Step aboard the Golden Arrow dining train this July and August for a first-class experience of steam-era elegance — now at a new lower price that makes luxury more accessible than ever.
For those joining us on the Golden Arrow Dining Train, your journey begins with a Pimm’s reception and a selection of delicious canapés served on the platform — a delightful prelude to the timeless glamour that awaits. Settle into one of our exquisitely restored Pullman carriages for one return journey through the beautiful Sussex countryside, while enjoying a two-course menu served with full silver service.
Alternatively, choose the Golden Arrow Luncheon Service for a leisurely 3-hour journey through the same scenic landscapes. This extended experience features a refined three-course menu, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
With new lower pricing and a revitalised menu, there’s never been a better time to experience the charm, nostalgia, and fine dining of the Golden Arrow.
Book now and rediscover the romance of rail travel in style.
Check out the Golden Arrow Luncheon and Evening Dining pages for details and to book!
80151 in action again, after maintenance work
David Chappell’s photo on the left shows BR Standard 4MT Tank 80151 out and about on Monday this week, being tested following a mid-ticket overhaul conducted in our loco works over the last few months.
During the period out of use a new lower ashpan and hoppers have been made and fitted. The slide bars have been re-ground and the crossheads re-metalled, and the lubrication of the lower slidebar improved. New piston rod glands were made, and a 3D-printed pattern (produced in-house) used to make new die blocks. A new steam brake return spring has been fitted, and the left-hand side tank was removed to enable the reverser to be overhauled, including replacement of the main screw and nut which were life expired. Nearly all the bearings on the coupling and connecting rods have been re-metalled and machined, so they should be good for the next five years. The wheel-drop was used to enable the axle-boxes on the main driving axle to be overhauled, with new manganese-steel liners and new oil pads fitted.
This locomotive is frequently our highest mileage engine which, quite apart from the strong links between the class and our line in the 1950s, is because it’s the ideal size and power of locomotive for most of our services. Last year, for example, it was steamed on 129 days, and ran just under a quarter of our total steam mileage.
John Sandys has provided an album of photos and videos taken during his visit today, when 80151 was in charge of the service train.
His photo, on the right, shows 80151 ready to leave Sheffield Park with the service train today.
In addition, one of John’s photos, linked here, shows the BR 1962-built VanWide goods wagon, which arrived from MOD Marchington on Tuesday. More details about this new arrival, which is a private purchase for use as a store, but which is also intended to run as part of our early-BR steam era goods train once repainted, are available on the web page for this vehicle, B783270.
New Limited Edition Wagons
N-gauge: Fresh in at Bluebell Gifts & Models! A special limited edition N gauge van, produced exclusively by PECO and featuring the eye-catching livery of the Southdown & East Grinstead Breweries Ltd—a proud nod to local Sussex heritage.
This finely detailed model captures the spirit of traditional goods traffic and celebrates one of the area’s historic breweries. Produced in very limited numbers, it’s available only from the Bluebell Railway shop—when they’re gone, they’re gone!
Buy it though the Bluebell Shop
OO-gauge: The Bluebell Railway Carriage Shop‘s Limited Edition wagon is available exclusively from the shop at the south end of Platform 5 at Horsted Keynes station.
Produced exclusively for us by Rapido, the 1907 RCH-design of Private Owner wagon features the livery of Brighton coal merchants Gregory & Smith.
All profits will be donated equally to the Bluebell Railway SR Coach Group and the Bluebell Railway Goods Division.
