Swiftsure at Cranbrook Road crossing

A locomotive new to the KESR was in charge of todays Afternoon Tea Wealden Pullman train. Swiftsure is on loan to the KESR this summer from the Dean Forest Railway.

Afternoon Tea was not restricted to paying customers as crossing keepers and signalmen were handed goodie bags from the Pullman passed, containing sandwiches, scones, cream, butter and jam. A wonderful treat which I took home to share.

Also on duty today was GWR 4144 which put in a sterling performance up the bank and over the Cranbrook Road crossing in charge of the A set. Also out today was No25 which appeared on Thursday’s blip. No25 was in charge of the wooden bodied Victorian Set which looked resplendent in the sunshine.

GWR 4144’s energetic progress up the gradient threw hot cinders lineside leaving the poor crossing keeper the task of beating out a fire in the grass at the end of the day.

You can read all about Swiftsure here: https://preservedbritishsteamlocomotives.com/hunslet-works-no-2857-wd75008-swiftsure-0-6-0st/?fbclid=IwAR3DleqA24h1XBhV8uuEB3D-5htMHK_9Woo6O53gRd17T4VDtCJnyUgEiNM

Pleased to report my brother and his wife are making a slow recovery and we seem to be OK still. Fingers are still crossed.