CathEx Southend East - Bluebell Railway, 23/03/19

Pretty sure I've seen something somewhere about there being an issue with the track between Horsted and Kingscote which means it can't cope with the weight (presumably of the 47 and train). The train would only go as far as Horsted anyway because of the length and operation difficulties associated with it so might as well leave it at Kingscote out of the way.

 

Times are available on rtt now.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54967/2019/03/23/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54968/2019/03/23/advanced

 

About to leave for the Bluebell. Is Mayflower on the front?

 

Yes. 'Jim Martin' on the rear. On time departure.

 

From a couple of photos I’ve seen on Facebook, yes it is.

Tom

 

Just heard it accelerating away from Gospel Oak. To be honest should got off my backside and gone out to see it.

 

Sounded brilliant climbing the gradient toward Hampstead Heath station - Jim Clarke on the regulator.

 

Are you on the train or live local.

 

Rather pleasant run so far. Some decent noise from the front on occasion (in rear carriage) with minimal assistance from the back.

 

Filming lineside.

 

A 'Jim' at each end, then!

 

Look forward to the video later as Gospel Oak and Hampstead Heath are my nearest stations and as mentioned earlier was too lazy to go out.

Actually if I am being pedantic my nearest station is the long closed Haverstock Hill on the MML. Closed in 1918 but some remnants of the platforms can be seen from the bus when going over Southampton Road bridge.

 

Through Byfleet & New Haw 1057 - video to follow later.

 

Sad to report steam assisted diesel haulage to East Grinstead...

 

Isn’t that what you’d expect - the tour reversed to put the diesel on the front so you wouldn’t expect much different on the East Grinstead Branch, would you? Or have I misunderstood your point?

Tom

 

Must admit I thought the comment was tongue in cheek......

 

That's my interpretation too - nothing wrong with a bit of humour which is sometimes sadly lacking on this forum

This tour was always scheduled to be diesel hauled from South Croydon to the Bluebell but will be steam hauled in the opposite direction. The only occasion I can remember a tour to the Bluebell being steam hauled both ways was when Braunton and a Black 5 top and tailed it. Have there been any others?

 

It was indeed tongue in cheek, unless you're a 33 basher, in which case, bad luck!

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable day out.