Bluebell Railway End of Southern Steam event, 7 - 9 July 2017

Bit of a funny one this - a very enjoyable day, in beautiful surroundings and great weather and great to see and ride behind City of Wells (think I missed a ride behind her at Swanage Gala). However it really didn't feel like a special event. There were very few people around, so in a sense it was nice and quiet, but I hope for the Bluebell's sake that they get more customers over the weekend. It was always going to be difficult with the Mid-Hants gala in full swing and I have to say that £25 for a 3 loco mini-gala doesn't seem as good value as £25 for a full blown gala. Having said that I do love the Bluebell line so decided to support them rather than go for a second day at the Mid Hants and had a good day, so no complaints.

 

A few from tonight, more tomorrow morning and a video to follow...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72157680262337582

 

34092 is sat at the end of platform 2 waiting to back onto the stick to form the 1030 so whatever the problem was it wasn't major

Andrew

 

'City of Wells' was in action today.

It's a shame but it seemed quite quiet around and about, one photo from the end of the day after a frustrating battle with the sun all afternoon!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146487151@N02/35415045900/in/dateposted-public/

 

My video from the Friday, featuring 30541, 73082, and 34092...

 

I had a nice time earlier but I do agree with this post. It didn't feel like a special event and was a bit surprised by the £25 fee. It didn't help that there were only 2 service trains today with 34092 and 30541 with 73082 on GA duty (though it did haul the first up train). Also again the line seemed quiet. There were people about but the trains had a good amount of seating.

Just a few minor niggles but still a good day out, I had 2 round trips with 34092 which was in good form (another Bulleid ticked of the list). Also a nice side feature although I didn't do it myself was Footplate visits on 21C123 and the young lady on the kiosk at Sheffield Park seemed to have a busy time dishing out ice creams given the hot weather.

 

Didn't seem any trouble with City of Wells when she left Sheffield Park at 18.25 on Friday...



Photos from Friday now at https://railwaygalleries.smugmug.com/Bluebellphotosets/End-of-Southern-Steam-Gala-July-2017/

 

Video and photos from Friday/Saturday...



https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72157680262337582