Bluebell Railway General Discussion

I assume so, though it is not a project I am at all involved in!

There is more detail here:

http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/ext/inf_news.html - scroll down to 29 August update - and here - http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/whats_new.html - scroll down to 25 September update for an "inside the tunnel" view.

Last loco turn I had, the metalwork was quite obvious from the footplate, though I suspect rather less so to a passenger in a carriage who can't look up and forward. Passengers at the back of the Obo or the GN Saloon might notice something as they emerged into the light at the northern end of the tunnel, but I'm not sure any other passenger would.

Tom

 

With regard to Google Earth.
My works van is shown as being parked outside my house as per usual.

The only trouble is I retired in 2009

 

Just been looking at the Latest news page of the website and this includes a photo of preparation work for a build up area for 23 points at HK
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pic2/wn/2013d/prep_for_23point_hk_aland026_1oct13h.jpg
Then went to the track diagram to find there are no point numbers listed.
Can I assume that these points will be in the plain line to the left of centre of the photo or, I take it that the line to the right is the Ardingley branch, they will be to the right?
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/track_horsted.html
The diagrams last update looks like 2004 is it time for an update?

 

Not the clearest photo, but the signalbox diagram is here:

http://riff-raff.org/photos/v/Mlawrence/2012-10-31/DSCN0525.jpg.html (Not my photo)

Also another slightly clearer photo here (also not my photo): http://www.derekhayward.co.uk/Blueb...0322_NPcvGqc#!i=1580590322&k=NPcvGqc&lb=1&s=A

23 points are the furthest south (furthest right on the diagram) and control the junction between the platform 4/5 line and the next point that controls access to platforms 2 and 3. As such, all trains in both directions must go over them, so they get the heaviest wear and are also the most logistically complicated to change while running a service!

Tom

 

... and a Wickham trolley and trailer at the south end of Kingscote in the same platform as the spoil train. Busy day for the signalman (or more likely, the pilot!)

Tom

 

The South East seems to have been subject to a recent fly by. My parents had a large tree removed in late June and the goo goo image shows it as missing.

 

There is a clearer view of 23 points here (not my photo): http://riff-raff.org/photos/v/Mlawrence/2013-10-04/20131003_170804_10.jpg.html

The ground is being cleared and levelled adjacent to them. As I understand the plan, a new set of points will be full assembled on the cleared area adjacent to old points; then the old ones will be removed and the pre-fabb'd new ones put in place. Doing the work that way means that the time when the line needs to be shut (which is inevitable when swapping those points) can be kept to a minimum.

I think the plan is to have the work carried out between the end of the Autumn Tints and the beginning of the Santa season, but I may be wrong about that.

Tom

 

A bit off topic but I was wondering, on non-corridor pre grouping stock, how does the conductor check the tickets as everyone is in little compartments?

 

The Mets have an external stepboard and the TTI walks along the outside of the train between stations. It's why the track on the viaduct and in the tunnel was slewed nearer the centreline of the formation...

Seriously, I think it is done mostly by checking along the train before departure, paying particular attention that people in first class compartments have valid first class tickets. It also helps that public access onto all our stations is quite tightly controlled, so tickets can be checked of everyone entering the platforms, though I suppose that wouldn't completely stop someone buying a platform ticket then taking a ride.

Maybe we should do the Victorian thing and have a separate "ticket platform" just before our termini?

Tom

 

Thank you

 

Go the full hog and make people book weeks in advance and make sure they bring some form of identification too.

 

A reminder that the Black 5 will be in public service for the first time this weekend.

Duties are:

Saturday
45231 runs 9:45 / 12:15 / 14:45 ex SP and 10:45 / 13:15 / 15:45 ex EG
92212 runs 11:00 / 13:30 / 16:00 ex SP and 12:00 / 14:30 / 17:00 ex EG
263 runs afternoon Wealden Rambler

Sunday

45231 runs 9:45 / 12:15 / 14:45 ex SP and 10:45 / 13:15 / 15:45 ex EG
92212 runs 11:00 / 13:30 / 16:00 ex SP and 12:00 / 14:30 / 17:00 ex EG
263 runs lunchtime Golden Arrow
178 acts as station pilot at SP.


Sunday is also a bus running day - more details here: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/events/2013/bus_2013.html

The following week is half term week and we will be running a two train service with 45231 and 263 in traffic. (45231 on the 9:45 / 12:15 / 14:45 ex SP and 263 on the 11:00 / 13:30 / 16:00 ex SP).

Tom

 

Just an odd thought, triggered by a photo in a recently posted link that showed a 'Properly Attired' chap in a suit on East Grinstead (Bluebell) station.

Much of the history of the 'Southern' (Region, Company etc.) was tied up with commuters. The Bluebell has various historic days, Branchline Weekends etc. Why not have a 'Commuters' event.

For example, how about a weekend where commuters who turn up in Office Attire (modern or period) and can show a Season or similar get a discount. The point being that this may attract people who would otherwise not visit the railway and add 'atmosphere' during the event, which might, for example, attract Photographers who want to capture pictures with this type of passengers (albeit clad in 'out of period' garb).

Just a thought, and maybe the idea would fit better or equally on other railways, particularly the Mid Hants.

 

Some further trips in 2014 have been added to the Steam Dreams website :

3rd July Sheffield Park - Cambridge and Ely.
5th July Alresford - Sheffield Park.

 

I like this idea, but there is one flaw. You would have to get a lot of suitably-attired volunteers to turn up to ensure that the fare-paying commuters were realistically squashed uncomfortably in to get the real experience. Plus you'd need to ensure drivers made that 'just a little sharper than is absolutely necessary' final brake application at the terminus

 

Plus trains cancelled with no notification and running with 2 coaches rather than advertised as 8.

 

Does anyone know the loco allocation for tomorrow (10th) please as I fancy a trip over the new extension.

Many thanks. <BJ>

 

92212 on Set A (Bulleids / Mark 1s)
592 on Set B (Mets / 4 wheelers)
263 on Golden Arrow set
178 shed pilot.

Set A is 9.45 / 12.15 / 2.45 ex-SP and 10.45 / 13.15 / 15.45 ex-EG
Set B is 11.00 / 13.30 / 16.05 ex-SP and 12.00 / 14.30 / 17.00 ex-EG

Tom

 

Sunday was a day of superb locos running on a superb railway with fantastic weather. It was well worth the 300 mile round trip from Bath.

Thank you for the loco roster. <BJ>

 

Glad you enjoyed your day!

Tom