by Nick Lillitos
Prince Michael of Kent 'played’ with the biggest train set in his life when he visited Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway.

He even donned a boiler jacket to help drive one of its steam trains after arriving at Hythe Station on Wednesday.

Prince Michael sprung into action, first cutting a ribbon to launch its newly refurbished shop, followed by a swift tour of the store to peruse its products and souvenirs.
Then it was time for the Prince to get 'suited’ in a railway boiler jacket before strolling off to view the platforms, tracks and the control hut with its many levers and buttons.
Although the railway, built in the 1920s, represents a one third full size mainline railway, train buffs insist it should never be mistaken for a toy. The sheer difference in physical size to its much larger brothers makes the RH & DR almost unique in their eyes.
On hand to greet the Prince were Sir William McAlpine, chairman of the railway; Kim Richardson, head of engineering and board members.

The Prince is patron of the Transport Trust and Heritage Railway Association.

The Prince showed a strong interest in everything he was shown, and when one outside observer remarked: “That train is just like Thomas the Tank Engine,” he rejoined: “Oh no, it is not. It’s a very serious business. This is real.”
He then joined train driver Michael Jacques and after a short briefing on the controls took Royal command for the 30-minute run to New Romney Station, where they had refreshments after visiting a model exhibition there.
Prince Michael told the Kentish Express: “It’s a wonderful engine. This lovely thing is hard to find - such wonderful pieces of engineering that has been beautifully built and lovingly maintained.”