Bluebell Railway - Giants of steam 2018

Stock allocations for the weekend are now up on the PTI page (http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pti/index.html), surprised to see an all green rake with 60009 when another set has 6 crimson and cream mk1s but I'm sure there's good reason somewhere! Also seems to suggest that Camelot will deputise for Mayflower and 847 will work Set D for the duration of the gala

 

Some of us are planning on paying a visit despite lack of a B1... What else is running?

 

“Camelot”, the S15, Q and O1 from the home fleet, plus Union of South Africa. It’s possible the H may run as well but haven’t seen it confirmed.

Tom

 

I think it is to maximise available seats behind the visitor - I make it about 405 seats + wheelchair access behind 60009 using the green carriages plus Obo in set C; 293 seats in the crimson and cream set D behind 847.

Tom

 

Apologies if this sounded rather defeatist! I have been to the Bluebell several times this year, so I have already had the benefit of the home fleet. A4's are not a favourite of mine, but I would have been pleased to see it as part of the day. However, I really do like a B1, and I was looking forward to seeing it rather a lot. I wish Tom and the rest of the Bluebell crew every success with the weekend, and I hope that someone enjoys the extra space that my over-fed frame not being there creates!

 

It’s an A4. That's exciting in itself no matter which line it’s on.

 

Is the on line time table/roster likely to be updated for the gala? TIA

 

I should have added that by appearing at the Bluebell it will give those who cannot afford a main line tour ticket the chance to ride behind an A4 at affordable prices, albeit at a lower speed.

 

Deleted - see below

Tom

 

On the Friday 847 which was not being used could substitute for Mayflower.
Saturday 73082 was only being used on 2 services, one of which was a double header, so looking at the timetable either 73082 or 847 would cover for Mayflower hauling set B while the other hauls set D.
Sunday 73082 and 847 were only due to haul 2 services each, all with set D . so one could haul set B and the other set D.
According to http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pti/index.html 73082 hauls set B the Southern set and 847 hauls set D which is the Blood and Custard Mark's on all 3 days.
It would be better if it were the other way round.

 

@pete12000 Just noticed this linked from the PTI page:

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pti/1AG.html

I think the F&C service on the Friday night is a pre-booked fish and chip train rather than a gala service per se, but probably worth ringing the railway to confirm if interested.

Tom

 

My rather large frame will take your place! My first visit to the Bluebell I'm rather looking forward to it, rather sad this will be my farewell to Number 9 though.

 

Excellent! Many thanks

 

According to the .com site" Carriage Set B – Real Ale bar in and snacks in “At the Sign of the White Horse” Since there is no catering coach in the Southern set and the real ale in the past has been in a blood and custard coach. It appears 73082 will Blood and Custard Mk's and 847 will haul the Southern Set.

The timetable to download has been amended https://www.bluebell-railway.com/wp...ts-of-Steam-Autumn-Gala-2018-Timetables-4.pdf

 

Hopefully, it would also make sense if the rakes were swapped over given that the Friday night dining train is supposed to use Set B but the semi-open Southern rake seems an odd choice for this.

 

I'm going on Sunday and booked on the 10am behind 60009 as it could be my last chance to ride behind her.

Might also get a better chance to get behind the Q as I've not had the opportunity of a full run behind it.

 

60009 at Horsted Keynes having arrived safely from Southall today.

 

Reading the Operating Notices, it looks like the brake van rides on Sat / Sun will consist of a short fitted goods train, rather than just loco and brake van. The train will depart from platform 2 at Horsted Keynes and carry out a circuit of the station via the down advanced starter, back through any available platform to the up second advanced starter, then back into platform 2.

If I’ve read the timetable correctly, loco is 30541 Saturday AM and Sunday PM; No. 65 Saturday PM and Sunday AM.

Tom

 

Thanks for the info Tom, does this apply tomorrow as well?

 

Just to say that 60009 won't be the only A4 at the Bluebell this weekend, our resident 10.25" loco 4498 "Sir Nigel Gresley" will be visiting for the weekend too and it's planned that we'll be running on a short demonstration line at Sheffield Park.

A few of us Lakeside lads will be around for any questions from Friday all the way through to Sunday. I'm around on Saturday so come and say hello!

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2018/1...comotive-heading-to-the-bluebell-railway.html