Diesels at The Bluebell

[trainlover123]

Hi,

The Bluebell Railway is famous for it's all steam fleet, however, a party that owns a Thumper has approached the line asking if they would like to utilise it. What is your view, should the Bluebell continue to use steam for everything?

My personal view is this: The Bluebell Railway is Unique, it runs an entirely steam fleet, many of them are vintage, such as S.E&C.R 01 No.65. Do you think that a Vintage train consisting of Metropolitain Compartment stock and a Thumper, with about 70-100 years age difference, would create a good effect? I really don't think so, it would spoil a 45-year-old image lovingly created by the Railway.

That's my view.

[trainlover123]

Hi,

Here's an added bit. Developing Lines such as the Northampton & Lamport Railway need this sort of thing. I have been a volunteer for over a Year now, and our diesel fleet has just one working loco; 45 118, which is a bit powerful for a 1 mile line with 3 coaches, a Thumper would allow us to not only allow us to service the ailing Peak, it would be cheaper to run, and would allow the Guard/Motorman, to focus on the Guard duties (Don't ask what I do to start the train off). Who else thinks that developing lines should recieve these?

[rwaceyw]

Course they should. A diesel is saviour for rescuing services, midweeks and early morning/late evening trains, and a thumper in BR all over green would happily compliment the Bluebells image, what with them running half a dozen BR liveried locos anyway!

David

[arabiandisco]

As a diesel preservationist, I think every line should run diesels regularly.

Having said that, the Bluebell has always had a 100% steam policy, and though I don't agree with it, I have to respect them for having such principles. So I think the unit should go to a line which would actually want it.

[allypally]

Yeah, but the Thumper is Southern, and it did run to East Grinstead, so you could say it is still authentic. If they offered it to the IoW Steam Railway, I would be a bit worried, but otherwise, I can see no real problem.

[LNERandBR]

Thats old news. Basically they said no but they wont rule it out the purchace of a diesel in the future when the steam fleet has aged a bit.

Read the current steam railway.

[leedavo]

Hi all,
I think the Bluebell should keep it's no steam policy on the main running line between Sheffield Park and Kingscote (soon East Grinstead), but I think if they do as they plan after East Grinstead to reopen the Ardingly branch, then should use heritage electrics along it (I also see nothing wrong with running diesels along the line too).

[MuzTrem]

Much as I would like the Bluebell to continue it's all steam policy, as I'm not a member and don't know what the operation of the railway involves, I'm not sure it's up to me to dictate what they can and can't do. But I will say this: no offence to diesel fans but it's steamers the public want to see, and since the railway has managed to get by for 40 years without one I don't see any reason why they need to change that now.

[nwallace]

then should use heritage electrics along it (I also see nothing wrong with running diesels along the line too).

Something that can only be done with a battery van or generator car as its highly unlikley an enthusiast railway coudl get permission to run OHLE or 3rd Rail