Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves join the train

Another fine day on the Kent and East Sussex Railway on the second weekend of the Santa Specials. Seven packed trains from 10.20 to 15.55 meant a long shift in the signalbox at Tenterden Town from 8.15 to 17.35.

This is my first turn at Tenterden during a railway event. I’m usually in the quiet and isolated Wittersham Road where all you see are glimpses of faces at the window as they trundle past the box. Very enjoyable day, lots of happy faces and for most of the day, great winter weather.

A broken spring on the Pannier tank meant that the facility of having a third loco available to speed up the turnaround was not available so we had to revert to the usual run around working. Apart from that all went smoothly.

That’s my last turn on the railway until next March. By that time I’ll have forgotten all that I knew about working Tenterden. The Santa’s continue though right up to the weekend before Christmas and we run a Christmas Day Pullman, a New Year’s Eve Pullman and services between Christmas and the New Year.