During the weekend of the 17th-18th September 2011, the East Kent Railway held their EMU gala, utilizing stock owned by the EPB Preservation Group (EPBPG) and the Southern Electric Group. Highlight of the weekend was the return to passenger service of our 4 Cor motor coach S11161S from unit 3142 for the first time in over 30 years. The coach has received quite a lot of attention over the summer to get in a fit state for safe operation, but is largely unrestored.

There were four return trips on each day. For the 11:30 departure from Shepherdswell, S11161S was coupled to the EPBPG's 2 EPB unit 5759 and their beautifully-restored Motor Luggage Van (MLV) S68001, the ensemble being hauled to Eythorne by Class 09 shunter 09025/D4113 (Connex Livery on one side, BR Green on the other). From Eythorne, the rake was pushed by the shunter driving from the 4 Cor cab, which is believed to be a first in over 40 Years. The 12:30 and 13:45 departures from Shepherdswell consisted of 4 Cep/Bep hybrid unit 7105 hauled by 09025. The real fun came with the final 15:00 departure from Shepherdswell, with S68001 leading, then 5759, finally S11161S. This was pushed by the shunter as far as North Bank crossing. The shunter was then uncoupled, and the consist proceeded to Eythorne hauled by S68001 - true Southern Electric (albeit on battery power)!

S11161S at Eythorne, showing some of the work required to the exterior.

photograph by "GB"

Sucessive generations of Southern Electric mianline stock on adjacent roads at Shepherdswell. A world apart in tastes of livery too!

photograph by Ashley Saunders

S11161S coupled to the 09.

photograph by Simon Jeffs

Taken from S11161S's cab, the coupling in operation, and that is the SEG's Ashley Saunders performing the heavy operation.

photograph by Simon Jeffs

The cab of S11161S is still in Southern Region workaday condition!

photograph by Ashley Saunders