Bluebell Railway Hired in Class 33103 Swordfish

[60163tornado]

They have hired this to help with the northern extension completion. They have tried to keep the diesel appropriate as they have chosen two southern diesels over the years, a class 73 and now a 33.

What more could you ask for!

 

[455driver]

some passenger runs with it!

Oh hang on its a "steam" railway isnt it! :roll:

 

[sidmouth]

I'm now waiting for the diesel gala...

 

[theblackwatch]

Well you can have a pair of 73s on the line on March 28th...

 

[fgwrich]

Well, hopefully the Bluebell can be persuaded to run a few services with the 33 - Hopefully 'Bagpiped' up to 3417 to make a proper Southern combination. Afterall, they seem to own this VEP, so it's about time they did something with it - and what a way that would be to do aswell?!

 

[60163tornado]

they seem to own this VEP, so it's about time they did something with it - and what a way that would be to do aswell?!

They have done something with it, they use it quite regularly on East Grinstead open days to go across the viaduct to the tip.

 

[trc666]

Isn't the VEP still sitting in Clapham Yard? I'm pretty sure it was when I passed there a few days ago.

 

[fgwrich]

Isn't the VEP still sitting in Clapham Yard? I'm pretty sure it was when I passed there a few days ago.

They have done something with it, they use it quite regularly on East Grinstead open days to go across the viaduct to the tip.

Yes, but properly. They way the Bluebell has treated that thing is pretty bad, only using it for a few days of the year and only between East Grinsted and the viaduct. Apart from that, it's storage has been pretty appalling, having either left it in East Grinsted or on top of the viaduct (for a short while) - Is it any wonder why the interior has started to rot! Fortunately, it's now in the care of a group of SWT Staff and now spends it's time between Wimbledon and Clapham sheds - It was even used last year to shunt a steamer on the Wheel lathe as well.

Hopefully, now that the times are changing - and by the way things are going (with the two former Cheart Leacon / Brighton VOPs about to move up to Barrow Hill for cutting up) of Southern Region EMUs, and that a Southern Region 'Bag Pipe' fitted 33/1 has turned up on the line, they might at last consider doing a few drags with the VEP. Afterall, it's the Southern Region - and Aspic can't last forever.

 

[RichmondCommu]

some passenger runs with it!

Oh hang on its a "steam" railway isnt it! :roll:

Yes it is, and by sticking to it's principles it's done very well for itself. Families want to see steam engines and its families that allow the Bluebell to thrive.