Kent’s Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway to celebrate centenary next year

The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR) in Kent, which offers discounts to RailAdvent Plus Gold members, has revealed its plans for marking its one hundredth anniversary in 2027. The Railway is known as Kent’s ‘Mainline In Miniature’, and opened in 1927. It runs along a thirteen-and-a-half-mile stretch of railway, and has a gauge of fifteen inches. It was created to fulfil the dream of two millionaire racing driver friends, Captain J.E.P. Howey and Count Louis Zborowski. Zborowski commissioned engineer Henry Greenly to design two locos based on the Flying Scotsman. After Zborowski died in a racing accident, Howey worked alone to ensure that their dream became a reality. The construction of the Railway began on the Romney Marsh before the building of the locomotives was completed. Next year, 2027, the Railway will be inviting its visitors to join in celebrations throughout the centenary year – an even more significant milestone than the 95th anniversary celebrations in 2022. The programme will include celebrations of historic named trains from the Railway’s past, as well as the part that the Railway played in World War 2, when it was commandeered by the War Department and used in the building of the Pipeline Under the Ocean (PLUTO), which supplied fuel for the liberation of France. The Railway is promising events including several galas, a golden ticket competition and much more. Next year will also see three iconic railway vehicles return to operation at the Railway. These are the locomotives Typhoon, Hurricane and the Armoured Wagon, all of which operated on the Railway’s miniature armoured train, which ran during the war. Our Railway was founded on a passion for miniature railways. It is wonderful to see that passion and enthusiasm continue 100 years later amongst our visitors, volunteers & staff. We are excited to be announcing our full list of celebrations for our 100th year soon. Our events in 2027 will celebrate not just the history of the railway but also the people who influenced it through the decades. Stuart Ross, General Manager at the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway