Very Last Train to Folkstone Harbour

[@Gill-Leeds]

Great video, sad to think no more trains travelling to the harbour,some how it was relaxing to watch the trains, boats and sea altogether.

[@speedozx10]

oh wow I remember carriages that were made for human beings to sit in comfort, with correctly placed windows for you to enjoy the view

[@cambridgeh.lutece6658]

I remember a time when luxury was actually a thing on trains, heck even for commoners like me!

[@nigelmitchell351]

Classic case of not finding out what the customer really wants. My wife had the misfortune to spend couple of hours on a pendolino in a face to back seat, next to a column, with a fat sweaty bloke on his phone in the Isle seat. Not good if you're clustrophobic. Rather drive.! Contrast German trains.

[@Realrandomman]

Magnificent! I was in Folkestone a couple of years ago. It has suffered due to the loss of rail and ferry links.

[@originalherdsman3524]

Also they had a great funfair, I remember being taken there as a child in the 70s . Also they had a lift that went up and down the side of the cliff, i think it was steam powered ?. Now the railway is no longer in use it would be great to build a new fun park with apartment's for family weekends.

[@becconvideo]

@@originalherdsman3524 no it wasn't (or isn't I hope): The cars have water ballast tanks which are filled at the upper station ... Really nice piece of engineering. Hope it is still around.

[@originalherdsman3524]

@@becconvideo the cars don't fill up with water at the station, it's petrol. I think it's the cliff lift that is run by water and made into steam ? Maybe it's a waste of water to make it work now? But someone said that the permanent funfair has gone and not even a traditional funfair visits in summer.

[@karaoketrucker1162]

Sad times when every bit of heritage has to be ripped out of a town. I use to work in the Rotunda Amusements, after leaving school. Council's can't leave nothing alone.

[@scottpeacock5492]

@@karaoketrucker1162 I actually return to Folkestone after over 20 years absent and i travel down this line to Harbour station and on my return i was surprise to discovered the trains no longer stop there as i had to walk from Folkestone Central, this would have worked as a Hertiage line.

[@petercurtis3984]

Brilliant filming of that historic moment, hard to imagine that it’s all changed now. So great to see Oliver Cromwell in fine fettle she’s such a magnificent steam locomotive. Very impressed with the way you captured the event from all angles.

[@maxiepax01]

I remember seeing this. I was about 8 years old at the time and my dad took me and my brother to Orpington station, where we lived at the time. I was holding onto a Build-A-Bear I made on a school trip. I remember hearing the familiar sound of a chime whistle scream and then 70013 came through the platform opposite us at quite a speed. I am now 15 and I remember it to this day. I even got a picture framed of it.

[@davidbaker6237]

russell butler ;

[@coydog7902]

70013 must be legendary

[@johnrauner2515]

Did you go to Folkestone Academy? If so were you in the same year as Jake Dunn?

[@paulbutterworthbillericay]

I just stayed in Folkstone for three days, the Hotel Burstin was perfect positioned to walk the harbour and the swing bridge, I worked 17 years on the Railways I walked and worked so many routes, and its bizarre to walk a disused railway, love that Folkstone have pedestrianised the route, wonder will they turn the upper part into roads

[@KeynshamBoy]

Great video. Folkestone with an e in the middle!

[@jean-paulmasse1091]

I remember well this short branch, when I used the 8:10 train from Paris to London Victoria. The trains were 4-CEPs, renamed 411 later on. Funny detail : passengers who had reserved a facing seat from Folkestone were soon disappointed after a short journey. Folkestone is a nice and pleasant town. Wish I could go. After the lockdown ! 🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@denisxx61]

Great video. I well remember days in the 1950's watching the little R1 0-6-0 tank engines blasting up this bank. On really heavy trains such as the Golden Arrow there could be as many as 5 R1's performing the climb to Folkestone Junction. 3 at the head with another 2 banking.

[@JohnnieE1961]

The redevelopment of the station and pier is very impressive with plenty of live events, restaurants and microbusiness. It's a tremendous shame thought that there has been no visible homage paid to the railway and ferry terminal.

[@johnfellows2867]

Fabulous exhaust bark and that chime whistle WOW !

