Ashford Steam Centre was established by Esmond Lewis-Evans. On 11 April 1971, the Southern Electric Group organised the
Man of Kent 71 railtour, which visited the steam centre.
Class 71 locomotive E5005 and
4TC set 427 were used. In 1974, the centre was open once a month, on the second Sunday of the month. At the time, there were around a dozen locomotives on site. Due to mounting debts, the steam centre was closed May 1976 and its rolling stock was dispersed. The engine shed and surrounding area were cleared in 1989, with the area being used for the storage of motor vehicles. Since 2005 most of the site has been sold for housing development. ==Rolling stock==