News - Carriage & Wagon Department Update 19th January 2004

  By Paul Sayce - Department Manager

The Woolwich Coach

The Woolwich coach was one of the first coaches to run on the line after the

Kent & East Sussex Railway re-opened in 1974 but since then, the coach had

fallen in to disrepair and had laid at Tenterden for many years.

Four to five years ago the chassis was put in the carriage shed and worked on by volunteers. Then in October of 2003 we were awarded a millennium grant to restore two coaches; the Woolwich and Theodora. Work on the Woolwich started by the end of October. The body was lifted onto the chassis and the huge task of renewing rotted timber began. Currently, the doors and roof are being constructed as are the new seats for the three compartment.

As you can see from the photo above we have come a long way since October but we still have a long way to go. We still have to begin work on Theodora and of course there is the rest of the fleet to maintain, so if you have a spare day (or days) then please come down and help, you will made be most welcome by the friendly atmosphere in our nice warm shed. Paul can be contacted directly on 01580 765511.

Visit again to see how The Woolwich progresses.

For further information about any aspect of the Kent & East Sussex Railway please telephone 087 060 060 74.