Bluebell Railway Branch Line Gala: 15 - 17 March 2019

Yes.

(Photographic proof - I think that's all of 'em:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bluebellrailway/40365041273/in/album-72157705863206271/)

Not my photo...

Tom

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks Tom for the link.

'Calbourne' W24 is such an old lady and has such a considerable following, and so well looked after by the IOWSR for the past 50 years, and nice to see her on the Bluebell for a holiday, same as we enjoyed 'Birch Grove' on her visits to the IOW.

Have you a turn on her rostered?

Cheers,

Julian

 

No, two days on the big Chatham engines and one as Running Foreman, but nothing on the visitors this year.

It will be interesting to talk to those that do get on Calbourne, and see how she compares with the H class, another special old lady.

Four out of six locos running are unique survivors of their type, and that doesn't include the one from 1874...

Tom

 

Just out of sheer curiosity, how did the visiting locos get delivered given that the "Tramway" isn't presently connected to anything?

Steve B

 

Spot of railway history, anyone?

 

You must have been close to where I was. I was slightly further up though I think. I did venture down for some more pictures before the Well Tank went to the down yard at Horsted and I waited for 30541 to return to Sheffield Park. I have plenty of pictures so will try and upload some when I can.

I had a good day despite the weather during the line up. The numbers seemed good, although there were a few comments made about the 3 and 4 coach trains, especially with W24 and 30587. It was standing room only on the 2nd run to and from East Grinstead which I was on, as was the 1st run according to those that travelled behind them earlier.

 

There’s 511 years of combined age there across four locos ...

The photo is bit reminiscent of the well known Dick Tiley shot of the three Beattie Well arable lined up one Sunday at Wadebridge - which was captured due to a bit of judicious shunting by the shed master!

Tom

 

From a challenging night shoot : -

Vezi atașament 42484

 

An enjoyable time at the gala today, despite the weather and a bit of late running. Paint job on 30587 looks stunning, the two visiting locos put in good performances, good to see the Met set back and Bulleid coach 5768, plus a rare bit of solo running for 178 near the end of its ticket. Pretty busy, which is good, although the first departure from East Grinstead was standing room only.

Managed to catch up with Tom as well on the H class.

Regards,

Dan

 

Excellent event, shame the weather was worse (wetter) than forecast. Managed to ride behind all six locos, what a wonderful collection of motive power and rolling stock. A good timetable too - plenty going on, but with scope to catch up on late running. Thanks to all involved.

 

Great weekend all round, as above, loads going on and delays catered for. 24 definately the star of the show, for me anyway, as an ovener on the IoW. High point was saying hello to Mrs West who's late husband had a long reationship with Calbourne, both BR and IWSR.
Today, Sunday, started really well weatherwise, with sun!!! albeit intermittent
Chris

 

I thought the late Ken West, Calbourne's driver in the 1960s, moved in with his sister Margaret in St John's Rd in later life. At the same time I lived at 20 St John's Hill the eastern side of St John's Station, Ken living on the western side. I stand to be corrected on all this, and it is over 20 years ago and my memory may be faulty.

Ken did not approve of the youngsters on the footplate on the IOWSR who would notch up the valve gear until it started to 'kick' on 'Calbourne' and the Terriers. Running both through a valve gear simulator on the computer he had good reason for this advice with these locos having short travel valves, though in both cases the fullsize gear is very good compared to lots of others of the period.

Cheers,

Julian

 

I was there Saturday, and it was so cold, there was a polar bear behind me in the cafe queue! I hear that the weather was better Sunday, though I hear the day presented it's own Operational challenges. I hope everyone enjoyed it, and that the Bluebell guys don't have too much work to do afterwards!

 

A small selection of photos from the weekend - a fun gala to be at. Thanks to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and the NRM for the visiting engines.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamessquared/albums/72157706033608321

Apologies for the inexplicable lack of Wainwright engines in the photos, but the weather wasn’t playing ball on Friday and Saturday.

Tom

 

Margaret was Kens wife not his sister.

 

Despite the often atrocious weather was a good show IMHO. Video and photos below;



https://railwaygalleries.smugmug.com/Bluebellphotosets/Branch-Line-Weekend-March-2019

 

My video and a few photos from the Saturday and Sunday of the event. Seemed to be well attended, the platforms at HK were very crowded at times and Set A (4 wheelers and Obo) was full and standing most of the time, especially when it ran as a two-coach rake on Sunday! Shame about the Well Tank failing, though a personal highlight for me was seeing Nettles on service trains. Thanks to all for their efforts.