Bluebell Railway Branchline Gala 18 - 20 March 2016

Apparently there is a possibility the gala may not go ahead. Someone on the Bluebell Facebook page said they had rung up to book a ticket and were informed they couldn't and this was the Bluebell's response:

"Simply that we do not currently know for certain whether the event is able to go ahead. Keep the date in your diary, and we will let you know when it is confirmed or cancelled. There are a number of problems, some completely beyond our control, which have to be worked through.
Under those circumstances, it would be irresponsible for us to sell advance tickets, but we still have to advertise the event, otherwise there would be no point in running it, since if no one knew about it and no one were going to come we could not run it anyway!"

Link to said post: https://www.facebook.com/bluebellrailway/posts/10154167549030967

Anyone know any more info on what the issues are that would stop the gala happening?

 

I have heard that the Coal Tank might not attend, due to the bridge that has weight restrictions, being damaged during the flooding, and might have further restriction placed on it.

 

Surely they could find an alternative locomotive or even just do without? With the Q, H, a P class, Captain Baxter, the E class, and a C class (I think) all available it would be odd to cancel just on the back of one loco not attending.

 

Agreed, unless they're trying to avoid people booking for the Coal Tank then getting angry and shouty if it puts in a no show.

 

The Bluebell response you quoted states a number of problems, so probably more than just the Coal Tank.

 

Another factor could be that there are a lot of Engineering works possessions on the big railway that weekend which might impact on visitor numbers:
From the SWT website:
"Some lines between London Waterloo and Clapham Junction (including about half of London Waterloo station) and all South West Trains lines in the Wimbledon and Surbiton areas will be closed all day Saturday and Sunday for renewal and maintenance work. No train services will run between Clapham Junction and Weybridge via Surbiton, or between Clapham Junction and Kingston via Wimbledon.

South West Trains services will use platforms 3 to 6 at Clapham Junction and platforms 1 to 4 at Vauxhall. Many trains will leave London Waterloo from different platforms to normal - please check displays at station.
A limited train service to routes via Epsom will run from platform 1 at Raynes Park.
Berrylands station will have no service. Passengers should use the Transport for London “K2” bus service between Surbiton and Kingston, which will accept valid rail tickets."

I started to research my travel to this event last week and found that I can't get a direct route or journey as I did for the Autumn Gala. My journey was "not available" when I entered the details.
When I tried an alternative route it was so long winded that it was hardly worth setting out for as by the time I would arrive at the Bluebell I would soon have to head home again. Hopefully another weekend can be set aside for this event.

 

Event has been cancelled - Coal Tank unable to leave K&WVR due to bridge on alternative route from railway has been undermined by floods earlier in the year, and has not yet been repaired.
There are apparently other reasons not yet disclosed. Likely to be an offical annoucement in due course.

I wonder what the state of the fields used for parking at Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes are like at the present?

 

This event usually has smaller coach formations, so would probably has less of an impact than for GOS. Most people south of London will drive since it will be a lot quicker than the train.

 

Have just now checked the Bluebell Railway.com website and the Branch Line Gala has indeed been cancelled.

Here is the relevant link: http://www.bluebell-railway.com/event/branch-line-weekend/

Southdowner