News 2004

Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
Email enquiries@spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Welcome to the Spa Valley News Page. This is where details of the latest developments on the railway and website are posted.

Two photos of Fonmon and the Jinty 47493 during their working lives have been added to the respective locomotive profiles. If you have any historical pictures of our engines during their working lives, then please email or send them to the railway for inclusion on this website.

Four more pages about our resident 'Thumper' 1317 have been added to this website. These include news about 1317 and other Thumper information, working on the unit and sales of Thumper products, which includes a DVD all about the units made by one of the group's members. For further information please click here.

The Spa Valley Railway are now pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to drive one of our heritage diesels in association with the South East Locomotive Group. The group who have recently re-located their operating base to Tunbridge Wells, used to run the courses at its' former home at the East Kent Railway and are now able to offer an expanded range of locomotives for the courses.

As well as the group's two Class 33s 33063 and 33065 'Sealion', the railway's other heritage diesels are also on offer to participants. This includes our Class 73 'Electro-Diesel', one of our three resident 350 shunters and recently arrived DEMU 'Thumper' 1317.

The fee is arranged to suit you and starts at just £195. "It's a full day's tuition" and is only on a one to one basis, you do not share the day with anyone else unless you wish to!

Please call the number below for available dates for you to take part in this activity. Also inclusive in the fee is one year's membership to the Spa Valley Railway (Insurance Cover), tea, coffee and light lunch. A certificate and, usually, photographs are sent to you afterwards.

Please note: All locos except 33063 and 33065 incur an additional fee, prices on application. All locomotives are subject to availability. For further details, also visit the South East Locomotive Group's driver experience website.

Following on from newly acquired 207107’s arrival on 16/17^th September and subsequent crew training turns (as previously advised), Friday 29^th October saw the unit’s official handing over to the Spa Valley Railway. Ian Prichard, Porterbrook Leasing’s recently appointed Head of Communications formally handed the unit over to Spa Valley chairman Jon Nye. A suitable bottle of Moet et Chandon was obtained from the nearby Sainsbury’s supermarket. An unsuccessful attempt to break the bottle by way of a rigged up ‘ship-launch’ system saw the use of the more tried and tested method of grasping it by the neck and breaking it over a buffer. The unit, which will carry its original number of 1317 once repainted then worked two well loaded public passenger turns to Groombridge and back. A surprising number of people who rode on the unit when it worked on the day of the Spa Valley ’s closure in 1985 have come forward to renew their acquaintance. A group has been established to support the running of the unit on the line and anyone interested in joining is encouraged to contact the railway.

Photo Above:- Oxted Class 207 1317 has a bottle of champagne broken over its' buffer to celebrate its' entry into preservation on 29th October - Photo © J. Homewood

Latest updates to the website this week have mainly been to the photo gallery. These have included photos of both this year's diesel gala and more photos from last year's event from Phil Barnes. Other photos added are of the 2002 steam gala as well as some more of the visit from Standard 4 80078.

The South East Locomotive Group has decided to relocate their main base from Shepherdswell, East Kent Railway to the Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells ,

Kent

. This has been mainly due to the superior support/maintenance facilities made available to us at the Spa Valley ; although we felt that the lack of support from the main EKR committee members over several issues meant that our position had become untenable. In addition, the success of the recent ‘Southern Diesel Gala’ at the Spa Valley Railway underlined the logic behind the move.

The relocation of 33 065 to Tunbridge Wells meant it was the first time the SELG’s locomotives had been together for over a year and every opportunity to operate both was utilized. 33 065 had arrived at Tunbridge Wells from a short stay at the Kent & East Sussex Railway where it had starred during their diesel gala. The highlight of which was the ‘Load Bank’ requiring 33 065 to haul seven coaches and 33 052 up the 1 in 37 Tenterden bank.

