Bluebell Railway web site:
Site Update Archive 2010

Please be aware that due to the historical nature of this page, some of the links on it may be out of date.

Also see the 2009, the 2008, the 2007, the 2006, the 2005, the 2004, the 2003, the 2002, the 2001, the 2000, the 1999 and the 1997-8 "What was new" archive pages.

Photographic and video reports 2010:
Please note that some photos included below are taken by volunteers and staff during the course of their duties, and so may have been taken in areas not open to the general public. These photos are very valuable, since they enable the public to see these otherwise hidden facets of the railway, but visitors to the railway should note that they may be unable to visit these locations themselves.

• Martin Lawrence's four new photo galleries, from 15th May (includes photos taken while working on the Northern extension, and of our centenarian GWR wagon under restoration), 22nd May (includes some on the footplate of the C-class), 23rd May (includes the p-way team at work) and 29-30 May.
• Chris Dadson has four photos taken at East Grinstead to his photo gallery - 29 May 2010
• Derek Hayward's updates to his web pages for loco overhauls, and other projects: Baxter, SECR P-class 323 'Bluebell', SECR H-class No.263, SR S15 No.847, the replica of 32424 'Beachy Head', Operation Undercover Carriage shed and Museum project, and a few more pictures in his 2010 album - 23 May 2010
• Stepney's return to service and launch of 50th Anniversary Celebrations - 17 May 2010
  • Derek Hayward's photos from the day
  • Roy Watts' radio interview is available on the BBC web site
  • Video - small video with text - larger sized version of video - from BBC South East News.
• Dave Bowles has a fine photo of the lineside bluebells (with the C-class passing) - 10 May 2010
• John Sandys has some photos taken at East Grinstead showing progress with construction of the platform.
• Wouter Adriaanse has a gallery of photos showing the Dutch / SHM PW visit to work on the track laying.
• Southern at War weekend photos from Derek Hayward, from Paul Pettitt, from Linda Chen, and from Martin Lawrence are Colour and Black & White sets of photos - 8-9 May 2010
• Photos of our 4 Vep unit running at Swanage, from Ian Dixon - 8 May 2010
• Sequence of photos taken on Monday by Ken Upton, showing the current state of overhauls of Baxter, Stepney and Bluebell - 3 May 2010
• Derek Hayward's photos of the relaunch of 178.
  Derek has now created a separate album recording the overhaul of 178, and also updated pages for the overhaul of Stepney (lining out in progress, and due to return to steam in the next couple of weeks), the overhaul of 323 "Bluebell", where the replacement cylinders have now been fitted, on the overhaul of the H-class, (the wheels are being painted and cylinders prepared for re-fitting) and more pictures of the trains running over the weekend 1-3 May 2010
• Photos on Flickr from Saturday 1st May (including the launch of the P-class 178, and some photos from the Behind the scenes tour) and Monday 3rd May, from Martin Lawrence. Martin also has a gallery from 17-18 April (including the Toy and Collectors' Fair), and two videos (Part 1 and Part 2) showing 1638 shunting the Pullman Train.
• Photos from the relaunch of 178 on Rob Faulkner's web page for the loco's restoration - 1 May 2010
• Andrew Strongitharm has updated his Spring 2010 photo page to include the relaunch of P-class 178 - 1 May 2010
• Update from Paul Pettitt to his galleries with photos of P-class 178, Fenchurch and U-class 1638 - 1 May 2010
• Dave Bowles has some photos of 178 running on proving turns - 28 April 2010
• Derek Hayward has a whole series of recent photo updates from late April:
  • A further update on the Woodpax project, with significant progress on the foundations and preparation of the site when compared to last week,
  • 178 being prepared in SECR livery,
  • Progress continues on 323 Bluebell,
  • The team continue to work on Baxter,
  • New tubes have now been installed in Stepney's boiler, the firebox has been refurbished and the frames have been painted black,
  • Work was continuing on the frames from 73082 Camelot prior to the return of the wheels from Devon,
  • Work continues inside the tank on 847's tender,
  • The cab roof and wheels from 263 are being painted,
  • There is a small new feature on the dismantled P class, No.27 Primrose,
  • A general update featuring: Service trains from Sunday 11 and Saturday 17 April, the 9F club working at Sheffield Park, a few pictures of working members, animals that seemed to pop up everywhere on 17 April, and work done by the Friends of Kingscote to clear the undergrowth at Birchstone Bridge (a vast improvement),
  • The refurbishment of the booking office at Kingscote, which took place whilst the tunnel was closed (and subsequent pictures),
  • "Before" pictures north of the tip added to his Kingscote to East Grinstead collection; these were taken for the historical record just before the team started track laying.
• Updates from the Carriage Works from Dave Clarke - mid-April 2010
  • New page for 6575, now being painted blue,
  • Next body-side sections for Stroudley coach 949 prepared,
  • Work under way on the underframe for 3360 (the People's Millions LCDR semi-saloon); on the coach itself the first replacement partition has been added.
  • Repairs are underway to a couple of the doors on LBSCR bogie first No.7598 (the photo also shows two of the seat bases for the SECR Birdcage 3363),
  • On Bulleid composite coach 5768 the floor has been removed at the north end to enable the repairs to the steel sub-structure to begin in earnest. The current condition of that steelwork is seen here.
• Ray Wills' photos of an engineer's special train, formed of B473 and the Observation Car, running to the current northern limit of our line at Imberhorne Lane. - 23 April 2010
• Photo charter using the U-class loco with appropriate SR stock: Photos from Dave Bowles and Andrew Strongitharm, and two videos (first, and second) from David Haggar - 22 April 2010
• Andrew Strongitharm has updated his spring 2010 gallery - 22 April 2010
• Photos from Derek Hayward showing recent progress with the HLF-funded "Operation Undercover" project, and inside Kingscote's south signal box showing extra equipment installed there in preparation for the track north of Kingscote becoming part of the operational line - 17 April 2010
• Martin Lawrence has a Flickr gallery from the Easter weekend - 5 April 2010
• Steve Woodmore has a gallery of 3D photos of the Bluebell (you need red/blue anaglyph glasses to view them) - 31 March 2010
• Martin Lawrence has two new videos: A journey with 42085 and 42085 departs from Kingscote - 28 March 2010
• Photos from Sean Tompsett, including one showing progress with re-assembling our 1877-built Fletcher-Jennings loco "Baxter" - 27 March 2010
• Derek Hayward's updates of progress with 323 "Bluebell" and 55 "Stepney" in the Loco Works, on the HLF-funded carriage shed and museum project where the pile-driving has been completed, and a few new photos showing the ballast tamper which was used on the track relaying project earlier this month - 26 March 2010
• Relaunch of LSWR Brake Third Carriage No.1520 - 26 March 2010
  • Photos from Alex Morley
  • Photos from Derek Hayward
• Report of the relaying of the track through the tunnel in February and March.
• Photos from Ashley Smith and an HD video from the 1983 weekend - 21 March 2010
• Update from Dave Clarke, showing progress with The People's Millions coach project, the fitting of replacement GWR-pattern staunchions to GWR 5-plank wagon 87782, and LSWR 1520 outside the shed - 21 March 2010
• Derek Hayward's photo update: LSWR Loco 488 outside the shed, an update on progress in the loco works on 323, and the weather has improved enough for 73082 Camelot's frames to be painted, 42085 posing at the head of the Pullman set, Baxter, and of progress on 323 Bluebell where preparations were being made to change the cylinders. The smoke box and cab of S15 No.847 have been replaced by a visiting crane (and there was also a lot of progress on the boiler last week). The driving wheels of H-class No.263 are being painted - 21 and 13 March 2010
• GMTV's report on The People's Millions, featuring our carriage restoration project: You can watch it online here - 10 March 2010
• Dave Clarke has a photo update on SECR Coach 3360, with the repair of the second end nearly completed, and showing that the coach has moved into the main works area, along with Stroudley third No.328 - 9 March 2010
• The second of the 1963 timetable weekends - 6-7 March 2010:
  • Photos, and a video from the Sunday from Matthew Nightingale
  • Photos and video from the Sunday from Lee Davies
  • A video of 178 and 672 top-and-tailing the Met coaches on the Saturday from Martin Lawrence
  • Dave Bowles' photos from the Saturday
  • Andrew Strongitharm's gallery of photos covers both "1963" weekends
• John Sandys' photos, showing progress with the building project at Sheffield Park, and the station platform at East Grinstead - 4 March 2010
• Rob Faulkner's photos of Work on 323, as well as photos of 178 in steam, but also showing work on preparing the cab doors for 178 - 28 February 2010
• Derek Hayward's pictures from the 1963 service, an update on progress with the HLF-funded building project at Sheffield Park, and photos of H-class 263 and 323 'Bluebell' in the Loco Works - 27 February 2010
• Dave Clarke's photo news update on the LCDR coach 3360 (the Peoples' Millions project), as well as some more photos showing 178's test run and shunt, and the 4 Cor, plus current progress on the overhauls of Bulleid coach 5768 and SECR Birdcage 3363 - 26 February 2010
• Finishing 178's overhaul, and test run - 20-21 Feb 2010:
  • Robert Faulkner's photos of the work taking place on the engine
  • Derek Hayward's photo gallery of the test run, and a video from Keith Snuggs
• Photo albums and videos from Branch Line Weekend - 20-21 Feb 2010:
  • Martin Lawrence has 4 videos of southbound trains at New Coombe bridge on YouTube: LBSCR E4 0-6-2T No.B473, LMS (Fairburn) Class 4MT 42085, BR Standard Class 2 No.78019 & BR Standard Class 4MT No.80151 doubleheading, and another of these together with the loco order reversed
  • Lee Davies: Video and Photos
  • Photos from Matthew Nightingale, and a video
  • Chris Ward: Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st and Video 1 and Video 2
  • Photos from Rebecca Parkes, and three videos: B473, 80151 and 78019, and 592 with the Vintage set.
  • Videos from Daniel GreenPart 1 and Part 2.
  • Photo albums from: Trevor Stone, Andrew Strongitharm, David Warwick, Derek Hayward, Dave Chambers, Neil Munro-Thomson, Keith Duke, Jon Horrocks, Keith Leppard, Stephen Hunt, Dave Bowles, Daniel Hill, Paul Gildersleve, Tom Waghorn, John Evans, Paul Pettitt, Ashley Smith, Linda Chen and Peter Skuce.
• Two YouTube Videos from Martin Lawrence: 592 on the Wealden Rambler and 78019 - 14 Feb 2010
• Derek Hayward now has photo gallery updates from 13 Feb 2010:
  • progress with the Operation Undercover project at Sheffield Park
  • Launch of the 50th Anniversary Ale, and 78019,
  • 178 overhaul - Derek comments: "Taking pictures of 178 is rather like shooting at a moving target - you come back half an hour later and someone has painted something else, or added something!"
  • 323 "Bluebell" overhaul,
  • 55 Stepney overhaul,
  • 73082 "Camelot" overhaul,
  • 263 H-class overhaul.
• Andrew Strongitharm has added some more photos to his current album - 13 Feb 2010
• The Bluebell Museum web site has a page with photos showing progress with the HLF funded project to build our new carriage running shed and museum building at Sheffield Park - Feb 2010
• Derek Hayward has updated his gallery of "Bluebell People", adding pictures taken in 2009 and early 2010 - 9 Feb 2010
• Aidan Grant's two videos on YouTube, featuring B473 and 78019. Also from the same day are videos from "21C123" and PenrithBeacon - 7 Feb 2010
• Matthew Nightingale has a few photos on his Flickr gallery of B473 and 78019, and a YouTube video - 6 Feb 2010
• Tom Waghorn also has a gallery of photos from the same day - 6 Feb 2010
• Derek Hayward's first photos of the visiting BR 2MT No.78019, as well as some more of B473, some showing work in progress in the loco works on P-class 178 and one of some recent work on P-class 323 plus some photos showing the work undertaken by the Friend of Kingscote in clearing lineside undergrowth around Birchstone Bridge - 6 Feb 2010
• 9017 in a photo charter: Photos from Dave Bowles and Paul Gildersleve and David Haggar's two videos on YouTube: Departing from Sheffield Park and the second at Monteswood - 5 Feb 2010
• Paul Pettitt has updated his galleries for Fenchurch, C class No.592, North London Dock Tank, and added a new Black & White photographs page - 1 Feb 2010
• Dave Clarke's new gallery covering the restoration of Coach 3360 - 31 Jan 2010 and updated regularly
• The relaunch into service of our LBSCR E4 0-6-2T No.B473 (Birch Grove) - 30 Jan 2010
  • Photos from Derek Hayward,
  • Paul Pettitt
  • Ray Wills
  • Neil Glaskin
  • Ashley Smith - plus a Video on YouTube also featuring clips of 592 on the service train.
  • Video from David Haggar (and one of the C-class)
  • Andrew Strongitharm
  • Videos from Martin Lawrence of B473 and of the C-class 592.
• Golden Arrow promotional Video produced for us by Rail TV UK - Jan 2010
• Ashley Smith filmed the 1.02pm service at Horsted Keynes on Saturday 16th January 2010 - available on YouTube, and also has some stills taken that day.
• Some new YouTube videos:
  • Sam Brown's video is a compilation of a series of different shots from the last couple of years.
  • Our train services on January 2nd - Part 1 and Part 2, including the Victorian Train, from Daniel Green.
  • Proposed "YouTube get together" at our 50th anniversary event.
• Dave Clarke's latest photos of various Carriage & Wagon department (and other) projects: BR Mk.I TSO No.4941, LSWR Lavatory Brake Third No.1520, SR (Bulleid) CK No.5768, SECR Birdcage brake third No.3363: 1, 2, C&W infrastructure: 1, 2, the retrim of the first class in Mk.I CK No.16210, LCDR/SECR carriage No.51/3360, SR GBL (Gangway Bogie Luggage van) No.2462, GWR 5-plank wagon No.87782 - 1, 2 and 3, SECR 100 seater No.1098, SR Maunsell brake third No.3687 - 1, 2 and 3, No.39617, the SR Conflat D and drilling out the S15's copper firebox stays - 2nd photo - November, December 2009 and January 2010
• Martin Lawrence's videos on YouTube show the three locos in use on 3rd January climbing Freshfield Bank: the Dukedog, the C-class which was hauling the last Pullman service until February, and the Standard tank 80151 - 3 January 2009
• Derek Hayward has a gallery of photos showing the Victorian Train on January 2nd.
• John Evans' new album of photos - 2 January 2010
• Paul Pettitt has updated his albums with photos of the Santa Specials in the snow, of Standard 4 No.80151, and of 'Dukedog' No.9017 - 1 January 2010
• Derek Hayward has put up a new gallery from 1st January, including quite a lot of photos of the locos currently in the works. Derek has also re-organised his photos of our locos, largely creating a separate gallery for each loco, with new galleries for locos: No.9017 "Earl of Berkeley", No.34059 "Sir Archibald Sinclair", U-class 1618 U-class 1638, P-class 178's overhaul, North London 27505, Baxter, Brighton Atlantic 32424, Adams radial 488, Q-class 541, Stepney's overhaul, C-class 592, Fenchurch, the Standard 4 tanks 80064, 80100, 80151, 2MT tank 84030, 9F 92240, Stowe, Normandy, B473's overhaul, D3023 and 13236, WD1959 (USA 30064), plus the Wickham trolleys and the SEG's 4 Cor motor coach.

