On a weekend where temperatures reached 32C (90F) in London, the Bluebell held a Summer Giants of Steam event, to replace the Annual Steam Fair which was cancelled due to Foot and Mouth disease precautions.
Saturday
The first train of the wee
kend was the 10.10 from Horsted Keynes, headed by the visiting locomotive No.34081 ‘92 Squadron’. It is seen approaching the 10 MPH restriction just north of Leamland Bridge.
No.73082 ‘Camelot’ runs light engine past Horsted House Farm on her way to Kingscote in order to work the 11.28 from there.
BR 4MT No.75027
accelerates away from the 10mph restriction and passes Horsted House Crossing.
9F No.92440 was in charge of the 11.30 train from Sheffield Park, seen here departing Horsted Keynes at 11.47.
The next train, the 12.10 from Sheffield Park is seen arriving at Horsted Keynes behind Battle of Britain Class No.34081.
The fifth locomotive involved in the event was No.21C123 ‘Blackmoor Vale’, seen here with the 1.30 from Sheffield Park powering past Caseford Bridge.
With 3 Arch Bridge as a backdrop, No.34081 ‘92 Squadron’ climbs towards Horsted Keynes with the 2.50pm train.
The 3.35 from Sheffield Park on the Saturday was double-headed by BR Standards Class 4 No.75027 and Class 5 No.73082 ‘Camelot’, seen approaching Horsted Keynes.
11 coaches obviously aren’t enough to worry the 9F, seen at Three Arch Bridge with the 5.08 train.
Sunday
No.34081 is seen climbing up the 1 in 75 Freshfield Bank with the 12.50pm train.
BR Class 4 No.75027 made its first appearance of the day with the 1.30 from Sheffield Park, seen approaching Ketches Halt.
No.92240 is seen accelerating away from Sheffield Park with the 2.10.
No.73082 ‘Camelot’ rounds the curve away from Ketches onto Freshfield Bank with the 2.50 from Sheffield Park. By this time, the temperature had soared and there was not a hint of exhaust !
The Malachite Monsters - and thankfully in better weather than last October. Bulleid Pacifics Nos.21C123 ‘Blackmoor Vale’ and 34081 ‘92 Sq
uadron’ make a spectacular ascent of Freshfield Bank with the 11 coach 3.35 train from Sheffield Park. Thankfully, the weather was so much better than last October, helping to provide a very memorable weekend.
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