"Bower Grove" being rebuilt as the K&SBLR raises £200 for Demelza House

At the Bower Grove Summer Fete on Saturday 18th June, we managed to raise a staggering £200, which has all gone off to Demelza and was greatly appreciated. Thank you to all those who visited the stall to donate on that day.

Meanwhile we have sent "Bower Grove" to Rhos Helyg for a complete rebuild. We cannot tell you why for legal reasons. However, the locomotive blast pipe has been realigned to the proper vertical position, we have had a new blower assembly fitted, new water tanks and the water bypass assembly has been completely redesigned. This is in effect going to be an almost new locomotive when it comes back to us.

I have also written an article about my Roundhouse "Millie" which will be submitted to and hopefully published in "Garden Rail" Magazine. We will keep you update you with our developments on the rebuild of "Bower Grove".

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

K&SBLR On Tour at 1:00 today

Today is the day! we are running are K&SBLR On Tour stall in loving memory of the late Davy Armstrong.

Locomotives on Static Display:
Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.1 "Hermione"
Darjeeling "B" Class No.5 "Maid of Kent"
Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher"
Roundhouse "Forney" No.6 "Salem"

Locomotives on Demonstration track:
No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong"
No.3 "Bower Grove"

Please be aware that "Bower Grove" is currently experiencing problems, so it will be running without the main body. The body will be placed on static display today. After the display here, "Bower Grove" will be sent away for repair.

Our current total is £90. Come and see us and keep donating!!

Regards,
Chris, Phil and Steve Nelson,
Stall Organisers

"Bower Grove" and "Salem": Latest Updates

I have recently heard within the last few hours that the steam trials currently being undertaken on "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove" are almost complete. It is understood that the locomotive should undertake its loaded test run next week. Tomorrow, it is hoped that the locomotive will undergo its light engine test run follwing several static steam tests.

Meanwhile, "Forney" No.6 "Salem" has been operating its first public service trains today. It is running well and has thrilled photographers with some fabulous performances. Below, is the planned schedule for tomorrow:

Locomotive Roster:
No.6 "Salem"
No.1 "Hermione"
No.3 "Bower Grove"

Proposed Itinerary:
No.6 "Salem", (Service Trains)
No.1 "Hermione", (Service Trains)
No.3 "Bower Grove", (Light engine test run)

During the loaded test runs, "Bower Grove" will be tagged onto one of the service trains hauled either by "Hermione" or "Salem" and Double Head the train as far as Rye.

As usual, we will keep you posted with news of "Bower Grove".

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

K&SBLR: Latest News

Following its Light Engine Test Run on Saturday, we can now confirm that "Forney" No.6 "Salem" is running well having undertaken the loaded test this morning. The locomotive will be formerly returned to traffic on Monday and it is to participate in the "Black Locomotives Weekend" in late June.

Meanwhile, "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove"'s troubles continue following a second steam test. The problem, we think, is being caused by the ash pan, this will be repaired and further tests will be undertaken later. However, we do still intend to have the locomotive ready to participate at the Bower Grove School Summer Fete on Saturday 18th June 2011. More details will be published as they come through.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

"Salem" back in steam

SR&RLR "Forney" No.6 "Salem" has been formerly returned to traffic following repairs and a few trial runs that took place this morning. The loco has had a smoke box repaint into Matt Black and brand new white lining has been added. The loco will be operating service trains this weekend, as well as the popular "Black Lion Diner Special", which this weekend will run until bank Holiday Monday. Two extra trains will operate on saturday 3rd June and sunday 4th June 2011. The locomotive's first big event will be the "Black Locomotives Weekend" during late Spring, when Roundhouse "Jack" No.4 "Holman F Stevens" will make its last apperance in Unlined Black livery before her repaint into Midnight Blue complete with white lining.

We will keep you posted with details of the Forney's progress.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Evengt Organiser

NRP Email Account started

We are pleased to announce that the email account set up for DVD orders is now live. The "Davy Armstrong Memorial Stall" is to be publicised by Demelza House on their website. Please visit, http://www.demelzahouse.co.uk/ for more information on this stall. To order DVD's now as well as  after the Summer Fete please contact us by email at:
newromneyproductions@hotmail.com

Regards,
Chris & Steve Nelson,
Stall Organiser's

P.S This link does not work at present, please copy the writing into your address field.

