A number of features of the Bluebell Railway mark us out from the vast majority of other Heritage Railways in the UK.
We are the only line which, for its first 46 years, relied exclusively on steam power for both our trains and all shunting. In spite of the fact that we are now home to three diesels, mainly used for shunting, and as an emergency backup, the visitor will find between 3 and 4 locomotives in steam on many weekends.
We try to list what locomotives will be in use on what days on the Loco Roster, although this can only be a guide to what has been planned. Many of our 30 plus historic steam locos are also available for close inspection in the engine shed at Sheffield Park. Details of the locos you are likely to see are to be found on a series of pages, starting with a page for those locos in working order, or through the full Loco Stock List, with links to photos and individual web pages.
We also make extensive use of our fleet of historic carriages which date back to Victorian times. These have been beautifully restored and are maintained in our own workshops at Horsted Keynes (where a viewing gallery is available). "Vintage Trains" are no longer noted separately in the timetables, but generally when we are running a two-train service, one set will consist of pre-WW2, or Edwardian or Victorian stock. Our more modern, corridor, trains often include Southern Railway carriages from the 1930s and 40s, and our popular 1913-built Observation Car.
Historic carriages also feature on our Golden Arrow Pullman Dining Train, which can be booked in advance for lunches and dinners on about 100 days each year. 360 degree views of the interiors are available.
Information about the stations: the history and restoration of Kingscote Station, and the Horsted Keynes Platform 1/2 Canopy Project.
Track Layouts through the years:
Horsted Keynes
West Hoathly
Kingscote
Map and Gradient Profile of the line
Map showing how the line relates to other railways in the locality.
Recent photos and videos are linked as they are notified, on the News/Blog page
Audio Clips
Would you like to be an engine driver? You could join us as a volunteer.
Not sure which department to join? Take advantage of a behind the scenes tour on one of our "Find out more" Days
Are you a teacher? Interested in bringing a party for a School visit to the railway - projects based on the Bluebell Railway will contribute towards Key Stages 1 & 2 of the National Curriculum - more information available.
