Northiam detail

Another day on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, today at Northiam Station as crossing keeper, opening and closing the gates across the busy A28 road. My first full day after passing out a couple of weeks ago. I worked out that during the day I opened and closed each gate 21 times. Good exericse without thinking about it as there are two gates and they are big and heavy. You can see them in the background.

I had to use the fire bucket during the day as a lineside fire was started by a cinder from an uptrain about 1/4 mile from the gates. It was a long way to carry a bucket of water.

The weather was really hot most of the day until a storm brewed up as the second to last train departed. Fortunately it had blown over before the final train of the day and I was able to complete the operation in the dry. Mind you we had quite a bit of rain and thunder later in the evening.

Today was a "Thomas the Tank Engine" Day at the railway. Seven trains each way, each one packed to the gunnels with families. Good way of attracting young people to the magic of steam railways I think, but some diehards don't like the idea. It costs a fair bit to run the day too as Thomas is a franchise and the KESR have to pay a considerable fee to run the event.

Thomas himself, yes he does exist as a real engine, doesn't come down the line, he has to stay in Tenterden as part of the agreement. His little helpers run the train and have those faces on their smoke boxes.

Despite the rain it was a lovely evening. The outlaw, Susan's mother, was 88 today so she came round for a birthday meal and celebration. Very pleasant it was too.