Blog: What's New at the Bluebell Railway?
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12 June
- Graham Lugsdin’s photo taken last Friday shows the concentration on the faces of those on the footplate of ‘Camelot’ as they prepare for a shunt move at Sheffield Park.
- This Saturday is the BRPS Members’ Day and AGM, so in addition to our normal timetabled trains, there is an extra morning train (timetable here) to get visitors to Sheffield Park in time for the 12-noon relaunch ceremony for 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, and evening trains – leaving for East Grinstead after the AGM, at 6.45pm and at 9.00pm in conjunction with the volunteers, staff and members social evening.
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32424 ‘Beachy Head’ – Coming in August 2024
The Bluebell Railway is proud to announce the highly anticipated launch of the new build LB&SCR Marsh Brighton Atlantic 32424 ‘Beachy Head’. This major milestone in railway preservation will be celebrated with a launch into traffic over the August Bank Holiday, with a launch event running from 23 August to 1 September, marking an extraordinary achievement in railway preservation and engineering.Tickets and further details will be released imminently so watch this space!
Jack Lamb’s photo below, taken last Friday, shows ‘Beachy Head’ in steam at Sheffield Park.
The scale of this achievement, and its importance to the history of the Bluebell line, can be judged from an article covering the potential for rescuing locomotives, and the problem of having to prioritise securing the line on which to accommodate them over spending any money on acquisitions, on Page 7 of the second issue of the BRPS Journal, Bluebell News (December 1959), in it was stated “As each week goes by, more interesting pre-grouping classes become extinct – the loss of the last Brighton Atlantic was an irreparable catastrophe…”.Of course the locomotive had been scrapped more than 6 months before the Bluebell’s launch meeting in March 1959.
So may I, as editor of this web page, add my personal words of congratulations to the Atlantic team for their dedication in having reversed, in considerable style, that supposed “irreparable catastrophe”.
- Dinosaur Weekend At The Bluebell Railway
Join us at The Bluebell Railway for an epic adventure with dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes at Sheffield Park, at East Grinstead, and on our Set A trains with our Timetable C service this weekend!Don’t forget this event is FREE for all travel ticket holders – and kids travel for just £1 with any fare-paying adult.
Bring the family for a roaring good time with prehistoric giants and timeless steam trains. Don’t miss out!
- Road Steam passes Sheffield Park
An added bonus today at Sheffield Park came in the form of Mclaren 8NHP No 1713 of 1922 “General French” hauling, on the trailer, the boiler to Bulleid “Merchant Navy” No. 35025 ‘Brocklebank Line’ (on loan from Southern Locomotives Ltd).
This special pairing was on their way to this weekend’s High Weald Working Steam Weekend and took a break outside Sheffield Park station before heading onwards to Pippingford Park, as seen in the photo here.
9 June
- In the above photo No. 80151 prepares to set off from Horsted Keynes with the final leg of the Golden Arrow Pullman Luncheon Train on Sunday 2 June. Behind the locomotive is newly restored Pullman Car 54, the restoration of which is featured in a major 8-page article in the latest edition of Trackside magazine. (Photo: Richard Salmon)
- Meanwhile, the current issue of Heritage Railway magazine has a great write-up of our GWR-themed Branch Line Gala.
- The Bluebell Railway Goods Division has announced, in partnership with The Wagon Yard, a new exclusive wagon made by Rapido Trains UK of the BR Diagram 1/801 Fish Van, with Southern region markings denoting the van should not run on the limited clearance Hastings line between Tonbridge and Battle.
The OO-scale model, numbered as the Bluebell’s own fish van E87720, is available to pre-order now from the Bluebell Goods Division’s online shop for release later this year.
Land Rover Day – 23 June 2024
Mark your calendar for Land Rover Day on Sunday, June 23rd! Come join fellow enthusiasts at Horsted Keynes for an informal showcase of Land Rovers, spanning from 1948 models to today’s.
Land Rover owners who attend will enjoy discounted travel, and our special ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer will also be in place for train travel on this day. Don’t miss this fun-filled day!
7 June
- 32424 ‘Beachy Head’ moves for the first time!
An incredible moment for everyone involved at The Bluebell Railway. Yesterday our new-build Brighton H2 Atlantic ‘Beachy Head’ passed its boiler test at Sheffield Park and made its first movements around the yard as seen in this video. The photo, taken today, shows the loco (which has yet to receive its final paint and lining on the boiler barrel) as it made further tentative test moves around the station.
Further news will be shared in due course regarding 32424, however further testing is required before the locomotive can enter service.
Congratulations to everyone involved in making this a reality and a huge thank you to Neil Glaskin for sharing this video and photo with us! - Last weekend was our revived “Southern at War” event. Photos and videos of the event are available from Brian Dandridge (Sunday’s Spitfire Display), John Sandys from the Saturday, and Richard Salmon, also featuring the Spitfire display as well as other elements of the event, from the Sunday.
- John Sandys visited the railway today, and provides these photos and videos.
- The AGM document pack has been revised with corrected election statements.
- The inaugural (March 2024) issue of the SR Coach Group newsletter is now available for everyone to view on-line. SRCG members receive two newsletters per year, by email, in March and September. The aim is for each issue to contain a mix of current project news and historical articles. If you enjoy reading this first issue, please consider joining the SRCG to support our work, and you’ll receive future editions direct to your inbox at the time they are published (they will only appear online some time later).
If you have joined the group, but haven’t received newsletters and other communications by email, please do get in touch through the details at the bottom of the page here, since not all members’ emails may yet made it onto the distribution list.
31 May
- Press Release announcing the date for the rededication and re-launch of 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, which will take place on 15 June at Sheffield Park Station.
- Bluebell Railway Preservation Society AGM and Members’ Day
Sheffield Park Station, Saturday 15th June 2024.
The BRPS AGM documents are in the post but are published as a BRPS Members’ Notice as a backup and for the benefit of members, especially those overseas.
It also includes details of the Members’ Day events taking place around the Railway, and an evening social at Sheffield Park after the meeting. - Confirmation of third visitor for Diesel Gala – Crompton ‘Bagpipe’ No. 33111 is visiting us for the September 6-8 Diesel Gala, with thanks to the Swanage Railway and The Class 33/1 Preservation Co.
- Reminder that our Southern at War Weekend starts tomorrow, 1 June.
