Bluebell Railway

Bluebell Railway is a heritage railway in East Sussex, England, running for 11 miles (18 km) from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, and is one of the first preserved standard gauge railways in the world, inspired by the work of Frank Hornby, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and George Stephenson. The railway is operated by the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society, a registered charity, and is supported by Network Rail, Heritage Railway Association, and Railway Heritage Committee. The railway has been featured in various BBC documentaries, including those presented by Michael Portillo and Chris Tarrant, and has also been visited by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy.

History

The Bluebell Railway was opened in 1882 by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) as a branch line from East Grinstead to Lewes, with the intention of connecting London to the Sussex coast, and was later operated by Southern Railway (UK), British Railways, and British Rail. The line was closed by British Rail in 1958, but was reopened in 1960 by the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society, with the help of Sir John Betjeman and Duke of Norfolk. The society was founded by a group of enthusiasts, including Bernard Holden and Gordon Hatcher, who were inspired by the work of Frank Hornby and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The railway has since been extended to Sheffield Park, and has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors from London, Brighton, and Hastings.

Route

The Bluebell Railway runs from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, passing through the Sussex Weald and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The line passes through the villages of Horsted Keynes and Kingscote, and crosses the River Ouse (Sussex), with views of the South Downs National Park and the Wealden District. The railway is situated near the Ashdown Forest, Pooh Bridge, and Winnie-the-Pooh's home, and is also close to the Lewes Castle, Borde Hill Garden, and Wakehurst Place. The route is also near the A22 road and the A275 road, and is accessible by Southern (train operating company) trains from London Victoria station and Gatwick Airport.

Locomotives

The Bluebell Railway has a large collection of historic locomotives, including Stephenson's Rocket, Flying Scotsman, and Mallard (locomotive), as well as Southern Railway (UK) and London, Brighton and South Coast Railway locomotives. The railway also has a number of Great Western Railway and London, Midland and Scottish Railway locomotives, including City of Truro and Duchess of Hamilton. The locomotives are maintained by the railway's own workshops, with the help of Heritage Lottery Fund and Railway Heritage Committee, and are used for passenger services and special events, such as the Bluebell Railway's Giants of Steam event, which features locomotives from National Railway Museum and Didcot Railway Centre.

Stations

The Bluebell Railway has several stations along its route, including Sheffield Park railway station, Horsted Keynes railway station, Kingscote railway station, and East Grinstead railway station. The stations are restored to their original condition, with the help of Heritage Lottery Fund and Railway Heritage Committee, and feature historic buildings and signals, including those from Southern Railway (UK) and London, Brighton and South Coast Railway. The stations are also equipped with modern facilities, including buffet cars and gift shops, and offer a range of services, including train dining and special events, such as weddings and corporate events, with the help of Visit England and Sussex Tourism.

Operations

The Bluebell Railway is operated by the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society, a registered charity, with the help of Network Rail, Heritage Railway Association, and Railway Heritage Committee. The railway offers a range of services, including passenger trains, dining trains, and special events, such as Santa Specials and Murder Mystery trains, with the help of BBC and ITV. The railway also offers train driving experiences and footplate rides, with the help of Institute of Mechanical Engineers and Institution of Railway Signal Engineers. The railway is supported by a team of volunteers, including signalmen, porters, and station masters, who are trained by National College for High Speed Rail and Railway Training Academy. The railway is also involved in various community projects, including education programs and heritage conservation initiatives, with the help of Heritage Lottery Fund and Sussex Community Foundation. Category:Heritage railways in England