1

The Phoenix

Issue 65 £1 Autumn 2013

2

Journal of the Rother Valley Railway Supporters’ Association – Phoenix No 65

RVR Supporters’ Association Committee for 2013/14: Peter Brown (Chairman) David Felton (Treasurer) Geoff Wyatt (Lottery manager) Bruce Bassam Trevor Streeter (Membership secretary) Steve Griffiths (Secretary & editor of the Phoenix) editor@rvr.org.uk Plus: Shop manager: Mark Goodrum Mess van manager: Peter Brown

The Rother Valley Railway Robertsbridge Junction Station, Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5DG telephone: 01580 881833 RVR e-mail: reception@rvr.org.uk RVR website: www.rvr.org.uk Membership: membership@rvr.org.uk

Rother Valley Railway Ltd Directors: Gardner Crawley (chairman) Mike Hart OBE (deputy chairman) David Felton (managing director, finance dir,

& company secretary) David Slack (operations director) Roy Seaborne (non-executive director) John Snell (non-executive director)

Reg. Office: 3-4 Bower Terrace, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8RY (e-mail etc as above)

Co. Managers:

Trevor Streeter (Webmaster) Mark Yonge (Press Officer)

Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust Trustees: Gardner Crawley (Chairman), Mike Hart OBE (Deputy Chairman),

Peter Davis, David Felton, Roy Seaborne, John Snell Address etc as above

Phoenix copyright: The Rother Valley Railway Supporters’ Association

Any uncredited articles and text have been produced by the Editor

Material for the Winter issue - to the Editor by 1 December please

3

Editorial

At long last, and a few false dawns, we have carried our first fare-paying passengers - with a little help from our K&ESR colleagues of course! September’s long awaited gala weekend ‘Return to Robertsbridge’ proved to be a great success, with large numbers of visitors coming to help celebrate the first public trains to Northbridge Street for more than 50 years, over the newly completed tracks at the western end of the RVR. I hope you will agree that this milestone in the project to reconnect with Bodiam warrants devoting most of this issue to the gala, and of course the work that went into getting the site ready to run a train and handle the return of fare-paying passengers, if only for a couple of days. As always there are some great photos appearing in the RVR online photo archive - https://picasaweb.google.com/105660130473876538813 We can congratulate ourselves on a remarkable event, which ran pretty smoothly in the circumstances and must have brought home to many just what an operational link between the two halves of the old railway will mean, how much has been achieved and what remains to be done. T It’s already getting hard to remember what our station site looked like only recently but a glance at The Phoenix issue 63 shows that even in mid-March there was no sign of a platform or new trackwork, and the earth bank opposite the platform was still being excavated. The rate of build here has been phenomenal, especially when you consider this has not been achieved by a vast army of builders but by the small team of the main contractor Andrew Wood, the track laying volunteers, fencing and bricklaying contractors, regular RVRSA volunteers, K&ESR loco crews, and of course project manager Alasdair Stewart. Everything seemed to come together in the final few days before the gala, with bricks and Tarmac being laid, marquees going up, low loaders delivering complete trains, and fencing going ahead pretty much all at the same time. I should offer an apology for the delay to this issue’s appearance, resulting from production difficulties domestically. I am hopeful those difficulties won’t arise again! Finally, a reminder: the gala marks some 50 years years since the last passenger special headed eastwards out of Robertsbridge, but another notable anniversary is coming up. This coming winter marks 60 years since the last regular scheduled BR passenger service made that journey, on 2 January 1954.

Editor October 2013 Cover photo: A sight not seen since the early 1960s - A1X ‘Bodiam’ steams with a trainload of passengers around the tight steep curve into Robertsbridge Junction, as a mainline express passes hurtles past (photo: Trevor Streeter).

