Bluebell track laying South from EG?

Firstly I referred to the "drawings" published in the Bluebell news and on boards at Kingscote of the Art-Deco station that many people seem to think will be built at some stage... well if you look at them they will not fit on the land currently owned by the Bluebell.

Also the plans of the LBSCR / Disney style station published more recently will also not fit on the re-designed station platform (as being built).

Also unless the Network rail access can be moved there cannot be a joint station in the future.

I am sorry if you take these as negative vibes, but I fail to see anything to be hopeful about, with the present progress.

Regards,
Tom

 

73 136 propelling 423 417...

(Ducks behind a wall to avoid the bullets and half-bricks)

 

*Drives a battle tank through wall...*

I think it will be more meaningful when something travels over a bit of line that is actually connected to the existing Bluebell Railway. Mind you, it might well be 3417 and a loco that come across it first.

Regards,

Dan

 

That deserves a medal for bravery

 

And why not the loco(s) that hauled all the spoil trains from and back to the tip?

 

Really if you're talking proper fairytale stuff, you should say the first trip up the line should be the North London Tank, given as it was also the last steam engine to work on the line (having been hired to the demolition contractors in 1964(?)) and also the last Bluebell engine to head south from East Grinstead station (albeit on a low loader...)

But as there's no chance whatsoever of that happening, 473 was also used I believe, and the E4s were seen on the line fairly regularly. Or failing that, 80151 "disguised" as 80154.

But I see no problem with 3417 being used as the first mainline crossing thing, after all it is Bluebell owned, and is pretty typically SR. Would arguably be more appropriate than a black 5, or even a Bulleid Pacific (as they rarely if ever appeared pre-closure on the line).

 

What about restoring Sharpthorn, it did help build the line in the first place.

 

Just a minor disagreement, Bulleid pacifics did appear on the line but restricted to WC and BB. I'm not saying they were common, but it did happen often enough particularly when services were diverted from the main Brighton line or engines were being run-in from Brighton Works.

Regards

 

I'm pretty sure that Sharpthorne requires a new boiler before it can steam in preservation.

Regards,

Dan

 

Now, that's the best idea yet!!

 

Nah matey.....got to be a push/pull crompton......

Shouldnt that be to avoid the lumps of coal, fire irons and shovels.....from the dinosaurs......

 

In which case it could be a question of whether they prefer Swordfish or Hot Dog with their EMUs.

 

I can see this is a debate that is going to run and run, right up until the day the last bolt is screwed home ;-)

I think i would rather focus on getting the cutting finished first

 

Frm someone I spoke to at the Bluebell to-day who seemd to be in the know, I think that the first train south from East Grinstead - albeit only as far as the tip - is NOT likely to be steam, but don't hold your breath for a 33/1.

Regarding Bulleids, I have never seen a picture of a rebuild working over the line in the pre-preservation era. I would be very interested to be proved wrong. I have seen pictures only of 34071 (before rebuilding) and 34068, both on special workings.

 

Cheers, I did think that at least one must have done at some point, I suppose it's obvious when you think about it it would be from Brighton line diversions and the like.

 

I hope to be getting my hand in on one of those next year - I know where I can get my grubby little mits on a mainliner if you can find me a Bagpipe!

 

Has the new track been laid south across the viaduct and down to the north tip face yet?

It was due to start soon after the last open day but I can't find any recent photograpic reports?

 

It was predicted that tracklaying would start in November 2009. We are not yet half way through November 2009. Having said that, I do understand that all being well, the work should be starting in the next week or two.

Chris

 

Interesting pics on the Bluebell site. I thought they must surely have to realign the track at some point. Any news on when NR will be realigning their siding to match the new formation or has it already been done? I'm visiting East Grinstead next Sunday so hope to see some more progress.

With the rubbish from the north end of the tip now planned to be removed by train (hurrah!) what type of loco do people now think will be the first to run south from East Grinstead - a 73 again? Or would that not be powerful enough?

 

I would love it to be 32424 to pull the first passenger train but that won't be ready in time. So I guess it'll be a loco facing south so perhaps maybe 323.