K&SBLR: Darjeeling Sponsor's Event

The details for the Darjeeling Sponsor's Event have been more or less confirmed now. This will take place at the headquarters of Romney Marsh Model Engineering, and as you can see from the pictures above, we have an impressive locomotive line up.

Topping the bill of course will be newly overhauled Garratt No.7 "Helen", undergoing final steam tests.
Darjeeling "B" class No.5 "Maid of Kent" will also join this historic occasion, the first time a pair of Darjeeling Locomotives have been Double Headed for a number of years.
The Darjeeling locos will be supported by "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove", acting as station pilot.

Highlights:
Darjeeling Garratt "Helen" carrying sponsors
A Darjeeling Double Header with No's 7&5
The two Darjeeling locomotives posing for photographs along with "Bower Grove", with a series of Photo Runby's included
And of course! yes..... Why not pair the two red engines together for the final train? No's 3&7 will be paired together as the sun sets, (well, hopefully!)

This event is scheduled to take place during late Winter 2011 or January 2012. Dates will be posted on this blog page when confirmed.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

NB: This event is a PRIVATE event for those who sponsered the overhaul. The official launch will take place in February 2012.

"Helen" to Receive full Indian Railway Red repaint

The K&SBLR fleet is gradually being worked on and upgraded, with "Forney" No.6 "Salem" undergoing repairs at present.

During the Winter of 2011, the boiler certificate on Darjeeling Garratt No.7 "Helen" will expire. In December, "Helen" will undergo a comprehensive overhaul, which includes a thorough cleaning of the boiler tubes, Safety Valve ajustments and a full repaint into Indian Railways Red livery, which it carried during its working life on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This overhaul will take 2 months to complete. it is understood that she will return to the line in January/ February 2012.

When she returns, she will be visiting Romney marsh Model Engineering for tests to be carried out. She will stay there until late February. On the last day of her visit to RMME, she will be Double Heading a Sponsers Train with Darjeeling "B" class No.5 "Maid of Kent". This will be the first time that two Darjeeling locomotives have been paired together for a number of years.

We will keep you posted with developments, more details of the sponsers event will appear here later today.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser,
K&SBLR

"Bower Grove" now ready: Update on Test Runs and forthcoming events

The problems with "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove" have now been rectified, and she will be steamed by the manufacturers during next week. It is hoped that she will be dispatched to us for steam tests during the weekend of 13th, 14th and 15th May. On Saturday & Sunday, the locomotive will be steam tested. Please read the information below for details:

Itinerary:
Saturday 14th May:
Loco to be be gently steamed to working pressure
Light engine test run
Station pilot duty
Loaded test run ("Sir Davy Armstrong" as relief engine on rear

Sunday 15th May

Loaded Test Run (No.3 alone)
Station Pilot Duty

After the tests, "The Bower Grove Ltd" sponsers train will be Double Headed by "Bower Grove" and "Albus" from Appledore to Camber Sands and return.

On Sunday 12th June, the new "Lady Anne" will be formerly returned to public service with a special "Lady Anne Weekend" operating to a Green Service Timetable. Here is the main Highlights Programme:
"Bower Grove" bringing VIP's to Appledore
No.3 on station Pilot duty at Appledore
No's 1&2 on Double Headed Service Trains
"Lady Anne" line up at Appledore Station
"The Demelza House Express" with No's 3&2 Double Heading from Appledore to Camber Sands

No.3 "Bower Grove" also has a starring role at the school she was named after. This will take place for one day only on Saturday 18th June 2011. More details to come.

We will keep you posted with details on the steam tests.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

Update on "Bower Grove" Return

After a small problem discovered by the team at Rhos Helyg Locomotive Works, "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove" was sent back to the proprietors in Cannock, Birmingham. It is hoped that the locomotive will be dispached to the K&SBLR in time for its commissioning and starring role at the Bower Grove School Grand Summer Fete in June.

"Bower Grove" will be heavily involved in many of the Special Events to come during the year, including the "Superpower Gala" in December.

We will keep you posted with developments.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

"K&SBLR Black Locomotives Weekend" 2011

Later in the year, Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.1 "Hermione" will be painted into British Railways Lined Black Livery and given the number, 30197. To celebrate her return in this livery, we have organised a "Black Locomotvies Weekend", with a slightly enhanced timetable. Full details are being finalised. Here are some of the highlights you can expect:
Roundhouse "Jack" No.4 "Holman F Stephens" on its last apperance in black livery
Roundhouse "Forney" No.6 "Salem" teamed with the American stock
No's 1&6 Double Heading "The Camber Sands Ltd"

Please join us for this exiting event.
Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway comes to Kent

Join us for a very special Darjeeling Himalayan Railway themed event at the Kent & Sussex Border Light Railway. Full details are being finalised, but in the meantime, here are some of the highlights:
Darjeeling "B" class "Maid of Kent" and Darjeeling Garratt "Helen" both in steam
"Bower Grove" on shuttle trains between Appledore and Rye
"Maid of Kent" and "Helen" both running with the Darjeeling train
"The Himalayan Bird" train, running non stop from Appledore to Camber Sands behind "Maid of Kent" and "Bower Grove"

The full roster will be published on this page within the next couple of days.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

K&SBLR: "The Gloucestershire Wawrickshire Railway Appeal Gala"

This year, the K&SBLR Enthusiasts Event will be replaced by a special Steam Gala to help raise funds for a railway that has suffered two devastating embankment collapses. The appropriately named "Gloucestershire Wawrickshire Appeal Gala" will run in late may. All trains will be named, some with Cotswold titles.

Locomotive Roster:
Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.1 "Hermione"
Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong"
Sabre Steam "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove"
Darjeeling "B" class No.5 "Maid of Kent"
Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher"

Proposed Itinerary:
No.3 "Bower Grove" & No.5 "Maid of Kent" will double head "The Cotswolds Explorer" from Rye to Appledore. This will be followed by 2 Photo Runby's.
No.1 "Hermione" will head "The Sussex Flyer" from Appledore to Camber Sands and return
No's 3&9 will head "The Cheltenham Flyer" to Rye.
The event will end with "The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Special", hauled with gusto by "Maid of Kent".

Please join us for this fabulous fundrasing event.
Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

"Bower Grove", Will it return?

The K&SBLR regret to announce that "Bower Grove" may not be visiting the Summer Fete at its namesake school due to the discovery of a firebox problem by the team at Rhos Helyg. Every effort is being made to ensure that the repair is completed in time. Roundhouse "Jack" No.4 "Holman F Stephens" will deputize for "Bower Grove" if futher problems are discovered.

We are sorry for any inconveniance this has caused.

Regards,
Chris Nelson

"Bower Grove Returns": Date TBC

During the late Spring,  "Lady Anne" No.4 "Bower Grove" will return to traffic. This event will operate to a green service timetable consisting of 3 trains.

Proposed Workings:
Train 1 No.3 is to run into Appledore for her comissioning, carrying VIP's to the event. She will stay there until the end of the day.
Train 2 The ever popular Double Headed combination of No.1 "Hermione" and No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong" will enter Appledore with a service train.
Train 3 Following this, the three "Lady Anne" locomotives will line up at Appledore Station for a photo shoot. There will then be a series of Photo Runby's.
Train 4 The "Lady Anne Express" will run non stop from Appledore to Camber Sands with No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong" & No.3 "Bower Grove" Double Heading.

Please join us for this historic event.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

Photographic Charter to star "Lady Anne" and "Millie"










Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong" seen on test in North Wales before transit to the K&SBLR.

 
The Roundhouse "Millie" is steam tested before the locomotive is lined in yellow.

Over the weekend of 16th- 18th April, the Kent & Sussex Border Light Railway will be running a series of private photographic trains with Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher" and Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong" paired together. These locomotives have not been paired for some time, with their last Double Headed run being in February 2011.

These trains are being run for the Management Staff to allow them to take pictures, which will be displayed on the stand being exhibited at this year's Bower Grove School Summer Fete.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

"Bower Grove" to star at Bower Grove Fete in June 2011

A coal fired "Lady Anne" on the railway at the headquarters of Sabre Steam, Cannock.