4

A message from the Chairman of the Association, Peter Brown

I would like to say 'thank you' to all members for your continuing support for the ongoing project to reconnect the line to Bodiam. Our fun and historic event showed K&ESR and RVR working side by side to provide a very enjoyable weekend. The feedback from the village here at Robertsbridge was 'can you do it monthly please?' Work is in hand to celebrate further developments, so watch this space or even better come and 'lend a hand' if you are able to. So, thank you again to everyone who took part in the weekend - we could not have done it without you. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Gala, return to Robertsbridge

It’s hard to know where to start a report on this memorable weekend... The Gala celebrations began with invited guests of the Trust arriving on Friday for lunch, served in a marquee squeezed in between the new trackwork and the pile of concrete sleepers being stored for another phase of tracklaying. We wanted our guests to see the site for what it is - still a construction site with much still to be done, but also showing huge progress over the last year or two. The 90 or so invitees ranged from the High Sheriff of East Sussex to representatives of the Environment Agency, and of course many members of the Rother District Council and the parish council. Numerous key supporters and benefactors also attended, together with all of the Trustees, the Chairman of K&ESR and many others. After lunch, which included a presentation by the Trust chairman Gardner Crawley about the project and its future direction, guests made their way onto the platform to await the first official train. Shortly before ‘Bodiam’ breasted the ribbon stretched over the track, the Vicar of Salehurst blessed the railway, and the Leader of the District Council made a speech in warm support of the project. Most of the throng managed to squeeze on board, and they were off to Northbridge Street in a welter of steam and smoke, before the train returned not long afterwards, marking the first passengers to arrive from the east in a very long time indeed. The day featured in the local evening news on Meridian TV – see http://vimeo.com/75049573.

5

Guests awaiting the arrival of their ‘special’. Gardner Crawley is the man in white (SG).

‘Bodiam’ breasts the tape to christen the new platform (Photo: Tom White)

6

Later in the day it was the turn of the RVRSA membership and their invited guests to take the train to the other end of the line - several times of course! For many people their relatively short initial journey was the culmination of some 20 years of work at Robertsbridge by all concerned with the railway since the new RVR Company secured access to the site in 1992, and rather moving as well as a thrill. Members enjoyed a sandwich tea, and a good deal of reminiscing about how we got to where we are now, remembering also some who didn’t manage to see this long awaited day finally dawn. Not all members were able to attend of course, but those that did seemed to be fully enjoying the day, experiencing steam passenger trains running once again after an absence of several decades, and the jolly crowds filling the new platform in the warm September sun.

Public days

Even as the various eager helpers and operating staff were briefed by David Slack on the Saturday morning, a queue of would-be travellers rapidly grew in the main car park. Railway enthusiasts and villagers were keen to ride the first public train out of Robertsbridge for over 50 years. Over 700 souvenir ‘Edmondson’ tickets at £5 were issued that day, with children and associates going free. Some 25 trips were made during the first day, on a train which carried up to 90 passengers. A one way-system was organised for passengers, so that they left the platform at the far end, and didn’t block the incoming flow of ticket holders awaiting their turn to ride. Stewards helped the less able passengers negotiate the single step into the carriages where necessary. There was a short gap in the intensive morning and afternoon service while the loco took on more water, and one major interruption due to cricketers on the line – a matter which like any modern railway we had to take rather seriously. Sunday morning began more sedately, but by lunchtime there were crowds again and the caterers, stalls and shop were doing a roaring trade. Over the weekend more than 2000 visitors attended, 1380 railway tickets were sold, and feedback was all extremely positive, with particular support from the village and surrounding areas.

The Gala train

As the cover shows, ‘Bodiam’ (currently in its BR livery and numbered 32670) did us the honour of pulling the train over the three days of the Gala. This 141 year old locomotive was one of two that worked the very last passenger train out of Robertsbridge over half a century ago, as well as being one of the earliest locos on the line back in 1901 when it was acquired by Col. Stephens for the original RVR. It was designed by William Stroudley at Brighton Works for suburban passenger services on the London, Brighton and South Coast railway, and features the distinctive style of cab roof of his justly renowned locomotive designs. These ‘Terriers’ are famously small but strong engines and found their way to various parts of the Southern system over

7

time, including the Hayling Island branch. The Terriers were the oldest surviving locomotives in daily use on British Railways when steam began to disappear in the early 1960s. ‘Bodiam’ was withdrawn from BR in 1963, joining the newly formed K&ESR in 1964. K&ESR’s three veteran 4-wheelers, two from the S&ECR and one from the L&NWR (the ‘Woolwich’ coach), made up the passenger stock; and very attractive they looked too steaming across the village playing fields to Northbridge Street and back. All the stock was brought from K&ESR’s Wittersham Road by low-loader for the occasion, and returned safely afterwards.

