Bluebell Railway - 'Diesel Gala' 06/09/2024

After an absence of 6 years, the Bluebell Railway welcomed a collection of vintage diesels back to the line, as they celebrated their much anticipated ‘Diesel Gala’ over the weekend of September 6th-8th.

Having previously operated to a ‘steam only’ policy, the Bluebell have begun to view diesel traction with a much more favourable attitude in recent years, demonstrated wonderfully during this edition of the event with the incorporation of their own home-fleet diesels. Class 09 - D4106 has been a faithful resident for a few years, being joined at the event by Class 73 - E6040, with the latter making its debut on public services since becoming a Bluebell resident. In addition to the home-fleet pair, Class 37 - D6851 "Flopsie" would visiting the line courtesy of Locomotives Services group, between its mainline duties. Visiting from the heritage circuit, Class 14 - D9551 would visit Sussex from the Severn Valley Railway, alongside Class 20 - D8188 from the Watercress Line, and Class 33 - 33111 traveling across the south coast from the Swanage Railway in Dorset.

Owned by the Bluebell Railway, but based at Strawberry Hill, Class 423 4-VEP - 3417 "Gordon Pettitt" would make a triumphant return to the Sussex heritage line. The 4-VEP has been undergoing a rigorous overhaul courtesy of the Southern Electric Traction Group to bring the unit back to a passenger carrying state, with a view for eventual mainline operation.

Both D6851 and D8188 would work full line services between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, D9551 and D4106 alternated working a shuttle between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes, while 33111 and 3417 were a regular feature north of Horsted Keynes; working in Push-Pull mode. Although 33111 is scheduled to remain in service at the Bluebell Railway after the gala, this would be the last gala appearence for the 33 before being withdrawn for a well deserved overhaul.

Locomotives:
BR Class 37 - D6851 "Flopsie"
BR Class 14 - D9551
BR Class 09 - D4106
BR Class 20 - D8188
BR Class 73 - E6040 "The Bluebell Railway"
BR Class 33 - 33111
BR Class 423 4-VEP - 3417 "Gordon Pettitt" (S76263 + S70797 + S62236 + S76262)

00:00 - D6851 Imberhorne
00:52 - D6851 Freshfield Bank
01:58 - D9551 Freshfield Bank
02:47 - D4106 Freshfield Bank
03:25 - D8188 Freshfield Bank
04:45 - 3417 & 33111 Imberhorne
05:29 - 3417 & 33111 Horsted Keynes
06:37 - 33111 & 3417 Sharpthorne Tunnel
07:46 - E6040 West Hoathly
09:00 - D6851 Sharpthorne Tunnel
10:41 - 3417 & 33111 West Hoathly
11:50 - 33111 & 3417 Horsted Keynes footpath
12:54 - 3417 & 33111 Horsted Keynes footpath
13:56 - 33111 & 3417 Horsted Keynes footpath
15:31 - D6851 Freshfield Bank

All footage filmed on Friday the 6th of September 2024.