Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Fair point. In my defence, it was quite early in the morning, mi'lud.

 

I voted for the Atlantic, but I must say it's a very strong list of nominations.

 

Voted for Beachy Head too. Fantastic piece of work

 

I voted for both. It can be done, you know

 

Those of a certain age will remember Mr. Pastry but this footage is notable for some Blue Circle action.

 

It's all a far cry from today. An age of innocence, leavened with more than a touch of Rowland Emmett.

 

Co-incidentally, we have an early colour photo of 'Blue Circle' from that period in the next issue of Bluebell Times.

(And for those wondering - it should have been out today but due to sickness in various places, it will be published on Monday).

Tom

 

A rather nerdy observation if you'll permit me, but I saw that one of the trains that is being used for the Santa Specials is a 10 coach set made up of the 4 four wheelers, the 4 mets, and the LBSCR 1st and the SECR 100 seater - average age 126 years old. the oldest ones built in 1889 the youngest 1922. With 3 others of similar age available for service and 3 more being rebuilt/overhauled that's quite impressive. Well done Bluebell.

Steve B

 

55 compartments on that train I think ...

This is not my photo (hopefully the original photographer doesn't mind my sharing it) but if anything sums up Bluebell 2024 in one photo, it is this:

Brilliant loco, fabulous carriages, pristine line side ...



Photo: Peter Purdew / https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=566199102532648&set=g.601609619939850&locale=en_GB

Tom

 

Thats about as close as you can get to a pre diesel trackside

 

A perfect illustration of why the Bluebell remains one of my favourite lines. Ironic that it also shows how heritage lines can only ever be a pastiche.

 

Making allowances for the use of Stone Ballast, FB113A Rail and Concrete Pandrol fitted sleepers.

 

All in use in the steam era.

What ballast would have been used pre WW2 on secondary routes?

 

Beach shingle, in a lot of cases...

 

FB113A Rail and Pandrols unlikely to be used pre 68 and Ash or Blast furnace slag instead of stone.
AD, Mills or SHC fitted concrete sleepers more likely with 98 or 109 Rail.

 

Oh, I don't know: I can remember some very well maintained cuttings by the track as late as the late 70s: I sat watching Deltics and other ECML workhorses from them. It was only the neglect by Railtrack, cleverly spun by them as "linear nature reserves" that remind me of the mess they descended into.

 

The December issue of The Bluebell Times is out today.

• 2024 draws to a close - and it has been a year to remember!
• Christmas message from the Railway’s chaplain
• Vote now for Beachy Head or Car 54 in the Heritage Railway Association / Steam Railway Award
• More projects benefit from the Carriage Shop’s fundraising
• Getting to grip with Buckeyes
• The Q class overhaul gathers pace

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/issue-64.pdf

Tom

 

Whereas these days it's just the locomotive that's Beachy

 

Nice to see quite a positive but balanced and realistic chairman's report, unlike that on some other railways.

 

A nice read as usual Tom, plenty of interest.

Thanks,

Bryan