Bluebell Railway Giants of Steam 2009

Why are the service trains starting so late for? Everyone on this forum complained about the time table at the MHR gala for starting late. But looking at the Bluebell time table they are starting even later than the MHR gala.

 

It does seem a later start this year, although Bluebell Gala's don't tend to start too early, although normally in recent there has been a morning breakfast train or something like that if I remember correctly.

 

Anyone know the time for 9017's chimney first goods train? I cant seem to get a timetable in advance and would like to know the best time to come.

 

No idea but at a guess there seems to be a gap in the passenger trains patterns of gap between services between;11.00 and 12.10, 1.20 and 2.27, and 3.30 and 4.30 so I guess it would be between them but don't hold me to it, just a guess.

 

11:32 from Sheffield Park

 

thanks for that

 

I, as one who has to make a day-trip from Wales to attend the gala, am thankful that it is starting late, so that I don't miss much of the action! Hope to see you again on the BBLS stall on Saturday, Spamcan 81!

 

I'll be at work Saturday so won't be on the stall but don't let that stop you spending Sunday.

 

U class 1638 shunting around SP yard today and on it's way to HK with a few bits in preparation for the weekend, so looking good for it appearing at the weekend.
Storm sheets and a Mac at the ready for Saturday, could be wet. However you could also get some great Photos if the sun does pop out. Lets hope so.

Regards,

Dave G.

 

Thanks for the freight times and 1638 update, means assuming my camera doesn't get too wet and dies I will have footage of all available engines running this year!
I assume platform tickets won't be available on the gala? (anyone able to confirm?), riding on Saturday but not Sunday so probably won't see you Spamcan, hoping to go on the footpath north of Leamland on Sunday.
Will be a chance to test my new mack and walking boots for sure! If only we could have last weekends weather, although if it's better than when City of Truro came I can't see us being able to complain!

 

It is a pity the event seems to be a bit truncated.

But I would guess with the Arthur not there the Bluebell is a little short on motive power, and a loss of any other loco, (ie 1638 not having been got ready in time), would make it very difficult for them with a longer running day for service trains.

The weather forecast is putting me off a bit, but I think I'll go and ride the trains for at least one day. It is my local railway after all.

 

I think with having a gala at this time of year there will always be an issue with the weather. Maybe the Bluebell should think about moving this gala back a month?

 

I think for any railway and having any gala and moving the gala - The weather will always be an issue. I think it is too late in the day to move the gala as alot of people will still attend with the expectations that a gala is going ahead! Just a shame there is no other loco attending apart from the ones that currently reside at the Bluebell.
Mind you - People I am sure will be attending if anything to see Pete Waterman? Hopefully he will be up for asking questions at the book-signing???

 

Two years ago the weather at Giants was stunning so I was more than happy with the timing of the event. TBH any Gala in the UK will have issues with the weather no matter when it's staged.

 

The weather forecast for Sunday seems to be better

 

If you take a look at the Bluebell website, it says that 1638 was successfully steamed at SP today, and fingers crossed (all being well, and every other thing you can think of so as not to Jiinx it) it should be in steam for the gala.

Of course, this means it could be quite a gala.

 

I have to say that I prefer the Dukedog in the Green Livery!

 

I'm with 34007 on this one. It has more charachter.

 

Well close your eyes when it goes past. You won't notice the difference then.

 

Well you can't miss it in Black - Unless at night! ;-)

But in all seriousness - The Dukedog does have some guts for such a small engine!!

I can't wait to see 1638 running again on Friday!!