Flying Scotsman at the Bluebell Railway: 13 - 19 April 2017

No, not on pubic roads

As for Sharpthorne tunnel, the locals are very much against enthusiasts / visitors parking on the roads outside their houses which is why the Bluebell has never proposed building any form of station / halt in the vicinity.

 

There are also parking restriction signs on Ketches Lane. Not sure how far these extend, but I saw them this morning while turning right onto the A275 from the Fletching direction. It looks like we'll have to be prepared for a longish walk. Still, the sun was shining beautifully for the breakfast Pullman this morning and NO HEADBOARD!!!!!

 

Looks like I'll have to park at the Sloop and have a pint, then walk to Freshfield Bank.

 

I know of several other people with the exact same idea

 

All joking aside, it's a pity there's not been an SVR style solution with landowners opening up adjacent fields - for a fee - for the duration of the visit or have I missed something?

 

I believe one local landowner in the vicinity of HK has done something and is opening up his field for photographers in return for a donation to his charity of choice - unfortunately I'm not sure exactly where but others may be able to advise.

 

There is a sign in the field which adjoins the line on the eastern side between the Three Arch Bridge and the road which goes past the entrance to HK station and then passes under the line (sorry, can't remember the name) which has a footpath going through it saying that all-day photography would cost £5, althoug hwalkers may walk through free of charge! In similar handwriting was another sign the other side of the approach to HK station (i.e., near to the junction with the road from HK village to Sharpthorne) offering all day parking for £10.

 

Big advert in the Metro this morning for FS week at the Bluebell. Almost 1/4 of a page.

 

Helpful info. Thanks.

 

People should understand that they do not own the road outside their house (unless it is a private road) and in the absence of any local restrictions, anyone who has a properly licensed car can park there, providing that they are not causing an obstruction.

 

Should catch the eyes of a few commuters then - however given its the Easter weekend when some folks will extend the long weekend by a day or so, doing the same on Wednesday might have been a good move too

 

Was asked by three separate people at work today about this, these being people who normally seem to have no interest in anything like this whatsoever. Clearly the Bluebell is doing well in reaching out to these people.

 

Sounds promising - it would be interesting to know what the numbers were like on the railway today.

 

My entirely subjective, unaudited view looking at stations as we passed was that SP was heaving; HK was pretty busy; Kingscote had a smattering of people - though that is to be expected as you can only get there easily by rail. There are still tickets available for the non-FS trains. The foot crossing at West Hoathly in particular was pretty busy, though well marshalled with everyone stood back. In addition to the normal car park and overflow at SP, another field had been provided for parking between the overflow car park and the old dairy site - I don't know what the parking situation was like at HK, though that was where the railway is suggesting that non-FS passengers start and finish their day if coming by car.

Tom

 

Just seen Meridan tonight local news at the BB today. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and I see there were a few poeple watching Scotsman from good advantage points along the lineside.

 

Spent the day today linesiding and visiting the stations; Sheffield Park this morning became progressively busy from being almost empty when I arrived at 06:40 to when I left at 09:10, while Horsted Keynes was no busier than it would generally be during any other event. The car park, a photo of which I attach, was however almost full, so not sure where all the people went! I then moved to Kingscote for a while in the afternoon where there were the usual 15 or so people, before finishing on the bridges near East Grinstead, where there were more locals who had wandered down to see FS than there were enthusiasts. It was notable that, obviously with the exception of the Flying Scotsman trains, even the busiest trains had spare seats. Overall, I was impressed by the efficiency and organisation of the event, particularly with ticket sales, where large mobile stands had been set up to relieve the regular booking halls at SP and HK. 30541 on brakevan rides was a nice touch, as was the use of the SECR H and C classes on shunting duties at SP. A few photos follow...

The field at Horsted Keynes at 12:30


The C class preparing for shunting this morning

Flying Scotsman departing SP on the breakfast Golden Arrow

FS powering up Imberhorne Cutting

"The Man of Kent" departing Horsted Keynes

 

What a day. Thank you everyone who made our idea possible; and let us all raise a glass to Sir William.

 

I suspect Horsted Keynes car park is popular with those going linside for photography, given the road parking restrictions. Hopefully we get lots of visitors to the railway over the weekend and into next week.

Regards,

Dan

 

Blue sky and full sun at present, at East Grinstead. Yesterday the forecast was cloudy all day. Sitting on the first down train. Quiet at present but I doubt it will last.

 

That may be true, but the Bluebell needs to maintain a good relationship with its neighbours.