Bluebell Motive Power

Me too. I'm not entirely surprised to see a 56xx coming in to help out, as it looks like the end of 2014 before the Bluebell can dispense with hired-in locos and 5619 and 5643 have both been "doing the rounds" this year.

I was a bit more surprised to read the following on the Bluebell e-mail:-

I can see the point of wanting to maintain some sort of service north of HK if the line is temporarily severed for a couple of weeks, but is it really economically viable to hire in a dmmu with all the transportation costs involved just for 2 weekends? If it has to be a diesel, why not use the shunter and a short rake of coaches? Or what about 33103 Swordfish? It's still showing on the latest loco roster, even without any booked duties in November.

On another note, I'm pleased that 1638 has been returned to service. OK, it may not see its full 10 years out, but reading through some posts above, it could be the last we'll see of a Maunsell Mogul in action on the Bluebell for quite some years, which is a shame. Still, looking further ahead:-

Who knows whether the westward and even southward estensions may be under way by 2030? A longer line will almost certainly mean more engines (As long as it also means more revenue to overhaul them). We may see 1618, 1638 or 75027 (one of my favourites) in action a bit sooner under these circumstances, although I'm not going to get too excited about such a prospect less than a year after the opening of the East Grinstead extension!

 

Can't say I'm exactly looking forward to a DMU, but there you go...

However, with regard the other diesels - I assume that the Crompton will be needed for the actual engineering work on Freshfield Bank (which was, after all, the reason it was originally hired in the first place). The 09 may also have engineering uses, and in any case, experience has shown that it can't manage more than about 10mph on our gradients with even a three coach load, so isn't really suitable as a passenger engine. So I guess the alternatives were hire another diesel, hire a DMU or put a couple of steam engines at HK for a couple of weeks. I'd have preferred the latter - we have done that before - but for whatever reason that wasn't the chosen decision.

Tom

 

Not meaning to go into what are private contracts, regarding something like 80064 did this engine not earn itself any money whilst it ran? Some of the early preservation locos had very strange running agreements - look at all the svr locos now awaiting overhaul at the railways expense. Of course 20 - 30 years ago the thinking was quite different. It's just come back to haunt some more than others.

 

The other problem with Swordfish or the 09 running service trains in winter would be the lack of any steam heat facility's!

 

Just thinking a bit more about the DMU: The infrastructure works are not only on Freshfield Bank, but also the replacement of No 23 points (which are the furthest south points at HK). Removing those makes run-rounds problematic at HK (not impossible, but awkward). So I wonder if the reason for hiring a DMU is to avoid the need for top&tailing a service between HK and EG; or the need to run-round via the loop line, which would require down trains to terminate, disembark the passengers and then propel back out of the platforms in order to run round.

The perils of running a service during a period when many other lines are shut down!

Tom

 

I was wondering why a non-Southern DMU. My personal choice would have been the Hastings Thumper reduced to maybe 3 coaches. Wouldn't look at all out of place between HK and EG. But nevermind, I'm sure there are reasons why a DMU from Wirksworth is the most viable option.

 

The inspection pit in HK yard isn't available either at that time so that was another contributing factor!

 

I remember the C being based at HK for a few weeks a couple of years back- was it a particularly bad experience? I do recognise that at the mo we need diesels for the odd thunderbird job, but it seems a real shame to me to have a period when it's purely diesel. Even if not 100% steam any more, Bluebell is a steam railway and known as such. I love that there are new passengers travelling since the EG link, but how many are going to get completely the wrong impression if they make a visit and they don't see vintage stock or a steam loco? To me it gives completely the wrong story of what the line is all about...


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I believe that the lack of suitable facilities didn't do the C class any favours during its sojourn at HK. Given the current locomotive situation, it is not worth out-stationing a locomotive where it is known that due to the lack of facilities, it cannot be adequately maintained to the required standards.

ISTR one of my my first tasks as a new volunteer was replacing all the fire bars in the C class. Apparently it was rather difficult to clean the ash pan (the C class only has a front damper) at HK without guaranteed access to the pit so the ash level had built up in some places and caused issues.

 

Radical though I know, but why don't you just use the 4VEP that you own, push-pull with the 33/1 that you have on hire??? Would do the VEP some good too as it hasn't moved off 35 road in Clapham for rather a long time.

It will be very interesting to watch and see whether or not the amount of diesel use the Bluebell is becoming accustomed to will damage your "brand" or not. I like diesels, but to be honest the thought of one running at the Bluebell leaves me completely cold. The chance of inadvertently getting one makes me very disinclined to visit, which is odd, because it wouldn't bother me anywhere else. The Bluebell was special though. Alas, now, to me, it is the same as the rest and that is a shame.

 

As per earlier posts, the 33 will be (probably) be utilized on engineering trains (the primary reason it was brought to the line), plus I don't believe it has the ability to heat the 4VEP stock (as has been discussed elsewhere).

 

I very much doubt that heating connections in a VEP are connected to the inter unit multiplug as there was no need, the supply coming through the traction circuit. Does anyone remember how TC units are heated?

 

Thanks for that. I think you are probably right re the REP.

 

I can almost hear the impending spluttering among some of the membership when they hear about the DMU!

Although I have to say I find it an odd choice, especially when factoring in the transport costs. Could we not have hired a 73 and used the VEP? Must be one based at Clapham / Willesden / Acton going spare for a couple of weekends.

 

Instead of hiring a DMU its the perfect chance to actually use your VEP which has been dumped outside at clapham since May you got a 33 there even a 73 would be able to push the vep.a class 47/7 as well would work.....

 

If the 73 was swapped for Swordfish it might work. Dont forget the 73 is only 600HP on diesel. The 33 at 1550hp is a better bet. Still no heating though

 

If they used a 33 or 73 with the VEP wouldn't it be compatible heating wise, ie ETH? Thinking again maybe not the 73 though, I think they only provide ETH when in electric mode.

 

VEP units dont have ETH jumpers. As I said earlier "hotel power" (aparently an official term) is supplied to each VEP from the third rail. There is no need to couple heating between VEP/CEP/BEP/CIG/BIG/HAP and EPB. Interuptions due to gapping are of no consequence for the heating. They simply do not have ETH sockets.

 

The other option would be simply not to run at all in January and February and actually let the infrastructure guys have a nice long clear slot for a decent length possession! As it is, we run every weekend of the year, and daily from Easter to the end of October plus December - that doesn't allow much time for complex infrastructure work. Many preserved lines seem to have a long shut down early in the year that allows them to catch up on remedial work. We don't.

If we shut down from, say, January to the mid-February half term, it would allow a clear six weeks for doing jobs like Freshfield Bank and 23 points. The question would be what impact it had on passenger numbers. We'd probably expect a few thousand passengers in that period; the question is whether, were we shut, they would come back some other weekend, or be completely lost.

Tom