I remember seeing videos of last year's event and thought wish l'd gone especially to ride on the Hastings unit so very very tempted to go this year to end my gala's for the year. So glad it's making an appearance again this year especially as it's the blue/grey one. Plenty of thrash to be had by the sounds of it, one way at least, and beautiful countryside to boot.
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Bluebell Railway NSE Diesel Gala 4-6 September 2026
- Thread starter trainmania100
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Class 31210 has been announced as the second to last visitor for the gala, with one more announcement coming soon…
Apologies for the delay in the timetable coming out, it should be out towards the middle of next week (don’t quote me on that though!).
Apologies for the delay in the timetable coming out, it should be out towards the middle of next week (don’t quote me on that though!).
ExRes
Established Member
Biggest question for me still is just how are the 31s going to make it to the Bluebell? unless the DCR 60 is going to collect and deliver them then surely it's going to be down to the 'one more announcement' guest
TheLancsNinja
Member
It's a shame I can't make this gala, but I think Bluebell must be applauded for pulling together such a collection - shaping up to be a fantastic gala and a great effort on the diesel front for a railway that is mostly famed for steam!
HertiageFan
Member
It says ‘Special thanks to Hanson and Hall Rail solutions’, so maybe 50008 if it is fixed by then
SECR 65
Member
It is possible that a locomotive would be used to haul others to the railway and then remain on static display during the gala.
43096
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HertiageFan
Member
Yes that is likely50008 fixed by then?!
More likely 47701.
Flange Squeal
Established Member
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I’d imagine the visiting locos will come with their own crews with Bluebell drivers route conducting, rather than needing Bluebell to provide drivers for each one.
ExRes
Established Member
Went back up there on 17th July, I assume the NYMR have a current no steam policy?
Considering 128 was in effect, banned from performing at the Mid Hants Gala (H+H considered it too fragile apparently) I doubt they’d let it roam free for a weekend on the Bluebell.
SECR 65
Member
This is a slight side topic, but, to my knowledge, for the most part, the NYMR have not had a steam ban, but simply no operational steam locomotive to run. For a week or so they did say they wouldn't run steam, but fire risk wasn't the real reason earlier in August as far as I'm aware.
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Regarding driving of diesels at the Bluebell, as mentioned, every locomotive will have a Bluebell driver and secondman. There will also be an owners' representative. It may be that both the Bluebell driver and the owner' rep get the chance to drive, but obviously, both must be present, and they must collaborate.
There are some cases though - maybe 73128 - where an owner's rep may not be neccecary, given the Bluebell aalready have a resident class 73.
33108 will not require an owners rep, and the same I think applies to 1001, as these have both been at the Bluebell a while now so many Bluebell diesel drivers are passed on them.
ExRes
Established Member
Interesting coincidence that after returning the 4VEP and 31210 to their respective homes 31128 went off hire from H&H
SECR 65
Member
The final guest has been announced, which will be static:
Facebook
www.facebook.com
I'm not sure where it will be on display - perhaps at Sheffield Park in the Wealden Rambler Dock? I understand that all four Horsted Keynes platforms will be in use throughout the weekend.
All being well, the timetable should be released in the next day or so. Those involved are doing their best, although things keep having to be changed!
www.facebook.com
STOP PRESS! The Last Guest For The 2026 Diesel Gala!
We’re delighted to announce that DTC 76048 from British Rail Class 421 4-CIG No. 1753 is the final guest to be announced for our 2026 Diesel Gala!
The driving trailer will be on display throughout the weekend, bringing a fascinating piece of Southern Region and Network SouthEast history to the gala.
Built in 1964–65, 4-CIG units became a familiar sight across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and into London. No. 1753 is now recognised as the only complete and original preserved Phase 1 4-CIG unit, and is currently undergoing an ambitious restoration.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to get up close to a survivor from the electric railway that carried generations of passengers across the South in the form of DTC 76048.
