Bluebell Railway NSE Diesel Gala 4-6 September 2026

[JacobB2004]

Out of interest, is the Ardingly branch (from the Bluebell Railway end) still operational at galas ??

They mainly use it for training purposes for external companies. The siding leading to it from HK yard has a third rail (not electrified) for this reason apparently.

 

[alexl92]

As posted elsewhere, when somebody questioned on Facebook where the class 31 fits in to the NSE theme, the Bluebell’s SM team have now said it was never meant to be exclusively NSE… which is quite a step down from what was originally advertised.

I can only assume some planned guests are now unavailable.

 

[JacobB2004]

Horsted Keynes will be the hub for all things NSE branding etc during the gala so I assume that’s the NSE theme.

 

[UP13]

Safe to assume that 3417 won't be making the trip from Strawberry Hill to Sheffield Park?

 

[158760]

They mainly use it for training purposes for external companies. The siding leading to it from HK yard has a third rail (not electrified) for this reason apparently.

There’s a short section of third rail for training purposes located in the Down Yard (opposite side of the main running line to the Ardingly Spur). The Down Yard is currently the main site used for training. The track along the Ardingly Spur will hopefully be relayed (and doubled) during this year’s winter shutdown. This will also enable a connection to the south end of Platform 1.

Image shows a short section of third rail used for training purposes at Horsted Keynes. This rail is not live.

 

[JacobB2004]

Safe to assume that 3417 won't be making the trip from Strawberry Hill to Sheffield Park?

I doubt it unfortunately

 

[SECR 65]

Safe to assume that 3417 won't be making the trip from Strawberry Hill to Sheffield Park?

I'm afraid I highly doubt it.

I have reason to believe there is more excitement to be had, though.....

 

[Ted633]

A driving car of 1753 (4CIG) was spotted yesterday heading in the general direction of the Bluebell (anti-clockwise M25 at J8). Obviously won’t be running during the gala, but is there a possibility it will be on display?
Obviously this is pure guesswork, however 1753 was in their plans at one point and I can’t seem to find out where it has actually gone! Probably putting 2 & 2 together and getting 7.

 

[UP13]

A driving car of 1753 (4CIG) was spotted yesterday heading in the general direction of the Bluebell (anti-clockwise M25 at J8). Obviously won’t be running during the gala, but is there a possibility it will be on display?
Obviously this is pure guesswork, however 1753 was in their plans at one point and I can’t seem to find out where it has actually gone! Probably putting 2 & 2 together and getting 7.

My original thoughts were that the 4cig would be unveiled as operable coaching stock at the gala as it was both the prominent part of the poster and the Friends of NSE were mentioned as partners for the gala.

However since then the 4cig was replaced with the 50 on the poster and there is now no mention of the Friends of NSE on the website. I assumed something happened between the Friends and the Bluebell, which might explain the backpedalling on the NSE theme.

Entirely speculation and I'm almost certainly wrong.

 

[Rail_Sussex]

I sorry if I’ve missed it but will the EPB Group be taking there MLV?

 

[158760]

There’s been an announcement posted to the Bluebell Diesel Gala website page.

Class 201 ‘Hastings Unit’ DEMU No. 1001​

The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome the return of a 4-car Class 201 ‘Hastings Unit’ No. 1001 to the 2026 Diesel Gala, marking the 40th anniversary of the withdrawal of these distinctive units from regular service on the Hastings Line in 1986.

Built in the late 1950s for the former Southern Region, the Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) were specially designed to operate over the restricted loading gauge of the Tonbridge to Hastings route. Their unique narrow-bodied construction made them instantly recognisable, and they became a much-loved part of everyday life in Kent and Sussex for nearly three decades.

Following their withdrawal from British Rail service in 1986, No. 1001 was preserved with a number of other associated vehicles and driving trailers and has since been meticulously maintained by Hastings Diesels Limited, ensuring that this important part of Southern Region railway history continues to be enjoyed by future generations.

Visitors to the 2026 Diesel Gala will once again have the opportunity to experience this iconic unit in operation, providing a fitting tribute to one of the South East’s most distinctive diesel fleets.

The Bluebell Railway would like to express its sincere thanks to Hastings Diesels Limited for their continued support and generosity in allowing a 4-car Hastings Unit set to visit and take part in the 2026 Diesel Gala. We are delighted to welcome both the unit and its dedicated owners back to the railway.

 

[Rail_Sussex]

There’s been an announcement posted to the Bluebell Diesel Gala website page.

View attachment 208481

Class 201 ‘Hastings Unit’ DEMU No. 1001​

The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome the return of a 4-car Class 201 ‘Hastings Unit’ No. 1001 to the 2026 Diesel Gala, marking the 40th anniversary of the withdrawal of these distinctive units from regular service on the Hastings Line in 1986.

Built in the late 1950s for the former Southern Region, the Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) were specially designed to operate over the restricted loading gauge of the Tonbridge to Hastings route. Their unique narrow-bodied construction made them instantly recognisable, and they became a much-loved part of everyday life in Kent and Sussex for nearly three decades.

Following their withdrawal from British Rail service in 1986, No. 1001 was preserved with a number of other associated vehicles and driving trailers and has since been meticulously maintained by Hastings Diesels Limited, ensuring that this important part of Southern Region railway history continues to be enjoyed by future generations.

