Bluebell Railway General Discussion

I always find it amazing that 9017 seems to get slightly shunned.

It's a remarkable survivor, and probably if it was based elsewhere would be a bit of a "jewel", whereas in the context of the Bluebell fleet, it seems to be less appreciated.

I think that it's current roving ambassador role is a great way for it to be appreciated by others and being on display.

I'd love to see it run one day, I have only ever seen one outside framed loco run (3717) and visually it's such a departure from almost anything else that is about.

Chris

 

GWR 4-4-0s were indeed daily visitors to the Southampton area - usually on trains into Southampton Terminus.

There was a daily early evening return working from Reading - worked by Dukes in early years and Bulldogs latterly. Recorded sightings include 3286 Meteor on 3/8/27 hauling 10 (!) non-corridor coaches (6 SR and 4 GWR) and 3356 Sir Stafford on 11/8/34.

As mentioned, multiple GWR services ran in from the DN&S. These were usually worked by Dukes (e.g. 3272 Fowey on 28/7/27) but Dean Goods, Barnums and 3551 where also regulars at that time.

Occasionally GWR locos worked through to Southampton via the MSWJR instead of the usual loco change at Andover. e.g. Duke 3268 Chough on 2/9/33 and Bulldog 3322 Eclipse on 5/6/34.

And then there were a wide variety of excursions and other special workings to Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth frequently worked by Dukes in early years before giving way to Bulldogs and in turn 43xxs. Flowers and City's too on occasion. eg. Bulldogs 3410 Columbia on 9 GWR corridors on 9/7/27 and 3387 (formerly Reading) on 27/8/27 with no less than 18 LMS vans and a LMS brake 3rd that ran into Southampton Docks - Pigeons!

 

This is Andover Junction, on the LSWR mainline, in early SR days. There is what looks like a GWR 4-4-0, probably a Duke judging by the frames, outside the loco shed - no doubt arrived via the M&SWJR.




Tom

 

Harold Gasson's book 'Firing Days - reminiscences of a Great Western Fireman' recounts several days firing Bulldog 4-4-0s on the Didcot - Southampton return over this very route. 3376 River Plym, 3448 Kingfisher and 3454 Skylark are all recorded as doing the honours