Bluebell Diesel Gala 18-19th April

Same as me. Not generally a fan of diesels (and wasn't that keen when diesels began arriving on the Bluebell but got used to it in the end) but I plan to go as I'm interested in seeing the Deltics.

 

I would expect more than 64 people would turn up wherever a Deltic is running. At the ELR and SVR, now hardly strangers to Deltics, it was expected at least a couple of coach fulls would turn up on any running day just for the Deltic. This however is a lot more than just a running day, I never thought I would see a Deltic on these hallowed steam grounds, I can't wait! Barrow Hill provides no real competition on the weekend, it's far too far away and I doubt the red pen merchants, who are only a small percentage normally at a gala will be trading in 1/4 mile branch line shuttle for the first ever visit of deltics to the bluebell. If take into account the London market which has had very limited Deltic opportunities of late, I expect this to be a major success.

 

I'm going to Barrow Hill on the pure basis that it's guaranteed that 009/019 won't be working there that weekend, although I do wish the Bluebell and DPS every success with the two running days - They are sure to attract a good mix of normals and those who should know better.

 

You're obviously deranged.

 

Timetable and more details here: http://www.bluebell-railway.com/event/diesel-weekend/ In addition to the service trains, the plan is that our 09 will also be giving brake van rides, and the C&W Sentinel Shunter will be offering "Driver for a Fiver" opportunities over the weekend.

Tom

 

Thanks for this. Tom. I didn't realise that it was a three-day event until clicking on the link. While the idea of running the pullmans in the evening is a good business move, I'm not too sure about GA regalia on a Deltic. Perhaps if the DPS have a suitable headboard, we could see the Tees-Tyne Pullman or the Queen of Scots instead?

 

Yes, would be nice of a more appropriate headboard could be used. We have everything from the Man of Kent to the Atlantic Coast Express, but I'm not sure we also run to the Tyne Tees Pullman!

Tom

 

Does anyone know whether the Deltics will be delivered on thier mainline connection?

 

Should imagine 9 will be towing 19. Why have a mainline ticket and use Low loader?

 

So it's ok for a loco without a mainline ticket to be towed on the mainline?

 

Just as long as it has a UAT and the air tanks have a ticket, yes. Also its a lot more common for diesels to be towed about than steam.

 

Is it an all diesel event? Bluebell website is a touch vague on the matter. I'm going to the event regardless, but it would help my planning to have this question answered!

 

Two train service with two deltics ,they swap diagrams between Saturday and Sunday.

 

Fantastic! Thanks.

 

Here are the timings for the mainline movements of the Deltics to the bluebell... http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R80147/2015/04/14/advanced

 

22.58 at East Grinstead! Some poor chap (or perhaps several poor chaps) on the Bluebell will end up with a pretty late night. I wonder how many Bluebell signal boxes will have to be manned in order to deliver the Deltics safely to Sheffield park.

 

All three - there isn't the facility to switch HK out yet.

I suspect as an absolute minimum that move will require 6 people on the Bluebell: 3 signalmen; a pilot to ride with the leading diesel driver; a "responsible person" (I think that's the phrase) to liaise with NR to control access from NR to the Bluebell; and someone from the EG station staff to lock the viaduct gates after the last movement.

Tom

 

6,600 hp of Deltic power en route to the Bluebell at present. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R80147/2015/04/14/advanced

 

This was on the Bluebell website, outlining other events over the weekend:

"The visiting Deltics have started their journey South, with D9009 "Alycidon" starting from the NRM in York, picking up 55019 "Royal Highland Fusilier" at Barrow Hill. They should arrive with us this evening, in preparation for the Diesel Gala, which starts on Friday. In addition to the two Deltics, 09018 will be providing brake van rides at Sheffield Park, and 10241 will be giving "Driver for a Fiver" rides at Horsted Keynes (Sat & Sun). Don't forget the Curry & Beer Evening on Saturday at Sheffield Park, and we will also have guided tours of the Carriage Works at Horsted Keynes, starting at 12.35 and 1.50 on the Saturday and Sunday. The Great Northern Directors' Saloon will be on the trains over the weekend, appropriate as it was on occasions Deltic-hauled on the ECML, and the Camelot Sales stand will be at Sheffield Park Station all three days."

Tom

 

My wife and I were booked on a tour to the Bluebell Railway on 18 April - however, we cancelled when we discovered that it was the Diesel Gala. The organiser of said tour said that a number of of other people had also cancelled.