Custodians of locomotives No 3 "Bodiam" and No 2678

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Newsletter - November 2016

The Trust’s two locomotives have seen regular use on K&ESR throughout 2016 following the extension of 32670’s boiler ticket until the end of the year. On several occasions, the pair have again been used to doublehead Sunday Wealden Pullman services making an invaluable contribution to K&ESR revenues by covering for the line’s lack of large locomotives on these prestigious and profitable trains.

Both Terriers have also seen frequent use with the vintage carriages and on several occasions at the head of a short BR Southern Region liveried Mark 1 set conjuring up memories of the class in action on the Hayling Island Branch in the 1960s. Indeed over the August Bank Holiday, 32670 sported a replica of the LCGB Hayling Farewell headboard she first carried when that line closed back in 1963.

The locos have also been utilised to earn much-needed revenue through the use on the K&ESR’s improved Railway Experience Days which were launched at the start of the year and frequently featured a Terrier running from Rolvenden to Bodiam, fittingly with a single “Birdcage” coach in tow.

In June, many members, celebrated the 21st Anniversary of The Terrier Trust aboard a special train hauled by 32670 and driven by former Trustee Ian Scarlett. The early evening trip included a pause a Northiam to pick up fish and chips, time at Bodiam for photographs and a supply of wine and beer – so those on board could toast the two locomotives!

The year hasn’t been without challenges with the occasional repair needed to keep the old ladies in action. These have been undertaken in a timely manner by Paul Wilson and his team of fitters at Rolvenden to ensure the pair that are synonymous with the K&ESR have been available for service.

Both Terriers have also seen frequent use with the vintage carriages and on several occasions at the head of a short BR Southern Region liveried Mark 1 set conjuring up memories of the class in action on the Hayling Island Branch in the 1960s. Indeed over the August Bank Holiday, 32670 sported a replica of the LCGB Hayling Farewell headboard she first carried when that line closed back in 1963.

 

32670 Aug 2016 LCGB copyright N Instrall

The locos have also been utilised to earn much-needed revenue through the use on the K&ESR’s improved Railway Experience Days which were launched at the start of the year and frequently featured a Terrier running from Rolvenden to Bodiam, fittingly with a single “Birdcage” coach in tow.

In June, many members, celebrated the 21st Anniversary of The Terrier Trust aboard a special train hauled by 32670 and driven by former Trustee Ian Scarlett. The early evening trip included a pause a Northiam to pick up fish and chips, time at Bodiam for photographs and a supply of wine and beer – so those on board could toast the two locomotives!

The year hasn’t been without challenges with the occasional repair needed to keep the old ladies in action. These have been undertaken in a timely manner by Paul Wilson and his team of fitters at Rolvenden to ensure the pair that are synonymous with the K&ESR have been available for service.

32678 had a brief spell confined to the loco yard following the discovery of a split in the “J” pipe that takes steam from the regulator assembly in the dome towards the cylinders. A temporary repair was not completely satisfactory but our friends at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway have temporarily lent us the component from one of their Terriers to get “Knowle” back up and running. A new pipe will be fitted early in 2017.

When K&ESR decided to run a “residents’ day” for the townsfolk of Tenterden last month, it is hardly surprising that 32670 and 32678 were chosen to haul the special trains; highlighting to locals the historical association of both locomotives with the line. The Terriers proved as popular as ever with the trains well-filled and several visitors expressing an interest in becoming volunteers.

Away from the tracks, Trustees have continued to press on with the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. On 26 February 2016 the Charity Commission registered The Terrier Trust CIO (Registered Charity No 1165782). TTT and the CIO are being run in parallel during the transition period. The trustees have begun the transition process, involving the transfer of members, assets and legal agreements to the new charity.

Progress on the implementation of new locomotive running agreements with the K&ESR has been disappointingly slow but it is hoped to meet again with K&ESR representatives later this month. The proposed new agreements provide greater long-term security for the two locomotives, allow the K&ESR more flexibility with the scheduling of major overhauls, and provide for the locos to be hired to other UK heritage railways creating a further revenue-earning opportunities for the K&ESR.  

We hope to update you on all CIO conversion and loco agreements at the AGM which will take place at Tenterden Town Station on the morning of 14th January 2017. Trustees Neil Instrall and Richard Maxwell will retire by rotation and both are willing to stand for re-election. Any further nominations (with a proposer and seconder) should be sent to the Secretary by 2nd December.