Bluebell Railway General Discussion

To be honest, these war events are mostly about a fond nostalgia for things remembered from war films and Just William and the like.
Rather less fun with the real fear of bombs, friends and relatives fighting far away, most families touched by loss, rationing, and no idea when it would end. Only in a country where peace is taken for granted would people want to recreate war!

 

Given the current precariousness of the loco fleet situation, having it back in ANY livery is far more important than sticking to an arbitrary date. Camelot has done sterling work over the past couple of months as the only loco capable of hauling the non vintage set (5/6 Mk1s/ Bulleids) about but it desperately needs the S15 and the Q to be back to give it a rest.

 

From the Bluebell e-Newsletter:

AGM HIGHLIGHTS: GRAHAM AITKEN SUCCEEDS ROY WATTS AS CHAIRMAN

The Bluebell Railway Preservation Society (BRPS) held its 56th Annual General Meeting in Burgess Hill on 21 May, 2016. There was a higher than usual attendance, with more than 320 members present, attributable at least in part to the desire of members to express appreciation for Roy Watts, who stood down as Chairman, having served from 1997 to 2016.

It was reported that membership levels are holding at around 10,500, but it was poignant to note that in the last year, 69 members have passed away.

The accounts of the Bluebell Railway PLC, BRPS, and Bluebell Railway Trust were distributed and highlights discussed.

Updates on the Accessible Steam Heritage (ASH), Operation Undercover (OP4), and Western Extension/Ardingly Branch projects were delivered. The ASH Appeal now stands at £158,000 which is 75% of the targeted £210k. On WEP it was emphasised that there is no dash for Ardingly. What the Railway is doing is asset protection/enabling works with a view to seeking planning application and a Transport & Works Act Order once a Business Case is developed, detailed project costs are known, and a funding strategy agreed. On OP4, steelwork on the present building phase should be completed by end of May and the rest of the contract by end of June.

Although fundraising can easily focus on the major capital building and overhaul/restoration projects, the reality is that the fabric and infrastructure of the railway is in need of heavy investment, the station buildings at Horsted Keynes and track between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes being examples. The need to "up our game," especially in attracting higher visitor numbers and thus additional revenue was acknowledged.

A motion for the Trustees to investigate a restructuring of the AGM and to examine Postal Voting was passed by a narrow majority, and findings and recommendations will be reported with notices for the 2017 meeting.

Awards included those for 25, 40, and 50 years' volunteer service. Special awards were given to Chris Cooper for his 50 years and dedication to turning out a clean carriage fleet for our customers; to Trevor Rapley for his outstanding work with carriage restorations; and to Roger Kelly for his relentless fundraising work and achievements.

An award also was given to Tim Baker, who stood down as a Trustee, recognising his many years' solid contribution and support to the Society. The final award--of a 00 gauge Adams Radial tank--was made by Society President Gordon Pettitt to Roy Watts for his remarkable long service, commitment, and dedication. Roy was offered the post of Society Vice President, which he kindly accepted.

Graham Aitken--Guard and Senior Station Master at Sheffield Park --won the election to succeed Roy Watts as Society Chairman. Carriage & Wagon Department volunteer Steve Bigg was appointed unopposed as Society Vice Chairman, and Tim Parkin was successfully elected as a new Society Trustee following Tim Baker's decision not to stand for re-election.

Fundraising on the night realised £1,000, which will be matched by a donor, thus boosting Cash for Cover and the ASH appeal each by £1,000!

Finally, good news if you are a BRPS member: as of 1 June Privilege Rate tickets will be sold at 50% of the full fare price. That keeps it simple!

By Roger Garman, Communications Director


And from Roy Watts:

A NOTE OF THANKS

I would like to express my thanks for all the help and support I received during my tenure as Society Chairman. It's not always been an easy ride, and some tough decisions had to be made, but assuredly they were always made in the best interests of the Railway.

In furtherance of our aims and objectives, I wish Graham Aitken and Steve Bigg every success as they take the Railway forward to the next stage of our proud history, and I am sure you will continue to offer them your support.

I would also like to thank both Sam Bee and Gavin Bennett for their contributions in keeping me on track. I never underestimated the value of their input. Whether they agreed with me or not, they offered the opportunity of good advice, sense check, or, indeed, what should be correct procedure to ensure we worked within the framework of our rules--such very useful people to have at your side.

Naturally, I offer my commiserations to Sam as he stands down as Vice Chairman, but I know he has plenty to focus on, including overseeing our wonderful Museum and being involved with the Trust. I offer him my personal thanks.

I am deeply honoured to have the title of Vice President bestowed upon me, and I look forward to adding my contribution to the progression of our wonderful Railway. We are certainly not at journey's end yet. Who knows, I might even take a much closer look at the Adams No. 488 ...

Best wishes to you all,

Roy Watts

 

Can I add my appreciation to those noting Roy Watts and Tim Baker's achievements.

But my principal reason for commenting is that, as someone not unknown to the Bluebell, and having helped recently extract the West Somerset Railway Association from the long dark tunnel into which it had plunged, I would like to say how valuable the present Bluebell voting arrangements are, and that they should not be lightly changed.

Perhaps someone could put me in touch with whoever is to conduct the review. I will happily make my comment publicly.

Robin

 

The motion as written required the BRPS Trustees to advance proposals - so I imagine in the first instance it is firmly in the lap of the new BRPS chairman, though as the AGM was only on Saturday, I doubt they have even met formally since to consider how to proceed.

I would personally agree with you about not changing the arrangements lightly...

Tom

 

As an armchair member, who lives several hours from the Bluebell, I would prefer to have the option of engaging with the business of the society when not present.

Another railway of which I am a member does allow this, without I believe any of the problems of recent years in West Somerset.

