Bluebell Diesel Gala (!)

If its a one off, on an otherwise non operating day, i dont see what the problem is? the Bluebell are just the same as any other preserved railway, in having to have a small fleet of deisel locos for maintaince work, and shunting, so why not give them a run out occationally. if its a sucess, then why not repeate it next year, but have a mixed traffic event, steam and deisel? except run the steam on freight or on a works train, now that you have the main line connection, have a word with Hastings deisels about running a charter with the thumper from london bridge to sheffield park on the friday returning on the sunday evening? or seeing whats in the area, at Swanage or MHR,and can be dragged down ? the 4tc to run with the 33/1 would be a start

 

If the talk on the Bluebell group is to be believed, during the half term daily running the first train off of EG will be the dmmu. Given the numbers who turn up some days at EG, it will be interesting to see how they accommodate them on a two-car unit.

 

Well said that man.....shame that there are not more like you Sir with that attitude

 

Great to see all the sensible comments on this thread. I've sometimes been put off NatPres in the past because of the 'box' references and the negativity towards anyone with more varied tastes, so I opened this one with a bit of trepidation, but there's been general wisdom and acceptance, which is great to see. As I've said over on WNXX a few times, I do sympathise with diesel enthusiasts who were frustrated when the Bluebell advertised some diesel running in recent months as a special event, then retrospectively added the caveat that they'd pull it if steam was available. I understood the 'better to have steam if possible logic' completely, I just did feel it was unfair to market something in that slightly deceptive way. But then I imagine there would have been equal moans if the Bluebell had openly said from the start 'the 33/DMU will run on these dates unless steam is available', so it is a double-edged sword. The SVR, NYMR and Mid-Hants are all lines I can think of that in the last few years have had to say 'extra diesel running due to steam shortage/fire risk, but it's ad hoc and won't last if we can bring steam back', and have been supported rather than castigated by diesel enthusiasts. I suspect that those diesel enthusiasts who feel resentment towards the Bluebell would have been critical whatever it did.

Anyway, I've rearranged work to make sure I'm there for the diesel gala. The current Bluebell diesel line-up doesn't totally thrill me, certainly not as much as their current steam line-up, but I like the novelty value and the prospect of a definite full-line trip with the 09 on a decent rake of stock is very tempting. Looking forward to both the diesel event and some steam-based Bluebell visits later in the year.

 

I agree. Once upon a time it was mildly amusing to see some locos referred to as 'boxes' and others called 'kettles'. Now it is just boring.

 

We'd better stop referring to Streaks, SpamCans, Mickeys, Jintys, Crabs etc then!

 

Remember that diesels have nicknames too, some amusing and most unfathomable. Recently I met a grandad and 3 year-old walking down the platform. "Duff" said the little lad, then "Goyle" and "Gronk" (he was wrong on that one, it was actually an 03) and finally, "Kettle". According to the grandad, the boy could also recognise Choppers, Rats several others, but all steam locos were kettles. Perhaps he needs further education!

 

No need - those are still ok by me Funny how some nicknames are so apt they become well loved and may last forever whilst others soon become very dull.

 

Must admit, I find it very, very hard to stop using 'Duffs' even though it's 20 years since I was a teenager resenting their arrival on the Waterloo-Exeter... and even though these days I'll quite happily take a front coach seat behind one on a preserved line. So I am slightly hypocritical!

 

Nostalgia = what we saw in our younger days.

I expect that enthusiasts in the 1900s looked back to the broad gauge with affection, and thought that life was never going to be the same after 1892.

 

So can someone explain to me why the 4cep isn't being used by the bluebell much?

She is sitting looking sorry for herself at clapham jnc….

 

I take it you mean the 4 VEP?

 

Sorry yes mean 4VEP

 

i think its no longer owned by the bluebell, wasnt it gifted to a group within the SWT works at Wimbledon

 

Was given to the BB with a support group from staff from Wimbledon Depot

 

I am pretty sure I have seen a photo of it with "proudly owned by the blue bell railway" or something similar on the side. Hence my questioning of why is it parked up at Clapham full time not being used?

 

Nothing suitable on the line to haul it, so better to keep it stored somewhere where someone is prepared to look after it rather than rotting away in the sidings at Horsted or somesuch

 

What did they want it for in the first place?

 

http://www.setg.org.uk - I have just found this website, shows that a group has taken over looking after the unit on behalf of the bluebell.

 

I personally have no issue with the Bluebell Railway having a diesel Gala. I do think its a bit strange that it is advertising a diesel Gala this year, but not having a Steam Gala this year, with special workings, visiting locomotives etc. I am a pay-up member of the Bluebell Railway, who have regularly visited the line for their Spring and Autumn Steam Galas, but since the opening of the East Grinstead extension, nothing have encouraged me to visit. Do other people feel the same? or am I the only one?