This years annual Branch Line
event was held in less than ideal conditions with plenty of heavy rain showers
and generally dull weather which lead to to frustration on the photography side
of things. But the event was as always well organised and offered lots to see
and do with some interesting variety thrown in, so my congratulations to all
those involved.
Six Bluebell locomotives seen in
action Terriers Stepney No.55, Fenchurch No.672, E4 No.32478, Earl of Berkley,
No. 9017, Standard 4 Tank No.80151 and O1 Class No.65 ran over the weekend.
Attractions for the weekend included Mixed Trains, Short workings with lots of
platform changes at Horsted Keynes for the passengers, 4-wheeled carriages,
Pullman Car "Doris" open for taking a look over, the Bluebell Atlantic project building was
open for viewing at Sheffield Park and the carriage works held guided tours.
Coaching Stock used over the weekend was:
Set A: Victorian 4-wheelers: LCDR 114 and
LBSCR 661
Set B: SR Maunsell and Bulleid carriages:
6686, 1309 and 1464
Set C: Non-corridor SR set, of LBSCR and SECR
vehicles: 7598, 1098, 971 and SR Van 404
Set D: SR Bulleid stock and Mk.1: 35448,
16210, 1482, 4279
Set O: Unique 1913-built LNWR Observation Car
- strengthened by Mk.1 SK on the Sunday.
