Flying Scotsman at the Bluebell Railway: 13 - 19 April 2017

The 'Blue Belle' maybe?! With SR discs?

 

I would hope any of these fancy workings are strictly evenings, they'd be mad not to run as many trains as possible with her as long as they can, absolutely wring it for all it's worth. 7 B&C Mk.1s should keep everyone happy.

 

I might be wrong, but I don't think we've got 7 B&C mark 1s!

I'm sure all will be revealed in due course - with a crew change mid way through the day, no reason you couldn't run a version of the Saturday service 2 each day with four round trips. I'm sure there will be at least one evening dining train as well.

Tom

 

At GoS there was a train of 6 in action with a spare brake (35207?) in the north end of Platform 1 at Horsted. In fact, checking the photos, there were two with the Pullmans as well so 9 in total.

 

Someone must have been painting the b*gg*rs while I was looking the other way -I stand corrected!

Tom

 

I think what you need is the maximum number of TSOs or TTOs, a high capacity brake and possible a buffet car (although some may argue not! ) - the colour will probably be of secondary consideration!

Steven

 

Agreed - length for length, I think the biggest capacity train would include the LNWR Obo, the SECR 100 seater, the Birdcage brake, the four wheeler LCDR five compartment third ... might not make the photographers too happy though!

I think that, because the core of the B&C coaches is the Rambler set, an all B&C set includes a larger than ideal amount of 1st class, reducing capacity. I'd also imagine that we would want to include one of the wheelchair accessible carriages.

Tom

 

IIRC 5034 is in Blood & Custard.

 

On SVR first class was suspended for FS weekend. Passengers were shown to their seats to ensure optimum seat utilisation. we avoided that two to a compartment syndrome often seen.

 

I get this feeling that the Bluebell, KWVR and WSR will have sort advice from the ELR, NYMR and SVR on their experiences and formulate their plans based on what worked and didn't work for the other railways.

 

Unfortunately 5034 has been withdrawn and will almost certainly be in the works for attention to corrosion of both ends. It is planned to take Mk1 BCK 21246's place in the shed with a return to traffic in time for next year's Santa season.

Dave

 

When will 21246 be complete? Also 5768?

 

Rebuilding of the southern end is almost complete with just the gangway plate and bellows and smaller fittings to be attached. A start has been made on hanging the doors (the guards' are finished and the east side luggage doors are being trial fitted) and then riveting the door frame mouldings in place. At present it is hoped that the coach will enter the paintshop in mid-February for the final undercoats, topcoat, lettering and varnishing to be applied. It will then go over the jacks for the setting up of the bottom sides and the overhaul of its Commonwealth bogies.Interior fitting out is ongoing with attention focused on the corridor and three third class compartments. It's always difficult to say when a coach will enter traffic (when it's ready is the stock, and perhaps trite answer!) however it's likely to be the second half of next year. Progress can be seen on my flickr site at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/extension3363/albums/72157632351478427

Progress is gaining momentum on 5768 now that SECR 3188 is in traffic and the Bulleid has taken its place in the dock. The first of the water tank covers has been fitted to the south, third class, end of the roof, only the north end one and the filler pipe / hand rails are left to be installed before the final coats of paint can be applied. Internally, trial fitting of the third class lavatory is progressing well. The three third class compartments are in the process of being fitted out with the first seat being trial fitted in Compartment G so that the packers can be trial fitted and the moquette aligned on these and the corner pads.

Two of the four first class compartment ceilings are finished and the third should be ready before Christmas. Fitting out of these two compartments has begun. The ceiling in the last compartment, the corridor and the vestibules should be finished early in the new year. The third class seat backs and cushions have been trimmed as has the first of the First class seat backs, the next two or three should be delivered next week. Externally, painting of the northern end is almost complete. The southern end and both side have been filled and are in primer. The bogies were disassembled a few years ago and the frames painted however they are awaiting some welding work and NDT to be undertaken before they can be reassembled. Many of the components have been robbed to keep the serving fleet in traffic so they will have to be soured afresh. Entry to traffic will hopefully be in time for next year's Santa season.

Progress can be seen via the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/extension3363/albums/72157626601424746

Dave

 

From the Bluebell website:

"If you are interested in being kept up to date with the visit of 'Flying Scotsman' in April, please e-mail us (fsinfo@bluebell-railway.co.uk) and we will add you to our contact list and send information as soon as it is available."

Tom

 

Info here about a Pullman breakfast service on the first day of Flying Scotsman's visit, which I guess means that this will be the very first opportunity to ride behind her 07:30 on Thursday 13 April.

Also confirms a few more details, in particular that tickets for regular FS trains will go on sale early in February.

http://www.bluebell-railway.com/event/flying-scotsman/

Tom

 

I note that on the Bluebell Yahoo discussion forum that not everyone is happy with 60103's visit. One chap has stated that he will refuse to visit whilst "that loco" is on Bluebell metals. I somehow doubt that he'll be missed.

 

Further details filtering out include:-

Flying Scotsman will make 3 round trips a day with 'ordinary' stock.
Travel on Flying Scotsman hauled trains will be by pre booked tickets only from an external ticket booking agent (details to be advised shortly) and passengers must join at Sheffield Park where special arrangements will be made to ensure only those with pre booked tickets have access to the relevant platform while Scotsman is in the station.
Passengers booking to travel on Flying Scotsman services will be allocated a seat and once all seats are taken no further tickets will be issued for that service.
Passengers purchasing Flying Scotsman tickets will be able to travel as much as they like on the other two trains planned to be operating (including getting to SP to join the Scotsman trips for people choosing to access the railway via East Grinstead)
Passengers not wishing to travel on the Flying Scotsman will be able to purchase rover tickets for use on the two other service trains throughout the day - but as no seat reservation system is in place for these trains, passengers cannot be guaranteed a seat.
Visitors wishing to view Flying Scotsman, but not travel, will be able to purchase station admission tickets (not transferable between stations) with the exception of at East Grinstead where access will be restricted to those with travel tickets.
Additional off site parking will be arranged at Sheffield Park with shuttle buses provided and revised station access arrangements will be in place to control site access.

 

It's a broad church, that forum

Tom

 

Crikey, so that's 6 Golden Arrow trains in as many days! I know where I'll be working over Easter then. Bring it on!

 

Church? More like a lunatic asylum at times.