Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Having looked at the website more closely, where ex-BOP weekend is shown as timetable F, I can confirm that it is indeed meant to be five round trips with 33108 and E6040. The Pullmans will be on one set, and the Harvey's Train will continue to operate (33108 I suppose).

I completely agree with the decision to cancel, but it's very upsetting to see it go, as I'd spent so much time planning for it, both on an individual / personal level, and also assisting the railway with some elements of preparation.

 

There was something about the Hastings DEMU coming in early to help run services again ahead of the gala in September. I must come and sample that - fascinated by the fact it was previously main line only but this is now its second year of running services on a heritage line.

 

You are lucky, north of Eastleigh we had a shower of about 5 minutes, just enough to stick the dust to everything. We could see larger clouds further north and the weather radar inferred a decent spell of rain for Winchester and further north in Hampshire.

As other posters have said we need weeks of steady rain to soak into the ground and saturate the dried vegetation. ( Gardeners rain - enough to soak in but not so much to flood .)

Cheers, Neil

 

Absolutely understand the decision to cancel BoP. The main thing I'd been looking forward to was another chance for a Bluebell run with 2999, which I imagine doesn't have much time at the line left? I can see on the website loco roster that it's down for one mid August weekend and one in mid Sept but that's it.

Definitely planning to be at the diesel gala and Giants still but will keep a close eye on the roster and any chat on here to see if there's scope to slip in another visit for the Saint too.

 

I understand 2999 will remain until the early autumn.

I would suggest that the loco roster is unlikely to be reliable for so far into the future.

2999 is one of the worst engines for lineside fires so won't be out anytime soon.

It is currently in a prominent position in the SP Wealden Rambler dock but may be moved.

It is my understanding that there is the intention to use the engine further at the Bluebell.

 

Until I can find any public info (i.e. NR schedule) I don't feel able to give a date, but the Thumper is on its way to the Bluebell very shortly.

 

Realtime Trains | 5Y24 1800 Tonbridge West Yard Gbrf to East Grinstead | 31/07/2026

 

I imagine a day of entrusting the service to 2999 and 65 would currently be a great way of reproducing a Sussex-based lineside Dantes Inferno, but that's a combination that would be wonderful to see later in the year.

 

65 is very rare on standard service trains, usually only in event of short notice failure. It is often seen on the Golden Arrow / Wealden Rambler as these are lower-mileage diagrams. I would hope it will appear on New Years Day 2027, or, if we're lucky, some other Goods Trains which may or may not occur later in 2026. It may well be out next early Spring, as there can't be much point doing loads of winter maintainence with only a few months to go. We must almost be at the stage where a major fault and that'll be curtains for the O1.

2999 is also potentially more likely to be put on dining trains (lower-weight) given its firey tendencies! That said, I feel sure it'll come out to play on the A set in early Autumn.

 

Bluebell suspending all steam services as from 30/07 until further notice. Hastings unit booked to arrive today.Normal timetable to operate

 

Fenchurch will be doing brake an rides around Sheffield Park station limits from tomorrow (August 1st) until 14th August from 10am - 4pm according to the social media pages.

 

The timetable has been reduced to a one train service. It's possible that's been altered on social media, but I've heard nothing. Everyone at the railway has been working their socks off for the past 48 hours, so I doubt that would be changed.

Most loco crews don't sign diesel. I do not believe there would be the resources to run a full service every day.

 

The brake van rides start on Saturday lunchtime, the reason being the Queen Mary Brake Van is currently at Horsted Keynes. It will be brought to SP on Saturday morning.

The times will be approx 10am until 3pm but this could depend on demand. These will also run at Bluebell on Parade, hopefully for slightly extended hours.

All day rover tickets are valid on the BV but donations are appreciated.

 

The plan is also to open the loco yard at weekends to allow closer access to steam locos, including footplate visits of an out-of-steam loco.

Tom

 

A sensible decision by the Bluebell Railway regarding the present weather conditions. .

Note also that the Bluebell on Parade event on 7th - 9th August has been cancelled. <BJ>

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
1:00
3:00
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.

 

Latest news from the Bluebell Railway. <BJ>

A huge thank you to Hastings Diesels Limited!
Our sincere thanks go to our friends at Hastings Diesels Limited, whose 4-car heritage diesel unit will be on its way to the Bluebell Railway to support us during this challenging period.
The unit will help supplement our own and visiting diesel fleet while steam locomotive operations remain temporarily suspended, and we're delighted that it will also be taking part in our 2026 Diesel Gala, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Network SouthEast.
We're incredibly grateful to everyone at Hastings Diesels Limited for stepping in to help at short notice. It's another wonderful example of the support and collaboration that exists across the heritage railway movement.
Further details of operating days for the unit will be announced in due course. Please join us in thanking Hastings Diesels Limited for their fantastic support!

Today's moves:
5Y23 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:00092/2026-07-31/detailed
5Y24 https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:00190/2026-07-31/detailed

 

Not expecting any rain for quite a while then.

 

This is the Giants of Steam thread...

 

Enjoyed a trip down the line (first time in 2 years) behind 33108, a sort of "what if?" having done many LB-EG 33s in the 80s. Don't think many of the other pax on board seemed disappointed.