All aboard world's first Doodle Train on the Kent & East Sussex Railway!
In his biggest vehicle art challenge to date, internationally acclaimed artist Mr Doodle has created the world's first Doodle Train which will take passengers along the Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) on scheduled services until the end of August.
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Doodling continues watched by the crowd . Photo by Roger Marks
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The artist doodled the carriage at the platform . Photo by Roger Marks
Over the course of a night and a day, the Tenterden-based artist covered the sides of an entire 64ft railway carriage with his instantly recognisable signature doodles. The final stages of the transformation happened live at the platform of Tenterden Town Station, in front of a crowd of fans, visitors and press.
The doodles were drawn directly onto a special protective wrap covering the carriage sides - a technique more often used to apply pre-printed designs to cars and other vehicles - to protect the vintage 1950s vehicle which will be returned to its original state when the wrap is removed.
The completed Doodle Train Carriage . Photo by Alison Miles
Renowned for his large-scale public art projects, Mr Doodle has covered everything from a Formula One car to his entire house in his signature doodles. However, the Doodle Train represents his most ambitious vehicle challenge yet—and it's the first time the public can actually travel inside his artwork.
The Kent & East Sussex Railway issued this special challenge to Mr Doodle as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations, with the project fully funded by the artist himself.
The Doodle Train now joins the railway's regular passenger fleet for select heritage services throughout August. These journeys are included in the railway's Summer ‘Kids Go FREE' offer, allowing any child under 16 to travel for free with a fare-paying adult. This ticket grants unlimited trips along the line on the day of travel.
The inaugural Doodle Train services departed from Tenterden Town Station at 11:25am on Saturday, 27th July, and Sunday, 28th July, with Mr Doodle himself joining passengers on the Saturday morning train.
Tenterden Town Station was transformed into a DoodleTown station for the weekend, featuring special Mr Doodle activities for children, including doodling their own cardboard train and participating in a treasure hunt to find Mr Doodle's signature designs around the station.
A selection of Mr Doodle merchandise is available in the station shop until the end of August.Mr Doodle, who grew up in Tenterden and still resides in the town, boasts millions of followers worldwide on social media.
Reflecting on the project, Mr Doodle said:"I was very happy doodling a train! It was the first time my drawings have appeared on a vehicle this size. It was so fun! It's especially nice that it all happened in my hometown. I hope the people there enjoyed it!"
"It was such fun" - Mr Doodle .Photo by Alison Miles
Robin Coombes, K&ESR General Manager, said:
"As a local artist and frequent visitor to the K&ESR, we were delighted that Mr Doodle agreed to literally ‘make his mark' on our 50th Anniversary celebrations. We'd also like to extend our thanks to Mr Doodle for funding the project and giving his time to help support the railway and the local community.
"Some heritage railway enthusiasts might have raised their eyebrows at this initiative, but for our 50th Anniversary we committed to not only celebrating the achievements of the past five decades but also to looking to the future and how we can continue to thrive. The positive response to date - from the look of the finished carriage to the many people who came to see the artist at work and then to ride the first of the Doodle Trains - has already proved we were right in trying something new."
There are a limited number of seats available on each Doodle Train2 which can't be reserved so, to avoid disappointment, both advance online booking at www.kesr.org.uk to save and early arrival at the station are strongly recommended for Doodle Train scheduled services. Terms and conditions apply, please visit the website for more details.