Bluebell Railway General Discussion

Having looked at the line from Ardingly to Haywards Heath via Google Maps earth view before makimg my post on this #6675, I had already discounted the possibility of going beyond Ardingly from Horsted Keynes. And Tom's post #6678, who I imagine has somewhat more understanding of the situation than I have from my five minute glance at the area via Google maps earth view, does rather sum it up. Yes, its a heart view from me too - the dream of a fully working junction as Tom says.

 

I’m with Tom on the head vs heart thing. My poor old WIBN heart wants to get back to HH with a dedicated line that might *just* be able to squeeze in between Copyhold Junction and the station. Fully signalled junction, and why not double track it just for fun? Forget practicalities and the stone works in the way, I’d love to see it!

But for the first time in a long while, I think the head would win in a vote. The money it would cost to get anything back to HH would make digging through the EG tip look like fixing the potholes in Station Approach at HK (which is still waiting to be done!)… If the last decade has taught us anything it’s that there’s a lot of work to do just to keep the existing railway in good shape - and we’ve still got important historic items out in all weather. We can barely afford to maintain things as they are - financially and in volunteer terms - let alone extend West.

Even just going as far as the bridge at Ardingly would cost a packet, and it’s really hard to see what the value in that would be. Its in the middle of nowhere, no reason for passengers to get off, the same kind of scenery you have for the other 10miles… I do get the argument that maybe you could use it for filming and training work, but would the income really outweigh the maintenance burden?

I don’t know if it will go to a membership vote, but right now I would take a lot of persuading to cast my vote for it.

Having said that, if a long forgotten great uncle leaves me £100million I’ll write the cheque for the whole lot tomorrow - with a bit extra to send Sharpthorn to Statfold for a full restoration!

 

Would that be enough to do Haywards Heath AND Sharpthorn? Perhaps need to do the latter first. ​

 

Fair point! Maybe need lottery tickets too…

 

I think the lack of numbers starting from EG is due to the reduced amount of time on the railway, because of how late the first southbound service is and how early you have to leave to get back to EG. Especially on the quieter days, you arrive at SP at lunchtime, have something to eat, have a look round, then it's time for the last train back north. Obviously there's no easy solution when the main base is at the opposite end of the line, but only being able to have 4 hours there is enough to put me off taking the family down there, more so when you factor in the 4 hour round trip to get there.

 

To make the most of the New years day service I wil have to drive to Sheffield Park, rather than a 10 minute walk. It is only on special events that it's worth joining at EG.

 

There are only half hourly Southern services on weekdays, plus additional Thameslink services in the rush hour. It does need anymore.Before the extension the Sunday Southern service was hourly.
As @5944 has said it is the Bluebells service that is the issue. There is free parking on the street in Brooklands 5 minutes walk and certain car parks on Sunday in East Grinstead, but you are better off driving to Sheffield Park.

 

Yes EG is a problem especially now the train connection to Southampton etc has been broken. I now prefer Haywards Heath and bus or taxi to HK. Much better

 

Sorry to break into the extension and timetable chat, but I very much enjoyed my visit on Tuesday to see 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' and the Standard 4 tank in its unusual livery! I was pleased to get the chance to see No.80151 running as the roster had suggested it would be Wightwick Hall.

A highlight for me was 'Sir Archibald Sinclair's after dark departure from Horsted Keynes. The station was looking very pretty with the Christmas lights and the loco put on an amazing sound track.

Watch to the end of the video to see that

Comments and feedback welcome

 

7812 announced as first visitor for Branch Line 2024

 

I still, somehow haven't been behind a manor yet despite having seen 7802 and possibly 7819 at the SVR on my only visit in 1999, 7808 at Didcot, 7821 from an over bridge at Loughborough and 7820, 7822 and the tender of 7828 on a visit to the WSR on a railtour. So this is one to look forward to. Presumably there will be a photo charter involving 9017 and maybe 6989?

 

Isn’t a Manor a bit large for the Branch Line weekend? It’s normally the time they run smaller locos.

 

A bit large at most times IMHO.

 

With the emphasis on the 'H'

Merry Christmas!

 

Ho Ho Ho

 

Only Most? Previously you would have said at all times - who are you and what have you done with @Paulthehitch?

 

It is financial realism or bust dear gricers.

 

And a happy new year to you as well Paul!

As P classes 27 and 323 as well as H class 263 are currently being overhauled; and B4 No. 96 and should start later this year followed by 0415 No. 488 then I am sure you will be only too happy to contribute to their respective overhauls to speed them on their way!

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/trust/donate/

Tom

 

If you look at the performance efficiency bulletin for the BR Standard 4 4-6-0 you’ll find it is at its most efficient pottering around at 25 mph with a relatively light load. Not a Manor but close to it. Small locos being worked hard are not the most economical ways of running a railway.

 

25m.p.h. maximum speed. Not exactly hard work .