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The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service


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!

    easyfundraising 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.
     
  •   News Update 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 March 2024 edition of Bluebell Times

News Update 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.

The Atlantic attached to its tender on Bluebell metals at Sheffield Park - Bluebell Railway Official - 6 March 2024

The Atlantic emerges from the building in which it was constructed at Sheffield Park - Bluebell Railway Official - 5 March 2024

 

‘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 winched onto its low loader - Bluebell Railway Official - 5 March 2024 The Atlantic now tucked away in the maintenance shed - Bluebell Railway Official - 6 March 2024

Normandy is moved into Atlantic House at Sheffield Park - John Fry - 5 March 2024

 

News Update 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 SE&CR O1 No. 65 with Pullman Car 54 on an evening test run - David Chandler - 12 February 2024

  •   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.
     
  •   News UpdateThe 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.


Stroudley Terrier 'Fenchurch' arrives at Horsted Keynes - John Sandys - 15 February 2024 Lower part of the backhead removed on Q-class 541 - Leaky Finders - December 2023


12 February No. 72 with its lunchtime departure from Horsted Keynes - Richard Salmon - 11 February 2024

  •   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 with its lunchtime departure from Horsted Keynes - Richard Salmon - 11 February 2024

  •   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.

SE&CR 65 arrives at Horsted Keynes - Richard Salmon - 11 February 2024 Bulleid Pacific 34059 in the paintshop - Richard Salmon- 11 February

  •   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.

Camelot's wheelset being lifted back into place - Andy Kelly - 8 February 2024 SR 419 with new planks - Richard Salmon- 24 January 2024


10 February Nos 72 and 65 together at Sheffield Park - John Sandys - 10 February 2024

  •   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.
     

  • February 2024 edition of Bluebell Times

  •   News Update 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


     
  • January 2024 edition of Bluebell Times

  •   News Update 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.
     
  •   News UpdateChairman’s Year-end Update 2023 (published 3 January 2024) and the January Update (published 31 January), are now available.
     
  •   News Update 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.

Steam pipe being heated - Fred Bailey - 23 February 2023 Blower ring mounted on blast pipe - Fred Bailey - 7 September 2023

Bunker construction in progress - January 2024

  •   News Update 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.
     

  •   News Update 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).
     
  •   News Update 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.


SE&CR 153 with new planks - Oxted Thumper Gang - 28 January 2024 SR 419 with new planks - Richard Salmon- 24 January 2024

  •   Bluebell video compilation from David Wadley, covering a variety of periods, including some great footage from 1990 at the end.
     
  • Bluebell's VEP at Waterloo - Richard Salmon - 27 January 2024

  •   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.


9 December 2023December 2023 edition of Bluebell Times

  •   News Update The December 2023 edition of Bluebell Times features:
        – A major appeal to get our 4-VEP running on the mainline next year
        – Sir Archibald Sinclair enters service on our Santa Specials
        – A driver’s view of a commercial goods train – ten years later
        – A Christmas message from the Railway’s Chaplain
        – Save the dates for next year’s Society AGM, Members Day & Bluebell Staff Party
        – A busy 2024 is planned – but keeping focus on the underlying business.


     
  •   Two photos below from last night’s Horsted Keynes Station Carol Service, which was attended by 173 guests, and accompanied by the Bluebell Railway Band. In the second photo we see the preacher, curate of St. Giles’ Horsted Keynes, Rev Peter Sutton with driver Ben Coughlan on locomotive 80151.

Horsted Keynes Carol Service - Richard Salmon - 8 December 2023 Horsted Keynes Station Carol Service, Rev Peter Sutton with driver Ben Coughlan - Tim Baker - 8 December 2023


8 December

  • Tonight: Horsted Keynes Station Carol Service
    7:30pm (until 9pm)
    Join us for our traditional carol service, led by Reverend David Murdoch, Rector of St Giles Church and Chaplain of the Bluebell Railway, along with the Horsted Keynes platform staff.
    Free entry, with donations going to the Horsted Keynes Station Fund and St. Giles Church, Horsted Keynes.
    Refreshments will also be available in the King George V bar on the station.


