Spa Valley Railway - Latest News

I think the “branch lines” in the area had a particular character that led to that. Typically, the smaller lines tended to be “junction to junction” rather than “junction to terminus”. So less likely that you got a regular branch line engine that spend its entire day shuttling up and down, and more amenable to services traversing the line as part of more convoluted duties.

(There were exceptions of course, such as the Westerham branch, or Hawkshurst. But in general, small lines ran junction to junction, and where there were termini, such as Eastbourne, they were decidedly major affairs. The topography of the South Downs is such that the towns along the coast were mostly served by a coastal railway, rather than a series of branch lines to each town as in the West Country. CJ Freezer has a lot to answer for in being very selective of what he saw as “typical”!).

I did a count on the Bluebell and over time came up with more than 50 different types of steam engine that were recorded on the line (including some oddities, such as a regular passenger duty one year involving an Austerity 2-8-0). I wouldn’t be surprised if you got to a similar diversity for the Spa Valley.

Tom

 

It is recorded that Bulleids 'Leader' made it as far as Groombridge on a test run, it didn't make it all the way to Tunbridge Wells West though.

 

Here is the current status:

• 68077 is currently stored in No. 4 road at Tunbridge Wells West, a lot of work on this engine has been done behind the scenes over the years and once the Jinty is completed we'll probably be in a better position to resume its overhaul. The only reason the overhaul paused was due to the lack of volunteers. The boiler, frames, wheels etc are all in a good condition. It is part owned by the railway these days.
• 'Samson' is stored in East/West 3 Siding, no current plans for overhaul, I suspect 'Ugly' would take priority.
• 'Topham' is stored in East/West 3 Siding, the locomotives spares and dismantled components have recently benefited from a new storage container which saw parts cleaned up and made ready for use again one day.

There is a place for these smaller engines at our railway, especially on less busy days where we don't necessarily want to steam a big engine for a few return trips etc.

 

All the reason you need to launch a new build Leader project.

 

The drivers might not thank you !!! Especially on a nice hot July summers day.

 

Drivers were fine, it was the poor fireman who suffered.

 

A very dull and damp day, but with modern digital cameras it can be hard to see that in the resulting photos. I've got a couple of H class photos at Groombridge I took in 1962, and haven't yet worked out how, or even if I can try and get 80078 in a side by side old Groombridge station photographic comparison with them. So today I decided to spend a few hours just the Tunbridge Wells side of High Rocks and take some photos using a longer reach zoom lens. Although I did call in briefly at Groombridge first - not the old station - but the incredible bakers to buy my lunch! I'll post just one result tonight, the BR standard class 4 tank blasting up the climb from High Rocks towards Tunbridge Wells, with the crew being visible as they are, really making the shot for me.

Hi-res version available if needed Jonnie.

 

You don’t mean it’s a case of ‘Big Chufferitus’ do you Tom?

 

80078 and 31430 today if anyone's going to watch the Polar Express.

34072 has had to have some unplanned work done but if all goes well today with a steam test it should be in service tomorrow.

 

Coming down to do some video and photo today

 

Helpful as always Jonnie. I had planned to come today for 34072, but instead of the Bulleid I still came and continued to do well with 80078 - that loco has a rather nice bark!

Fingers crossed 34072 did ok with the steam test today, if it is back in service tomorrow that will be my priority over 34046 that is out on the main line in Kent tomorrow.

 

Looks like Sausage Richard and Charlie Ralph are the crew in the photo

 

Just thought it would be nice for Lady Ingrid to go somewhere not too far from her birthplace.

 

I just like the fact it was named after an event that happened in spring time, I do like rural life and nature.

 

34072 is running today. 80078 is in steam at Tunbridge Wells West. I'm the Duty Traffic Manager today, if anyone is in the area and wants to see either engine just pop along and ask for me. I can let you in etc.

 

As an Andrew Barclay her birthplace would be Kilmarnock. Famous for being nowhere near the Lavender Line...

 

Thanks Jonnie, I'll take up that kind offer on a future day if I may.

Today looked to go very well for those heading to the North Pole. And for photography too, with dull weather that a modern DSLR can cope with very well, and weather that, without a low winter sun, doesn't cause all sorts of issues with shadows in the wrong place.

I've certainly enjoyed seeing 80078 in action, but it was really great to see the Bulleid back in action today.

 

Sadly, 34072 has broken a coil spring on the locos leading bogie. 80078 is now running on Sunday 17th December.

 

Jonnie, that is not good news for the Spa Valley Railway. I really hope you can get that sorted soon without too much of a hit on what I am guessing should be good income from the Polar Express Company.