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And then there was the steam train

On Sunday, we rode aboard the Kent and East Sussex light railway. The KESR website tells me “light railways are equipped with full size trains, but have steep gradients and operate at low speed.”

Steam trains. That’s all you need to know.

The current active track is 10½ miles long, between Tenterden Town and Bodiam Station.

And a little bit beyond. The end of the line is just past the last station, as they work to connect the heritage line with the proper rail network – and then it’s a functioning commuter service again.

We rode from one end to the other and then back again. The whole ride is unspoiled fields and woods and grazing sheep. I’ve never seen such a year for mayflowers.

This is my new thing to think about while I’m trying to fall asleep.

Pictured: the Man of Kent steaming into Rolvenden Station. That’s where they have their works, and we came off the train here to tour the locomotive shed. Sweet.

June 6, 2023 — 7:13 pm
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