60 years to the day since the Bluebell Railway operated their first train in preservation, steam returned to the Sussex countryside to do battle with blistering heat, as the line welcomed back passengers.
The Bluebell Railway became the first steam-operated standard gauge preserved railway when, on the 7th of August 1960, they ran their first service between Sheffield Park and Bluebell Halt - a temporary station built south of Horsted Keynes, its location now marked by a sign on the trackside.
To honour the occasion the railway ran a number of special services throughout the day. In the morning, a members special graced the rails hauled by O1 Class - 65. The locomotive would then spend the day working 'The Pioneer' service, making three return trips between Sheffield Park and Kingscote. 4MT Tank - 80151 would work two return trips out of Horsted Keynes, via Kingscote and Sheffield Park; the former return titled 'The Rocket', and the latter the 'Cream Tea Riviera'.
As a result of the heat, and subsequent dry conditions, lineside fires were a persisting issue throughout the day.
Locomotives:
SE&CR O1 Class - 65
BR Standard Class 4MT Tank - 80151
All footage filmed on Friday the 7th of August 2020.
14 окт 2024
