Bluebell Railway General Discussion

I believe the current intention is to relay a section of track in that area over the next winter recess.

Tom

 

From the early morning charter, Thanks to @jonpbowers and the crews

W11 Newport leaving Horsted Keynes by Paul Simpson, on Flickr

 

One thing I'll say looking at some of the pictures and videos coming out from the last few days, is that Platform 1 at Horsted Keynes looks looks to have had a partial clear out of stock at the southern end.

 

That's because the track on two of the roads has been lifted, presumably as part of the work to lay new cable ducts for the electrical upgrade. The Toad brake van and carriage shop have been isolated on short sections. Platform 5 was also partially sealed off for the same reason and the canopy at the South end of the station building is also being worked on.

Regards,

Dan

 

Will this platform get used for being taken up the Ardington or will they go from other platforms maybe this work is some for getting that ready.

 

I don't think there will be too many volunteers for such an activity, at least not publicly, as the Bluebell is still a place for family entertainment.

 

Sorry for being a cross patch yesterday.

Maybe I should give up trying go to galas they obviously not meant to be for me.

 

I did wonder if it was in part due to the upgrade and renovation work at the station. Nice to see the NLR Tank extracted and put on display at HK as well as the Dukedog at Sheffield Park.

 

Mentioning the North London tank is a coincidence - those who subscribe to Jago Hazzard's excellent YouTube channel may have seen this from his latest video posted today, on the subject of Camden Road station- he picked out this architectural detail from the old Bowman Bros. department store in Camden- a class 75 tank immortalized in mosaic:

Here's a link to the video for anyone interested, but of all the things which could have been chosen as the subject for an embellishment, this humble goods locomotive just seems as much unlikely as it is charming:

 

I'm subscribed to Jago's channel but haven't checked that video out yet, I think he's done another involving the North London Railway.

 

Yes, there's one on Broad Street, at the very least, but, as is the nature of London's railways, so many subjects unavoidably interweave and overlap.
I just love the dry, wry humour he brings to everything.

 

I attended today (Sunday) and saw the 2 locos of shame Poplar and the Hall alongside each other outside Sheffield Park shed. The Bluebell Railway website had posted an update on Saturday so I knew what had happened. Overall I had a good day especially as there was toy and model collector fair at Horsted Keynes so could pick up a couple of bargains (at least compared to what I see on Fleabay these days!)

 

On the capital's tramways too ... especially the earliest days.

 

I have no hard data but poor track has a rather nasty habit of breaking springs…

Around a decade ago before the Bluebell started relaying the entire SP -HK section (admittedly in small chunks every year) locos were seemingly forever being failed with broken springs.

Bogies, by their very nature are a lot more forgiving of duff track (it’s a big part of the reason why they found favour under wagons in the likes of the US right from the word go.

It’s not a massive leap therefore to think that the ‘ban’ on non bogie chicles north of HK might well be there as a way of preventing time, effort and unnecessary expenditure on replacing broken springs…

 

From Thursday 11th August until Sunday 14th August, subject to the weather conditions, the Bluebell will only be operating between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes due to fire risks, with a safety inspection taking place on Monday 15th August to ensure services can resume safely over the whole line.

 

Latest edition of The Bluebell Times - in this issue:

• A marriage proposal delivered by train
• Looking back at 15 years of development in the museum
• Restoration work continues at Horsted Keynes
• The preservation story of Fenchurch, from hastily removed BR logos to full Stroudley splendour
• ‘Awake the Giant’ group launch a new photo competition

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

The Bluebell Times is published monthly on the second Friday of every month. The next issue is due out on Friday 9th September.

Tom

 

According to the latest Trackside Magazine, Beachy Head will leave Atlantic House for the main workshop in 2023. The Dukedog will enter Atlantic House, and should be in Steam 2028/9. Two of the Beachy Head team have worked on the Dukedog during its last overhaul. They have been speaking with society Chairman, Paul Churchman.

 

But sadly report that the Adams Radial plan has been dropped and not likely to be done in the next 10 years or so.

Also suggests that Std 5 73156 will be visiting for Giants of Steam, meaning 2 Std 5's running together in preservation for the first time I believe and another guest was close to be confirmed.

 

Dan Hill, so is there only ONE guest then?