Bluebell Railway General Discussion

No idea how much we're paying to hire the DMU, but Diesels are usually a fraction the cost of steam locos. The two low loaders came in convoy as seen in the photos on facebook/twitter.

 

And they've listened to the complaints, and it's back down to £30!

 

Blimey thanks for that update Richard, at least the management do listen to the feedback.

 

A new view of the south end of Sheffield Park (not my photo):

http://riff-raff.org/photos/v/notepad/DSCN2979.jpg.html

The old shed (put up in the very early 1960s) suffered storm damage to the panels during the storms over Christmas / New Year. As the concrete frame was life expired, the decision was taken to demolish the whole structure: this is the result. I'm not aware of any settled plan for what, if anything, will replace it, though clearly undercover storage for locomotives is still an important issue.

Tom

 

A new build replacement to the exact specification

Coat etc

 

I see Tornado is visiting from July 28th to August 3rd. Info from http://a1steam.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=148

 

Not been officially announced at the Bluebell end yet, AFAIK, but I guess it must be happening! That date puts it during the 2 week long Summer Festival.

Tom

 

http://www.bluebell-railway.com/event/diesel-gala/

 

Whilst my jaw did drop when I first saw that, I suppose it's sensible while all these diesels are on site to make an event of it. A diesel enthusiast's money is as good as any other passenger's. I remember seeing a lot of diesel enthusiasts getting excited when the 09 was provisionally rostered for passenger work (not realising it was a Golden Arrow, and in the end didn't haul it anyway!)

 

Oh many of them got angry at that. Very, very angry...

 

Indeed. Their carers had hell of a task to pacify them and get them back on the sunshine coach.

 

Why not get a guest diesel for the occasion say a class 37 or 73 or better still a Deltic!!!

 

Too many diesels!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Essentially it is a "fill in" event taking place on a day when there would otherwise be no service, using the available motive power. I suspect the budget doesn't run to the movement and hire costs of bringing in another loco, along with the associated staff costs to conduct gauging, FTR etc, for an event that takes place for one day midweek!

If it's cold, I gather we might need to stick some steam engines on the back to keep the carriages warm… ;-)

Tom

 

Well, if a few years ago anyone had suggested a d****l gala on the Bluebell, he or she would have been taken to the bathroom to have his'her mouth washed out with soap and water!

But I think it's a great idea - would prefer a demu. but never mind - it's interesting to imagine that BR back in the Bessemer days had the grace to accept that the line must be kept open for all time, at least to Sheffield Park, and I suppose in the mid 70s you'd have had a mix of dmu (of some sort) and 33 working. Those seats behind the driver on the dmu will be in demand.

John

 

The earliest reference I have come across to a diesel on the Bluebell was the early 1950s, though given the circumstances, I suspect it may have been a regular (though not frequent) occurrence for some years before that time, but without being explicitly recorded.

Tom

 

Would the Howard loco be serviceable enough to bring it out to play with a couple of wagons for the day, and might Skippy be persuaded to appear in public then as well?

Steve B

 

Yes I tend to agree with what Tom's said above, for me this isn't really a "gala" event but just a "fill in" day in the hope to try and maximize any more money they can get out of the diesel fans. If the management really wanted to do a proper diesel gala they would've tried to hire in say a Deltic, Hymeck or even a Warship. I think I read on the Bluebell's Facebook page a comment saying the event is on a Friday rather than a weekend because the management fear it would be a PR disaster if families turned up on a Saturday or Sunday expecting a steam service only to be met with all diesel hauled trains. Personally I have no interest in seeing any diesels on the Bluebell so will stay well away but what I find more disappointing is that the management can organise a diesel gala but can't or won't give us a Spring or Autumn steam enthusiasts gala.

 

I wonder how many people would take a day off work to attend a diesel event on a Friday in March? If the event fails to attract a diesel enthusiasts. I hope we don't hear the old saying "we tried a diesel event but know one was interested. "

Most other railways seem to run a diesel gala/event once a year without having a PR disaster with families. You just need to advertise the gala on your web site telling everyone what's going on.

 

Indeed, you find that families may still enjoy it, but the mass of diesel followers who come out of every crook and cranny for a gala is amazing. Some of our busiest times down at Bo'ness is during diesel galas. Put on a good show, and they will come....