Thanks to the wonders of the internet, we are able to get almost information that we want, and much more that we don't. The key is knowing where to look of course.Throughout the year a branch of VSOE, the company that operates the Orient express runs dining trips through the UK, and one of the destinations is Folkestone.Folkestone is a channel port, and in many places is pretty ugly. But the town is overlooked by the whote cliffs, and down by the harbour is is stunning. And right across the harbour is a small branch line that used to serve the boat rrains to France. I can't begin to describe how beautiful the scene is, a multi-arched pier made of brick, with small fishing boats in front sitting on an azure sea. Well, at high tide at least.Network rail has been trying to close the half mile branch from the Dover to Charing Cross mainline due to cost, and as no train ferries run now scheduled services run down there. Just the occasional tour and during the summer the VSOE; The Orient Express.So, I noticed the Orient Express was due yesterday; and it being a stunning late summers day we decided to spend the day, or part of it at Folkestone in case the train used the branch. We arrived and managed to park the car on a street with no restrictions and headed off to see the view and try to find out some information. The securitry guard was in a bad mood, as we had disturbed him from reading The News of the World; too many big words, I guess. And his reply was how should he know. The harbour information kiosk was more helpful; she said if you see people tidying up the platform on the Harbour Station then it would be coming.We headed off for a walk around the impossibly pretty harbour, and saw there was a produce market on; we bought some French chese, pate and some crispy bread for later. Had a tea and a bacon butty whost we watched the world go by.After a while some British workmen with day-go jackets on surveyed the line, and began to half-heartedly clean the platform. No one else seemed to notice, but we sat down to see if anything else was going to happen. A passing guy who was parked up here because of the channel tunnel closure asked if we were waiting for the train, and when we said we were he told us it was due at twenty to two. Time then for a quick trip to the pub for some ale and a packed of salt and vinegar crisps before grabbing what I thought the best position.The barrier leading to the ferry terminal began to clang, although the barriers did not work, and a string with some red and white plastic was moved across. A distant train whistle signaled the iminant arrival as the train made it's way down the 1:30 embankment.A large diesel locomotive came round the bend between the houses and hotels; followed by a dozen immaculate dark red Pullan cars, with another locomotive at the rear, this one in dark royal red, as it is this one that hauls the Royal train when needed.
Seagulls scattered as the train went over the pier and the swing bridge; breaks squeeling over the rusty rails. A wonderful sight, and I snapped away to my hearts delight. The line may well close in November when the last VSOE service has run, in which case I have some stunning pictures.It was then time to head home and tuck into the bread, cheese, pate and a glass or two of red wine.Not a bad day.Although we did forget to oick up the wedding cake.
No comments:
Post a Comment