‘32670’ is prepared for unloading onto the new trackwork at Robertsbridge Junction (SG)

Gala buses

We were pleased to welcome four preserved double deckers of the Maidstone & District Bus Preservation Group, and also the very attractive little ex-LT coach RF4 which is operated by Alan Dawes. These did a sterling job in linking the two railways

8

over the weekend, and negotiating the sometimes tricky Robertsbridge car park and village High Street in the process. Many thanks to all the owners and drivers involved.

Gala stalls

We were delighted to welcome to Robertsbridge the 4253 Group, attending en masse it seemed. If you remember from the spring edition of The Phoenix, they are busy fundraising to help finance the full restoration of a ‘rescue loco’, the mighty ex-GWR 2-8-0 tank locomotive 4253 which has the capacity to undertake a round trip to Tenterden and back with a full size train, uphill and down dale, without coaling or watering en route. Great progress is being made with this project, details of which can be found at http://www.4253.co.uk. The editor can personally recommend the Group’s fine line in bottled beer, ‘Old Tank Water’, which tastes considerably better than the name might suggest! This brew is put together by the Rother Valley Brewing Company, and maybe one day RVR will have its own line in local ale for the discerning drinkers amongst us? We were graced by several local stalls, and of course the RVR’s own shop and tombola which had a very successful weekend financially. Mark Yonge’s daughter Frances, on electronic organ, and local group, ‘The Orange Circus Band’ on day 2, provided very professional musical accompaniment to the festivities. And last but by no means least a live steam miniature railway operated up and down the mainline car park, giving rides to many of the visiting children and quite a few adults too.

Gala organisation

Great credit must go to the organisers of the Robertsbridge end of the Gala, notably David Slack, Mike Hart and Mark Yonge who managed all aspects of the event. Of course huge thanks are due to everyone else who took part and helped around the site, and the K&ESR management, staff and volunteers for their considerable input as well, both at Robertsbridge and on the rest of the railway. All operating rolling stock, train crew, platform staff and more besides were lent to us by the K&ESR for the event, and they also provided printed publicity, including posters on many South-eastern network stations promoting the event.

People

RVR Ltd decided recently to move away from the ‘departmental’ structure for volunteer activities at Robertsbridge. As a result, various manager posts have now been dropped and volunteers at Robertsbridge will report directly to the managing director, David Felton. The railway management committee, a joint committee of the RVRSA committee and the Company, has also been wound up. The RVRSA Committee

9

continues to meet regularly of course, including David Felton who is also the company’s managing director as well as being a Trustee, and it will continue to have meetings with company representatives as the need arises. RVR was very pleased to welcome Lord Faulkner of Worcester to look around the railway as we prepared for the Gala. He was treated to a ride down to Northbridge Street, becoming probably the first visitor to ride the newly completed rails at the western end of the railway, even before the tamper had finished its work. Baron Faulkner, who served in the previous Government, is President of the Heritage Railway Association.

Gala train nears NorthbridgeStreet (photo, Mark Hemsley)

For the latest RVR Railway News about progress at Robertsbridge, please see the ‘Progress’ section of the

revamped RVR website – click the button and look out for ‘News Blog 2013’, and also see the photo gallery

Or go direct to http://13rvrnews.blogspot.co.uk/

10

Jack Evans took the top photo, then got a go on the footplate (‘very hot’ he says).

Developments at Robertsbridge Junction Station

At the point in time where the Company decided that we could be ready in time for the gala weekend, there was actually still a huge amount to do at Robertsbridge Junction, even to achieve the minimum needed to open up to the public safely. To many of us, it was by no means certain that everything could be advanced sufficiently. For one thing, while the platform walls were coming together, the complicated concrete formwork to create the ‘overhang’ and to link the l-shaped uprights securely together had not been started. Then there was the question of platform edging and surfacing, and fencing along the rear. To cope with potential crowds, the platform and rest of the public area would have to be safe and substantially complete, and back in June it was just getting under way. Trackwork for the run-round line had also yet to start although the crossover at the Station Road end of the platform had been successfully installed. Contrary to the information in the last magazine, it was decided to lay the platform road before the passing loop. Without the passing loop/run-round line it would not be possible to run any passenger trains because the RVR’s collection rolling stock would be sitting in the way!

11

At the northern end of the loop, it was clear that the best solution to the problem of fitting the carriage shed road onto the narrow embankment was not to widen the embankment but to change the planned point and shift it further south. This avoided the need to acquire more land and install some heavy engineering such as gabions to support widening of the track bed. Instead a new point or turnout was commissioned, and this was delivered and installed by late August. This is in fact one of the longest curved turnouts on any heritage line. Catch points were installed shortly before, just to the north of this new pointwork, as a standard safety measure to prevent stock from the passing loop and proposed new siding escaping accidentally onto the main running line, and similar mishaps. To unload and build the new point, it was essential to free up the main running line alongside, so that the larger components could be moved around readily by contractor Andrew Wood’s ro-rail machine. So it was that the first conventional train in the new platform at Robertsbridge Junction arrived on the afternoon of 14 August, having travelled south about 100 yards. The RVR’s class 03 diesel (D2112), driven very gingerly by Ian Sharp crept into the new platform with a train consisting of the two RVR ‘Dogfish’ wagons, the supporters’ mess van, the Maunsell coach, the three banana vans, Titan, and the ancient tank wagon. This construction movement was successfully accomplished and the mess van very soon had its power and water restored so that the contents of the onboard freezer were unscathed, at least on this occasion! Having the mess van in the platform made it an easy matter to complete the paint ‘refresh’ on the west wide of the vehicle, which we’d started earlier in the summer. Even so we ran out of good weather to complete painting the ventilators and the lettering before the Gala.

12

Well wishers and passengers (TEDS)

13

In this shot the running main line is almost ready, while the run-round loop is still ‘as laid’ – ie slightly wiggly. Note the change from concretes to wooden sleepers in the foreground, to allow checkrails to be fitted, with gauge widening on the main curve as required.

Once the new carriage siding point was joined up with the rest of the run-round line, it became possible to move the majority of the rolling stock onto the run-round to clear the main running line. The Permaquip (aka ‘The Tug’) and its trailer had to be removed from the track, as these vehicles cannot be worked with a train. Although RVR stock had entered the platform happily, two of the bogie vehicles took out a few bricks on the platform end-slope on the return journey, because trackwork was sitting a few inches below final levels, pending final tamping and levelling. These bricks were quickly restored and the bricklayers’ handiwork looks splendid, gracing the edge of the platform in a traditional manner. With the stock now off the main running line, it was time for ballasting the line from end to end. This work began in the last week of August, using the Class 03 Diesel loco and the two BR-era ballast hopper wagons purchased last year. The ex K&ESR ballast regulator was also pressed into service, with some difficulty initially because of the age of its batteries. So it was that these vehicles became the first non-construction traffic to make their way to Northbridge Street and back since the ending of the Hodson’s Mill traffic in around 1971.

14

Summer 2013 with run-round under construction and ballast deliveries (SG)