The next 12 months are going to see the SELG build on the very successful and professional relationship with the Spa Valley and establish both storage and workshop facilities to support both of the locos. In addition the SELG together with the SVR are pleased to now be able to offer Driver Experience Day’s on most of the diesel fleet including Class 33/73 together with the shunters ( 09/10/12 ) & the DEMU. The day’s are catered to the individual & is currently on a one to one basis! Further information/booking arrangements can be found by visiting the groups web site at; www.selg.co.uk or via the railways web site at; www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

The railway requires the use of only one Crompton; therefore, the spare is generally available for hire/gala visits to other lines.

The South East Locomotive Group's other Crompton 33065 'Sealion' has now been added to the online stocklist. This can be found by clicking here.

A new photo gallery has been added displaying photos taken over the Mixed Traction Gala Weekend (18th/19th September). Many pictures feature the visiting Standard 4 Tank 80078, which stayed for 3 weeks. Photos of this event can be found by clicking here. It is hoped to bring you pictures of the very successful 'Southern Diesels Gala', held back in August, very soon, as well as news on the start of restoration to Terrier 'Sutton'.

Sorry for the lack of updates over the last month or so. This has been due to computer problems and the inability to upload pages to the site. Hopefully I can bring you news reports of the successful Thomas event and Standard 4 visits over the next few weeks, as well as lots of photos, taken over the period.

The railway has now entered its' last week of operations for the current season and following this weekend, will shut down to do essential maintenance and prepare for Christmas. Unfortunately due to essential maintenance required on the Jinty and Fonmon being out of service, the remaining services will all be diesel hauled and this weekend will be a special Crompton weekend with all services hauled by resident Class 33s 33063 and 33065 'Sealion'. This will be the last chance to see 33063 in action for quite sometime as it is due to be withdrawn from service for a booked overhaul.

The locomotive roster for the remainder of the week, commencing 27th October is shown below: -

Wed 27th -     09 004
Thurs 28th -    09 004
Fri 29th -        73 140
Sat 30th -       33 063 & 33 065 ( one AM / one PM )
Sun 31st -      33 063 & 33 065

Trains will run to the Yellow timetable with departures from Tunbridge Wells West at: -

There is an extra chance to sample a Standard Four tank on the Spa Valley this weekend! Visiting Standard Four tank 80078 has had its' visit to the Spa Valley extended to include this weekend, so that it can feature in the forthcoming 'A Day Out With Thomas' event. The locomotive which has been popular with both volunteers and the visiting public is then expected to return home to Swanage next week, following a three week visit to Kent.

The engine, which will include a Thomas character face and go by the name 'Stan', will line up alongside residents Jinty and Fonmon aka 'Percy'. Thomas the Tank engine, courtesy of the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, will also be in attendance which means there is a rare opportunity to see two visiting steam engines in action on the line.

Tickets this weekend are only available through advanced booking. To do this please contact our Booking Office on 01892 537715.

The Spa Valley Railway has added an additional special event, the “Spa Standard Weekender”, to their calendar for next weekend, 23^rd/24^th September. To take advantage of the two week visit of Southern Locomotives Ltd British Rail Standard 4 steam tank locomotive number 80078 from the Swanage Railway, all services on the volunteer run line will be operated by the visiting locomotive.

The locomotive arrived in Tunbridge Wells on a huge road trailer early on Wednesday 15^th September. It is far the largest steam locomotive to work on the line in preservation days, and is also the first steam locomotive to operate on the line of a class that regularly worked on the line in BR steam days. The “Standards” worked most trains from Tunbridge Wells West in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Locomotive 80078 has already played a leading role in last weekend’s Anything Goes Gala, and now visitors will have a final chance this weekend to have a ride behind the locomotive prior to its’ return to Swanage the following week. Chairman Jon Nye said “the visit of this locomotive has been a popular one with members and the public alike. The locomotive has only been booked to work 4 days of public services on the Spa Valley line as the Swanage Railway need it back to work their trains, so next weekend will be the final chance to have a ride behind it”.

The ‘Spa Standard Weekender’ will see a slightly modified timetable operate, with trains to High Rocks and Groombridge hauled by 80078 departing Tunbridge Wells West at 10:30, 11:45, 12:50, 14:00, 15:15 and 16:30 on both Saturday and Sunday (the normal lunchtime diesel service will not operate).

Standard 4 tank 80078 arrived around midday on Wednesday 15th September. Following unloading, the locomotive successfully completed a gauging trial along the line from Tunbridge Wells to Birchden on Thursday, towed by the resident Class 12 15224. The engine which is by far the biggest steam locomotive to run on the railway in preservation, then underwent a successful steam test and completed three return trips to Groombridge. Two of these were with coaching stock. A few photos of the engine arriving and on loading trials have been made available.

Above Left:- 80078 arrives at Tunbridge Wells West shortly after midday on the 15th September

Above Right:- 80078 sits in Groombridge following a successful gauging trial on 16th September - Both Photos © M. Dives

Left:- Oxted Thumper 207017 rests outside Tunbridge Wells West on Sunday 19th September, following arrival from Hastings Diesels the previous week - Photo M. Dives

The Spa Valley Railway has now received celebrity 2-car Class 207 demu 207017 courtesy of Porterbrook’s generous disposal policy of redundant ex-Southern Region diesel-electric units to preserved railways. Formerly a 3 car unit & designated ‘3-D’ or ‘East Sussex’ by British Railways, 207017 is unique among the surviving examples as it is the only unreferbished Class 207 unit to remain in traffic. It is also of particular significance to the Spa Valley as when numbered 1317 and paired with sister unit 1311 it worked an all day diagram (although not the final working) on the very last day of passenger services, 6^th July 1985, on the Eridge – Tunbridge Wells Central line. The central 3½ miles of this line, from Groombridge to Tunbridge Wells West now forms the Spa Valley ’s current operating section. On that day it ran carrying two commemorative headboards, the Spa Valley would be grateful to hear of their current whereabouts.

It had been hoped that the unit would be the first disposed of by Porterbrook to reach a new home on a preserved railway. This was thwarted by a serious engine failure earlier this year whilst working an Uckfield line service, necessitating an engine swap with unit 205012. Finally on 6^th September 207017 made a spirited ‘dash for preservation’ under its own power from Selhurst to St Leonards. Onward road transport to Tunbridge Wells followed with the Driving Trailer movement on Thursday September 16^th,and the Power Car finally arriving on the following day. Plans to move the unit earlier had been thwarted when the booked road haulier was unable to complete a complicated turning move into St Leonards by the presence of an awkwardly, but none the less legally parked car, the keeper of which was found to be on a long holiday!

A new sub group has been established, the ‘Oxted 1317 support group’, to support the restoration and running of the unit on the Spa Valley. Anybody interested in participating is encouraged to contact the railway.

Details of this year's Santa Specials are now available, along with a booking form which can be downloaded and printed off. The itinerary for this year's event includes a trip to Groombridge, followed by a visit to see Santa in his grotto at Tunbridge Wells West. Christmas trains fill up very quickly and early booking is strongly advised.

Subject to final confirmation, it looks almost certain that Standard 4 tank 80078 will in fact be the engine making the journey to Kent in three weeks time, hopefully in time for the Mixed Traction Gala (See What's On page). The locomotive, which returned to steam in 1999, will stay for a short period.

Restoration has started on Class 101 trailer car No. 54408. The DMMU car, which arrived earlier this year is having a fast-track repaint and refurbish in time to appear as 'Daisy' at the forthcoming Days Out With Thomas event, on the first two weekends in October. Following this event, the coach will be painted in Malachite Green so that it matches with some of the other locomotive hauled rolling stock.

A Southern Locomotives Ltd ex BR Standard Four tank – almost certainly 80104 - is to make a working visit to the Spa Valley Railway this September. A visit has been provisionally agreed with the Swanage Railway and Southern Locomotives Ltd, subject to availability. It will be by far the largest steam locomotive to work on the line in preservation, and will also be the first operation of a steam locomotive of a class that worked the line in BR days. ‘Standards’ saw frequent use on the line in the 1950s and 1960s. The locomotive, currently in service on the Swanage Railway will star in the ‘Spa Standard Weekender’ weekend on 25^th and 26^th September. A modified timetable shall apply. Check www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk or telephone 01892 537715 for details.