What is vital is that if there are arrangements made for postal and/or proxy votes, they are clear and subject to clear rules that ensure that they cannot be abused in the way we saw at the WSRA.

 

The Bluebell has been awarded a grant of £75,000 from the Department of Transport Heritage and Community Rail Tourism Innovation Competition for the restoration of Pullman Car 54, including conversion to make it wheelchair-accessible.

See http://rasalmon.co.uk/bluebell/download/news/Bluebell_News_Release_May16_DfT.pdf

Tom

 

Except that the other two trains fitted in nicely. One was all Southern and the other all pre World War One.
Not quite. The other two trains were a little more in keeping.

The LBSCR E4 (1898) headed a 5 coach train consisting of: Maunsells 1309 (1935) & 1336 (1903) SR "100 seater" 1098 (1922), LBSCR First 7598 (1903 & SECR Birdcage 3363 (1910).

The third train consisted of SECR C & H 592 & 263 (1902 & 1905) heading SECR 3360 (1889), LBSCR First 661 (1880), LCDR Brake Third 114 (1889) and LNWR Observation Car (1913). A complete pre World War One train. Unfortunately SECR 3188 (five compartment) Third (1897) wasn't quite ready and won't be launched into traffic until late June.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/extension3363/26428941450/in/album-72157626960166136/

Regards

Dave

 

As another Bluebell member of long standing, albeit sadly an armchair one these days, I agree with those above who urge some caution in altering our current governance structures and voting arrangements. The Bluebell under Roy Watts and colleagues has become a fantastic railway that has achieved a great deal. Moreover, under the current leadership and voting arrangements we seem to have done it without getting bogged down in the inter-personal strife that has so sadly affected some other heritage railways.

Of course there have been a few problems, and some of the things that happen on the railway are not 100% efficient and may not please everybody, but that's life. It is difficult to efficiently run any organisation that is part commercial and part voluntary (- and full of strongly held opinions about everything!). I think Bluebell has made a pretty good effort so far, and should be cautious about change.

 

Tom: With the current level of funding achieved for OP4, what is the plan for part-finishing the buildings? Was it an end (outer) side wall and roofing, or does the funding now permit further protection?

Thanks

46118

 

The current phase covers the ground works, including drainage, structural steel and roof to cover the Maintenance Road, Storage shed and the two story Heritage Skills Centre at a cost of about £380,000. Currently the stanchions, rafters and purlins have been erected for the Maintenance and Storage sheds and a roof put over the majority of the former. Starting this week the roof will be fitted to the rest of these two structures. Once this structural phase is complete the ground will leveled and new track laid in the storage part of the shed over the summer. The 20 or so carriages will be gradually transferred across from the Ardingley Spur or from behind Platform 1. The concrete flooring in the maintenance part of the shed will be extended to allow the steam heat boiler to be reinstated by the pit and a second jacking area to be created to the north of the present one.

The next phase will cater for the walls and fitting of the Heritage Skills Centre which should see the building weather proof - however I don't know whether this phase includes the roller shutters, laying the rest of the floor in the maintenance ares or the installation of services where required. A further phase will be track work in the down yard connecting the storage shed to the rest of the railway.

Weekly progress with shed can be found via the following link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/extension3363/albums/72157659146847649

Best regards

Dave

 

Thanks for the link. Impressive progress, and appears to use all of the available site, width-wise. Stock under cover before another winter looks a good possibility now.

Do you intend to lay permanent track to the new storage shed, or just temporary track to get the stock undercover? Presumably a use for otherwise scrap rail?

regards

46118

 

The Elephant Van has been moved out of the shed and into the dock for final completion. The penultimate pair of side doors have been fabricated and once painted, will be hung. The large doors for the northern end are well on their way to completion. The west side is complete and has received its first coat of gloss. As its now next to the running line this side will wait until the van is complete before returning to the paintshop for another coat of gloss and a varnish.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/extension3363/albums/72157654777610931

Operation Undercover Phase 4 is nearing completion. The steel work for the Storage Shed has been completed and a start should have been made on installing the roof panels this week.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/extension3363/albums/72157659146847649

Regards

Dave

 

Some pictures of the elephant van from this afternoon. The penultimate pair of side doors were fitted today.

The West side and South end look superb (IMO)

David R

 

That's not far off looking the Mutt's!

The BY van we got off you lot will one day soon be a thing of beauty once again, given the amount of head scratching, blood, sweat, tears & swearing that its induced!

 

A few pictures of the steelwork for the new shed

David R

 

Another picture of the Elephant Van and one of a wedding train in Platform 2

David R

 

Atlantic House will be having an open weekend both days this weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4.30pm each day - see http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/atlantic/latest.html

Also a quick note that we will be running the demonstration goods this Saturday. Two complete round trips HK - KC - SP - HK, plus associated light engine moves between SP and HK at the beginning and end of the day.

As is normal, the brake van swaps ends at Sheffield Park and Kingscote, so a bit of shunting to watch, the key times being:

Shunting at Kingscote between 9.45am - 10.35am and 1.20pm - 2.05pm
Shunting at SP between 11.50am - 12.50pm and 2.35pm - 3.20pm.

Loco roster says 263 (A) and 73082 (B) on the service trains; 592 on the Goods (Saturday) and Lunchtime Arrow (Sunday); Baxter as Pilot Engine on Sunday.

Tom

 

Video and some photos of the service trains today and the second goods run...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72157667421753136

 

Nice - I like this one:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/27608433465/in/album-72157667421753136/

Plus you managed to catch me on the H class at Holywell - fortunately for your camera lens, from a safe distance! I got royally soaked in the lunchtime downpour at SP; then had a dryish trip up, only to get drenched by another downpour at East Grinstead! Apparently we do this because we enjoy it

Tom