7 December 80151 in Secret Santa livery - David Cable - 3 December 2023

  •   David Cable’s photo from Sunday 3 December shows No. 80151 at the head of one of this winter’s hugely popluar “Santa Specials”. The locomnotive is looking particularly festive in a temporary livery (following filming for an advert in November) – the filming contract makes provision for a full repaint back to its former livery which will take place in the New Year.
     
  •   A new web page has been created for the pair of ex-Seaham Harbour Chaldron Wagons which were donated to the Bluebell by our then Vice-President Johnny Morris in 1972, and moved in May 1988 to a more appropriate home at the Tanfield Railway.
     
  •   News Update Following a week’s break, a new Chairman’s Update is now available.
     
  • Southern Railway Coach Group

  •   The Southern Railway Coach Group has now opened subscriptions to its membership scheme. You can join by completing the application form available from here. Members receive two digital newsletters each year (March and September) featuring updates on the work we’re doing plus other articles about restoration techniques, the individual carriages and more. Members will also be invited to an annual meeting with behind the scenes tours, which will be timed to coincide with the BRPS AGM day (the next one expected to be in June 2024).
     
  • The photo below shows O1-class No. 65 during a Footplate Experience course in November. The photo is provided by Jemima White, whose husband was enjoying the course that day.



65 on footplate experience turn - Jemima White -  November 2023


2 December Sir Archie on a Santa Special - Matthew Cousins - 2 December 2023

  •   As yet un-named and un-numbered (pending final painting in February), No. 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ has been in service, hauling last night’s Golden Arrow dining Train, and the Santa Specials starting from East Grinstead today (with 80151 on the Sheffield Park Santas and Steam Lights, and No. 65 on tonight’s Golden Arrow). It’s seen here heading north from Horsted Keynes today in Matthew Cousins’ photo.
     
    Don’t forget 34059’s first use on ordinary public services is on January 1st, when we will also be steaming 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’, SE&CR 65 on a goods train, and Terrier 72 ‘Fenchurch’ hauling the Observation Car, effectively creating a “mini-gala”.
     
  •   Details and dates for the first Lineside Photographers’ Safety Courses of 2024 are now available.



1 December SETG Appeal - 1 December 2023



21 November New door lock fitted to Met 394 - Richard Salmon - 15 November 2023

  •   News Update Today we have another of our Chairman’s Weekly Updates available to download.
     
  •   The photo here illustrates one of the new door locks fitted to Metropolitan Railway carriage No. 394, referenced in the update.
     
  •   34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ to haul service trains on New Year’s Day!
    How about this for a New Year’s Day surprise! Replacing 80151 in our lineup, 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ will be hauling service trains for the first time in over a decade, alongside 72 ‘Fenchurch’, 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’ and O1 No. 65 for our New Year’s Day Steam Up! This will be for one day only, before the Bulleid heads into our paint shop at Horsted Keynes.
    Normal fares apply and our ‘Kids For A Quid’ travel offer will also be available on the day. Advance tickets can be found here.
    The timetable has been altered to accommodate this change and can be found here.
     
  •   SVV Media shot this video of Steamlights last week. For an explanation of the temporary livery on 80151 (which seems to be going down well with our visiting families), more about Cadbury’s Secret Santa is described here on netmums.
     
  •   The two photos below show work in progress with the installation of the new headstock which is now ready to be riveted onto LMS 3-plank wagon 474558. The work is described, along with more photos, in the Goods Division’s Facebook Posts.


End of LMS wagon prepared for fitting new headstock - Bluebell Railway Goods Division - 19 November 2023 End of LMS wagon with new headstock - Bluebell Railway Goods Division - 19 November 2023


20 November34059 in light steam - John Fry - November 2023

  •   News Update News update from the Bulleid Society: Last week the final testing was carried out on 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, the loco has now been handed over to the operations department, and is planned to be used on Santa Specials at the Bluebell Railway over the next few weeks.
    This photo from John Fry shows the locomotive being prepared for its eight successful fully-loaded test runs last week. In February it will enter the paint shop at Horsted Keynes for final topcoat and lettering and lining.
    In the background of the photo you can also see the new inner firebox for ‘Blackmoor Vale’, which has been received. This is the final one of a batch of five new Bulleid Light Pacific steel inner fireboxes made by South Devon Railway Engineering, the first of the batch being the one we have fitted to ‘Sir Archie’.
     