Left: - 80104 stands on the turntable at Swanage. Photo © D. Hodges Southern Locomotives other standard four, 80078 will now be visiting the railway instead of 80104 which will be remaining at Swanage to operate trains there.

It is also hoped that the locomotive will arrive on the railway in time to feature in the line’s Mixed Traffic gala on 18^th & 19^th September. Also appearing will be LMS Jinty 47493, Peckett 1636 ‘Fonmon’, Class 33 Crompton 33065 ‘Sealion’ and Class 10 D3489 ‘Colonel Tomline’. Real Ale shall be available in bar car ‘Kate’ on all trains with frequent services from 10am until 6pm on both days and additional evening services on Saturday evening. Day Rover tickets are available offering unlimited travel.

LMS Jinty 47493 is currently scheduled to work all weekend steam hauled trains from 14th August to 12th September inclusive, subject to availability. It will also feature in the Mixed Traction gala on 18th & 19th September.

Another highly successful 'Southern Diesels Gala' was held over the weekend of the 7th and 8th August. This year's event featured the South East Locomotive Group's two Class 33s, 33063 and 33065 'Sealion', plus the Class 73 73140 painted in blue undercoat, prior to top coating in the autumn. An intensive service operated throughout the weekend with highlights including the 'ED Sanwitch', a 33/73/33 combination, all working in multiple. There were evening trains and a photo charter, featuring the two Cromptons that ran to Birchden Junction on the Saturday morning.

The South Eastern Locomotive Group's (SELG) Crompton 33 065 "Sealion" arrived by low loader at Tunbridge Wells West on 28th July. The locomotive has moved from the East Kent railway, via a guest appearance at the KESR diesel gala, in preparation for the Spa Valley Southern Diesels Gala on 7th & 8th August. The gala will feature both SELG's BR Blue Cromptons working in multiple. This will be the first such pairing seen on the line since preservation. Details of the gala loco roster appears on the special events page.

All the diesel turns on Saturday the 31st July are scheduled to be 'Crompton' hauled, with 33063 operating the 12:50 lunch train, whilst 33065 is expected to make its passenger debut on the railway in the evening on the first of the railway's Saturday night trains. 33065 will appear subject to final checks following its arrival on the railway.

Midweek and extra Saturday evening trains are now operating between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge until the end of August.

The Midweek trains operate on Wednesdays to Fridays, departing Tunbridge Wells West at 11:00, 12:15, 14:00 & 15:15. Trains are all scheduled to be steam hauled (subject to loco availability). The trains offer the perfect day out during the school holidays, and can be used to reach the attractions of Tunbridge Wells, High Rocks or Groombridge. Joint tickets are also available with Groombridge Place.

On Saturday evenings, to make the most of the summer evenings, two additional trains depart Tunbridge Wells West at 18:00 & 19:30. These trains hauled by one of our heritage diesels will operate after the normal weekend steam service has finished. The trains allow visitors to extend their day out returning by a later train, to visit one of the public houses along the route, or to just take an early evening ride out in the countryside.

Further details of these services can be found on the timetables page of this website.

School Lane Bridge at Groombridge was formally opened on 2^nd July when the senior girl and boy of the School Council of the adjacent St.Thomas’s C.E. Primary School, Emma Bishopp and Andrew Cuthbert, cut a red ribbon in a brief ceremony. SVR chairman Jon Nye welcomed the children, their Head Teacher Angela Nichols, Withyham Parish Council Chairman Diana Kelly, other members of the Parish and District Councils, representative Ramblers and local residents. Cutting of the ribbon was warmly applauded, and followed by a celebratory blast of the whistle from Spartan on the track below.

