2014 Steam and Diesel Gala will pay tribute to the late John Snell: RH&DR confirms

The late J.B. Snell takes the controls of Fletcher Jennings 0-4-2-T "Dolgoch" during the Talyllyn Railway's 60th Anniversary Gala in May 2011

The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway has spoken publicly about its plans for the May 2014 Steam and Diesel Gala to be themed as a tribute to the late John Snell, former General Manager of the RH&DR. The main commemorations will take place on the Saturday.

 

" We will be using Black Prince as that was his favourite engine. We have done all the sad bits, so it's time to do something jolly and celebrate his life", said Danny Martin, the current General Manager of the railway, who also answered questions about a rumour that the Trevor Guest built engine "Sian" may visit from the Windmill Farm Railway in Lancashire. "We have been in touch with the engineers, but they have said it is not ready yet and every time we ask they tell us it will be ready next year so we are still waiting", commented the General Manager. The railway is in negotiations to bring a visitor to the railway this year, though it remains unclear what the choice of locomotive will be.

 

The railway lent its support to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway in Cumbria last year, after a fire gutted most of the workshop, leaving three locos out of action. The RH&DR responded to the situation sending No.5 "Hercules" and No.6 "Samson" to join resident loco "Northern Rock" and the Bure Valley Railway's "Wroxham Broad". Perhaps they will return the favour? Well, we'll just have to wait and see.

 

Christopher Nelson, New Romney Productions, at the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.