Visitors to this blog hit an all-time high a few days after our Junction Rd weekend. I can only think that it was to see me posting a comment about what a successful event it was. Operationally it was very smooth with engines being added/changed at Northiam, but the number of visitors, other than existing members, was very disappointing, particularly given that it was a one-off event. That said the first train was full on the Saturday .We all thought it was quite exciting, and so obviously did some of our membership. The weather for the event was excellent too. It has demonstrated that there isn’t a commercial demand to run over the line west of Bodiam, at least until it gets a bit further. Steam Railway please note it was a mile extension not 400 yards!
A new loco is coming here, although you won’t see it running for a while yet. Our Board have agreed to allow a “Barry Wreck” a former GWR 2-8-0 no 4253 to come here for restoration by an owning group amongst our working membership. It only needs a cool £350k to restore it but there is already a commitment from a number of folk to buy shares. The sooner the money is raised, the sooner it will be fit for traffic. Realistically this is a 10 year+ overhaul. Our website will have details on how you can become a shareholder in this project.

Similarly there is a carriage body on its way for restoration too, but that project will not start for a few months yet. More about this another time.
I have been discussing with a local pilot the commercial opportunity to fly over the K&ESR (existing and track bed). This is an interesting potential product and will be on sale soon. Watch this blog for more info. On the subject of aeroplanes, I am delighted to report that on Sat May 14th as part of our Forties weekend we will be entertained by a display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. What a coup. Our capacity for the weekend is about 2500 visitors and 500 tickets are sold already – don’t miss out on what will be a weekend to remember.
I need to apologise to my mum. Our Mothers’ Day offer has completely sold out so I can’t take her for a train ride and cream tea on Mothers’ Day. Still there is always another day! I wonder if she would fancy a Murder Mystery on the Pullman in April – there are still a few seats left on those trains.