Bluebell Railway General Discussion

A few shots from Saturday of No.65 taking part in the Gala at Didcot:

The loco waits to hand over the demo line duties to 4079:


No.65 runs into the main platform with a demo line service:


The 0-6-0 rubs shoulders with a 4-6-0, 5051:


At the end of day No.65 rests with Trojan on the pit road:


Another view on the demo line:


No.65 simmers in front of the coaling stage with her duties done for the day:


Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

Great photos! I went to Didcot last weekend and quite enjoyed seeing 65 parked up there.

Just saw the VEP passing Strawberry Hill. It seems I can't escape Bluebell locos/units no matter where I go...

 

Well, there's having brass on top of the boiler, and there's having brass ... ... ... &c.
No prizes for guessing which gets my vote
Pat

 

The O1 is such a gorgeous loco in that paint job.

Noel

 

Do we know what time the unit left HK and ran empty to EG in the morning, plus also the SP dep time?

 

Our timetable says:
HK Dep: 10+25
KC Pass: 10/40
EG Arr: 10+50

SP Dep: 12:50


On a different note, the Giants of Steam Timetables are now available:
https://www.bluebell-railway.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/GOS-GALA-TIMETABLE-2025-1.pdf

 

I would presume Fenchurch's movements to and from Horsted, would be demonstration goods around the station limits for the day.

 

Brake van rides as per the timetable footnote

 

thank you for this info. Would you happen to know where the unit passed the first passenger train of the day?

 

They passed at Kingscote, with the Thumper booked to wait for 15 minutes (11:20-11:35) whilst the service train non-stopped (11/31).

 

The latest issue of The Bluebell Times is now available. In this issue:

• Gordon Pettitt – a Celebration
• Photo round-up from the 65th anniversary and diesel galas
• News from our Dutch twin, Museum Stoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik
• The museum team attend the Ashford works open day
• More progress on Q class No 541
• Three restoration groups receive donations from the Bluebell carriage shop this month
• Ride the Ghost train - a spooky new event for Halloween

Download here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/issue-73.pdf

Tom

 

I'm visiting on either Friday or Saturday (19th/20th September) for the beer festival.

I can't currently see a beer list via the event page on the website, I think there's usually such a list. Am I looking in the wrong place, or is it yet to be published or will there not be one this year?

It's nice to be able to make a priority list in advance!

 

As mentioned by Tom in Bluebell Times, 2999 Lady of Legend has arrived at the railway, prior to her appearance at Giants of Steam in October.

The Bluebell Social channels are saying that subject to availability and testing, the loco will be hauling the B Set during the Beer Festival this weekend.

 

It's also the last weekend for 33108 before it heads back to the SVR.

 

Our internal roster says it will also be running the A Set services on the 27/28 September and the Golden Arrow on the evening of the 27th September.

 

Looks like it is published now:

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Beer-Festival-2025-Beer-List.pdf

Tom

 

Thanks, that's great. Pleased to see there's some cider at every station!

 

That’s my ride sorted for this Sunday then!



Tom

 

At least you'll know which one to get on with 6989 being away- you know, with them all looking the same an' all? ;-)

Chris

 

I believe they are now colour-coded to help distinguish them

Tom