Web-site Update Archive 2010

• It's the last of our Traditional Summer Fair/Family Fun Days tomorrow (Sunday). Derek Hayward's two photos above from today show 178 "Nettle" shunting the trucks, and someone's grandmother enjoying the welcome relief from the heat of a wet sponge in the stocks!

• Update to the Golden Arrow Pullman pages, with the sample menu for July.

• Derek Hayward has updated his loco works photos for "Baxter", 323 "Bluebell" and H-class No.263.

• Our contractors started work on erecting the steelwork of the HLF-funded Woodpax-site carriage running shed at Sheffield Park at 1.20pm today. Tony Sullivan's photo on the right shows the progress by 3.15pm today, and Derek Hayward's gallery has more shots of today's activity, (including images taken on site with the kind permission of the contractors). Chris Dadson also has some photos of this plus one from East Grinstead, where work on the capping of the platform edge is progressing now the rails have been positioned. The point lever on the point at the north end of the platform is also in place.

• On Tuesday 3rd August there will be an additional 50th Anniversary Pullman Gala Dinner - a six course black-tie meal on board the Golden Arrow, hauled by 'Tornado'. On reaching Kingscote, the train will continue on to Imberhorne Lane, thus becoming our very first public train to run north of Kingscote. Book now - the Gala Dinner Pullman train on 5th August has already sold out.

• Some good news just in - Mid Sussex District Council has pledged to contribute £50,000 towards the Northern Extension project. This further boost to the fundraising for the removal of rubbish from Imberhorne Cutting represents about 2% of the funds we still need to raise, and comes just as we are about to start the next phase of that removal, by rail, which everyone is invited to observe on 6th July.

• Update to the Loco Roster - Baxter, which is in the final stages of re-assembly, needs a bit more work before it can steam, so will not be in service this coming weekend. However, the photo below from Derek Hayward, shows that it's not far off!

• The 84030 group has recently acquired a set of four BR buffers - from a scrapped 08 shunter - to use on our BR 2MT 2-6-2T loco. The shot below from Tony Sullivan shows three of the four buffers. Restoration has already started on the fourth. Tony's next photo below shows the U-class today on the service train, and his final one shows the overhauled printing press which we use to produce our Edmunson Card Tickets. Brian Peacock and Gerry Brown put in many hours producing all the tickets that the railway needs, and the press has now been accommodated in a purpose-built building at Sheffield Park.

• The pilot run of waste removal form Imberhorne cutting by rail is now fixed for July 6th which is very close to the planned opening of East Grinstead station (scheduled for Saturday 3 July) so it has been decided to focus on the long awaited 'Waste by Rail' event rather than the station opening, which will now officially take place in September.

  East Grinstead site will be host to the invited guests and the press from 6pm on Tuesday 6th July (entry via north end site gate 1) in order to see the first official train. Members and public are also welcome to attend (£2.00 entry charge in advance) although space is limited at the site so either book early through Sheffield Park Sales and Information office, or entry on the evening price £2.50 if space permits.

• Stephen Hunt has some photos of the Family Fun weekend here, including the one shown here of 55 "Stepney" and 473 "Birch Grove" departing from Sheffield Park on Sunday. There is a second weekend of Family Fun this coming weekend, and it is hoped that Loco "Baxter" will make an appearance after overhaul.

• Details now available for the Santa Specials (Booking opens on 1st July) and the Special Santa trains for Schools and pre-Schools in December.

• Photos from Chris Dadson, showing the recently returned hand-pump trolley which has been away from the line for a few years for repairs, and also a couple of photos from East Grinstead showing progress on the track and platform.

• Dave Clarke has had another rummage through the stores at Horsted and found some more moquette samples, and any information on identifying the patterns will be gratefully received.

• A newly published book, East of Eastbourne, West of Waterloo: The Brian Groome Memoirs features colour photos by popular Bluebell Life Member Clinton Shaw. There is a discount of £1 off the RRP for Bluebell members.
  As with previous Buggleskelly Books publications 10% from all orders received via "East of Eastbourne", 22 Glassenbury Drive, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2NY will go to the Bluebell's Brighton Atlantic Project, via Bluebell signalman Melvyn Overbury. Details here, on their facebook page.

• Update from Nigel Longdon on the East Grinstead Extension.

• Tony Sullivan's photo taken yesterday shows LSWR B4 loco 'Normandy' with two Victorian coaches forming our exhibit at the South of England Show at Ardingly. Below, his second photo shows our "Victorian" marketing team of Tim Baker, Jean Sullivan, Bob McLean, Sally Cruse, Chris Pratt, Matthew Cousins and Roger Cruse in front of the Bluebell Railway Marquee.

• The Bulleid Society have also updated their web site with some photos of 'Normandy' being transported to the show ground.

• Minor update to the page for the Sentinel shunter, with the information from Jan Kozminski that it was numbered DH27 when working on the Manchester Ship Canal Railway, where it took part in the changeover from steam event in July 1966.

• The other photo below, from Robert Philpot, shows the tamper which arrived at East Grinstead on Monday to fettle the newly laid track.

• With the current work on the water column on platform 2 at Sheffield Park, many engines are taking water at Kingscote, and here Fenchurch is photographed by Andy Prime, last Saturday, filling two tank wagons at Horsted Keynes.

• THE LOCO WORKSHOP WORKING GROUP WANTS YOU!
  The band of volunteers who regularly meet to assist the paid workshop staff are looking to improve the time it takes them to overhaul their 'project' locos and take on bigger projects, but to achieve this they need more people to join the group.
  Previous projects include the overhaul of C-class loco No 592 and P-class loco No.178, and the current project is P-class Loco No.323 'Bluebell'. Click here for more information.
  If this interests you then please e-mail, or speak to the workshop staff next time you're at the railway.
  All you'll need is a current Bluebell Railway membership, be aged over 18, and own a pair of steel toe-cap boots and overalls. No previous engineering experience necessary. Over the next couple of months some members of the team should be working each Sunday to push on with 323.

• Don't forget to enter the World Cup Football Competition in aid of the restoration of Maunsell Restaurant Car No.7864 - details and an entry form; the closing date to post your entries is 10th June.

• More photos from the weekend's Open Days at East Grinstead:
  • Chris Dadson's photos from Saturday
  • Robert Philpot's photos, also including a couple of the tamper which arrived there yesterday to fettle the newly laid track.
  • Simon Smith's photos, also from Saturday

• With the extra July 9th "Murder Mystery" evening on the Pullman train now sold out, two further dates have been added: Friday 13th August and Friday 24th September.

• Update to the Access to the Railway page with details of the revised timetable for the 246 (Fridays only) bus from Uckfield to Sheffield Park.

• Tony Sullivan provides three photos from today's Open Day at East Grinstead. That on the right shows some of the visitors examining the face of the tip which we will start to dig into in the next few weeks. The first photo below shows the railhead (with buffer stops now installed), which is on the wider section of trackbed just outside the narrower cutting, to allow width for loading the rubbish into the trains. The second shows the tracks and points laid at East Grinstead over recent weeks (i.e. the photo is looking the other way compared to yesterday's featured photo). On the left is our connection to the national network (with on the extreme left, under a plastic cover, one of the two new ground frames which will operate the points and signals). In the centre is the track leading into our new platform, and on the right the run-round loop, with leading off it back towards the camera on the right, the refuge siding which will allow us to take a vehicle out a train formation at East Grinstead if required.

• Nick Talbot's photo below shows Fenchurch arriving back at Sheffield Park yesterday after the steam-shunt session at Horsted Keynes. One of the vehicles in the short train is our second Bo-Rail which is to be placed on loan to the Swanage Railway.

• The final photo below, from Mike Hopps, again from East Grinstead yesterday, shows volunteers and contractors working together on track laying alongside the platform.

• Photo from Mike Hopps showing some of the many visitors for today's Open Day at East Grinstead - The station site, and the trackbed to the tip is open again tomorrow. The station site is open between 10am and 4.30pm and entry costs £5 per person, towards extension funds.

  Please note that visitors are advised to use other car parks in the town, such as the Station car park on the old high-level site, rather than Sainsburys car park, which is very busy with shoppers.

  Stout footware is advised, due to the need to walk on the ballast for the first section up to the viaduct.

  The open day not only provided the last chance to walk across the viaduct, but the chance to see the P-way work being undertaken at close quarters, with track continuing to be laid next to the new platform during the day, and volunteers continuing to work on the fettling of the points in the station throat.

• Reminder that this weekend we have Open Days at East Grinstead - come and see progress for yourself, plus the last chance to walk across the viaduct. The station site is open between 10am and 4.30pm both days, and entry costs £5 per person, towards extension funds.

• Update to the Loco Roster.

• Update to the web page for the Bluebell Railway Band, using photos provided by Dave Hewitt and Bob Wolfenden, including the one on the right, showing the band at Sheffield Park on the "Southern at War" weekend last month.

• The Bluebell Railway Preservation Society is delighted to have been granted one of this year's Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups.

  This prestigious award is given for outstanding work done in local communities. It recognises volunteering work that is of social, economic or environmental service to the local community and is supported, recognised and respected by the people who benefit from it.

  Part of the citation for the Bluebell states the award is for "Pioneering the preservation of Britain's Railway Heritage through Railway Operation" and it goes on to acknowledge the contribution the Railway has made to education and the inclusiveness of the Society with its "welcome to all" philosophy.

  Further information is available in our Press Release, on the direct.gov website, and you can also read the official announcement, as a download from the London Gazette (2nd June 2010, Supplement No.1 Page 5).

  Roy Watts has also circulated a notice around the Railway, which is availble on the BRPS Members' Notices page.

• The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has reached the Semi-Finals of the Lottery Good Causes Awards in the heritage category. Just as they supported our successful "The People's Millions" lottery bid, we are pleased to encourage our supporters to vote for our friends on the Isle of Wight.

• Two photos from Martin Lawrence. He caught the U-class during a run-round at Kingscote on 22nd May (below), and on Sunday (30th May) the E4 is seen departing from Kingscote with the GN Saloon at the head of the train. Martin also has four new photo galleries available, from 15th May (includes photos taken while working on the Northern extension, and of our centenarian GWR wagon under restoration), 22nd May (includes some on the footplate of the C-class), 23rd May (includes the p-way team at work) and 29-30 May.

• Update to the Loco Roster.

• Would you like to sponsor a part of our reconstruction of Brighton Atlantic No.32424 "Beachy Head"?
  The component sponsorship list from the Bluebell Railway Atlantic Group has just been updated showing which components of the locomotive remain available for sponsorship.

• Chris Dadson has added four photos taken on Saturday evening at East Grinstead to his photo gallery. Don't forget the Open Days at East Grinstead next weekend - come and see progress for yourself, plus the last chance to walk across the viaduct.

• During May there were 69,916 total hits on this page, from 37,468 unique visitors.

• Tony Sullivan's photo from last Saturday shows No.B473 having just left Horsted Keynes with the 11.17am service to Sheffield Park.

• See in the New Year in style! Details of the New Year's Eve Pullman Special are now available.

• The Griffin Inn, Fletching, added to the Accommodation near the Railway page.

• As part of Steam Railway Magazine's support for our 50th Anniversary celebrations they are offering one of the limited edition Hornby model packs of 'Stepney' and coach 6575 as a competition prize.

• Andrew Strongitharm's photo from last Saturday shows two of the locos which have returned to service on the bluebell so far this year, LBSCR Terrier No.55 Stepney, and LBSCR E4-class B473 (Birch Grove).

• We are re-launching the Football Competitions this year, in aid of the restoration of Maunsell Restaurant Car 7864. The first competition is a sweepstake for the World Cup, and details and an entry form are now available.

• All three days this weekend, the GNR Directors' Saloon will be running in public service (on the 12.00, 2pm and 4pm departures from Sheffield Park), and home-made cakes and scones will be served - a first class ticket (or payment of a first-class supplement) is required for travel in the saloon.

• Update to the Volunteering page with updated information about volunteering to help complete the Northern Extension.

• Derek Hayward's photos illustrate various updates to his web pages for loco overhauls, and other projects:
  • Baxter is coming together, and should be the next loco to return to steam, in the next month; also seen on the right;
  • SECR P-class 323 'Bluebell' (frames seen below, with new cylinders in the frames) will be the next, hopefully in time for the 50th Anniversary celebrations in August;
  • SECR H-class No.263 (again the frames are seen below, with the repaired cylinders now back in place) will then be the next to return to steam;
  • SR S15 No.847 is being targeted for a return to steam next year, and Derek's photo below shows the inside of the firebox, where most of the lower stays are being replaced.
  • The replica of 32424 'Beachy Head' continues to make impressive progress.
  • An update on the Operation Undercover Carriage shed and Museum project - more progress with the foundations;
  • and a few more pictures in his 2010 album.

• Photo of the loco in industrial use added to the page for the new Sentinel.

• Added two more entries to the Accommodation near the Railway page: Burghurst Lodge, Horsted Keynes and New Wilmington Hotel, Eastbourne.

• Update to the Carriage Restoration Technical page, with revised links for items on the LMS Carriage Association web site, and on the page for the 4 Cor carriage with revised links to the Southern Electric Group.

• Mark Tewkesbury's photo taken yesterday shows our three LBSCR locos in steam together at Horsted Keynes.

• Locomotive "Stamford", which is on long-term loan to the Rutland Railway Museum, has now moved onto the museum's site after many years in storage.

• Because it was shown on BBC One South East Region yesterday, "The Real Railway Children" is again available for the next week on iPlayer.

• Web page created for Sentinel No.10241, with details of the loco's industrial service provided thanks to the IRS.

• Greg Wales took the first of the photos below, showing his son Oliver enjoying the view from the Queen Mary brake van's guard's ducket, on the Ardingly Branch brake-van rides. Because of the failure of the recently restored P-class 178, the brake van rides were provided by the C-class on Saturday, and Fenchurch on the Sunday.

• Derek Hayward's photos from Sunday below show:
  • 1638 departing from Horsted Keynes. Note the blue carriage, Maunsell 6575, on display, as part of the Open Days held over the weekend;
  • 55 and B473 arriving at Kingscote. 55 was running as part of the Stepney Club's celebration of the loco's birthday;
  • Fenchurch and the Queen Mary brake van;
  • C-class with the Golden Arrow Pullman luncheon train, approaching Ketches Halt.

• Chris Gardner was rostered as a cleaner/third man on P-class 178 on 5th May, and sends this unusual photo showing the loco with the Observation Car on one of the Bluebell Specials run that week. He was rostered on the Dukedog for the following two days, and was able to take the shot below on the Friday, included here also as a tribute to the work undertaken by our PWay gang in relaying the track through the tunnel earlier in the year.

• On Sat 18 September at 7.30pm, Susan Fleet (one of our 50th Anniversary Appeal Vice Patrons) has organised a gala musical evening in East Grinstead in aid of our 50th Anniversary Appeal.
  The Bluebell Singers present September Serenade in the Chequer Mead Community Arts Centre, East Grinstead.
  Musical Director: Richard Haslam;
  MC: Nicholas Owen - BBC News Presenter and another 50th Anniversary Appeal Vice Patron.
  Featuring semi-professional singers from all over the county, the programme will comprise songs from the shows, operetta and the classics of popular songs.
  Details on the Chequer Mead web site

• Photo updates from Derek Hayward: The HLF-funded carriage shed and museum at Sheffield Park (showing the pouring concrete for the foundations and general progress on the site), some shots of the new C&W diesel shunter at Horsted Keynes, and a photo of the Bluebell display at Kingscote (also reproduced below).

• Update to web page for Stepney's overhaul, completing the story.

• On Wednesday 4th August there will be a 50^th Anniversary Gala Supper, a four course meal served on board our Lounge Car train - download details here as pdf file, or ring us on 01825 720800.

• Vacancy for the post of Safety Manager added to the recruitment page.

• Derek Hayward's photo shows Lewis Nodes applying the lining to the wheelsets for 323 "Bluebell" in the loco works a couple of weeks ago. It is one of the photos on Derek's web page for this loco's overhaul.

• Linda Chen has a gallery of photos of the Southern at War weekend, held earlier this month.

• Update to the pages for Operational Locos, Locos under overhaul, Loco stock list, and Stepney's Web page as a result of the loco's return to service on Monday. Also added Sentinel/Rolls-Royce/Thomas Hill 4-w d.h. loco No.10241.

• Update to the Loco Roster showing what locos we currently expect to be working on what days. Just at the moment plans keep changing quite regularly... but the good news is that the C-class appears to be fine after the repair made last week - it undertook a test run to Horsted Keynes on Wednesday, and is rostered for daily service again next Monday to Friday.

• Update to the BRPS Social Sub-Committee page, with details of the Pub Quiz being held at Sheffield Park on the evening of Bank Holiday Sunday 30th May.

• Update to the London Area Group page, reporting the closure of that group.

• Update to the FAQ, with details of what we can offer to Car Clubs wishing to hold meetings in our car parks/fields.

• A brief report on Saturday's AGM from Gavin Bennett (Hon Sec) is included on the BRPS Members' Information page.

• The photo (by Tony Sullivan) shows the Bluebell's centenarian President, Bernard Holden MBE, flagging the recreated 50th anniversary train into Horsted Keynes on Monday.

• Update to the recruitment page - we currently have a vacancy on the Board of Directors of Bluebell Railway PLC.

• Update to the deferred payment Share Purchase Scheme form.

• Update to the page for the Bluebell Railway Band.

• More photos of Stepney's return to service yesterday from Derek Hayward, who also has a gallery from the day.

• We also had a lot of media coverage of yesterday's celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Stepney's arrival. Roy Watts' radio interview is available on the BBC web site, as is a video - small video with text - larger sized version of video - based on the South East News package shown yesterday evening.

• Mike Hopps' in depth report of the relaying of the track through the tunnel in February and March is now published, and includes 62 photos.

• Dave Bowles' photo of the lineside bluebells appeared in The Guardian.

• Today saw the recreation of the events of 50 years ago to the day, as locomotive Stepney brought Southern Railway carriage 6575 into Horsted Keynes station from the direction of Ardingly. The photo on the right is from Richard Clark, who also took that below showing Bluebell President, Bernard Holden MBE, flagging the special train into the platform.

  The BBC were there, and BRPS Chairman Roy Watts is being interviewed at 5.50pm today on BBC Sussex and Surrey, with Joe Talbot presenting. It will also be featured on the BBC web site, and hopefully on South East Today on BBC1 at 6.30pm.

• Update to the 50th Anniversary Appeal web page with the information about the target remaining to be raised now being £3,000,000.

• Update to the Who's Who and Membership pages to reflect the appointment at the AGM of Don Brewer as BRPS Membership Secretary.

• Yesterday, B473 was the rostered shunt loco, and is seen here at Horsted Keynes in Andrew Strongitharm's photo. It was a busy day yesterday, with in addition to the shunt, and two service trains, an extra train shuttling up and down the line performing a special charter to carry over 1200 Brownies!

• A reminder that "Stepney" returns to service tomorrow with a short ceremony at Horsted Keynes to mark the 50th anniversary of its arrival on Bluebell metals.

• Further photos available from last weekend's Southern at War event from Paul Pettitt, and from Martin Lawrence are Colour and Black & White sets of photos, plus the one below featuring a visit of "Mallard" to the event (thanks to Nick Talbot).

• Also from last weekend, there are photos of our 4 Vep unit running at Swanage, from Ian Dixon.

• Dave Bowles has a fine photo of the lineside bluebells (with the C-class passing) taken last Monday. Talking about the C-class, its piston rings have I understand now been replaced, after its failure last Thursday.

• John Sandys has some photos taken at East Grinstead showing progress with construction of the platform. Wouter Adriaanse has a gallery of photos showing the Dutch / SHM PW visit to work on the track laying.

• The next fund raising book sale for the extension project will be at Kingscote on 6th, 7th and 8th August. In the meantime, some more high-value books and Davenport plates have been added to the Amazon sales page.

• Viewers in the BBC One South East Region get their chance to see "The Real Railway Children" next Sunday at 1.30 pm.

• Amongst the projects reported on at the BRPS AGM yesterday evening, the Operation Undercover project at Sheffield Park, and the Northern Extension were two highlights. Derek Hayward has just updated his gallery of photos reporting progress on the former, and amongst the news was that construction of the steel frame for the shed is set to commence at the start of June. The photo below shows the site for the shed, with piles and some of the concrete foundation pads in place, and the crushed concrete sub-base spread.
  On the extension, the 5-6 June will be the last opportunity to walk down the trackbed across the viaduct. Very soon thereafter we commence 10 days of digging on the tip, and daily trains hauling up to 1000 tons of spoil per train will be departing during that dig. This should enable us to accurately predict the costs for the remainder of the operation. Of the £5,000,000 needed in 2008 to clear Imberhorne Cutting, install the track and signals, and build the new platform that will establish Bluebell in East Grinstead, we have already raised a staggering £1.5million from our dedicated supporters. We have also found ways to reduce the costs. Our current target for the 50th Anniversary Appeal is therefore £3,000,000. This will also provide for other preservation projects, such as Operation Undercover plus carriage and locomotive refurbishment.

• Your web site editor was delighted to be the winner of the raffle (drawn at the AGM) in aid of the restoration of P-class locomotive No.27. The superb gingerbread engine shed is seen below; several members at the AGM did request that a photo of it be placed here for posterity! I can report it is delicious!

• Details now available for the Baxter's Family Fun Weekends on 19, 20, 26 & 27 June
  Half Price Ticket offer if purchased by 30th May.
  Fun for all the family, with our Traditional English Summer Fayre, and an intensive steam train service.

• Tony Sullivan's photos taken yesterday show the C-class on the 11am service from Sheffield Park. However, a mechanical failure shortly after departure with the 1pm service (which returned to Sheffield Park and was then cancelled) saw the first use of the 08 Diesel shunter to replace steam on the 3pm service as seen in his photos below. With coach parties booked on the 3pm for afternoon tea, the intending passengers were happy to be able to travel in spite of the unexpected motive power.

• The Real Railway Children is still available on BBC iPlayer.

• The ITV Countrywise programme on Monday 17 May at 8pm also features the Bluebell and our 50th Anniversary.

• Derek Hayward's photos on the right and below show some of the activity today at the Southern at War event, which continues tomorrow.
  • Right: Troops defend the Southern end of Horsted Keynes Station,

  • Below: The fire brigade deal with a potentially serious "Fire" before it gets out of hand,
  • Ladies in period costume with a car allocated to a car pool,
  • Troops at Kingscote station.

  Derek also has a photo gallery available from today, to which more pictures and captions will be added in the near future.

• Derek Hayward's photo from last Saturday shows the relaunch train for 178 soon after emerging from the tunnel.

• Due to the high level of advance bookings for the Golden Arrow dining trains, we have added an additional evening train:
  'Sussex Pullman' Evening Dining Train on 28th May
  A set menu evening meal, departing from Sheffield Park at 7.30pm, at a special inclusive price (travel and meal) of £46.50 per person. The menu is:
  Warm Asparagus Spears on a Rocket and Parmesan Salad
  Braised Belly of Pork with a Cider and Sage Jus
  Raspberry Crème Brulee with a lemon shortbread biscuit
  See the Pullman Dining web page, or phone 01825 720801 for more information, and to book tickets.
  Please note that this train replaces the previously advertised Sausage & Mash train for that evening.

  
  

• With thanks to help from volunteers visiting from our twin line, Museumstoomtram Hoorn-Medemblik, track laying south of the viaduct is now complete. It still needs to be ballasted, buffer stops put in place, and the alignment honed but we're getting there! Derek Hayward's photo on the left taken today from Hill Place Farm Bridge shows the limit of track laying - the rubbish trains will be loaded at that point since the formation is wider.

  There's also a lot of work being undertaken in the platform area of our East Grinstead site.

