Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala 2025

[fgwrich]

The lineup for this year’s Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala is shaping up to be another good one, with further announcements on the horizon.

This years gala takes place between the 5th to the 7ths of September 2025 with the following mix of visitors and home fleet announced so far;

Home Fleet;

E6040 ‘The Bluebell Railway’​

DEMU 1305*​

Visiting;

Class 33/1 No.33108​

4-VEP 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’​

Class 201 ‘Thumper’ DEMU 1001​

Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’​

Class 47 No. 47715​

*subject to its ongoing restoration

Further info can be found here. The attached photos are of the locos announced above.

Diesel Gala - The Bluebell Railway in Sussex

www.bluebell-railway.com

 

[UP13]

Am planning on going to this with my son. Really want a ride on 3417.

 

[158760]

The lineup for this year’s Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala is shaping up to be another good one, with further announcements on the horizon.

This years gala takes place between the 5th to the 7ths of September 2025 with the following mix of visitors and home fleet announced so far;

Home Fleet;

E6040 ‘The Bluebell Railway’​

DEMU 1305*​

Visiting;

Class 33/1 No.33108​

4-VEP 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’​

Class 201 ‘Thumper’ DEMU 1001​

Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’​

Class 47 No. 47715​

*subject to its ongoing restoration

Further info can be found here. The attached photos are of the locos announced above.

Diesel Gala - The Bluebell Railway in Sussex

www.bluebell-railway.com

I’m really looking forward to this one - so far two southern units in operation, with more guests to be announced! What a dramatic change from 2018, where there were only 3 visiting engines, with the sole homefleet engine (D4106) being on brake van rides until the 45 and 46 both failed. I remember that one turning from a diesel gala into a steam day!

Just a couple of bits to add. Firstly, 1305 is on static display, not operational as the website seems to imply for some reason. The Thumper Gang are doing a cracking job on the restoration, but so much more needs to be done. It will not be operational for the gala. However, they can usually be found with a fundraising stall on Platforms 1/2 at Horsted Keynes, and assuming the crossing has been put back down for the gala you can walk across to visit them from the north end of Platform 1.

The 09 (D4106) will also be in operation in some capacity, but what has not been publically confirmed yet.

 

[fgwrich]

Am planning on going to this with my son. Really want a ride on 3417.

It’s worth it! The 4Vep + 33111 combination last year was worth it alone!

I’m really looking forward to this one - so far two southern units in operation, with more guests to be announced! What a dramatic change from 2018, where there were only 3 visiting engines, with the sole homefleet engine (D4106) being on brake van rides until the 45 and 46 both failed. I remember that one turning from a diesel gala into a steam day!

Just a couple of bits to add. Firstly, 1305 is on static display, not operational as the website seems to imply for some reason. The Thumper Gang are doing a cracking job on the restoration, but so much more needs to be done. It will not be operational for the gala. However, they can usually be found with a fundraising stall on Platforms 1/2 at Horsted Keynes, and assuming the crossing has been put back down for the gala you can walk across to visit them from the north end of Platform 1.

The 09 (D4106) will also be in operation in some capacity, but what has not been publically confirmed yet.

Cheers, I thought as much for 1305. The team behind it are doing a fantastic job, especially considering their location, and I did feel completing the restoration before September 25 would be quite a stretch for them. Even since my last visit at last years gala, the progress has been commendable and I wish them all the best with it (and I’m looking forward to another visit in September!).

Ps, here are a couple of photos from last year’s gala of 33111 & 3417 at East Grinstead and Horsted Keynes.

 

[158760]

Cheers, I thought as much for 1305. The team behind it are doing a fantastic job, especially considering their location, and I did feel completing the restoration before September 25 would be quite a stretch for them. Even since my last visit at last years gala, the progress has been commendable and I wish them all the best with it (and I’m looking forward to another visit in September!).

Ps, here are a couple of photos from last year’s gala of 33111 & 3417 at East Grinstead and Horsted Keynes.

Love the photos, particularly the shots at East Grinstead - it feels right at home. 33108 will be doing the honours of push pull working this year, and hopefully 73133 (E6040) will do too if the 27 way system testing has proved successful.

 

[fgwrich]

Love the photos, particularly the shots at East Grinstead - it feels right at home. 33108 will be doing the honours of push pull working this year, and hopefully 73133 (E6040) will do too if the 27 way system testing has proved successful.

Thanks! A small part of me rather wishes that 3417 could have a summer holiday and do some more push-pull runs throughout the summer prior to the September gala. And that, as much as I’m looking forward to 052s long recovery, a 33/1 could become resident in the future.

Either way, roll on September.

 

[158760]

The lineup for this year’s Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala is shaping up to be another good one, with further announcements on the horizon.

This years gala takes place between the 5th to the 7ths of September 2025 with the following mix of visitors and home fleet announced so far;

Home Fleet;

E6040 ‘The Bluebell Railway’​

DEMU 1305*​

Visiting;

Class 33/1 No.33108​

4-VEP 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’​

Class 201 ‘Thumper’ DEMU 1001​

Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’​

Class 47 No. 47715​

*subject to its ongoing restoration

Further info can be found here. The attached photos are of the locos announced above.

Diesel Gala - The Bluebell Railway in Sussex

www.bluebell-railway.com

Class 25 25262 has joined the already cracking lineup, courtesy of the South Devon Diesel Traction Group!



HOME FLEET:
Class 09 - D4106
Class 73 - E6040 ‘The Bluebell Railway’

VISITING:
Class 25 - 25262
Class 33 - 33108
Class 47 - 47715
Class 50 - 50008 ‘Thunderer’

Class 201/Hastings Thumper - 1001
Class 423/VEP - 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’

STATIC DISPLAY:
Class 207 - 1305 ‘Brighton Royal Pavilion’

The Bluebell 33 (D6570/33052) will be around, usually in the running shed but if not in the washout/maintenance shed.

The timetable for the event has been completed and will be available soon subject to loco change.

In the meantime, advance tickets are now on sale on the Bluebell Website. There was a minor increase in all ticket prices at the start of this year but this is in line with current inflation rates.

Adult One Day: £38.50
Child One Day: £19.25
Family (2+3) One Day: £105.50
Adult Two Day: £67.00
Child Two Day: £33.50
Adult Three Day: £90.50
Child Three Day: £45.25

 

[trainmania100]

Off topic but 66710 will be running trains 26th 27th. Not sure how with the 66 as a 73 will also be required I think to couple the consist?

Source is Facebook and can be seen attached

 

[JonathanH]

Off topic but 66710 will be running trains 26th 27th. Not sure how with the 66 as a 73 will also be required I think to couple the consist?

33108 is there isn't it?

The information posted by the railway says that a 33 is doing the translation.
https://www.bluebell-railway.com/12158-2/

Class 66 No 66710 to Operate at the Bluebell Railway​

Heavy Freight Loco Visits Bluebell for Railway 200

We’re delighted to announce that Class 66 locomotive 66710 will be hauling passenger trains at the Bluebell Railway on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July. These trains will be in addition to our normal steam-hauled service.

The Class 66 will run in conjunction with a Class 33 locomotive to allow our vacuum-braked carriages to work with this air-braked locomotive.

 

[158760]

Off topic but 66710 will be running trains 26th 27th. Not sure how with the 66 as a 73 will also be required I think to couple the consist?

Source is Facebook and can be seen attached

33108 is running as a translator loco with 66710. Set is C+C Mk1s.

 

[ExRes]

Just about saw the 66 passing over the viaduct towards East Grinstead, certainly not the 33 translating today, I'd bet my dogs favourite toy it was the 73

 

[jbqfc]

Just about saw the 66 passing over the viaduct towards East Grinstead, certainly not the 33 translating today, I'd bet my dogs favourite toy it was the 73

Yes it was the 73

 

[fgwrich]

Just about saw the 66 passing over the viaduct towards East Grinstead, certainly not the 33 translating today, I'd bet my dogs favourite toy it was the 73

Indeed it was, with 33108 running on other services. The Bluebell has had a few running days with 108 over the last week and there’s a couple this week I believe.

Unfortunately for me, much as I’d like to be at one, I’ve been struck down with Covid so will have to wait for further running dates or the Gala.

 

[158760]

Just about saw the 66 passing over the viaduct towards East Grinstead, certainly not the 33 translating today, I'd bet my dogs favourite toy it was the 73

The STN was only released on Friday morning - the website said the 33 and the WTT said 33+73 so I had a guess! The 73 did both days in the end.

Indeed it was, with 33108 running on other services. The Bluebell has had a few running days with 108 over the last week and there’s a couple this week I believe.

Unfortunately for me, much as I’d like to be at one, I’ve been struck down with Covid so will have to wait for further running dates or the Gala.

Yes - it’s been running the early/late East Grinstead trains and the East Grinstead shuttles for Rail 200. Not running during the weekend so the dining services could run.

 

[Ted633]

Path in for 3417 transport to the Bluebell tomorrow

Realtime Trains | 5L50 1355 Strawberry Hill C.S.D. to East Grinstead | 03/09/2025

Real-time train running information for 5L50 1355 departure from Strawberry Hill C.S.D. to East Grinstead on 03/09/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[158760]

Path in for 3417 transport to the Bluebell tomorrow

Realtime Trains | 5L50 1355 Strawberry Hill C.S.D. to East Grinstead | 03/09/2025

Real-time train running information for 5L50 1355 departure from Strawberry Hill C.S.D. to East Grinstead on 03/09/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

It’s due to arrive in the siding at 4:02pm, then as follows:
Kingscote arr 4:20
Kingscote dep 4:23
Horsted Keynes pass 4/40
Sheffield Park arr 4:55

Formation is booked to be 50008+47715+3417.

 

[ExRes]

It’s due to arrive in the siding at 4:02pm, then as follows:
Kingscote arr 4:20
Kingscote dep 4:23
Horsted Keynes pass 4/40
Sheffield Park arr 4:55

Formation is booked to be 50008+47715+3417.

Saw, and heard, it passing over the viaduct about 1610, nice change from hissing kettles, but that livery on the 47 .........

 

[158760]

Saw, and heard, it passing over the viaduct about 1610, nice change from hissing kettles, but that livery on the 47 .........

It’s definitely been controversial! I personally see no issue with representing eras other than BR, but it will certainly look a little strange at the head of green Mk1s!

A note for anyone visiting - the timetable has had a last minute amendment, and there have been some platform alterations at Horsted Keynes. Platform 1 will not be in use for the gala as planned, so services that terminate at Horsted Keynes have had some changes. This will mostly affect the services operated by 33108 & the VEP, which will now run out of Platforms 4&5. The Hastings Thumper will also start and end the day in Platforms 4&5.

33108 will be on the south end, so the VEP will be leading north.

 

[UP13]

My 8 year old son and I will be going on Saturday. We are both looking forward to riding on thr 4VEP and Thumper.

Would personally prefer to see 47715 in NSE livery as that is the livery I grew up with, so obviously it is the best. However I accept that the early Virgin livery will evoke equally strong feelings and nostalgia from a different generation.

Either way looking forward to a good day out.

 

[ExRes]

50008, 47715 & 3417 scheduled to depart as Mondays 1755 5K50 East Grinstead to Strawberry Hill CSD

 

[158760]

The VEP is also due to run a couple of trips on Monday with 33108 as part of Gordon Pettitt’s memorial service.

On Tuesday unit 1001 will be running a one way tour to Hastings. Timings are available on the link, and tickets will be available on the day on a first come, first served basis.

 

[UP13]

Had a wonderful time with my son earlier today. Had to leave at 3ish as he was getting tired but we were both very satisfied with our experience.

Can both tick off the VEP, Hastings Unit and the class 25.

First time on a slam door EMU in at least 21 years. I was hit by a wave if nostalgia that the older generation get when they go on a steam train for the first time in decades. The network southeast moquette in both the multiple units really made my day.

Might try and see Gordon Pettit on her return to Strawberry Hill.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

It was a good day. Had 2 rides on 1001 and 3417. Hanson 50.008 disgraced itself and ended up in Kingscote siding. Will try and upload some pics tomorrow. Gordon really looked splendid but all the locos and 1001 were immaculately turned out; credit to their owners

 

[UP13]

50.008 disgraced itself and ended up in Kingscote siding.

How so?

 

[158760]

How so?

South end cab wasn’t working.

Luckily because the 73 was there as a translator the 73 just carried on with the set all the way back to Sheffield Park, so there wasn’t much delay - I think the service actually arrived 5 minutes early!

The 73 went up to retrieve the 50 from Kingscote Siding an hour or two ago, so hopefully they can look at fixing the problem for tomorrow.

 

[Jan Mayen]

Anyone know why platform 1 at Horsted Keynes isn't being used?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

I'm sure there were operational reasons + /- less wear on points etc but it didn't seem to pose a problem c the timetable

 

[UP13]

South end cab wasn’t working.

Luckily because the 73 was there as a translator the 73 just carried on with the set all the way back to Sheffield Park, so there wasn’t much delay - I think the service actually arrived 5 minutes early!

The 73 went up to retrieve the 50 from Kingscote Siding an hour or two ago, so hopefully they can look at fixing the problem for tomorrow.

Out of interest, how many carriages can the 73 reliably pull on its own? I'm under the impression it is not as powerful as other diesels.

 

[158760]

Out of interest, how many carriages can the 73 reliably pull on its own? I'm under the impression it is not as powerful as other diesels.

The owning group say it can do 4 Mk1s (135-145 tons) and keep time, but it seemed to handle 6 Mk1s (220 tons for that set) with ease. Admittedly that was mostly downhill with a couple of shallow uphill gradients.

Anyone know why platform 1 at Horsted Keynes isn't being used?

Not actually sure, but probably some work still needs doing. It was planned to be used, but was changed on Wednesday.

I'm sure there were operational reasons + /- less wear on points etc but it didn't seem to pose a problem c the timetable

Platforms 4/5 weren’t planned to have any services so the trains due to use Platform 1 were just altered to use 4/5 instead.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Out of interest, how many carriages can the 73 reliably pull on its own? I'm under the impression it is not as powerful as other diesels.

I think it pulled about 5-6 carriages but I didn't actually count them. Very spirited run to Sheffield Park: the JB had no problems although much of it was downhill