Archive of Martin Ward's web page, recovered April 2025
Bulleid's SEmG Photos 2
The sole-surviving Bulleid 'Q1' 0-6-0 is part of the National Collection, and is on long-term loan to the Bluebell Railway where it is in working order. It is pictured arriving in Horsted Keynes. The fireman's job is made very difficult by the mobile signalbox on the tender, but at least the roof stops the coal getting dirty.
Here you can see the fireman has re-positioned the mobile signalbox back on to the coaches - it will no doubt imporve the driver's view. I wonder how they fit throught the tunnel? C1 is seen hauling the day's other service train departing Horsted Keynes for Sheffield Park with a rake of BR Mark 1 coaches. The Q1s were designed during the Second World War, and one of the austerity measures was the lack of boiler insulation. The completely enclosed cab is therefore very hot on a sunny day like this!
Despite its six coach load, the massive power of the 9F was little used as evidenced by the virtual absence of steam. I was honoured with a cab trip for the return Kingscote - Sheffield Park trip, and the pressure on the steam chest never exceeded 80psi! Small engine get less glamour, but are more fun!
92240 is passing the Horsted Keynes distant signal en route to Kingscote.