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Bluebell Railway Branch line Weekend - 3 to 5 April 2020

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by Jamessquared, Jan 10, 2020.

  1. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Time for a dedicated thread for the three day Branch Line Weekend.

    As already announced, star visitor is Taff Vale Railway Tank Engine No. 85, courtesy of the KWVR; another visitor is a possibility. No timetables yet; however, for the last few years, Branch Line weekend timetables have been rather more complex than normal, with services based around exploiting the flexibility of layout at Horsted Keynes, and I imagine that this year will be similar.

    Details and tickets are available from here - there is a discount on advance booking: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/whats_on/branch-line-weekend-3/

    Tom
     
  2. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Second visitor just announced - Ivatt class 2mt 41312, courtesy Mid Hants Railway.

    So the loco line up is

    Taff Vale O2 No. 85
    Ivatt 2mt 41312
    Wainwright H class 263
    Wainwright P class 178
    Stirling O1 class 65
    Maunsell Q class 541
    BR Standard 4mt 80151

    More details and advance purchase tickets here: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/whats_on/branch-line-weekend-3/

    Tom
     
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  3. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    I think I may need to negotiate a pass for the Friday...
     
  4. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    If you do, come and say hello - I’ll be on a loco, but don’t know which one yet (haven’t seen timetables or diagrams).

    That gala will quite possibly be the last realistic chance of a passenger turn behind 178 before it is withdrawn later in the year.

    Tom
     
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  5. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Hmm, think I might try and make this too, life permitting! A "complex" timetable sounds fun, and a good opportunity to experience the Bluebell's carriage fleet.
     
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  6. A1X

    A1X Well-Known Member

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    Nice to see 41312 back after her long stint 15ish years ago
     
  7. jackshepherd

    jackshepherd Member

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  8. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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  9. jackshepherd

    jackshepherd Member

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    Sorry there down the bottom of the page.
     
  10. jackshepherd

    jackshepherd Member

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    Here they are .
     

    Attached Files:

  11. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Think that's an incorrect draft - has W24 and 30587 listed on the Friday! The version currently on the website looks to have been corrected.

    Tom
     
  12. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    Thanks to all. Not sure what's happening with 178 though?
     
  13. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    I'll see if I can find out (I wouldn't be totally surprised to see revisions though). One possibility is brake van rides at HK.

    Tom
     
  14. Paul.Uni

    Paul.Uni Well-Known Member

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    Carriage sets are up:
    A 4 Bulleid coaches
    B 3 carmine & cream MK1s
    C 4 green MK1s
    D 3 Maunsell coaches
    E 4 carmine & cream MK1s

    Sent from my SM-J610FN using Tapatalk
     
  15. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Oh. I must admit I was hoping that this event would be a good way of sampling as much of the Bluebell's interesting carriage fleet as possible. 3 trains of Mk1s and nothing pre-1930s is a little disappointing.
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2020
  16. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Could be quite cosy on some of those sets. I'll be there on the Friday anyway, at least both visitors are running.
     
  17. Wagoniester

    Wagoniester Member

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    I'm planning on being there on the Saturday with a group of friends (one coming from Ireland!), and if it's as popular as it has been, the Mk1 seating will probably be beneficial, though I must confess I would have liked to have seen the four wheelers and slightly more vintage stuff out to play. I'm sure there will be other opportunities though.
     
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  18. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    The Bulleid's and Maunsell's seem pretty representative of vintage stock and how I would remember branch lines. Much as I like the Chesham set I would regard it as a little out of place at this event.
     
  19. MuzTrem

    MuzTrem Member

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    TBH, when you're running a beautiful pre-grouping engine like no. 85 almost ANY coaches will look better behind it than Mk. 1s!

    Sent from my SM-A320FL using Tapatalk
     
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  20. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    From the Bluebell Railway e-Newsletter: "Branch Line Weekend planned for 3-5 April has been postponed and all other events will be reviewed."

    Tom
     

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