Rolling stock of the Bluebell Railway

Main article: Bluebell Railway

This article is about the rolling stock of the Bluebell Railway.

Contents

Steam locomotives

On loan

No steam locomotives are currently on loan to the Bluebell Railway.

Operational

Origin Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
SECR 0-6-0T Wainwright P Class No 323 Bluebell. The locomotive returned to steam at the Bluebell's 'Branch Line Weekend' in March 2011, painted in its unique 'Bluebell Blue' livery. Boiler certificate expires in 2021 and is often seen running in tandem with fellow P class no. 178.
Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0T No. 3 Baxter. One of the first engines to arrive in 1960. The engine returned to steam at the 50th Anniversary of Opening celebrations in August 2010. The engine has now been fitted with vacuum brakes to enable its use on passenger stock, although its primary role will be as a steam heating locomotive in the winter. Boiler ticket expires in 2020.
LBSCR 0-6-0T Stroudley Terrier No 55 Stepney. Seen by many as the flagship of the fleet, as the first locomotive to be permanently based on the line in 1960. The engine was relaunched into traffic in time for the 50th Anniversary of her arrival on the line on 17 May 2010, and has been restored to the black livery she wore during the 1960 season. The engine is only available for light duties pending a full overhaul at some point in the future, including a new cylinder block. Boiler ticket expires in 2015.
SECR 0-6-0T Wainwright
P Class		 No 178. Returned to traffic on 27 February 2010 following extensive overhaul. The locomotive has been restored to full SECR goods livery and occasionally carries the name Nettle (a reference to the names of the other P class tanks based on the line Bluebell and Primrose). Boiler certificate expires in 2020.
LBSCR 0-6-2T E4 No B473 (formerly known as Birch Grove). Returned to traffic on 30 January 2010 with a ceremony to mark the completion of a fast-track overhaul in the railway workshops including a repaint into 1920s Southern Railway green livery. The locomotive returned to public service the following day. Currently certified to run until 2019.
SECR 0-6-0 Wainwright C Class No 592. Returned to traffic on 8 October 2007. After some initial teething troubles, mostly concerning a broken tender spring, the locomotive has become a reliable performer. Boiler certificate expires 2017 but condition of the cylinder block will determine how long she runs.
SR 2-6-0 Maunsell
U Class.		 No 1638. Returned to traffic in 2006 following an extensive restoration from Barry Scrapyard condition[1]; Boiler ticket expires in 2016, but due to running higher than average mileage may run until 2014. The completion of this locomotive has pushed classmate 1618 further down the overhaul queue.
BR 2-6-4T Standard 4 Tank No 80151. Returned to traffic in 2001. The engine was withdrawn prematurely in late 2010 with leaking tubes[2]. Boiler repairs were carried out in early 2011. Boiler certificate expires in early 2012.

Undergoing repair or restoration

Origin Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
SECR 0-4-4T Class H No 263. Last worked in 1998, and was purchased by the Bluebell Trust in 2008. The locomotive is being reassembled and, subject to no unexpected problems, the loco should be completed in early 2012.
SECR 0-6-0T Wainwright P Class No 27 Primrose. Overhaul being undertaken by the Villas Team with support from the Fenchurch Fund. This is likely to be a long term overhaul similar to those carried out on 672 and 178 due to the poor condition of the locomotive, it having been stored in pieces for many years.
SR 0-6-0 Maunsell Q Class No 541. Owned by the Maunsell Society[3]. Has been out of traffic since 1993. The volunteer Loco Workshop Working Group have now commenced the overhaul of this loco. With the tender finished apart from painting and re-fitting the wheels, work has commenced on the locomotive itself. It is hoped to be steaming at the end of 2012.
SR 4-6-0 S15 No 847. Undergoing overhaul by the Maunsell Locomotive Society[4] and the locomotive has now been re-wheeled. The cab and motion have been re-fitted to the frames, with boiler work progressing in the works. The tender has been repainted at Horsted Keynes. Expected completion in 2012.
BR 4-6-0 5MT No 73082 Camelot. Withdrawn in 2005 for a ten-yearly overhaul, the Camelot Locomotive Society have dismantled the locomotive and the boiler is awaiting space in the works, while the frames and cab are being worked on outside by members of the society. It is hoped that the engine can be back in service again in 2012/2013.[5]
BR 2-6-0
(will be
2-6-2T)		 Standard Class 2 No 78059 (will be 84030). Reconstruction as a tank engine is under way, with work currently focused on the frames.

Under construction

Origin Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
LBSCR 4-4-2 H2 A replica of No 32424 Beachy Head is under construction at Sheffield Park. Work on the frames is currently under way with new holes being drilled into the tender frames. Re-tubing of the boiler is also in progress.[6]

Stored or on display

Origin Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST No 641 Sharpthorn. On static display at Horsted Keynes Station. This is deemed to be a very fragile machine, and is thought to be far too underpowered to be of worthwhile use on trains, so is unlikely to be returned to steam in the foreseeable future.
LBSCR 0-6-0T Stroudley Terrier No 672 Fenchurch. Returned to traffic in 2001 after a rebuild. This engine was withdrawn at the end of January 2011 following expiry of its boiler certificate and overhaul is not likely any time soon given the large number of small tank engines currently in service.
LSWR 0-4-0T Adams Dock Tank No 96 Normandy. Boiler ticket expired in 2006. Funds are now being raised by owning society, and it is hoped that overhaul may commence in late 2012. Owned by the Bulleid Society.[7]. The need for this locomotive has become less with the acquisition of a small diesel locomotive for shunting duties and the use of other tank engines for the steam shunts.
LSWR 4-4-2T Adams Radial Tank No 488. On display at Sheffield Park. Work on this engine is unlikely to commence for some time due to the need for a new boiler barrel. However, the completion of LSWR Coach no 1520 could push the engine further up the overhaul queue. The locomotive is thought to require at least a new boiler barrel (if not a new boiler entirely) and possibly new wheelsets, which given the unique nature of the locomotive will be an expensive business.
SECR 0-6-0 O1 Class No 65. Boiler ticket expired on 7 July 2009. An overhaul is intended to begin in 2012 after the completion of 263 as the locomotive is seen as a reliable and remarkably powerful performer which will complement the other SE&CR engines currently in traffic.
NLR 0-6-0T Class 75 No 58850. Awaiting overhaul. Was on display at Barrow Hill Roundhouse until 2006, when it was moved back to the Bluebell with a view to a quick overhaul to replace 96. However, with the work required being more extensive than originally thought, it has yet to receive any major attention.
GWR 4-4-0 Dukedog No 9017 Earl of Berkeley. Returned to traffic in 2003 after an overhaul which included a number change. In March 2009 she was repainted into BR Black. The condition of the firebox saw this locomotive withdrawn in 2011.
SR 2-6-0 Maunsell U class No 1618. Last worked in 1994 and is on static display awaiting overhaul. With classmate 1638 in traffic and in better mechanical condition, 1618 has slipped down the overhaul queue.[8] Its tender was loaned to the Watercress Line in 2010 as a replacement for classmate 31806's, which was heavily damaged in a fire at Ropley. The tender was returned to the Bluebell in mid-2011, 31806's having been repaired. 1618 has been painted in lined BR black livery as no. 31618, so it will match its tender and to smarten the appearance of the engine up.
SR 4-4-0 Schools Class No 928 Stowe. Owned by the Maunsell Locomotive Society[9]. An examination of the locomotive has shown that a new inner firebox will be required at a cost of up to £300,000. However, with the overhaul of Q class 541 now being undertaken by the volunteer Loco Workshop Working Group, 928's overhaul is likely to be the Maunsell Society's next project after 847. 928's tender has undergone a major rebuild in recent years. Unlike the other SR green locomotives, Stowe carries malachite green as opposed to the olive green colour scheme seen on 1638 and B473.
SR 0-6-0T USA Class No 30064. Painted in WD grey. Currently on static display awaiting overhaul, with no imminent plans to return her to steam.
SR 4-6-2 West Country No 21C123 Blackmoor Vale. Withdrawn two years early in June 2008 following repeated failures and firebox problems. With 34059 in better condition and an easier overhaul for her projected, 21C123 will have to wait some time before work will begin.[10]. Owned by the Bulleid Society.
SR 4-6-2 Rebuilt Bulleid Light Pacific No 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair. Relaunched and renamed on 24 April 2009, and entered public service the following day, after a ten-year rebuild from Barry condition. 34059 is currently the only rebuilt Battle of Britain Class locomotive to steam in preservation. 34059 was withdrawn from traffic in October 2011 with firebox problems, and is now out of ticket. Remedial work on the boiler (thought to take around 9 months) will likely commence in early 2012, following which a new 10-year ticket will be issued[11].
BR 4-6-0 Standard Class 4 No 75027. Withdrawn February 2007 shortly before the expiry of her boiler ticket following a number of small failures. The engine is currently on display at Horsted Keynes while awaiting overhaul to free up space at Sheffield Park to allow for the construction of the Woodpax carriage shed. The engine may be looked at when work on 73082 is complete with regards to possible overhaul. Some cosmetic work has been undertaken at Horsted Keynes with a full repaint to smarten the appearance of the engine while exposed to the weather.
BR 2-6-4T Standard Class 4 No 80064. Stored on static display in the engine shed awaiting a major overhaul. With 80151 and 80100 thought to be easier projects, the engine faces a long wait to return to steam. Initially loaned to the line in the 1980s, the engine is now based permanently at Sheffield Park. However, as part of a batch order of new boilers for the class with several other lines in possession of a representative the engine may be bumped up the overhaul queue in conjunction with 80151.
BR 2-6-4T Standard Class 4 No 80100. Awaiting major restoration from Barry Scrapyard condition. Unlikely to be restored in the forseeable future, at least until 84030 enters traffic.
BR 2-10-0 9F No 92240. Withdrawn in December 2002. This locomotive, along with 75027, was moved to Horsted Keynes for display in early 2010 to allow space at Sheffield Park to be used to store stock during work on the Woodpax project. There are no plans for an imminent return to steam, however the locomotive remains an option should a large locomotive be needed quickly, with work required on the engine's firebox and front tubeplate. As with 75027, cosmetic restoration at Horsted Keynes is under way.

