Bluebell Diesel Gala (!)

The 33?

In the past I've always been put off by the segregating of galas into 'giants of steam' and 'branch line' galas. I'll admit I haven't checked for a couple of years, but a well advertised 'steam gala', using all of the home fleet plus hopefully a visitor or two, would be far more likely to entice me.

 

I made 5 visits plus 1 photo charter last year. 2 were to opening gala, 2 to use up free members tickets and the other to meet up with a friend who was operating a layout at the Model Railway Weekend for a drink.
I will visit for Photo Charter with 45321( and if there are photo charter with 847 and 5643 later in the year), to travel behind 847 (2 donation made to its overhaul) and maybe the Model Railway event if my friend is operating a layout there this year. Nothing else on offer appeals at present, therefore will be travelling further a field more often this year. My donations this year are likely to go elsewhere ( 2 GWR loco overhauls are likely to benefit).

 

Technically it's DMMU - Diesel Mechanical Multiple Unit


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

As I recall, it came with a free mainline connection...

Tom

 

She's still owned by the Bluebell.

As for why she is where she is: Currently, she has a dedicated group to look after her, and, as far as I know, access to an electricity supply and undercover storage. She wouldn't get any of those things on the Bluebell (we are stuffed for storage of all our wooden stock, so it is unlikely she would find herself stored undercover - a problem in a vehicle with so many doors). We also don't have any of our own motive power to haul her. Given the above, it seems to me that the preservation interest is best served by her being off site where a dedicated group can look after her.

Tom

 

Not really my field, but I don't think the 33 could heat her (I might be wrong).

Tom

 

Eh? There must be a good story behind that - do tell. Sounds like a good deal for the Bluebell

 

All class 33/1 are be able to heat a VEP set and you can also work a 33/1 in push pull mode with a VEP set. I just wonder how long before 33103 moves to another railway. Then there wouldn't be any point in having the VEP set at the BB. Far better to keep the unit at Clampham under cover.

 

So please tell how a 33/1 heats a Vep?...

 

Unless I'm wrong and I could be but don't VEPs have ETH cables.

 

It was donated to the line, it would have been churlish (and against the remit) to turn down a genuine piece of Southern Region heritage which would otherwise have probably gone for scrap. Plus it's already been used for the EG to Imberhorne shuttles and hired out to other lines for use (notably Swanage).

 

Wasn't present when taken on, but I believe there is also a reason why it can't be used with it (without looking it up though I couldn't tell you what it is).

 

Its good she is being looked after, however every time I see her she is outside? I am passing through Clapham on Wednesday/Thursday so I will check where she is currently (Don't mean to sound like I am complaining; I think its great the VEP has been preserved!)

 

No they dont....

 

http://www.bluebell-railway.com/event/diesel-gala/

Certainly generating some interest.....Hope it is a great success.....shame I,m already booked up..

 

I know Steam Railways don't normally do this but I'd really like to know what's the first and last trains worked by the 33 so I can decide whether to drive to Sheffield Park or get the train to East Grinstead.
Paying 3 quid on top of a 20 quid rover just to find out whether I need to drive to the railway or if I can go by train really doesn't feel right.

 

That's the way the Bluebell does things

 

To be fair there are one or two railways that publish the loco diagrams for free.
Some see publishing the diagrams and charging for them as additional revenue.....some might even say they milk the system.
There was one railway where to even find details of the timetable you had to buy a broucher for £5.....

There are different view on whether the publication of diagrams should be charged or free.
I have my views and they will saty with me as am one not to re start the fire....

 

The place to look is the Bluebell PTI page, but it probably won't get updated until about a week before.

Tom

 

I thought 33/1s could be used to power all EP stock and I assumed that would include eth. Your answer is far too short, please enlighten those of us not in the know.