[@stevecraig3004]

I'm so glad you recorded that! We can look back at the days of steam and steel.

[@JohnBicknell]

What a beautiful sight and fantastic sounds, if only we could have the smells as well. I felt a real childlike excitement seeing the locomotive coming around the corner, and up hill. Thank you for posting.

[@johnrauner2515]

I can come round and make a smell for you if you like

[@danthefryingpan963]

Just think of it like this, trains similar to this powered by steam in the 40's taking thousands of our British soldiers to the harbour. Where for some, on this very line, didn't make it back home. The poor souls seeing the houses of Folkstone passing by as the comforting thought of home leaves them while worrying about what they've heard happens to their fellow soldiers that left for Europe before them with the same thoughts as the one after the other. I praise those that did and didnt make it back home. God save the Queen.

[@tripleaaa4409]

DanTheFryingPan imagine the last thing you saw being the shithole that is Folkestone, yikes.

[@mariebcfhs9491]

...and fuck Hitler XD

[@thomasm1964]

@@aryanscience My Dad was a career soldier and thought I would make a good career in the Intelligence Corps (in which he served). However, having lived in England while he was serving abroad, I was very clear in my own mind that, much as I respect our Service personnel, i did not, do not and never will respect their political masters. As you have so succinctly pointed out, every soldier, sailor and airman has been betrayed for their loyal, patriotism and sense of duty. Whether that be in 1939 - 1945 or in any conflict since, I ask myself continually, "What was their sdacrifice actually for?".

[@tomtalk24]

We will remember them.

[@jean-lucpicard5510]

Fuck the Monarchy!

[@christophernorton33]

Great video . love the sound of the steam Loco . The golden days of steam sadly gone but not forgotten .

[@michaelcampin1464]

Luckily there are enthusiasts who carry on the traditional steam railways. My first memories are leaving Waterloo back in 1965 to go to Isle of Wight. Getting smuts in your eyes and watching the banking engines on the North and South Downs.

[@BrianSeaman]

What a great video. I've watched others from an earlier period with the locos on the banking, and this brought those to mind. Glad you were there to film this last visit and sharing it here. Cheers :)

[@christopherlovelock9104]

They used to have several 0-6-0's kept purposely for banking, you would have thought they could have got hold of one, I mean that diesel on the front going down looked ridiculous and as for the carriages - stupid.

[@jez215]

Brian Seama

[@arfski]

It's a requirement for steam on the main line to have a diesel backup.

[@mspenrice]

Also the second line was decommissioned, so they *had* to run it arse-in, head-out. No way to run either the main loco or any banking engine around the rest of the train.

[@vincentcalvelli6452]

Revitalize the line wherever possible! The area is beautiful and a tourist destination, especially when trains are pulled by steam powered locomotives. Tourist = jobs and tax revenue to local area. But once the tracks and right of way are gone another source for your area is gone.

[@enjoyyourday5870]

youd think the people in charge could see this but they are dumb/corrupt

[@geoffreyblack5982]

Thank you for sharing this with us.👍. I wouldn't have seen if wasn't for this film crew as I live in Newcastle Australia.

[@xyz2121]

What magnificent machines those steam locomotives were. And the one in this video is an outstanding example.

[@markturner4219]

Before electrification (which came relatively late) it would usually be a Bullied pacific assisted by up to three 0-6-0 tanks. Now that would be something to recreate. Love the typical 'GWR' bark from the Swindon designed blast pipe and draughting arrangements. Reminds me of Castles blasting over the South Devon Banks from a standing start at Newton Abbott.

[@lumpyfishgravy]

When I lived on Tram Road the walls would shake with passing trains. Good video and sound, thanks.

[@johnmay23]

iT IS HOME TO ME JOHN MAY VANCOUVER CANADA

[@scottpeacock5492]

Great video mate i came to Folkestone over 20 years ago and use the Harbour line when it was in passengers service and just recently return this year to find the station no longer had trains stopping their to find it open to the public with people walking on track bed where the trains once ran, Folkestone council have really done a great job looking after the station and the tracks are bedded into the concrette with the signal box which now a lovely cafe for it to be reserve if at any point in the future the Government decide to reopen it.

