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Post by Tangy on Sept 9, 2004 18:16:08 GMT
The Bluebell Railway is unique in that it is the ONLY preserved railway which runs only steam- no diesels.
The argument is about the Bluebell being offered a Class 205 DEMU (ex South Central) for certain duties
I believe this is wrong because the Bluebell being all steam means whatever time or day you go you will be gauranteed of steam, which has made the Bluebell a major visitor attraction. If a diesel is introduced people may see this on the day they visit and may have second thoughts of coming back
Also if the Bluebell gets the 205s then it would be more easier to get another diesel such as a class 08 shunter instead of the Monday morning shunt being done by a steam locomotive.
But then it has been suggested that the diesel would be benefitcial to the Bluebell has it would be extrend the life of the steam locomotives- is this suggested that less steam locos would be steamed?
Should the Bluebell lose its status as the only fully steam railway in Britain or should it buy the Class 205 DEMU?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2004 8:51:01 GMT
Yes, an interesting subject. 'Bluebell News' content recently has been pretty supportive of the idea, bearing in mind that most of the other lines in the area went demu in their latter years, as East Grinstead-Lewes would undoubtedly have, had it survived. (Polegate-Hailsham, Uckfield-Lewes, E.Grinstd-Three Bridges for example).
I'd suggest just one demu working (ideally in SR green livery) early morning and perhaps late afternoon but otherwise all steam.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2004 0:07:50 GMT
Thumpers are an easy option - I've no doubt that quite a few will be preserved in regular running order across the country. Much more to the point is the lack of preservation and running opportunities (heritage or mainline) afforded to the Electric Multiple Units that a majority of those in Southern territory reading this will have grown up travelling on.
Given that the Bluebell is well placed historically (Horsted Keynes went through a well documented period of combined steam and electric operation), it might be more appropriate to direct efforts at gaining a third rail in Sussex.
The Ardingly branch comes to mind...........
The 'Country Bus Rallies' East Grinstead running day each April is an excellent example (albeit one of a number, of which only one day takes place at EG) of preservation presented to the public at its most approachable very best. The thought of being able to step off a RT/RF/T/Q/STL or whatever onto a 2 BIL/4 SUB/4 COR or whatever is more than just attractive!!!!
Tony
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Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2007 21:48:05 GMT
My personal thoughts on this subject, and indeed on any 'steam railway' having 'modern' traction are that that in some cases they can be more suited to the required duties than steam, for instance shoppers or schools trips, even morning and evening commuter trips.
Chris J
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2007 18:28:52 GMT
My personal thoughts on this subject, and indeed on any 'steam railway' having 'modern' traction are that that in some cases they can be more suited to the required duties than steam, for instance shoppers or schools trips, even morning and evening commuter trips. Chris J It seems sensible to have at least one DMU. It may not be ideal but for some journeys it may be sensible. They have to keep at least some of an eye on costs. |
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Post by metrobusfan on Feb 17, 2009 17:17:50 GMT
STAY STEAM
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2009 19:12:13 GMT
I've been watching this thread for a while to see if anyone said anything. You are too late.  There have been two leased diesel shunters so far, for the past two years. There is now until the end of March a class 73 diesel being used for spoil extraction work at a site just south of East Grinstead. The 73 will also be at the front of the first ever passenger train on 7 March. Diesels have not operated passenger trains ever before and this will be a one off. Also, the Bluebell now own a 4 car EMU, a 4VEP, Gordon Pettit! |
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Post by metrobusfan on Feb 19, 2009 16:40:19 GMT
I've been watching this thread for a while to see if anyone said anything. You are too late. There have been two leased diesel shunters so far, for the past two years. There is now until the end of March a class 73 diesel being used for spoil extraction work at a site just south of East Grinstead. The 73 will also be at the front of the first ever passenger train on 7 March. Diesels have not operated passenger trains ever before and this will be a one off. Also, the Bluebell now own a 4 car EMU, a 4VEP, Gordon Pettit! My Bad |
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