Bluebell Railway Speed restrictions

[Why]

A very enjoyable day was spent on Sunday for the Bluebells diesel gala.

I noticed that there was 3/4 speed restrictions on the route, all seemed to be due to possible subsidence / movement of embankment with measuring devices on said embankment.

Wonder if anyone could share more light on the situation, imaging could be a very costly exercise in worse case scenario.

Cheers

 

[158760]

A very enjoyable day was spent on Sunday for the Bluebells diesel gala.

I noticed that there was 3/4 speed restrictions on the route, all seemed to be due to possible subsidence / movement of embankment with measuring devices on said embankment.

Wonder if anyone could share more light on the situation, imaging could be a very costly exercise in worse case scenario.

Cheers

There are currently 3 temporary speed restrictions in place on the railway:

10MPH: Sheffield Park Inner Home - Ketches Halt (Track Condition)
5MPH: MP12 - Black Hut (Initially due to the cutting wall slipping, but now due to track condition)
10MPH: North of West Hoathly - New Coombe Bridge (Track Condition)

There is also a 15MPH speed restriction on certain dining services to improve ride quality between Black Hut and Birch Farm Foot Crossing.

Whilst it does initially seem concerning, it is quite common for there to be speed restrictons on heritage railways. The policy for Bluebell track renewals is (roughly) outside stations is all concrete sleeper, flat bottom rail. Most of the Horsted Keynes - Sheffield Park section has now been renewed with this type of track, with only a small section at the southern end left to do.

The measuring devices you mention are provided by a company (I forget the name) who supply them for Network Rail. I believe the deal is we get the equipment for free in exchange for them using the data to modify and improve the equipment for use on the national network.

Putting all that technical stuff aside, glad to hear you enjoyed the event! I was there on the Saturday and it seemed quite popular.

 

[Why]

Thank you very much for your quick and interesting reply.

Good to hear that outside companies are helping the Bluebell and any remedial repairs necessary can be kept within manageable budgets.

Bluebell as lovely as ever, living in Essex and other commitments etc only get to Sussex once or twice a year, diesel gala is of great interest and love going to sit on the platform at Kingscote watching the trains come and go.

Regards

 

[SECR263]

It also needs to be remembered that we cannot shut for a weekend to remedy faults like NR. We have to cope until the "closed" season. Obviously a serious defect would shut the line immediately. BB is lucky to have ties with industry experts for help when needed.

 

[158760]

Well said. We are very lucky to have such good ties with lots of different companies and people in the industry. A heritage railway can’t shut for a weekend and run replacement buses.

That does remind me though, there was that overnight relay a few years back!