Had a good day with these guys

A very enjoyable turn as a learner at Tenterden Town signalbox. Lots going on today including a train coming to a halt on the approach to the station, just in front of the crossing gates, owing to problems with a brake dragging on the steepest part of the line with rails wet after a heavy shower.

We were about to take some action to close the gates to the railway to allow traffic to cross the railway when the driver had another stab and managed to get enough momentum to get over the hump and into the station.

Extras show in Pannier, wreathed is steam, stopped on the bank just short of the crossing. And the Norwegian with some of our vintage carriages awaiting departure from Tenterden.

One more learning turn here until my passing out turn in early September. I was put through my paces with many questions about working the box which the Signalling Inspector will be expecting me to know.

After dinner in the gathering dusk we walked in Mote Park and we were treated to the superb experience of many bats flitting low over the lake against the still bright western sky.