  •   We still have some availability on our Golden Arrow Pullman Christmas lunch and evening dining trainsmore details and booking.
     
  •   Join us for an extra special Steamlights service this New Year’s Eve, and kickstart your new year celebrations with our spectacular train of lights. Book now!
     
  •   Our ever-popular Santa Specials have almost completely sold out on the trains departing from Sheffield Park, but we still have seats available on those departing from East Grinstead.



16 November34059 out for a test run - David Cable - 15 November 2023

  •   David Cable’s photo, taken whilst he was engaged in lineside clearance work yesterday, shows 34059 out for another test run. The coaching set is that equipped with leds for the Steamlights trains which commence tomorrow.
     
  •   The perfect Christmas present for any railway enthusiast!
    The footplate taster days return! Featuring LB&SCR A1 “Terrier” Tank No. 72 “Fenchurch” and SE&CR O1 No. 65 (subject to locomotive availability on the day).
    The following dates are currently available to book in 2024:
    FEBRUARY: 22, 23, 24, 25 & 29
    MARCH 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22 & 28
    PRICE: £330 PER PERSON – These tickets are limited and will sell out fast.
    BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
    Find out more about these days here.



15 NovemberBoiler having tubes removed - Andy Kelly - 7 November 2023

  •   News Update We have a new web page covering the current overhaul of SE&CR P-class No. 323 ‘Bluebell’.
     
    The aim is to get this, our flagship locomotive, running again very quickly. Past experience is that having two small locomotives available together provides far greater opportunity, thanks to the certainty and reliability provided by having a backup, for their greater use. Matched with our older (lighter-weight) rolling stock, they provide an attractive and economical second train on 2-train timetable days.
     
    During this overhaul it will be receiving the boiler which it was carrying when it first arrived on the Bluebell in 1960, which has most recently been used in No. 178. No. 178 now carries the boiler until recently fitted to 323, and is now being prepared for a return to static display.
     
    This photo (thanks to Andy Kelly) taken a week ago, shows the boiler which is being overhauled for 323 ‘Bluebell’, in our workshop at Sheffield Park, with forced ventilation attached whilst the tubes are being removed.
     
  •   News Update The latest Chairman’s Update (9 November) is now available to download.



13 NovemberQ-class boiler and wheelset - Photo thanks to Leaky Finders - 4 October 2023

  •   News Update New web page covering the current overhaul of SR Q-class No. 541 and an update on progress with the overhaul of SE&CR H-class No. 263.
     
    The photo shows 541’s boiler, and wheelset removed from under the frames. It is presented here with thanks to Leaky Finders, where the locomotive boiler and chassis are being overhauled. The wheelsets have now gone to SDR Engineering for specialist work, and the tender is now under overhaul at Sheffield Park, where it will receive a new body.



Rapido's graphic of as-preserved SE&CR 65 - 10 November 2023

  •   Rapido Trains have just announced a OO gauge model of the SECR O1 Class including the Bluebell’s own No. 65 in full SE&CR livery (as preserved, and as seen in Rapido’s graphic shown here), as s1065 in BR Sunshine and as 31065 in BR Late Crest Black.
     
    The Bluebell Railway Goods Division are taking preorders at a substantial discount on the rrp so make sure you order before the order deadline (still to be announced) to secure your model!
     
    That they also have a selection of Rapido Trains wagons and brake vans in stock available to order now!



