Bluebell Railway General Discussion

There are various pros and cons to whether particular locomotives in the National Collection should or shouldn't be kept operable, but I really struggle with the idea that those factors should include either age or beauty. Personally, when I've seen C1 in the NRM, I've thought the modernity and difference are an important reminder that the story of the railways in the UK was not just about beauty.

 

It's the only wartime loco in the museum as well I believe, and I like that it's still a bit grotty after finishing at the Bluebell. Makes it stand out a bit from all the shiny blue, green and red locos!

That said, it'd be nice to see it in steam again!

 

Perhaps you should be reminded Al that the Q1 is just about 80 years old, and rather older than some others in the NRM - a couple of Bulleid Pacifics, for a start ...

A frequent complaint about the NRM is that the collection has too much glamour and not enough of the everyday equipment that comprised the bulk of what the railways actually consisted of. In that regard, an 0-6-0 goods is rather an important part of telling the whole story of the railways, to which you can add on a whole additional story about the railways' response to wartime pressures. I think if you wanted to start questioning the balance of the collection, I'd be asking just how many Pacifics were needed to tell the story of front line passenger traffic ...

Tom

 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch ...

Tickets for the reopening trains are available to book, starting from May 20th: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/book-tickets/

And for BRPS members, there are additional trains on May 19th - these are free to BRPS members, but first come, first served. Book here: https://bluebell.vticket.co.uk/product.php/325/the-pioneer-brps-members-special-train

Tom

 

As we're on balance of the collection do we also get to ask how many tiny tank engines the Bluebell needs as well

Get rid of a few of those and you'd have space for the Q1. (thin it down to sensible levels and you'd have room for the 3H and a steam tamper too)

*NB - before any one has a fit of apoplexy this is not a serious suggestion

 

Was there ever a steam driven tampor

 

You'd need to throw a lot of GSSTEs (Generic Small Southern Tank Engines: the unit measurement for Bluebell siding length) away to fit a 3H...

 

Should have mentioned it last Thursday

 

A quick google suggests that the first tamping machine was built in 1953 by Plasser and Theurer, and I doubt that it or any of the newer machines were steam operated. Before this machine it was all largely done manually.

Someone who knows more about these things might be able to tell you more, but I think I'm probably right in saying that there's never been a steam tamper.

Simon

 

There are some that produce a lot of steam from the operators.

 

A couple of tanks could make space for a 33 (not 33001).

 

I think the money should be spent on making it nicer for visitors not on buying other engines

 

Don't want to be specific about the Bluebell. However, @City of truro fan does have a point about the need for tourist railways to ensure their attractiveness in relation to other entertainments.

 

What’s not nice about the Bluebell?

 

He didn’t say it’s not nice. He did suggest money could be spent on making it nicer and there is always room for improvement, even in the best run places.

 

The April issue of The Bluebell Times (issue 19) is now available for downloading from https://www.bluebell-railway.com/bluebell-times/

It’s a good news issue of The Bluebell Times newsletter in April with details of the plans for reopening the Bluebell Railway after lockdown and the first tickets going on sale.

Issue 19 also contains information on the latest successful grant application and how the money will be spent in the coming months.

Also in Issue 19:

• More virtual tours coming soon
• A new addition to SteamWorks!
• A special Easter message from the Railway’s chaplain
• An in-depth look at ‘Camelot’
• And much, much more

The Bluebell Times is published monthly on the second Friday of each month. The May issue is due out on Friday 14 May. Contributions to editor Tom James bluebelltimes@bluebell-railway.com

PS - after the 9F last month, normal service is resumed and we have more SE&CR finery on the front cover this month

Tom

 

As ever, a very good read - thanks Tom

Steve B

 

Top job, once again Tom .... but please tell me Baxter isn't now entombed in that building!

 

No, the building remains shuntable (is that a word?) There are some intermediate buffer stops to separate the "running" part from the "display" part but they can be removed to ring the changes.

Tom

 

No. 672 "Fenchurch" left Sheffield Park this morning bound for Statfold Engineering.

The frames and wheels will have a mechanical overhaul, as part of the ongoing works to overhaul the locomotive.

see https://www.facebook.com/bluebellra...epxngUSG9uAb8H9gXoBBTWwAgCa9kJLlPsssgWgSTB7KY