KESR No19 Norwegian back in service

For my 50th birthday in 2004 I had a Footplate Experience Day on this locomotive, learning how to drive the engine up and down the line in Rolvenden Station. It was withdrawn from service in 2006 after as its boiler certificate had expired. It took some 7 years to restore and refurbish the loco and it re-entered service last week - this was one of its first outings at the head of the Wealden Pullman Sunday Dining Train seen here at Northiam Station.

Nice to see the old lady back. Built in 1919 for the Norwegian State Railway it was bought privately and arrived on the KESR in 1971. It is the only tender locomotive on the KESR. After an overhaul in 1996 it was recommissioned by the Norwegian Ambassador and shortly afterwards named "Norwegian".

I was down at Northiam learning how to operate the level crossing gates across the busy A28 road outside the station. A lovely day, warm, sunny but with a pleasant breeze and tolerant motorists. Apparently they can get irate if held up at the gates on a busy summer day. Next time I'm down there in 2 weeks time it will be for a passing out turn to qualify as a Northiam Gates crossing keeper