Passengers must not lean out of the window…

Who could resist when Swiftsure was at full regulator storming up Tenterden bank under Tenterden home signals on the approach to the station.

I was leading a group of 14 people from the Bearsted and Thurnham Society (where I’m membership secretary) on a special “behind the scenes” tour of the Kent and East Sussex Railway which I’d organised on behalf of the Society.

It appears everyone had a grand time, with a talk about the history of the Railway, a visit to the carriage and wagon works to see vehicles being restored. A short train ride to Rolvenden followed with a visit to the engine shed and Rolvenden signalbox.

It was then back up to Tenterden for lunch and a whole line trip to Bodiam and back, viewing the Cavell Van, hop gardens and hoppers huts and all rounded off by a visit to the excellent Col. Stephen’s Museun.

Susan and I rounded off the day with a refreshing drink in the Old Dairy Tap Room next to the station.

For those of you interested in the signals, the main signal gives permission for the driver to enter the platform on the right hand line and assures him that the line is clear beyond the next stop signal.

The subsidiary signal below is called the Calling On signal is worked instead of the main signal if there is stock in the platform. It authorises the driver to pass the main signal at danger, alerts the driver to proceed with caution, that the line ahead may be occupied and he should stop short of any obstruction.

The left hand signal controls entry onto the loop or goods line to the left. It has the same three meanings as the calling on signal; caution, occupied and stop short.