Bluebell Railway General Discussion

I managed an all too brief visit on Saturday as I was in the area, and it turned out quite an eventful time. I caught the first train from the park with the S15 in charge and before we even got to Ketches bridge I realised she was not a happy bunny this was confirmed some 15 mins later, as we crawled up Freshfield bank, by one of the line-side clearance guys asking the footplate crew if they required a push !! We limped on to HK where she was declared a failure. I found out from one of the footplate guys that she had received a caulking treatment the previous day and, if I understand correctly, this had caused foaming. I'm sure Tom will be able to elaborate in due course.
As luck would have it, or not for the goods, 592 was standing by so after the removal of one coach she substituted 847 and what a spirited run we had, quite a firework display through the tunnel (no fire risk there) and although we arrived some 30 odd minutes late with a 7 minute run-round and departure and, I believe, passing at Kingscote the second train left EG on time.
Well done the Bluebell, as ever a professional and well organised railway and I am proud to be a member.

 

Can't add much more to that description. The Q was bought into steam and ran the remaining trips of 847's duty, freeing up 592 to haul its booked afternoon Wealden Rambler. So unfortunately we lost the goods working, but were able to ensure that all the passenger workings ran. I think the timetable was pretty much back on track by early afternoon, something that we set great store by.

I think there will be other opportunities for goods workings as there is a need to ensure that crews (loco and guards) maintain competence, which means running trains. So I can imagine that running them on the same loco working as an afternoon Rambler may occur more in the future, as in effect a trip can be run without needing an extra loco steaming or crew duty.

Tom

 

There no mention on the Bluebell Website of this .com website, yet it is listed on the .co.uk website. Which one's correct?

 

Happening as far as I am aware, but I suspect the .com site is more concerned with plugging events at the Summer Festival which starts this weekend for two weeks - thereafter no doubt thoughts will turn to GoS.

Tom

 

Deleted - only just learning how to insert pictures - see next post

 

IMG_0068 by David R posted Jul 25, 2015 at 11:41 PM

A little seen aspect of preservation - a wagon sheet - newly prepared today at Horsed Keynes

These were once a common sight on our railways - used to cover goods in open waggons

David R

 

Lots from the Bluebell e-Newsletter tonight. Starting with:

"C&W NEWS: WHEEL PROGRESS FOR THE METS

On 20 July, 2015, a crane lifted the Metropolitan brake back onto its bogies, after its wheelsets had been re-tyred. To show just how internationally we now must look for supplies, the tyres, fitted at the South Devon Railway, were rolled in South Africa. The Mets are also having new brake cylinders fitted, which were manufactured in India!

In addition, another of the Met coaches is having repairs done to its underframe, and new draw gear fitted within the under frame.

The other important job for the crane was to lift the 1897-built body of LCDR/SECR carriage No. 3188 onto its new shortened ex-PLV underframe. The crane was also used to weigh the body and frame, which together were about 10 tons, and we expect the finished carriage to come in about half a ton more.

The internal decoration of the carriage is nearly completed, and most of the windows have also now been bedded in, with work concentrating currently on the last of the five compartments.

By Richard Salmon, C&W Volunteer"

 

Staying with C&W matters from the eNewsletter:

"TOURS OF STORED STOCK PLANNED

On 8 Aug, 2015, as the Railway has done roughly once every five years, a tour of the sidings at Horsted Keynes is planned--led by Dave Clarke and Richard Salmon--to allow viewing of stored stock.

This tour will be the last occasion before much of the stock is moved into the new carriage shed that will soon be built at Horsted Keynes.

As part of the tour, there will be a chance to view the stored sections of the Craven-era first class coach and the Brighton Balloon coach.

The tour will commence at 5:45 p.m. at the platform 5 entrance to the carriage works; it is expected to take around two hours. Sturdy boots are required, since the ground is rough in places, as is a moderate level of physical fitness.

We ask for a £10 donation per participant, which will be split between the Maunsell No. 7864 restaurant car fund and Operation Undercover (for the Horsted Keynes shed extension). Queries can be e-mailed to Richard Salmon."

NB - 8 August coincides with the Vintage Transport Weekend.

Tom

 

And finally from the eNewsletter:

"FOSP UPDATE: FUNDRAISING FOR A (HISTORICALLY CORRECT) FENCE

The Friends of Sheffield Park (FOSP) were eagerly awaiting the Summer 2015 edition of Bluebell News, like all other members, and were delighted to see their handiwork gracing the front cover.

