It has been locomotives and trains galore in Thanet with the steam 35028 Clan Line appearing at a ticketed Ramsgate Depot Open Day in association with South Eastern Railway today (June 8).
The whistle of the locomotive could be heard today from the locomotive which arrived at the station at 11pm yesterday.
There are a variety of locomotives and trains on show at the depot.
Yesterday two classic trains built for the Kent coast in the 50s travelled through Thanet stations as they too headed to Ramsgate for the open day.
These were the 1959 MLVs (Motor Luggage Vans) S68001 and S68002, with a 1951 Suburban two car EPB (Electro Pneumatic Brake) unit. The especially repainted trains were hauled through Westgate by a former Southern Diesel, 33025.
Hornby has also carried out a naming ceremony of a Javelin train – now branded as the Hornby Visitor Centre – at the depot. The naming was to celebrate Hornby’s return to Margate. The event was attended by Hornby management including development director Simon Kohler.
Mr Kohler said: “All at Hornby have been honoured that Southeastern Railway have named one of their flagship trains ‘Hornby Visitor Centre’ at the Ramsgate Open Day. Such an honour simply underlines the fact that Hornby is very much a part of Thanet.”
The event is ticket-holders only, made up of staff, ex-staff, invited guests and those lucky enough to get them through schools and Hornby Hobbies.
Attractions also included the newest freight locomotive for Direct Rail Services -the Class 88008 Electra. British Transport Police and Kent Fire and Rescue are also at the event.
The event is in aid of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and the Railway Children charity for homeless children across the world sleeping at stations.
The Clan Line departs Ramsgate tonight at 7;35pm for Stewart’s Lane, London- going via Minster, Canterbury, Ashford, Tonbridge and Orpington.
