Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Planning to visit again on Saturday to see the goods train running. Does anyone know if Horsted Keynes will be open to visitors who are not travelling on the train? I notice the passenger trains will be stopping there on the return journey to SP.

 

As I understand, platform/ event entry at the 3 stations will be available to purchase on the day.

Tom

 

263 and 65 on the two service trains with 80151 on goods Saturday before taking the diner on Sunday. D4106 takes Gds on Sunday.

 

Weather was pretty awful but still managed a lovely family day out today. Everything was set-up well, sensible precautions were in place for covid security, and the freight train movements at HK provided some interest during a fairly long stop.

Locos and carriages immaculate, and there’s something special about travelling in the old school stock compared to the ubiquitous Mark 1.

Felt like a real transformation at SP since the last time I visited – it felt like a big metal lean to for years in the engine shed, but now there’s a rich and interesting set of displays for children of all ages.

Simon

 

A great visit to the railway today despite some inclement weather. Lots to see at Horsted Keynes with the road vehicles in attendance and 3 trains running.

 

I understand that you have a new brand vehicle on the railway for a few weeks.
Balfour Beatty tamper, any details or photos?

 

Here's one we had earlier ...

https://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/ext/ipics19/tamper_petere1811_18sep19h.jpg (2019, but looks similar to the one that has just arrived - at least to me, but I can't tell the difference between a class 37 and a deltic ...).

From a photo on the unofficial Facebook group, the current one is numbered DR 73949 if that helps.

As for what is doing: AFAIK there has been some more track relaying on Freshfield Bank, and replacement of Palmer's cattle creep. I assume it is here to do some tamping in connection with that, and also possibly on a short section near the eye hospital north of Kingscote.

Tom

 

Thanks Tom

 

according to Bluebell facebook entry it has been working the East Grinstead section

https://www.facebook.com/bluebellrailway

 

But what colour is it going to be painted?

 

Thanks - hadn't seen that last night, but lots of nice daylight pictures for @Ploughman

Ina addition to the bit by the eye hospital (which sounds like it has been done) and Freshfield Bank, it sounded like, from a comment in Bluebell News, the yard entrance into the Horsted Keynes down yard was also going to be tamped. The Facebook page says "We are delighted to welcome Balfour Beatty and Plasser & Theurer to the Bluebell Railway for six weeks of training on their new tamper vehicle."

Tom

 

The visiting tamper passing West Hoathly, heading for East Grinstead this morning. Followed a little later by the Wickham, and later still by the 11:00 service from Sheffield Park hauled by 80151. The various high viz clad people are my colleagues from the Wednesday (Northern) Lineside Gang, finishing clearing around the tunnel in-between the passing trains and rain showers!

 

Sounds like the real life version of that train chase scene in the St Trinians movie shot at Longmoor

 

They were actually at least half an hour apart. I'm sure they were properly signalled through the section!

 

Thankfully shot in High Viz

 

Improved Tamper Yellow, so I've heard.

 

Which is actually what? Pink? Orange?

 

Black. With lining.

Keith

 

LNWR Blackberry Black or LMS Black?

 

Wasn't BR lined black once described as the LNW's revenge from beyond the grave?