Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Falling speed as you approach Imberhorne summit may well be planned rather than simply meeting the limits of the loco. If you roll off the speed before the summit, then you can avoid braking immediately on the descent. Not only is that more efficient, it also helps the fireman by not throwing the water all over the place. Quite likely the driver went up most of the climb in the big valve, then closed the regulator into the first valve in the cutting. That would cause speed to fall gradually but allow the regulator to be kept open without braking over the summit; it would also give the crew a better indication of the water level before the summit (when they can still do something about it if it is low).

Whether that is what happened I don't know - I wasn't there - but it is a fairly common way for drivers to drive there. Ultimately there is little point cresting a summit at 25mph if you immediately have to brake thereafter. That is particularly true at Imberhorne because the descent starts immediately the climb finishes - there is no level section in between.

Tom

 

To answer Alex’s first question the difference between 4 wheels rather than 6 is quite simply adhesive weight, all else being equal. Adhesive weight is directly proportional to what a locomotive can haul (but not the only factor) and is the sum of the weights carried by the coupled wheels. Thus a loco with 6 coupled wheels is going to be able to start a greater load than one with 4 coupled wheels.

 

I see from the UK Railtours site Beachy Head is running on the day of their tour to the railway, but I think that coincides with an event (beer?) anyway.

 

Pullman Car Carina left the Bluebell Railway yesterday and was seen heading east on the A27. The website says it has gone to 'another heritage railway'. Does anyone know for certain which?

 

Not too many candidates going east along the A27.

 

I’ve been sent a photo with a location for use in Bluebell Times, but I need to check first if I can say where - I think protocol would normally be that the purchaser chooses the time and manner to announce a new acquisition, rather than the seller.

Tom

 

There have been closures on the A27 and A23 at the moment which may preclude a more logical route to the destination …

Tom

 

Yes indeed - once the clearance issues have been sorted it will be rather nice riding in that over Romney Marsh behind such as Doctor Syn and Hurricane.

Bryan B

 

Thought that Sittingborne was more likely

 

It'll be fine until the balloon loop at Dungeness...

 

@Jamessquared
Not sure how much contact you have with the "powers that Be" at the Bluebell but someone needs to gee them up on their ticket issuing. Had a good day out with a friend on the Friday of the launch weekend, both of us members, both booked ahead, both enjoying the members discount BUT neither booking required any proof of membership, just click the buttons enter card details and here's your booking details... anyone could have done it. Nor were there any checks when picking up the tickets. Perhaps at least need some sort of check to stop all and sundry taking advantage?

 

I can ask. I'm not very familiar with ticketing, but I'd assume you should be asked to show a membership card when collecting tickets if you have booked at members rate. But I'll ask.

Tom

 

I had my ticket on my phone and wasn’t asked to produce a membership card. I pointed it out to the ticket inspector and he was surprised that I didn’t have to enter my number online. Maybe it recognises name and address.

 

I had to include my membership number when I booked a day Rover for last week, it was when Beachy Head was running so maybe a different booking form.

 

Unless things have changed since the Branch Line Gala (and a quick look at the Diesel Gala implies it has not)I have never seen the benefit of pre booking a members ticket if it is not a reserved seat event, at least a single one that mine always is. It costs you more and that extra money is not going to the railway but booking agent.

 

Booking direct on the railways website - No ticket/booking agent involved?

 

Very often a 3rd party agent providing the service, even if on a white label basis, and per ticket &/or per transaction charges going on in the background. These are very often passed onto the purchaser as an uplift.

 

I think @Jamessquared mentioned it is an outside agent when they wanted £1.95 booking fee on top of a £995 driving experience.

 

Apologies if this has already been posted, but it’s been announced that The Bluebell Railway is joining the Railcam family.
There’s a sampler camera set up at Horsted Keynes station streaming live pictures now.

 

Now officially announced as Churnet Valley Railway:

https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/news/pullman-arrival-at-churnet-valley-railway

Tom