Bluebell Motive Power

Sounds plausible. Forgive my ignorance if this has been answered before but how did 27 get to the Bluebell? Was it under its own power? Or Low Lowder?

 

It was transferred by rail (cold and with some rods removed) down south and then by low loader to Sheffield Park. I remember it being said that when "Bluebell" was being used to unload it from the low loader the class 4 didn't want to stop and "Bluebell" had to make a hasty retreat as her new shed-mate rolled cab first towards her. Being reunited with the tender (and therefore with a brake) made her more controllable. And yes, many of us did think that she was far too oversized for the railway - but that didn't stop her getting embarrassed by slipping to a stand on Freshfield bank on frosty Boxing Day(?) special with 7 (or more?) on and having to return to the Park, and then trying again with a lighter load and "Bluebell" to help! I was in the GNR Saloon that day - the first time that was used in service I think.

Steve B

 

Presumably it came via Haywards Heath - that seemed to be the unloading point of choice at that time for vehicles that could be moved by rail, leaving the road transport for just the last few miles to SP.

From the records I have, it seems to have run a very small mileage in 1969, then nothing in 1970 (presumably under repair), then started running in earnest in 1971. I have a grainy photo from the mid 1970s, taken by my sister on a box brownie, of me standing next to her in the shed; I must have been about 6 or 7 at the time.

Tom

 

Thanks for that, knew there'd be an intresting story behind it!

 

It wasn't running when I paid a visit in 1969 - my first since outgrowing the Thomas books, but it made a big impression on me. My younger brother (who is now not at all interested in trains) was going through the Thomas phase at the time so my parents decided on a family trip to the Bluebell. I had completely lost interest in trains post-Thomas. To a young child in the mid/late 1960s, space travel seemed far more exciting. I do regret this greatly now as it means that my memories of the final years of Southern steam are very limited and very hazy indeed. It was, however, that Bluebell trip in 1969 that re-kindled my interest in trains so 75027, the star of the show as far as I was concerned, has a lot to answer for!

Here's a reminder of what we're missing - taken in 1983.

 

Camelot has ventured up the line today. Spotted at Horsted Keynes by my dear old mum.

 

Photos (not mine): https://www.flickr.com/photos/keith_duke/albums/72157659654501828

She was pulled out of the works yesterday lunchtime by Bluebell (station pilot for the day) and promptly replaced by 80151 which has gone in for its boiler lift.

Tom

 

Camelot today on a loaded test run at West Hoathly (not my photo):

http://riff-raff.org/photos/v/Mlawrence/2015-10/camelot2.jpg.html

Tom

 

Tom,

Slightly off thread, but is there any knowledge of which day 70000 is turning up?
Back on topic. You just cannot beat a 73' romping away up freshfield.

 

Great to see 73082 back she looks great. Just out of interest how did it come about that the BR (S) Standards took the names of withdrawn King Arthurs.

 

I haven't seen anything yet in the notices, but assuming she comes by rail, I guess RTT will be your friend - search for "East Grinstead Sidings".

Tom

 

In the Camelot guide book (I wonder if there will be a reprint?) it says the following:

"These 20 Standard Fives were unique in being the only members of their class to receive names during service with British Railways. A Staff Suggestion put forward the idea of transferring the names from withdrawn Urie King Arthur 4-6-0s numbers 30736 -55 to the Standard Fives and the scheme was officially adopted in May 1958. The names were allocated to the individual locomotives six months later and nameplates were fitted, without ceremony, as the locomotives passed through Eastleigh Works. The nameplates were similar to those on the original King Arthurs in that they were straight with tapered ends, but did not carry the legend 'King Arthur Class' under the name."

Tom

 

Thanks Tom. I think I have that Camelot guide book somewhere but haven't read it for some time.

 

UK Steam has a provisional date of Wednesday 28th October, no timings yet.

Regards,

Dan

 

According to Icons of Steam 'Britannia' is due to haul service trains on the 7th and 8th November 2015. Service 2 timetable according to the Bluebell website.

 

Indeed. Black locomotives can be beautiful! I have to say that these Standard 5s just seem to look very purposeful and elegant at the same time. Well done to the Bluebell!

 

I'm looking forward to acquainting myself with Camelot - at 0515 on Sunday 1st! Nothing like learning a new engine in the dark...

 

Always had a soft spot for her, my mum actually agreed to me having the day off school!!! to watch her arrival at the park as I convinced her I was needed as a car park marshall, the job I usually did at the weekend. She was very large but did not seem out of place on the front of the stock we had then, and the livery she carries really suits her.