As part of our latest update to the Chatham Main Line: London Victoria & Blackfriars - Dover & Ramsgate route, we added a little bonus for you to enjoy - the East Kent Railway!
See the latest patch notes here
Situated just to the East of Shepherdswell station lies the preserved East Kent Railway, this short heritage line stretches for a little over 2 miles and is all that remains of Colonel Stephens’ efforts to serve Kent’s Coalfields. Stephens’ specialty was to build cheap but effective rural light railways, and in his career would be involved in the engineering, building and managing of no less than 16 light railways in England & Wales.
Following the discovery of the Kent Coalfields before the First World War, during early efforts to dig a channel tunnel, plans were quickly drawn up to set up collieries and serve them by rail. The theory was flawless, it would bring great industry and business to otherwise lightly populated areas – the village of Aylesham, the station of which is situated on the Chatham Main Line, is just one example of the anticipated change as it was built in 1926 to house the miners expected to be living in the area.
The plan however did not go as expected, the vast network never materialised, and many of the collieries didn’t make it into production. Instead, what was built was a single line which branched off the Chatham Main Line at Shepherdswell and weaved its way to Richborough Port near Ramsgate. Coal traffic would traverse the line through the early 20th Century, alongside local passenger trains serving the nearby villages. Economics eventually got the best of the line, and it eventually closed for commercial operations.
With the valiant efforts of enthusiasts though, the line’s history was able to continue, a short section was restored and re-opened as a heritage railway. From Shepherdswell to the next station along the line, Eythorne, trains shuttle along this little stretch of line that recalls the history of Kentish light rail travel. Today the line is home to a wide variety of rolling stock, from small steam locomotives and diesel shunters right up to multiple units, including two Class 142s and one day, even a Class 365 will call the EKR home.
Alongside the latest update to the Chatham Main Line route, and thanks to Danny, our Senior Artist for Train Simulator, the East Kent Railway has been added as a free bonus onto the route, so hop off the train at Shepherdswell and explore what the East Kent Railway has to offer!
After alighting a Southeastern service at Shepherdswell (above) signs are immediately pointing one in the direction of the East Kent Railway; it’s only a couple of minutes' walk and before you know it, you’re transported back in time, and just in time too! Looks like a service is preparing for departure (below). Please note that all trains and rolling stock are available separately.
Immediately following departure, we crawl past the siding where the EKR stores most of its rolling stock, including the Class 142 Pacer, their most recent arrival (above). Meanwhile, a sign of things to come it seems, as it’s been said that a Class 365 will soon be sent to the EKR for preservation as a static display and will become a restaurant, exhibition area, and a major events venue. (below).
Only the best heritage railways feature a level crossing, always a fantastic place to watch an old steam locomotive roll by. Seeing it haul Mk2 coaches and part of a 4-VEP is unconventional, but very East Kent!
A short while later and the train arrives at Eythorne (above). Because there are no facilities to run locomotives around here, loco-hauled services must be top & tailed, and today a Class 08 is going to be taking us back towards Shepherdswell (below).
It’s a tough start for the 08 as it commences the steep climb back towards Shepherdswell. Despite the short line and inability to support large locomotives, the EKR’s unique topography and construction makes it nonetheless captivating.
At the midpoint of the journey is Golgotha Tunnel. At 436m long it is the 8th longest tunnel on a British heritage railway and follows the design principles of Colonel Stephens; a twin-track bore but with only a single track in the tunnel itself. This measure helped on saving costs in the long run.
And so concludes one of many return trips that can be enjoyed on the East Kent Railway, with a varied roster of steam, diesel and electric stock from Train Simulator’s extensive library, there is no end to what this little line can offer.
We return to the main line with the hopes of visiting the East Kent Railway again soon, it’s time to go back towards Medway and change for a Thameslink service into the capital. With the Chatham Main Line, the Thameslink BR Class 700 and new bonus East Kent Railway, tell your own Kentish rail stories in Train Simulator!
