Bluebell Railway

Bluebell Railway

Legend

Oxted line

to Hurst Green

St Margaret's Junction

Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells Central Line

to Three Bridges │ to Groombridge

E. Grinstead H.L. (1883) │

Second Station (1866)

Original Station (1855)

E. Grinstead Low Level (1882)

East Grinstead

(1970)

│ Goods yard

East Grinstead

(

Bluebell

Railway

) (2013)

National

Rail

┇

Bluebell

Railway

Imberhorne cutting

Sharpthorne Tunnel (

731 yd

668 m

)

Horsted Keynes

Ardingly spur

Current limit of operation

Sheriff Mill Viaduct (demolished)

Lywood Tunnel (

218 yd

199 m

)

Ardingly

(now aggregates depot)

Brighton Main Line

to Three Bridges

Copyhold Junction

Haywards Heath

Brighton Main Line

to Wivelsfield

Cinder Hill Tunnel

Wealden Line to Uckfield

Culver Junction

East Coastway line

to Wivelsfield

Hamsey Loop (closed 1868)

River Ouse

Lewes Tunnel (

395 yd

361 m

)

River Ouse

Lewes

East Coastway line

to Brighton

East Coastway line

to Eastbourne and Hastings

&

Seaford branch line

to Seaford

The Bluebell Railway is a heritage line running for nine miles along the border between East Sussex and West Sussex, England. Steam trains are operated between Sheffield Park and Kingscote, with an intermediate station at Horsted Keynes.

Overview

The railway is managed and run largely by volunteers. It has the largest collection of steam locomotives after the National Railway Museum (NRM), and a collection of carriages and wagons unrivalled in the south of England. In addition to the 30 locomotives resident on the line, one is on loan from the NRM (another has recently returned there), and a project is well under way to recreate a long-lost type of locomotive (a London, Brighton and South Coast Railway H2 Class Atlantic) from a few surviving parts.

The Bluebell Railway was the first preserved standard gauge steam-operated passenger railway in the world: it opened on 7 August 1960, shortly after the line from East Grinstead to Lewes had been closed by British Railways. It also preserved a number of steam locomotives even before the cessation of steam service on British mainline railways in 1968.

2007 marked the railway's 125th anniversary.

History

Interior of the signal box at Sheffield Park, showing route layout board and operating levers

In 1877 an Act was passed to authorise the construction of the Lewes and East Grinstead Railway (L&EGR). The line was sponsored by a number of local landowners, including the Earl of Sheffield. A year later an Act of 1878 enabled the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company (LB&SCR) to acquire and operate the new line.

The line had six stations, but only the station at Barcombe was within walking distance of an existing village: the remaining five were in thinly populated areas. Chailey parish had two stations, one at Sheffield Park and the other at Newick and Chailey. It was traditional at that time for a rural railway line that was supported by a private company or notable individuals to have stations sited in close proximity to the residences of its sponsors. Thus Sheffield Park station was built for the Earl of Sheffield, and Newick and Chailey for Newick Park and Reedens, the residences of two other sponsors. The other stations on the line were at Kingscote, West Hoathly and Horsted Keynes. A branch line ran from a junction at Horsted Keynes to Ardingly and Haywards Heath on the LB&SCR main line.

Significantly, the 1877 and 1878 Acts included a clause stating that:

Four passenger trains each way daily to run on this line, with through connections at East Grinstead to London, and to stop at Sheffield Bridges, Newick, and West Hoathly.

This imposed a legal requirement on the railway owner to provide a service, and it emerged much later that the only way to remove this obligation was to pass another Act of Parliament to rescind it.

After the passage of the 1878 Act, the new line opened in 1882, with the usual pomp and ceremony and a great deal of celebration. The whole line from East Grinstead was built to take double track, which was actually laid between East Grinstead and Horsted Keynes; however, south of the junction at Horsted Keynes the line was only single track with passing loops at the stations. Like a number of rural branch lines of that era, as well as conveying passengers a substantial quantity of local produce was transported: milk, farm products and coal, and timber to and from Albert Turner & Son, a local sawmill. Curiously, the only time Sheffield Park station received a substantial number of passengers was when Lord Sheffield entertained the Australian Cricket Team, with the inevitable match between them and Lord Sheffield's own team.

As early as 1954, and certainly long before Dr Richard Beeching (whose programme of railway closures and service cuts became known as the Beeching Axe) became Chairman of the British Railways Board, the Branchline Committee of British Railways had submitted a proposal to close the section of line from East Grinstead to Culver Junction near Lewes. This was challenged by local residents, but eventually the closure was sanctioned in February 1955, and a closure date fixed for 28 May 1955. The ensuing battle fought between British Railways and the users of the "Bluebell Line" (as it was known) became infamous, as a result of four years of acrimonious argument which the transport users conducted in opposition to the Transport Authorities.

Shortly after the closure a local resident of Chailey, Miss Margery Bessemer, discovered in the wording of the 1877 and 1878 Acts the clause (mentioned above) relating to the "Statutory Line", and demanded that British Railways honour this legal obligation and reinstate the services required by the Acts. On 7 August 1956 British Railways was forced to re-open the line, and so began the "Sulky Service", with the trains only stopping at the stations mentioned in the Acts. Meanwhile, in 1957 British Railways took the case to the House of Commons, resulting in a Public Inquiry. British Railways were sternly censured, but later the Transport Commission was able to persuade Parliament to repeal the special section of the Act. By this means the line was again, and this time finally, closed on 17 March 1958.

Spring 1959 saw the formation of the Lewes & East Grinstead Railway Preservation Society, the forerunner of today’s Bluebell Railway Preservation Society. Its initial aim was to re-open the whole line from East Grinstead to Culver Junction, and to run it as a commercial service. This was envisaged as using a diesel railcar, a two-car DMU, as soon as funds allowed. These plans sadly came to nothing, for two reasons: firstly, the Society failed to purchase the whole line; and secondly, most local residents were not that interested. So in the interim, the re-opening of the section of line from Sheffield Park to Bluebell Halt just south of Horsted Keynes (which was at first leased and eventually purchased from British Railways) as both a steam railway and museum was planned and approved.

Present and future

The Bluebell Railway Preservation Society completed an initial extension from Horsted Keynes to Kingscote in 1994, which included relaying track through Sharpthorne Tunnel (731 yards (668 m), the longest on a UK heritage railway), and is now working to reinstate the remaining two miles of line from Kingscote to East Grinstead.

Work has now started on the final northwards push towards East Grinstead, where the line will once again join to the National Rail network. A major problem to be overcome is the former landfill site that fills a 50 metre deep cutting for part of the route. Some 300,000 cubic metres of rubbish will be removed by convoys of road freighters. Some of the excavated clay will being taken south by rail to help fill the site of a removed bridge and embankment on the old Ardingly spur. In January 2008, agreement was given to start the clearance of foliage on the section of the tip between Imberhorne Lane and Hill Place bridges. This work has now been completed.

It is hoped that in the future the Ardingly spur will also reconnect with National Rail at Ardingly, and thus gain access to the London to Brighton main line at Copyhold Junction. This will restore a bypass of the London – Brighton line which proved very useful in the past (during the Second World War the signal box at Horsted Keynes was manned both night and day, to provide an alternative route for troop trains). There is also occasional speculation about long-term plans to extend south towards Lewes; but the removal of the road bridge just south of Sheffield Park station, the in-filling of the cutting and route under the A272 road, and the housing development that was built on the site of Newick & Chailey station makes this whole idea a very distant prospect. Nevertheless, the remaining undeveloped section of the line from Lewes to Sheffield Park has been safeguarded from development prejudicial to its use as a bridleway and footpath, leaving open the possibility that the whole line may one day be open to services.^[1]

The stations have been restored to show different periods of the railway's life. Sheffield Park has been restored to a generally Victorian ambience, as it would have appeared during the time of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (up to 1922); Horsted Keynes tries to emulate the style of the Southern Railway (1922 – 1948); and Kingscote echoes the early British Railways period of the 1950s.

Between Horsted Keynes and Kingscote the line passes through the site of West Hoathly station, at one end of Sharpthorne Tunnel. The West Hoathly station buildings and footbridge were demolished piecemeal between 1964 and '67, and the site is now in the middle of a modern housing development, so remains closed in deference to the wishes of the local residents. The remains of the platforms and goods dock are still visible at the lineside.

Stations

Sheffield Park
Horsted Keynes
West Hoathly (closed)
Kingscote
East Grinstead (extension under construction)

Original Stations Lewes to Oxted via East Grinstead Low Level

Claims to fame

The Bluebell Railway has been used as the location for several films and television programmes.

The Last Ever It Ain't Half Hot Mum episode The Last Roll Call was filmed at Horsted Keynes station
October 1999: the film The Railway Children based on the book by E Nesbit.
Sequences for the film Miss Potter starring Ewan McGregor and Renée Zellweger were filmed at Horsted Keynes station.
Sequences for the adaptation of the Philip Pulman book The Ruby in the Smoke starring Billie Piper as Sally Lockhart and Julie Walters as Mrs Holland were also filmed at Horsted Keynes station
The train chase scene in the film version of The Wind in the Willows, starring Terry Jones and Eric Idle, was also filmed on the line.
Scenes for Einstein and Eddington were filmed on the line with David Tennant playing Eddington and Jim Broadbent as a father, with Horsted Keynes disguised as Cambridge.
The 1977 TV miniseries Love for Lydia had brief scenes filmed at the Horsted Keynes station. It starred Jeremy Irons, Peter Davison, Mel Martin, and Christopher Blake.
The 1967 film "I'll Never Forget What's His Name" starring Oliver Reed filmed on the line using the Met' Stock and NLR Tank Loco painted all over in white as well as a suitably "dressed" Freshfield Halt.
At least two Ken Russell Films were made here in the early 1970s, notably Listomania starring Roger Daltrey. Sequence in that particular film showed loco Fenchurch smashing through a Grand Piano at speed.
Dirty Dozen remake in 1984 used Horsted Keynes station for several scenes which included Q Class Loco 541 and two of the then full time PWay Gang as French Platelayers. Starred Lee Marvin.
Pop Videos include: Tracey Ullman, The Pet Shop Boys, Sheena Easton, Runrig, Robson & Jerome. Also Elton John's 'Tumbleweed Connection' album cover picture was shot at Sheffield Park Station.
Night Train To Murder (1984), the very last TV/Feature Film Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise made before Eric's death. Sequences at Sheffield Park station were shot at night with Eric pushing Ernie through the ticket barrier on a Porters trolley and of Loco 75027 in steam. Screened on LWT over the 1984 Christmas TV schedule.

The Bluebell Railway is also featured in The Railway Series written by the Rev. W. Awdry. The book was called Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine, with Stepney as the main character, visiting the fictional Island of Sodor.

Line to Lewes

The line originally extended beyond Sheffield Park to Culver Junction (at Culver Farm just south of Barcombe Mills), with intermediate stations at Newick and Chailey and Barcombe. At Culver Junction it joined the 1858 Lewes to Uckfield line (part of which is now restored as the Lavender Line), thereby gaining access to Lewes. The section from East Grinstead to Culver Junction was closed in 1958, and the Lewes to Uckfield line in 1969.

Steam locomotives

On Loan

GWR 2-6-2 Large Prairie No 5199. On loan from Llangollen Railway for a year.

File:GWR 5101 Class 5199 at Crewe Works.jpg

5199 is on loan from the Llangollen Railway

GWR Earl of Berkeley at Horsted Keynes Station

Operational

SECR 0-6-0 Wainwright Goods No 592. Returned to traffic on 8th Oct 2007.
SR 2-6-0 Maunsell No 1638 U Class. Returned to traffic in 2006 following an extensive restoration from Barry Scrapyard condition; boiler ticket expires in 2016.
GWR 4-4-0 Dukedog No 9017 "Earl of Berkeley". Returned to traffic in 2003 after an overhaul which included a number change.
BR 2-6-4T No 80151 Standard 4 Tank. Returned to traffic in 2001 and is in regular use; boiler ticket expires in 2011.
LBSCR 0-6-0T Stroudley Terrier No 672 "Fenchurch". Returned to traffic in 2001 after a rebuild and is in use on Victorian trains; boiler ticket expires in 2011.
SECR O1 Class 0-6-0 No 65. Returned to traffic in 1999 and is in regular use on Victorian passenger trains; boiler ticket expires in 2009.

Undergoing repair or restoration

LBSCR 0-6-2T E4 No 32473 "Birch Grove". Undergoing overhaul, last worked in 2008, planned to be painted SR Green once finished.
SECR 0-6-0T Wainwright P Class No 178. Undergoing restoration. The frames are nearly finished but work is focussed on the boiler which is having work done on the firebox and boiler with the stays and front tubeplate and tubes receiving attention. Expected to be steaming in 2009.
SR 4-6-0 S15 No 847. Undergoing overhaul by the Maunsell Locomotive Society, the wheels are back from re-tyring and attention to the axleboxes. They have been painted and should be fitted once the springs are fitted. The frames have been cleaned and painted, the cab and motion are receiving attention and the boiler is having its stays replaced; this work is planned to be completed in 2008.
SR 4-6-2 Rebuilt Bulleid Light Pacific No 34059 "Sir Archibald Sinclair". Restoration from Barry Scrapyard condition is nearing completion. Now needs to be put back together.The boiler has recently passed an out of frames steam test and will now be lifted out of the frames. The locomotive is expected to return to steam late in 2008.
Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0T No 3 "Baxter". The frames have been re-wheeled and now require the motion and final painting. Boiler has had all welding done and new tubes fitted. Somkebox had been fully repaired and is now being painted. Once complete the engine will be fitted with vacuum brakes for the first time. This work is being undertaken at a slower rate to other restorations although a return to steam in late 2008 or 2009 is likely.
LBSCR 4-4-2 Atlantic No 32424 "Beachy Head". Work on the frames is currently under way with new holes being drilled into the tender frames. Re-tubing of the boiler is also in progress.
BR 2-6-0 (will be 2-6-2T) Standard Class 2 No 78059 (will be 84030). Construction of the engine is under way, with work currently focused on the frames.
BR 4-6-0 5MT No 73082 "Camelot". Withdrawn in 2005 for a ten-yearly overhaul, the Camelot Locomotive Society are currently dismantling things like the brake gear and have already finished the tender. A boiler lift took place in late 2007, and it is hoped that the engine can be back in service again in 2010/11. This will occupy space in the works when 34059 is completed and should come into traffic in time to replace 21C123.

Stored or on display

SR 4-6-2 West Country No 21C123 Blackmore Vale. Returned to traffic 2000 and used on passenger trains; boiler ticket expires 2010 but recurring boiler and firebox problems prompted early withdrawal in June 2008.

*Normandy* on a rare passenger turn at Horsted Keynes.

LBSCR 0-6-0T Stroudley Terrier No 55 "Stepney". Stored awaiting overhaul, will require new cylinders, boiler certificate expired in 2008.
BR 4-6-0 class 4 No 75027. On display at Sheffield Park awaiting overhaul. Withdrawn February 2007 due to recurring failures. Depending on condition may be looked at when work on 73082 is complete.
LSWR 0-4-0T Adams Dock Tank No 96 "Normandy". Shunted stock regularly until July 2006 when its boiler ticket expired. Funds now being raised and overhaul is expected to start in the not so distant future.
NLR Class 75 0-6-0T No 58850. Awaiting overhaul. Was on display at Barrow Hill Roundhouse until 2006 when it was moved back to the Bluebell, initially as a replacement for 96, although it also has yet to receive any major attention.
BR 2-10-0 9F No 92240. Withdrawn in December 2002 for a ten-yearly overhaul with work required on the firebox and front tubeplate. Presently on display at Sheffield Park Station with no immediate plans for a return to steam until at least after 73082 is completed.
SECR 0-4-4T Class H No 263. Stored on static display awaiting overhaul, last worked in 1998. No work has been undertaken and it is not likely to return to steam in the near future.
LSWR 4-4-2T Adams Radial Tank No 488. Static display in Sheffield Park display shed with a whole new boiler barrel needed and cracks in at least one wheel set. As such, despite the many pleas to work on her, no work has been done on this fine looking machine but the completion of an LSWR Coach in 2009 could push the engine further up the overhaul queue.

File:Brsince78 well tank 1114.jpg

"Adams Radial" number 488 at Horsted Keynes.

SR 4-4-0 Schools-Class No 928 "Stowe". Owned by the Maunsell Locomotive Society, its tender has recently had a new body fitted making it fit for display. Overhaul planned to start once No 847 is completed by the Maunsell Locomotive Society.
SR 2-6-0 U class Maunsell No 1618. Last worked in 1994 and is on static display awaiting overhaul. With classmate 1638 in traffic, 1618 has slipped down the overhaul queue.
SR 0-6-0 Maunsell Q Class No 541. The best of all the Maunsell Locomotive Society engines. Sadly it has not worked for a while, but an overhaul is planned, hopefully after work on 928 has progressed.
SR 0-6-0T USA Dock Tank No 30064. Recently been painted in WD grey, on static display awaiting overhaul, with no imminent plans to return her to steam.
BR 2-6-4T Standard Class 4 No 80064. Stored on static display in the engine shed awaiting a major overhaul. With 80151 in better condition, she faces a long wait to return to steam.

BR 2-6-4T Standard Class 4 No 80100. Awaiting major restoration from Barry Scrapyard condition and work is unlikely to proceed for some time yet.
SECR 0-6-0T Wainwright P Class No 323. Overhaul is currently suspended while work concentrates on the bigger locomotives. It is planned to paint the locomotive "Bluebell Blue" once finished. With the overhaul of 1178 now started, this has damaged 323s chances of a return to steam in the near future.
SECR 0-6-0T Wainwright P Class No 27. Awaiting major Overhaul, might be taken on by the group currently working on Baxter. Last worked in 1974
Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST No 641 "Sharpthorn". On static display at Horsted Keynes Station. This is deemed to be a very fragile machine so is unlikely to be returned to steam

Internal Combustion Locomotives

Operational

British Rail Class 08 0-6-0 No 13236. On long-term loan from Shackerstone ([Battlefield Line]) and is now painted in 1950s BR black livery with the early BR crest. Being used for the railway's "Thursday shunt" until a steam engine is available.

Undergoing repair or restoration

'Howard' petrol-engined locomotive 4w Class 2 No 957. Nearing the end of its restoration with several test runs completed, it only requires minor jobs to return it to service.
'Clifford Avery' Diesel powered BRUTE trolley Tractor unit

Carriages

Metropolitan Carriages

Four carriages built in 1898 and 1900 for use out of Baker Street Station in London. Initially steam hauled, later used in electric trains, reverting to steam haulage on the Chesham branch in 1940. Purchased by the Bluebell Railway in 1961, and used until withdrawn in the late 1960s in need of major attention. Now returned to service and are unique as a close-coupled set of vintage carriages. The restoration team were the recipient of the Heritage Railways Association's award as overall winner of their 2006/7 carriage competition.

Metropolitan Composite Coach No 368. Returned to traffic in 2002 after rebuild and in use with other Victorian Coaches.
Metropolitan Brake 3rd Coach No 387. Returned to traffic in 1999 after rebuild and in use with other Victorian Coaches.
Metropolitan Full 3rd Coach No 394. Returned to traffic in 1999 after rebuild and in use with other Victorian Coaches.
Metropolitan Composite Coach No 412. Returned to traffic in late 2006 after rebuild and in use with other Victorian Coaches.

4- and 6-wheeled Coaches

The eventual plan is to put together two complete 4- or 5-coach sets of LBSCR and LCDR carriages. It is acknowledged that this will take many years, but two carriages are already in service and another is under overhaul. Most of these carriages have been rescued as grounded bodies from within bungalows or on farms. Underframes for many of them are (or will be) provided by shortening SR passenger-rated van underframes.

LCDR 6-wheeled brake No. 48. Stored awaiting major restoration but the underframe has received some attention.
LCDR 4-wheeled brake 3rd No. 114. Returned to traffic in 2006 after an extensive restoration; was previously used as a bungalow. In use with the Metropolitans and 661.
LCDR 4-wheeled brake 2nd No. 51. Basically identical to 114, it is presently stored under a tarpaulin on a temporary underframe.
LCDR 6-wheel 3rd No. 668. Stored on a temporary underframe awaiting restoration.
LBSCR 4-wheel Stroudley Coach No. 661. In use after rebuild and is in use with the Metropolitans and 114. It is planned to eventually be part of a Stroudley train pulled by the Terriers Stepney and Fenchurch.
LBSCR 4-wheel Stroudley brake 3rd No. 676. Stored awaiting restoration.
LBSCR 4-wheel Stroudley brake 3rd No. 949. Undergoing restoration, a new underframe has been found and the structure is complete. Some new framework for the compartment end is coming together and is being fitted to the coach chassis. Work on reassembling the brake end framework is underway. Planned to work with 661 once finished.
LBSCR 4-wheel Stroudley 3rd No. 328. Stored awaiting restoration to working order.
LBSCR 4-wheel Stroudly 3rd No. 992
LBSCR 4-wheel Craven 2nd No. 35. Stored awaiting restoration, work planned to start once the other 4-wheel Stroudley carriages are finished.

Pre Grouping (Southern) Coaches

Together with the SECR Hundred seaters (see below) the operational coaches of this type form a set of coaches which have operated over recent years as the Bluebell's regular Vintage set.

LBSCR Bogie first No 142. Returned to traffic in 1999 and won the 'Best Coach of the Year' award for 2002/03. Bogies away for tyre turning and due back in traffic shortly.
LSWR Lavatory 3rd No 320. Stored under an overall tarpaulin, probably requires new doors but has a complete interior.
LSWR Corridor 3rd No 494. Stored under a tarpaulin in the sidings.
LSWR Brake 3rd No 1520. Under restoration, which is well under way, some compartments have been finished and the remainder of the outer panneling is being fitted. an expected 2009 return to traffic.
SECR Birdcage Brake No 1061. Stored underneath a tarpaulin; requires major restoration.
SECR Birdcage Brake No 1084. Undergoing restoration. The roof, floors, partitions and structure have been overhauled. Four of the six compartments well on the way to completion and all the outer panneling and doors inside and out are all fitted to the coach body. Will be completed in 1920s/30s lined olive green livery.
SECR Birdcage Brake No 1170. Awaiting restoration with the roof requiring major attention. The interior will need to be reconstructed from scratch, but fortunately this is fairly plain and should be straight-forward.
SER Southern Railway 3rd No. 1050. Stored awaiting overhaul, eventually to be part of a planned Birdcage train in the future. Included in this section because it was formed in 1924 by the rebuilding of several old SER carriage bodies onto a new bogie underframe. Is being considered for overhaul.

Maunsell Coaches

The carriages designed by Richard Maunsell for the Southern Railway had a restrained elegance. In preservation terms they provide a superb vintage experience for the passenger, whilst as corridor vehicles they also offer access to more modern facilities.

Maunsell Open 3rd No 1309. In service and used on passenger trains.
Maunsell Open 3rd No 1336. Undergoing overhaul. Almost finished, just needs to be painted. It is expected to return to traffic by Summer 2008.
Maunsell Composite Dining Saloon/Open 3rd No 1365. Stored awaiting overhaul after being used on passenger trains regularly.
Maunsell Corridor 3rd No 2356. Awaiting overhaul, was used for some years as the Carriage and Wagon Department Mess Coach. Overhaul possible in the future.
Maunsell Corridor Brake 3rd No 3687. Undergoing overhaul, the brake compartment interior is nearing completion and the doors have had all their timberwork overhauled and fitted. Once the brake compartment is finished work on the rest of the interior will continue. Work planned to speed up once 1336 is finished.
Maunsell Corridor Brake 3rd No 3724. Stored awaiting restoration with rotten timberwork. During its eventual restoration it may be converted into a disabled coach on passenger trains so people with wheelchairs can enjoy themselves.
Maunsell unclassed Brake No 4441. Awaiting overhaul with a seriously damaged underframe but a good body. It is planned to swap underframes with 4444 in the near future so this one can be restored.
Maunsell unclassed Brake No 4444. Out of service awaiting restoration. It is planned to donate its underframe to 4441 which survives in much better condition.
Maunsell Travelling Post Office No 4922. Stored awaiting restoration but it has been given low priority as it is not a passenger carrying vehicle.
Maunsell Corridor Composite No 5624. Stored awaiting restoration, work is expected to be programmed at some stage as it is one of the core gems of the Maunsell coach fleet.
Maunsell Corridor Brake Composite No 6575. Stored awaiting a fairly major overhaul particularly at the brake end.
Maunsell Corridor Brake Composite No 6686. Undergoing a repaint, won the 'Highly Commended Coach of the Year' award for 1998/99.
Maunsell Kitchen Buffet No 7864. Awaiting restoration. Will probably be one of the next to be worked on as its main body structure is in better condition than the other stored Maunsell coaches.

Observation Car, Royal and Directors' Saloons

The Observations cars are occasionally brought out for a ride in. They provide a unique view of the railway and are either attached to the back of a passenger train or used on their own.

File:100 3252 (Small).JPG

The LNWR Observation carriage at Kingscote station.

GNR Directors' Saloon No 706. In traffic and is used fairly regularly on passenger trains on Bank holidays and the Summer Months.
LNWR Observation Coach No 1503. In traffic and is used regularly on passenger trains, painted in LNWR livery it provides a unique view of the Railway.
LNWR Semi Royal Saloon No 806. In service in LMS Maroon and was used as part of the Golden Arrow train but Pullman Car Christine relived it from much of the work but is still used on the train and as a saloon for special events.
LBSCR Directors' Saloon No 60. Stored awaiting restoration under a waterproof cover but its restoration should start soon.

Bulleid Carriages

The 1940s Southern Railway designs of Oliver Bulleid produced a very clean, modern-looking carriage, many of the features of which were perpetuated in the BR standard (Mk. I) designs. The Bluebell's collection contains examples of SR built, Contractor built and BR built carriages. It is unfortunate that none of the shorter, early Bulleid designed carriages have survived.

Bulleid TO Open Third No 1456. Awaiting restoration that's expected to be done in the near future.
Bulleid TO Open Third No 1464. In service and used regularly on passenger trains since 1986. Received further repairs to its outer panelling in 2005, now completed and the coach should be fit for use for another 20 years.
Bulleid TO Open Third No 1481. Out of service awaiting a fairly major overhaul with the body structure needing attention and replacement of external panelling.
Bulleid TO Open Third No 1482. In regular service on passenger trains following a major restoration that was completed in 2000.
Bulleid SOBT Semi-Open Brake Third No 2515. Awaiting major underframe overhaul. Could be back in traffic quickly.
Bulleid SOBT Semi-Open Brake Third No 2526. Nearing the end of a major overhaul. It is finished externally with final windows being fitted, all seats fitted in the open saloon and one out of two compartmens is nearly done, the interior door pannels require fitting. Planned to come into traffic in 2008 to replace 2515.
Bulleid SOBT Semi-Brake Open Third No 4227. Awaiting major restoration.
Bulleid SOBT Semi-Brake Open Third No 4279. Used regularly on passenger trains, will be due a major overhaul in the next ten years.
Bulleid CK Corridor Composite No 5768. Stored awaiting a major overhaul which will include work on the bodywork and floor which is not expected to happen yet.

SECR Hundred Seaters

Two extremely durable carriages, built in 1922 and 1923, which have now run high annual mileages in public service on the Bluebell since 1963.

SECR Hundred Seater No. 971. Undergoing attention to the panels and doors.
SECR Hundred Seater No. 1098. Operational and is used regularly to carry passengers.

Pullman Cars

Several of these have been overhauled and operate regularly as the Bluebell Railway's Golden Arrow dining train (Lunch and Dinner), and also on occasions for the Sussex Belle (tea-time) and City Limited (Breakfast) services.

