's not due until next month (R38), but it's not been completely quiet. Aside from a little re-scheduling (fitting in one or two new covers into the timetable), and researching for ideas for next years covers, I've managed to fit in a little trainspotting of my own.
The weekend before last (5th/6th April) saw the arrival of 34067 "Tangmere" to Folkestone Harbour Station. Admittedly, the station is looking decidedly shabby now, but there was still a good turnout. Many of us had been waiting since mid-day, as the engine was due just after 1.00pm, but it was almost 3.00pm before it finally arrived. Apparently, there had been a fire on the line - I think after London but considering that this train had left Nottingham much earlier in the day, a few hours delay can be forgiven!
Last Saturday (April 12th) saw the final visit by ANY train to Folkestone Harbour Station, as I understand that the station has now officially closed for good (if anyone has heard different, could they please let me know?). The station itself has been closed to scheduled traffic since the ferry service closed some years ago, but the platforms are always full whenever there are steam loco visits. The "Tangmere" was the last to make such a visit and this time the train left from Taunton, instead of Nottingham. Also, it wasn't quite so late in arriving as the previous weekend - only half an hour this time!
Engines are powered by coal and the drivers by tea! Note the prominent position of the "mash cans"!
It's interesting to note that, when Folkestone Harbour was a working station, the trains were only pulled in to the station by tank engines - partly due to the weight of the Express locomotives (they would never have been allowed over the swing bridge to the station). As a rule, two, sometimes three, tank engines would have pulled the trains up the steep gradient that leads in and out of the station, presumably to the waiting express loco. The visiting steam engines are probably the only express ones to have been allowed to the harbour station itself (if any one knows any different, I'd be interested to know) and even then, they have to be diesel assisted, to get up the gradient.
It might be the end of an era down here, but the love of steam goes on.
Sarah
The weekend before last (5th/6th April) saw the arrival of 34067 "Tangmere" to Folkestone Harbour Station. Admittedly, the station is looking decidedly shabby now, but there was still a good turnout. Many of us had been waiting since mid-day, as the engine was due just after 1.00pm, but it was almost 3.00pm before it finally arrived. Apparently, there had been a fire on the line - I think after London but considering that this train had left Nottingham much earlier in the day, a few hours delay can be forgiven!
Last Saturday (April 12th) saw the final visit by ANY train to Folkestone Harbour Station, as I understand that the station has now officially closed for good (if anyone has heard different, could they please let me know?). The station itself has been closed to scheduled traffic since the ferry service closed some years ago, but the platforms are always full whenever there are steam loco visits. The "Tangmere" was the last to make such a visit and this time the train left from Taunton, instead of Nottingham. Also, it wasn't quite so late in arriving as the previous weekend - only half an hour this time!
Engines are powered by coal and the drivers by tea! Note the prominent position of the "mash cans"!It's interesting to note that, when Folkestone Harbour was a working station, the trains were only pulled in to the station by tank engines - partly due to the weight of the Express locomotives (they would never have been allowed over the swing bridge to the station). As a rule, two, sometimes three, tank engines would have pulled the trains up the steep gradient that leads in and out of the station, presumably to the waiting express loco. The visiting steam engines are probably the only express ones to have been allowed to the harbour station itself (if any one knows any different, I'd be interested to know) and even then, they have to be diesel assisted, to get up the gradient.
I've included a few photos - I thought it was a nice touch that the board on the front read "Folkestone Harbour". (Might not be seen that clearly but take my word for it, it does!)
It might be the end of an era down here, but the love of steam goes on.
Sarah
3 comments:
Hi Sarah, some info about the Folkestone Harbour as you asked for, In 1991 34027 {Taw Valley} at front and a standard 4 tank engine at the back banking worked from the Harbour and a date I can not put my finger on at the moment 2 standard 4 tanks worked on a weekend on shuttles from the Harbour one on the front and one on the back. After 34067s last trip on 12/4/08 3 class 73s worked to harbour station for GBRF to make a DVD,and on Thursday 17/4/08 the VSOE worked to Harbour station as far as I know that is the last at the moment. Mark Kirby
Hi Mark
Only just found your comment - thanks for the information. I've seen some charter companies advertising journeys for November/December but to be honest, I can't see them stopping at the Harbour.
I've seen the plans for re-development of the Harbour area and think it's a shame that the Harbour station and rail connection can't be incorporated into the new plans. They call this progress?
Sarah Bush
On Sat 24-Jan Past-Time Rail are running a special into Folkstone Harbour. ‘Tangmere’ again, but with two departures to enable the passengers to enjoy the spectical of the train powering up the hill.
http://www.past-timerail.co.uk/index.php/golden-arrow.html
Note I have no association with the company, just remembered seeing this blog and thought of it when I saw the special train's details.
Michael 22903
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