Bluebell locomotives based elsewhere

Origin Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
Avonside 0-6-0 No 24 Stamford. Built in 1927. Based since 1998 at the Rutland Railway Museum. As an engine which does not fit in with the rest of the Bluebell collection, return is unlikely in the immediate future.

Internal combustion locomotives

On loan

Origin Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
British Rail 0-6-0 Class 08 No 13236. On hire from Nemesis Rail[12] and is now painted in 1950s BR black livery with the early BR crest. Being used for the railway's "Thursday shunt" until a steam engine is available. The loan of this locomotive will end likely end once work on the tip at Imberhorne is completed and steam shunting has returned to Horsted Keynes..

Operational

Origin Wheel
arrangement		 Class Notes Photograph
Sentinel B Works no. 10241 and built in 1966, although technically built after the company became Rolls Royce owned. The locomotive was rebuilt by Thomas Hill in 1973 following accident damage[13]. This engine was acquired by the Bluebell in 2010 as a replacement for the hired-in 08, for use primarily as Horsted Keynes carriage works shunter. This is the first diesel locomotive ever to be owned outright by the railway.
Howard B Class 2 No 957, petrol-engined locomotive. The restoration, the longest running on the railway, of the locomotive was completed thanks to the Alf Brown group. The locomotive was run for the first time at the 50th Anniversary celebrations in August 2010. The locomotive has, however, only seen limited use given its lack of power.