12 NovemberNovember 2023 edition of Bluebell Times

  •   News Update The November 2023 edition of Bluebell Times features:
        – A giant success as ‘Manston’ and ‘Taw Valley’ lead to the most successful Giants Of Steam Gala yet
        – Save The Date! First special event dates for 2024 are announced, plus an intensive New Year’s Day service is planned
        – High tech treatment for 9F No. 92240’s tender
        – Workshop progress for ‘Bluebell’, Q-class 541 at Leaky Finders and the Bicester Military Railway carriage
        – A look over the fence at East Grinstead to see how Network Rail keeps the national network running during the leaf fall season
        … and much more!



S6686S at Droxford - Nick Catford - April 1967 Maunsell Brake Composite No. S6686S was initially preserved by the Southern Locomotive Preservation Co., and based in various places in Hampshire until the closure of the preservation scheme at Liss led to its transfer to the Bluebell.

The photo on the left (thanks to Nick Catford) shows the carriage at Droxford in April 1967, four and a half years before it came to the Bluebell. It then ran for 16 years on the Bluebell before withdrawal for an overhaul, and over just three years much of the body structure was renewed. It has now been back in service for 26 years.


4 November SECR Locomotives in the works - Andy Kelly - 3 November 2023

  •   Ashford Works 1913 or Sheffield Park, 2023?
     
    Three SECR locomotives and their boilers create this scene, captured in Andy Kelly’s photo taken yesterday, which reminds us that, with 6 of the 8 surviving SECR locomotives resident at Sheffield Park, they form a core part of our fleet.
     
    H-class No. 263 has been under overhaul for a year now, and P-class No. 323 is also now set to be overhauled along side it. We are planning to use the best of our four P-class boilers, which was in No. 178, for this overhaul, which explains the presence of the latter P-class, as the boilers are swapped out.



3 November 65 approaches Horsted Keynes with the 2.55 dining train from Sheffield Park - Nick Gilliam - 29 October 2023

  •   Nick Gilliam’s photo, taken on the final day of the autum season, Sunday 29 October, shows SECR O1-class No. 65 approaching Horsted Keynes with the 2.55 dining train from Sheffield Park.
     
  •   We have no services running now until Steamlights commence on 17 November. Our Festive Feast trains run on 23 & 24 November, Santa Specials from 25 November and a new service, Steamlights with Santa, commences on 2 December.

    Golden Arrow Christmas luncheon and evening dining services also run in November and December. To see in the New Year we also have an extra special New Year’s Eve SteamLights and a special GOLDEN ARROW New Year’s Eve Luncheon.
     

  •   Our next public steam trains (pre-book, or turn up on the day) are a two-train Winter service on 28-31 December – see timetable – and what is effectively a mini gala to bring in the New Year on 1 January – start 2024 with us with a special day’s running featuring (subject to availability) ‘Wightwick Hall’, 65, 80151 [now replaced by 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’] and ‘Fenchurch’! An intensive timetable [as updated, here] will be in place, passenger and goods trains will be running throughout the day and travel in the LNWR Observation Coach hauled by ‘Fenchurch’. Normal fares apply and also kids get to travel for £1 with any fare-paying adult! Join us on what we hope to be a busy start to the year at The Bluebell Railway! Book your tickets in advance and save money.



Camelot runs round its train at East Grinstead - John Sandys - 27 October 2023

  •   John Sandys’ photo from Friday 27 October shows No. 73082 ‘Camelot’ as it runs round its train at East Grinstead.
     
  •   John also provides galleries of photos and videos from Friday 20, from Saturday 21 and Friday 27 October.
     
  •   News Update There are two further Chairman’s Weekly Updates available to download here.



Horsted Keynes Platform 5 completed - Tom James - 14 October 2023

  •   The current phase of the “Jewel in the Crown” project is virtually complete, and Horsted Keynes Platform 5 is again available for service. Tom James’ photo shows the magnificently overhauled canopy and station house, and the repaired platform 5, with the coping stones reset on a repaired wall below, and fit for the next 140 years!

    We need to do the same to the canopy and buildings on Platform 3-4 (for which donations are eagerly sought). Please do seriously consider donating to the appeal, either a single donation, or monthly by direct debit – choose “Jewel in the Crown Appeal” from the drop-down menu. As expected, we need a lot more money yet to finish the job!
     

