Bluebell Vintage Trains Gala 4-6 Nov.

And earlier! Whilst there are always going to be differences of opinion over liveries for locos and stock (personal preferences playing a part) it is interesting to ponder what makes a historical livery, and to remember that some heritage lines have a considerable history of their own. The Bluebell has lasted longer than British Railways, longer than the Southern, longer than some of the pre-group constituents. 323 Bluebell spent 24 years with the SECR, 25 years with the Southern, 12 years with BR, and now 51 years with the Bluebell. It has carried Bluebell Railway Blue livery (with variations as to how the name is displayed) for much longer than any other livery in it's life. I think it might be classed as a historical livery, representing a long established company, in it's own right by now! The Bluebell has many other locos displaying a wide and glorious range of varieties - perhaps they might be premitted a bit of indulgence for one, and far from unique, loco.

Oh, and did I say I like it like it is?!

Steve B

 

Hope its just an error but 1638 is not listed to work
at gala on the current loco roster.Best to phone/e-mail to confirm.

 

Well said. When the Southern took ownership of the loco it didn't keep it in SECR colours, when BR took ownership it didn't keep it in SR colours so a very good precedent had already been set by the time the Bluebell took ownership.

 

Sadly I don't but I think the Bluebell Blue looks great on 323 and the current look is my favourite I'm also hoping to get more photos of 323 like this as I kept missing her run throughs at Sheffield Park at the Branch Line Weekend also I think 323 carried Black with Bluebell on the side tanks and 323 on the bunker from 1960-1965, Blue from 1965-1998/1999 and SECR Wartime Green from 1998/1999 until withdrawl in 2000 (I think?).

I like 178's SECR liviery as well and the silver door hinges make her and 323 look better than 27 and 753 did during their spells in service.

Also the Friday seems to be a quieter day as its the Mets, Victorian coaches and Southern Compartment coaches as well as a Goods Train. The website says the locos will be the SECR locos so 323, 178 and 592.

 

Interesting post! Your timeline analysis cannot be faulted of course, but I disagree with your conclusions. For me what happened after a locomotive, carriage or wagon was withdrawn is irrelevant, it is its time while it was is service with BR or its predecessors that is significant because that is my interpretation of the concept of 'heritage' and 'preservation'. Clearly we differ, but tough, so what!

Regards

 

According to http://www.bluebell-railway.com/event/vintage-trains-weekend/ it is down to be in service. Personally I'd like to see a longer goods formed and give 1638 a proper go on one of them. Not going to happen though, almost certainly, but it's nice to dream...

 

Many thanks for the information.

Duncan

 

Thanks for the response - one of the things that make the preservation/heritage scene so interesting is the extraordinary variety of points of view that exist, and which drive on such a great range of projects, large and small across the length and breadth of the country. When you look back to the early days in the 50's and 60's and see what has been achieved since it is remarkable, and wouldn't have happened without many individuals pursuing their dream and enthusing others to help. There is room for many different views and approaches.

Getting back on topic (well, almost) I wish I lived closer to the Bluebell. I was a volunteer briefly in the early 70's before heading up to North Wales, and I have always had a soft spot for the place. In spite of what I said about 323 "Bluebell" my real interest is in pre-group steam, and the variety of liveries and styles. This is something the Bluebell does well, and weekends like this showcase their remarkable, and growing, collection.

Have a good weekend

Steve B

 

Two queries about this gala - firstly any news on whether 1638 will be running or not? And when is a timetable likely to appear?

 

I'm not sure when it was put on the Bluebell site but the roster says it isn't but nothing is listed in steam for the Sunday of the event so accuracy isn't great from that. The page to buy tickets for the event shows it as in steam but beyond that I don't have a clue.

Not sure about timetables yet.

 

Yes to 1638 on Saturday and Sunday, not Friday.

As far as I am aware:

Friday
Locos:
B473, 323, 178, 592

Sets:
LSWR bogie coach + LBSC 1st + LCDR Brake 3rd + LCDR wheelchair saloon
SECR 100 seater + SECR Birdcage brake
LNWR Obo + Mets
Goods set

1st departure 11:00am ex SP then hourly until 4:00pm with a couple of extra trains interpolated.

Saturday

Locos:
3, 55, 592, 1638, 178, 323, B473

Sets:
LSWR bogie coach + 4 wheelers + 100 Seater + Birdcage brake
LNWR Obo + Mets
Bulleids
Wealden Rambler (Mk 1s; I suspect this is pre-booked only but I might be wrong).
Queen Mary Brake on Ardingly shuttles
Goods rake

1st passenger departure 10:50 ex SP then roughly 40 minute intervals until 4:45

Sunday

Locos:
As Saturday

Sets:
As Saturday, but with Golden Arrow set replacing Wealden Rambler set (I guess this is prebooked only, not for general travel). Also it looks like no good strain on Sunday

Timetable: As Saturday, but last departure ex-SP at 4.35; and with different engine combinations on different sets.

Tom

 

Thanks for the information, appreciated !!

 

Never bin to the bluebell railway and it Looks like a good gala but were is the best place to take photos?

 

If you walk through the car parking field at Horsted Keynes, cross the bridge over the line and turn right there is a footpath that runs parallel to the line for about a quarter of a mile. Many photo opportunities along there.

 

As Matt says, the path north of HK towards Horsted House Farm Bridge is good, the engines are working hard up the hill when heading north.

Immediately south of HK is also worth it, again engines heading north are still working hard. Both locations can be reached without needing a photographic pass.

If you haven't been before, note that 592, 1638, 178 and 55 face north; B473, 323 and 3 face south.

Taking a look at the Bluebell website may give ideas for other photo locations, though be warned some locations may require having a photographic pass which can't be obtained on the day.

Apart from the trains, there will be the other usual Bluebell activities, e.g. Atlantic House open; Carriage works tours etc.

Tom

 

Many thanks for the info Tom. Do you know if it's planned on Friday that the E4 will be paired with the Birdcage Brake and 100 Seater?

Cheers

 

As far as I can see she will be on the goods rake on Friday, and with the 100 seater / birdcage on Saturday and Sunday.

Tom

 

As well as those two places a footpath crosses the railway at the site of the old West Hoathly station, head for the village of Sharpthorne and go down station road. Only an option if you arrive by car though as the station has stayed closed and the line just passes through...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/5845452951/in/set-72157625837565356

 

​The WTT for all 3 days is now on their website.

 

The attached might help with locations

Have nice time!