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Bluebell Railway

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philabos

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Visiting London midweek in May.
Bluebell seems to be the only choice. Wondering if it is worth a visit.
Looks like we can take Southern from Victoria to East Grinstead.
Any other suggestions welcome.
 
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Cowley

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philabos said:
Visiting London midweek in May.
Bluebell seems to be the only choice. Wondering if it is worth a visit.
Looks like we can take Southern from Victoria to East Grinstead.
Any other suggestions welcome.
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I think it’s well worth a visit. They’ve got an amazing collection of locomotives and stock as the railway was one of the first preserved in the country.
Also Horsted Keynes is a fantastic multi platform preserved station. Have a look at it online when you get a minute, it’s pretty impressive.
 
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JonathanP

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I would absolutely reccomend the Bluebell Railway. Their collection of carriages and locomotives is unique, whilst most railways use Mk1 coaches and post-grouping locomotives the Bluebell has much older and some surburban coaches, and also older locomotives. Horsted Keynes is impressive, as is the story of how they had to excavate a rubbish dump in order to rebuild the connection to East Grinstead.

It's not your only choice though. Another option would be the Mid Hants/Watercress line: https://www.watercressline.co.uk/calendar.php, which runs almost-daily and is accesible by a short direct train journey from London Waterloo.
 
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ajs

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But don't forget that at the moment Watercress Line do not have trains running between Alton and Medstead as a bridge is being replaced.This is likely to be the case until July this year.
 
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Paul Hitchcock

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JonathanP said:
I would absolutely reccomend the Bluebell Railway. Their collection of carriages and locomotives is unique, whilst most railways use Mk1 coaches and post-grouping locomotives the Bluebell has much older and some surburban coaches, and also older locomotives. Horsted Keynes is impressive, as is the story of how they had to excavate a rubbish dump in order to rebuild the connection to East Grinstead.

It's not your only choice though. Another option would be the Mid Hants/Watercress line: https://www.watercressline.co.uk/calendar.php, which runs almost-daily and is accesible by a short direct train journey from London Waterloo.
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If you go to the Bluebell, try to go on a day when there are more than one set of carriages in use. Their "default set" of vehicles tends to to be ex British Rail Mk.1 vehicles which IMHO are (very) much less interesting.

Also accessible by rail and connecting ferry from London Waterloo but further away and likely to be more expensive to reach is the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. No passenger vehicles are newer than 1924.

PH
 
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Journeyman

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Epping - Ongar Railway is the closest heritage railway to London. Spa Valley isn't far either. Both are quite modest operations, but both are very interesting and worth seeing.
 
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Journeyman

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Paul Hitchcock said:
If you go to the Bluebell, try to go on a day when there are more than one set of carriages in use. Their "default set" of vehicles tends to to be ex British Rail Mk.1 vehicles which IMHO are (very) much less interesting.

Also accessible by rail and connecting ferry from London Waterloo but further away and likely to be more expensive to reach is the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. No passenger vehicles are newer than 1924.

PH
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IoWSR is just about possible to do in a day from London, but it's a very expensive and very long day.

Interestingly they shipped a Class 33 over recently, which I think is the newest item of traction to ever have operated on the island.
 
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Paul Hitchcock

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Journeyman said:
IoWSR is just about possible to do in a day from London, but it's a very expensive and very long day.

Interestingly they shipped a Class 33 over recently, which I think is the newest item of traction to ever have operated on the island.
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The "just possible" bit is a tad exaggerated as is the "very" long day. People have visited on day trips from the North Midlands or as far as Cardiff. If there are no through deals available from London then it would be possible to book as far as Portsmouth Harbour and then rebook a package from there which includes the ferry and both electric and steam railways on the I.O.W.

The Class 33 came for a short visit two seasons ago.
 
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A0wen

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Romney Hythe & Dymchurch has to be in with a shout.

Sandling is under 1h 15 from St Pancras (via HS1) or about 1h 30 from Charing Cross.

Sandling is just under 2 miles to Hythe station - and there's a half-hourly bus between the two (10 min journey time).
 
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philabos

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ajs said:
But don't forget that at the moment Watercress Line do not have trains running between Alton and Medstead as a bridge is being replaced.This is likely to be the case until July this year.
Click to expand...
Thanks to all.
Yes, I noted that on their website.
IOW a bit far with the wife since we have a dinner reservation in London at the Marksman.
Looks like the Bluebell. We are going midweek so probably the default set but even MK1 would be a treat for me. Figure I can buy her a tea at East Grinstead and lunch at Sheffield Park to keep her happy. I worked on the railroad here for 40 years so not her first time.
 
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Glen M

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philabos said:
Thanks to all.
Yes, I noted that on their website.
IOW a bit far with the wife since we have a dinner reservation in London at the Marksman.
Looks like the Bluebell. We are going midweek so probably the default set but even MK1 would be a treat for me. Figure I can buy her a tea at East Grinstead and lunch at Sheffield Park to keep her happy. I worked on the railroad here for 40 years so not her first time.
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Will probably be a few SR Bulleid coaches running around nonetheless, they ride slightly better than a mark 1, enjoy :)
 
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STEVIEBOY1

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There is a good eating place at Sheffiled Park Station and a big supermarket close to East Grinstead Station. You may still be lucky enough to see the Bluebell flowers along side of the railway. It is a good line and easy to get to from London Victoria Railway Station.
 
