Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Better late than never. Lineside action, planes, soldiers and more during the weekend’s Southern at War event if anyone is interested:

 

I had in mind the Alton type of arrangement - train 1 clears platform; train 2 enters platform. (I know that Alton is a rubbish town - I live there - but it's hardly the middle of nowhere.)
Pat

 

Is it known what loco is due to haul the GAL on this Saturday by any chance please? Probably a bit premature I note 2999 is on A and 33108 on B in any case. (currently bored with little to do)

 

A: 2999
B: 33108
GA: 80151

The sets are the same as last weekend, with the exception of the Observation Car being removed from Set A.

 

Thank you, much appreciated

 

Probably a little premature, is it known what loco is due to operate the GAL on Sunday 16th August please?

 

Looks like:

2999 - A
33108 - B
34059 - GAL

Tom

 

I thought I would just mention that on Saturdays 1st and 15th August there's an extra (diesel) round trip off SP at 0920 / EG 1015:
1st: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/timetable-g-additional-services/
15th: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/timetable-h-additional-services/

 

Thank you to both of you @SECR 65 and @Jamessquared

 

Important Service Update – Steam Services

Following advice from the fire service and in light of the current hot, dry weather conditions, prolonged lack of rainfall and the increased risk of lineside fires, the Bluebell Railway has taken the decision that, from tomorrow, no steam locomotives will operate until further notice.

This decision has not been taken lightly. Whilst we understand that many of our passengers, volunteers and supporters will be disappointed, our priority must always be the safety of the railway, our neighbours and the beautiful Sussex countryside through which we operate.

The Bluebell Railway has a comprehensive fire risk management process in place and continuously monitors weather conditions, ground conditions, vegetation, wind direction and other operational factors throughout the year. During periods of prolonged dry weather and elevated fire risk, additional measures are introduced to help mitigate the possibility of lineside fires.

However, with the current exceptional weather conditions, extremely dry ground and the ongoing lack of rainfall, we believe it is the responsible course of action to temporarily suspend steam operations. This precaution has been taken to help protect our lineside, neighbouring land, local wildlife and surrounding communities, while ensuring our operations do not place any unnecessary demand on local fire and emergency services.

We appreciate that many visitors come to experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of steam, and we thank everyone for their understanding and continued support during this period.

Every visit to the Bluebell Railway helps support the preservation of our historic railway, and we hope you will continue to visit us throughout the summer holidays.

Services from Thursday 30 July.

Our daily service timetable has been amended and will operate as follows. All services, including our dining and supper trains, will be operated by heritage diesel locomotives.

Departures from Sheffield Park:

10:30
13.00
15.00

Our Customer Services Team will be contacting all booked groups and third-party operators shortly.

We will continue to review the situation daily in consultation with the relevant authorities and will resume steam operations as soon as it is safe to do so.

Thank you for your continued understanding, patience and support. We look forward to welcoming you to the Bluebell Railway.

Edit - times have been altered.

 

The only operational diesel locomotives suitable for service trains are 33108 (capable of full set) and E6040 (capable of 3-4 Mk1s).

 

What about Skippy? That’s an operable diesel locomotive (although minus a train brake)

 

Does the notice mean Wednesday 29th July or Thursday 30th July? Wednesday 30th July seems to have dates and days seem mixed up, unless I’m the one confused in the heat!

 

From tomorrow, Thursday 30th, until further notice.

Service was steam today, but there was an incident related to the running of steam engines, and large delays.

 

Sad of course, but inevitable. Today was another truly awful day, just making things even worse re lineside fire risk.

Bryan

 

You're not the only one! Definitely Thursday 30th.

 

Thanks. Not knowing of the issues today, I hope all involved are ok.

 

The information poster has been updated to say departures from Sheffield Park at 1030, 1300, and 1500. I extrapolate this to be East Grinstead 1130, 1400, 1600.

I suspect 33108 will be the traction.

Tomorrow, the 1500 may be somewhat delayed due to group bookings, as this train was originally 1530.