One of my favourite lines is the Kent and East Sussex Railway, which managed to survive passemger closure in 1954 and freight closure in 1961 to reach the preservation era - with some serious problems along the way. The section from Tenterden northwards to Headcorn closed completely in 1954, the remaining section was reopened in stages from 1974, but the original intention was only to reach Bodiam - the remaining line to the network at Robertsbridge was abandoned completely, mainly because of the 'problem' of a level crossing on the A22. This was back in the days when roads were given priority over rail.
Of course things have changed completely now and this missing section is being restored - and at a cracking place. Take a look at the Rother Valley Railway's website which shows construction of this missing link. Hopefully when restored proper passenger and freight trains can return to the KESR, proving that Colonel Stephens was spot on with his light railways for rural areas - which are going to become a VERY important part of our transport infrastructure.
Hopefully when reopened it will spur other light railway construction, including the route north from Tenterden, the Selsey Tramway (desperately needed) and in our area, the Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Railway, to name just a few!
4 comments:
It's obvious to me that there are some very intelligent people who are strongly interested in railway restoration. It's a crying shame this intelligence is not reflected at local and national level in the corridors of power.
Integrated transport is the way forward: Does the SDJR cross with the Somersetshire Coal and /or Kennet and Avon Canals in any way?
SDJR movers and shakers should be talking to our water-loving brethren for a common way forward.
Our land at Midford includes a tiny part of the Midford canal basin, but I think that's the only place where we interface.
Canals will certainly have a big part to play in future transport in the UK and it's good to see that so much of the infrastructure has already been restored.
I don't know Bath well but believe the use as a publicity exercise of relaying the Midford line to the canal if possible could go much good to the SDJR cause.
The transfer of goods from train to barge and vice versa.
Demonstration of the way ahead has to start somewhere and soon.
The S&D only "connected" with the Kennett & Avon canal indirectly, by way of the Somerset Coal Canal. As for the latter, a lot of the S&D between Midford and Radstock was built on top of the SCC anyway - so you could rebuild one or the other, but not both!
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