Bluebell Railway General Discussion

A couple of updates from Facebook. Firstly, ahem ...

We delighted to announce that the Bluebell Railway has been shortlisted for two prestigious Heritage Railway Association awards!
The Bluebell Times newsletter has been recognised in the communications category, and our reopening video 'Steam returns to Bluebell Railway' is on the shortlist for the most innovative fundraising project or scheme during the Covid crisis.

Bluebell Railway chairman Chris Hunford said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for these two prestigious awards. It recognises the significant work and dedication by the staff of the Bluebell Railway during what has been a difficult year.”

Read our news story here: http://ow.ly/f0GX50Cy6kT​

Tom

 

And a report from our Infrastructure department details the work involved in the lineside clearance. This took place ahead of our reopening in August.

Tom

 

Congratulations Tom!

 

Really well done, Tom- a thoroughly deserved feather in yer cap!
Persoally, I reckon the "How it all began" feature should be up for an award, too. Some truely uncanny likenesses in there:

 

Congratulations Tom. Bluebell Times has been a great little addition during these times and is always interesting to read.

Great to see the reopening video has been recognised as well as that was well done but the video for the 60th Anniversary was so good you would think was was genuinely made in 1960 and the likenesses of the actors playing the leading men were uncanny.

 

Took a trip to the Bluebell yesterday. A grand start to their Santa Specials and what a sight the SteamLights are!

 

There's an absolutely stunning photograph of the train on the Blubell's web-page. Brilliant!!!

 

Can anybody explain to me how the 'Steam in Lights' events are actually being allowed? The screenshot of the above video shows both red and green lights on the coaches - how are the crew supposed to spot something like a red or green light from the guard amongst all that dazzling light?

 

Covered by notices - radios.

Tom

 

Pimp my ride!

 

As Tom said, radio communication with the Guard, for which there are long standing instructions, the engine has blue lights on it, so no confusion there and the displays are on the Fireman's side of the line so they don't ruin your night vision. There are markers for the Driver.
I was driving Sunday night's one, it's quite impressive. It was a test of line knowledge in the fog though.
I must say I enjoyed it although when we were parked at Horsted it was the first time in nine months I had smelt pub beer.

 

Great picture!

 

Piece on BBC South East News about the first SteamLights service (go forward to 5'50")

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000qb6w/south-east-today-lunchtime-news-10122020

Tom

 

On the MHR, the lights are programmed with the locations of all signals, using GPS pinpoint the position of the train the sequence is changed to exclude red, orange and green lights when in the vicinity of signals or stations. In addition there is a "kill switch" on the locos used that will cut the lights if needed, plus radio comms with the lighting engineers in the generator vehicles (a Mid Hants PMV and the S and D CCT)

 

An end-of-year message and reflections on 2020 from senior Bluebell Railway personnel are in the December issue of The Bluebell Times which is out now.

Issue 15 also contains a special Christmas greeting from the Railway’s chaplain as well as a report and photos on the start of the SteamLights service with illuminated trains and lineside displays.

In Issue 15:

• Reasons to feel positive about 2020
• News of sponsorship deals for equipment for the locomotive department
• How the filming generator van was prepared for SteamLights
• An update on the appeal to return the 9F to traffic
• A festive Spot the Difference competition
• And much, much more.

The Bluebell Times is published monthly on the second Friday of each month. The January issue is due out on Friday 8 January.

You can download the latest edition using the link below.

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/bluebell-times/

Tom

 

I'm intrigued (and interested, as a practicing Christian myself) - how did the Bluebell go about securing itself a chaplain? Is he full time with the railway or is it a bonus on top of Parish ministry? Is his salary paid by the railway, or by the local diocese? And is the Bluebell unique among preserved railways in having a chaplain, or is it more common than I was aware?

 

He is the Rector of St Giles, Horsted Keynes - I think his railway position is honorary, but it seems to have been (for as long as I can remember) that the Rector of St Giles has been involved with the railway.

Tom

 

Steamlights might have sounded like a good idea but it looks hideous sorry! I like the idea of illuminated scenes in the woods but to turn a vintage train into something out of Thorpe Park / Blackpool what are you thinking?

I enjoyed a more traditional seasonal view of the trains on my walk near Kingscote yesterday

 

So what would you suggest instead then? Anything that brings in the cash has to be applauded.
Being able to think outside the box is something that’s needed at the moment. Those Radial tanks won’t overhaul themselves you know.

 

As I said; having watched the promo video the illuminated deer etc in the woods looked fantastic just not the train which is IMHO completely out of character. That's where I would have put the lights. My understanding is that the idea was for November / January but was moved due to Covid. If it brings in cash fine.