I’d read about all this in Steam Railway, so when my email pinged with a note from David Fletcher asking if I’d be interested in a photo charter, the answer had to be yes.

Now at this point I have to own up to a real liking for gritty industrials.  To me, it’s what railways are all about.

And I knew from a visit to the line years ago, it was certainly gritty.

Joe Public would say shabby, but a little line wending its way through the industry it was created to serve is pretty much as good as it gets.

And maybe that’s the problem.  Gricers look at it and go ‘Wow!’.  If I’d taken the wife and kids, they’d be asking when we’re going home.

A really difficult dilemma, and one the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway does try to address.

Check out their website – there’s a load of events on it targetted at Joe Public.  Good on you guys.

But the real challenge remains, go ‘plastic’ and convince Joe and his family to travel, or remain true to the cause, and keep it as it is?

The Charter was a lot of fun.

The weather really played along – some sunshine to get the nice shots, some cloud to get the gritty stuff.

The organisation was spot on.  The day kept moving right along, but always with enough time to get the shot you wanted.  Well done David!

Of course we had a laugh too – that’s what charters are all about.

Wall to wall sun keeps things too serious, a bit of cloud means the sillier parts of the group (myself included) try out the dafter ideas.

And so it was I ended up lying between the rails, seeking out that elusive shot, fag optional.

And before any Health and Safety types pipe up, the loco was stopped.  And had been for a while.

Thanks to Jason Cross for the picture.

Travelling on the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway was also fun.

Sure, you could go in the carriage, if you’re a wuss.

Much more fun to travel on the open sided paper wagons!  Standing room only of course, except for Jason…

The day ended up with a short night shoot at the line’s shed.  I always love engine sheds, and this one is a gem.

In view of the threat hanging over the line – go there now.

See my album of pictures of the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway.