Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala 2024

[trainmania100]

Happening 6th to 8th September 2024

Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala 2024- First Visiting Locomotive!

A double dose of news for you this morning: we will see the return of our Diesel Gala at the railway in 2024, taking place between the 6th to 8th of September.

Also, we can announce that Class 20 No. D8188 is our first visiting locomotive for the gala! We must extend our thanks to the Somerset & Dorset Locomotive Ltd and The Watercress Line for allowing this loco to take part in our event.

Look out for further details and other guest announcements in due course!

Diesel Gala - The Bluebell Railway in Sussex

www.bluebell-railway.com

We already have a bluebell railway thread but with announcements imminent for other visiting locomotives let's separate this out.

 

[Thornaby 37]

Seems a bit strange having it on a weekend when there are diesel events at the Great Central and Nene Valley railways

 

[ExRes]

Seems a bit strange having it on a weekend when there are diesel events at the Great Central and Nene Valley railways

The other two are 170 and 140 miles away from the Bluebell so I wouldn't think it likely that they'll be fighting each other for the same visitors, these events take a long time to organise and, with a limited number of weekends to hold them, clashes are inevitable, with established groups like these I'd reckon they've all done their homework

 

[williamn]

As seems usual for Heritage Railways, despite it having a mainline connection it put a lot of effort into achieving there is zero mention of it on the gala page, just a section on parking.

 

[ExRes]

As seems usual for Heritage Railways, despite it having a mainline connection it put a lot of effort into achieving there is zero mention of it on the gala page, just a section on parking.

Are you referring to the Bluebell? if so I'd have another look at their website

 

[alexl92]

The other two are 170 and 140 miles away from the Bluebell so I wouldn't think it likely that they'll be fighting each other for the same visitors, these events take a long time to organise and, with a limited number of weekends to hold them, clashes are inevitable, with established groups like these I'd reckon they've all done their homework

True, but I'd argue Great Central could be a threat, being as it is, fairly central - enthusiasts who are in that band between will have a choice to make. Could also restrict the number of potential visiting locos if 3 different railways are all looking for guests for the same few days.

 

[williamn]

T

Are you referring to the Bluebell? if so I'd have another look at their website

The gala page just has a list of car parking options, no mention of anything else.

 

[50002Superb]

Took me about twenty seconds to find the right page: https://www.bluebell-railway.com/how-to-get-here/

 

[satisnek]

True, but I'd argue Great Central could be a threat, being as it is, fairly central - enthusiasts who are in that band between will have a choice to make.

It's tempting - I'd like to go to the Bluebell again although I'll have to see the timetable first. The last diesel gala I went to down there had a long gap between services to East Grinstead prior to the train which missed my necessary connection to London by a few minutes! But I can't help feeling that the GCR's gonna win

 

[trainmania100]

Class 14: D9551 has just been announced as a second visitor.

 

[fgwrich]

33111 announced as the third visitor. Looking forward to that one!

 

[ExRes]

D6851 joins the visitors list

 

[trainmania100]

That's going to sound impressive going up freshfield bank. A winner for me.

 

[31160]

Its all gone quiet on the possibility of a 69 attending, mention of it has been taken off the bls site

 

[Fincra5]

Its all gone quiet on the possibility of a 69 attending, mention of it has been taken off the bls site

I believe the BLS trip was for the Beer Festival not The Diesel Gala

 

[31160]

I believe the BLS trip was for the Beer Festival not The Diesel Gala

Nope it was listed on the gala gen page for the 6-8th September but now its gone

 

[JonathanH]

Nope it was listed on the gala gen page for the 6-8th September but now its gone

It was mentioned on a wnxx forum post as having been a misunderstanding.

 

[31160]

It was mentioned on a wnxx forum post as having been a misunderstanding.

Arh fair enough,that will make the decision to attend a very easy one there are Other things to do that weekend and a required 69 at the bluebell would have been a pain

 

[ExRes]

4 VEP 423417 is the latest visitor to be announced

 

[trainmania100]

Two paths in via Strawberry Hill to collect Gordon. Thursday 5th. Generously timed during daylight obviously will attract great attention.

Trains at Strawberry Hill C.S.D. on 05/09/2024 | Rail Record

Live Train Times for Strawberry Hill C.S.D. - Search passenger and freight services at Strawberry Hill C.S.D.

live.rail-record.co.uk

 

[Fincra5]

It's tempting - I'd like to go to the Bluebell again although I'll have to see the timetable first. The last diesel gala I went to down there had a long gap between services to East Grinstead prior to the train which missed my necessary connection to London by a few minutes! But I can't help feeling that the GCR's gonna win

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/diesel-gala/

Their Timetable is out now.

 

[satisnek]

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/special/diesel-gala/

Their Timetable is out now.

Thanks for this, but the GCR is definite now!

 

[87electric]

In what capacity will E6040 be taking part? Such ambiguity on the website about it.

 

[Fincra5]

Guess its not maybe 100% available so don't want to promise it and it not turn a wheel?

 

[LUYMun]

I'm told by a volunteer on the BR that E6040 has not yet been fixed since its last Diesel Gala event. It was initially hoped it would be up and running at the time of announcement but now it seems not to be the case.

 

[4SubAsociation]

The 4SUB Association stand will be there on Saturday and Sunday (not Friday). We will be at Horsted Keynes platform 1.

 

[Minstral25]

I'm told by a volunteer on the BR that E6040 has not yet been fixed since its last Diesel Gala event. It was initially hoped it would be up and running at the time of announcement but now it seems not to be the case.

Website says its not listed on service trains but will still take part in the Gala.

Can confirm it is able to run as I saw it moving around Sheffield Park recently when down on the Bluebell.

 

[LUYMun]

Associated VEP moves now on RTT, I think it looks like the 37 will collect it?

Realtime Trains | 0Z94 0854 Crewe H.S. to Strawberry Hill C.S.D. | 05/09/2024

Real-time train running information for 0Z94 0854 departure from Crewe H.S. to Strawberry Hill C.S.D. on 05/09/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z94 1500 Strawberry Hill C.S.D. to East Grinstead Sidings | 05/09/2024

Real-time train running information for 5Z94 1500 departure from Strawberry Hill C.S.D. to East Grinstead Sidings on 05/09/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Sep 2024 ==

05/09: 0Z94 has been cancelled, a VSTP move from Southall is in place instead: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:05284/2024-09-05/detailed

 

[pc3087L]

I see 5Z94 is now showing cancelled as well. Is there an alternative yet? Or does this mean the 4-VEP might not make the gala?

 

[LUYMun]

5Z94 reinstated. 4VEP group also livestreaming their journey on YouTube for the passengers' perspective: https://www.youtube.com/live/YE3U9JPCzaA