Rolvenden railway station

Infobox UK disused station
name = Rolvenden


caption =
gridref = TQ864327
manager = KESR
owner = Southern Region of British Railways
locale = Rolvenden
borough = Ashford, Kent
platforms = ?
years = 1900
events = Opened as "Tenterden"
years1 = 1903
events1 = Renamed "Rolvenden"
years2 = 2 January 1954
events2 = Closed to passengers
years3 = ?
events3 = Closed to freight
years4 = 3 February 1974
events4 = Station reopened

Rolvenden railway station is a heritage railway station on the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden, Kent, in the United Kingdom.

History

The station was originally opened as Tenterden but was renamed Rolvenden in 1903 when the current Tenterden Town station opened. The name Rolvenden is not really appropriate, the station is over 2 miles from the village and is closer to Tenterden. When Colonel Stephens first opened the railway Rolvenden served as his locomotive workshop in a similar capacity to today. However the limited machinery and space meant during the 1930s it became harder to overhaul the line's aeging fleet. Most engines were sent to Ashford works to be overhauled.

Rolvenden was part of the original heritage railway that also ran to Tenterden. It now has a run-round loop and a water tower.

Current use

Currently the station is home to the Kent and East Sussex Railway's loco department who are responsible for the restoration and maintenance of steam engines owned by the railway. The loco department is one of the most crucial contributors to the railway's success. The site consists of a two track shed which has enough space for around 4 locomotives. The railway also owns the field next to it and has plans to use at least part of it as a car park. Rolvenden is also the coaling depot and this is where all the locomotives are prepared for a days work.

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Locos in residence

* Number 3 LB&SCR A1 Class 0-6-0T (Terrier) 'Bodiam'. In service.
* Number 8 LB&SCR A1 Class 0-6-0T (Terrier) 'Knowle'. Stripped down. Tanks removed as well as most of the cab fittings. Awaiting ten yearly overhaul
* Number 11 SECR P Class 0-6-0T. Undergoing a piston examination
* Number 12 (small 0-4-0T) 'Marcia'. Nearing the end of a major Overhaul.
* Nunber 14 (Industrial 0-6-0T) 'Charwelton'. Undergoing overhaul to be reassembled in 2008. The engine has been lagged and motion is all assembled. Awaitings return of several lubrication partsĶ
* Number 19 Norwegian 2-6-0 . Undergoing major overhaul. Tender stored in siding north of level crossing.
* Number 21 SR USA Class DS238 0-6-0T 'Wainwright'. At sewage works sidings, awaiting overhaul.
* Number 22 SR USA Class 0-6-0T 'Maunsell'. in service
* Number 23 Standard War Department 0-6-0ST 'Bucket Class' 'Holman F Stephens'. In service.
* Number 24 Standard War Department 0-6-0ST 'Bucket Class' 'Rolvenden'.taken out of service due to poor condition. under overhaul.
* Number 25 Standard War Department 0-6-0ST 'Bucket Class' 'Northiam'. Sidelined with a broken regualtor
* Number 30 GWR 1600 Class 0-6-0PT no. 1638. In service