Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Ok thanks I didn't realise was just passing Kingscote without a car and thought it was per station. Having formerly lived in East Grinstead for many years and visited the railway countless times as a paying passenger and a BRPS member I suppose I now take the (superb) stationary items a bit for granted and generally visit for the locomotives, which I'm sure is not everyone's sole reason to visit.

 

Well the folks I saw purchasing the platform tickets yesterday looked most unlikely to be looking for footpaths to get "a free look" from their age or dress. In fact one of the couples who were coming in as I exited SP off the train that arrived at 15:20 (so near the end of the 3 days) asked the guy gripping them at the barrier "and where is the cafe", so they obviously did not view it as a "rip off". I thought £10 was a good deal for four stations, two with lots of "other stuff"

 

From today's photo charter, thanks to @jonpbowers , the crews and the railway : -
Manston Early Departure by Paul Simpson, on Flickr
Manston Horsted arrival by Paul Simpson, on Flickr
Manston approaching Ketches by Paul Simpson, on Flickr

 

For anyone looking for something to do on New Year's Day:

New Years Day's Steam At The Bluebell Railway

Start 2024 with us at The Bluebell Railway with a special day's running featuring 6989, 65, 80151 and Fenchurch! (subject to availability)

An intensive timetable will be in place, passenger and freight trains will be running throughout the day and travel in the LNWR Observation Coach hauled by Fenchurch. Normal fares apply and also kids get to travel for £1 with any fare-paying adult! Join us on what we hope to be a busy start to https://www.bluebell-railway.com/timetables-and-calendar/

To book your tickets and save money in advance, visit https://buy2.myonlinebooking.co.uk/...IJzYtK63CsO0gcCsSkip4GwHr9-V6DCoT3J7esJesRTcM




Tom

 

Good to read in the latest issue of Bluebell News that, following through on the recent shift in emphasis of carriage overhauls, No. 971 (the other SE&CR 100 seater, last operational in 2007) has gone to the top of the overhaul queue, and some work has already started on it. It was originally withdrawn due to splits in the bottom rail, which will need addressing, so it is a significant repair.

For parts of this year off peak, "Fenchurch" ran about hauling a three coach vintage train - the Brighton bogie first No. 7598, SE&CR 100 seater No. 1098 and the SE&CR birdcage brake No. 3363. Adding 971 to that gives another ten compartments within a weight limit that should still be easily within the compass of 488 (we can dream ...) and thirty tons under the limit for the H or O1. An enticing prospect in a few years time.

Tom

 

I appreciate that Paul Churchman, the Chairman, is a very busy man, but it is a shame that he hasn't been able to keep his weekly diary up. Not only did it open up a window on what is involved at the 'top table', but was a welcome contrast to the total lack of engagement from a railway chairman not a million miles from me.
Pat

 

"Manston" in a nicely grimey state on the Jon Bowers charter last week, with some lovely coaching stock....

"Manston" leaving Horsted Keynes by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

'Christine' was the name given to Car 64 when it was used on the Bulmer's Cider Train, so it dates from long before coming to the Bluebell. I believe they were named after the wives of Bulmers' directors. Car 76 (Lilian whilst on the Bluebell) was named 'Eve' then.
I'm very pleased to see it correctly identified as Car 54. It came to the Bluebell as a heritage vehicle, like 'Fingall', obtained by the Horsted Keynes Pullman Car Fund.
For marketing purposes, I believe Car 54 will carry a name on its destination boards, a good compromise I think.

 

The week commencing 14 October one has just been published On Facebook, I assume it will appear on the website in due course for those not on Facebook.

Checking the dates of all the ones published (thanks @RichardSalmon for the archive!) I think he has only missed four editions since February: one in late May; two at the end of August / beginning of September; and the first one in October; plus one in late July that Neil Glaskin wrote.

Tom

 

Fingall like 30928 "Stowe" came from the National Motor museum at Beaulieu. I wonder what happened to the other two Pullman cars "Agetha" and Car Number 35?

 

Agatha is with Belmond at Stewarts Lane, currently unrestored. Latest photo I can find online is of it partially restored in 1987!

Car no. 35 "Preserved at Beaulieu February 1964. During the body lift as part of an intended relocation to the Isle of Wight the lift broke the cars back. Broken up following fire c1972 at Beaulieu."

https://features.rcts.org.uk/carriage-conundrums/preserved-coaching-stock-disposals/pullman-cars/

 

Many thanks for the info.

 

Now on the website.

 

I made a brief visit to the railway last Sunday afternoon, 65 running with the pre-grouping coaches was a lovely sight. Also running was Camelot and 80151 on the dining train, I see these three are rostered again for this weekend.

The usual spot on Freshfield Bank


A little walk up the hill to admire the view (80151).


A cup of tea at Horsted Keynes.


Super light and super noise from Camelot leaving HK.

 

I was on Camelot that day, the last trip was super! Coming back it was just lovely taking it easy and watching the steam trail back along the train on the little climb up from Tremains crossing to the top of Freshfield.

Doesn't 65 look superb with that train! 1520 (the LSWR brake 3rd) and the LCDR four wheelers seem to be getting a decent amount of use this year, possibly because the Mets are out of service having attention to the door locks.

Tom

 

You wouldn't get pictures like that today, we've been soaked on 80151 !

 

I do like that first shot.
Can I ask how you get there?
Is it easily accessible?

 

Err, why? Have you taken the cab roof off? Standard tanks are probably the most weatherproof locos there are. You don't have to put your head out of the cab windows to drive, even in reverse.

 

It is on a public footpath that crosses Town place bridge heading North to Town Place. https://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?X=538500&Y=125500&A=Y&Z=120

See map of the line with structure names and gradient profile https://www.bluebell-railway.com/bluebell-railway-map/

 

Yes they are great, but one still has to hook on and off etc

I'm sure we were far better off than the 01 crew ...