In the summer of 2011 the Kent & Sussex Border Light Railway will be exhibiting at the Bower Grove Summer Fete. A special 2 foot gauge track will be layed to accomodate our 4 locomotives plus a short Freight Train. Several Double Headed combinations will operate with this rolling stock providing a fabulous oppurtunity to see these engines at work.

Perhaps the star of the show will be the newly commissioned "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove". She has been completely restores by our team and will be operating alongside a specially selected fleet of locomotives.

Locomotive Roster:
"Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove
Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong"
Darjeeling "B" class No.5 "Maid of Kent"
Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher"

Proposed Demonstrations:
Demo 1 No.3 "Bower Grove" working alone
Demo 2 No's 3&2 Double Heading
Demo 3No's 5&9 Double Heading
Demo 4 No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong" working alone
Demo 5 No's 3&9 Double Heading

This stall is being exhibited to raise money for Demelza Hospice in loving memory of the late Davy Armstrong. Please make a donation when you visit our stall in exchange for a free New Romney Productions railway DVD. this stall is open to the public, all of the staff and the City of Rochester Pipe Band.

Please make a visit to this stand!

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

P.S If you would like to see this stall back at the fete again next year, please notify Miss Scott who will contact us with further details as we will have left the school by then. Thank you for your Cooperation.

Update on the restoration of "Bower Grove"

The restoration of "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove" is progressing well and it should be back in traffic by early Spring. Please read the information written below this text.

It is planned to hold an event in early Spring celebrating the return of "Bower Grove", but before this can happen, a series of tests will be carried out. These tests will occur during the evenings, however, those who wish to see the newly finished locomotive before the event may come along for the final test run.

The roster below is colour coded:

LETR Light engine Test Run
DHTR Double Headed Test Run
LTR Loaded Test Run

Proposed Itinerary:

Test Runs:
Light Engine Test Run, No.3 alone
Double Headed Test Run, no coaches, but double headed with "Hermione"
Loaded Test Run with coaches, Darjeeling "B" class on the rear

Commissioning:
This timetable is colour coded to ensure the event runs smoothly. The initial's and colours indicate the appropriate train formations:

CT Commissioning train
FPSD First Public service Double Headed
SST Single Service Train
DHST Double Headed Service train
NSW Non Stop working

The first train will be the Commissioning train (shown in maroon), which will pause at Appledore for a dedication ceremony. Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong" will move light engine to Appledore from Rye.

The loco will then haul its first public service (shown in orange), Double Headed with "Sir Davy Armstrong".

Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher" will head a single service (shown in pink)
Finally, "Hermione" will Double Head with "Bower Grove" on a non stop working from Appledore to Camber sands. (Shown in blue)

This event operates to a GST Green Service Timetable.

We hope you enjoy this event.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

"Forney" for Rhos Helyg in February

The Kent & Sussex Border Light Railway's "Forney" locomotive will be the next in line for repairs at Rhos Helyg locomotive works sometime in 2011. Since returning to traffic, this locomotive has had numerous problems, including Regulator and Boiler problems.

Still, we are rather sad that it will be leaving us next month, so the locomotive will take up the spotlight in Early February working the "Black Lion Diner Special's" every Friday night. Due to the locomotives regulator problems, these services will be double headed.

Proposed Itinerary:

Friday 4th February:
"Black Lion Special", this is expected to be double heading with Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher.

Friday 18th February:
"Black Lion Diner Special", double headed with Darjeeling "B" class "Maid of Kent". On the return, "Sir Davy Armstrong" will double head with the "Forney".

Sunday 20th February:
Slightly enhanced timetable. The normal service trains are to be top and tailed this Sunday before a spectacular climax in the afternoon.

Service Timetable: Enchanced Green service, 4 trains
Train 1 No.9 "Sir Christopher" and No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong" top and tailing
Train 2 No.1 "Hermione" and No.5 "Maid of Kent" top and tailing
Train 4 No.4 "Holman F Stephens" and No.6 "Salem" top and tailing

Trains will run in this format until 5:00pm.

