Prince of the tracks
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by Nick Lillitos
Prince Michael of Kent 'played’ with the biggest train set in his
life when he visited Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway.
He even donned a boiler jacket to help drive one of its
steam trains after arriving at Hythe Station
on Wednesday.
Prince Michael sprung into action, first cutting a ribbon to
launch its newly refurbished shop, followed by a swift tour of the
store to peruse its products and souvenirs.
Then it was time for the Prince to get 'suited’ in a railway boiler
jacket before strolling off to view the platforms, tracks and
the control hut with its many levers and buttons.
Although the railway, built in the 1920s, represents a one third
full size mainline railway, train buffs insist it should never be
mistaken for a toy. The sheer difference in physical size to its
much larger brothers makes the RH & DR almost unique in their
eyes.
On hand to greet the Prince were Sir William McAlpine, chairman of
the railway; Kim Richardson, head of engineering and board
members.
The Prince is patron of the Transport Trust and Heritage Railway
Association.
The Prince showed a strong interest in everything he was shown,
and when one outside observer remarked: “That train is just like
Thomas the Tank Engine,” he rejoined: “Oh no, it is not. It’s a
very serious business. This is real.”
He then joined train driver Michael Jacques and after a short
briefing on the controls took Royal command for the 30-minute
run to New Romney Station, where they had refreshments after
visiting a model exhibition there.
Prince Michael told the Kentish Express: “It’s a wonderful engine.
This lovely thing is hard to find - such wonderful pieces of
engineering that has been beautifully built and lovingly
maintained.”
Thursday, July 02 2009
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