Railway enthusiasts had the treat of their lives when they watched the running of a triple-headed special train hauled by the Ratty's own River Esk, and Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway's stormy twins, Hurricane and Typhoon, locomotives built by the same firm in the 1920s. It was a sight not seen before and never likely to be repeated, and came as a climax to the Ratty's Gala, held on 2nd to 5th May.
It was wonderful to see the familiar local engines rubbing fenders with foreigners, including not only their sisters from Hythe but Wroxham Broad, from Bure Valley, and Siān, from the Siān Project Group, currently based at Windmill Farm Railway.

Plentiful services were run on all three days, including a demonstration goods train consisting of the mess van, the man-rider and a flat wagon, which left Ravenglass each morning and which also served to provide mess facilities in Dalegarth for Boot siding.
Friday was something of a working in day when minor problems were resolved and the event gathered momentum for Saturday. Steam engine Synolda was brought out of the museum and steamed for the weekend. It is a credit to their makers, Bassett Lowe, that she completed several full line trips and performed very well.

The Ratty runs every day in the summer and autumn season and volunteers are always welcome. Just make yourself known to a member of staff or a volunteer at your next visit.