Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR) is a 13½-mile, 15-inch-gauge railway running along the Kent coast from Hythe through Dymchurch, St Mary's Bay, New Romney (the headquarters), and Romney Sands to Dungeness at the southern tip of Kent. It is the most ambitious 15-inch-gauge railway ever built, designed by Henry Greenly in 1925–27 as a fully operational main-line railway in miniature, complete with full-size signalling, double track for much of its length, and powerful express locomotives.
The line was the brainchild of two wealthy enthusiasts: Captain J.E.P. Howey (a racing motorist and railway enthusiast) and Count Louis Zborowski (whose Chitty Chitty Bang Bang racing cars later inspired the Ian Fleming book). Zborowski was killed in a motor accident in 1924 and Howey continued the project alone, opening the line in stages in 1927 (Hythe–New Romney) and 1928 (extension to Dungeness).
The line operated continuously through the Second World War, when it was used by the Royal Engineers, including for testing of an armoured miniature train, and continues today as a substantial all-year operation, providing both a tourist attraction and a working school train (officially contracted to local councils to take children to school).
History
The line was conceived by Captain J.E.P. Howey and Count Louis Zborowski, who commissioned Henry Greenly to design both the railway and a fleet of powerful 15-inch-gauge express locomotives based on contemporary main-line practice. Zborowski died in a 1924 motor-racing accident and Howey continued alone. The line opened from Hythe to New Romney on 16 July 1927 and was extended to Dungeness on 24 May 1928.
During WW2 the RH&DR was militarised and used by the British Army, including the construction of an experimental armoured miniature train. After 1945 the line returned to civilian operation and continues today, having had several owners since Howey's death in 1963 and now being operated by a charitable trust.
Stations and infrastructure
New Romney is the headquarters, with locomotive shed, works, and the principal museum and model railway exhibition. Hythe is the northern terminus. Dungeness is the spectacular southern terminus, with the historic Dungeness lighthouse and looped track. Much of the line is double track with full signalling.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Events include the annual gala (visiting 15-inch-gauge engines from Ravenglass, Bure Valley, etc.), Driver Experience courses, dining trains, 1940s weekends, and Santa Specials. The line operates a working school service for local children, believed to be the only commercial passenger railway in the world contracted to take children to school.
Visitor information
Hythe is reached by Stagecoach bus from Folkestone Central or Sandling. New Romney has dedicated parking. The line operates an extensive timetable through summer and weekends in winter.