SR N 2-6-0 No 1403 climbs from Tonbridge past Weald signalbox at the appraoch to Sevenaoks tunnel with an up freight in the early 1930s.

This is one of the last-built batch (1932-34), identifiable by its number and the 4000 gallon tender with canted-in sides. Bradley says entry into traffic was Aug '32. Sixsmith and Derry, in Irwell's book of the Southern Moguls pt 1 says September that year. Pt 2 says smoke deflectors were fitted to the 'N's between 1934 and 1936 so this photo must have been taken no later than 1936.

The loco was allocated to Ashford at the time.

The headcode, in the 1936 listing
is 'No. 21', L Bridge or B Arms and Dover, Ramsgate or Hastings via Chislehurst, Swanley, Otford and Sevenoaks. Judging by the shadows on the embankment, the sun is to the right which means the train must be heading (north-)west, so in the up direction.

Rail Archive Stephenson