Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Does the lettering on one of the wagons give a hint?



Incidentally, for those who plan to go / went on the carriage and wagon tours this weekend, the painting schemes for these two wagons is outlined, and is also on the wagon group Facebook. In short, the further wagon will be in matt dark grey, numbered AM812, which is an Air Ministry scheme from 1942-1946. The nearer one will be in light stone, numbered 4497 in Shell Motor Spirit livery from 1927 - 1937.

Tom

 

Oh, I'm glad I caught it then, a little bit of history!

Tom

 

Our steed on Friday, another one to add to the firing list! (Having missed out on the Saint a couple of weekends ago).



Tom

 

Are you there today Tom? Just passing through Hurst Green to catch the first train from East Grinstead going South.

Regards,

Dan

 

No, family duties beckon today!

Tom

 

Ah! Interesting.

 

On the subject of the Downton running in board, it's not there today and both the running in boards on Platforms 1 and 2 are just plain.

 

I got to the railway on Friday at about quarter to 9, and was already in the overflow car park at Sheffield Park (which I've never seen on a Friday at that time before). The 09.00 behind 6880 was then full and standing, again unheard of for the first train on a Friday.

 

That all sounds good for the railway's finances. Also bolds well for future galas. [BJ]

 

As I only attended today and there weren't any departures from it, but how did the departures from Platform 1 at Horsted work?

The South end isn't yet connected to anything (and I think is only going to be connected to the Ardingly Branch) so nothing could run round. Did the stock have to be shunted into place by the train loco?

 

Everything had to be shunted in first. On the Saturday there were two departures: the stock for the first train in the morning, which was shunted the previous evening; and after the line up which was shunted in that afternoon.

Tom

 

Ah ok, I had a feeling one would have been an early departure.

 

Is it known which locos will be in steam on Saturday? Hoping to come down for a visit!

 

The rosters say

A - Camelot
B - Wightwick Hall
Wealden Rambler - 80151

(Same on Sunday except 80151 is on the Lunchtime Arrow).

Tom

 

Is Wightwick Hall out at all the following week after this upcoming weekend? Was off work Tuesday and would have gone down to Bluebell if it's running to see it's new livery.

 

Looks like it is on the B service all the following week.

Tom

 

I see in Bluebell News it's mentioned twice that the Friday of this year's Diesel Gala was only the 2nd time in 12 years that ticket sales at East Grinstead outnumbered Sheffield Park!

 

Yet again another amazing gala and a massive congratulations to all those involved in organising this years instalment. Trains looked rammed so can only hope for a tasty profit when all is counted up.

Here’s my version of accounts from all three days if you’ve got a spare 42 minutes: