Bluebell Railway- East Grinstead Station

[Prairie_5542]

Firstly I would like to congratulate the Bluebell Railway for reaching East Grinstead. Well done! I visited this station on Wednesday to have a look around . We parked in the Sainsbury's car park (we were going shopping). But had trouble crossing the road to get to the station. There was no zebra crossing. It is very dangerous how the station entrance is right on the road.

There is a pavement on that side of the station, but is very difficult to cross the road, due to this we missed seeing the train, only to find the back end of it disappearing along the track!


On another note the platform has been built 'wrong side?' if that makes any sence? Is it because they are thinking for the future as the 'mainline' is at the back of the paltform, so in future for through trains they can stop at the platform, once the fences have been removed?

It's just that the common way would have been to built the platform nearest the car park side.

Anyone know more to this?

 

[Bill EWS]

I too was eagerly awaiting the new connection at East Grinstead and pleased that I can now visit the Bluebell by train all the way. I think you need to be a little lenient on the criticism as everything is so new and much looks as if it is in a temporary state and will improve in time.

The rather twisty between the stations was a bit confusing with a rather messy direction and path set up that really does need improving as soon as it is possible. It is a pity that you can't get out of the main station closer to the Bluebell entrance rather than have to go through the ticket barriers and around but that's not Bluebell's fault is unlikely to change now that barriers are becoming the norm.

Having just a single platform makes it rather cramped while having to mix with those who are just looking at the trains and for those actually travelling on the trains and getting any photographs of the run-round movements was virtually impossible without getting a bad angle and fencing in the way or your picture being full of people crowding around the locomotive.

It is also obvious that there is still much work going on and some building to do so again you have to accept that the present situation is mainly temporary and that things will improve with time. They have done an excellent job of reopening the line from Kingscote and clearing the deep cutting.

In spite of these initial small irritations it certainly didn't spoil my return to the Bluebell Railway after more than 30 years. I enjoyed my visit very well.
The mainline connection makes it much more convenient for me to consider another visit before long.

http://youtu.be/ot_gLz_e444
East Grinstead To Sheffield Park 'Bluebell Railway'

http://youtu.be/c0yrO93UGWk
Horstead Keynes To East Grinsted HD 'Bluebell Railway'

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Another railway visit....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uJZA8ZbGO4 (Severn Valley)

 

[hammerwood]

And you were brave to park at Sainsburys to then try and go on the Bluebell. Sainsburys recently dropped the parking time down to 90 mins to deter people from using their car park as a free option for Bluebell passengers. You leave yourself open to an excess penalty charge for staying longer.

Remember - Sainsburys was built several years before the Bluebell arrived and even tried to land grab what is now their station space.

There are two zebra crossings on Firbank Way closer to the NR station.

If you are wishing to park in East Grinstead, there are two (pay and display) carparks within 10 minutes walk (Railway Approach and the station itself) and several within 15 (Norton House, Vicarage Walk, Chequer Mead, Queens Road). Or park for free and take a nice walk from East Court via the High Street.

And for those arriving by train - what's the problem? You exit the station and follow the signs. Hardly difficult. No need to cross any roads.

People - give the Bluebell a break. Plan your journey and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Tiny Tim]

I visited the Bluebell on opening day of the East Grinstead extension, the filthy weather kept the crowds at bay, but the Bluebell's temporary station was a bit chaotic. Matters are obviously in a state of flux, I'm sure once all the work has been done it will be much better. It was an excellent day out, I shall be returning soon.