15

Another problem had to be faced – how to unload the tamper due to be brought in to prepare the main running line for the gala weekend, and of course all other rolling stock movements to and from the railway. The old RVR loading pad had been removed some while ago to make way for the new platform. The solution adopted here was to lay out hardcore to form a temporary loading pad alongside the main running line, immediately to the north of the old loading pad area and in line with the large gates into the main station car park. This work was completed in time for the tamper to be brought in by low-loader on 28 August. The temporary roadway was also used to unload several hundred tonnes of new ballast from suppliers’ lorries, and then load it into the two ballasting wagons. The tamper DR 75202 was supplied by Balfour Beatty, and came down from its normal base at Hither Green depot to stay with us. Work began on the main running line and continued for several days, with the sophisticated machine carefully removing the kinks in the trackwork, getting the levels and alignments just right, and tamping the ballast underneath and around each sleeper individually to hold the track precisely and firmly in place. It proved to be much quieter in operation than we’d expected, making little more than a gentle whining noise as it slowly worked up and down the half mile or so of line. The run-round was completed by closing the gap of a few hundred yards in the middle, and this was quickly followed by ‘regulating’, ballasting and tamping of this second line, at the beginning of September. This work entailed first shifting all the rolling stock back onto the main running line, so the volunteers got used to never finding the mess van in the same place for more than a few days at a time. Fortunately, most of the time we were able to reconnect the temporary electrical supply before the freezer defrosted. We were glad to have completed most of the paintwork ‘refresh’ on the mess van before the ballasting and tamping train movements stopped us from accessing the west side of the vehicle. Other preparations for the Gala included repainting the outside of the VSOE building, mending the fibreglass roof, erecting a new sign, and also repainting the visible parts of the two van bodies and main workshop to smarten them up considerably. Two of the three banana vans were transformed by restoration work, initially on the ‘visible’ side. The inside of the shop had to be partly cleared to create enough circulation space for the expected crowds. Outside, space had to be cleared for a marquee and hired ‘portaloos’, tables and general circulation. In the process, the old tanker wagon chassis and tank body were finally sent off to be reunited with the new wooden chassis. Once ballasting and tamping was completed, enough of the new platform was completed for the Gala service to use during the gala weekend, with railings and Tarmac going in just a few days before the festivities. Coal and water were delivered for the locomotive.

16

Coming next

Over the coming months, work on the rest of the platform is due to restart, it being about half completed. As the photographs show, the new lamp standards look most impressive and once the old chain linking fencing is taken down and the strip behind the platform re-landscaped, the full splendour of the new structure will be revealed. In addition to completing the platform’s southern end, it is hoped to advance work on the water tower – in fact formwork for the concrete inner walls is being made up as I write this paragraph. Also coming, we believe, is the long awaited link into the main station’s former bay platform, now an engineers’ siding. We understand this siding will be fenced off from the main line and ‘gated’ at its southern end, so that it will then be controlled by RVR. Rail vehicles can be moved from one network to the other through this gate as and when the need arises. This is another exciting development of the railway, looking forwards. Work has also begun on the third of the banana wagons, though the onset of wet autumn weather slows down the work rate considerably. Eventually all three will be completed on all sides, hopefully in the Spring. The railway is currently preparing a planning application for the construction of the ‘missing link’ between Northbridge Street and Junction Road, and has already made a presentation to the District Council about its plans. This is a precursor to the other formal processes, notably the application for a Transport and Works Act Order for the link on which preparatory work continues. Meanwhile, over at Rolvenden on our sister railway, work has now begun in earnest on construction of the new carriage shed, the funding for which the RVR has secured.

Stock changes

With the completion of the main trackwork, it was possible to release the Matisa and load it for delivery to its new private owner. He also acquired the second of the Victorian era wooden chassis tank wagons, BP 529, the younger of the two (ex Taff Vale Railway, first registered in 1900). We wish him well in his ambitious plans to restore these and other vehicles. The two ex-BR hoppers (‘Dogfish’) have been loaned to K&ESR to help out with their track renewals. Yet to depart is the LNER hopper wagon, though there is some current interest in acquiring this vehicle. It’s expected that the ballast regulator will also be disposed of, presumably on the basis that the next

Latest RVRSA prize draw winners

1st prize 2nd prize June S Griffiths (ball 21) T Long (ball 7)

July A Stokes (ball 12) C Ashfield (ball 2)

Aug G Davis (ball 1) T C long (ball 13)

17

substantial stretch of new trackwork could be accessed directly by machinery from K&ESR or Network Rail! Overall, the rolling stock is being steadily reduced, reflecting the longer terms goals of the project and the more limited scope for storing historic but non-revenue-earning vehicles at Robertsbridge once join-up is achieved.

The Gala train rounds the curve into Robertsbridge Junction once again (SG)

Contributions to The Phoenix

We welcome letters, articles and photographs for The Phoenix, with a railway theme.

We are happy to edit contributions, so don’t worry about your style!

