RH&DR Rolling Stock

Standard 20 seater closed saloon in crimson livery

Standard 16 seater closed saloon in red and cream livery

Standard 16 seater closed saloon in Oxford blue livery

Standard luggage/saloon composite van in Oxford blue

Standard 16 seater closed saloon in green livery

Built to a standard RH&DR design, with aluminium bodies, as either closed saloons or open coaches in 16 and 20 seat configurations, as well as 6 seater saloon/luggage composite vans. Some closed vehicles feature sliding windows for improved ventilation. These coaches can currently be seen in four liveries: red and cream, Oxford blue, crimson and now, green.

• Full Coach Stock List

Restored Teaks

The programme of restoration of the teak bodied coaches has been an ongoing project since the first three fully restored coaches returned to service over the Easter Holidays in 2001. The restoration requires the coaches to be stripped right down to bare wood to see how much timber needs to be replaced. Once complete the entire body is restained and then given several coats of varnish.

Internally, the coaches have received new panelling to allow for easier cleaning and a brighter environment for passengers.

'Gladys'

Our licensed observation or bar car, 'Gladys' (501), was built in 1977 to an original RH&DR design. At 32 feet in length, she is still one of the longest 15" gauge vehicles in existence. She features a central serving area with a gas stove for boiling the kettle.

A good a plentiful supply of snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks — including the new RH&DR Celebration Steam Ale celebrating the 75th Annivesary of the opening of the RH&DR in July 1927 — are also stored and served from this central bar-area.

Passenger seating is at each end of the vehicle. It is fully upholstered and arranged such that a family party can enjoy the view, each others company and the refreshments.

Named after the wife of the railways founder Captain J E P Howey, she is currently liveried dark blue and cream. In the past, she has been chocolate and cream and, when named the Courage Belle after its then sponsors, she was all blue.

A surcharge of 25p per single passenger journey will be made for travel on this coach, which is available on certain trains on each operating day.

On Tuesday August 20th 2002, fundraisers and nurses from Macmillan Cancer Relief used 'Gladys' to launch their 'World's Biggest Coffee Morning' at New Romney Station.

Disabled Access Vehicles

The railway has carriages specially adapted to carry wheelchairs. With on-board ramps, panoramic windows and seats for accompanying helpers, these coaches are available on any train by prior arrangement. Please telephone 01797 362353 for details.

Coach 105, aluminium bodied, is a Driving Trailer for use on the School Train, as well as being a fully equipped Disabled Access Vehicle.

Coach 601, crimson aluminum body, is a fully equipped disabled Access Vehicle with seating for 16 passengers. It was named 'elsie' after a former, long serving employee of the RH&DR.

Heritage and Preserved Coaches

Royal Saloon

The Royal Saloon, coach number 1, is available for private hire to make your journey on the RH&DR extra special. Luxurious fittings make journeys in this lovingly restored and cared for 8 seater vehicle and enjoyable experience. This coach was used by Her Majesty The Queen at the opening of the Liverpool Garden Festival Railway.

For more details about availabilty and booking information e-mail the RH&DR now.

Clayton Pullman

Coach number 110 is a preserved Clayton Pullman in the red and cream livery. Originally built and delivered in 1927 to a Henry Greenly design they were, at time of delivery, the most luxurious coaches for a 15 inch gauge railway ever seen and came complete with steam heating, electric lighting and plush seating. When the line was extended to Dungeness, the coaches had to have their roofline lowered to accommodate the Littlestone Road tunnel.

The fleet were withdrawn in 1973, but 110 remains and is available for private hire. For more details and information please e-mail the RH&DR.

25P

For the 75th Anniversary Celebrations, coach 25P was painted in the railways former green and cream livery last seen as the seventies passed into the eightees. This 12 seater coach features a restored 1967 Sullivan body on a 1934 Hudson frame. Currently not in service.

Standard Stock