The Kent and East Sussex Railway has announced the final two visitors for its upcoming 50th Anniversary Gala.

Visiting for the special celebrations will be SR U Class No. 31806, which will visit thanks to John Bunch and the Swanage Railway.

The visit of the U Class has been made available thanks to a Rapido Trains sponsorship and will see the locomotive haul trains between Tenterden and Bodiam.

The other visiting locomotive will be a GBRf Class 73/1 which will be visiting the railway in a new livery that has been developed by GB Railfreight and railway heritage experts.

The locomotive will visit and haul shuttle trains in a top-n-tailed formation with 70000 Britannia.

Unfortunately the 01 from the Bluebell Railway will no longer be visiting due to the Bluebell Railway needing the locomotive for its own service trains.

“We are celebrating the past, present and future at our Gala and are thrilled to reveal the final elements”

“The appearance of Class 73/1 in its striking new livery adds a particular layer of excitement and will certainly captivate enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This locomotive stands out as a beacon of rail history, showcasing the elegance and versatility that has made the Class 73 so beloved. The combination of its versatile electro-diesel power with the steam prowess of 70000 Britannia will offer visitors at Robertsbridge a once-in-a-lifetime ride behind a unique pairing of historic locomotive. And there will be some special workings at the Tenterden end of the line which will create their own spectacle as well!”

K&ESR General Manager Robin Coombes