For one weekend only, steam locomotives Premier, Leader and Melior will be running on the same day
For one weekend only, steam locomotives Premier, Leader and Melior will be running on the same day - the first time in over 50 years of preservation. Premier, built in 1905, was the first locomotive to arrive at Sittingbourne Paper Mill and was purchased from Kerr, Stuart & Co. from their catalogue and was delivered 'off the shelf'. The loco has been out of service for 28 years and is returning to service this weekend. It has been rebuilt in to as close as original condition as possible and will look quite different to Leader and Melior.
Leader, built in 1905, arrived at Sittingbourne Paper Mill shortly after Premier, and has been running since 2012, following a lengthy overhaul. The 10-year boiler certificate is now expiring so the loco will retire from service for another overhaul. Leader is painted red because it is owned by a private consortium and not the Railway.
Melior, built in 1924, was the fourth loco to arrive at the paper mill (Excelsior was the third loco and will be operating at the Great Whipsnade Railway this weekend). Melior means much improved or made better and has numerous differences to Premier & Leader, especially the Hackworth valve gear. Trains will run regularly from 11am - check the website for more information and the timetable (closer to the time).
Return fares: £7.50 for adults, £6.50 for senior citizens, £3.50 for children (aged 3-15), under 3s travel for free, £21 for a family ticket (2A+4C). Other fares are available, see website.
Address
Three Brazils Weekend at Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway
The Wall, Sittingbourne Retail Park, Sittingbourne, Kent
ME10 2XD
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