The New Locomotive Shed

The illustration above shows visiting locomotive “Britannia” at Robertsbridge in May 2024, sat on the historic ex-Hither Green turntable, already installed on-site, along with the new railway tracks. An artists impression adds a board idea of the new locomotive shed to be built alongside.

The locomotive shed is far more than a mere building. It will mean a more flexible and efficient heritage train service from Robertsbridge to Tenterden, which will benefit passengers arriving by the mainline.

The facility will comprise not just an engine shed, but inspection pits for the loco crew to get underneath to prepare the locomotive, with coaling and fuel servicing points. Also included will be comfortable staff rest and washrooms. Public access to viewing areas within the shed will help add to visitor enjoyment. Solar panel power generation will be installed to help minimise whole site energy costs.

It’s going to cost £600,000 to provide all of that. We’ve already got £250,000 from gifts and grants. Given your financial help to raise the balance of £350,000, we can get on the way to providing a facility we can all be proud of.