Bluebell Railway General Discussion

The services north from Horsted Keynes travel as far as the 2nd Up Advanced Starter, which is the section signal for Horsted Keynes heading north. The line at Black Hut is currently being relayed so there is a possession north of Horsted Keynes.

There was only one Steamlights service tonight (5pm), but on most other nights there are two. I have included the times for both services below.

SP dep: 5:00 & 8:00
HK arr: 5:30 & 8:30

HK dep: 6:00 & 9:00
SP arr: 6:25 & 9:25

 

I think the SVR, with their seriously vast carriage shed (capacity IIRC 60+) and carriage works, is probably in that competitive set.

 

Can anyone please tell me which locos are rostered for Santa duties on Sunday?

 

Set X
'Camelot' + SteamLights set (Mark 1s / Van B).
10.00am and 1.00pm ex-Sheffield Park, 11.25am and 2.25pm ex-Horsted Keynes

Set Y
80151 + Metropolitans / 4 wheelers
11.05am and 2.05pm ex-Sheffield Park, 12.40pm and 3.45pm ex-Horsted Keynes

Tom

 

Thanks. May venture out with the camera.

 

I saw the Steamlights refuelling train at SP on the webcam yesterday. Does this train run everyday steamlights services are in operation?

 

Yes. It runs up around 2:45 from Sheffield Park each day Steamlights is running.

 

Me latest upload from the railway, highlighting yesterdays Santa Specials & Steamlight services in the good old winter sunshine if that’s something that interests anyone:

 

I was on '151 yesterday; it was certainly a lovely day for photography I'm sure - crisp and cold. I think I must have seen you on the field towards the top of Freshfield Bank, there were a couple of photographers there.

54 compartments in our train - that's a lot of doors! Apparently the second trip of the day at least was sold out, which bodes well for takings.

Tom

 

Certainly was a good day although my feet rather disagreed towards the end of the day! Was saying to a friend I was with yesterday that the trains did look very busy. The Santas definitely do seem to sell themselves

 

And here's the URL to vote:

https://www.steamrailway.co.uk/blog/features/the-steam-railway-hra-award-2026/

Tom

 

Done!

 

Four infrastructure updates, covering this winter's track relaying project at Black Hut. This is the area that was subject to a 5mph TSR which, although fairly short, came at an operationally very inconvenient place about mid way between Horsted Keynes and West Hoathly on a steep gradient.

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/november-track-rely-under-way/ (09/11/2025)
https://www.bluebell-railway.com/black-hut-track-relay-progress/ (14/11/2025)
https://www.bluebell-railway.com/black-hut-relay-nearing-completion/ (22/11/2025)
https://www.bluebell-railway.com/black-hut-relay-extra-tasks/ (27/11/2025)

Tom

 

The December issue of The Bluebell Times is now available.

In This Month's Edition:

• 80151 Secured as the Bluebell Railway Trust acquires a majority stake in the locomotive.
• Restoration updates from the Maunsell Locomotive Society and SR Coach Group.
• Festive services are nearly sold out - but volunteers are needed to help with the last Santa Special trains of the season.
• SteamLights showcases the Ice Queen and her Mythical Creatures - a few tickets still left.
• Carriage 3687 and Horsted Keynes Platform re-instatement up for Steam Railway Readers’ magazine award - here’s how to vote.
• £500 donation from the Carriage Shop rounds off another successful year of fundraising.

Download here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/issue-76.pdf

Tom

 

Visiting family last weekend we diverted our journey back to our hotel slightly to watch the 5pm ex-Sheffield Park 'Steamlights' service arrive at Horsted Keynes. Viewed from New Road Bridge with 73082 'Camelot' in charge...

 

First visitor for the Spring Steam Gala next year is being announced at 4pm today.

 

Visitors confirmed are 75069, W8 Freshwater and 2999 Lady of Legend.

Has 2999 stayed at the Bluebell since Giants, or will it just be returning for the Gala?

 

It was still in the running shed as of last Sunday (having not left).

Tom

 

The website is also listing 72 / 65 / 80151 / 73082 / 34059 all in use - so eight locos in total. So it sort of feels a bit like another “get all the toys out of the box” affair - hopefully on carriages as well.

Tom