The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Adventure
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- A quick one week break from the history side of things with a little explore up and down this rather unique miniature railway. Back to the Abanadoned Railways next week!
We had every intention of exploring #EveryDisusedStation from the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway line (As there are quite a few) but as the video suggests, there was just too much for us to keep up with. Instead we decided to sit back and enjoy the ride.
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A quick break from the history trail. As suggested we attempted to bring you #EveryDisusedStation along this line (as there is plenty). But time got away from us and it became apparent trying to do this from the train was very tricky. We hope you enjoy this little video. Back to "Abandoned" next week.
I loved the video.I have drove past that railway many times I will have to go on it one day
Have you already done the Lydd Railway line, which is in the same area as (and sometimes competed with) the RH&DR?
There's not much left now, but Lydd Town Station still exists in a delapidated state.
@@RoyCousins sadly not as yet.
The disused Dungeness main line station is only a short walk from the terminus there. It's almost parallel to the turning loop of the RH&DR after it leaves the station. The site of Lake station are near the eastern end of the Romney Sands Holiday Camp although not from any roads at the camp, you have to walk up a road towards a school but even then you'll only see a car park.
One element missing from your history lesson was the role of the RH & DR during WW2. They managed to set it up with a minature armoured train. One german aircraft was shot down by this creation and complained bitterly about "being shot down by a toy train."
The Ravenglass and Eskdale railway in the Lake District is another very good miniature railway.
Same twentyfive mph as other lines..... BUT.... you are six inches off the ground AND you pass the other train at 50 mph (which you could touch if you are daft enough). Still one one the most impressive and enjoyable rides around! Glad you enjoyed it too.
Always a great day out, try it if you have not been, if you have been you will return.
Another very enjoyable video.
It's a funny thing; I have been around that area so many times (I especially like the bleakness around Dungeness, but also like the Cinque-Portedness of Hythe) and have never been on that railway. I will go. My kids will love it, and I am sure my wife will too.
BTW, Minehead's in Somerset, not Devon.
Quite a pleasurable indulgence I found! Make it happen Nigel.
Another excellent film, with some super shots showing the magnificent RHDR engines.For those with a signalling bent the link below may be of interest www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-digest-082019-romney-sands/serious-operating-irregularity-at-romney-sands-28-august-2019 Thinking about PLUTO, during the war the RHDR had an armoured train. There was also an SECR station very near to the RHDS New Romney station.There are so many miniature and narrow gauge lines in this country which would provide a new section in your library of films.
Thanks foe the info Philip.
The simple joy of icecream, dandelion & burdock pop being equated with the happiness of a day out on a great little railway. Try Ravensglass & Eskdale railway in the Lake district. ravenglass-railway.co.uk/
Thanks Owen, yes I have been on this before in a previous life!
Do you know about the abandoned tunnels on the old Paddock Wood to Hawkhurst line? They've been shuttered since the 60s *before* the Beeching axe.
Indeed we do Captain, but not had a chance as yet to explore there.
Enjoyed you videos very much. Small world, I managed the Waitrose Andover Branch for a year. Was back for a day last month a seen Nigel in shopping and was telling him about this RUclips channel as I seen him in one of your earlier ones, then told me he was your father/father in law... Small world indeed! Keep up good work
Ah yes Rebecca mentioned the connection. Very small world indeed!! Thanks Matt, much appreciated.
Another random in my feed 😆 enjoyed this, happy memories 👍
'Big tick'!!! 👍🤣
Thanks Hugh, we like random in feeds.
Well done for taking some time out for yourselves, we didn't miss not seeing disused stations. That is one of the best mini rail tours you can take, loads of interest on the way and the peace and quiet of Dungeness beach. It's good being a big kid!!!!! 🚂👍🍦
Thanks Bob, much appreciated.
A lovely “miniature “. Railway. I must plan a visit when next in the UK. 👍👍😎
We would highly recommend it!
Well worth it. There's also good footage of Laurel and Hardy when they were special guests opening the Dungeness extension.
"Sorry about the wind". I bet that's not the first time Rebecca's heard that particular phrase!
#Whitewicksdaysoutwithasmuchicecreamandcakeasyouwant
Memories, have visited this railway twice, rode it once. Also from the train you (marginally) see the sound mirrors of Denge: www.andrewgrantham.co.uk/soundmirrors/
Ah I think Tom Scott did a video on those?
Ice Cream and Steam Ahh Bliss
Oooooh yes
Awesome views, that shot of the railways track was really photogenic. Liking the production too awesome steam trains.
Cheers Guys. We keep getting told to make short snappy ones. We liked how this one panned out and it was a tad easier to edit.
One of my favourite places! Thanks for spreading the word and encouraging people to visit! Really needs a two day visit!
Couldn't agree more
That brought back memories, must be 60 years since I last went on it.
Me too. I used to go to Dymchurch every weekend when I was very young - before I was six. Been back since and it is a lovely little railway.
have you every done the BCR Border Counties Railway well over 18 disused stations and the scenery is spectacular (if you can get a fine day ) lots of bridges but not many tunnels
Hey. Yup we did a couple of videos here last year. Riccarton, Saughtree and another I can't recall! Check out the early videos.
Loved the little trains 🚂 the beach 🌊 and lighthouse 🗼🕯 a real gem 💎
Lovely part of the country!
I’ve been on that railway line many times both as a kid and an adult, It may interest you to know that one of the Engines “The Black Prince “ was Gifted to the RH&DR just before WW2 by Herman Goering later to be the head of the German Luftwaffe.
I don't think this is true as Black prince only arrived at the RHDR in the 1970s
Awesome video :)
Thank you 👍👍
Nice. Talking about small railways, have you ever heard of the Duffield Bank Railway?Its builder came up with some great solutions for running on a minimum gauge track (15").
Haven't heard of this i'm afraid. Worthy of a visit?
@@pwhitewick It disappeared into the undergrowth years ago I believe, somewhere on Duffield Bank just north of Derby. There's one short article on Wikipedia which describes it but gives few clues as to its exact location.
Great video Paul and Rebecca,it's a small world,I'm actually here in dymchurch for a break with my family 😀,it's an amazing railway it's kept in pristine condition and so clean👌👍
Small world indeed. Enjoy your time on it!
@@pwhitewick thank you 👍
It's an amazing little railway. I only live a few miles away so I really should get down there more. Thanks for this video.
Maybe sometime in the future you could cover the standard gauge abandoned stations at Dungeness and New Romney. Cheers, Pete.
Thanks Pete. Yup easy to neglect the things on your doorstep! We will be back for certain.
I have seen one nuke train held in the Sidings near dungeness - I forget the station (closed to passengers) on the branch which is now freight only.
Lucky you! I live in Minnesota, so so so far away from this gem of a railway…….love it!!!
Count Louis Zborowski, a colleague of Captain Howey's (the RHDR's founder) wasn't killed at Le Mans but at Monza, at the time of the Italian Grand Prix, in 1924, predating the construction of the RHDR by two years.
Also, the Southern Railway (previously the South Eastern Railway) had their own stations in Hythe, New Romney, and Dungeness respectively which closed in 1937, 1951, and 1967 respectively.
I just love the RH&DR even though it is a bit of a bone-shaking ride !! The last time we were there, someone had chartered a WHOLE train for some sort of party - and they wheeled out their bar car for the occasion - complete with several optics on-board for spirits & loads of bottled beers, soft drinks etc. I wish that I'd taken a picture of it !!
Count Zbrowski owned a car built using an old WW1 airship engine, which he used to tear around the roads in near Higham House, his large home near Bridge, just South of Canterbury. It is rumoured that the ghost of this car still haunts those roads. But, it was later immortalised by Ian Fleming, creator of a certain Mr James Bond, as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang......
The abandoned SECR Elham Valley line from Canterbury to Folkestone, which passes through Bridge, is worth an explore in that area. It has 2 tunnels, at Bishopsbourne and just South of Pangbourne, and several intact stations. Bishopsbourne station still has its beautifully preserved wooden main building, platforms and a signal - and evidence of WW2 buildings beside the trackbed just north of it, as the nearby tunnel was apparently used to house a huge, long range gun during the war, which was used for firing shells at occupied France. Pangbourne station survives as the village library, and I think Bridge station may survive as a house
The ancient Canterbury and Whitstable Railway can be explored in places as well. Part of the trackbed can be walked in a public forest North of the town, which still has an engine pond from one of the steam winding engines used on the line. The famous Tyler Hill tunnel has partly collapsed due to the building of UKC's campus on top of it in the 1960's, but its North portal can be accessed along the trackbed from the sight of the former Tyler Hill Halt, beside a level crossing on a minor road. The South portal also survives, but is in the grounds of a school in Canterbury and cannot be easily visited. The tight clearances in the tunnel forced the use of ex-SECR R1 0-6-0 locomotives with lowered cabs, chimneys and domes until the line's closure in the 1940's.
Quality video and a quality day from an amazing railway. Thank you both very much. Happy to say that I have been on it. The line speed is 25 mph, which, for a 15 inch gauge line, feels that you are doing 75 mph.
And you had great weather.
We almost used that as a title... "The 75mph miniature guage"
Sad that two drivers have been killed in level crossing accidents on the line.
Yes absolutely, though I wasn't aware of any fatalities. Very sad indeed.
Count Louis Zborowski also built Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Fleming based the book on Zborowski's creation.
Maybe one of your future videos could cover other local railways in (but going into other counties) East Sussex? I'm sure you'd adore the Bluebell Railway and you'll probably be (nearly) equally enamoured with the Kent and East Sussex Railway and (two I've not been on) the Lavender Line and the Spa Valley Railway.
Ravenglass can get there on railway too if not already been?
This is very true.
This magnificent railway featured on a British detective show once ....Lewis I think it was ... what brought this train into existence? Is it government funded ?
Haven’t been on the railway since about 1990, happy memories , thank you
I grew up in East Kent and the RH&DR was a big part of my childhood. Every time I go back it has changed a little but somehow stayed the same. Which is probably just what you would want! Great video, cheers.
Thanks Chris. Happy memories indeed.
If you'd walked just 150ft in a north westerly direction from where you sat at 8.27-10.00 mins on your video you'd have been at the remains of the Dungeness station ,part of the South Eastern Railways branchline that also went to New Romney !
Brilliant video! I love a trip on the R,H&D! Love the model railway at New Romney to!
I visited the RH&DR back in December 2012, it looks much nicer during your summer visit though. Thoroughly interesting railway. Have you been to the standard gauge line at Dungeness, there is i believe a disused station at Lydd, not too far from the little airport there. This line branches off the Marshlink line at Appledore. I think you can get to this little station, certainly within a worthwhile distance of it.
Here's a Facebook link to a photo of the old Dungeness main line (in the loosest possible sense) railway station which I took.
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3690500410975665&set=a.982217081804025&type=3&theater
Just a couple of things guys. First, a lovely little vlog that wetted the appetite. Second, it was intended and succeeded in being, a true 'miniature railway' - a railway that would run regular timetables, all day, every day, year round. As far as I know, very few enthusiasts and holiday makers are going to be around in February, but the RH&DR run school trains, morning and evening and I believe they run timetable trains all year round to actually carry the people of the area.
You missed a couple of things while at Dungeoness. You mention the lighthouse, but not the Nuclear Power Station? Also, out that way somewhere, are the experimental aircraft detection by sound alone parabolic 'mirrors'. These huge, concrete structures were built before the war, to examine the possibility of detecting (and tracking) aircraft over the channel. The sound would be reflected off the paraboloids (?) and focused on sensitive microphones. Radar, it seems, was much better, with a much higher signal to noise ratio.
The RH&DR was part of my childhood, as mum and dad would take us to Dymchurch for a holiday, in a cottage that literally backed onto the line. I could watch the trains all day! (I still could!) Thanks for the vlog. Nice one.
Never knew there were disused stations on the RHDR. It would be interesting to see them, perhaps in a future video. Loved the video, keep up the good work :).
Thinking of railways in Kent, have you ever been to the Kent and East Sussex Railway? It would be an interesting video, especially with the current efforts to extend (well, reinstate) the line to Robertsbridge. There is also all of the section north of Tenterden that is still abandoned with no hopes of it ever being reopened. I'm not sure how easy it would be to follow the route on foot, but there is the distinctive chimney of Biddenden Station when you come past on the A274.
Thank you. Yes we had every plan of ticking those abandoned stations off but it was close to impossible to make a decent film at the same time.
Yes we have been to that line but pre filming days. Once day soon I'm sure. 👍
Have memories of this line, especially the section between New Romney & Dymchurch, will never forget the Rat Train in the model railway display
RIP John Snell, the GM at RH&DR for ~25 years.
I met John a couple of times when he came back to New Zealand. We had him in our car chasing a steam train from Whangarei to Auckland and also met him at the home of John Stitchbury, one of the founding fathers of the Railway Enthusiasts Society and Glenbrook Vintage Railway. JB was indeed a true gentleman.
I traveled over to England in 1985 and this was one of many train rides and cab rides. My father asked the driver about a cab ride and it was granted, well the driver got Northern Chief No.2 up to a speed of 35 m.p.h.
Thank you for your information of the line.
My uncle Bob used to work at Dungeness Power Station. Spend many an hour on the line at trying for fish in the Military Canal at Hythe. Or visiting Dr Syns at Dymchurch. He was a local Doctor who was alleged to have been a smuggler in the times of the Napolenic Wars
Nice 🚂 video
Absolutely fantastic "miniature" railway. We had one here in Arbroath called Kerr's Miniature Railway. He had several different trains but way smaller than the ones you were on & it only went straight for about 1/2 a mile but when I was on it they had a turntable on either end which gave us a bit of fun watching the engine turning round. Latterly they didn't bother & just run the train just up & down. Great for the wee kids
I really did enjoy this video, but I wanted more. The one thing which no-one seems to comment on is the ticket price. I'd like to think it was cheaper than riding a full sized train, but probably not. So what DID the ride cost you if you wouldn't mind saying
A few years ago I visited the home of a railway book seller. He was building a railway of the same gauge as the RH&DR in his garden! To paraphrase Buzz Lightyear "To standard gauge and beyond". Go Brunel.
I've never been on the RH&D ... but my dad used to talk about it ... and he was born in 1918! I think I want to take my grandkids on it!
Thanks for bringing back many happy memories of my childhood - used to live in Sandgate a 1/4 mile from the abandoned Sandgate station on the line that originally was intended to run to Folkestone Harbour to replace the steep incline to Folkestone East. Would cycle down to Hythe station a lot to watch the steam trains come in, then turn around on the turntable before heading out again. Next time you come down to this part of Kent you can do the Sandling, Hythe & Sandgate line (including Sandling Tunnel), the Folkestone Harbour line as well as the Eltham line.
Glad you took the time off for a break & spent most of the day enjoying yourselves.
Thanks David and thanks for sharing. Yup we decided to have day off the history and relax indeed!
Happy memories. Got put on the train with my sister by my folks when we were children and once with my late fiance in the late 1990s. We rode in the "club car" for that one. only time i've ever seen the track receding behind us. Dungeness looks like a desert from the top of the old lighthouse.
Come to Melbourne and go on Puffing Billy and also to Tassie to go on the Rack & Pinion railway there.
Well that's a bit of a trek!
@@pwhitewick Well if you go that far you may as well pop across the Tasman to NZ and do the TranzAlpine.
@@davidcollins9512 haha... My mother did Puffin Billy last year!
During WW11 the RHDR ran armoured trains A german pilot was mortified to have been shot down by what he said Ä ntoy train"many bombs were dropped along the line and the craters can be seen today
Dungeness is one of the strangest places I have ever visited.
Did you go around the village and see the homes made from old railway carriages? The view from the lighthouse is fantastic
It is a very surreal and let beautiful place at the same time!
I love this little railway, I first rode on it probably about 55 years ago. I was 4 years old. I have been back several times with my children. It will always have a place in my heart
Hi. Great video. Have you looked at the Westerham branch line ? Brasted station is still standing and worth a look
Thank you. Not as yet, I'll do some research if you think it should be high on the list.
I used to work at the holiday park on that seafront! New beach, just 5 miles away! Went on it years ago, great to see it again! Thanks for the video!
Thanks Gareth. A pleasure.
I'm 6' 10" so I'd have no chance in those carriages but those scaled down steam engines look phenomenal. Then again, I never go out so it wouldn't be an issue.
You might well need a carriage to yourself on both accounts.
Fantastic... correcting the wife...only to be wrong!!!!
I went on that on a school trip in 1973. I really must go again lol. Great vid as always guys.
Cheers Martin. Yup definitely go again. Well worth the fair.
Ah! You found some nice weather at last. When circumstances permit, you should try la' ratty.
Bob
Still head down there every now and then, couldn't get my folks to take me there enough, as a kid! There's a lovely run from Canterbury down to Hythe on the B2068 (aka the Roman road Stone Street).
Hello Minehead is in Somerset
Yup. I failed Geography.
A marvellous film. Very enjoyable. Than you.
that’s a healthy wind problem you’ve got there 😳
should have added that Dungeness is Europes only desert - really worth a visit - stunning beach
Ah we didn't visit the beach here.
@@pwhitewick Its does get even windies there
Brilliant video. Love the scaled down locos. Just one thing- Mr&Mrs Starbucks went for a cup of tea?? Lol
Hahaha.... Yes... It doesn't happen often though.
I stumbled on this video after being enticed to watch the one about the Roman road deviation. I enjoyed both. Subscribed!
Welcome good Sir. This video isn't typical as such, we normally explore a tad more. Check out the back catalogue and you'll see what I mean. 👍👍
Massive dollop of narrow gauge. Lovely locos and fantastic line with a descent running length! Good video guys, nice to see you out and enjoying the sun. I haven't been there for sooooo long - must revisit. That outtake - lol ;)
Haha cheers Dave. No one else has mentioned that outtake as yet.... 😅
It is several decades since I last went on this railway it was actually well before the surge of Health and Safety. It is good to see the rolling stock still has plenty of open sided carriages
Sounds like my kind of day out. Ice cream followed by coffee and cake. Could only be improved by adding Fish and Chips.
Oh yes...
There's a nice fish and chip shop at Dungeness.
Only section of that line I've ever done is Dymchurch to Hythe, and that would be about, err, 50 years ago! So to say it might have changed a bit since then is putting it mildly! As to suggestions, just leave the Worth Valley line (which is technically abandoned by BR) until I am back in decent health, OK? Enjoyed seeing Kent again, lived there from 1962 to 1983, though Medway Towns, not down there
The dungeness area is the only desert in the uk
Max speed is 25 a scale 75 mph
Only desert in Europe
Plus it's fantastic to see a non stop miniature steam railway passing new Romney too!!
Brilliant video. Really enjoyed it. This has been on my 'To Do' list for as long as I can remember. You have spurred me on to make the effort.
Wow! A Giant engine driver.
Lol. And the passengers.... They are huge!
Lyndon to Barnstaple
👍👍
Great video.
Cheers Geoff.
I saw one of those stations when in England. Like so many things just see it and stop and look. I probably saw more interesting things by road signs than I had researched before leaving Oz.
I have no interest in living there but a great country to visit.
And a small but perfectly formed lady........
And why not relax and enjoy a great part of the world, brilliant railway and video too. 👏👏
Thanks Jon.
Amazing little railway, and rather quick, for it's size. Count Louis Zvboroski was a remarkably interesting fellow- he drove the original, actual
chitty-chitty-bang-bang! He did quite a bit, in a relatively short life.
Indeed, very sad. A racing drivers life!
Fascinating little railway. Thanks again, Paul and Rebecca. Come up and do the abandoned railways of Leicestershire and Warwickshire!
We definitely will do soon.
