VEP on its way to Swanage, and Videos of ‘Fenchurch’ at the West Somerset

The Bluebell’s VEP is on its way to Swanage

The Bluebell-owned 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ has left Strawberry Hill depot, hauled by Class 50, No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’, heading for Swanage, where it will be in service for their forthcoming Diesel Gala and Beer Festival. 

This comes at the culmination of a large amount of maintenance work by the SETG team, improving the quality of the vehicles over the months since it appeared at the Bluebell’s Diesel Gala, last Autumn. 

The unit’s other public appearances this year will be at Derby for the Railway200 “Greatest Gathering” at the start of August, and the Bluebell’s own Diesel Gala, 5-7 September.

Videos from No.72’s appearance at the WSR Spring Steam Spectacular

• From Chailey Stowe,
• from Bovine_of_the_Rails,
• from TheSoutherner,
• from Northern Soul Express,
• from Newton Road Model Railway,
• and from brunelheritage.

Hanson & Hall’s 50008 ‘Thunderer’ ready to leave Strawberry Hill depot with 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ on 6 May 2025.  (Photos thanks to SETG)