Bluebell Railway Giants of Steam 8-10 October 2021

I had a great time yesterday - thanks to everyone who made it happen! All the locos were in fine form - but 'Clan Line' was the star of the show for me. Nice to see 'Camelot' back again as well and looking very smart.
Here's my video - enjoy

 

Clan Line looked lovely with 4 Bulleids plus 2 blood and custard Mk1's approaching Horsted Keynes this morning. Now in one of the Bulleids behind Clan Line awaiting departure from East Grinstead.

 

A couple of pictures from last night's photo charter.

 

A hugely enjoyable day, both Clan Line and Cheltenham performed as well as they looked. Camelot made a welcome return and there was plenty to see both at Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes.

That very much felt like a normal gala with a sprinkling of face coverings and sanitiser stations.

Regards,

Dan

 

It was good to say hello to you. Tom, albeit briefly. Shame that the sun didn't oblige on the climb up Freshfield Bank on the 4.30 ex-SP, in spite of a magnificent exhaust. I did give you a wave.

Still, this one photographic disappointment didn't spoil a most enjoyable day. A big thank you to the driver of 35028 on the 9AM ex-SP who nudged open the regulator to give a nice plume of steam as the train approached East Grinstead station in the morning sunshine. I enjoyed my rides during the day and it was also good finally to visit the Bluebell on a day when "Atlantic House" was open, I've never seen 32424 in the flesh before, but she is going to be a real star when complete - which apprarently could be in less ehan two years if all goes well.

 

Clan Line approaching Horsted Keynes by Paul Simpson, on Flickr

 

847 Approaching Kingscote by Paul Simpson, on Flickr

 

Had a fantastic day Friday, great to see the railway looking busy. Also nice to take the opportunity to just stand and admire Clan Line for twenty minutes or so at Sheffield Park in the late afternoon, normally she is charging past at speed, took the opportunity to take a detailed look which features in my video. Huge thanks to all involved in the event as always. Photos to follow...

 

I think it’s worth adding that Clan Line is turned out everyday in the condition you see it because of the efforts of a dedicated band of working members, some of whom are at the Bluebell for the duration of its stay sleeping in less than ideal conditions in the support coach.

 

Reminds of when 34081 was on a visit to the Bluebell. As part of the support crew I was staying in the "Sheffield Park Hilton". Couldn't get to sleep so I wandered over to the shed, switched on the lights and set up my camera gear for my own private night shoot with . 34081 and 21C123 simmering away together. Unfortunately ale had been taken and the results left a lot to be desired.

 

Yes, goody to say hello, albeit briefly.

The weather was lovely. It was one of those very still days where the steam hangs about in the tunnel - each time we went in, heading south, the view through was completely blocked by the steam of the preceding service, which was billowing out of the south portal. On our last down trip, the mist was starting to rise from the fields beside Freshfield Bank - absolutely beautiful. I think a nice day in Autumn is my favourite time at the railway.

The gallery of photographers at New Road Bridge on our first trip was impressive - don't think I have seen that many in a few years, maybe not since Flying Scotsman visited. Clearly 'Cheltenham' was a popular visitor and 847 was the icing on the cake. (*)

As for 925 - we had an enjoyable time, with a very nice rep from the MHR. The loco really wants to go and sounded fantastic when at speed - a credit to the MHR.

(*) Obviously they all came to see the Maunsell locos - what else was running?

One from me - "little and large". Sadly there was no time to erect any track for 905 but we got the photo shot.



Tom

 

Absolutely, the attention to detail is incredible, everything is immaculate and the time taken and the skill level to deliver that result should not be overlooked! It was nice to admire for a while, don’t get that chance as she charges through the Surrey Hills!

 

Clan Line and Cheltenham swapping sets. Sadly 30925 failed earlier.

 

Lubrication issue with 30925 I think I was told when I arrived. Clan Line is on the delayed 9:00 service.

 

Clan Line had just arrived at East Grinstead.

 

Clan Line will be running non stop back to Sheffield Park from East Grinstead.

 

The best kept/loved locomotive running in railway preservation?
The irony is that if I had a model looking so 'new' I'd want to apply some weathering to make it look more realistic but seriously, the locomotive is a true testament to those who look after her!

 

A superb day was had yesterday and a big thank you to all that make such events happen. 30925 Cheltenham was the highlight for me plus 847 running with a 'delightful' set of period coaches!

 

Not long come back from an enjoyable day back down the line. 30925's issue was sorted and the loco ran the set originally intended for Clan Line. Both locos were in fine form however and I'll echo what alts1985 said about 35028, the loco has worked a Pullman, had the LE trip and had run 2 days at Giants in the space of about 4 days and she looked spotless, even the electrical light boxes on the smoke box and front running plate were gleaming.

Put a load of change towards the Horsted Appeal and some for the Atlantic Group, as well as a few purchases from the MNLPS stand in front of the shop.

 

One for @Jamessquared taken yesterday : -
30925 arriving at Horsted Keynes by Paul Simpson, on Flickr