17-19 October 2025 - A celebration of new build steam!
Stop Press: Tornado has arrived at the Bluebell tonight, to complete the line-up.
This incredible event will shine a spotlight on the new chapter of railway preservation, highlighting impressive new-build steam locomotives.
The Bluebell Railway is delighted to announce that 60163 Tornado, 6880 Betton Grange and 2999 Lady of Legend will be our guest locomotives for this year’s gala, running alongside our very own newly built locomotive, 32424 Beachy Head.
We must thank the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, The Betton Grange Society & The Great Western Society, Didcot for allowing these engines to take part in our gala in October.
This event is aiming to be the biggest gathering of newly built standard gauge steam locomotives so far in preservation. An event not to be missed!
Giants of Steam 2025 marks an important event on the calendar not only for The Bluebell Railway but also for Railway 200, a celebration of 200 years of railway history. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness these awe-inspiring locomotives in action, celebrating the past, present, and future of steam.
Full details of the event:
Further details of the event are available here, and please do download the timetable.
Please note the slight alterations to the timetable, following the withdrawal of the brake van rides behind ‘Fenchurch’, which sadly is currently in the Loco Works for unscheduled maintenance.
In addition to the other advertised attractions however, there will be guided tours of the Carriage & Wagon Workshops at Horsted Keynes (access at the south end of Platform 5) at the following times:
- Friday: 12.20, 1.05 and 3.20
- Saturday: 12.20, 1.05, 1.50 and 2.50
- Sunday: 12.20 and 1.05
The first photo shows one of the latest steps forward, on LB&SCR Third-class carriage No.328 (built in 1890) – the quarter-lights (windows) were glazed a couple of weeks ago, but here is the first one with its new external mouldings in place.
The second photo below, from the Bluebell Railway SR Coach Group, shows Southern Railway designed Bulleid Open Third No.1482 ready for a return to service (which takes place at Giants of Steam, following the conclusion of its intermediate overhaul).