26 May
- John Sandy’s photo from yesterday shows how well the vegetation in Imberhorne cutting has grown. More of his recent photos and videos are available in the following albums:
From his visit on Friday 17 May,
from the first day of the Road Meets Rail event,
from this Friday,
and from yesterday, showing in particular the cutting, and the lovingly tended flowers at Kingscote Station. - Keith Duke’s photos from the first day of Road meets Rail.
- Kernow Model Railway Centre have announced a range of LB&SCR-designed wagons in OO-scale, including “Open A” LB&SCR 3342 (with raised ends, as rebuilt back to original LB&SCR condition by the Bluebell in 1975, and still part of our fleet), and SR 27730 (an SR-built version without the raised ends) which was initially preserved by the Bluebell, but which we passed on to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway where it has been rebuilt back to the condition it was in when it ran on the island back in SR days.
- In addition the Bluebell Shop has supplies of the new EFE LSWR O2-class models, also in OO scale.
- The Bluebell Carriage Shop at Horsted Keynes has a very few remaining of its commissioned G. Newington & Co. of Lewes 5-Plank Wagon which has been produced exclusively for us by Rapido. They are only available directly from the Shop, in the Platform 5 dock at Horsted Keynes.
The limited edition run of 100 comes with a numbered certificate and all profits from the sale of this model are being donated to the Bluebell Railway Goods Division.
The Station goods records for the winter of 1899-1900 (which survived in the loft at Sheffield Park Station) show that three of their wagons were unloaded at Sheffield Park between November 1899 and January 1900. - The Latest News from the Bulleid Society includes the news that dismantling for the forthcoming overhaul of 21C123 ‘Blackmoor Vale’ has commenced. This will be a long project, with the loco’s boiler and new firebox dispatched to a contractor at some point, whilst the chassis and tender are overhauled at Sheffield Park.
There are also photos of progress on ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, the lettering, lining and varnishing of which have been completed, enabling a formal re-launch into service (on a date still to be announced) in the next few weeks.
Andy Kelly’s photo here shows it having just left the paint shop at Horsted Keynes on Monday. - Further drawings from The Engineer during 1873 relating to Stroudley Terrier ‘Fenchurch’ have been added to the page containing interesting snippets from the history of our oldest locomotive. There are also details on that page of two drawings from 1873 which are not currently available, and anyone who might have access to those is invited to get in touch.
- The photo here shows 80151 running as our so-far unrestored 80100 at the Branch Line Weekend.
- Further coverage of the Branch Line Weekend Gala is provided in this video from Jamie Ringwood ,
this from Derek Spicer,
and this video from the Sunday from Toby’s Trains.
In addition there are photos from Dave Bowles, from the Friday and the Saturday. - Southern At War – 1 & 2 June
The return of our 1940s weekend at the Railway promises to be an event not to be missed. See what we have lined up throughout the event, with lots of exhibitors, re-enactors, displays and stalls, in addition to a Spitfire flying display (availability and weather permitting) thanks to the Spitfire Academy at Goodwood!
Grab your advance tickets today and be part of our 1940s event next weekend.
More details available here.
15 May
- Road Meets Rail – Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 May 2024
Hard on the heels of last weekend’s great Branch Line Weekend, we have our next event, and it’s always a great one, with road-based steam performing at Horsted Keynes, with steam powered demonstrations and vintage fairground fun!
Traction engines, road rollers, steam wagons, showman’s engines, crane engines and more… bringing Horsted Keynes station to life with recreations of a bygone age.
See how road building, wood sawing, timber haulage and thrashing were carried out in the early 1900s. Watch as steam wagons and pantechnicons arrive with goods to be unloaded for onward rail transport and larger loads are craned into wagons.
Experience vintage fairground rides, enjoy an ice cream and watch miniature steam displays in the paddock, with a fabulous view of the passenger trains passing by.
On Saturday evening, we will be hosting live music, food and drink at Horsted Keynes after the event on this day. Everyone is welcome to this event so come along, wind down and enjoy the evening with us!
More information is available here, along with the weekend’s timetable and event guide. - Nick Gilliam’s photo shows Pannier Tank 7714 as it passes Birchstone bridge with the 12.45 from East Grinstead on Saturday.
- We have a good number of photos and videos notified to us. Here’s a selection:
– Keith Duke’s photos from Friday
– Video from Saturday by Matthew Edwards-Causer
– Photos and a video from Chris Ward.
– Ashley Smith’s video from the weekend.
– “Joe Light Railway” provides this video from Sunday
– Video from Chailey Stowe
– A video featuring Saturday evening’s Goods Train from Richard Salmon.
– This video from “Spacebunny” includes shed scenes and other interesting footage from Saturday.
– Ben Jenden’s videos from Saturday and Sunday.
- The film “The Invisible Woman” is currently available on BBC iPlayer. The section filmed on the Bluebell Railway, covering the Staplehurst crash in which Charles Dickens was involved, can be found starting at 1:23:47
- Update on work on the Q-class locomotive.
- More information about the Paving The Way Appeal including different ways to donate.
- See information about the roles of plc Chairman (non-exec), Carriage & Wagon Director, and Commercial Director which we’re currently advertising.
- Nick Gilliam’s photos below show 7812 passing Three Arch bridge with the 10.15 service from Sheffield Park on Saturday, and ‘Fenchurch’ passing Town Place Farm with the 11.35 from Horsted Keynes on Sunday.
11 May
- Rob Howard’s photo from today shows 1369 at Rock Cutting with the Victorian carriage set – this event marks the return to service of 1880-built LB&SCR First 661 for the first time since the pandemic, and the first two Metropolitans returned to service after fitting them with new door locks (replacing the worn originals which were becoming hard to maintain).
- Our Branch Line Gala concludes tomorrow, with more action from the four Great Western engines, alongside three from our home fleet.
- Below are two more of Rob’s photos, showing ‘Erlstoke Manor’ at Town Place Bridge, and the oldest and newest surviving locomotives built at Brighton Works together at Rock Cutting. 80151 is running as 80100 this weekend.
- Richard Salmon’s photo shows ‘Wightwick Hall’ passing through Horsted Keynes with the goods train this evening; this was the first time a goods train had operated right through to East Grinstead at one of our special events since our extension opened. On the return journey there was a locomotive swap at Kingscote which saw 1369 take over the train which was to be shunted into the down yard at Horsted Keynes, which is inaccessible to the Hall, due to restricted platform edge clearances in platforms 4/5.
