The annual gala event where our larger engines are put through their paces, on an intensive train service. This year's event was themed around the end of Southern Steam and featured the following locomotives:
It was the first time in 40 years that three air-smoothed SR pacifics have been in steam together!
This was the final occasion on which Loco 55 'Stepney' will run as the "Brighton Works" shunter before withdrawal next year at the end of its ten-year boiler certificate.
The Bluebell is justly renowned for the quality of its carriage stock. Four sets of carriages were be used, with our Bulleid carriages to the fore, along-side Mk.1s, Maunsells and the Metropolitan set.
Special Saloons and Pullman Cars were also a feature in the trains:
The event was staged over a three day period Friday 19th - Sunday 21st October.
On Friday there was an evening photographer's event at Horsted Keynes, featuring 'Wadebridge' and '92 Squadron'.
Two from Bryan Benn:
Two from Andrew Strongitharm (taken after school):
Two from Derek Hayward:
One more from Derek Hayward (left) and one from Ashley Smith (right):
Two from David Chappell:
One thanks to Jon Potter (from Friday) and one from Nick Talbot on Saturday:
Two more from Saturday, from Derek Hayward (left) and Bryan Benn (right):
And another two of Derek's, from Saturday:
Two from Bryan Benn (both from Saturday):
Now, some photos from Sunday - from Ashley Smith on the left, and Andrew Strongitharm on the right
More from Sunday - from Tom Waghorn on the left, and Derek Hayward on the right
And two more - from Tony Pearce on the left, and Derek Hayward on the right:
One from David Warwick from Sunday (left) and one from Nick Beck on Friday evening (right):
A photo from Ian Bowskill showing 92 Squadron climbing through Rock Cutting on the 9.15am train on Saturday, and one from Stephen Parker of a sleepy Horsted Keynes, gradually awaking on the Sunday morning.
Last updated by Richard Salmon, 4 November 2007