The first part of our journey was by luxury 'executive' Heyfordian coach from Stratton Road, Princes Risborough (opposite the Community Centre entrance) to New Romney Station, Kent. Our steam hauled 'Risborough Venturer' departs for our first Non-Stop run of the day from New Romney to Hythe Station.
The day's schedule allowed over 2 hours to enjoy a leisurely lunch 'under your own steam', either in the Hythe station cafeteria or at a pub or restaurant in Hythe town whichever you may prefer. At 2pm our steam hauled 'Risborough Venturer' departed to run non-stop via New Romney and Dungeness and arrived back at New Romney at around 3.30pm; this left enough time to visit the engine shed/loco works area or the cafeteria before our coach departed. We arrived back in Princes Risborough at around 7.00pm.
The loco in the case No. 2 'Northern Chief' was carrying one of our specially made Headboards (as per our logo above) for the runs, and we raffled of one them during the trip.
Below are a selection of photographs that where taken throughout the day, click on the below to see a larger image.:
08.00 dep. Pick-up: Community Centre, Stratton Road, Princes Risborough* (‘Executive’ Luxury Coach, c/w semi-reclining seats)
10.40 arr. New Romney (time permitting, visit: Loco’ shed/works or Cafeteria)
11.00 dep. Steam hauled ‘Risborough Venturer’ (Booked Non-Stop to Hythe)
11.30 arr. Hythe (Disperse for lunch/explore old town ‘under your own steam’)
14.00 dep. Steam hauled ‘Risborough Venturer’ (Booked Non-Stop via Dungeness to New Romney; thus covering the entire RH&DR route)
15.30 arr. New Romney (visit: Loco’ shed/workshop and/or Cafeteria)
16.00 dep. New Romney (same coach home as outward)
18.55 (approx.) arr. Princes Risborough (Community Centre set-down point).