I was wandering aound the web a while back and came upon a really neat railroad that is being operated as a hobby by the owner, for everyone's enjoyment. http://www.rhdr.demon.co.uk/rhdr.html I'm sure that Alan, Paul, and the others back in "Jolly Old" know about it, but it sure would be fun to help operate it. Hank
Yes Hank, it is a great railway. It is run like a main line, in miniature. I have been a few times, and will dig out some pics.
With the greatest of respect, Hank, I think it is a bit simplistic to say that the RH & DR is operated as a "hobby"; it is a large scale operation with a main line of about 14 miles, many powerful 15" gauge main line steam pacifics and mikados and some paid engineering and operating staff as well as many volunteers. The line is run as a properly organized operation; whether it makes a profit I don't know (I suspect it might be a bit touch and go and I know it has nearly closed down on various occasions in the past, so in that sense I suppose you may be right in saying it is a hobby in the sense that the criteria which underlie the running of a conventional business (maximize profit or diversify or close down) don't really apply) but it is much more than just a tourist attraction (diesel trains take local children to and from school, for instance). The line has been known and loved by quite a few generations of British miniature railway enthusiasts since it opened in about 1925. There are many interesting books about the line and a ride on one of their non stop specials, sitting behind the locomotive, is quite an experience! Passing a train on the main line, going at speed in the opposite direction, is exciting. Hopefully Alan can find and post some pictures. Ben
Wow , that's facinating Ben, thanks very much. I don't know where I got the idea that the RH & DR was merely the hobby of an "Old Gentleman". It could have been from the source that linked me to their site. I must admit that I didn't study the site when I linked to it in my post I appreciate your correcting me Hank I remember now ... there was an article about a "Country Gentleman's" miniature railway in the Smithsonian Magazine a few years back, and I confused the two (one more Senior Moment ). I'll try to find the article and see if it has a URL link, or at least post its name and location. Sorry for the confusion, Hank [ 02 May 2001: Message edited by: Hank Coolidge ]
In a sense, Hank, it was right to say that at one stage in the line's history (in fact for quite a few years) it was a "gentleman's hobby"; it was created and funded by a Capt J E P Howey and when he died (either in the 1950s or 60s, I think) the line went through very hard times with various new owners and consortia of owners taking it over for a few years at a time and it sinking further and further into the financial mire and the plant and equipment becoming very run down until things took an upturn, I suppose about 25 or 30 years ago, and the set up became more healthy so that nowadays I think the railway has an assured future (although I have no idea whatsoever how its finances are organized) and is much loved and appreciated by miniature railway fans and in particular fans of its beautiful scaled-down main line steam locos. Ben
I was fascinated by my ride on the 'little train' while on a high school trip from the States. It took a bit of negotiating to get my chaperones to allow me to go for a ride instead of a cathedral tour. I got the opportunity to ride in a second 'guard's van' that was for some reason in the consist. The staff were surprised that a teenage 'Yank' had an interest in trains. I vividly remember one of those meets with another train. I heard it coming and then thundering by while I watched it receed in the rear view mirror on the 'van'! I wish that more U.S. preservation groups were as highly organized as those in England!
Pleased you enjoyed your experience, Al Found some photos., will post shortly. [ 03 May 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]
Here are some photos. (Taken a few years ago) First me next to #10 at Dungeness. Irene in a coach, cosy, aren't they? My friend Trevor, at New Romney. In the background is the locomotive shed and workshops, etc. The double track mainline goes to Hythe. Taking on water at New Romney, for the run to Hythe. Both colour light and semaphore signals are used on the line. It's that man again, looking like he owns the locomotive The water facilities at Dungeness are rather more primitive. The tank is atop the stack of sleepers (ties)! This gives a good idea of the size of the passenger cars. (When I was a little younger) A few more to post later. [ 03 May 2001: Message edited by: Alan ]
I am trying to convince my wife that is JUST what I need in our back yard! I would have every kid in the neighborhood on board! HA!
A few more. A locomotive backing off the shed at New Romney. The main terminus of the line, Hythe. A locomotive eases off the turntable. Number 10 at New Romney.
Alan, Those photos are wonderful!!! What is amazing to realize is that even though everything looks like a 4:1 model, it is in fact a scheduled, revenue earning, successful, 1:1 full sized railroad. Looking at the ratio of driver size to engine, that poor fellow must get a faceful of steam, soot, cinders, etc., even when it's not raining cats and dogs I have to assume that he is also tending the boiler while driving? He must be a busy man Maybe some of our Engineer/Driver members would like to vacation in England and give this job a try, How about it Watash? Hank [ 04 May 2001: Message edited by: Hank Coolidge ]
Hank, you are right, the fact that the railway is run, and looks like a full sized main line is what makes it look less like a miniature line, if you see what I mean Yes, the operator is both driver and fireman, and they do sit quite low in the tender front, so can keep below the cab roof level in inclement weather. In fact, last couple of times I have been there, they have a 'scale' driver He must be about four feet tall! Just right for the locomotives
A train arriving at New Romney. The person on the platform will uncouple the locomotive, and another will take over for the run to Dungeness.
The same locomotive about to pull forward after being uncoupled from the train. Note how low the driver sits in the cab, also the semaphore signals, the bottom one is the shunt signal.
Alan .. I have just returned from a few days out of town on business .. I am very impressed with this little railroad, and with your photos! Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing them with us. You can be assured that if there is a day that I have a chance to visit your country, I will certainly pay a visit to this feature! Thanks again
Alan, your latest photos are marvelous. It is a surprise to see the driver's head poking out of the cab side, and then realize that it is almost the same size as the driving wheels I have to assume that by looking at the condition of the track, buildings, and rolling stock, that the railroad is either a very successful operation or all workers are volunteers Thank you so much, Hank
Allan Great photos had me diving into my photos to relive some very happy times Ihave spent riding that line. I have a Daughter who lives near there so my long suffering "Better Half " gets dragged along to ride both ways. I have a photo some where that I will dig out taken during WW2 of the train being used as an Armoured train to patrol the coast. Trains - Live Steam - Bridges