- Videos covering lineside action from yesterday at our Branch Line Gala from Thomas Shrimpton and James McLeish.
- Please note that the earlier advertising of the Brake Van Rides tomorrow as being hauled by our resident Class 73 Electro-diesel was incorrect, since that locomotive is currently under maintenance. Instead, 80151/80100 will give footplate visits and rides from the Dock on Platform 2 at Sheffield Park, before hauling the 4pm service to East Grinstead and back.
10 May
- The May 2024 edition of Bluebell Times features:
– Help us in “Paving The Way” by sponsoring new platform coping stones for Horsted Keynes
– Car 54 enters service – with the help of GB Paralympic athlete Fabienne André
– The Plc board needs you – we have volunteer board vacancies for Chairman, Commercial Director and Carriage & Wagon Director
– The Branch Line Society visits – and their special train traverses (nearly) every inch of track on the Railway!
– The carriage shop is back in business in its new location
– Can we help you ensure the preservation of a historic photographic archive? - John Sandys photos from the first day of the Branch Line Gala
- Help Horsted Keynes with the ‘Paving The Way Appeal’!
The Bluebell Railway needs your help! Platform 1 at Horsted Keynes needs a significant restoration. From rebuilding the platform wall to replacing the deteriorating platform edging, the work is indeed tasking but rewarding. The Bluebell Railway Trust has been instrumental in supporting us, especially with the funding. The charming 140-year-old coping stones adorning our platforms are nearing their end. Their century-long service has left them cracked, brittle, and worn out, especially the ones on Platform 1.
We initially considered replacing only the damaged stones, but this would lead to a mismatched mixture of old and new stones. So, we’re choosing to replace all the stones on Platform 1. This doesn’t mean the older stones go to waste; many are still usable and will serve in future repairs. Finding suitable replacements wasn’t easy, but we’re set to replace the 150-metre platform with 180 new stones. A restoration of this magnitude requires financial support. The total cost is estimated to be £26,000, with each stone (made from a modern composite stone material, but having the texture and form of the originals) costing £115. We’re inviting members and friends to ‘buy’ a stone for £115.
These purchases are essentially donations, eligible for Gift Aid claims. We’re also offering to number each stone and honour donors on an ‘Honours Board’, keeping donors’ details confidential if they wish. We’re grateful for an early donation covering 20 stones, and we’re optimistic about exceeding our target, so any surplus from this appeal will be applied to further work required on Platform 1. Let’s bring Platform 1 back to its glory together.
Please support us and donate towards the project.
9 May
All set for our Branch Line Gala
Brian Dandridge’s photos show ‘Erlstoke Manor’ ready for a test run to East Grinstead, together with SECR 65 at Sheffield Park, and 7714 on shed with 72 ‘Fenchurch’.
For this weekend only, 80151 is running as 80100.
Full details of all the weekend’s activities are here.
The weekend’s timetables are available to download here:
Friday 10 May,
Saturday 11 May, and
Sunday 12 May.
A special gala weekend booklet is available. Complete with loco listings, map, future events and a gala timetable insert when you purchase one, they will be available for £2 at all our stations throughout the event.
8 May
- The two visiting Pannier tanks, Nos. 7714 (from the Severn Valley Railway) and 1369 (from the South Devon Railway) have both arrived, and are seen here at Sheffield Park today, ahead of our Branch Line Gala Weekend which starts on Friday. This means all four of the GWR locomotives are now ready to work alongside three locomotives from our home fleet, to provide a great weekend of steam, with 5 coaching sets in operation, including Victorian, Edwardian, and Southern Railway carriages. There will be lots going on at Horsted Keynes in particular, where some trains will terminate or re-start, providing shuttles heading both North and South, a variety of stalls, guided tours of the Carriage Works, and (on the Sunday) Brake Van rides behind our new Class 73 locomotive [N.B. this information was incorrect since the 73 is under maintenance]. A goods train will also operate on the Saturday.
Full information is available on the four visiting locomotives here. - Warning – M25 planned closure this coming weekend
Advance notice to anyone heading to our railway by car, and those who might be intending to use the M25 this weekend to visit our gala, please be aware of the planned closure between Junctions 9 & 10 in both directions between Friday 10 and Monday 13 May.
For further information, please see the National Highways website.
- Dave Bowles’ photos from the Friday of the SVR Spring Gala, featuring ‘Fenchurch’ in particular.
- Class 14 D9551 to attend the 2024 Bluebell Diesel Gala!
Fast on the heels of our announcement of the Bluebell Diesel Gala in September and our first visiting locomotive, Class 20 D8188 from The Watercress Line, we are delighted to announce Class 14 D9551 as an exciting addition to our gala lineup!
Our thanks must be extended to the SVR Class 14 Company Ltd and The Severn Valley Railway for allowing this locomotive to participate in our gala.
We will let you know of any more visitors and gala news when we can. Keep an eye out on our social media channels and the event’s web page to find out more!
4 May
- Branch Line Gala Weekend – 10-12 May!
We are extremely excited to bring you our Branch Line Gala Weekend next week, we can’t believe it’s only a week away!
Join us to see visiting locomotives 7714, 1369 and 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ operate an intensive timetable throughout the 3-day event alongside our home fleet of locomotives.
Book now and save money with your gala ticket today!
2 May
- Wightwick Hall departs from Sheffield Park; the lineside Bluebells are superb this year! Photo thanks to Rob Howard, who made good use of his Lineside Photo Permit on 21 April.
- For the best view of the linside Bluebells, why not travel in our unique LNWR observation coach, No. 1503, which is attached to our normal service trains on 3 – 6 May (subject to availability).
No pre-booking is required, come along and upgrade your ticket at the ticket office when you arrive at the railway!
The Observation Car is on the 10:45 and 2:15 departures from Sheffield Park on 3 May, and on the 10:30, 1:00 and 3:30 services on 4, 5 & 6 May.
Our Diesel Gala returns this year, and will take place 6-8 September.
Class 20 No. D8188 is our first visiting locomotive announced for the gala! Our thanks to Somerset & Dorset Locomotive Ltd and The Watercress Line for allowing this loco to take part in our event.
