STEAM IS RETURNING TO THE BLUEBELL!
After a period of carefully monitoring the weather and taking additional steps to reduce the risk of lineside fires, we’re delighted to announce that steam will begin to return to Bluebell Railway services from Saturday 29 August.
Recent rainfall, together with further work by our engineering team to reduce risk – including fitting additional screens to locomotive ashpans – means we can now gently reintroduce steam, starting with selected dining and special services.
For the first few days, 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’ will take to the rails on:
- Saturday 29 August – Wealden Rambler
- Sunday 30 August – Golden Arrow Lunch
- Monday 31 August – Golden Arrow & Wealden Rambler Services
Our regular passenger services will continue to be operated by heritage diesel traction, including 33108 and the Hastings DEMU 1001, with steam being carefully reintroduced where conditions allow.
Also, 72 ‘Fenchurch’ will be taking a well-earned break on brake van rides, and SECR O1 No.65 will be running on these through the bank holiday weekend,
We’ll continue to monitor the weather and ground conditions closely, and steam operation remains subject to conditions and may change at short notice.
After a challenging period, we’re thrilled to be taking this important first step towards bringing more steam back to the Bluebell.
Come and enjoy the return of steam – and the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the railway this Bank Holiday weekend!