Our thanks go to Neil Bird and the Network SouthEast Railway Friends (NSERSL) for making this unique piece of railway history available for visitors to see.
With an intensive weekend of heritage diesel traction, Network SouthEast displays, and now our final guest visitor, there’s plenty to see and do!
Plan your visit and book your tickets: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/diesel-gala/
#BluebellRailway #DieselGala #DieselGala2026 #Class421 #4CIG #1753 #NetworkSouthEast #SouthernRegion #RailwayHeritage
I'm not sure where it will be on display - perhaps at Sheffield Park in the Wealden Rambler Dock? I understand that all four Horsted Keynes platforms will be in use throughout the weekend.
All being well, the timetable should be released in the next day or so. Those involved are doing their best, although things keep having to be changed!
ExRes
Established Member
The final guest has been announced, which will be static:
I'm not sure where it will be on display - perhaps at Sheffield Park in the Wealden Rambler Dock? I understand that all four Horsted Keynes platforms will be in use throughout the weekend.
All being well, the timetable should be released in the next day or so. Those involved are doing their best, although things keep having to be changed!
Surprised it's the final guest though, I'm still interested in how the 31s are going to get here
43096
On Moderation
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It's a diesel gala. While the line-up now looks reasonable, the Bluebell have been rather deceptive with the bigging up of certain items - and a single CIG coach is in that category. Not a good look IMHO.The final guest has been announced, which will be static:
I'm not sure where it will be on display - perhaps at Sheffield Park in the Wealden Rambler Dock? I understand that all four Horsted Keynes platforms will be in use throughout the weekend.
All being well, the timetable should be released in the next day or so. Those involved are doing their best, although things keep having to be changed!
SECR 65
Member
Which of the other visitors are Mainline registered? And where is each trying to come from?
In previous years a single visitor has been round the country to collect all the others in convoy.
I can back up the social media post which suggests there are no more visitors to come - but what a lineup we have! This gala is going to be epic.
The timetable is now available on the website.
Last edited:
SECR 65
Member
Finally we have a timetable! Phew! Those who were involved will tell you it wasn't a quick job! Doesn't it look stunning with the NSE colour scheme 
UP13
Member
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- 27 Jul 2018
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- 509
Looks incredible!
That is one fabulous timetable! I’ve printed two copies of it, one to carry around next weekend and a much higher quality professional print which is to be framed. It’s a really clever, award-worthy design which enabled me to time travel back to when I was young, ok younger!
SECR 65
Member
That's very kind of you.
Know that someone who will really appreciate those words is watching this thread.
I hope you enjoy the gala!
SECR 65
Member
Yes, there is a foot crossing at the north end of the station.
To be clear to all, you must not cross the track anywhere on the Bluebell Railway unless accompanied by a member of staff (or in possession of a valid Bluebell PTS).
(I know you mentioned the need to ask staff in your post - I just feel obliged to make it clear to anyone reading this thread that you must be accompanied)
In terms of Kingscote, you will be able to cross (roughly) with the following restrictions:
- The station will be staffed from roughly 0900-1800 each day - so you can't cross outside of those times.
- You will be unable to cross when an up train (towards East Grinstead) formed of set A or set B is in the platform (potentially fouling the crossing)
- You will be unable to cross when there is a train within five minutes of the station in section.
- Staff may be otherwise occupied when trains are at the station.
All comments in this post are my own personal view and with my own experience of visiting the Bluebell Railway. These comments have no resemblance to the offical stance of the Bluebell Railway.
Rail_Sussex
Member
Has the CIG coach already arrived?
Would anyone know when the EPB is due to arrive at the BB as there’s no paths online yet?
Would anyone know when the EPB is due to arrive at the BB as there’s no paths online yet?
SECR 65
Member
I am at the railway tomorrow so will have a look at what stock is and is not already there.
I know very little about the arrival of locos and stock. I have to assume much of it will arrive by road.
Rail_Sussex
Member
Thank you, that’s very kind.