Electric motive power

Stored or on display

Origin Class Notes Photograph
British Rail 423 4 Vep unit 3417 "Gordon Pettitt" is currently stored at Bournemouth after initial storage at Knights Rail depot in Eastleigh[14]. The unit, contrary to some belief, has not been sold and remains in Bluebell ownership, although its future at the railway is unclear. However, the unit does form the potential for future third rail operation on the line toward Ardingly. 3417 has worked push-pull with a Class 73 electro-diesel on shuttle services south from the Bluebell's newly built East Grinstead station to Imberhorne Tip.
Southern Railway 404 4 Cor unit 3142 owned by the Southern Electric Group[15], driving vehicle on display at Horsted Keynes.

Carriages

4- and 6-wheeled coaches

The eventual plan is to put together two complete 4- or 5-coach sets of LBSCR and LCDR carriages. It is acknowledged that this will take many years, but two carriages are already in service with another two under overhaul. Most of these carriages have been rescued as grounded bodies from within bungalows or on farms. Underframes for many of them are (or will be) provided by shortening SR passenger-rated van underframes.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LCDR 48 6-wheeled Brake Stored awaiting major restoration, but the underframe has received some attention.
LCDR 114 4-wheeled Brake Third Returned to traffic in 2006 after an extensive restoration; was previously used as a bungalow. In use with the other 4-wheelers. Is due to be repainted into SECR livery to match 3360.
LCDR 51 4-wheeled Brake Second Basically identical to 114. In 2009 the carriage gained public support in an appeal on national television for funds toward overhaul, including provision for disabled passengers, something at the time unavailable on the line's vintage trains. It has now entered service in use with the other 4 wheeled coaches, painted in SECR livery as 3360.
LCDR 668 6-wheel Third Under restoration in the carriage and wagon workshop at Horsted Keynes.
LBSCR 661 Stroudley 4-wheel First In use after rebuild and is in use with the Metropolitans and 114. It is planned to eventually be part of a Stroudley train pulled by the Terriers Stepney and Fenchurch.
LBSCR 676 Stroudley 4-wheel Brake Third Stored awaiting restoration
LBSCR 949 Stroudley 4-wheel Brake Third Undergoing restoration, a new underframe has been found and the structure is complete. Some new framework for the compartment end is coming together and is being fitted to the coach chassis. Work on reassembling the brake end framework is under way. Expected to work with 661 once finished.
LBSCR 328 Stroudley 4-wheel Third Moved into works in early 2010. Underframe is being worked on.
LBSCR 992 Stroudley 4-wheel Third Stored awaiting restoration to working order.
LBSCR 35 Craven 4-wheel Second Three compartment carriage built in 1856. Stored awaiting restoration.[16] Work is planned to start once the other 4-wheel Stroudley carriages are finished.
LBSCR 94 Craven 4-wheel Full Brake Built in 1858. Stored awaiting restoration.[16]
LBSCR 221 Craven 4-wheel Brake Third Built in the early 1850s (1850-52) as a Luggage Brake Second and later downgraded to a Brake Third. Withdrawn from service by 1888 and sold c1901. Salvaged from a house in Battle on 26 August 2009[16]. Awaiting restoration. Recently seriously damaged by fire.
LSWR 25 6-wheeled 34-ft Family Saloon Built in 1885.
SER 172 6-wheeled Saloon Built in 1898.

