The Kent and East Sussex Railway has announced two visiting steam locomotives for its 50th Anniversary Gala.

The gala is taking place on the 1st and 2nd June 2024 and will see SER 01 Class No. 65 visit the railway thanks to the Bluebell Railway.

Alongside No. 65 is BR Standard 4 No. 76017, which will be on loan to the Kent and East Sussex Railway for the 2024 season.

The mogul was originally Southern-based and worked out of Eastleigh in the 1950s.

76017 will be based at the railway until the end of the year and will also take part in the railway’s Santa Specials.

These announcements follow on from last month’s announcement that Britannia will haul shuttles between Robertsbridge Junction to Northbridge Street station, a section of railway line that has not been used since 2013. You can read more about Britannia by clicking here.

More announcements about a further visiting locomotive is expected in the coming weeks.

“We are delighted to have two such iconic locomotives attending our Gala. It is particularly special to have ‘01′ back at K&ESR where it was a familiar sight in the 1950s. Our Gala weekend will be an unforgettable experience for railway enthusiasts and families alike, with more surprises to come.” 

K&ESR General Manager Robin Coombes