Look out for further details and other guest announcements in due course!
1 May
We are pleased to report, as per the photo here, that 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ has arrived at the Bluebell Railway today as one of four GWR locomotives which will be running at our forthcoming Branch Line Gala Weekend, taking place on Friday 10 to Sunday 12 May.
See timetables, discounted advance bookings, and full details here.
This visit is being made thanks to the Erlstoke Manor Fund and the Severn Valley Railway.
Join us for a Special Pie & Mash Service on 10 May, featuring guest locomotive 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’.
Book now to travel behind this fantastic locomotive on this special evening service.
30 April
- Family Fun Activities coming up in May:
Looking ahead to the next few weeks, we have some fantastic family activities to come at our railway throughout May.From Stormtroopers Day (“May the 4th”), A Magician on our trains (6 May), Circus Skills and Sparkle Day, there’s plenty to look forward to for all the family to enjoy!
Find out more details of all these events and our Kids for a Quid offer, here. And don’t forget Trainmaster day (see below) on 5 May.
Please note: Kingscote station has no parking facilities and access is via rail travel only.
- Photos and videos from his visit on 13 April from
James Green.
- Trains Running this week:
Here’s a list of our services running this week at the railway:
Timetable A (Wednesday to Friday)
10:45 & 2:15 Departures from Sheffield Park
11:45 & 3:15 Departures from East Grinstead.
Timetable C (Saturday to Monday)
10:30, 11:45, 1:00, 2:15 & 3:30 Departures from Sheffield Park
11:30, 12:45, 2:00, 3:15 & 4:30 Departures from EastGrinstead.
Book advance travel tickets and save money.
1913-built GWR “Toad” brake van No. 17908
This vehicle is being advertised FOR SALE.
Deemed too “off region” for the collection and offered for disposal into further preservation only. The brake van will not be scrapped.
See more information about the vehicle and its history, here.
To register an interest in its purchase, which will probably be by tender due to the significant interest already generated, please contact Richard Salmon.
Photo by Nigel Longdon, August 2022
29 April
Next Sunday the Bluebell Railway welcomes back Trainmaster Sussex to bring the train fun indoors!
Ride and play with an array of train sets at Sheffield Park Station in the Birch Grove Suite. Selection of cakes and bakes, hot and cold drinks will be available at the bar.
Please note the Birch Grove Suite is located upstairs, above the platform’s Bessemer Arms Restaurant.
Running Times: 10:30am – 11:45am | 12:30pm – 1:45pm | 2pm – 3:15pm.
Price: £8.50 per person
Find out more here, and book your tickets!
27 April
- John Sandys’ photos and videos from yesterday when ‘Camelot’ and 80151 were in service, include these two photos showing the locos’ crews.
26 April
- Flashback to 34 years ago: Southern Railway Schools-class locomotive 928 ‘Stowe’ approaches Horsted Keynes in April 1990 (photo by Richard Salmon). This locomotive, one of the gems of Bluebell’s fleet, which sadly has not run since its boiler certificate expired later that year, is currently under overhaul. It is now owned by the Maunsell Locomotive Society, and whilst most of the mechanical work has been completed at Sheffield Park, the boiler-work is being undertaken by contractors off-site, and the cylinders are currently being re-bored at Quainton Road.
- We have steam trains running to Timetable A today, to Timetable C on Saturday and to Timetable D on Sunday.
- We have our Toy and Rail Collectors’ Fair at Horsted Keynes Station, from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 28 April.
Admission to this event is free with any Bluebell Railway travel ticket valid for the day. Alternatively, you can buy a Horsted Keynes Station admission ticket for £5.00 per person on the day for admission to the fair only. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
You can find out more here.
- On Saturday 27 April we have a Falconry event at Horsted Keynes, showcasing a variety of species and sizes of falcons. After an enlightening talk, you’ll even get the opportunity to hold these magnificent creatures on a special glove, guided by our knowledgeable falconers. Sessions are at 11am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 3pm – each session will last 30 minutes.
- Our Kids for a Quid special offer applies to travel on both days this weekend.
- Wednesday saw the official launch of Pullman Parlour Brake Car No. 54, with its specially adapted wheelchair lift and space. Team GB Paralympian Fabienne André cut the ribbon and proceeded to board via the lift, as did two further guests from the MS Society. Also present were local dignataries and other guests. (Photos below from Colin Tyson and Richard Salmon).
21 April
- Kevin McElhone’s photo from Friday shows ‘Fenchurch’ at the SVR Gala approaching Hampton Loade.
- Photos and videos from John Sandys’ short visit to the Bluebell today which includes the Hall and ‘Camelot’ on the service trains, the 09 on footplate experience duties, and the SE&CR O1 on the Golden Arrow Pullman Luncheon Train.
- Two further photos, below, taken by David Cable on Friday at the SVR Spring Gala feature ‘Fenchurch’, which is seen on Eardington Bank and at Crossing Cottage.
Road Meets Rail 2024 – four weeks to go!
We are fast approaching our Road Meets Rail event at Horsted Keynes on the weekend of the 18-19 May.
One of the highlights of the Bluebell Railway’s year, and an event that’s got lots of different attractions compared to a straight-forward gala, it’s something that you won’t want to miss as the station is transformed into a vibrant and colourful hub of steam, both on and off the rails, throughout the weekend.
Make sure you join us and grab your advance tickets for this exciting event today.
19 April
- John Sandys’ photo on the left shows the fantastic display of bluebells in the lineside woods, as part of his gallery of photos and videos from today. His photo below shows 73082 ‘Camelot’ during its run-round at East Grinstead today.
- The Bulleid Society have put another update on their News Page with new photos from John Fry showing the painting of 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’.
- Layouts & Exhibits announced for our 2024 Model Railway Weekend!
We have refreshed our popular Model Railway weekend for our 2024 event, taking place over the 29-30 June.
Tickets and a special timetable will be available very soon!
See the list of layouts and exhibitors here.
16 April
- Our 1872-built Stroudley Terrier ‘Fenchurch’ is seen here on the low loader at Sheffield Park yesterday, ready for its trip to the Severn Valley Railway to take part and star in their Spring Steam Gala weekend.
- We have steam trains running to Timetable A this week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and Timetable C on Saturday and Sunday.
- Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of toys and model railways at The Toy and Rail Collectors’ Fair, on Sunday 28 April at Horsted Keynes Station, from 10am to 4pm.
Admission to this event is free with any Bluebell Railway travel ticket valid for the day. Alternatively, you can buy a Horsted Keynes Station admission ticket for £5.00 per person on the day for admission to the fair only. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
You can find out more here.
- The Bulleid Society have updated their News Page with a selection of pictures, taken by John Fry, showing the progress in the painting of 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, with the work being done under contract by Ralph Timmins, at Horsted Keynes, as also seen here (in undercoat).
- Murder Mystery Evenings At The Bluebell Railway – Book Now!
Witness the murder, then steam through the Sussex countryside while enjoying a 3-course meal and solving the heinous crime!
Embark on an unforgettable journey where mystery and fine dining intertwine, presenting you with an experience like no other – a murder mystery dinner aboard a steam train, thanks to The Company Upfront team & The Bluebell Railway!
Dates are now available for our “Murder, Rattle & Roll” evenings in April through to July. Find out more, or book now!
- On Sunday 21 April you are invited to Sheffield Park Station, where we have organized a special free exhibition of Jaguar cars! This is an opportunity to make your railway visit truly unforgettable, as you’ll have the chance to admire a stunning collection of Jaguars as part of your visit.
13 April
- The April 2024 edition of Bluebell Times features:
– Update from BRPS Acting Chairman, Roy Watts
– Society AGM (15 June 2024) – nominations
– Long Service Awards 2024
– HRA Privilege Cards
– Q Class 541 Overhaul Update
– Progress on SR Coach Group Projects
– Car No. 54 Enters Traffic
– Goods Division – Before and After
– Fordson E83W Van
– Thought of Becoming a Passenger Guard?
– Maunsell U-class Moves
– Horsted Keynes Carriage Shop Reopens!
– More Photos From The Museum Website
– On This Day, 12 April
– Volunteer Vacancies
The Bluebells are out – and what better way to view them than from our LNWR Observation Saloon.
Attached to our normal service trains on selected days (subject to availability) come for a ride on our railway and catch the bluebells along the lineside in bloom from our unique LNWR observation coach, No. 1503.
No pre-booking is required, come along and upgrade your ticket at the ticket office when you arrive at the railway!
You can book your advance travel tickets, at a discount, here.
- David Lilley’s photo, below, was taken tonight, and shows ‘Wightwick Hall’ with our Golden Arrow Pullman Dining Train.
- Neil Armstrong provides three photos from last Friday (5 April), firstly 80151 at Sheffield Park and then, below, Camelot on the A-set, and the SE&CR O1 No. 65 on the Wealden Rambler afternoon tea train.
- Photos and videos from yesterday from John Sandys, and he also paid a short visit on Wednesday this week too.
- Our Stroudley Terrier locomotive ‘Fenchurch’ is the star visitor at the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Steam Gala this coming week.
The photo here, taken by Richard Salmon in July 1993, shows our S15 No. 847 approaching Horsted Keynes station with a train headed by Pullman Cars ‘Fingall’ and ‘Bertha’. The latter Pullman is no longer at the Bluebell Railway. The photo has also been added to Bertha’s web page.
4 April
- Photos and videos from today from John Sandys, including the photo on the right showing 80151 arriving at Horsted Keynes with the current vintage (B) carriage set, led by the three LC&DR carriages. The C&W Department’s sentinel shunter is also seen working in the down sidings.
- Alice In Wonderland – This Weekend!
Join us on 6-7 April for a delightful and whimsical experience at the Bluebell Railway’s Alice in Wonderland event.
From meeting and greeting Alice & The Mad Hatter (on SET A at intervals on this train between 10:30am Departure From Sheffield Park to 2:50 pm arrival back at Sheffield Park) and meeting the Bluebell Bunny and Tower Princess at Kingscote station (between 11 am and 3:10 pm at intervals at the station) there is something for everyone to enjoy. Marvel and enjoy these beloved characters and witness the magic come to life before your very eyes.
Our dedicated staff and volunteers will ensure a seamless experience, providing unrivalled service and an atmosphere reminiscent of Wonderland itself. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event; which is FREE when you book your travel tickets, and our Kids For A Quid travel offer is also available where children can travel for just £1 with any fare paying adult! (Up to Four Children per group on this offer.) Come along and lose yourself in the magical world of Alice in Wonderland at the Bluebell Railway.
Alice is not taking over the whole railway, so if you just want to come for an ordinary steam train ride, our trains are operating as normal to Timetable C.
- The Bluebell Railway Goods Division provides the “before and after” comparison below. The 1937-built LMS 3-plank wagon No. 474558, the Bluebell’s very first ordinary goods vehicle which arrived in May 1965, came into the works last year for what was expected to be a quick intermediate overhaul. However, once the floor was removed, it was discovered that there was significant corrosion on the underframe, which in addition to other repairs has involved the complete replacement of one headstock and the welding on of a new top flange on one sole-bar. The top-planks all round have been replaced, and all the metalwork stripped back and treated to reduce future corrosion. The “after” photo shows it today, and the “before” (by Matt Lander) on 8 May 2023.
1 April
- 80151 sets off from Horsted Keynes with the 1.20pm departure today (Richard Salmon).
- Through the School Holidays…
A reminder that, daily until 14 April, we are running steam trains to our peak Timetable C, and you can also take advantage of our popular Kids For A Quid Travel Offer.
- Today’s April Fool joke had an element of truth to it… the first news release, this morning, announced that BR standard tank No. 80100 is to run at the 2024 Bluebell Branch Line Gala. Then this afternoon the way this was to happen was revealed. As normal, click on the images to see them at full size.
You can find more details of our 10-12 May Branch Line Gala Weekend, which features four GWR locomotives alongside 80100/80151, 65, and 72 ‘Fenchurch’ here.
31 March
- The Bluebell Railway is pleased to announce that 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ is to star at Giants of Steam 2024 – More details of the event will be released as they are available. This locomotive will be visiting us for the first time for our Giants of Steam Gala (11-13 October), and will also operate on special Bluebell Railway Golden Arrow Pullman dining services the following weekend (19 & 20 October).
This will by the first visit by ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ to the Bluebell, although we have previously hosted ‘Union Of South Africa’ in 2018 and ‘Bittern’ in 2015.
This photo, by Hugh Llewelyn was taken at Barrow Hill, 4 April 2009 (Licenced under CC BY-SA 2.0).
The Bluebell Railway Museum at Sheffield Park Station unveiled a new exhibition yesterday on the often-neglected subject of the role of “Railway Women”. The display describes how at every stage of railway development the role of women has been vital.
The exhibition will be available on display in the Museum, on the Museum Website, and on the interactive digital display in the Museum.
The exhibition was opened by Stephanie Inglesfield, the Town Mayor of Haywards Heath. (Photo thanks to Clive Emsley)
30 March
- Today the MG Car Club were blessed with decent weather for their display at Horsted Keynes. Some of the cars on display are seen here (Richard Salmon).
- Below are two photos taken today by Nick Gilliam. First, ‘Wightwick Hall’ is seen with the 3.40 service from Sheffield Park, passing Holywell. Secondly, ‘Camelot’ climbs Freshfield Bank with the 1.45 ‘Wealden-Rambler’ Afternoon Tea train. This was one of the locomotive’s first public services since some extensive maintenance work (including a valve and piston exam) over the winter.
29 March
- Our SE&CR O1 No. 65’s visit to Swanage was very well received, and it performed well throughout their Victorian Weekend. Here we see 65 heading north out of Corfe Castle on the Sunday, after one of their sets of Mk.1 coaches had failed with a hot box and been replaced by the unusual sight of a DMU being used as hauled stock. (Photo thanks to Roger Carpenter)
- A short video of our SECR O1 No.65 in action on the Swanage Railway during the Swanage Railway’s ‘Victorian Weekend’ Gala last weekend. Many thanks to Green Aspect Videos for the footage and Andrew P.M Wright for the photographs used.
- Daily through the School Holidays until 14 April we are running steam trains to Timetable C, and you can also take advantage of our popular Kids For A Quid Travel Offer.
This Easter weekend we expect to have locomotives 80151, 73082 ‘Camelot’ and 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’ hauling our trains. We also have two free events for our visitors:
On Saturday we have the MG Car Club display at Horsted Keynes.
Right through Easter weekend, including Monday we also have the Mobile Farm at Kingscote Station with animals from South Brockwells Farm, providing a hands-on educational and tactile experience for children and adults of all ages, with an exciting array of animals for you to see and pet (for a small donation).
- John Sandys’ gallery from a visit to Horsted Keynes this lunchtime.
- Update to the web page for “Terrier” No. 55 ‘Stepney’ adding much more detail of the locomotive’s operational history before preservation.
- Update to the web page for BR Mk.1 Corridor Second No.25769, which left the railway on the low loader used for shunting the Atlantic out of, and 488 and 96 into, Atlantic House.
- On Monday Jon Bowers organised a photo charter with our two LB&SCR Terriers, 72 ‘Fenchurch’ (in steam), and 55 ‘Stepney’, which was brought out of the Locomotive Shed for the day and posed statically. Below are two photos thanks to Nick Gilliam.
24 March
- Matt Wickham’s photo from Friday shows our SECR O1-class No. 65 during its visit to the Swanage Railway, double heading with the LSWR T3 at Swanage’s Victorian Weekend. Matt also has this video compilation from Friday.
- Neil Munro-Thomson provides this photo below of today’s Golden Arrow Pullman Luncheon train, hauled by 80151, and featuring newly overhauled Pullman Car No. 54 on its first weekend of operation. Our Pullman dining trains are now open for booking right through to August.
His gallery of photos also shows the 09 shunter on a Diesel Footplate Taster at Horsted Keynes, ‘Camelot’ on the vintage set, ‘Wightwick Hall’ with the Mk.1 set and the updated and much improved Carriage Shop now open.
- Brian Lacey’s photo below shows 73082 ‘Camelot’ hauling the vintage set at West Hoathly today.
22 March
- John Sandy’s photos and a video from yesterday, with the Standard 4 Tank 80151 out and about, prior to taking some carriages up to Horsted Keynes. The photo on the right is from the album.
- We have an update on the overhaul of SR Q-class No. 541.
- Diesel Footplate Tasters – Spring 2024 Dates Available!
Take advantage of our Diesel Footplate Taster this spring, now offered at an exceptional discounted price of £200!
- MG Car Club Meets At The Bluebell Railway
Calling all MG Car aficionados! The Bluebell Railway is set to host two exhilarating MG days, at both Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes. These events are absolutely free! Seize this golden opportunity to marvel at the immaculate display of MG Cars.
The two days are Saturday 30th March at Horsted Keynes and Sunday 28th April at Sheffield Park.
Buy advance travel tickets here.
21 March
- After the winter’s track renewal, we return to steam this weekend in style, with three locomotives (expected to be 80151, 73082 ‘Camelot’ and 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’) hauling our trains, to Timetable C. In addition, children can meet Bluey & Bingo over the weekend at Sheffield Park – and you can also take advantage of our popular Kids For A Quid Travel Offer.
- Here we see 80151 freshly painted (by Heritage Painting) after its “purple patch”. It’s also had a valve and piston overhaul over the winter, nearly completed as seen here in James Cummins’ photo from 27 February.
- The Carriage Shop at Horsted Keynes opens on Saturday having completed its move out of the old ex-Travelling College Mk.1 coach (which was in Platform 1) into the refitted GBL (Southern Railway luggage van) in the Dock next to Platform 5, where it now shares space with Matthew Cousins Rail Artists exhibition and sales.
- Our SECR O1-class No. 65 arrived at the Swanage Railway yesterday for their forthcoming ‘Victorian Weekend’, which starts tomorrow. (Video from TheSoutherner)
- Below we see the “Dukedog” as it sets off for a two year loan to be displayed in the new VoR museum at Aberyswyth on 26 February (James Cummins) and 178 loaded ready to go to Margate on 20 February (Phil Laycock)
- The three visiting GWR Locomotives have been announced for our Branch Line Gala Weekend – 10-12 May: No. 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ and two different varieties of Pannier tanks: 1369 from the South Devon Railway and 7714 from the Severn Valley, and with 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’ running too, this will be something of a GWR first for us! 80151, 65 and 72 ‘Fenchurch’ will be in steam from the home fleet. Tickets are now on sale and the Timetables are now available.