Pre-grouping bogie coaches

The operational coaches of this type form a set of coaches which have operated over recent years as the Bluebell's regular Vintage set. The Bluebell possesses one of the largest collections of these types of carriage in the world.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LBSCR 142 Bogie First Returned to traffic in 1999 and won the 'Best Coach of the Year' award for 2002/03. After some time awaiting tyre turning, this popular coach has now returned to regular service.
LSWR 320 Lavatory Third Stored undercover, will be one of the next carriages to be overhauled.
LSWR 494 Corridor Third Stored under a tarpaulin in the sidings.
LSWR 1520 Brake Third Operational. The carriage was relaunched into traffic in April 2010 following major rebuild from departmental use. The carriage has been finished in LSWR livery.
SECR 971 Hundred Seater Withdrawn from traffic in 2007 for what was hoped to be a quick overhaul. Examination revealed a much heavier amount of work was required on the carriage's side panels and underframe, as well as a need to replace rotted sections of the roof and internal partitions, as well as re-trimming of the seats. The carriage is tarpaulined over awaiting money to be sourced for work to continue.
SECR 1061 Birdcage Brake Stored underneath a tarpaulin; requires major restoration.
SECR 1084 Birdcage Brake Operational. The carriage has been restored to 1930s Southern green to match the 100 seaters and it is planned to be in regular use providing much needed capacity on the line's vintage trains.
SECR 1098 Hundred Seater Operational and is used regularly to carry passengers. The carriage is popular among many visitors to and members of the line.
SECR 1170 Birdcage Brake Awaiting restoration with the roof requiring major attention. The interior will need to be reconstructed from scratch, but fortunately this is fairly plain and should be straight-forward.
SR 1050 Bogie Third Stored awaiting overhaul, eventually to be part of a planned Birdcage train in the future. Included in this section because it was formed in 1924 by the rebuilding of several old SER carriage bodies onto a new bogie underframe. Is being considered for overhaul.

Metropolitan carriages

Four carriages built in 1898 and 1900 for use out of Baker Street Station in London. Initially steam hauled, later used in electric trains, reverting to steam haulage on the Chesham branch in 1940. Purchased by the Bluebell Railway in 1961, and used until withdrawn in the late 1960s in need of major attention. Now returned to service and are unique as a close-coupled set of vintage carriages. The restoration team were the recipient of the Heritage Railways Association's award as overall winner of their 2006/7 carriage competition.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
Metropolitan 394 Full Third Returned to traffic in 1999 after rebuild and in use with other Victorian coaches. As one of the end vehicles of this close-coupled set, the carriage was tackled first, along with brake coach number 387. Received major rebuilding to remove the driving cab added in the 1930s when the set was converted to electric operation.
Metropolitan 368 Composite Returned to traffic in 2002 after rebuild and in use with the other vehicles in the set. This vehicle was in the worst condition of the four, but was tackled third, since had it been left until last it might never have been done! In the 1960s it was the first of the four to suffer from a leaking roof, and was withdrawn from service. A start was made on dismantling it, with the idea being to use the underframe for a rail-carrier. Consideration was given to burning it as a publicity stunt to raise funds for a new carriage shed. However the body, riddled with dry rot, survived, being stored in the dry once the carriage shed was built in 1972, so saving the vehicle for its eventual restoration.
Metropolitan 412 Composite Returned to traffic in late 2006 after rebuild and in use regularly.
Metropolitan 387 Brake Third Returned to traffic in 1999 after rebuild. As with 394, the driving cab installed later had to be removed during restoration to return the set to as-built condition.

