Bluebell Railway General Discussion

The SR Carriage group has given us something interesting, and to most of us, a new word for the vocabulary book- "Lazarette":
2 currently sealed chambers under the floor of 7864, the Maunsell dining car. Apparently, these were used for storage of perishables like meat, cheese, etc, before refrigerators became common use. These are currently still nailed shut, but what could lurk within?!

The marine interpretation of Lazarette denotes a chamber under the aft deck of a vessel "for quarantine or isolation of individuals with infectious diseases".
There's almost shades of "oubliette" about it
The opening is anticipated with great interest!

 

I believe, from reading of the exploits of HMS/M Unbroken, that a part of Grand Harbour, Malta, was called the Lazarette. 'Lazar' is/was an alternative to 'leper'.
Pat

 

Wasn't able to find the reference, but it sounds like something Drachinifel could do a useful feature on.

 

I think originally a "Lazarette" was an (isolated) quarantine station for maritime passengers; over time the meaning transferred to an isolated stowage compartment on a ship. No doubt the carriage builders at Lancing would have been reasonably familiar with nautical terminology and borrowed the term.

Tom

 

Could be some very well matured Cheddar cheese in there. Yum Yum!

 

That 'Marine interpretation' seems to have been an ancient use. I'm more familiar with the meaning of a locker below the aft deck, commonly used for stowage of items needed for use on deck. That is the meaning for most yachtsmen.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16M7EQNcU5/

Many of you will have seen that one of our trains was out and about yet again. Today our second unit was formed up as a four car train for the first time and taken on a one way trip to East Grinstead via London Victoria. Some of you may be aware as to what’s going on but for those of you that don’t, our friends at the Bluebell Railway will be borrowing 1001 until September to assist in a variety of events they have planned for the Rail200 celebration. Be sure to follow them on their website and socials if you fancy riding our train on their rails.
Also for those of you who keep asking, the plan is to paint S60116 “Mountfield” to match the rest of the train in the autumn after we’ve completed this year’s itinerary.

Photo credit: Alfie Crouch

 

Will she be taking part in the diesel gala?

I'm visiting the the Inspiration Train in July - I wouldn't mind a ride on the Hastings Unit!

Is there an element of this being an insurance policy for hot dry days?

 

A change in my plans saw me head out to see 1001 head for the Bluebell, with some shots of 6989 on the service trains included, very much making a good sound!

 

I am reminded of when a few years ago we had the GN saloon on loan on the NYMR. On of the caretakers related about when the bought it it was sold as it stood. On delivery there was great disappointment to find that only one of the two saloons was furnished and the other was bare. When BR was contacted to ask for the rest of the furniture they received a very unsympathetic response. However there was a locked cupboard in the pantry area whose key had been missing for years. Eventualy curiosity drove the new owners to get a locksmith in to open the cupboard and inside was a full service of fabulous GNR silverware. When BR got to hear about this they tried to claim that that wasn't in the bill of sale......... You can imagine the response to that.

I probably haven't got the details completely correct and I'm sure some of our Bluebell correspondents will correct things if necessary but II just think that it is a great story.

Peter

 

Update on Dave Clarke's Flickr site from yesterday's shunt at HK, including the arrival of the Hastings unit:

7864's underframe being brought out, ready for floor lifting/ bogie swap/ grit blasting, and 2x Mk1s being moved from fairly major surgery to what looks to be a lengthy spell in the paintshop.
Even Sharpthorne put in a brief appearance!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/extension3363/

 

I suggest that @Jamessquared arranges for you to open it in case its kippers.............

 

Does anyone know the timings for it coming onto Bluebell metals and delivery run times on the Bluebell?

 

I think this was the incoming service on 25/06/2025:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55973/2025-06-25/detailed

After which:
1:23 East Grinstead (Bluebell) - presumably the time on the viaduct
1/33 Kingscote
1:50 Horsted Keynes (arr).

Tom

 

Happy birthday Camelot!

This photo, from the Camelot Locomotive Society archive, shows the brand-new No. 73082 ex-works being steamed for the first time at Derby on 27 June 1955. Note the lack of shedplate on the smokebox door. Out of sight but just in front of it is No. 73081. (The photographer took independent shots of each at the same time).

Both went to Stewarts Lane depot, and both were withdrawn from service 11 years later in 1966. The loco has done more years in traffic at the Bluebell than it did for BR. 2025 also marks the 30 anniversary of its initial steaming in preservation, back in October 1995.

Photo: R.J. Buckley.




Tom

 

That's an impressive record - 30 years since intitial steaming that happened in 4 months time. I know the Tardis is bigger on the inside, but I didn't think the doors were large enough to fit a BR Standard through...

John

 

That'll teach me for trying to write on the fly ...

It's interesting to think that when the loco was saved from Barry, it was less than 25 years old, and when it first steamed in preservation it was still only 40 years old!

Tom

 

And a damn fine engine it is....

 

First proper go firing Beachy Head yesterday (for one trip before we had to swap engines!).

I was told "fire it like a Bulleid", which I'd modify to "half a Bulleid", because it steams like it is going out of fashion and we blew off a fair bit. Had we got a second trip if have put 2/3rds as much on and played the rest by ear. The grate is surprisingly shallow, so you cannot build up too big a fire, but you also cannot get the back corners or even the left and right sides with the big door closed (and it must be closed on the move), so it is a balancing act.

It's a lovely engine! It seems to have run in a bit now and is much more lively somehow. The driver said it is like an S15 in having a fairly weak first valve, so had to be into second much of the way which makes it sound fantastic!

 

What you say bears out my experience riding behind it the other week; the safety valves seemed to spend a noticeable amount of time lifting, and that exhaust certainly commands attention! It also felt very strong and sure-footed, although with 5 on, and a dry rail, wasn't exactly being challenged. I absolutely love it!