Experience the charm and nostalgia of branch line operations at the Bluebell Railway’s Branch Line Gala, taking place in March 2025!
This exciting event celebrates the vital role of branch lines and secondary routes in Britain’s railway history, showcasing the unique locomotives, rolling stock, and operations that once served these picturesque rural routes.
We regret to announce that due to locomotive failure, Hudswell Clarke No. 68067 will not be running in service during our Branch Line Gala this weekend. 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ will replace 68067 on our gala timetable.
68067 however, will be on static public display in the loco yard at Sheffield Park throughout the gala.
We understand this may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologise. Our team is currently working on adjustments to the gala with this in mind, and we’ll share any further updates with you as soon as we can.
Highlights of the Branch Line Gala include:
- Authentic Branch Line & Secondary Route Operations: Enjoy an intensive timetable featuring short branch line trains, mixed traffic workings, and shunting displays, recreating the hustle and bustle of a traditional branch line.
- Special Guest Locomotives: Look out for our guest visiting engines, one will be joining our home fleet to provide a variety of motive power across the weekend, the other will be on static display throughout the event.
- Goods Train Demonstrations: Watch historical freight operations in action, showcasing how goods were transported across the countryside in the steam era.
- Photo Opportunities: Capture the atmosphere of branch line & secondary route working with locomotives and stock in authentic settings.
Whether you’re a lifelong railway enthusiast or simply looking for a fascinating day out, the Branch Line Gala offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a celebration of smaller locomotives, branch line and secondary railways.
Mark your calendar for this unmissable event. Join us to celebrate the history of branch-line and secondary railways and the vital role they played in connecting communities across the country.
Photos kindly supplied by The Isle Of Wight Steam Railway, Andrew Strongitharm & Owen Hayward.
Highlights From 2024
Branch Line Gala Timetable 2025
The Amended Gala Timetable is now available HERE
Branch Line Gala Admission Prices 2025
Branch Line Gala 2025 Catering Opening Times & Menus
→ View the catering opening times and menus for the gala weekend
Visiting locomotive – 41313 British Railways Ivatt 2MT Tank Engine
Built in 1952 by British Railways at Crewe, 41313 is a 2-6-2T tank locomotive, part of the Ivatt-designed Class 2. These engines were designed for light branch line duties, renowned for their adaptability and excellent performance on winding routes.
Our visitor, 41313, worked its entire life across the length of the Southern Region, being based at Exmouth Junction, Three Bridges, Faversham, Barnstaple, Brighton and Eastleigh during its BR career. This engine would have been working services local to The Bluebell Railway when it was based at Three Bridges & Brighton.
One interesting note is that during its mainline career, 41313 was used as a tester for empty coaching stock workings between London Waterloo & Clapham Junction, which was highly successful, leading to the class being the eventual replacement of Drummond’s M7 class engines on these duties.
The locomotive was withdrawn from British Railways service in November 1965. The following year, 41313 was transferred to Barry Scrapyard in South Wales, where it would remain until it was purchased by The Ivatt Trust in 1975.
Saved from scrapping, 41313 was moved to the Buckinghamshire Steam Centre, alongside sister engine 41298 and Ivatt 2MT Mogul 46447. The Ivatt Trust moved to a decision that both 41313 & 41298 would be restored to working order and operate trains on the Isle Of Wight Steam Railway. This was a poignant move as it was intended that Ivatt 2MTs were going to replace the ageing Adam’s O2 tank engines if steam had gone beyond the eventual phasing out of steam traction on the Island in 1966.
The restoration began in 2006, taking place at both Haven Street on the IWSR and Cranmore at the East Somerset Railway. After 11 years, 41313 returned to steam in June 2017 alongside 41298 before heading back to the Isle Of Wight and entering service on the IWSR in May 2018.
We must thank the Isle Of Wight Steam Railway for allowing 41313 to travel across from their railway to take part in our 2025 Branch Line Gala.
