Bluebell 50th: Aug 2010

Cannot see a thread for this, maybe it was lost.

Bluebell website now confirms Furness Railway no. 20 as the second guest alongside "Tornado".

Oldest and newest steamable together, some contrast!

46118

 

I must admit I wasn't expecting that loco, something different which will be nice. The only thing is that engine I think is based at the Lakeside so I can't see them letting one of their Fairburn Tanks' come as well. That would be a real shame as one of them would be the most appropriate loco to have running on the Bluebell for the 50th Gala. But no.20 is a nice surprise and something I've never seen in steam before.

 

I thought the Furness Railway Trust which own No.20 had left Lakeside (putting it diplomatically). Certainly No.20 is currently at the NRM Shildon.

 

Ahh thanks for the info I'd forgot about that, so there's still hope that we could still get a Fairburn Tank next year from Lakeside.[-o<

 

Interesting choice of locomotive and be great to see on the line.

 

Will look good paired with 114 and 661, although I can't imagine it'd be gutsy enough to take much more than that?

 

Furness 20 is gutsy if handled correctly should make no work of two on your line as it managed at least 4 on a 1 in 36 last year at our Gala.

 

The C Class handled 5 MK1's yesterday and seemed to handle them very well indeed. So it might surprise everyone. A case of just wait and see.

 

114, 661 and 43909 (only after 60163 is finished with the latter) is the plan!

 

Surely one of those carriages would end up about the same length as the whole of the ensemble in front of it!

Sounds good, although sticking a few of the older wagons behind it must also be on the cards?

 

Indeed, with 3 on though it'll be good to see. Mile after mile of 1-in-75, with our timetable requiring locos to reach and maintain 25mph so as not to loose time in section, is quite demanding on the smaller locos.

Gradient profile is at http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/map_grad.html
if anyone is interested.
Regards,
Richard

 

From Kingscote to East Grinstead once it is open as I understand it is going to be something like 1-75? And is supposed to be quite a long climb up???

 

Does anyone know when the proposed plans for the station at West Hoathly are going to be going ahead? I understand this has now been cleared by the Council and all parties involved?

 

Only plans approved for West Hoathly are for residential housing on some of the site of the old station. Room has been left for a halt/station in the old yard area just north of the old station if one day it is required.

Regards,

Dave G.

 

Seems a shame if it will completely obscure the view of the tunnel, one of my favourite Bluebell shots, and surely they will be very close to the railway line?
Do the Bluebell get anything out of the housing and/or are they entirely separate.

Back on topic, next year is shaping up, looking an excellent gala coming together, no idea what the next visitor will be, definitely didn't expect 20!

 

The West Hoatly homes will join the current property portfolio. I'm almost certain that they will be to let.

2010 is certainly shaping up to be a bumper year!

 

Its about 1 1/4 miles of 1:75 off the platform end at Kingscote then around half a mile of level before dropping down at 1:200 over the viaduct into EG.

 

Steam Railway are reporting that Aveling and Porter 9449 Blue Circle will be returning as well. Any truth to this.

 

Owned by a very nice chap called Mick Smith, have not seen him for years.

Regards