Left: From Left to Right - Withyham Parish Council Chairman Diana Kelly, Emma Bishopp, Andrew Cuthbert and SVR Chairman Jon Nye officially open School Lane Bridge on the 2nd July - Photo © Trevor Hurdle

Despite the poor weather during the weekend, the Steam Gala passed off without any major problems, with 100% reliability from all four of the railway's engines. The weather on the Saturday was the better out of the two days with the early morning goods train hauled by the Jinty, being showered in sunshine, producing some fine pictures. The locomotive, which has been out of service for the last couple of months for minor work following overhaul, put in some impressive displays across the weekend, especially on Saturday night with a non-stop run from Groombridge to Tunbridge Wells. Spartan, fresh from a boiler re-tube was reliable as ever, handling many of the trains single handed.

Everything is now beginning to come together for this weekend's Steam Gala, which will feature all of the advertised steam engines. Unfortunately Lady Ingrid is confined to the yard for the event due to axle box problems, but will still be in operation offering visitors the chance to drive a steam engine.

Spartan has now passed its' steam test and will feature in some shunting duties tomorrow (Wednesday) to ensure that everything is working well. The Jinty and the railway's stalwart Fonmon are also set for operation. Be sure to arrive early for the morning goods train, departing at 8:30 from Tunbridge Wells West. Good locations to observe a working, not normally seen on the railway, include High Rocks and Pokehill Farm. For more details visit our Whats On page where there is also a timetable available.

The Spa Valley’s 2004 diesel gala to be held over the weekend of 7^th & 8^th August is set to feature the following attractions:-

-         Exchange of SELG Class 33s allowing the rare chance of BR blue 33063 & 33065 working together during the gala
-         The “ED sandwich” – 33/73/33 triple header
-         Subject to arrangements being completed an ex- BR ‘mystery’ arrival which will take up permanent residence on the railway – check this website a week before the event
-         Rare passenger outings for unique Class 12 15224
-         Also featuring 09004 & 73140 in blue
-         Bar car with real ale on all trains
-         Frequent service from 10.00 on both days & late evening services on Saturday until approx 20.30
Special 1 or 2 day rover tickets available allowing unlimited travel.

The Spa Valley Railway is pleased to announce that School Bridge in Groombridge, which carries public footpath Withyham 34, the High Weald Walk, over the railway has been re-opened today.

The Bridge has been closed for around 18 months following discovery of severe decay. In conjunction with specialist Bridge engineers a repair plan was formulated, and during the past 8 months Spa Valley Railway volunteers have carried out the extensive repair of the bridge. Repairs have cost the railway in the region of £30,000.

School Bridge was second hand when it was first installed at Groombridge by the Southern Railway in the 1920's, and many of the components had reached the end of their life. Initially we looked at replacing the structure with a new bridge, but a combination of East Sussex County Council withdrawing financial support, and the potential difficulty of heavy cranes reaching the site meant that an alternative plan was required. The reopened bridge consists of the original main girders, which have been shot blasted and re-painted Green, but much of the framework was renewed, and the deck, approach steps and fencing are all new.

Society Chairman Jon Nye said "We are very grateful to our members, and friends of the railway, who contributed financially to this project, and to the small team of volunteers who gave up a significant amount of time to carry out the task. Although the bridge is of no direct benefit to the society, we were committed to carrying out this work, and the result of our work has provided a bridge that will serve the community for many years to come".

The bridge crosses the railway at the point where the steam locomotives currently run around their trains before returning to Tunbridge Wells. The railway's volunteers will now be able to focus their efforts on running the current line, and restoring the line onwards to Birchden and Eridge.

DIESEL WORKINGS ON SPA VALLEY RAILWAY

The scheduled diesel turn on the Spa Valley Railway (12:50 ex Tunbridge Wells West every Saturday & Sunday) will be supplemented by an 18:00 & 19:30 ex Tunbridge Wells West on Saturdays only between 31st July and 28th August inc. These additional services are an experiment for 2004, and will only be repeated if demand is sufficient. The trains provide a valuable link with the pubs and restaurants close to each station. Locos will be drawn from the pool of 09 004, D3489 (class 10), 33063 & 73140. SELG's 33 063 & 33 065 are due to be exchanged in August, with both working for a couple of weeks including the diesel gala on 7th & 8th August.

