Spa Valley Railway - Latest News

Result

 

Looking forward to coming back to see 52044 and the Cuckoo Line Gala. Also need to see 34053 in it's 303 Squadron guise as well.

After my first visit in 2022, I felt regret I hadn't been before, despite it being a very local line.

When I was a kid my Grandad would take me to railways during half-terms and we never went to the Spa Valley (Nor the Lavender Line, although we did once stop at Isfield when the 73 was based there, but didn't venture beyond the carpark). Usually I or he would end up choosing one of: the Bluebell (which was the one we did most), Mid Hants or KESR. But I did fall for the Spa Valley after that first visit.

 

My first grice this year, and to the Spa Valley Railway.

Enjoyed a nice ride behind 34053; then adjourned to Groombridge for great SPV company and hot coffees, and photted 34053 arriving from Eridge a couple of times.

First photo is of the 12.50 Eridge when it was very, very dull and murky with light rain, but giving the best clag as the train passed the Junction - a fairly small amount of work in a very quick edit with Photoshop Elements 2022 and some noise (photo, not loco exhaust!) cleaned up with Topaz the AI.

Second photo is the 14.50 Eridge arriving. Dry and overcast by now.

Very many thanks to everyone at the SPV who made it all happen today.

Bryan

 

Yet another very good day at the Spa Valley Railway today. Top and tailed as normal for a one train (5 cars) set to Eridge with diesel loco, I think 31430, at the Eridge end. And 34053 at the TWW end - so the Bulleid had the mainly uphill return leg as booked. A Saturday, so 4 return trains. I think the Sundays are currently two return trains as the loco also does two trips on Steam Driver Experience runs.

As usual I based myself at the ever friendly Groombridge station, and from there photted at School Lane Bridge, the station footbridge and the Fair View Lane area near High Rocks.

It was mostly a day of shooting into the sun, as with early fog clearing and cold all day, I was expecting and got a log of clag! I don't have time at present to edit down the more than 100 photos, fully name my keepers and do a full edit on those I think are the better ones.

Quick edits of a couple I like are below.

Bryan

 

Now into a wamer spring and my visits to this lovely heritage line continue. Today I started with locations that don't get clear sun in winter and will be part obscured when the vegetation gets growing. Moving onto trying to get a mix of steam and lower sun as glint lighting appeared later in the day.

Bryan B

 

Thanks for posting such great pictures Bryan.

 

Hi all, just a quick question regarding the upcoming Cuckoo Line Gala:

When will tickets be available, or planned, to be purchased?

Was planning on filming couple days and riding one day as living in Hailsham all my life, the Cuckoo Line has played a massive part so very much looking forward to this gala!

Many thanks

 

Developed a leaking tube after the KWVR gala and it's trip down south was postponed as a result.

 

Quick look on the event page says that tickets won't be released until locomotives are confirmed and prices can be set correctly, which it says should be this month. Class 33 D6566 has already been confirmed as a visitor (and is making it's first ever visit away from the WSR) a few weeks back on the Railways Facebook page.

 

I'm awaiting finalised details of some more visitors for the event before tickets are released, they'll be available in advance and on the day as well. I've never known an enthusiast event at the Spa Valley to sell out to stop ticket sales, not even 419 and 828 pairing up managed that!

 

Wonderful, thank you for the positive update Jonnie. Did read this all on the website but I think I got a little impatient . Hopefully this can be the first event to completely sell out!

 

80078 now confirmed for the Cuckoo Line Gala. Will also be renumbered for the event

 

My favourite 4T


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Cuckoo Line Gala
So far, the locomotive list is:

• Bulleid Pacific 34053 '303 Squadron'
• BR Standard 4MT 80078 - Being renumbered during the gala. The likely candidates are 80011 and 80141, which have been seen in many photographs of 4MT tanks on the branch, but I'm open to others!
• Class 33/0 D6566 - Courtesy of the DEPG
• Class 207 DEMU 1317

The Wealdsman Rail Tour
Friday 13th June 2025... 60 years to the day since the tour ran... The last steam train on the Cuckoo Line... Watch this space! https://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/60s/650613lc.html

Heathfield Tunnel
The 265-yard-long Heathfield Tunnel, last opened to the public around 10 years ago, should (fingers crossed) be open for visitors to walk through between 10:00 and 17:00 on 13th, 14th, and 15th June. The Spa Valley is managing/arranging this, and we have another site visit on 1st May to finalise details; Wealden District Council has approved the tunnel opening. We just need to undertake an inspection with our Civil Engineering Manager before we go for it.

 

Any chance of 084? There’s many pictures of her working the line and she held basically the last service train down the full length of the line.

Very much looking forward to getting back in Heathfield tunnel, think I was about 8 the last time I walked through

 

We're delighted to annouce the visit of Southern Railway U Class 31806 courtesy of our friends at the Swanage Railway and the engines owner JMB Locomotive Services for our Cuckoo Line Gala!

31806 is of course a sister engine to U Class 31803 which paired with N Class 31411 operated the last steam hauled train along the Cuckoo Line - "The Wealdsman Rail Tour" on 13th June 1965.

We're extremely grateful to the Swanage Railway and JMB Locomotive Services for making this historic visit possible.

The U is also planned to operate a photo charter on Friday 20th June and then run alongside 34053 on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June.

31806 will face Tunbridge Wells West. Not sure about 80078 yet, in all honesty it goes down to how easy it is to load/unload as you can only do so one way at TWW.

31806 joins 80078, 34053, D6566 & 1317.

 

Some further Cuckoo news...

The return of Bulleid Pacific 34050 'Royal Observer Corps'!

During our Cuckoo Line Gala, 34053 will be renamed and renumbered Battle of Britain Class 34050 'Royal Observer Corps' for this event only. The real 34050 was sadly scrapped in August 1965, but for three days only, you'll be able to see it recreated at the Spa Valley Railway. On 13th June 1965, 'Royal Observer Corps' hauled part of the L.C.G.B. "The Wealdsman Rail Tour" from London Waterloo to Three Bridges via Horsham and also Haywards Heath to Horsham via Steyning. The section of the tour between Three Bridges and Haywards Heath via the Cuckoo Line was hauled by Maunsell U Class 31803 and N Class 31411.

During the event, the ROCA National Heritage Team will be at Tunbridge Wells West with their display.

 

Another poster for the event shows the current loco lineup and a giant question mark...

 

Anybody who knows the Spa Valley and the surrounding area well able to recommend a nice walk (no more than a couple of hours long) from one of the stations to do between trains as part of a day on the railway? Will be visiting on Saturday with my wife and in laws and they won't be as interested as I am in just sitting in the carriage and riding up and down all day!

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