Visitors to the 2026 Diesel Gala will once again have the opportunity to experience this iconic unit in operation, providing a fitting tribute to one of the South East’s most distinctive diesel fleets.

The Bluebell Railway would like to express its sincere thanks to Hastings Diesels Limited for their continued support and generosity in allowing a 4-car Hastings Unit set to visit and take part in the 2026 Diesel Gala. We are delighted to welcome both the unit and its dedicated owners back to the railway.

This is great news!
Would anyone know if there’s a paid tour to East Grinstead or pay on the day tour for 1001?

 

[158760]

This is great news!
Would anyone know if there’s a paid tour to East Grinstead or pay on the day tour for 1001?

It’s currently due to arrive at the railway on Wednesday 19th August, with timings to be confirmed. I don’t have any info for the return journey yet, or if there will be a tour available to/from the railway.

 

[Rail_Sussex]

It’s currently due to arrive at the railway on Wednesday 19th August, with timings to be confirmed. I don’t have any info for the return journey yet, or if there will be a tour available to/from the railway.

Thank you for the update so far, I’ll keep an eye out.

 

[SECR 65]

1001 may operate on other services - but I currently am not aware of any planned operation before the gala. I would hope Bluebell diesel crews would retain some degree of competency as it was used extensively in 2025.

 

[Rail_Sussex]

1001 may operate on other services - but I currently am not aware of any planned operation before the gala. I would hope Bluebell diesel crews would retain some degree of competency as it was used extensively in 2025.

Will it get announced on the bluebell railway website if it’s being used?

 

[SECR 65]

Will it get announced on the bluebell railway website if it’s being used?

I hope so - probably on Facebook.

I am prepared to release days of use for 1001 on here a few days ahead of operation. Let me know if you have any questions and I will answer as best as I feel able.

 

[Rail_Sussex]

I hope so - probably on Facebook.

I am prepared to release days of use for 1001 on here a few days ahead of operation. Let me know if you have any questions and I will answer as best as I feel able.

That would be great, thanks

 

[fgwrich]

1001 may operate on other services - but I currently am not aware of any planned operation before the gala. I would hope Bluebell diesel crews would retain some degree of competency as it was used extensively in 2025.

I hope it does, I rather enjoyed a few days visiting last year for 1001!

 

[158760]

Don’t quote me on this, but if it does run I think it’ll need someone from HDL to be there as a rep - I believe all the drivers competencies on that traction would have lapsed by now.

 

[JacobB2004]

Does anybody know what has happened? I've noticed that the image of the 4CIG has disappeared from the official poster (now its the class 50) and that there seems to be no mention of Friends of Network SouthEast anymore.

Spoke to NSE Friends this evening, and they will still be there with their stand at Horsted Keynes as advertised!

 

[SECR 65]

Don’t quote me on this, but if it does run I think it’ll need someone from HDL to be there as a rep - I believe all the drivers competencies on that traction would have lapsed by now.

I imagine that if the railway plan to use it lots then crews would be retrained. From last year it was definitely running with an all-Bluebell crew. However, at present it seems unlikely to recieve extensive use, and therefore they may not bother crew training.

THAT SAID..... Last night the Bluebell announced a steam ban, and diesel traction is certainly thin on the ground......

 

[JacobB2004]

I imagine that if the railway plan to use it lots then crews would be retrained. From last year it was definitely running with an all-Bluebell crew. However, at present it seems unlikely to recieve extensive use, and therefore they may not bother crew training.

THAT SAID..... Last night the Bluebell announced a steam ban, and diesel traction is certainly thin on the ground......

 

[fgwrich]

I imagine that if the railway plan to use it lots then crews would be retrained. From last year it was definitely running with an all-Bluebell crew. However, at present it seems unlikely to recieve extensive use, and therefore they may not bother crew training.

THAT SAID..... Last night the Bluebell announced a steam ban, and diesel traction is certainly thin on the ground......

They do have a small choice of Diesel locos - their resident 09, on holiday 33108 and the resident 73. I wonder if 1001 will arrive earlier now though with the steam ban in place and with no tours booked until late September, that would allow more flexibility and allow them to advertise something special for the summer.

 

[JacobB2004]

I wonder if Chris Green, the founding Managing Director of NSE, will be attending any of the gala days.

As he is now President of The Bluebell Railway Preservation Society!

 

[158760]

They do have a small choice of Diesel locos - their resident 09, on holiday 33108 and the resident 73. I wonder if 1001 will arrive earlier now though with the steam ban in place and with no tours booked until late September, that would allow more flexibility and allow them to advertise something special for the summer.

The 09 failed last August, and hasn’t been running since. It still needs some work doing, which the group is raising money for.

 

[Ted633]

EPB Preservation Society 2EPB and MLV x 2 announced as attending.

 

[UP13]

EPB Preservation Society 2EPB and MLV x 2 announced as attending.

I've always wanted to go on those. What a fantastic lineup!

 

[Sun Chariot]

EPB Preservation Society 2EPB and MLV x 2 announced as attending.

A recreation of 29-Dec 1991's seminal "The Emerald Water Witch" - EPB 5001 was hauled by MLVs 9001 + 9002 to the farthest extremity of Folkesstone Harbour's old pier.

 

[frankmoh]

EPB Preservation Society 2EPB and MLV x 2 announced as attending.

Not doubting you in the slightest, but do you have a source? The website has not been updated to reflect it yet.

I think the EPB attending has tipped me over into wanting to go now!