  •   News Update A series of major updates from the various activities in our Infrastructure Department are now available thanks to Bruce Healey. Catch up on all the Infrastructure News here.

    The photos below provide a taste of what’s been going on at Horsted Keynes with the work on the Platform 5 wall and coping stones. Firstly, using bricks recovered from the wall, it has been substantially rebuilt over its northern part. The first photo shows the corbel layers finished, including the end ramp, back in May. (Jon Goff)
    With the rebuilt brickwork backed up by reinforced concrete, one of the coping stones is seen being lowered into place. (Bruce Healey)
    Bob and Steve are busy doing the pointing between the copings. (Jon Goff)


Horsted Keynes Platform 5 - rebuilt end ramp - Jon Goff - 30 May 2023 Horsted Keynes Platform 5 - Coping stones being re-bedded - Bruce Healey - Autumn 2023 Horsted Keynes Platform 5 - pointing - Jon Goff - 30 May 2023

34070 and 21C127 double-head a service on the Sunday of Giants of Steam - Keith Duke - 15 October 2023

  •   Visiting Bulleid pacifics 34070 and 21C127 double-head on the Sunday of Giants of Steam. (Keith Duke)
     
  •   More of the action from our Giants of Steam gala:
         – Great video from Saturday and Sunday thanks to Thomas Shrimpton
         – Matt Wickham provides photos and a video from Friday, including Fenchurch on the brake van rides.
         – Keith Duke only managed to get to the Sunday, but they’re as always a fine selection of photos.
         – A great set of photos and a Video from Chris Ward.
         – Mark Johnson’s video ends with the oldest and youngest surviving locomotives to have been built at Brighton Works together.
         – A short video compilation covering action on all three days, from Nick Dearden.
         – A few photos and videos from Sunday from James Green.
     
  •   We have another video to share from Fenchurch’s great visit to the Mid Hants, from Kristian Gough.
     
  •   The photos below show more from Giants of steam, starting with the miniature giant, “Famous Fenchurch”, which 60 years ago today hauled the final train onto Hayling Island as that line closed. It had for many years been the oldest locomotive operating on British Railways. It is seen in Keith Duke’s photo from the Sunday of Giants making use of Platforms 4-5 at Horsted Keynes hauling a short fitted goods train on which it was giving free brakevan rides. The Bluebell’s Goods Division would like to thank to all those participants who donated so generously to their funds.
     
  •   The second photo shows 21C127 ‘Taw Valley’ as it climbs towards Three Arch bridge with the 4.15 from Sheffield Park on the Saturday. (Nick Gilliam)


Fenchurch in Platforms 4-5 at Horsted Keyens with a brake van ride - Keith Duke - 15 October 2023 21C127 'Taw Valley' climbs towards Three Arch bridge - Nick Gilliam - 14 October 2023

  •   Two photos below from Nick Gilliam from the Sunday of Giants: 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’ passes Hazelden with the 10.15 from Sheffield Park, and 34070 ‘Manston’ approaches Horsted Keynes with the 5.30 from Sheffield Park, formed of our four currently operational Southern Region Bulleid Carriages.

'Wightwick Hall' passes Hazelden - Nick Gilliam - 15 October 2023 'Manston' approaches Horsted Keynes - Nick Gilliam - 15 October 2023



Camelot runs round its train at East Grinstead - John Sandys - 27 October 2023

  •  Another of Nick Gilliam’s photos from the Sunday of Giants captures the magnificent sight of 73082 ‘Camelot’ as it passes Vaux End with the 3.30 service from Sheffield Park.
     
  •   The Bluebell Railway is delighted to be part of the Raildays App! This new app is available on most smartphones. You’ll be able to discover all the latest events, running days, travel details to reach your railway of choice and much more. Its very easy to use and all from the touch of a button!

    Download the app now from your app store on your phone today!
    Find out more on Raildays website.



