No 25 Northiam wreathed in steam at Tenterden

A very busy day on the KESR at Tenterden Town signalbox. The character Bluey made an appearance today which was very well received by her young admirers. All 5 Bluey trains, which ran to either Wittersham or Northiam, were almost full to capacity with excited children all brandishing their Bluey goody bags.

Interspersed with the Bluey trains were two full line services to Bodiam which had an environmental and nature based theme. Also very popular too. Good to see the railway so busy.

I had a trainee in the signalbox so the day put him through his paces with a few different moves for him to get to grips with. He was OK, better in the afternoon which is not surprising as his last shift in the box was with me in early December.

We were faced with a couple of technical problems with No. 13 points (the blade of which can be seen in the blip) being very stiff to work and No. 11 signal which controls movement over these points being very difficult to pull off.

The Signalling and Telegraph Manager suggested cleaning and greasing the points which I duly did, scraping off much crud and grime then applying grease. And it worked. Points moved much easier and No. 11 signal came off with ease. Another piece of knowledge learned and experience gained.

Spoke to the signalling inspector today about our impending move. A very positive conversation as it seems that more than one signalman travels some distance to volunteer on the railway.

There is an extra of No 25 with less steam. I think I prefer the main blip