2024 Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala | Special Guest 4VEP 3417

Join us as we dive into the 2024 Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala, showcasing an incredible lineup of heritage diesel locomotives and a special electric guest! In this video, we capture the sights and sounds of this year’s event, featuring some amazing visiting engines:

• Class 20 D8188
• Class 37 D6851 ‘Flopsie’
• Class 33 33111
• Class 14 D9551

And the star of the show, 4VEP 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ – a rare opportunity to see this Southern Region electric multiple unit in action at the Bluebell Railway!

Watch as these iconic locomotives haul passenger services through the beautiful Sussex countryside, showcasing the power and history of classic diesel traction. From thundering departures to atmospheric station scenes, this gala offers something for every rail enthusiast.

🚂 Bluebell Railway History 🚂

The Bluebell Railway is a heritage railway located in Sussex, England. It is one of the oldest preserved railways in the UK, and it has played a key role in preserving British railway history since its founding in 1960. Initially established to protect and operate steam locomotives, the Bluebell Railway has become a major tourist attraction and a working museum, operating a variety of heritage steam and diesel trains.

The line runs for about 11 miles, stretching between East Grinstead and Sheffield Park, with stops at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. Sheffield Park, the railway’s main hub, is home to the Bluebell’s engine shed and museum, showcasing a variety of historic steam and diesel locomotives.

⭐️ 4VEP 3417 'Gordon Pettitt ⭐️

The 4VEP 3417 is a notable electric multiple unit (EMU) from the Southern Region of British Rail, built to operate on the third-rail electric network primarily used in the southeast of England. This specific unit is named ‘Gordon Pettitt’ in honor of the British Rail manager who was instrumental in its preservation. The 4VEP units (short for “4-car Vestibule Electro-Pneumatic”) were built between 1967 and 1974 and served the busy commuter routes of the Southern Region for decades.

While sold to the Bluebell Railway by South West Trains, 3417 is currenty in the care of the Southern Electric Traction Group (SETG).

🎵 ------------------------------------ 🎵
Music by: bensound.com
License code: 6Q9DKKJKFGKKF8TD
License code: K8OXJIBHVS4Q8SDK
License code: MF93YGMB1KQHBKNE
License code: Q6B6EVETPTV3F9TD