Polish TKh 'Spartan' returned to steam today with a successful steam test following a year out of service for a re-tube and other boiler work. The locomotive was slowly brought into steam throughout the day which culminated in the safety valves blowing mid-afternoon, and some short movements within the yard confines at Tunbridge Wells West. The locomotive will now return to the engine shed for minor alterations and final painting to be completed. Subject to a visit from the boiler inspector, the locomotive will return to service at the Steam Gala on the 3rd and 4th July.

On 1^st June a party of Scouts from the 1^st Hassocks Group, while staying at Adam’s Well Campsite, helped the SVR by clearing a long stretch of lineside between High Rocks and Broom Lane bridge. Despite an intermittent drizzle twelve lads from the Cobra, Lion and Panther patrols, under the supervision of railway personnel and their own leaders, tackled the hazel, ash and sycamore trees with undampened enthusiasm and great energy, with the result that visibility for train crews on the track slew just before entering the cutting has been much improved. In a letter to the Scouts SVR Chairman Jon Nye thanked them for their hard work and told them they would be very welcome to come again!

The Spa Valley Railway’s Steam Gala (last held in 2002) makes a return on 3^rd & 4^th July this year with, subject to availability, a record four locomotives in steam. It is hoped that repairs to Polish 0-6-0T tkH ‘Spartan’ will be complete in time for it to join the line up with Barclay 0-4-0ST ‘Lady Ingrid’, Peckett 0-6-0ST ‘Fonmon’ and ex-BR Jinty 47493.

Departures, some of which will be double headed, will be hourly on both days from Tunbridge Wells West from 10.00 until 17.00 with further evening trains on Saturday at 18.00, 19.15 and 20.30. Award winning bar car ‘Kate’ will be on all trains with real ale available. For photographers a demonstration goods working will depart from Tunbridge Wells at 08.30 each morning.

Also at Tunbridge Wells there will be a miniature railway in operation and guided shed tours to inspect the latest progress on current restoration projects. Subject to all locomotives being available on the Sunday only there will be the chance to drive a locomotive in the yard.

Work continues on the bridge decking, steps and fencing. The painting on the main central span is now complete on the outside of the bridge. The scaffolding that had prevented the use of the run-round loop has now been removed and normal running has re-commenced.

Due to continued work by the railway on a footbridge at Groombridge, our engines are currently unable to runround trains at this station. Therefore all trains are being operated using an engine at each end of the train. In most cases trains have a Steam locomotive at the Tunbridge Wells end of the train, and a Heritage Diesel locomotive at the Groombidge end of the train. The 12:50 weekend train will normally operate with a Heritage Diesel locomotive at both ends of the train.

This unusual method of operation is likely to continue until the end of April.

Following the arrival of Terrier 'Sutton' on the previous Sunday, the mayor of Sutton, Councillor Robert Landeryou was invited to the railway and with the mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor David Wakefield, they enjoyed two return trips to Groombridge. A special ceremony held at Tunbridge Wells West prior to the train journey saw Councillor Wakefield welcome the engine to the railway with the handing over one of the engine's nameplate. The locomotive is now in the shed and is set to be dismantled for an assessment to take place.

Left: The Mayors of Sutton and Tunbridge Wells welcome the Terrier to the railway, outside the shed at Tunbridge Wells on April 8th. Photo © Matt Dives.

The Spa Valley Railway has taken delivery of two overhead cranes that have been kindly donated by the Bluebell Railway. The two cranes which are 5 and 15 ton capacity respectively, are hand operated and have been replaced in the workshops at Sheffield Park by two electrically operated machines with a higher lifting capacity. The cranes arrived at the railway on March 29th and have been put into store until a suitable site can be found for their erection. The railway thanks the Bluebell Railway for this kind donation.