Pullman Brake Third Car No. 54. Stored outside awaiting restoration.
Pullman Kitchen First "Fingall". Operational.
Pullman Parlour Third Car No. 64 "Christine". Operational.
Pullman Parlour Third Car No. 76 "Lillian". Operational, will require major overhaul in the coming years.
Pullman Kitchen First "Constance". Originally SER Drawing Room Car No.33, of 1891, becoming a Pullman in 1919. Awaiting restoration which will be very major.
Pullman Kitchen First "Eagle". In service. On long term loan from the National Railway Museum but due to return shortly because it doesn't fit in with the 1920's theme from the other carriages.
Pullman Kitchen First "Doris". Internally complete, and used statically. On static siplay awaiting overhaul, may be overhauled soon to replace Eagle as a Kitchen car and to keep in with the 1920's theme. Was part of the "Brighton Belle" electric Pullman train.

British Railways Standard Steam Stock (Mk.I)

The staple of most preserved railways, on the Bluebell these only form a proportion of the operational stock. They are a durable design, representing in many ways the culmination of traditional carriage design in the UK, prior to the introduction of monocoque techniques.

MK1 Restaurant Miniature Buffet No. 1818. Operational.
MK1 Restaurant Miniature Buffet No. 1838. Operational.
MK1 Open First No. 3064. Operational in the Lounge Car Service.
MK1 Open Second No. 4824. Operational in the Lounge Car service.
MK1 Open Second No. 4941. Operational.
MK1 Open Second No. 4957. Operational but only used when the railway needs the extra seating capacity on passenger trains.
MK1 Saloon No. 5034. Operational, Converted to multi-use saloon with wheelchair lifts.
MK1 Corridor Composite No. 16210. Operational.
MK1 Corridor Composite No. 16263 . Awaiting restoration which is planned in the not too distant future.
MK1 Brake Composite No. 21271. Awaiting restoration.
MK1 Corridor 2nd No. 24458. Awaiting major overhaul/restoration.
MK1 Corridor 2nd No. 25728. Operational.
MK1 Corridor 2nd No. 25769. Operational.
MK1 Brake Corridor 2nd No. 35448. Operational.
MK1 Open Second No. 4824. Operational.

Other passenger stock not intended for passenger use

The Bluebell has a large collection of wagons which were originally used in passenger trains.

Pre-Grouping Vans

LCDR Horse Box 1. Awaiting restoration, body only. Will be overhauled very soon.
SECR Passenger Luggage Van 1953. Serviceable, but used as mess van
LBSCR Milk/Fruit Van 270. Under overhaul with the underframe re-wheeled and nearly finished. Brake gear is being worked on and body framework is being overhauled.
SECR Birdcage Brake Van 719. Awaiting restoration
LSWR Ventilated Luggage Van 5498. Awaiting restoration

Southern Railway Vans, etc

SR 4-wheel brake Van C 404. Operational, used in the Golden Arrow when the LMS BGZ is unavailable.
SR 4-wheel Brake Van C 419. Operational
SR 4-Wheel Brake Van C 442. Non operational converted to generator truck in 1990s for Queen of Scots accommodation.
SR 4-wheel Brake Van C 653. Non-operational. Used as a store.
SR PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) 1184. Non operational. Used as a store.
SR PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) 1788. Non operational.
SR PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) 2186. Nearing the end of repairs.
SR Van U CCT (Covered Carriage Truck) 2276. Non operational and used as a workshop for the S&T department.
SR GBL (Gangwayed Bogie Luggage van) 2462. Operational
SR CCT (Covered Carriage Truck 2531. Non operational, used as a store by the Camelot Locomotive Society.
United Dairies 6-wheel glass-lined Milk Tank 4430. Operational and used regularly in goods trains and sometimes in a passenger train,
BR GUV Bogie Scenery Van 4601 (modified for carrying circus elephants). Non operational. Used as a signalling store.

LMS & BR

LMS/BR 1st Sleeper 398. Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
LMS/BR 3rd Sleeper 603. Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
LMS/BR 3rd Sleeper 623. Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
BR BG (Full Brake) 6334. Non operational and used as a store.
LMS BGZ (6-wheel Gangwayed Guard's Brake, Stove R) 32975. Out of service undergoing extensive modifications to run in Pullman train as a replacement for Eagle.
BR Insulated Fish Covered Van 87720. In storage awaiting overhaul which is expected to be done in the coming years.

Mk. I carriages used for non-traffic purposes

2442 Staff Sleeping Coach (88 "Service Car No.2") Ex-SLC (1961).
25776 Staff Dormitory, (TCL 99166) Ex-SK (1961).
25871 Carriage Shop, (TCL 99161) Ex-SK (1962).

Goods Wagons

The Bluebell has a large collection of Goods Wagons. They are usually used for demonstrations at various times of the year.

Brake Vans

LSWR 10 ton "Road Van" Brake Van 5706. Stored awaiting a structural restoration.
SECR 25 ton "Dance Hall" Brake Van 11916. In service but is to have a repaint.
SECR 25 ton "Dance Hall" Brake Van 11934. Undergoing restoration.
GWR 20 ton "Toad" Brake Van 17908. In service but rarely used.
SR 25 ton "Pillbox" Brake Van 55993. In service.
SR 25 ton "Queen Mary" Brake Van 56290. In service.
SR 25 ton "Pillbox" Brake Van 49018. Soon to receive some cosmetic attention.
BR "Shark" Ballast Plough Brake Van 62864. Non-Operational.

Covered Goods Vans

LSWR 10 ton Covered Goods Van 8112. Stored awaiting overhaul.
LBSCR 6 ton Box Van 8196. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
LBSCR 8 ton Box Van 1590. Stored awaiting major restoration.
SECR 12 ton Covered Goods Van 15750. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
SR 10 ton Ventilated Van 44611. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
SR 12 ton Ventilated Van 47588. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
LMS 12 ton Plywood Ventilated Van 524178. Awaiting restoration which is expected to be done in the coming years.
LMS Banana Van 570027. In service and occasionally used on goods trains.
BR 12 ton Pallet Van B761349. Stored awaiting restoration.
BR 12 ton Pallet Van B772972. Stored awaiting restoration.

Open Goods Wagons

LBSCR Hi-Bar Open Goods Wagon 3346. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
SECR 7 Planked Open Goods Wagon 5542. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
SECR 7 Plank Open Goods Wagon 16194. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
SECR 7 Plank Open Goods Wagon 16358. Dismantled for major repairs.
SECR 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon 50899. Stored awaiting overhaul.
SR 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon 9608. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
SR 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon 10013. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
SR 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon 12058. Undergoing restoration with the underframe and framework receiving attention.
SR 8 Plank Open Goods Wagon 30004. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
SR 8 Plank Open Goods Wagon 37786. In service and used regularly on goods trains.
PBA 13 ton Steel Mineral Wagon 59685. Stored awaiting major reastoration.
LMS 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon 66071. Stored awaiting restoration.
GWR 5 plank Open Goods Wagon 87782. Stored awaiting restoration.
BR 13 ton open merchandise Wagon M411245. Operational and used regularly on goods train.
LMS 3 Plank Open Goods Wagon 474558. Undergoing overhaul with the running gear, underframe and framework finished apart from a lick of paint, replanking will be the next job.
LMS 3 Plank Open Goods Wagon M480222. Awaiting overhaul which will start once 474588 is finished.
BR Steel dropside Open Goods Wagon B458525. In use with the Pway train.
BR Steel dropside Open Goods Wagon B461224. In use with the Pway train.
BR "Pipefit" dropside Open Goods Wagon B741381. In service and used regularly on goods trains.

Flat Wagons and Bolster Wagons

SR Motor Car Truck 39617. Used to store footbridge sections. Hoped to be released for restoration in the near future.
SR Bogie Bolster 57889. Undergoing overhaul.
SR Bogie Bolster 57949. Operational.

Petroleum Products Tank Wagons

BP Class A Shell Tank Wagon 4497. Stored awaiting overhaul.
Class B Esso Tank Wagon 1921. Operational and used regularly on goods trains.
Shell-BP Class A Tanker 1603. Stored awaiting restoration.

Ballast Wagons

SECR 2 Plank Ballast Wagon 567. Being constructed from another wagon. Work underway on the underframe.
SR Dropside Engineers Wagon 62002. Fully restored and used regularly on goods trains.
BR Dogfish Ballast Wagon 983103. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon 984082. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon 986419. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon 986591. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon 987403. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon 988395. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon 991391. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Dogfish Ballast Wagon 992780. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Dogfish Ballast Wagon 993210. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Dogfish Ballast Wagon 993217. Operational and used in the engineers train.
BR Dogfish Ballast Wagon 993348. Operational and used in the engineers train.

Cranes and other Special Use Wagons

GWR 4-wheel Tool Wagon 92. On static display.
SR Well Wagon 61107. Used to carry engineering vehicles. Eventually planned to have its BR modifications removed.
GWR Sleeper Wagon 100677. Used to carry sleepers.
BR Lowmac Machinery Wagon B904134. Operational and used in goods trains.
BR Bogie Well Wagon B900920. Used to carry locomotive boilers.
LNER Ransome & Rapier Steam Crane 1083. Stored awaiting overhaul.
Joseph Booth & Sons Hand Crane. Fully restored and used for lifting things.

References

^ Lewes District Council Local Plan, Chapter 9, paragraph 9.19

External links

[1] Lewes District Council Local Plan, Chapter 9, paragraph 9.19

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