• Tony Sullivan's photos taken today show progress with the re-assembly of 'Baxter', and the new C&W shunt loco which arrived today, a 1968 Rolls Royce engined Sentinel (the arrival of which was presaged by the article in the latest edition of Bluebell News). This loco, together with the availability of several steam locos suitable for shunting, means that we will be able to dispense with the hired-in 08 shunter. The current plan is that this loco will perform shunting on an as required basis during the week in the carriage yard, and that the main shunt will take place on Saturdays, using a steam loco, to maintain footplate crew familiarity with shunting.

• Two forthcoming TV programmes featuring the Bluebell:
  • The Real Railway Children celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, the world's first preserved standard gauge passenger steam railway. Watch the full programme on Sunday 9 May at 15:45 on BBC One South and BBC iPlayer after transmission.
  • The ITV Countrywise programme on Monday 17 May at 8pm also features the Bluebell and our 50th Anniversary.

• In the build-up to the 50th Anniversary of Stepney's arrival and hauling our first train on the Bluebell on 17 May 1960, the loco works team have retubed the boiler and carried out a few other minor repairs, enabling the engine to be steamed again, carrying the livery it wore in that first season, as seen in Tony Sullivan's photo, taken at Sheffield Park today.

• Details are now available of the Official start of 50th Anniversary celebrations on Monday 17 May, with a recreation of the arrival of our first train 50 years ago.

• As part of the main 50th anniversary celebrations in August, we are pleased to announce:
  50th Anniversary Pullman Gala Dinner on Thursday 5 August
  A six course black-tie meal on board the Golden Arrow, hauled by 'Tornado'. More information - book now

• Used book sales in aid of the Northern Extension Project take place at Kingscote on some special event days, the next being over the 6, 7 & 8 August. Some of the best books are offered for sale by "Bluebell Volunteer" John Sisley on Amazon. John is in need of more quality railway books in good condition, and they can be left marked for his attention at Kingscote, or he is willing to collect locally.

• Because the spring Murder Mystery evenings on the Golden Arrow Pullman train are booking up well, The Company Upfront have added an additional 'Murder in the Pharaoh's Tomb' on Friday 9th July.

• Please note a change of date: Vintage Bus Day will now be held a week later than previously advertised, on Sunday 21 November 2010.

• Two more of Tony Sullivan's photos taken today, below, show 178 leaving Horsted Keynes with the Observation Car "Bluebell" special, and that track laying southwards from East Grinstead is now within sight of the tip (the photo having been taken from the public footpath over Hill Place Farm Bridge).

This coming Saturday Evening 8th May, as part of our "Southern at War" event, the King George V bar on Horsted Keynes station platform will be open from 7pm to 10.30pm.

• Fine ales and food will be available (food until 9pm)
• Una Voce will be performing traditional songs from the 1940's through to the present day West End musicals under the guidance of conductor Andrew Slater and accompanist Anthony Roberts
• Admission free with a retiring collection - All welcome!

• Saturday 1st May saw the official re-launch onto service of SECR P-class 178, now in full SECR livery, after its earlier running in its Bowaters "Pioneer II" guise. Derek Hayward's photos above (from his gallery featuring the engine) show some of the restoration team with the loco at Horsted Keynes, and later in the day the loco to the north of The Sloop Bridge double-heading with the C-class, which was also overhauled a couple of years ago by the same volunteer team, the Loco Works Working Group.
  Derek has now created a separate album recording the overhaul of 178, and also updated pages for the overhaul of Stepney (lining out in progress, and due to return to steam in the next couple of weeks), the overhaul of 323 "Bluebell", where the replacement cylinders have now been fitted, on the overhaul of the H-class, (the wheels are being painted and cylinders prepared for re-fitting) and more pictures of the trains running last weekend.

• There are more photos from Saturday on Rob Faulkner's web page for the loco's restoration.

  

• Andrew Strongitharm has updated his Spring 2010 photo page to include Saturday's relaunch of P-class 178, and one of his photos is seen on the right.

• We need a few extra volunteers to help sell Tenner for the Tip certificates on our trains, particularly on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
  The appeal has raised over £83k so far, and we would like to reach £100k before we start running trains down from East Grinstead to extract the rubbish later this spring. Please call the office at Sheffield Park on 01825 720800 if you can help. The more we raise, the more rubbish we can get rid of!

• Dave Bowles has some photos of 178, running last week on proving turns.

• Photos on Flickr from Saturday (including the launch of the P-class 178, and some photos from the Behind the scenes tour) and Monday, from Martin Lawrence, together with one below from Monday, showing 80151 with the set which included the GN Saloon. Martin also has a gallery from 17-18 April (including the Toy and Collectors' Fair), and two videos (Part 1 and Part 2) showing 1638 shunting the Pullman Train.

• Sequence of photos taken on Monday by Ken Upton, showing the current state of overhauls of Baxter, Stepney and Bluebell.

• Update from Paul Pettitt, with a new Picture of the Month, featuring Class E4, B473 at Monteswood Lane, and updates to his galleries with photos of P-class 178, Fenchurch and U-class 1638.

• Tony Sullivan contributes the photo below showing The Long Man Morris Dancers performing on the platform at Sheffield Park on 1st May.

• Tomorrow (Saturday 1st May) sees the formal re-launch of SECR P-class No.178 into service, in full SECR livery. It will be one of 5 locos in steam over the weekend! It and the C-class will together be heading a rake of 7 pre-grouping carriages each day. Fenchurch will be shunting at Horsted Keynes on the Saturday. The Wealden Rambler runs on the Saturday and Monday afternoons, and the Golden Arrow Pullman Luncheon Train runs on the Sunday. The Great Northern Railway Directors' Saloon is also running (on the Sheffield Park set), with home-made refreshments available to first-class ticket holders. On Sunday lunchtime, you can also partake of the Bluebell Carvery in the Bessemer Arms at Sheffield Park.

• Tony Sullivan's photo from Wednesday shows the trackbed north of the tip, prepared for track laying.

• On the Saturday evening of the Southern at War weekend (Sat 8 May) there is a VE Day Dance in East Grinstead. This swing dance evening is raising money for our 50th Anniversary Appeal.

• Sunday 9th May is Plumpton Racecourse's final race-day of the season and is their Family Race Day. We are sponsoring the 3.10 race, The Bluebell Railway 50th Anniversary Climbing Hurdles.

• Derek Hayward has a whole series of recent photo updates:
  • A further update on the Woodpax project, with significant progress on the foundations and preparation of the site when compared to last week,
  • 178 being prepared in SECR livery,
  • Progress continues on 323 Bluebell,
  • The team continue to work on Baxter,
  • New tubes have now been installed in Stepney's boiler, the firebox has been refurbished and the frames have been painted black,
  • Work was continuing on the frames from 73082 Camelot prior to the return of the wheels from Devon,
  • Work continues inside the tank on 847's tender,
  • The cab roof and wheels from 263 are being painted,
  • There is a small new feature on the dismantled P class, No.27 Primrose,
  • A general update featuring: Service trains from Sunday 11 and Saturday 17 April, the 9F club working at Sheffield Park, a few pictures of working members, animals that seemed to pop up everywhere on 17 April, and work done by the Friends of Kingscote to clear the undergrowth at Birchstone Bridge (a vast improvement).
  • The refurbishment of the booking office at Kingscote, which took place whilst the tunnel was closed (and subsequent pictures).
  • "Before" pictures north of the tip added to his Kingscote to East Grinstead collection; these were taken for the historical record just before the team started track laying.

• Derek Hayward's photo of B473 at Leamland Bridge shows that there are much better displays of primroses to be seen on the lineside than those featured here yesterday!

• This coming Saturday we are holding another of our "Find out more" days, which are run by Mike Gibbard for anyone interested in becoming more actively involved in the Bluebell as a volunteer. If you are curious to discover what opportunities there are, and what it involves, then why not come along - details here.

• Job Vacancies currently advertised:
       Silver Service Waiting Staff
       Catering Assistant (based at Horsted Keynes Station)
  See details.

• Patrick Plane's photo below illustrates the latest report of progress on the extension, with tracklaying now completed across the viaduct. This will now continue over the easier section down to the tip in preparation for the first trains of rubbish which should depart later in the spring. Derek Hayward also has a few photos taken inside Kingscote's south signal box showing extra equipment installed there in preparation for the track north of Kingscote becoming part of the operational line.

• David Chappell's photo below shows that, on 14th April the newly constructed jacking area in the Carriage & Wagon was commissioned, and the first use of the jacks, which had been overhauled by the Alf Brown Gang, was to lift Mk.I coach No.4957.

• Dave Clarke's photo below is one of a number providing updates on recent activity in the Carriage & Wagon department. It shows that Maunsell brake composite No.6575 (which is out of passenger service awaiting an intermediate overhaul) has been repainted in blue ready for the May 22-23 Bluebell Open Days. That weekend should see 'Stepney' back in steam, also in its 1960 livery, so the two will represent the first train we ran on our line in May 1960, as also featured in the limited edition Hornby set available exclusively from our shop. Unfortunately, our other original coach, No.320, is currently in no fit condition to run.
  Dave's recent updates:
  • New page for 6575,
  • Next body-side sections for Stroudley coach 949 prepared,
  • Work under way on the underframe for 3360 (the People's Millions LCDR semi-saloon); on the coach itself the first replacement partition has been added.
  • Repairs are underway to a couple of the doors on LBSCR bogie first No.7598 (the photo also shows two of the seat bases for the SECR Birdcage 3363),
  • On Bulleid composite coach 5768 the floor has been removed at the north end to enable the repairs to the steel sub-structure to begin in earnest. The current condition of that steelwork is seen here.

• Tony Sullivan's photo taken on Thursday illustrates the first week of Spring Specials. Even in this view of the old station site at West Hoathly, the mass of line-side primroses can be seen, along with other spring flowers. The Spring Specials, which consist of one of our smaller engines hauling the 1913-built LNWR Observation Car, continue this coming week. Next week we have our "Bluebell Specials", which essentially follow the same format, although with different timings. Seating is limited, so advance booking is essential for these trains. Phone 01825 720800 or see details here.

• Today, Dave Clarke (seen below), a volunteer in the Bluebell's Carriage and Wagon Department, ran the London Marathon (all 26 miles 385 yards of it) to raise funds for the restoration of our Maunsell Restaurant Car (Dining Saloon 7864). He completed it in 4 hrs 29 mins and 23 secs. Our congratulations to Dave, and our sincere thanks to those who have already sponsored him; the total raised so far is in excess of £1000.
  It is not too late if you would still like to sponsor Dave or support the project.

• Update to the Loco Roster, showing what locos we expect (subject to any unforseen changes) to be in steam each day for the next few months, with thanks to Lewis Nodes.

• Photos from Derek Hayward showing recent progress with the HLF-funded "Operation Undercover" project.

• On Friday morning, an engineer's special train, formed of B473 and the Observation Car, visited the current northern limit of our line at Imberhorne Lane. Ray Wills has provided a few photographs on fotopic.

• On Thursday, Jon Bowers organised a photo charter using the U-class loco with appropriate SR stock:
  • Photos from Dave Bowles;
  • Andrew Strongitharm was able to attend the afternoon, and has a gallery, and contributes a photo below. Andrew has also updated his spring 2010 gallery.
  • Two videos (first, and second) from David Haggar (along with the second of the photos below).

• More updates and further photos below...

• Edward Hankey supplies the photo below showing some of our visitors enjoying the Rail Ale train on Friday 16th April. There are two further such evenings this year, on 4 June and 20 August. Details of how to book are available here, or just phone 01825 720800.

• The following day was our spring Collectors' Fair, and Martin Lawrence's photo below shows the stalls set up on platforms 1 & 2 at Horsted Keynes. The timeless scene with B473 entering Horsted Keynes that day is also his.

• Ashley Smith has edited his HD video from the 1983 weekend last month.

• Peter Richards has updated the news page for the Signalling Work at Horsted Keynes. There are now four points controlled from the lever frame, as part of the phased changes being implemented. There is also news of signalling developments at Kingscote and East Grinstead in preparation for operations on the northern extension.

• Details now available for:
  • Sat 5 & Sun 6 June Open Day at East Grinstead
    The last chance to walk across the viaduct - see progress with track laid down to the tip, and progress with constructing the new platform at our East Grinstead station site. Tickets now available - discounted if purchased before 1st June.
  • Saturday 3 July Open Day at East Grinstead
    The official opening of our new platform at our East Grinstead station site.

• Derek Hayward's photo taken yesterday shows Baxter being re-assembled - this should be the next loco to be steamed after overhaul at Sheffield Park.

• Apologies for mistakenly having given the impression yesterday that the fares for our 50th Anniversary Gala (6-8 August) would be our normal fares. They are now correctly shown as our normal Special Event fares (as they were prior to yesterday), with a discount applicable if booked before 4th July.

  Please do note however that between Saturday 31st July and Thursday 5th August, when Tornado will be one of the two locos rostered to haul our normal service trains, we are still charging our normal fares, with the Bluebell Bonus discount. The Bluebell Bonus discount applies to tickets booked at least 8 days in advance. You can even reserve a seat behind Tornado on these days.

• Bill Vigar's photo shows the crew of B473 with their engine at Horsted Keynes yesterday.

• Further details are now available of our 50th Anniversary events in August. In particular, we can now confirm the planned dates for the visits of the two main guest locos, the newest and oldest working steam locos in the UK.
  "Tornado" will be running every day from 31 July to 8 August.
  Furness Railway No.20 will be running most days from 6 to 15 August.
  Fares for the Anniversary Weekend (6-8 August) are just our normal Special Event fares, with a discount available if booked before 4th July.
  Guarantee a seat on your chosen train by booking in advance:
  
  • You can reserve seats on the trains behind "Tornado" for the period 31st July to 5 August.
  • You can reserve seats on special trains behind FR 20 for 11, 12, 14 or 15 August.
  Full details on the 50th Anniversary events page.

• Matthew Cousins' artwork (right) for the 50th Anniversary shows a recreation of The Pioneer train.

• Dave Bowles has some photos taken yesterday.

• Ashley Smith now has compiled HD videos from the Branch Line Gala - Saturday and Sunday

• Another of Peter Austin's photos shows B473 with the 3pm departure from Kingscote on Sunday.

• Update to the Loco Roster, showing what locos we expect to be in steam each day, with thanks to Lewis Nodes.

• Update to the page for Locos Formerly Based on the Bluebell, with the latest information on 'Townsend Hook', other minor corrections for some of the other locos, and with various links updated.

• I gather there are a few tickets remaining for the next Rail Ale train (on the evening of Friday 16th April) - take the opportunity to book now whilst you can! Phone 01825 720800.

• Peter Austin's photo from Sunday shows the Golden Arrow Pullman train has returned following Fingall's repaint. Dave Clarke's picture and an enlargement, below, show the Pullman Car on Thursday when extracted from the Carriage Works, where it had spent the previous three months receiving minor bodyside repairs and a full repaint.

• The final photo below is another of Peter Austin's, showing the U-class emerging from the tunnel on Sunday.

• On 25 April Dave Clarke, a volunteer in the Bluebell's Carriage and Wagon Department, will be running the London Marathon (all 26 miles 385 yards of it) to raise funds for the restoration of the Bluebell Railway's SR Maunsell Restaurant Car No. 7864. If you would like to sponsor Dave, please download and complete the sponsorship form here. If you would like to support the restoration with a larger sum of money, through Gift Aid via the Bluebell Railway Trust, please use this Gift Aid / donation form. If you have difficulty opening these PDF forms, choose to "download" rather than simply clicking on the link. You should then be able to open the file with Adobe Acrobat.

• Updates in the Loco Works News on the overhaul of P-class 323 "Bluebell" (from Duncan Bourne, with Derek Hayward's photos) and on the S15 No.847 from the Maunsell Locomotive Society

• This photo from Martin Lawrence, taken on Saturday, shows the E4 entering Sheffield Park station on one of the two service trains, with the C-class ready to depart with the Wealden Rambler. Martin also has a Flickr gallery from the weekend.

• Updates to the 50th Anniversary Appeal pages, updating our Vice-Patrons network (there are now 65 of them, showing the breadth of support for the appeal), and details of fundraising through eBay for Charity, linking our eBay Shop, and for people to buy and sell items to raise money for us.

• Update to the details of the Sunday Lunch in the Bluebell Carvery - the all-inclusive price quoted previously was for the period when trains were only operating between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes whilst we re-laid the track through our tunnel in March.

• Updated link to information from Trainsimmers against Trespass: Stay safe on the Railways - Don't Trespass - Don't be another accident statistic

• Information now available for the Vintage Transport Weekend (21 & 22 August) including booking forms and general information for entrants.

• Further details now available for the Southern at War event on 8 & 9 May
  Turn back the clock to the days of the Second World War with re-enactors, military vehicles, displays and concert parties.
  We can now confirm a flypast by the BBMF Dakota (on the Saturday only).
  Discount on advanced ticket purchases made before 4th April. Tickets may be purchased in advance via our Sales and Information Office on 01825 720800.

• Steve Woodmore has a gallery of 3D photos of the Bluebell (you need red/blue anaglyph glasses to view them).

• We hope you enjoyed this morning's little "Poisson d'Avril" (as the French would have it - purely a coincidence that Radio 4's Today programme was trying to persuade us this morning that Shakespeare might actually have been French).

  Thanks to Andrew Strongitharm for the photo editing - see the first photo below, and Derek Hayward for agreeing the use of his photos of the viaduct.

  This does not take away from the fact that we do actually have track across the viaduct, and the waste extraction will be starting in the next couple of months, by rail. We are hoping to be able to offer rides over the viaduct from East Grinstead as part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations in August (although this is still subject to confirmation, since there's a lot to do to get to that stage). Tornado will be coming in by road, since even if we had £3 Million now, and we'd then be well on the way to completing the clearance of the tip, actually re-opening the full line by August is just a tad ambitious! But don't let that stop you donating to our 50th Anniversary Appeal - since we cannot make progress without money - it's the only thing now holding up the completion of our Northern Extension Project.

• Derek Hayward's photo (above right) shows the care being taken to maintain the flower beds at Kingscote, and, along with the second photo below, illustrates the canopy on Platform 1 which has received substantial repairs over the period whilst the track replacement in the tunnel was taking place. Derek's third photo, below, shows the great work undertaken by the Wednesday gang on the trackside at Rock Cutting.

• During March there were 69,257 total hits on this page, from 38,315 unique visitors.

• This photo from John Goss shows 42085 passing Birch Farm foot crossing with the 2pm departure from Kingscote yesterday.

• Photos from Sean Tompsett taken on Saturday, including one showing progress with re-assembling our 1877-built Fletcher-Jennings loco "Baxter".

• Derek Hayward has a few new photos showing the ballast tamper which was used on the track relaying project earlier this month.

• Updates to fares information (revised fares are applicable as from 2nd April this year). Friday 2nd April is the first day of daily running - we will be operating public steam trains every day from then until 7th November! Also updates to all the foreign language pages for 2010.

• Just a little plug for our friends at The Croydon Clocktower, where the David Lean Cinema is showing the Buster Keaton silent film "The General" at 11am on Saturday 3 April as part of the Croydon Film Festival. It's not often that you get a chance to see this classic on the big screen!

• Tony Sullivan's photo on the right shows No.42085 leaving Kingscote at 11.55am with the first down service this morning.

• Martin Lawrence's photo below catches the C-class with its Victorian carriages passing a rainbow today. Martin also has two videos from today: A journey with 42085 and 42085 departs from Kingscote.

• Enjoy Sunday Lunch at the Bluebell Carvery: Sundays 4, 11, 18 & 25 April and 2 May. The cost is £8.95 per head (children under 14 half price, and children under 5 eat free!). Alternatively there is a special all-inclusive price for the carvery (in the Birch Grove Suite at Sheffield Park), with unlimited travel on our trains that day of £18.95 (for adults); advance booking is required. Contact our customer services team on 01825 720800 for more information or to book.

• Derek Hayward now has photos taken last Friday available: updates of progress with 323 "Bluebell" and 55 "Stepney" in the Loco Works, and on the HLF-funded carriage shed and museum project where the pile-driving has been completed.

• We are very sorry to have to report the sad news that Norman Blake (a driver and our H&S Manager) passed away in the early hours this morning, following a heart attack. This has come as a total shock to us all, and our thoughts are particularly with his wife and family. The portrait below of Norman on the footplate of the O1 was taken by Dave Bowles on 30 September 2006.

• David Haggar's two photos illustrate two of the three trains running today. Firstly we see the LMS Fairburn Tank No.42085 on the 11am service, on Freshfield Bank, with a set of coaches which included three Bulleids. 42085 is running again tomorrow (Sunday), which will be the last steaming of its current visit to the Bluebell. The second photo shows C-class 592, with 5 teak coaches, approaching Horsted Keynes with the 12 noon service from Sheffield Park. The Metropolitan coaches were in public service and the GN Directors' saloon was hosting a meeting of the Trustees and volunteers of the Howlden Trust, the charity which owns and looks after the saloon. The saloon is behind the engine in Derek Hayward's photo below, taken at Tremains. Tomorrow the GN saloon will be in public service for first-class ticket holders, although not offering its full catering service. For that, one needs the third train, the Wealden Rambler special afternoon tea train, which today was hauled by the Dukedog No.9017 (seen approaching Kingscote in the second of Derek's photos below), in place of B473 which has a leaking joint in its main steam pipe. The GN Directors' saloon will also be running over the Good Friday & Easter weekend, serving home-made scones and cakes.

• The superbly restored LSWR Brake Third Carriage No.1520 was relaunched today following a complete rebuild from a rotting stripped-out departmental shell. The coach, which is also celebrating its centenary (having been built in March 1910), was re-launched by Andy Pitt, Mangaing Director of South West Trains (effectively the modern-day LSWR). It was also posed with LSWR Adams Radial Tank Loco No.488 at Sheffield Park, and out on the line just north of the station for photos, and is seen on Poleay Bridge in this photo on the right from Derek Hayward. It is also seen as the first carriage in the special train hauled by "Fenchurch" in Andrew Strongitharm's photo below, passing Tremains crossing this afternoon. This is the third loco or coach overhaul completed so far as part of our 50th anniversary year, following on from LBSCR loco B473 and SECR loco 178.
  It should also be noted that significant effort has been put into refreshing the appearance of the Radial Tank in preparation for this momentous occasion.
  More photos of the event are available from Alex Morley, who also supplies the second and third photos below. More of Derek's photos have been added to his current photo album, including the fourth photo below, showing 672 to the North of Sloop Bridge.

• Tomorrow (Saturday) night David Foale will be presenting a film show in the Bessemer Arms (at Sheffield Park station) at 8pm entitled Steam - Home & Away, a collection of films that David has made. The event is open to all and is free with a retiring collection (probably towards a Bulleid-oriented project!).

• This year, on several dates, the Bluebell is promoting a Vintage 472 Bus Service between Brighton and Sheffield Park. The first day is Easter Sunday 4th April. Details, dates and timetable.

• Belated notification of the following which were overlooked earlier:
  • Photos from the second of the 1963 timetable weekends, and a video from Matthew Nightingale,
  • Also from 7 March - Photos and video of the 1963 recreation from Lee Davies,
  • A video of 178 and 672 top-and-tailing the Met coaches on 6 March from Martin Lawrence.
• Other recent photo updates:
  • From Ashley Smith last Sunday,
  • From Dave Clarke, showing progress with The People's Millions coach project, the fitting of replacement GWR-pattern staunchions to GWR 5-plank wagon 87782, and LSWR 1520 outside the shed last Sunday.

• The photo on the right from Derek Hayward shows 178 (as "Pioneer II") and 672 "Fenchurch" hauling the Wealden Rambler on Sunday. The first of the photos below shows the U-class hauling the "1983 Service" train on Freshfield Bank. Derek's recent updates: Last Sunday's train service, including LSWR Loco 488 outside the shed, an update on progress in the loco works on 323, and the weather has improved enough for 73082 Camelot's frames to be painted.

• LSWR Carriage 1520 had a successful test run down the line on Thursday 18th March.

• Links added to the web site of the Bluebell's resident artist, Matthew Cousins.

• Peter Skuce has updated his galleries of Bluebell Carriages: (exterior and interior photos of SECR No.1098 and Bulleids Nos.1482 and 2526), plus improved interiors of the Metropolitan Railway carriages. Also updates to the page for the LBSCR E4 "Birch Grove", showing it in BR Black (as 32473, on the Bluebell and when visiting the Spa Valley Railway) and in its current SR olive green as B473.

• Don't forget that we have two service trains (Service 1) plus the Wealden Rambler Afternoon Tea special running next weekend, with the Fairburn Tank. No.42085 in use on one of the service trains - if you missed it at the Branch Line event, now's your chance. The second service train will be formed of the Metropolitan coaches, hauled by the SECR C-class loco, and B473 will be hauling the Wealden Rambler. As previously notified, the tunnel is going to be open and services will be running through to Kingscote, so the originally planned "1990 timetable" has been replaced with our normal one.

• We will bring you a report on the relaying of the track through the tunnel later, but below are two photos from Mike Hopps, showing the smaller track job at Black Hut, just south of the tunnel which was tackled at the same time. The first photo, taken on 17th March shows the terram and plastic down as well as a new french drain to the right, the ballast graded and first panel of track back in place. Two days later and the job was nearly finished, just awaiting attention from the tamper which is currently visiting us.

• Job Vacancies currently advertised:
       Silver Service Waiting Staff
       Carriage Works Supervisor
       Carriage Trimmer
  See details.

• Sat 27 and Sun 28 March: Due to the early completion of the engineering work in the tunnel, the planned "1990" weekend will not now take place. Instead trains will operate the full length of the line to Kingscote, to our hourly Service 1 timetable, with the visiting Fairburn Tank 42085 hauling one of the trains. Derek Hayward's photo illustrates the engine, looking at home at Sheffield Park last Saturday!

• Update from Derek Hayward to the photo gallery detailing the work being done at Sheffield Park on the HLF-funded "Woodpax" shed and museum project.

