Bluebell Railway General Discussion

More of a "it's been a long day and we've still got to dispose after this" face ... Had fired two and driven one trip that day; and the following day (Sunday) I had three trips on the H class and fired all three as we didn't have a third man. So it was a long weekend! Of the two days, the three trips on the H class was more fun, hands down...

Tom

 

The loco roster's been updated now on the railway website, including the Branch Line weekend http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/loco_roster.html

 

Thanks for this. I was wondering whether the Q might put in an appearance given that the O1 isn't ready quite yet. Looks like my hunch has proved correct.

 

It does, still looks like an excellent event, I'm looking forward to seeing and travelling at the event, we just need a timetable/roster now ??

 

... and the return of the sun! April was superb but while the GBX passengers are suffering the addition of a diesel due to tinder-dry conditions and blue skies in Scotland today, it has been pretty miserable down here in the Sunny South since the start of the month and the forecast doesn't point to much improvement any time soon.

 

I haven't seen a timetable; however, there are four carriage sets out:

Set A is the LNWR Obo; LSWR brake 3rd and the four 4-wheelers

Set B is the three SR-livery pre-grouping non-corridors

Set C is the three Maunsells

Set D is a four coach Mk 1 set.

Highly likely I would have thought that the Coal Tank would be on set A.

Tom

 

For the benefit of @73082 and others, the goods train is also running this Saturday, to the same timetable as last weekend (see here: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pti/index.html)

Since there is also the same combination of morning goods / afternoon Wealden Rambler / evening Golden Arrow, the same set of shunting moves that were captured in the video above should occur this Saturday evening as well.

Rostered engine this time is 541 on the goods / Rambler / Arrow with 847 and 73082 on the service trains.

Tom

 

On the video never mind the grump face. I would try to catch the guy who walked off with the platform advert sign at 12:30 ish..... In broad daylight!!

 

isn't that the sign that says "Signalbox open"? judging by where it was being taken back to

 

That's what the "Services for the Coming Week" page of the website seems to be suggesting. Presumably as the only BR-liveried loco, it would make sense to run 30541 with the Mk 1s (Set D). Shame that the door problem on the Mets is still unresolved.

Tom, do you know which way round the Coal Tank is likely to be facing?

Thanks

 

Don't know I'm afraid John - normal practice would be for it to face north, but I can see that photographically there might be an advantage to its facing south, since the Obo will be on the south end of the train. I'll try and find out if I can this weekend, but no promises!

Tom

 

Thank you. Tom. Much appreciated, as always.

 

A real shame there isn't a goods train IMHO.

 

Probably best to wait and see - the carriage sets come from the "future requirements" section of the weekly traffic notice, but that doesn't always list non passenger requirements.

Tom

 

Thanks for that, Tom. I might be down for a while then if I am around.

What is the actual problem with the Met stock?

 

From an earlier post in this thread : -

 

Is there any news about the timetable yet ? I am looking to come down from London and - given the bus replacement in operation from Purley - I need to work out a time to get trains and make connections. I would hate to give up the opportunity to visit the line but unless I am able to see a timetable by Monday I may have to consider making alternative arrangements for the day.

 

When the Oxted line is shut, Southern usually provide a fast bus direct from Three Bridges to East Grinstead that would save time over getting the bus from Purley.

 

It depends on which section of the line is shut, on Sunday the 14th it's just a bus from Purley all the way (yawn!)

 

The other option is to use the 270 bus from Haywards Heath which I believe calls at Horsted Keynes station at the weekends.

https://www.metrobus.co.uk/route-information/270#timetable

Haven't seen a timetable yet but apparently one is due to be sent out to the Associated Union of Un-remunerated Coal Shovellers and Lever Wagglers today - though by time I get it I may be out of connectivity to put up any details before Sunday evening. Otherwise, the Bluebell Facebook or PTI pages may get it quicker.

Tom