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

Western at the West - October 2005

During October 2005, the railway welcomed large Pannier 9466 on a months visit. The locomotive, owned by Dennis Howells, is normally based at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre but goes on numerous visits to other railways. The engine featured in two special events. The first was 'A Day Out With Thomas' where it appeared as 'Duck', and 'Western at the West' where it was seen double-heading with resident Jinty 47493. Here are a few pictures from its visit.

Left:- 9466 sits in Groombridge platform on its first day in service after arrival on the railway the previous day - Photo M. Dives
Above Right:- A view inside 9466's cab showing all the controls - Photo M. Carne

Left:- A front on shot of 9466 as it rests by the water tower over lunchtime - Photo M. Carne

Above Left:- 9466 as Duck, approaches Tunbridge Wells West during the first Thomas weekend - Photo M. Dives
Above Right:- 9466 as Duck rests on shed during the Thomas event - Photo M. Dives

Western at the West - 23rd October 2005 - All photos by M. Carne unless otherwise stated
Below Left:- 9466 sits on level crossing whilst being coaled on 23rd October
Below Right:- 9466 with 47493 in the back ground outside the shed on 23rd October 

Above Left:- 9466 is coaled on the level crossing
Above Right:- Jinty 47493 sits over the pit outside the shed
Below Left:- 9466 sits in the platform at Tunbridge Wells, train heating awaiting departure
Below Right:- 9466 runs round to couple to the other end of the train and 47493

Above Left:- 47493 and 9466 await departure from Tunbridge Wells West with the first train
Above Right:- 47493 departs Groombridge run round heading towards Birchden - Photo J. Nye
Below Left:- 9466 approaches Poke Hill Farm crossing with the Jinty on the rear - Photo J. Nye
Below Right:- 9466 approaches Tunbridge Wells West with a train from Birchden and Groombridge

Above Left:- 47493 rolls into Tunbridge Wells West on the rear of the train
Above Right:- 9466 waits in Groombridge loop as 47493 runs round
Below Left:- 9466 rests in Groombridge loop
Below Right:- 47493 passes 9466 as it runs round

Above Left:- 47493 runs into Groombridge piloting 9466
Above Right:- 9466 sits in Groombridge platform
Below Left:- A view from 47493 as it heads behind the houses at Groombridge, built on the former station site
Below Right:- 47493 pilots 9466 as they approach Poke Hill Farm Crossing - Photo J. Nye

Above Left:- 47493 and 9466 work up the bank from Poke Hill Farm Crossing, heading towards Adams Well - Photo J. Nye
Above Right:- 47493 and 9466 await departure from High Rocks
Below Left:- 47493 and 9466 await departure from High Rocks
Below Right:- 47493 and 9466 sit at Tunbridge Wells West with a train from Birchden and Groombridge

Above Left:- 9466 waits to take water at the tower
Above Right:- 47493 takes water in the loop at Tunbridge Wells West
Below Left:- 47493 ascends Birchden Bank with a train for Groombridge and 9466 on the rear - Photo J. Nye
Below Right:- 9466 banks the train up Birchden Bank - Photo J. Nye

Above Left:- 9466 sits in the platform at Tunbridge Wells West on the last day of its visit to the railway on 30th October- Photo J. Nye
Above Right:- 9466 sits in the platform at Tunbridge Wells West having arrived with the last train of its visit on 30th October- Photo J. Nye

Last Updated 26 January 2006. ©M. Dives