Paddock Wood to Hawkhurst Steam Train Last Run

Video of the last run of steam trains from Paddock Wood in Kent to Hawkhurst, via Horsmonden, Goudhurst and Cranbrook before Beeching's cuts closed the line for good.

[@dodgydruid]

My late father was on that train and features quite a lot in the post closure railtour fotos out there, he was then but a lowly grade A signalman or still a box boy not sure but he went on to become the most passed out signalman on British Rail. He spent his retirement years working for Swanage Railway and have fond memories of visiting him at Harman's Cross signalbox with my very young daughter who got more than a few "lap" rides from the DMU drivers with me at the secondman's seat.

[@dodgydruid]

Ironically, my father at grade C became relief based jointly between Tonbridge and Cuxton covering the Medway line and often he would find himself at Paddock Wood in later years, he also practically rebuilt Snodland and Cuxton boxes singlehandedly in between train duty and installed Snodland's flushing toilet cos me mum refused to use the "thunder box" due to masses of spiders... Local Snodland star Ted Hughes aka Judge Dread christened the loo as he would often wander in and mump tea off me father... My father became a legend in that regard too, he was never ever seen without a lit rollie or mug of dark brown tea leading to his nickname "fag and tea Keith" on Swanage.

[@sarahbarton2089]

I used to travel to school on trains on this branch line. In some occasions, the old gentleman with the bowler hat used to let school children sit in the first class carriage with him, as the train never had enough seats for us all. If we missed the bus at Hawkhurst Station it would mean a 2 Mile walk home to the other side of the village. A very long day for children.

[@bazza945]

Sixties is now a distant memory. However, the fashions were pre-US invasion and if you had shown them your 21st Century phone the lads would have wanted one "right away!"

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Would I have your permission to employ your footage in a forthcoming 'then and now' film I'm making about this line? I would credit you on screen of course! Best wishes.

[@MutantMushroom]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways Hi I claim no ownership over this piece just posted out of interest I believe it was originally a Pathe news clip.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@MutantMushroom many thanks for your help, much appreciated 👍

[@NewController01]

what video is this from?

[@MutantMushroom]

I think originally British Pathé but I have not seen it anywhere else. I got it off a badly produced '90s video called "The Best of British Steam"

[@sarahbarton2089]

Thank you for posting it. Oh those were the days!