Between 13 April 2017 and 19 April 2017, the Bluebell Railway had the famous 60103 “Flying Scotsman” visit to haul a number of pre-book only trains along the line. I visited on the first day of the event, 13 April 2017, when “Flying Scotsman” was to work a Breakfast Pullman service to East Grinstead and return, before hauling its 3 scheduled passenger services for the day. Also in operation were BR Standard 5 no. 73082 “Camelot” and S15 class no. 847 on the regular service trains, Q class no. 30541 on standby and working brakevan rides at Horsted Keynes, and SECR C class no. 592 and H class no. 263, both of which were on shunting duties at Sheffield Park, and the latter of which does not feature in this video. Also present, but not in steam, was no. 7 “Typhoon” from the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, which was positioned in the yard at Sheffield Park, but that also does not feature in this video. Another welcome addition was the presence of the Gatwick Caledonian Pipe Band, who were playing at Sheffield Park while “Flying Scotsman” arrived and departed, and who are seen and heard playing during the departure of the Breakfast Pullman. Overall, it was a very enjoyable day with plenty going on at the stations, and with there not being so many people at the stations to be problematic, contrary to what some predicted, though it was reported that Sheffield Park got notably crowded later in the day. Many locals came out to watch, particularly on the bridges around East Grinstead; with special thanks to the nice family who gave me a lift back to the station after seeing 60103 pass Hill Place Farm, it was appreciated!
Shots included:
847: Horsted Keynes (09:10 ex-SP) and Imberhorne Lane (14:35 ex-SP)
30541+847: Sheffield Park (09:10 ex-SP)
592: Sheffield Park
60103: Sheffield Park (07:30 ex-SP), Horsted Keynes (12:45 ex-SP), Horsted House Farm crossing (10:00 ex-SP), Hill Place Farm bridge (16:35 ex-EG), Kingscote (13:50 ex-EG), New Road Bridge (11:05 ex-EG) and Sheffield Park (08:21 ex-EG)
73082: Sheffield Park (08:00 ex-SP), Leamland Bridge (10:25 ex-SP) and Kingscote (13:10 ex-SP)
30541: Horsted Keynes, Leamland Bridge and Horsted Keynes
As I say, this was an impressive event where, at least from what I saw, the Bluebell were well prepared to accommodate the needs of the highly increased number of visitors who came to see “Flying Scotsman”. With thanks to all of the volunteers, staff, the Bluebell Railway, and the NRM, for making this video possible.
Hope you enjoy!