The Spa Valley Railway has concluded an agreement with locomotive owner the London Borough of Sutton for 0-6-0T LB&SCR Stroudley ‘Terrier’ 32650 to move to Tunbridge Wells for overhaul, after which it will operate on the railway for a 10 year period. The locomotive has been out of use at the nearby Kent and East Sussex Railway for over 10 years, latterly serving as a static exhibit in the former coal yard at Tenterden Town station.

The locomotive was built in 1876 as No 50 ‘Whitechapel’, later receiving the designation A1 class. In 1920 it was rebuilt to A1X specification. 32650 had a varied career in both capital and departmental stock seeing service in South London , the South Coast and the Isle of Wight . Withdrawn in 1963, it ended its BR service on the Hayling Island line. At this stage the London Borough of Sutton were looking to build a brand new civic centre and wished to feature a locomotive as its centrepiece. The council wished to purchase 32661, originally named ‘Sutton’, but were too late, as the locomotive had already been broken up. 32650 was therefore deemed a suitable alternative to take on its sister’s former name. Pending completion of the civic centre it was arranged that the locomotive would be restored and work on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, arriving at Robertsbridge at the end of 1963. It worked the K&ESR’s inaugural steam hauled train when the line re-opened 30 years ago, and has been based there ever since.

Speaking after the agreement was concluded Spa Valley Chairman Jon Nye commented “The Spa Valley Railway was built by the LB&SCR, so it gives us particular pleasure to be welcoming a ‘ Brighton ’ engine back to Tunbridge Wells. It will also be the first ex mainline Southern Region steam locomotive to run on the line in preservation. We are particularly pleased that the locomotive’s owners have recognised our engineering expertise which was recently demonstrated by the highly successful overhaul of LMS Jinty 47493”.

The ‘Terrier’ arrived at Tunbridge Wells late on 4^th April utilising road transport that was booked to pick up Buckinghamshire Railway Centre’s ‘Thomas’ locomotive (Coventry No1). Over the next couple of months a full engineering inspection of the locomotive will determine the length of time required for overhaul.

To mark the agreement, the Mayors of Sutton and Tunbridge Wells joined railway officials on a special train run on Thursday 8^th April, hauled by Jinty 47493.

Having smashed the 2000 hits a month record in February, the Spa Valley Railway's official website had doubled this number for the month of March. Over 4000 hits was recorded during this time, which averages over 100 hits a day - Not bad for one of the younger and smaller railways in Britain. The reasons for the ever increasing number has been put down to the availability of more up to date photos and regular news releases, which have included some breaking stories. The website is where all the latest news from the Spa Valley can be found first, and has recently included stories such as the arrival of Terrier 'Sutton' and the launch of the Jinty.

Both of the South Eastern Locomotive Group’s BR blue liveried Class 33s are to make a rare appearance together at the Spa Valley’s diesel gala on August 7^th & 8^th. 33063 has been at the railway for the last year, and will be joined in late July or early August by sister 33065. 33065 is currently at the East Kent Railway at Shepherdswell and will be transported to the Spa Valley after it has paid a short working visit to the nearby Kent and East Sussex Railway. At the conclusion of the Spa Valley event the opportunity will be taken to swap ‘Cromptons’ with 33063 being returned to the East Kent and 33065 remaining at Tunbridge Wells to work out the next 4 years of SELG’s running agreement with the Spa Valley.

The photo (left) shows Jinty 47493 at Groombridge during one of its' running-in turns. The picture also shows the 2nd stage of the Groombridge station project under way with the canopy steelwork having been erected during the winter shut down period. Photo © Phil Barnes

A new photo gallery of the Jinty's launch gala has also been added to the website and can be viewed in the Photo Gallery.

The winter shut down period has seen a lot of progress on the second stage of the Groombridge station project. Phase 1 which was the station building was completed in late 2003, and the second stage will see the construction of a canopy on the East side of the building progress during 2004. Phase 3 will see a further canopy built on the other side of the building at a later date.