[@petercarrington948]

I remember watching the Golden Arrow coaches crossing the harbour viaduct back in the 1970's as a kid. Folkestone was brilliant then with the Rotunda amusement park, ferry port , cliff lift etc.

[@Kirkee7]

What great sound hearing that steam train, love it.

[@martinthatsall1518]

70013 sounds rather like someone banging on a dustbin lid with a wooden spoon. Great video, an important record. Well done!

[@clarky2356]

Lol

[@ynotnilknarf39]

Brought a tear to my eye hearing that final set of whistles being sounded :o(

[@vinceturner3863]

Sad day. Went to the Harbour station recently. They have scrubbed it up nicely and at least it is being used. Happy memories of going there in the past and getting the ferry to Boulogne.

[@derekambler]

The sight of the trains leaving the Harbour Station was quite a sight in the latter years - 3 GWR Pannier tanks on the front and one at the rear; plenty of steam and smoke!

[@duncandavies9706]

A great piece of history, gone for ever.

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Look how everyone are lined up by the fence to see Oliver Cromwell on a tour leave Folkestone harbour one last time before the line to here In Folkestone Harbour closes

[@petergrant2366]

That echo across the Harbour, is wonderful.

[@stephensmith799]

As the 47 is barely putting in enough effort to move its own weight, this is an astonishing performance by 70013

[@deepgreenish]

On what is a 1 in 30 gradient both engines would have to be working virtually flat out to lift the train up the bank - the 47 would have been putting its major own effort in without doubt. Even at an absolute maximum output of around 2000hp (being generous), 70013 would have needed huge assistance to avoid stalling.

[@douglasmillar2169]

@@deepgreenish sure would!!!

[@merlincornwalll6793]

It's OK there is a diesel at the back

[@michaelnaisbitt1590]

Ah the Brittannias a locomotive design where they got everything right a great class of loco

[@Liberté-bell]

I wish this was still here....

[@scottpeacock5492]

The tracks bed and Harbour station is reserve so it may reopen in the future as UK Railway is getting re nationalise, So there maybe hope in the future.

[@thekitchenbynilu3094]

Hi firend very nice video thanks full video watched . I am waiting for your next video ✅👍

[@OlafProt]

1:38 is (was) that a swing bridge? 6:05 those kids on the left running to see. The wonder never goes away.

[@RUOKH]

Superb record and I also think that this was the last train FROM Folkestone Harbour! Thanks for sharing it.

[@normanbest4135]

The V.S.O.E or the Orient Express Pullman used to come to Folkestone from Victoria Station in London and they paid to use the line and the harbour station. I used to work on it. Now Orient Express stops at Folkestone West where customers get on to coach's before going through Euro - Tunnel. Before that troops would board the ferry to go and fight in the wars in Europe. They also had the boat train which came down from London the train coach's would go onto the ferry then taken off in Calais to complete there journey.

[@johncourtneidge]

Beautiful, amazing, thank-you! And thanks to the fireman and the banker. Hurrah!

[@greatbritishentertainmentl5636]

Excellent historical footage - well done!

[@richmayes8451]

Wonderful to see a steam train heading to Folkestone Harbour for the last time. It is not spoilt by the fact that it is being hauled into the harbour by a Class 47, which was pretty much a common diesel for the area.

[@hefy2jefy]

As a young child in the 50s we used to take family holidays in Folkestone. My Mum and Dad would take me down to see what they called "the boat train" arrive and transfer passengers to and from the ferry. I never saw a mainline loco run down to the harbour, instead there would be several smaller tank engines (three at the front and two behind?) to pull the train up the hill. I was told that the incline was the steepest on British Railways. Standing on the harbour platform I was once allowed to ride the footplate of one of the engines up the hill to Folkestone Central, damn...

[@hefy2jefy]

kentrail.org.uk/Folkestone_Pannier.jpg

[@grosvenorclub]

I believe my grandfather would have gone down that line before embarking to France in 1916 . We found a postcard that he sent to his family in Canada from Folkstone , four months later he was dead.