• Message from Roy Watts: "On behalf of myself as Chairman, the Trustees, Directors, Staff and the Membership of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society, we would like to wish our President Bernard Holden MBE, a very happy 102nd Birthday.
  "Although Bernard has not been in best health of late, he still retains a keen and active interest in the activities of the Railway and its people and is kept informed of all the progress that is being made.
  "Happy Birthday Mr President!"

  Bernard appeared on the BBC South East local news this evening and there was also a photo and mention of him at the end of the ITV South East news. He has received many cards from Bluebell members and he would like to thank them all for their good wishes. He was in good form when Tony Sullivan saw him earlier tonight.

• Trevor West's photo, taken yesterday, shows progress with the overhaul of our 1877-built Fletcher Jennings loco "Baxter", which has been re-railed. The boiler has passed its steam test and been re-fitted to the frames. The loco has new axleboxes, and a new front buffer beam, in addition to the work done to the boiler.

• Derek Hayward also has some photos (from Saturday) of 42085 posing at the head of the Pullman set, Baxter, and of progress on 323 Bluebell where preparations were being made to change the cylinders. The smoke box and cab of S15 No.847 have been replaced by a visiting crane (and there was also a lot of progress on the boiler last week). The driving wheels of H-class No.263 are being painted.

• We were featured on GMTV on Wednesday, with our carriage restoration project featuring as the example of the current projects out of 75, for the launch of this year's The Peoples' Millions scheme. You can watch it online here.

• Talking of the 3360 project, Dave Clarke has a photo update here, with the repair of the second end nearly completed, and showing that the coach has moved into the main works area, along with Stroudley third No.328.

• The second part of Daniel Green's video of the Branch Line Weekend is now available.

• Dave Bowles has photos from the second of the 1963 weekends.

• Our thanks to those who bid in the auction for the WSR tickets (see below, 7 March). The tickets will shortly be on their way to the winner, and our Northern Extension fund will be the beneficiary (...and thanks again to the WSR for providing the tickets). If anyone else would like to contribute towards the Northern Extension Project, why not purchase "Tenner for the Tip" certificates. Alternatively you could donate to our 50th Anniversary Appeal - Gift Aid can be applied to donations made under this appeal.

• Auction in aid of the Bluebell Railway's Northern Extension Project.
  In exchange for supplying some photos for use in their Gala programme, the West Somerset Railway have given us two one-day passes (for Saturday 27th March) to their Spring Steam Gala - details of which are here. The photographer in question was unable to use them personally, and, with the kind agreement of the WSR, has offered them for auction in aid of the Bluebell Railway's Northern Extension Project.

• Derek Hayward's photo on the right shows the C-class with the Wealden Rambler yesterday. Reminder that this train runs next weekend for Mothers Day afternoon tea specials.
  Derek also has an update on the overhaul of P-class No.323 "Bluebell" - the boiler has been lifted.

• Andrew Strongitharm's photo below shows the 1963 recreation yesterday with 178 "Pioneer II" heading the train northwards. John Goss provides a photo showing 672 "Fenchurch" today, hauling the Chesham set in the reverse direction.
  Andrew also has an update to his current gallery of photos with those taken yesterday.

• David Chappell's photo on the right shows the LSWR carriage No.1520 moved over the pit yesterday for final mechanical inspection and setting up of the brakes and springs.
  A long-overdue update on this project is now available on the C&W Works News pages. We hope it will be back in service around the end of this month, to coincide with the carriage's centenary.
  Since the carriage left the paint shop 6 weeks ago a lot of effort has been expended on completing the interior (particularly the luggage racks, and the brake van area). The other major areas of work have been completing the insides of the doors, and the external brasswork, bump stops and drop-lights have all been fitted.

• Update, thanks to Rob Faulkner, to the Loco Workshop Group's News of the overhaul of 178, filling in the activity over the last couple of weeks, and work that continues even though the loco is back in service!

• The Special Events list, and particularly the fare and advance booking discount details, have been brought up to date for the remainder of the year. Of particular interest may be booking details for the Southern at War weekend (8-9 May - it's looking good for another flypast), Yetties concert (3rd July), and 50% discounts on advanced booking for Baxter's Family Fun Weekend in June. Full details of the 2010 Victorian Christmas trains which always book up a long time in advance are also available.

• The Wealden Rambler page has been updated with additional information - in partcular highlighting the Mothers Day Afternoon Tea specials, on 13 and 14 March. Ring 01825 720800 to book seats.

• The catering pages have been updated with 2010 information for Steam & Cream, Ploughman's Plus, and Senior Specials.

• Our revised train fares (with effect from 2nd April) and 2010 details of Joint Ticketing with the National Trust's Sheffield Park Gardens added.

• More from Branch Line Weekend:
  • Video from Daniel Green
  • Photos from Linda Chen

• Derek Hayward has an update on progress with the HLF-funded building project, and John Sandys also took some yesterday, showing progress with the building project at Sheffield Park, and the station platform at East Grinstead.

• Dave Clarke's photo shows "Pioneer II" shunting LCDR carriage 114 as part of its test run last Friday. Dave also has a photo news update on the LCDR coach 3360 (the Peoples' Millions project), as well as some more photos showing 178's test run and shunt on Friday, and the 4 Cor, plus current progress on the overhauls of Bulleid coach 5768 and SECR Birdcage 3363.

• If any BRPS member wishes to increase their shareholding to a level where they will qualify for benefits (or move up to a higher level of benefits) in 2011 and 2012, then the deferred payment scheme whereby you purchase shares from the society's holding, by instalments, may be of interest. The scheme is raising £104k already, and it all helps our push to clear the rubbish from the tip and get us to East Grinstead.

• Derek Hayward has pictures from the 1963 service on Saturday, and in the works, a start has been made on painting the driving wheels for 263, with work now progressing on 323 'Bluebell' (Saturday) and Rob Faulkner has some of 323 from Sunday, as well as photos of 178 in steam, and work on preparing the cab doors for 178.

• With apologies from Gavin for the time it has taken (understandable in the circumstances!) the notes from the October, November 2009 and January 2010 BRPS Committee Meetings are now available on the Society Members' Information page.

• During February there were 65,965 total hits on this page, from 34,892 unique visitors.

Edward Dyer's photo showing 42085 near Horsted Keynes taken last Sunday nicely illustrates the superb range of photo galleries and videos notified to us over the last week.

• Lee Davies: Video and Photos
• Derek Hayward
• Dave Bowles
• Video of 178 on the Sunday from Keith Snuggs
• Daniel Hill
• Paul Gildersleve
• Tom Waghorn
• John Evans
• Paul Pettitt
• Photos from Matthew Nightingale, and a video
• Chris Ward: Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st and Video 1 and Video 2
• Ashley Smith
• Photos from Rebecca Parkes, and three videos: B473, 80151 and 78019, and 592 with the Vintage set.
• Peter Skuce

• Sundays in March: BLUEBELL CARVERY in the Birch Grove Suite
  Join us for Sunday Lunch on 7th, 14th (Mothers Day) or 28th March 2010
  £8.95 per head (children under 14 half price) and children under 5 eat free!
  or £18.55 including an all day adult travel ticket, or £16.45 if booked in advance (March only).
  Booking essential - Contact the customer services team on 01825 720800

• Derek Hayward's photo shows B473 at Horsted Keynes yesterday, alongside the "4 Cor". Derek's photo below shows another departure of the main service train, behind Pioneer II, yesterday. Andrew Waller took the second photo below on a box camera, showing Pioneer II soon after arrival at Sheffield Park in 1969, with Baxter.

• Talking of "Baxter", I'm told that its boiler passed its hydraulic test last week! Will it be the next loco to steam again, or will "Stepney" beat it back into service? What a year this is shaping up to be!

• Our SECR P-class tank No.178 hauled its first train in preservation this morning, and Tony Sullivan's photo on the right shows it, the 10.50am Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes service, led by 178 (as Pioneer II, the name and livery carried when it entered preservation in 1969). The Chesham set is tailed by 672 "Fenchurch" in a re-creation of the service we ran in 1963, in the days before it was possible to run round the train at Horsted Keynes. This "1963 re-creation" continues tomorrow and next weekend, with Bluebell timetables and services from subsequent decades being recalled in the following weeks. Further details of the timetables in use are available here.

• Tony's photo below shows another aspect of the 1963 scene, with a representation of a 4 Cor unit No.3142 in the once electrified platform at Horsted Keynes. The Southern Electric Group's 4 Cor motor coach is open to visitors this weekend and next.

• Tim Baker's photo shows B473 with the Wealden Rambler this afternoon. The headboard is the same one which adorned the train we ran on the Bluebell in the 1960s. Also just as it did then, it is a train offering the service of afternoon tea, and is in operation every Saturday and Sunday until end of March. Details here - advanced booking required.

• Tomorrow sees the return to service of SECR P-class 0-6-0 No.178, celebrating its centenary. Operating for just a few weeks in its 1960s guise as "Pioneer II", it is taking part for the next two weekends in our reconstruction of the Bluebell's 1963 service, with departures from Sheffield Park at 10.50, 11.50, 12.50, 1.50, 2.57 and 4.12. Trains are only running as far as Horsted Keynes, due to track relaying in our tunnel, and Fares will be the usual "One Stop" prices, with return tickets allowing unlimited travel for the day. Further details, including the timetable are available here.

  Just as in 1963, the carriages will be the four-coach "Chesham" set, and the train will be topped and tailed by the "P" and a Terrier.

  1963 was the last year in which Horsted Keynes saw an electric service from Haywards Heath, and the once-electrified platform 2 will be host to the Southern Electric Group's 4 Cor motor coach No.11201 coupled to our three contemporary Southern Railway carriages, to enhance the re-creation. The 4 Cor motor coach will be open to visitors.

• Mike Floate's photo below shows the loco as it was on arrival at the Bluebell in 1969, and Edward Dyer's photo was taken of it raising steam in the shed at Sheffield Park last Sunday.

• Our thanks to everyone else who has sent photos and links to galleries and videos of last weekend's event - they will appear here soon!

• Derek Hayward's photo shows that SECR 178 made its preservation debut in steam today, just in time for the end of the Branch Line Weekend. This evening it was tested further, moving around within the Sheffield Park station limits - so it's looking good for its use in the recreation of our 1963 timetable next weekend. It will carry the guise of its former industrial identity "Pioneer II" for the next few weeks until the full lining out, and SECR lettering and crest can be applied. This may be a relief to those who feared that the newly made "Nettle" nameplates might have been carried - this having been the informal name the loco has acquired over the last couple of years around the loco works (clearly chosen following the theme set by the other two P-class locos, which have carried the names of other plants common on our lineside, "Bluebell" and "Primrose")!

  Below is another of Derek's photos from today, showing an appreciative crowd on the station platform admiring the loco as it moves about the station on its first test run. Several more photos are available on Derek's photo gallery.

  Robert Faulkner has added some photos of the work which took place on the engine yesterday to his gallery.

  
  

• More Branch Line Weekend Photos and Videos:
  • Martin Lawrence has 4 videos of southbound trains at New Coombe bridge from yesterday on YouTube: LBSCR E4 0-6-2T No.B473, LMS (Fairburn) Class 4MT 42085, BR Standard Class 2 No.78019 & BR Standard Class 4MT No.80151 doubleheading, and another of these together with the loco order reversed, and has also provided the photos below showing Fenhurch with the goods train, 80151 leads 78019 with the "Bulleid" set of coaches, and B473 with the matching set of Southern Railway Maunsell coaches.
  • John Goss provided the backlit shot below of the Fairburn tank.
  • Dave Chambers has a gallery from yesterday, and provides the photo below of the Fairburn Tank in the platform.
  • Photo gallery from Neil Munro-Thomson
  • Photo gallery from Keith Duke
  • Photo gallery from Jon Horrocks
  • Photo gallery from Keith Leppard
  • Photo gallery from Stephen Hunt

• Well, by general concensus, a successful day today, the first day of our Branch Line event, with the absence of 178 being the only aspect of the timetable not to go to plan. The Fairburn tank is seen on the right in Andrew Strongitharm's photo. I gather that, had it not been for the extra maintenance effort we had to expend on this loco in the last few days, then 178 would also have been running - the last items were completed on it today, and so it should be in light steam at Sheffield Park tomorrow. Derek Hayward's photo below shows the works team swarming over the loco today. He has also updated his album about 178's overhaul.

  The other photos below are from David Haggar (B473 and 42085), another from Andrew (78019 with 80151), from David Warwick (Fenchurch on the goods train, 42085 and B473) and another from Derek Hayward (dusk falls as the C-class departs from Sheffield Park with the superb set of pre-grouping carriages).

  Photo albums are available from

  • Trevor Stone
  • Andrew Strongitharm
  • David Warwick
  • Derek Hayward

• Andrew Strongitharm's photo shows 672 "Fenchurch" and the Fairburn Tank 42085 being warmed through gently in preparation for our Branch Line Weekend.

• If any Bluebell members are free this weekend (or any other running day), we could do with help selling "Tenner for the Tip" certificates on the trains. If you can help, please contact our Sales and Information office.