14 October Manston at West Hoathly - Neil Munro-Thomson - 14 October 2023

  •   Visiting Bulleid Battle of Britain light Pacific 34070 ‘Manston’ is seen in the autumn sun at West Hoathly today in this photo thanks to Neil Munro-Thomson. This is from a gallery provided by Neil, which also shows the great work which has been done as part of ‘Jewel in the Crown’ in restoring platform 5 and the station building at Horsted Keynes. His photo below shows ‘Fenchurch’ giving the extremely popular brake van rides around that station today.
     
  •   Giants of Steam continues tomorrow, as does our Ice Skating which continues daily until 29 October.
     
  •   Matthew Cousins’ photo below from today shows Bulleid West Country Pacific ‘Taw Valley’ arriving at Horsted Keynes, hauling Bulleid carriages, with our Ransome & Rapier 45 Ton Steam Crane in the background.


Taw Valley with Bulleid carriages arriving at Horsted Keynes - Matthew Cousins - 14 October 2023 Fenchurch with the short goods train giving brake van rides - Neil Munro-Thomson - 14 October 2023


13 October October 2023 edition of Bluebell Times

  •   News Update The October 2023 edition of Bluebell Times features:
        – Overhaul plans announced for a trio of our oldest locomotives
        – New safety director appointed
        – A summer of work on Horsted Keynes platform, canopy and building draws to a close – where next for the Jewel in the Crown?
        – Overhaul updates on Q class No. 541, Thumper 1305 and Crompton D6570
        – “Sir Archibald Sinclair” makes its first loaded test runs
        – The annual Nine Elms reunion provides a welcome boost to the Bluebell Railway Trust – and Woking Homes
        – The last weekend for the Carriage Shop approaches before it moves to a new home
        … and Bluebell Times reaches its 50th edition!
     
  •   The Bulleid Shop on Platform 2 at Sheffield Park has an extensive range of transport books especially about Southern Steam. For Giants of Steam weekend there will be a special offer – buy any three books and get the lowest priced one free.
    We also have a variety of bound volumes of magazines available at low prices, with the same offer for purchase of any three volumes.
       Titles include:
          Railway Magazine various years from 1945 to 1985
          Model Railway News from 1960s
          Many past years of Bluebell News
          A few Trains Illustrated and Modern Railways.
    Come along and see if you can complete your collections.
     
  •   John Sandys reports: “An early visit to the Giants of Steam event, but even so quite a good turnout with enthusiastic fans from far and wide! Frances and I enjoyed our first ride on the GN Saloon for a while and were looked after very well by the Stewards! Please view a few photos from our visit here.”
     
    Two of John’s photos are shown below. ‘Taw Valley’ draws the stock for the first departure of the day out of the Newick Spur, into Platform 2 at Sheffield Park, as the crowds “stand back from the platform edge”. The second photo shows some of the other stars of the event, ‘Camelot’, ‘Manston’ (deliberately presented in “weathered” condition) and ‘Wightwick Hall’, as they peer over the barrier at the ice-skating rink.
     
  •   James Green has created Flickr albums from his recent visits to the Bluebell – April, May and June 2023, from 25 June, from 4 July, and from 22 July.


Taw Valley with stock for first departure - John Sandys - 13 October 2023 Camelot, Manston and Wightwick Hall - John Sandys - 13 October 2023


12 October Three Bulleid Pacifics at SP - John Fry - 11 October 2023

  •   News Update Another update from the Bulleid Society provides this photo, by John Fry, showing three Bulleid Pacifics together at Sheffield Park – 34070, 21C127 and 34059 (plus 80151). The update also has photos from yesterday’s test run with Sir Archie, and a comparison of the footplates of the three pacifics.
     
  •   Giants of Steam starts tomorrow.
    Tickets are available to buy online, save money and grab yours in advance!
     
  •   The Carriage Shop at Horsted Keynes is open over Giants – this is the last occasion it will be in it’s old Mk.1 carriage in Platform 1 before moving to a different vehicle in the dock adjacent to platform 5 for next year.
            Opening hours:
                – Friday 13 October – 8.30am to 5pm
                – Saturday 14 October – 8.30am to 5pm
                – Sunday 15 October – 8.30am to 5pm
     
  •   Also at Horsted Keynes over Giants of Steam, Project 27’s sales stand will be on the Dock at the south end of platform 5. New in stock are beanie hats, tastefully embroidered with a side view of No. 27 in Southern livery, and Project 27 drinks bottles.
     