At 5:00pm The "Millie" will take charge with the "Forney" for a special double headed run to say farewell. "The Forney Farewell" will run non stop from Appledore to Camber Sands and return, arriving at Camber by 6:00pm and returning to Appledore by 7:00pm. This will be a fitting farewell to the loco. Demand will be high for this service, so please book tickets for this train.

We hope you will join us for this special event.
Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser

Steve Nelson,
General Manager

Posted by Rye station at 15:43

Further details for "Davy Armstrong Memorial Event"

In late February, we will be holding the "Davy Armstrong Memorial Event" at the headquarters of Romney Marsh Model Engineering. Alongside the Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong", we will have another "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove", built by Sabre Steam Models and restored by members of the Kent and Sussex Border Light Railway.

Another locomotive taking part is Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher", built for the construction of the Kent and Sussex Border Light Railway and completely restored by Tony Wilmore of Rhos Helyg Locomotive works in North Wales.

Proposed Itinerary:
No's 2 "Sir Davy Armstrong" and 3 "Bower Grove" will double head together for the Bower Grove staff
Then a solo working with the "Millie", once round the track, it will then be joined by "Bower Grove" for two double headed runs.
Then "Sir Christopher" and "Sir Davy Armstrong" will double head trains for the rest of the event. We are planning plenty of Photo Runby's.

Regards,
Steve Nelson
General Manager

Chris Nelson, Event Organiser

NB This visit to Romney Marsh Model Engineering is not part of our K&SBLR On Tour itinerary.

This event is a private event for freinds and relatives of Davy, however we hope to pose photographs of the event on this website. A DVD of the event will also be produced by New Romney Productions.

 

Plans now confirmed for Private Charter

Some time in the early spring, The Kent and Sussex Border Light Railway will be running a limited service with 2 locomotives instead of the usual 4. Below, are our plans, and the reason for this change.

K&SBLR trains, Late February

Two locomotives will operate the service in Late February. Three other locomotives will be away on the day. The two locomotives rostered to operate the service are Darjeeling "B" class No.5 "Maid of Kent" and Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.1 "Hermione". As a result of the intensive service, and with only two lcos rosteres, the services wil operate between Rye and Appledore, using a combination of double heading and banking. For the last three trains, the engines will move light engine back to Rye. They will operate between Rye and Camber Sands between 4:00pm and 5:30pm.

Private Charter, Late February
Three locos from the fleet have been chosen to perform at a special event organised jointly by Romney Marsh Model Engineering and the K&SBLR. A great railway fan, Davy Armstrong, passed away after a battle for Cancer in April 2010. This special "Davy Armstrong Memorial Event", employs 3 locomotives from the K&SBLR fleet. They will operate a selection of Private Charters at the headquarters of Romney Marsh Model Engineering.

Locomotive Roster for "Davy Armstrong Memorial Event"
Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong", named in memory of the deceased
Roundhouse "Millie" No.9 "Sir Christopher", named especcialy for the event, owned by Event Organiser
Sabre "Lady Anne" No.3 "Bower Grove", named after Bower Grove School, Maidstone, Kent

All three locomotives have relavance to this event. The "Millie" and "Sir Davy Armstrong" are both named after freinds. No.3 "Bower Grove" is named after the school, where we have both been educated. The full itinerary will be published later today.

Regards,
Chris Nelson,
Event Organiser.

P.S. This event is ONLY for freinds and relatives of Davy, plus the staff of Bower Grove School.

"Millie": a reveiw of its performance

The newly restored Roundhouse "Millie" locomotive No.9 "Sir Christopher" is an ideal engine for the locomotive fleet. The locomotive was used on three of the double headers at the Winter Gala on the 27th December 2010.

It was commissioned at the start of the Gala by Steve Nelson, General Manager of the K&SBLR. It then joined Roundhouse "Jack" No.4 "Holman F Stephens" for a double headed run to Camber Sands. It was double headed twice more at the event, once with Darjeeling "B" class "Maid of Kent" and once with Roundhouse "Lady Anne" No.2 "Sir Davy Armstrong". The locomotive is to run at the head of the Black Lion Special's this weekend. It will also be taking part in the commissioning of No.3 "Bower Grove". The "Millie" is expected to be double heading with the new "Lady Anne".

Happy New Year to you all.
Regards,
Chris Nelson.
Event Organiser