• Update to the C&W news page for the SECR Birdcage Brake, covering the completion of work on the roof, work on the interior of the former second class compartments and doors, and the first olive green topcoat applied to the exterior.

• Update: 4.36pm Friday: Unfortunately we are back down to six locos for the Branch Line weekend, since 178 has a couple of minor problems: The reverser does not go full-stroke, thus the valves cannot be set, and in addition the trailing axlebox wedges are too tight. So the plan is to leave it in the works and allow visitors inside to see it. We are confident it can all be sorted out in a few days, so will run the following weekend as part of our 1963 timetable.

• Stop Press, 10.40am Friday: 42085 should be in steam tomorrow!
• One attraction only just advised - brake van rides at Horsted Keynes.
• It looks as though there will be 7 locos in steam this Saturday and Sunday. The P-class will be in light steam at Sheffield Park. If 42085 cannot run, 9017 will be steamed in its place.
  
• Other updates on the page for the event:
  • The first train each day is a short goods train hauled by Fenchurch.
    
  • There is a passenger train from Horsted Keynes to Sheffield Park at 9.33am each day.
    
  • It has not been possible to shunt Pullman Car Doris into a platform at Horsted Keynes, so it will not be open.
    
  • The times for Guided Tours of the carriage works are: 12.35, 1.10, 1.50 and 2.25.

• P-Class 178 passed its full steam test yesterday. Subject to its overhaul being completed in time and no issues found, the loco should be in steam this coming weekend for the first time since it entered preservation.

• Track laying on the Viaduct at East Grinstead, and other news of the progress on the Extension, now available, with thanks to Nigel Longdon, illustrated by photos from Michael Hopps (including that on the right) and Pat Plane.

• Derek Hayward has new photos of progress with the Operation Undercover project at Sheffield Park

• Two updates on the Loco News pages:
  • Derek Hayward's photo (right) showing the P-class 178 nearing completion in the works is one of a number used to update the page for the latest progress on the restoration.
  • There is also an update from the Maunsell Loco Society covering recent work on the S15 No.847, as well as news regarding the start of fundraising for the overhaul of "Stowe", as they would like to do some work on the chassis, once the overhaul of 847 is complete.

• Details of the 473 Bus service, and basic information about the train timings, now available for the Branch Line weekend, which is next weekend.

• Derek Hayward now has photo gallery updates (with photos taken yesterday) available for:
  • Launch of the 50th Anniversary Ale, and 78019,
  • 178 overhaul - Derek comments: "Taking pictures of 178 is rather like shooting at a moving target - you come back half an hour later and someone has painted something else, or added something!"
  • 323 "Bluebell" overhaul,
  • 55 Stepney overhaul,
  • 73082 "Camelot" overhaul,
  • 263 H-class overhaul.

• Two YouTube Videos from Martin Lawrence from today: 592 on the Wealden Rambler and 78019.

• 78019 and 9017 and 592 were in steam today, as seen in the photos below. First though there was the small matter of launching the new 50th Anniversary Ale, brewed for us by Harveys of Lewes. Andrew Strongitharm's photo shows Norman Baker (MP for Lewes) and Miles Jenner (head brewer at Harveys) at Sheffield Park station this morning with a presentation pack of the beer.

• Andrew Strongitharm has added some more photos from today to his current album, including the photo of the Dukedog below.

• Two of Derek Hayward's photos below show the visiting 2MT 78019 departing from Kingscote, and the C-class with the Wealden Rambler at West Hoathly.

• Martin Lawrence's photo of the Dukedog with the four 1920s/30s SR coaches rounds up today's report.

• We apologise for the unreliability of our web site today, we are trying to establish the cause of the intermittent fault. [Now cured by re-starting the TCP/IP process].

• Update to the Carriage Works News page for our LCDR coach project funded by The People's Millions/Big Lottery Fund.

• Aidan Grant has two new videos on YouTube from last Sunday, featuring B473 and 78019. Also from Sunday are videos from "21C123" and PenrithBeacon.

• Update to the loco roster - unfortunately 42085, which is receiving some repairs in our workshops as part of the loan agreement, is probably not going to be able to run at Branch Line Weekend, but with our other visitor 78019, and the newly overhauled LBSCR B473 and (we hope) the preservation-era debut of SECR 178, it should still be a great event, with hopefully 6 locos in steam. We will keep you informed of developments over the coming week.

• The Wealden Rambler afternoon tea trains are now completely sold out for Valentines' Weekend. Seats are still available for Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 February and every Saturday and Sunday in March. Advance booking is essential - phone 01825 720800.

• Derek Hayward's photo on the right is one illustrating the new report on the overhaul of SECR P-class loco No.178, which is progressing very rapidly - it's going to be very tight to complete the loco for Branch Line weekend in under 2 weeks time, but that's still the target! 80151 has also been added to the loco line-up for the event.

• The Bluebell Museum web site has a page with photos showing progress with the HLF funded project to build our new carriage running shed and museum building at Sheffield Park.

• On Saturday, 13th February, our 50th Anniversary Ale, brewed by Harveys of Lewes will be launched at Sheffield Park Station. At 10.45am, Norman Baker (MP for Lewes) and Miles Jenner (head brewer at Harveys of Lewes) will perform the ceremony to launch the Ale.
  The bottled Ale is brewed with malted barley, pinhead oats, and a blend of English Fuggle and Styrian Hops. There will also be a draught version of the ale on sale throughout the year in the Bessemmer Arms at Sheffield Park. The recipe for this will vary to reflect the changing seasons.
  The current Harveys' brewery building was erected in Lewes in 1881. The line to East Grinstead opened in 1882, so the brewery has watched the Railway come and go. However we are pleased that the Railway is able to continue this link with the County Town of East Sussex in this way.
  Please remember to drink responsibly.

• The total raised for the Bluebell through EasySearch is now over £500! A very easy way to raise funds for us - simply do your internet searches through this link (bookmark it now) rather than any other search engine.

• Photos from Dave Bowles and Paul Gildersleve, taken on last Friday's photo charter organised by Jon Bowers, featuring the Dukedog and a train of engineers' wagons.

• Derek Hayward has updated his gallery of "Bluebell People", adding pictures taken in 2009 and early 2010. The pictures are in random order, and therefore mixed with some from previous years. As always, he is grateful to people who have been caught in a position which allows an entertaining caption! Derek is always pleased to include names of individuals in captions, but requires personal permission from those concerned to do this. Please contact Derek if you would like your name included. Otherwise, by default, pictures remain anonymous unless you are (for example) an office holder in the PLC or BRPS, in which case you can reasonably expect to be identified.

• Chris Suitters' photo (right) was taken last night and shows No.78019 on shed at Sheffield Park. The loco is being disposed of after having worked the evening Regency Belle Pullman service. No.42085 rests in the background.

• Kids for a Quid - February Half Term (Saturday 13th to Friday 19th February) - all children (aged 3-15) travel for just £1 each. Valid on all timetabled service one train departures, for third-class travel.

• Don't forget you can book your Bluebell Bonus tickets at least 8 days in advance of travel and save 20% on our standard fares - please telephone 01825 720800, or visit the Sales and Information Office above the Shop at Sheffield Park.
  Bluebell Bonus tickets give unlimited travel on the day of your visit (discounts are also available on 1st Class and BRPS members fares)
  Further details available here.

• The Valentines Weekend Regency Belle Pullman trains are fully booked, but some seats in the Lounge Cars remain on the Wealden Rambler afternoon tea trains. Phone 01825 720800 to book seats.
  Both the Regency Belle and the Wealden Rambler Lounge Cars are operating in March as well - book up now!

• Matthew Nightingale has a few photos on his Flickr gallery of B473 and 78019 running on Saturday, and a YouTube video

• Tom Waghorn also has a gallery of photos from yesterday.

• Derek Hayward has uploaded more of his photos of 78019 from yesterday, as well as some more of B473, some showing work in progress in the loco works on P-class 178 and one of some recent work on P-class 323 plus some photos showing the work undertaken by the Friend of Kingscote in clearing lineside undergrowth around Birchstone Bridge.

• 78019 and B473 ran today, and photos are available as follows:
  • Andrew Strongitharm has a new album with some photos from today, including the photo on the right.
  • David Haggar provided these two videos of 9017 in a photo charter yesterday on YouTube: Departing from Sheffield Park and the second at Monteswood, and the photo below is from the latter location.
  • Derek Hayward has added two photos from today, with more to come later. The photo of 78019 below is also from him.
  • Martin Lawrence has provided the photo of B473 today, complete with its four matching coaches.

• Also today as part of pre-arranged engineering work on the visiting Fairburn Tank No.42085, one of its springs has been changed.

• During the week, the boiler has been put in the frames of SECR P-class No.178.

• Mk.I composite carriage No.16263 has been removed from our stock list. The carriage has been sold and has now left the Railway. It had been held in reserve in case we had decided that the overhaul of the Bulleid composite carriage No.5768 was not going to be feasible, but having started the work, we are now confident that the overhaul of 5768 will be fairly straight-forward, and the proceeds of the sale will help to fund this overhaul.

• 78019, the BR 2MT 2-6-0 built in 1954 at Darlington, which is visiting us from the Great Central Railway for our Branch Line weekend in two weeks time, will be sharing the two-train Service 1 timetable this weekend with newly returned to traffic LBSCR E4 B473. Jon Horrocks' photo shows 78019 at the Great Central last summer.

• Work started on 20th January on our LCDR carriage project (Carriage Works News update available) being funded through The People's Millions. Thanks to Dave Clarke for the pictures and story. His own photo site goes into much greater detail than is possible here. His photo below shows the carriage being shunted longside our operational LCDR coach, after being craned onto a temporary underframe on 20th January.

• Andrew Strongitharm's photo shows B473 on its relaunch train on Saturday.

• Update from Fred Bailey on the Brighton Atlantic Project, with photos thanks to Boro Foundry in Stourbridge, showing the progress they are making on the machining of the axle boxes and coupling rods.

• Paul Pettitt's photo of the month could be nothing other than B473! He has also updated his galleries for B473 Birch Grove, his Fenchurch page, his C class No.592 page, his North London Dock Tank page, and added a new Black & White photographs page.

• During January 2010, there were 64,392 total hits on this page, from 35,397 unique visitors.

• The relaunch into service of our LBSCR E4 0-6-2T No.B473 (Birch Grove) took place yesterday, and the sun shone, resulting in lots of great photos! That on the right is from Tony Sullivan.

• Galleries of photos of the relaunch available from:
  • Derek Hayward
  • Ray Wills
  • Neil Glaskin
  • Ashley Smith - plus a Video on YouTube also featuring clips of 592 on the service train.
  • Video from David Haggar (and one of the C-class)
  • Andrew Strongitharm
  • Videos from Martin Lawrence of B473 and of the C-class 592.

• Below are some more photos from Saturday. Derek Hayward's photo in the yard at Sheffield Park shows that the Fairburn Tank has arrived ready for Branch Line weekend, seen here standing next to the BR Standard 4, the design which displaced the Fairburns from the ex-LBSCR branch lines.
• Three more of Derek's show the residents of Birch Grove who were invited to take part in the re-launch of the locomotive named after their hamlet, Father Dr John Twisleton, the Rector of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes and Chaplain to the BPRS, blessing the locomotive, and later in the day, a spirited departure from Sheffield Park.
• The last photo below, from Michael Hopps, shows the engine at Kingscote in the dark, on the special evening train run for working members of the Railway.

• Update to the Loco Works News pages for the overhaul of SECR P-class No.178 and H-class No.263, and various web pages updated as a result of today's return to steam of the LBSCR E4 No.B473.

• Dave Phillips' photo shows the star of tomorrow's show ready for its relaunch. See relaunch details here.

• There was an update last week on the Bulleid Society's page for Sir Archibald Sinclair, including some new photos and a note to say it has been winterised.

• New web page recording information about the boiler now fitted to the C-class loco No.592.

• Minor update to the pdf file of the Teachers' Information Pack for school visits to the Railway.

• Major update to the Extension progress page, with photos from Michael Hopps, covering work undertaken over the last 4 months.

Stop Press - B473 Launch - Saturday 30th January
Our newly overhauled LBSCR E4-class loco will be relaunched into service on Saturday, with a ceremony at 2pm at Horsted Keynes.

The special train that afternoon will be formed of four coaches in matching Southern Railway livery, and is principally intended for the volunteers and staff who have worked on the project, and our invited guests. However, 80 seats in ex-SECR carriage No.1098 will be available to the public on a first-come - first-served basis. The train will leave Horsted Keynes at 2.45pm for a round trip of the line, and tickets (at normal all-line return fare) can be booked by ringing our Sales and Information office on 01825 720800.

The special train will then leave Sheffield Park at 3.30 for Kingscote, leaving there at 4.30, returning to Horsted Keynes at 4.45 and then back to Sheffield Park. A special evening train for all working members (i.e. Volunteers and Staff) will also run.

B473 will also haul these matching coaches in public service on Sunday 31st January. Timetable service 2 will be in operation for the public services.

• The 2010 dates for the Golden Arrow are now available here. The Golden Arrow re-starts on 3 April - so a reminder that the Pullman Dining Train is running in February and March as the Regency Belle.

