Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala March 31st-April 2nd 2017

Next years Gala after the superb one this year will themed as a Western Region event, although not specifically a hydraulic one. So mybee a class 50 present along with the inevitable 14/35/42/52 line up, and who knows the HST might show up??

 

You could have a Bullied Pacific in the gala but I reckon that people may prefer a 35!

 

Good point well made, all sorted now

 

Thought this deserved plugging.
Its creating an interest elsewhere on other forums.

It appears it is going to have a Western theme.....

http://www.bluebell-railway.com/event/diesel-weekend/

 

From E Newsletter yesterday : - during Spring we hold our Diesel Gala (31 March to 2 April), which this year features two class 50s and a still to be confirmed class 37. Our own class 09 also will be in operation.

 

Announced on the Bluebell "What's new" today page that the two class 50s are 50035 and 50049.

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/whats_new.html

Tom

 

Should get the 50 bashers coming in their droves.

 

Western theme with out a western or warship, still going to be good. One day here one day at Swanage.

 

Just realised that the Blubell's 9 years older than the 50's!

 

Looking forward to this gala, will it just be the 2 x 50s and the 37, or are anymore planned to come? will be a awesome event none the less.

 

Lifted from WNXX

 

Looks like a good gala, small amount of locos running but it means I can get to ride behind each one. what loco is doing the driver for a fiver?

 

According to the above, the C&W Sentinel, generally referred to as "Skippy".

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/d/sentinel.html

Tom

 

Cheers, didn't know which loco was skippy.

 

Just announced on the Bluebell "What's new" page - the third visitor for the gala is class 37 D6700, the prototype for the class, courtesy of the NRM.

See http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/whats_new.html for 1 February.

Tom

 

Out of interest, how does a diesel gala work from the crewing point of view? I would assume that there are very few Bluebell drivers who are passed out to drive main line diesels, especially the more complex machines like Class 50s or Deltics. Do the owning groups drive the locos with a Bluebell pilotman in the cab? I'm just curious to know how it all works out.

 

No, the Bluebell have qualified passed out diesel crews. Don't forget there is a resident 09 and shunter based at HK. Plus over the years we've had long term visitors in the shape of; two different 08's, Class 33 and Class 73. Plus the DMU and previous diesel gala visitors.

 

But don't you have to sign for different classes? Eg you might sign for 56's but they're rather different to drive than a 55 or a 52.

 

From the Bluebell What's New page:

"An additional attraction at the Spring Diesel Gala, 31 March to 2 April, will be early morning full line brake van rides behind our class 09. These will depart Sheffield Park at 8.10am including a trip down the Ardingly Siding on the return leg. Tickets for this ride are limited and must be pre-booked. Ticket cost TBA, with a drink and breakfast roll included."

Tom

 

Timetable is now up on the events page; the intensive service, with the inclusion of the 09 passenger working to Kingscote and the double 50s in the late afternoon make this look like a very interesting event to attend!

Booking is also open for the early morning 09 brake van ride to East Grinstead.