The photos of 7812 and 7714 were taken at the Severn Valley Railway’s Winter Gala on 7 January this year by Richard Salmon. The photo of 1369, taken at Buckfastleigh on 24 Septmeber 2021, is licensed from JHRailPhotography under CC by-sa 4.0.
- Issue 1 of the BRPS Internal Combustion & Electric Traction Policy is now available on the BRPS Members’ Documents page, and is also here, as a pdf.
- There have been a number of updates to the Infrastructure News page, with thanks to Bruce Healey. The 2023 News has been archived to a new page and there are now five entries already for 2024.
- James Cummins’ photo here shows the Adams Radial Tank 488 as it entered Atlantic House on 6 February for assessment prior to its planned overhaul.
- John Harwood’s slow motion video of ‘Fenchurch’ crossing the viaduct at Half Term.
- Collection of photos and videos by James Green from a visit on Saturday 17 February.
- Some photos from John Sandys showing 23 February’s Footplate Taster sessions, and on a day of very mixed weather, 2 March for another Footplate Taster, once again with the O1 on duty.
- Update to the web page for Maunsell Brake Composite 6686, adding a photo by John Atkinson from 1978.
- Update to the web page for BR Mk.1 BG 81025, adding a photo by Tim Robbins from 1989 along with one showing the current repairs being carried out to put this carriage into service as a kitchen car on the Golden Arrow dining train.
- Update to the web page for Maunsell Brake Third 3724, adding details of the set formations in which it served.
- New web page giving access to an archive of our Press Releases.
- If you are interested in the closed section of our line, there is a large update to Derek Hayward’s gallery for Barcombe Station (now 160 images). This follows a similar update for Newick and Chailey. Sections of the line all the way from Hamsey to Sheffield Park have also been revised and these can be accessed from the main index for the line. These include numerous contributions from third parties, individually credited, for which Derek is very grateful.
14 March
- Fundraising milestone passed!
We are very pleased to report that we have now raised £30,001.47 via the EasyFundraising portal for the Bluebell Railway Trust over the years we’ve been part of the scheme! [Correction, due to a change in the way EasyFundraising report the total raised, we actually passed this milestone a year ago, and the total we have received is now £31,248]
Visit EasyFundraising (you need to sign up to support the Bluebell Railway).
This is great way of supporting us at no cost to yourself. Through this portal you will find many on-line retailers, shops, hotels and other suppliers who will donate to us when you buy something through this link. Everything you buy from these retailers once you have registered to support us will benefit the Bluebell Railway.
Our thanks to everyone who participates in the scheme.
- Statement on the BRPS Members’ Notices page from Roy Watts regarding the Chairmanship of the railway.
- Two Press releases – the first announcing that our GWR Dukedog locomotive has gone on loan for two years to be displayed in the new museum at Aberyswyth, created by the Vale of Rheidol Railway from the old locomotive shed where 9017 was based in the 1950s.
The second announces that SE&CR P-class No. 178 has also left the Bluebell, bound for under-cover storage and (when it opens to the public) display at The One:One Collection, Margate. This follows the swap of its wheelsets and boiler with 323, and their subsequent repainting green to match the rest of the locomotive. 178, along with 2′ 6″ gauge Kerr Stuart ‘Brazil’ class locomotive ‘Leader’ from the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway (the two locomotives which worked together at Bowater’s paper mill at Sittingbourne in Kent) will form a display in the One:One Museum’s entrance.Both locomotives remain in Bluebell ownership, and will return in due course. Plans for the overhaul of the Dukedog remain a medium-term priority in view of the large amount of work done on it at its last overhaul and since, and its generally good condition and usefulness.
12 March
The March 2024 edition of Bluebell Times features:
– ‘Beachy Head’ emerges for the first time
– While ‘Normandy’ and the Adams Radial Tank take their respective places in Atlantic House
– Latest progress on Q class No. 541
– Pullman Car No. 54 undergoes running-in trials
– A new museum exhibit devoted to railway women
– The Carriage Shop is preparing to open in its new location
6 March
The momentous news and photos here are taken from the Bluebell’s Facebook release. The low loader was used for the manoeuvre since Atlantic House is at right angles to the tracks in the yard. The loco requires completion of painting and lining of the boiler, weighing, boiler test, commissioning, and running in, before a formal launch into service later this year.
You can find out more about the Atlantic Project here.
‘Beachy Head’ Emerges!
A historic day for everyone at The Bluebell Railway. New build LB&SCR H2 Atlantic No. 32424 ‘Beachy Head’ was transported from its shed at Sheffield Park yesterday afternoon and was partnered with its tender for the very first time this morning.
This is an incredible achievement by the Atlantic House team and everyone involved with this fantastic project. The reality of seeing an LB&SCR Marsh Atlantic is very much reaching the final stages.
The locomotive has now been moved into the maintenance shed where the commissioning work will now commence to bring ‘Beachy Head’ into service.
Here are a couple of photos of both yesterday and today, showing ‘Beachy Head’ at Sheffield Park.
The Atlantic’s place was taken by our two LSWR Adams locomotives which are now to be overhauled there, Radial Tank No. 488 (itself an Atlantic 4-4-2T) and No. 96 ‘Normandy’. The Bulleid Society have updated their News Page with a series of pictures showing Normandy’s move into Atlantic House.
16 February
- David Chandler’s photo shows SE&CR O1 No. 65 with Pullman Car 54 on an evening test run on Monday. Yesterday Car 54 entered the paintshop for a couple for days, to receive its final coat of varnish. This Pullman car will be running on our Golden Arrow Pullman dining trains from March. For the first time in many years this will enable every seat offered on these services to be in a 1920s Pullman carriage, and also for the first time, we can accommodate passengers requiring step-free or wheelchair access.
- John Sandys provides the first photo below, one of the photos he took yesterday, which include a nice selection of photos of Car 54 being shunted at Horsted Keynes. In addition he also has an album of photos taken on Monday.
- If you want a ride on the Bluebell in the near future, we are running this weekend and following track replacement work at the bottom of Freshfield Bank, we re-open on 23-24 March.
- On 23-24 March Bluey & Bingo will be at Sheffield Park.
- The second photo below, courtesy of Leaky Finders, shows boiler work in progress on SR Maunsell Q-class No. 541. We have an update to the web page for the overhaul of No. 541.
