A Wartime Railway.

 The next episode in our travels took us South East to Kent, we have been in that direction many times and always enjoy a stay in Rye, East Sussex. This time it had to include a Railway, and not the Tunnel link. It turned out to be 'The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway'.

We decided to start our round trip journey at New Romney Station, these little locos may look small but pack a punch.

A quick photo opportunity before heading off towards Dymchurch.

Not quite the headroom that our Mk 1s provide.

A view across Romney Marshes towards Dungeness Nuclear Power Station.

This is Kent not a Star Wars set!

The track goes around in a loop, this is the distant stop next to the huge Dungeness Power Station. A bit of TLC from the Driver/Fireman.

Always a worthwhile photo.

Getting ready to leave for Hythe.

Definitely smaller than a Mk1.

Cross over at Dymchurch.

Passing through Romney, you do get time for photos.

Turning around at Hythe

Just re attaching for the next journey.

This little Railway dates back to 1927, is 1/3 full size and runs for 13.5 miles. It was the the dreams of Captain J.E.P. Howey .... a racing driver, millionaire ex Army officer  and Count Louis Zborowski, a well known racing driver of the time. The Count was keen to build a 15'' gauge Railway, so was Howey ... they tried to buy the avenglass and Eskdale, to no avail.

In spite of this two locomotives were ordered ( Pacifics) designed by Henry Greenly and built by Davey, Paxman & Co. in Colchester. Sadly the Count was killed racing at Monza, so Howey had two locos and nowhere to go. He teamed up with Greenly who came up with Romney Marsh.

During the War years, it had the only miniature armoured train in the world, it was also used to help in the construction of PLUTO ( pipe line under the ocean ) which fuelled the Allied invasion force.

If you would like more information, they have an excellent website.