I had been there just the once before, many years ago.
As
it was Half-term we had the pleasure of our Granddaughter with us.
What
a wet day! Fortunately, the comfort of a warm, steam heated
compartment did the job!
Restored to 1920's, the Southern Region Horsted Keynes Station
The first loco of the two train timetable: U Class 2-6-0, Maunsell 1931 Southern Region loco
There
are only 4 left in preservation now out of the 50 built. They
were able to operate over most of the Southern Railway network,
gaining the nickname “U -boats” after the submarine warfare of
the First World War as they could go anywhere. With a British Railway
power classification of 4P3F, they continued to operate with BR until
1966.
T
The Fireman gets up onto the coal
A view from the cab
Coming north into Horsted Keynes Station – see
link
Note the signal gantry gives the Platform Number
Permanent Way work
It
belted with rain for the run north with the U Class easily dealing
with a gradient of 1 in 55 at it's steepest. We went through the new
cutting at Imberhorne on the newish route to East Grinstead. It was
interesting to see the depth of rubbish tip that had to be cut away.
A view of the 'rubbish tip' cutting – see
clip of 1638 through the cutting
Arriving at East Grinstead
Signalling with white 'backplate'
Our
second loco was No. 263, the South East and Chatham Railway's 1905 H
Class.
We
travelled in a 4 – coach train, again in the rain though the steam
heating kept us warm.
No.263 at Sheffield Park Station
Grandma and Granddaughter enjoying the delights of steam travel
Father and Son
Steam train enthusiasts! Last passengers!