Just rewatched and realised we travelled this same area three or four years ago and had no idea the minature railway existed. Thanks for all the details and bits of conversation. We do plan on going that way again and this new info will assist greatly.
St Mary's Bay was the site of our Sunday School annual summer outing in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Now, as a 66 years old man I love it just as much as I did then. Fantastic railway - and I hope you two had a thoroughly enjoyable day. A fish 'n' chip lunch in 'The Pilot is always a treat, too. Thanks so much for another fab video! Peter A
Thanks Peter. We did indeed have a great day out
Nice film of the RH&DR, home of some of the most gracious and elegant steam locomotives in Britain. They‘re just smaller.
Absolutely agree Philip.
They have a minuture train at craigtoun meadows St. Andrews scotland
Lovely video. I'm not a great fan of miniature railways, but I will freely admit that those steam locos are works of art. A similar railway up here in Cumbria is the Ravenglass and Eskdale line on the West coast . Might be worth a visit sometime?
Couldn't agree more. I'm not a miniature fan as such but this is something else.
Great video. You might of done a tunnel without realising. One of the early shots is of the train going under the road (I believe south of Hythe). The bridge as two portals surely that makes it a` tunnel! If you look up the Bure Valley on Wikipedia you'll see the reference to the 'Only Tunnel in Norfolk). That looks less of a tunnel to me! If you end up in that area you could do every used and disused tunnel in a county in a day!
Good point Simon. We did wonder this as we went through it, especially with the scale difference too!
youve made me remember how much i miss that amazing railway, and i still watch as many of your videos as i can, hope you had a chance to explore the old br new romney line and the old camber sands tramway, keep up the good work to you both :)
Your right.. Never enough. Smashing railway. Some years ago I spent a whole day there for a Gala event and loved every minute. Golly those trains do move fast. Thanks for this, most enjoyable. My visit is on my YT site if you fancy a view. Cheers
Brilliant thanks Keith, I'll check it out. 👍🎥
Fab looking little line, and even though it is a narrow gauge line it has had its share of tragedy. Poor lady train driver got killed when her train collided with a car....tragic. By the way, I see in the press there are calls for the Northampton to Market Harborough line to be reopened....
Thanks Bib. Yes I saw that too but only at the formative stages so far away at this stage
Love your travelogue videos ,what a fantastic railway must get back there and travel on it one day, thanks for sharing both ...once again cracking music ! There is an abandoned railway on Cyprus you could check out !
Thanks Merv, much appreciated
I just about remember having a holiday here when I was small, my takeaway memories is the dunes, to get to the beach we had to walk over the top of them to get to the beach and the dry sand would blow over the top and sting my legs so my dad had to pick me up just before the top and carry me over and my just past 6 foot tall dad scrunching up to get into the carriages, I really have to go back some day.
Ah lovely memories, definitely worth a trip back if only to rekindle those memories once again.
Puts our little miniature railway in Scarborough to shame.
Oooooh, pray tell more.
@Paul and Rebecca Whitewick It runs along the seafront of the North Bay from near Peasholme Park to Scalby Mills at the other end. It’s 90 years old next year and there’s even an abandoned station and cable car to the old amusement park on the hill. It also has a (small) tunnel.
It has 5 engines, the newest being a steam loco they built themselves in 2016.
You can also learn to drive one of the engines.
nbr.org.uk/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Bay_Railway
@@webchimp we should definitely visit one day. Next weeks video is interestingly from Whitby!
@@pwhitewick It's a nice walk from Whitby to Scarborough, you've even got a town that never was along the way, Ravenscar.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravenscar,_North_Yorkshire
Nice little video guys. I remember going down to the RHDR a number of times when I was younger. It was built as an accurate representation of a main line railway with the locos being entirely accurate to the main line locos they were modelled on. I certainly recall Dungeness as a really bleak place complete with a nuclear power station which may be closed now? At least you had a nice sunny day for it but as ever in that part of the world very windy. Definitely recommend a visit and as you say a “ proper trip”.
Yup, we stayed in Brighton so it was still a four hour round trip for us. Lots more to see here we are sure.