Bygones Bluebell Railway Visit
20 July 2011
By Keith Chambers
The day was not very kind to us, with it being overcast for much of the day and rain towards the end, but we still had a most enjoyable day on the "Bluebell Railway".
There was much to see at Sheffield Park Station which included a considerable amount of vintage rolling stock in the shed and sidings and much memorabilia on display in their new museum. Their licensed restaurant was able to supply an ample dinner to those who required it and drinks and sandwiches or snacks to those of us whose gastronomic need was less ambitious.
Our main objective of the day though was the train ride from Sheffield Park to Kingscote and return. Trundling along the track at a leisurely speed we were ably to enjoy both the nostalgia of steam travel and the beautiful countryside that we passed through. An intermediate stop was made at Horsted Keynes Station where further rolling stock and memorabilia was to be seen for those who wished to alight there. Unfortunately our itinerary did not allow time for this. At Kingscote we had a turnaround time of about 20 minutes, just enough time to get out and chat with staff and have a quick look around. Between Kingscote and Horsted Keynes we spotted deer in the fields close to the track.
A big 'thank you' to the Bluebell Railway staff, whose kindness and courtesy was very much appreciated by us all.
The entrance to Sheffield Park Station
Our Chairman Bob trying to find his wallet
Sheffield Park Station booking hall
Two of our members admiring the Stroudley Terrier "Fenchurch" which at one time did shunting work at Brighton
Dave, one of our members, feeding the ducklings on the station platform. These same ducklings later in the day had to be ushered out of the restaurant but they were no fools they simply came back in again through the side door
Some of our group waiting outside the bookshop and restaurant for the train to arrive
Bob and Betty admiring one of the Pullman coaches which are used on occasion for lunches and dinners
The entrance to the new museum on platform 2
Two more of our members enthralled by the contents of the museum
The signal box on platform 1
One of Bluebell Railway's friendly and courtious staff allowing us a peek into the signal box
Horsted Keynes signal box
Trackside workers clearing away vegitation
A friendly wave from a trackside worker
Workmen at the entrance to Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel presently in preservation
Betty being gently disembarked
Tired and happy ready for home
This page was added on 28/08/2011.