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Bensonby

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Even if there is only one loco in steam the engine shed at Sheffield Park is a real treat. Check out the museum at Sheffield Park too.

If you can manage it with timings explore Horsted Keynes: it’s a fantastic station and has a little exhibition in the carriage workshop.
 
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STEVIEBOY1

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I think also at Bluebell, they sometime run some old single compartment, non gangway, old Metropolitan Underground Stock.
 
RichJF

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STEVIEBOY1 said:
I think also at Bluebell, they sometime run some old single compartment, non gangway, old Metropolitan Underground Stock.
Click to expand...

This set is often out & about Usually with a Terrier or a Victorian/Georgian era tender loco. When I visited in Dec 2018 it had the glass ended observation car tagged onto the back. This little set can often get a bit crowded so if it is running get your seat early! Also VERY bouncy over certain bits of the track.

I recommend getting tea/snacks from Sainsburys opp the Bluebell station before joining the railway. I live in East Grinstead & visit the line sometimes so using my local knowledge :)

Museum on Sheffield Park Platform 1 is well worth visiting (can see all the proposed electrification schemes of the 1930s in there too)!
 
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Paul Hitchcock

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RichJF said:
This set is often out & about Usually with a Terrier or a Victorian/Georgian era tender loco. When I visited in Dec 2018 it had the glass ended observation car tagged onto the back. This little set can often get a bit crowded so if it is running get your seat early! Also VERY bouncy over certain bits of the track.

I recommend getting tea/snacks from Sainsburys opp the Bluebell station before joining the railway. I live in East Grinstead & visit the line sometimes so using my local knowledge :)

Museum on Sheffield Park Platform 1 is well worth visiting (can see all the proposed electrification schemes of the 1930s in there too)!
Click to expand...
To be pernickety neither of the Bluebell's Terriers" (A1x class) have worked for a bit now and are unlikely to do so in the near future. One of the I.O.W. pair is in full running order whilst the other is undergoing its ten yearly boiler overhaul. I think the same is true of the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
 
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Glen M

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Also absolutely no chance a terrier is getting the full set over the bank nowadays - Fenchurch could manage it before the line was extended but I doubt that'll be the case anymore
 
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Paul Hitchcock

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Glen M said:
Also absolutely no chance a terrier is getting the full set over the bank nowadays - Fenchurch could manage it before the line was extended but I doubt that'll be the case anymore
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People consistently underestimate the haulage capacity of an A1x in reasonable condition.

(Sorry about a further posting well away from the original topic)​
 
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Glen M

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Paul Hitchcock said:
People consistently underestimate the haulage capacity of an A1x in reasonable condition.

(Sorry about a further posting well away from the original topic)​
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I'll believe it when I see it (Hopefully in a few years).

Again apologies for running away off topic.
 
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Enthusiast

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RichJF said:
I recommend getting tea/snacks from Sainsburys opp the Bluebell station before joining the railway. I live in East Grinstead & visit the line sometimes so using my local knowledge
Click to expand...

Personally I would use either the buffet car at East Grinstead or the Bessemer Arms at Sheffield Park. That way the railway (of which I am a Life Member) gets the revenue!

It’s Service One on May 9th which is one train making three round trips (originating at Sheffield Park) with the first train from EG at 11:45am. The problem with that is that you only have 20 minutes at East Grinstead (if arriving from Sheffield Park). If you miss the return trip you have a lengthy wait (of at more than two hours). Best to have your refreshments either at Sheffield Park or before you start or after you have finished at EG.

I’m sure you’ll find your way around and have a good day!
 
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philabos

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Yes we are planning on the 1145 from EG and that would give us about an hour at Sheffield Park. We may decide to stay longer and take the second train back. Much will depend on weather. I understand it can rain on occasion in the UK.
 
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philabos said:
Yes we are planning on the 1145 from EG and that would give us about an hour at Sheffield Park. We may decide to stay longer and take the second train back. Much will depend on weather. I understand it can rain on occasion in the UK.
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It has been known to. Maybe pack a coat. :lol:
 
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philjo

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The National Trust gardens at Sheffield Park are about 15 minutes walk from the station - turn left and follow the path across the field.
It has a good tea room and the gardens are worth a visit - free if you are a NT member.
 
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silverfoxcc

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Glen

Lancaster holds nice memories for me, the Wolf Sanctuary. Strasburg Railway ans the Penn Museum. Do you get to the West Maryland at all?
I must get back one day to Philedelphia to see the Baldwin 60000. Enjoy your stay
 
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Belperpete

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Surprised that nobody has pointed out that you can buy a through ticket from Network Rail stations, which is cheaper than paying separately. The last time I travelled on the Bluebell, I already had a zones 1-6 travel card, so bought a zone 6 boundary to Bluebell Railway through ticket (it actually came as a zone 6 to East Grinstead ticket and a Bluebell add-on).
 
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