[@bobc6439]

I live in Folkestone and the town was host to the Canadian Corps throughout WW1. They trained and camped at Shorncliffe Barracks which is about 2 miles from the harbour before sailing to France. Plenty of Canadian boys lie in the cemetery which was next to the military hospital. RIP your grandfather

[@robinharris3425]

@@bobc6439 I was born in 1944. We do remember!

[@ADMIRALSCORNER]

Oh so glad to discover your video! Having just seen the area for the first time I really would have liked to have seen trains using the harbour!

[@davidoswald9253]

Back in the 60's I used to go on school holidays down to folkestone and across the channel by boat and then on via SNCF couchettes to Switzerland. Those were the days!!

[@ADMIRALSCORNER]

@@davidoswald9253 I had the chance of another visit to the area and it looked as if steps were being taken to reinstate the railway. I wonder?

[@chrisfk63]

@@davidoswald9253 Went from London to Venice via Folkestone on the Orient Express to go on honeymoon a few years ago. I remember thinking it was a shame that the old Folkestone Harbour station was no longer in use. However, it wouldn't have been much use to us if it had been, as it turned out, because rather than the old 'boat train', we were loaded on to coaches at Folkestone Central and then driven on to Le Shuttle to enter France through the Tunnel, boarding the Orient Express itself at Calais. Not quite the same as going on the boat (but the rest of the journey more than made up for it!)

[@blairhinton7535]

I am from new Zealand and was in Folkstone 2 weeks ago. I remember driving down the road beside the line and passing comment about seeing old rail lines, and wondering what the funny looking movable bridge was for. Thought maybe it was once a line for getting seafood to market. Progress huh

[@wordreet]

Thanx for uploading this. I grew up there and although I didn't like the place back in the day, it's kind of nostalgic to me now. :¬)

[@chtrailfan]

To my knowledge the track is still in place although in a poor state and pieces missing in places. Have a look at the organisation who are trying to preserve it, The remembrance line association Ltd

[@paulslade1000]

Just checked on Google Earth most of it is there!

[@yuifunami1525]

@Chtrailfan they’ve made the end of the rail a nice pedestrian walk way with flowers and stones. The rest is how it was just unused. Shame i never got to see the trains running

[@OnlyTheEd]

Love the echo!

[@afchoratio]

This is so thrilling. From our living room window in Harbour Way we used to watch the Golden Arrow go down to the harbour. Via steam train. That must be abour 50 years ago at least!

[@johnstedman5054]

Must be. The Arrow normally worked through Dover Marine.

[@petersmith5199]

Lovely! And a good time was had by all!

[@raffity03]

as a kid living on tram rd we use ride our push bikes up and race the little panniers pulling up the goods trains so its no wonder they need a diesel to help with the ollver Cromwell, could never do it on its own, I now live in aussie and theirs nothing to compare with siet like this.

[@mspenrice]

The diesel just sounds like it's idling. Possibly there simply because it's a legal requirement to have something to provide modern air braking service for safety's sake, and the easiest way to do that is hang a modern loco off the back with its engine running solely to operate the compressors, and the dump valves when actual brake force is called for.

[@wandawizard5605]

Magnificent sight. Wish we still had train carriages like these. Proper windows so you could actually look out if you wanted.

[@0011clem]

stop closing down lines.

[@Nine-Signs]

For that you would have to ask people to voting for Torys. Be they red or blue.

[@lighthouse620]

@@Nine-Signs you realise the channel tunnel lead to folkstone harbour stations closure right?

[@saintmartins6729]

Get your checkbook out.

[@lyricvideos2209]

I would rather have a Eurostar train go on a boat to France that would me fun. At least we won’t have to deal with them getting stuck in the tunnel.

[@idj20]

@@lyricvideos2209 But being more exposed to the elements mean it would be subject to delays, not to mention fishermen and customs strikes. Plus most Eurostars are 1 km long and Folkestone Harbour isn't even anywhere as long as that.

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

Beautiful old style train. Sad as well, being the very last on that route

[@TheVickersDoorter]

A great shame. As a child during the sixties, we travelled on this line down from Tottenham, for our annual three-weeks summer holiday in Folkestone. That was when Folkestone was a beautiful vibrant seaside town. Sadly it did not appear so vibrant on my last visit in 2006.