• The main Golden Arrow page has been updated with this Golden Arrow Video produced for us by Rail TV UK.

• Quite a bit of publicity generated on radio and the Internet, thanks to one of our supporters who is "selling" the rubbish from the tip on eBay to raise funds to help clear the 90,000 tons of rubbish, which is all that is between us and our extension to East Grinstead.

  You can buy a shovel-full for 99p, or a whole barrow load! (In fact 99p pays for 25kg and £10 for a quarter of a ton of rubbish to be removed). Do it now!!!

  If you want to give larger sums of money, for the development of the railway, why not donate directly to our 50th Anniversary Appeal, or purchase a "Tenner for the Tip" certificate.

  If you are not yet registered in eBay, if you register to raise funds for us through EasyFundraising, and then join eBay, the Bluebell gets ANOTHER £4.50.

  In case you haven't heard, we now plan to take the rubbish out by train, 1000 tons per day, each train saving 50 lorry movements. We will be starting this later in the spring, once we have laid track down from East Grinstead to the north end of the tip.

• Michael Hopps' photo taken in December shows that, following the waterproofing work, the ballast has now been laid right across the viaduct, along with the cable ducts for the signalling.

• Derek Hayward's photo (taken last year) shows the rebuilt lever frame in the Horsted Keynes signal box, to which No.25 points are now connected - see news reported yesterday, below.

• Nick Talbot took this photo from the footplate of the C-class at about 12.30pm today, showing the fields of water on the approach to Sheffield Park. The waters were starting to subside by the end of the day.

• On Saturday Ashley Smith filmed the 1.02pm service at Horsted Keynes - available on YouTube, and also has some stills taken that day.

• Used postage stamps: The Maunsell Loco Society now have a suitably labelled box for collecting used postage stamps in the Waiting Room at Sheffield Park. The money raised by the MLS in this way at the present time will go towards the overhaul of SR Schools-class loco No.928 "Stowe".

• Resignalling progress at Horsted Keynes: Following weeks of backroom work, at 5pm on Saturday No.25 points (the dock siding points) were officially transferred to the lever frame and their switch on the back wall of the signal box removed.
  Charles Hudson operated these points for the first time using the refurbished frame by pulling lever 25. Charles now has the honour of being the last person to use the old frame before it was put out of use and the first person to use the new frame.

• Update on yesterday's photo - whilst this will be the first time that 178 has been operational in preservation, the boiler pictured is actually the one which arrived on No.323, so was in steam on our first day of public service in August 1960. This boiler has however not been used for the last 40 years.

• We can now confirm that we will be running a (steam heated and steam hauled) train service the full length of the line this weekend, Service 2 as timetabled.

• Duncan Bourne's photo shows the boiler for SECR P-class No.178 undergoing its (successful) out-of-frames steam test yesterday. Now the push is on to get the loco back together and ready to run at the Branch Line weekend next month. This should be the second of six locos to return to service this year!

• We can confirm that we will be running a (steam heated and steam hauled) train service this coming weekend.

  Whilst the ice and snow on the local roads is melting, as of today access to and parking at Horsted Keynes remains less than ideal, so visitors this coming weekend are advised to use Sheffield Park station if possible, although we hope the situation will continue to improve throughout the weekend.

  An inspection of the tunnel will be made in the morning, and if it is clear then Service 2 will operate as normal. If we are unable to run through to Kingscote, then we will operate a Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes shuttle service.

• Update to the FAQ page.

• Visit our Facebook Page for a competition: We'd like to know.... What's your favourite part of Bluebell and tell us why? Be it our rolling stock, locomotives, lineside or people? Best answer wins a Bluebell 2010 calendar!

• David Warwick's photo of No.34059 in the snow on a Santa Special service is Fotopic's front page photo today.

• Derek Hayward has completed two more galleries, featuring the Dukedog No.9017 "Earl of Berkeley" and Battle of Britain Pacific No.34059 "Sir Archibald Sinclair". This photo shows the latter engine leaving Sharpthorne tunnel with its train on 15th August 2009.

• Yesterday the station platforms at Horsted Keynes were cleared of snow to prepare for the operation of trains this coming weekend, but 3" of fresh snow has fallen overnight, and reports today indicate that Horsted Keynes is again virtually inaccessible due to icy road conditions, with problems also on the A22 and A272 in the area. A thaw is apparently expected on Friday - check this web page for updates later in the week.

• On Sunday, four of the Carriage & Wagon department made it in to Horsted Keynes, and David Chappell supplies the photo below showing their contribution to clearing the snow from the platforms...

• Part two of Daniel Green's YouTube video of train services on January 2nd is now available.

• Full details now available for the Victorian Picnic Evenings on 2 & 4 July and 11-12 September. Bookings now being taken.

• Further details confirmed for the 5 weekends of Timetable Recreations from 1963, 1972, 1983 and 1990, which we are staging during the closure of the line north of Horsted Keynes whilst we re-lay the track through the tunnel in late February and March.

• Some new YouTube videos:
  • Sam Brown's video, right, is a compilation of a series of different shots from the last couple of years.
  • Our train services on January 2nd, including the Victorian Train, from Daniel Green.
  • Proposed "YouTube get together" at our 50th anniversary event.

• Dave Clarke's photo shows B473 (Birch Grove) in steam for its formal steam test on 30th December. The planned relaunch (postponed because of the weather) is now 30th January.

• More of Dave Clarke's latest photos of various Carriage & Wagon (and other Bluebell) projects:
  • New gallery showing what we're starting from on the People's Millions-funded overhaul of LCDR/SECR carriage No.51/3360.
  • Matthew Cousins has completed the repairs to and repaint of the SR GBL (Gangway Bogie Luggage van) No.2462, which he uses as an art gallery. It is now located in the dock near the carriage works.
  • GWR 5-plank wagon No.87782 - overhaul has commenced with removal of rotten timber, the needle-gunning of the underframe and replacement of some non-authentic staunchions
  • SECR 100 seater No.1098 has been rewired and is again available for traffic.
  • SR Maunsell brake third No.3687 - veneer panelling being fitted to the internal partitions - 1 - 2 - 3.
  • A joint volunteer gang from PWay and C&W temporarily realigned some track at Kingscote to enable No.39617, the SR Conflat D, to be removed from an isolated track panel, and is hopefully the next wagon in line for overhaul.
  • The drilling out the S15's copper firebox stays is continuing - 2nd photo.

• Dave Clarke's photo of LSWR brake 3rd No.1520 taken on 3rd January shows that Paul Welch has finished the lining and sign writing of the east side. It now awaits two or three coats of varnish, some more work to complete the interior, and then final mechanical set-up over the pit. It is hoped to have the carriage finished by the end of March.

• Dave Clarke has also now published his latest photos of various Carriage & Wagon department projects:
  • BR Mk.I TSO No.4941: The lavatories and the northern saloon have been stripped and the asbestos removed by contractors. A grant of £10,000 towards the cost of fitting wheelchair lifts has been received and will help fund the conversion to make 4941 match 5034.
  • LSWR Lavatory Brake Third No.1520 - nearing completion
  • SR (Bulleid) CK No.5768 - work has started on the overhaul.
  • SECR Birdcage brake third No.3363: the roof has now been canvassed and the roof furniture fitted. The coach has been lifted at the brake end and the northern bogie removed for overhaul of the wheelsets and axleboxes.
  • Installation of a substantial re-inforced concrete pad for the overhauled jacks, north of the inspection pit; warmer weather is required before the concrete can be poured. 1 - 2
  • The first class on Mk.I CK No.16210 is part-way through a re-trim using a 1950s first-class moquette.

• Andrew Strongitharm has assembled an album of his "Best photos of 2009".

• In view of the uncertainty about the weather next weekend, it has been decided to put the re-launch of B473 (LBSCR E4 "Birch Grove") back to 30th January. Consequent update to the Loco Roster.

• Trains cancelled this weekend
  Because of the problems staff and passengers would have faced in reaching the Bluebell Railway this weekend, we have taken the decision to cancel all our trains, and close to visitors, on 9-10 January.

• No trains were scheduled to run today; Gary Saunders took these two photos (right looking south, and below, looking north) in the snow today at the West Hoathly foot crossing.

• In view of the likelihood of continued bad weather over the weekend, Saturday's Volunteer Recruitment "Find out more" day has been cancelled, and participants are invited to attend on one of the future dates instead.

• Derek Hayward has a gallery of photos showing the Victorian Train on January 2nd.

• I've just been informed that the current Bluebell Railway exhibition in East Grinstead is at the Chequer Mead Arts Centre rather than at the Library. It runs until 16th January.

• Ashley Smith's photo of 34059 at West Hoathly in the snow last month will be fotopic's front page photo on Friday 8th January 2010

• Update to various Locomotive pages, including the Loco Works News pages, with the start of No.55 Stepney's rapid overhaul, which should see it back in steam for the 50th Anniversary of hauling its first train on the Bluebell in May 1960. Also a new page for P-class No.323 Bluebell's overhaul, and an update on the overhaul of P-class No.178 with thanks to Duncan Bourne.

• John Evans took the photo below of 80151 on Saturday 2nd January. More in his album of photos taken that day.

• The next dates for Photographers' Personal Track Safety training sessions, required to qualify for the new certificate (which acts as a lineside photographic pass) are: Friday 15th January, Saturday 6th February, Saturday 13th March and Sunday 21st March.
  To book a training session please contact the General Office.

• An exhibition, illustrating The Bluebell's operations and the impending extension from Kingscote to East Grinstead, has just opened at [East Grinstead Library] Chequer Mead Arts Centre in East Grinstead. The exhibition also includes material relating to the services this year, and the opportunities for volunteering which help the railway to provide the extensive range of activities on offer.

• Derek Hayward's photo on the right shows the volunteer crew of our Victorian train at Kingscote on Saturday, and the first photo below is also from Derek from Saturday, showing the Victorian train arriving at Kingscote.

• The second photo below (from Martin Lawrence) shows the Dukedog, one of the three locos running on Sunday. Martin has videos on YouTube of all three climbing Freshfield Bank: the Dukedog, the C-class which was hauling the last Pullman service until February, and the Standard tank 80151.

• More photos from yesterday:
  Paul Pettitt's photo on the right shows the morning Victorian Train on its departure from Horsted Keynes;
  Mike Hopps' photo below shows the Dukedog making its entry to Horsted Keynes;
  Martin Lawrence's shows 80151 hauling its train into the distance.

• Paul Pettitt has updated his albums with photos of the Santa Specials in the snow, of Standard 4 No.80151, and of 'Dukedog' No.9017, and his January 2010 Picture of the Month is of S.R. U-class Mogul No.1638 at Nobles Farm with a Santa Special.

• Derek Hayward has put up a new gallery from 1st January, including quite a lot of photos of the locos currently in the works. Derek has also re-organised his photos of our locos, largely creating a separate gallery for each loco, with new galleries for locos: 1618 1638, 178's overhaul, 27505, Baxter, 32424, 488, 541, Stepney's overhaul, 592, Fenchurch, 80064, 80100, 80151, 84030, 92240, Stowe, Normandy, B473's overhaul, D3023 and 13236, WD1959 (30064), plus the Wickham trolleys and the SEG's 4 Cor motor coach.

• Also below is Derek's photo showing that the sidings leading to the Woodpax site are clear, ready for the contractor to move onto the site next week to commence construction. (Note: This area is strictly out of bounds - as official photographer for the project, Derek will keep us up to date with visual progress.)

• Update to the web page for the February 20-21 Branch Line Weekend, with details of the locos expected to be in steam, and a couple more attractions which have been notified to me.

• Photos today from Tony Sullivan showing the Victorian Train at Horsted Keynes, together with the reformed Scrooge and Bob Cratchit who were also there, giving out presents to the children.

• 2010 is the Bluebell Railway's 50th Anniversary year:
  • 50th Anniversary Events
  • All special events in 2010
  • 2010 Timetable
  • Please support our 50th Anniversary Appeal

• Tomorrow (2nd January) we are able to offer passengers with All Line tickets purchased for travel before or on the 2pm train the opportunity to:
  • Visit Mr Scrooge in his office where all children will receive a gift
  • Play the Victorian games (Hoop-la, Splat-a-rat and the shooting gallery)
  Passengers wishing to take advantage of these activities must obtain supplementary tickets, priced at £2.50 per adult and child, available from Sheffield Park & Horsted Keynes Booking Offices or the Sales and Information Office at Sheffield Park.
  Note: Mr Scrooge's office will close at 3pm.
  Visitors wishing to travel on the Victorian Train and receive the refreshment hamper must instead book specifically for the Victorian Train service.

• Mike Hopps noticed that we'd not had any photos from the Remembrance weekend on here, so here to make up for it are his photos of the two poppy-bearing engines from 7th November 2009.

• During December 2009, there were 32,905 unique visitors to this page.

The Current What's New page contains all the recent update information.

Also see the 2009, the 2008, the 2007, the 2006, the 2005, the 2004, the 2003, the 2002, the 2001, the 2000, the 1999 and the 1997-8 "What was new" archive pages.

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