  •   Awake the Giant will be fundraising for the overhaul of 9F No. 92240 with a sales stand in SteamWorks! at Sheffield Park. There will be new merchandise available on the stand.
     
  •   We are delighted to bring you, alongside our friends at Modelu, a special range of 3D printed engine crew and platform staff which have been produced, featuring some of our very own members of The Bluebell Railway!
     
    Perfect for any layout, these unique figures are available from our Bluebell Gifts & Models shop at Sheffield Park, and online via Modelu.
     
    All proceeds go into the upkeep and operation of The Bluebell Railway.


Modelu - New Bluebell Railway range


11 October 34059 on a loaded test run - Jan Kozminski - 11 October 2023

  •   Now with added smoke deflectors – 34059 was out and about today on a 4-coach light-loaded test run, as caught by Jan Kozminski this morning whilst he was going about his S&T duties.
     
  •   The following locomotives are expected to be running during our Giants of Steam gala (Friday 13 to Sunday 15 October):
            Visiting Locomotive: No. 34070 ‘Manston’
            Visiting Locomotive: No. 21C127 ‘Taw Valley’
            Visiting Locomotive: No. 6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’
            Bluebell Locomotive: No. 73082 ‘Camelot’
            Bluebell Locomotive: No. 80151 (Sunday only)
            Bluebell Locomotive: No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ (giving brake van rides at Horsted Keynes – donations requested)
     
  •   The Giants of Steam Timetable and event guide is available to download.
     
  •   It is not planned that 34059 will be used during the Giants of Steam gala, since there are still various things to be finished, but it will probably be on display at Sheffield Park.
     
  •   There will be Guided tours of the Carriage & Wagon works at Horsted Keynes on the Saturday and Sunday of Giants of Steam.
     
  •   Exclusive Limited Edition – Harvey’s Brewery Container and Conflat – With special thanks to Dapol, we have available a brand new limited edition OO-scale model container wagon. These are limited to 220 wagons only and are priced at £23.00 each. They are now available in our Bluebell Gifts & Models shop at Sheffield Park, and via our online shop.
    All proceeds go to the upkeep and operation of The Bluebell Railway.


Harvey's Conflat model


10 October 72 passes Soldridge with the 12.20 from Alresford - Nick Gilliam - 6 October 2023

  •   Nick Gilliam’s photo shows Terrier No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ passing Soldridge with the 12.20 from Alresford on the first day of the Watercress Line’s Autumn Steam Gala. ‘Fenchurch behaved impeccably during the weekend, and proved a very popular visitor. The carriage immediately behind ‘Fenchurch’ is the Bluebell’s Bulleid Open Third No.1456, which was placed on long-term loan to the Mid Hants Railway and has been overhauled by them thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.
     
  •   More from the Mid Hants/Watercress Gala: a video from Dan Gosling and photos from Saturday from Keith Duke.
     
  •   ‘Fenchurch’ will be back home, and giving brake van rides at Horsted Keynes this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday as part of our Giants of Steam gala.
     
  •   The Great Northern Railway Directors’ Saloon will be attached to Set A, and open to the public (providing drinks and other refreshments, including the famed “toasted tea-cakes”) on the Friday and Sunday only during Giants of Steam.
     
  •   View progress on the Brighton Atlantic project – “Atlantic House” is open over all three days of Giants of Steam. With the ice rink occupying the south end of the running shed, access to the yard and Atlantic House will be through a manned gate in the top car park, alongside the Loco Works.
     
  •   Fire and Ice! – We have Ice Skating over the Half-term period, 13-29 October. Skate on real ice at Sheffield Park Station in the unique and amazing location of the Locomotive Shed. Book tickets in advance.
     
  •   News Update A new Chairman’s Update is now available to download.
     
  •   Two more photos below from the Watercress Line’s Gala – Roger Carpenter’s shows ‘Fenchurch’ with a goods train on the Sunday, and James Green’s shows the loco entering Ropley station on the Saturday.