12 February
- Nick Gilliam’s photo shows No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ leaving Kingscote with the 12.45 service from East Grinstead on Saturday.
- Reminder that we are running steam trains every day this week ( until Sunday 18 February), for half term, to this timetable. The locomotives being used are LB&SCR Terrier No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ and SE&CR O1-class No. 65.
- We have our Kids for a Quid Travel Offer every day this Half Term.
We also have Ice Skating on offer at Sheffield Park station, as an additional attraction.
- On Friday 16 February we have There’s A Tiger On The Train – meet the Author.
11 February
- No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ with its lunchtime departure from Horsted Keynes today, hauling a vintage train consisting of the Observation Car, SE&CR 100-seater and a pair of LC&DR carriages.
- Below we see the first arrival of the day at Horsted Keynes, hauled by the SE&CR O1-class No. 65.
- In the Paint Shop at Horsted Keynes, our Battle of Britain Light Pacific No. 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ is being painted by Ralph Timmins. Today several members of the Loco Department/Bulleid Society were working on it, helping to clean it.
- The final two photos show BR Standard Class 5 No, 73082 ‘Camelot’ as one of its driving wheelsets is raised back into position on our wheeldrop on Thursday, as its winter maintenance turns to the re-assembly phase. We also see a photo from today of the Alf Brown Group’s van 153, now in the care of the Thumper gang, with its new doors and rainstrips fitted. The nearest planks in undercoat are mostly new. Those at the end which are also going to be replaced are marked with chalk crosses.
10 February
- John Sandys was on hand to record the first day of train running this half-term, and provides this photo/video gallery from today, and the accompanying photo showing Nos. 72 and 65 together at Sheffield Park this morning.
- I have added some photos to illustrate yesterday’s “catch-up” blog post, below.
9 February 2024
- Following completion of the first half of our winter maintenance (see reports in February’s Bluebell Times) we are running steam trains every day this week (10-18 Feb), for half term, to this timetable. The locomotives intended to be used are LB&SCR Terrier No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ and SE&CR O1-class No. 65.
We have our Kids for a Quid Travel Offer every day.
We also have Ice Skating on offer at Sheffield Park station, as an additional attraction.
On Friday 16 February we also have There’s A Tiger On The Train – meet the Author.
- The February 2024 edition of Bluebell Times features:
– “When Gordon met Gordon” – our 4-VEP goes to London Waterloo
– Mammoth winter works at Sheffield Park to relay track, repair the platforms and fit new footbridge steps
– The Maunsell Restaurant Car enters the Carriage & Wagon workshop
– Workshop updates on Sir Archibald Sinclair, Beachy Head and a brace of Southern Railway vans
– The Carriage Shop is poised to return – and provides another £2,000 towards two restoration projects
- The January 2024 edition of Bluebell Times features:
– Bluebell Goods Division reaches five years of wagon restoration
– Ben Gray celebrates his 21st birthday – by becoming the Bluebell’s youngest ever driver
– Major track relaying project starts at Sheffield Park
– Restoration updates on Q class No. 541, 9F 92240 – and Stroudley Brake 3rd No. 949 nears completion
– Positive feedback for the Education team from school visitors
– Remembering Jock McKay – a mentor to a generation of enginemen
- Apologies for the hiatus in updating this page – below is a “dump” of outstanding updates:
- Video by FrontLineSteam of Bluebell trains on 28 December, and from Martin Lawrence, showing a little of our mini-Gala on 1 January.
- Keith Duke’s photos from 1 January
- A video of 2023 steam in the South of England including a lot of Bluebell action, from Chatter Hatter.
- Chairman’s Year-end Update 2023 (published 3 January 2024) and the January Update (published 31 January), are now available.
- Update to news from the Atlantic Group who have nearly finished their recreation of No. 32424 ‘Beachy Head’.
The photos below, from Fred Bailey, illustrate a small part of the report, and show the new steam pipes being heated to relieve stresses, and the blower ring mounted on blast pipe.
- Update and latest newsletter from the BR Standard Class 2 tank 84030 Project.
This photo shows the righthand side of the bunker now in position and ready for welding, and then the drilling and riveting of the angle iron strengthening bars.
- The 73082 Camelot Locomotive Society have been posting updates on the winter maintenance currently under way on ‘Camelot’ via their Facebook page – you don’t have to be signed up to Facebook to read the reports. You can similarly follow work on Class 73 E6030 ‘The Bluebell Railway’, and on Oxted DEMU 1305 (and SECR PLV 153).
- The SR Coach Group have been posting updates on their Facebook page, and you can also follow progress by the Bluebell Railway Goods Division on theirs.
- The photos below show progress with selective re-planking and a roof recanvas on SE&CR Passenger Luggage Van 153, undertaken by the Oxted Thumper gang, and on SR Van C 419, which has been substantially re-planked, and also received a new roof covering over the last 4 months, by the SR coach Group, funded by the Carriage Shop.
- Bluebell video compilation from David Wadley, covering a variety of periods, including some great footage from 1990 at the end.
- This great video from Tim Dunn explains all about the events on Saturday 27 January, when Bluebell-owned 4VEP unit 3417 (in the care of SETG) was hauled into Waterloo station for a private event in honour of BRPS President Gordon Pettitt (after whom the VEP unit is named). Getting the VEP into a fit state to be certified to run into London, and be exhibited, is a major achievement by the SETG team.
The page outlining the work required to get the VEP onto the main line. has been updated – and outlines how there’s still a lot to do!
Their fundraising is going well, please contribute to the appeal to get it back on the main line.
Donations may also be made online via the Bluebell Railway Trust, if you wish to add Gift Aid; choose “Other Funds” from the drop-down menu and put “VEP” in the message box.
- Update to the web page for D6570 (33052) ‘Ashford’ adding a photo by Tom Bowes showing that it was very much a local locomotive, at Dormans during electrification work on the East Grinstead line in June 1987.
- Two photos of 09018 (D4106), which Alan Michael Gay took in the Summer of 1987, have been added to the 09’s web page.
- Following loan to the Mid Hants Railway (Watercress Line) in 2022, Mk.I BSK 35207 was then at the Epping Ongar Railway for the 2023 season. This coach is not owned by the Bluebell, but has now returned to us for use this coming year on the Wealden Rambler set.
Earlier updates are in the Archive here
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