[@christopherlovelock9104]

It is even less vibrant in 2017, - although they have 'paved' the 'town centre' - and as for that Hotel Burstin by the harbour, that is the biggest eyesore in the place.

[@PaulAFulcher]

Well caught Ash, lovey stuff.👍

[@MrBigfish54]

Fantastic shot of the loco leaving the harbour made even better by the absence of music.Why do people who make vid's of steam loco's always spoil them with bloody music???Don't they realise that we want to hear the sound of the loco' huffing and puffing!

[@harrymcandrew1447]

what a bark preformance from oliver Cromwell liked and subed

[@2manyspruces]

So awesome when it is pulling out of the station.

[@HighDesertRonTrainsTrucks]

Great video thank you for sharing😀😀😀💙💙

[@D34D_WestlandsOfficial]

Welcome to episode 247 of: what's in my recommendations

[@hirepgym6913]

Saw it go over Folly Crossing

[@coydog7902]

That steam locomotive is beautiful!

[@bobf3598]

remember when i was a kid riding the footplate of Cromwell when it use to be at Bressingham gardens back in the 70's.

[@chloe8554]

I lived near there, on east cliff, now near joyes road we used to watch the trains go past every summer

[@bigdmac33]

Brilliant sound!

[@uppermostleague9047]

Wow never seen this done in folkestone before but this was 2009 I guess they only get a celebration run they don’t really run trains on it isn’t then

[@malcolmtaylor518]

We should have kept all our South East ports open and working. Too much emphasis on Dover.

[@Dchiddy]

That scene transition using the steam was smooth as fuck. great job!

[@pamcaven344]

Do not post strong language.

[@turbulanceism]

The harbour bridge is all concreted over now its actually quite nice

[@robertgift]

Well done video! Thank you. 1:48 *Bell* for level crossing which you did not show, or warning to trespassers on the bridge?

[@lisamadeleinesmith4996]

I remember the Pullman cars going over the harbour bridge en route to join the Orient Express.

[@darrenwood1101]

73205 + GLV 86504 @ Folkestone Fri 24th Feb 2012.wmv there waas a train since this video

[@djburland]

Such a sad but fantastic sight and sound

[@50YearOldTeenager]

The reasons we love old steam engines are pure nostalgia. If they were still around today as they were in the 1950-60s etc all we would do is want the train to get us where we were going to on time. They were often late and cancelled just as todays and also crowded. basically we like them because we don't see them anymore.

[@jwslijm7278]

After 8 years the town is still called Folkstone apperently!

[@budsutt]

Now it's 10 years!

[@davidoswald9253]

What an awesome record of a piece of history that is no more. Oliver also dragging 114 tons of 47 on the rear appearing not to be pushing!!

[@JimTLonW6]

Very nice, I am sorry to see the end of this line, we always used to holiday at Folkestone and the workings on the branch with the R1's and the pannier banking engines were absolutely fascinating for me. I wonder how the people living along the line view its demise??

[@class87srule]

Folkestone, surely, with an 'e'?

[@chtrailfantinslay9410]

If you could explain how I get access to my OLD channel I would gladly correct the spelling error-Thank you for viewing.

[@chtrailfan]

Thanks-i try my best

[@chrisst8922]

Really like the Class 47. I'd like to know what the 'book power' would have been when the line was in regular use.

[@stellanicholson9052]

All the tracks appear to be there (July 2016)

[@elljones6159]

Agreed if they want to scrap it then why don't they.............or do they have other plans for is?

[@jakedarling7549]

Elliott Jones maybe they've left them for heritage purposes? Might not be used but still worth keeping if it's a key local feature...

[@cpufreak101]

Saw a recent video of the area, the tracks are still there but they were filled in with pavement and turned into a pedestrian path, it's still under construction so only part of it is open

[@mspenrice]

I expect they're worth keeping for "strategic purposes". IE if for some reason there's a military need to run thousands of men and/or heavy equipment down to the harbour on rails, all that needs to happen is for someone to come along with a pneumatic drill and break up some (not even all, just the stuff that's within a few inches width) of the tarmac that's been poured in between the tracks over the viaduct and through the station, and an angle grinder to take the fencing down. Could probably finish the job within a couple hours.