The accompanying photo (left), shows the canopy on March 14th with the roof trusses fitted to the steelwork. Photo © M. Dives

The first pictures of the Jinty finished with numbers and crests have been released to show what awaits enthusiast's and other visitors if you visit Tunbridge Wells West on March 14th for its' official launch! The pictures show the locomotive coming into steam prior to its' test runs on the 21st February. The superb paint job has been carried out by the railway's own painter and chairman Jon Nye, and all that remained to be done was to apply the early BR crest on the left hand (fireman's side) water tank.

Click here to compare this picture to one of the loco in a similar place taken just 11 months ago, to see the time and effort that has gone into the presentation of what is the railway's first ex-mainline steam locomotive. This photo © Andy Cottenham.

Left: The early-BR crest applied to the Driver's side water tank on 47493 - 21/2/04.

The number of hits to this website in February passed the 2000 mark for what is believed to be the first time ever. This is ten times as many people that were visiting at this time just 2 years ago. The number has steadily grown since then, with the total doubling over the last 12 months.

47493 completed its' series of running in sessions on Saturday 21st February. Theses tests consisted of a load being added behind the locomotive, and it completed several trips between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge with 5 coaches and a diesel in tow. 47493's next date in steam will be its' public launch on March 14th with guest David Shepherd.

The Bridge has been totally stripped, and 75% of the necessary replacement structural beams have been fitted. Work is proceeding on the remaining beams and with painting the frame. The next jobs include making the new approach steps, and fitting the timber deck.

A new event has been added to this year's list of special events. A charity event has been organised for the weekend of the 24th/25th April. The event will see 50% of the weekend's profits generated to three charities. The first is a local charity to the railway, Hospice in the Weald. The second being Samaritans, whom the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells supports and thirdly the RNLI, actively supported by member Stephen Woolven.

The weekend should see 3 headboards related to the charities being carried by the locomotive, with sales and promotional stands in the shed at Tunbridge Wells West. Please come along and give your support to these charities.

The railway has purchased a Class 101 Driving Trailer Car. Previously stored at Shoeburyness, 54408 arrived at Tunbridge Wells West on Wednesday 4th February. In the long term it is planned to convert the trailer car into an observation saloon for use with the railway's passenger coaching set. Although in the shorter term it may see use with the restored half of the 115 DMMU Car 51669, to create the railway's first operational DMMU. More details about the 101 car will appear on the website when they become available.

The other half of the 115 DMMU No. 51849 is currently awaiting major restoration.

The Spa Valley Railway is pleased to confirm the attendance of railway artist David Shepherd to the re-launch of its' LMS Jinty 47493 on March 14th. Mr Shepherd will dedicate the locomotive in a special ceremony at Tunbridge Wells West at 13:00 on the day. For more details on the day, please see previous news release.

Jinty 47493 is scheduled to be released back into traffic on March 14th, following a 3 year overhaul carried out in the railway's workshops. The locomotive owned by Barry Buckfield, which is the Spa Valley's first ex-mainline locomotive will be in operation from March and is set to be one of the stars at this year's steam gala.

During the December Santa season the locomotive had light engine running in trials, mainly in hours of darkness after the last service train. During the February closed period the locomotive will undertake final loaded trials prior to the event.

The locomotive is set to be dedicated in a special ceremony at 13:00, possibly by well known railway figure David Shepherd. The Jinty will haul all of the trains during the day, along with an evening non-stop run between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge. The award winning Bar/Buffet car 'Kate' will be open on all trains, selling a range of refreshments.

A new photo gallery has been added featuring two of the railway's steam locomotives outside the locomotive shed at Tunbridge Wells West, during the evening of the 1st January. The two locomotives featured are 0-6-0ST Peckett 'Fonmon', which had been in service during the day, hauling the passenger trains and ex-LMS Jinty 47493.

10:30	Passenger Train To Groombridge
11:45	Passenger Train To Groombridge
13:00	Dedication Ceremony At Tunbridge Wells West
13:45	Passenger Train To Groombridge
15:00	Passenger Train To Groombridge
16:15	Passenger Train To Groombridge
17:30	Non Stop Passenger Train To Groombridge - Will Not Stop At High Rocks