The running-in board, lamppost, seating bench, station house, platform 2 canopy, and wooden fencing all looked superb, but they were let down by the completely out-of-place reinforced concrete fence to the north end of platform 1.

This situation has made us determined to replace this non-LBSCR fence with a correct wooden fence, as elsewhere at Sheffield Park, in line with the Preservation Standards Long-Term Plan.

As a result we are embarking on a Fundraising programme, the first event of which is a Fundraising Day on 15 Aug., 2015 at Sheffield Park between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Our target is to raise more than £250 towards the cost of replacement fencing. Activities will include:

• A sales stand selling badges, buttons, ticket clippers, a bardic handlamp, books, paintings, pens, fridge magnets, and other knick knacks that you probably can't do without!
• Live performances by a jazz band.
• Brake van rides within station limits, including to the Pumphouse Siding.
• Performances by a live saxophone group.
• A raffle for a pair of Wealden Rambler afternoon tea tickets.

We'll be delighted if you can visit us and help us achieve our target and correct this historical inaccuracy, so that when Sheffield Park station next graces the front cover of Bluebell News, FOSP, and everyone else, can fully enjoy all aspects of the station's infrastructure.

By Graham Aitken, Fundraising Secretary, FOSP"

 

Just been looking on the BB web site and Derek Haywards photos from the toy and collectors fair. Looks to be a well attended event. I would think one or two peoples credit cards took a good hammering with the amount of model railway items for sale.

http://www.derekhayward.co.uk/Blueb...-2015/50726764_BKsChw#!i=4215382329&k=wZzHwjw

 

Quick note to say the goods train should be running this Saturday - timetable here: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pic2/wn/2015c/gds_aug15.gif

In addition, there is a Breakfast Golden Arrow - details here: http://www.bluebell-railway.com/golden-arrow/brighton-belle-breakfast/

Tom

 

Is the goods still planned to run on August 22nd? I'm in the area that day & would love to see it!

 

I don't know for certain, though I haven't heard anything to the contrary. There is a crew rostered that day for the service, though rostering is done a long way in advance, so plans can change in the interim. Best place is to keep an eye on the Bluebell website or FaceBook page.

With regard this weekend, so I gather B473 will be doing the honours on the Breakfast Pullman and then the Goods.

Tom

 

Thanks - will keep an eye on the websites! Looking forward to a week in the area 16th-22nd August hoping to see 30541 in action!

 

August roster up http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/loco_roster.html

 

Looks like you may be unlucky in that regard - 847 and 592 will be doing the bulk of the service trains through August - nothing wrong with either of them, of course! Baxter is rostered for the goods on 22 August. All subject to the usual caveats.

Tom

 

Quick update / recap on some events taking place over August:

August 1st - Goods train running. 2 train service with 541 and 263 on the service trains and B473 on the goods. Goods time table here: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pic2/wn/2015c/gds_aug15.gif

August 8 / 9: Vintage transport weekend. 3 train service planned (roster says B473, 263, 847, Captain Baxter on pilot duty).
There will be a tour of the back sidings at Horsted Keynes on the evening of August 8th - possibly one of the last chances to go round before the vehicles start to transfer to the new carriage shed. £10 donation suggested, to be split between Operation Undercover and the Maunsell Restaurant Car project.

August 16: Free vintage bus service between East Grinstead and Uckfield, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Southdown.

August 22: Goods service, probably with Captain Baxter

Apart from where noted above on August 8/9, Service 2 (two train service with 75 minute departures) will run all through the summer, including mid week.

Tom

 

It's a shame however I totally agree nothing wrong with 847 and 592! Hoping to pop up on the 16th and catch 263/323 as well. Was just wondering what being the pilot entails?

Will probably visit a few times during the week and will definitely be back for the 22nd too to see Baxter and the goods!

 

My copy of the latest issue of Railway Magazine arrived today, stating that 70000 Britannia would be visiting for the Giants of Steam weekend and that a second BR standard was being sought. Also, the visit by W24 Calborne has been put back to next year.

 

Getting in Calbourne for a few weeks in November sounded an odd thing to do. Would be better off reviving the Branch Line weekend galas in February time and hosting it then.