72 'Fenchurch' on the Mid Hants - Roger Carpenter - 8 October 2023 72 'Fenchurch' on the Mid Hants - James Green - 7 October 2023


7 October 21C127 'Taw Valley' on arrival at Sheffield Park - Tony Mallinson - 6 October 2023

  •   Tony Mallinson’s photo shows the arrival at Sheffield Park yesterday of the third visitor for our 13-15 October Giants of Steam gala, 21C127 ‘Taw Valley’. The Bulleid West Country Pacific, based at the Severn Valley Railway, needed to be temporarily repainted for the final few months of its current boiler certificate, hence this fictional backdating to a wartime Southern livery.
     
  •   News Update This update from the Bulleid Society covers the first visit by ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ to East Grinstead.
     
  •   Some videos and photos from yesterday thanks to John Sandys.
     
  •   Thomas Shrimpton’s video from the Mid Hants Autumn Steam Gala yesterday opens with ‘Fenchurch’ in action. The first carriage in its train is appropriately the Bluebell-owned Bulleid Open Third No. 1456.
     
  •   News Update The Bluebell’s Press Release confirming the decision to commence the overhaul next year of the three locomotives shown below; SECR P-class No. 323 ‘Bluebell’, LSWR B4 dock tank No. 96 ‘Normandy’, and LSWR Adams Radial Tank No. 488 (BR 30583).


96 'Normandy', 488, and 323 'Bluebell'


5 October Sir Arhibald Sinclair and Camelot together at Horsted Keyens - Matthew Cousins - 5 October 2023

  •   No. 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ was out again running light engine as part of its commissioning tests today. Matthew Cousins’ photo taken this morning shows ‘Camelot’ arriving at Horsted Keynes with the first service train of the day, as 34059 waits to return to Sheffield Park tender-first, having already been up to the northern end of the line.
     
    These two locomotives both arrived on the Bluebell from Barry scrapyard in October 1979.



4 October Pullman Car 54 fully painted - Richard Salmon - 5 October 2023

  •   Pullman Car 54 is now fully painted. The varnishing was completed today, although there is still work to complete on the interior, and in setting up the running gear and brakes. The newly restored ex-Bicester Military Railway Mk.1 TSO will enter the paint shop in the coming days to complete its painting, since it is to be used on this year’s Santa Specials.
    [Updated: The photo here now shows the varnishing as completed on Wednesday 4 October – the original photo, taken on Monday, showed it before varnishing – with masking tape applied to assist in this. That original photo is here.]
     
  •   Today Bulleid Pacific No. 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, still without its smoke deflectors, made two light engine test runs up the line, and reached East Grinstead for the first time. The two photos below (the first from Jan Kozminski, and second from Richard Salmon), show the locomotive approaching Horsted Keynes on its first and second test runs.
     
  •   News Update The latest Chairman’s Update is now available, as a pdf.


Sir Archie on its first test run - Jan Kozminski - 4 October 2023 Sir Archie on its Second test run - Richard Salmon - 4 October 2023

Manston arrives at Sheffield Park - Martin Lawrence - 4 October 2023
Bulleid Battle of Britain Pacific 34070 ‘Manston’ has arrived today from Swanage for our forthcoming Giants of Steam gala, coming up in just over a week’s time (13-15 October). Photo thanks to Martin Lawrence.


3 October 34059 makes its first moves - John Fry - 27 September 2023

  •   News Update Another update from the Bulleid Society, with John Fry’s photos (including that on the right) showing No. 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ making its first movements at Sheffield Park last week.
    Earlier today it was again seen moving around through the platforms there, looking and sounding good. Although it may enter service later this year, it will not be fully painted until January or February.
     
  •   Terrier No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’ is seen below loaded yesterday afternoon, and ready to move to the Mid Hants Railway (Watercress Line) for their forthcoming Autumn Steam Gala.


Fenchurch ready to leave for the Watercress Line Gala - Bluebell Railway - 2 October 2023


earlier      Earlier updates are in the Archive here      earlier


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