[@cpufreak101]

mspenrice I doubt it, it was done just for the historical purpose, having the line still there to walk on, a tribute to the lines history. With it being filled in with pavement nothing's gonna go down them again

[@engineslovetostartmatthew]

Lovely thank you

[@lycian123]

Suddenly I'm 10 years old again. Sniff! Nice wipe at 6:54. Well above the normal fare on this channel.

[@clydeferries]

There must have been some incline up from Folkestone Harbour. Has all the track been lifted now.

[@alanturrell777]

1 in 30 gradient, supposedly the steepest passenger line in the country

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

I've been down there 3 times the first time they were taking the roof off the station since then the old station doesn't look the same one part on one side the track is missing there's tall trees weeds up the other end it should be a working station

[@EastAngliaLevelCrossingsUK]

Didn't see Warren Road LC

[@ElementofKindness]

I can actually distinguish the four stokes of the pistons!!! One stroke sounds a little more powerful than the rest, and can I pick out the "One-two-three-four-One-two-three-four" clearly!

[@MrBnsftrain]

I think the last normal service on this line was on 2001! It seems odd the last train on this line was a steam loco, when it closed in the 21st century! 1:47 is that bell from the level crossing? 6:53 nice transition! That's something I don't normally see in a KZbin video of real trains!

[@mspenrice]

Seems they must have got sick of that bell somewhere between the last close-up shot and the engine steaming up to leave the station... you can hear it faintly all the way through up until the scene change, then it's not even quietly there any more. I know it'd have driven me crazy. It's not particularly common for UK rail crossings to have a warning bell like that rather American-sounding one, if there's any sonic warning at all it's a more synthetic chiming noise... so I think it might be for the bridge instead? Like a warning that it's occupied so please don't turn it, Mr Bridge Operator ;) ... unless of course it's needed because the crossing is otherwise uncontrolled, has no barriers and is positioned somewhere that pedestrians might be crossing as well as heavier vehicles. You'd think it might shut off once there was a train actually straddling the crossing, though. It's not something you're likely to miss! Even a blind pedestrian would hear the noise from the engine and the sound of the wheels...

[@Andi090386]

5:53 Wheelspin. Just as well the had the 47 on the back, as it's a 1 in 30 Gradient (Very Steep). Superb Video

[@exb.r.buckeyeman845]

If you listen, the 47 is just idling not helping at all.

[@jamesdavis5096]

what about the last train to Clarksville?

[@fletch61]

Working its arse off getting back up the hill !

[@macstyle2012]

LOL at 6:00, the car just stops in the road and puts hazards lights on.

[@trainmaniacstudios8216]

One of the reasons why steam is better than diesel: POUNDING THE ABSOLUTE LIVING SH*T OUT OF THE RAILS!!! Cracking video mate, pity its all gone :)

[@deanpritchard8499]

I thought that the last trains on this line were 3 class 73's in 2014, the official year of closure? I would have loved to see it kept open, even if its only served by an EMU on a single line. I've seen too many lines like this ripped up in my own area- bloody shame!

[@maxiepax01]

Also, it's kinda ironic that 34067 Tangmere had come here for years at this point, and yet it doesnt get to pull the last (steam) train there. 70013 had never gone there before, so it's first trip to Folkestone was also it's last.

[@terrycoleman5184]

I have a video of Tangmeres last run up from the harbour. It was advertised as to be the last run ever. The crowds were enormous !

[@mspenrice]

Maybe 70013 was a stronger engine, to pull all those carriages up the bank without any real assistance (and maybe pulling that diesel as well...)? Did 34067 have any pushers helping it out of the town?

[@jefftindall3540]

Very emotional

[@benkay8295]

very steep gradient.oliver is certainly putting the effort in.

[@jodypitt3629]

"Ollie", just like "Scotty" being pulled by her tail, how bloody undignified!

[@johnjephcote7636]

Was there not a weight restriction for locos on that line?

[@ArissonMercinova]

Beautiful machine.