All photographs will be returned after copying.

Email editor@ervr.org.uk or write to us at Robertsbridge Junction.

18

Robertsbridge ballasting operations, Dogfish and 03, September 2013 (SG)

19

The Balfour Beatty tamper about to depart on its low loader (SG)

Rolling stock shunted across bridge 1 – their longest trip for many years! (SG)

20

Dates for your diary

25 &2 January 2014 : The Erith MRS Model Railway Exhibition (see advert) 17& 18 May - SAMREX 2014: the RVRSA’s Model Railway Exhibition.

Crossword 2/13 by Markham Jary

across down

1. Leeds loco builder 6. the pink’ un 7. tank loco class once used in Southampton Docks 9. diesel loco manufacturer 11. West country narrow gauge line 13. once ran the capital’s buses and tubes 14. one of the BR regions 15. our present monarch 16. Plymouth loco shed 17. loco that once ran on 11 across 18.Bulleid pacific 34055

1. Southern station near Purley 2. now runs the capital’s buses and tubes 3. experimental loco built by 1 across 4. companion to bolt 5. articulated loco mostly built by Beyer Peacock 8. ------ Green, a station near Beaconsfield 10. notorious secret police 12. built the nationalised railway’s trains

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

21

The GWR railcar on the Robertsbridge headshunt, 11 April1966, while ‘Bodiam’ (BR 32670) poses nearby at the old water tower (photos: Richard Malins).

22

Letters

Letter from John Hunt, member no. 96 I first became aware of the railway in 1952, travelling by car to Hastings for a family holiday and passing the double level-crossing at Northbridge Street (no by-pass then of course). I have supported the RVR for many years now, although visits have grown less in recent years as I cared for my father, Charlie. He passed away peacefully at home recently, unable to fill his wish to travel down from London with me for the gala weekend. We did however manage to attend May’s model railway weekend together, and people may remember him in his wheelchair, aided by his Korean nurse. I am sure father would be very pleased to see the progress being made to join the RVR with K&ESR. John V Hunt Ed. We were very sorry to hear the news about your father, whose visits we remember well. We hope you enjoyed the gala and thanks again for your support and assistance over the years.

The Rother Valley was one of a fascinating empire of

light railways built under the direction of Holman F. Stephens.

Join us, and help preserve the history and artefacts of his many lines.

You will also receive our quarterly newsletter ‘The Colonel’, packed with news, articles and scale

drawings.

For a membership form write to:

David Powell (CSS Mem.Sec.) Gateways, Bledlow Road, Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Bucks., HP27 9NG telephone 01844 343377 e-mail davidpowell@waitrose.com

website www.colonelstephenssociety.co.uk

23

During the gala, ‘Bodiam’ was watered from a bowser on the platform- a rather slow process. The site of the planned main water tower is immediately on the right! (photo:TEDS)

The visiting tamper DR 75202 is eased gingerly down from a low-loader (SG)

24

IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL DURING REBUILDING OF THE STATION! Our shop is open every Sunday, from 10 – 4pm, offering a huge range of railway books, magazines and models, as well as the visitor centre displays. We are serving hot and cold drinks, biscuits and crisps. Please e-mail stock enquiries to manager Mark Goodrum at reception@rvr.org.uk

RAILWAY MAGAZINES (Second-hand)

We have what is probably the best collection in the south-east of England. Try us for that issue you’re missing. Many are old…some are virtually new.

RAILWAY BOOKS From historic to modern, biography to photo collections, we have a wide range of second-hand books at bargain prices.

MODEL RAILWAY ITEMS

We have a large collection of used models and trackwork, mainly 0, OO, and N gauges. We also have some road vehicles and small buildings etc.

REAL RAILWAY ITEMS

3rd rail insulators. Plus cast iron rail chairs from pre-1923 companies and later, plain or lightly painted.

SELLING SERVICE Items can also be sold for you on commission (15%), or simply donate them to us.

PRICING POLICY Pricing second-hand items is an art not a science, so all sensible offers are considered for most goods in the shop! We have an Ebay account, so you may find some items listed online. Look for our seller name: ‘rothervalleyrailwayltd’ (no spaces).