Can sks please date this photo and possibly station and type of train . Ty

[frederickay]

Hi all . I have become confused with naming this fellow . I might have attributed it to a nephew rather than uncle . One generation out . If this photo can be aged it will make a difference because of death dates for both men . Can anyone identify train and could the station be near Slade Green . Any of those answers might tighten the timeline . Thank you . The man involved on left could be either Walter George Wharton or Walter George Valentine .. Thank You . Fred .

[bearkat]

It's a small engine - perhaps the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch railway

https://www.flickr.com/photos/27045884@N05/30623344328

[Andy J2022]

Here's another view of the same or similar engine from the same angle as your photo, again RH&DR

[arthurk]

It's a very strong possibility - try an image search for the RH&DR's locomotive no.2 "Northern Chief" to see more.

[frederickay]

How very interesting . I am googling as fast as I can think . This railway is in Kent area and Slade Green was in Kent and is  where George Walter Valentine who was a railway man lived . I will keep digging . How exciting . Thank you for any help l I might look into the archives of the railway . They might have a list of enthusiasts who worked on train ? Thank you .Fred . Ps . I have written to the secretary and forwarded the engine photo . I will keep you informed if they have archival notes .

[frederickay]

Hi . Thank you for your answers . I got in touch with the RH&DR archives . They confirmed it was the Northern Chief #2 and dated it pre 1955 because of the lack of smoke deflectors.They confirmed the station was at Hythe . Unfortunately they had no record of Either of the two Walters being employed there  . I enjoyed your help and my search and as ever will keep digging . TY Fred.

[Andy J2022]

Unfortunately they had no record of Either of the two Walters being employed there.

Perhaps this is an example of the saying 'a busman's holiday' where train is substituted for bus.

[frederickay]

Yes , I am going to track down where I sourced photo . I did think he might have his “ good clothes “ on so maybe visiting. Exactly as you say in this case a “ trainman holiday “ It’s been fun tracking it down with everyone help . Fred .

[arthurk]

Thanks for letting us know - and it's good to know that the RH&DR archives were helpful.