Maunsell coaches

The carriages designed by Richard Maunsell for the Southern Railway had a restrained elegance. In preservation terms they provide a superb vintage experience for the passenger, whilst as corridor vehicles they also offer access to more modern facilities.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
Maunsell 1309 Open Third In service and used on passenger trains.
Maunsell 1336 Open Third, "Drop Light" In service and used on passenger trains.
Maunsell 1365 Composite Dining Saloon / Open Third Stored awaiting overhaul after being used on passenger trains regularly.
Maunsell 2356 Corridor Third Awaiting overhaul, was used for some years as the Carriage and Wagon Department Mess Coach. Overhaul possible in the future.
Maunsell 3687 Corridor Brake Third Undergoing overhaul, the brake compartment interior is nearing completion and the doors have had all their timberwork overhauled and fitted. Once the brake compartment is finished work on the rest of the interior will continue. Work planned to speed up now 1336 is finished.
Maunsell 3724 Corridor Brake Third Stored awaiting restoration with rotten timberwork. During its eventual restoration it may be converted into a disabled coach on passenger trains so people with wheelchairs can enjoy themselves.
Maunsell 4441 Unclassed Brake Awaiting overhaul with a seriously damaged underframe but a good body. It is planned to swap underframes with 4444 in the near future so this one can be restored.
Maunsell 4444 Unclassed Brake Out of service awaiting restoration. It is planned to donate its underframe to 4441 which survives in much better condition.
Maunsell 4922 Travelling Post Office Stored awaiting restoration but it has been given low priority as it is not a passenger carrying vehicle.
Maunsell 5624 Corridor Composite Stored awaiting restoration, work is expected to be programmed at some stage as it is one of the core gems of the Maunsell coach fleet.
Maunsell 6575 Corridor Brake Composite Stored awaiting a fairly major overhaul particularly at the brake end. The carriage has recently been repainted into Bluebell Blue livery to be partnered with Stepney as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. This carriage also featured in a limited edition Hornby pack bought out for the 50th Anniversary.
Maunsell 6686 Corridor Brake Composite Operational, won the 'Highly Commended Coach of the Year' award for 1998/99.
Maunsell 7864 Kitchen Buffet Stored undercover. Will be one of the next coaches to be restored as it will go some way toward creating a set available for regular use with the Maunsell locomotives.

Bulleid carriages

The 1940s Southern Railway designs of Oliver Bulleid produced a very clean, modern-looking carriage, many of the features of which were perpetuated in the BR standard (Mk. I) designs. The Bluebell's collection contains examples of SR built, Contractor built and BR built carriages. It is unfortunate that none of the shorter, early Bulleid designed carriages have survived.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
Bulleid 1456 Open Third Awaiting move to the Mid Hants Railway for restoration
Bulleid 1464 Open Third In service and used on passenger trains. Received repairs to its outer panelling and a repaint in 2005..
Bulleid 1481 Open Third Out of service awaiting a fairly major overhaul with the body structure needing attention and replacement of external panelling.
Bulleid 1482 Open Third In service and used on passenger trains..
Bulleid 2515 Semi-Open Brake Third Awaiting major underframe overhaul. Could be back in traffic quickly as body itself is sound.
Bulleid 2526 Semi-Open Brake Third In service and used on passenger trains.
Bulleid 4227 Semi-Open Brake Third Awaiting major restoration.
Bulleid 4279 Semi-Brake Open Third In service and used on passenger trains. Will be due a major overhaul in the next few years.
Bulleid 5768 Corridor Composite In October 2009 the carriage began to receive a major overhaul which will include work on the bodywork and floor[17]. Owned by the Bulleid Society[18].

British Railways standard steam stock (Mk.I)

The staple of most preserved railways, on the Bluebell Mk1s only form a proportion of the operational stock. They are a durable design, representing in many ways the culmination of traditional carriage design in the UK, prior to the introduction of monocoque techniques.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
British Railways 1674 Restaurant Buffet (Refurbished) Currently in service as part of the Golden Arrow dining set. However when overhaul of Pullman Kitchen First 175 'Fingall' is completed it will be reallocated to the lounge car set.
British Railways 1818 Restaurant Miniature Buffet In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 1838 Restaurant Miniature Buffet In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 3064 Open First In service and used as part of the Lounge Car Service[19].
British Railways 4824 Open Second In service and used as part of the Lounge Car service[19].
British Railways 4941 Open Second Undergoing conversion to multi-purpose saloon, similar to 5034.
British Railways 4957 Open Second In service and used on passenger trains, but only when the railway needs the additional seating capacity. This is due to the inferior quality of the interior compared to other carriages.
British Railways 5034 Saloon In service and used on passenger trains. Converted to multi-use saloon with wheelchair lifts.
British Railways 16210 Corridor Composite In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 21271 Brake Composite Awaiting restoration
British Railways 25728 Corridor Second In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 25769 Corridor Second In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 35448 Brake Corridor Second In service and used on passenger trains. Due to it's low passenger capacity, it's main use is as the brake for the Lounge Car set.

Pullman and Wagon-Lits cars

Several of these have been overhauled and operate regularly as the Bluebell Railway's Golden Arrow dining train (lunch and dinner)[20].

Origin Number Name Type Notes Photograph
Pullman Car Company 89 Constance Kitchen First Originally SER Drawing Room Car No.33, of 1891, becoming a Pullman in 1919. Awaiting major restoration.
Pullman Car Company 157 Car No. 54. Brake Third Stored outside awaiting restoration. Is essentially a kit of parts, and restoration is not expected to take place in the short term.
Pullman Car Company 175 Fingall Kitchen First Having been in service for 19 years, Fingall is now undergoing overhaul at Horsted Keynes.
Pullman Car Company 219 Car No. 64 Christine Parlour Third Operational
Pullman Car Company 229 Car No. 76 Lillian Parlour Third Operational
Pullman Car Company 282 Doris Kitchen First Doris was part of the "Brighton Belle" electric Pullman unit 2051,[21] and was stored for many years at Finsbury Park station. On static display at Horsted Keynes, Doris has now been swapped with the group intending to recreate a Brighton Belle EMU[22] for an ex-Golden Arrow 1950s Kitchen car "Carina", the announcement of the swap was made in Brighton in late February 2011.
Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits 3801 N/A First Class Sleeping Car Used as volunteer sleeping accommodation. Was part of the last Night Ferry service in 1980.

Observation car, Royal and Directors' saloons

The Observations cars are occasionally brought out for a ride in. They provide a unique view of the railway and are either attached to the back of a passenger train or used on their own.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
GNR 706 Directors' Saloon In traffic and is used fairly regularly on passenger trains on Bank Holidays and the summer months, as well as at special events. Owned by the Howlden Trust.
LNWR 1503 Observation Coach In traffic and is used regularly on passenger trains, painted in LNWR livery.
LNWR 806 Semi-Royal Saloon Operational but unused. It was used as part of the Golden Arrow train until Pullman Car Christine relieved it from much of the work. It is earmarked as reserve for when Lilian (Car 76) comes out of traffic, and as a saloon for special events. Has recently been repainted in LNWR livery.
LBSCR 60 Directors' Saloon Stored awaiting restoration under a waterproof cover. Work is unlikely to commence for some time with general purpose carriages preferred.

Non-passenger coaching stock

The Bluebell has a large collection of wagons which were originally used in passenger trains. This section also includes carriages used for service purposes by the Bluebell that were originally passenger carriages.

Pre-grouping vans

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LCDR 1 Horse Box Recently destroyed by fire, awaiting a decision on its future.
SECR 153 Passenger Luggage Van Serviceable, but used as mess van.
LBSCR 270 Milk / Fruit Van Under overhaul with the underframe re-wheeled and nearly finished. Brake gear is being worked on and body framework is being overhauled.
SECR 719 Birdcage Brake Van Awaiting restoration.
LSWR 5498 Ventilated Luggage Van Awaiting restoration.

Southern Railway vans, etc

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
SR C 404 4-wheel brake Van Operational
SR C 419 4-wheel Brake Van Operational
SR C 442 4-Wheel Brake Van Non operational. Converted to generator truck in 1990s for Queen of Scots accommodation.
SR C 653 4-wheel Brake Van Non-operational. Used as a store by the Howlden Trust for the GNR Directors' Saloon.
SR 1184 PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) Non operational. Used as a workshop by the S&T Dept.
SR 1788 PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) Non operational.
SR 2186 PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) Nearing the end of repairs.
SR 2276 Van U (Covered Carriage Truck) Non operational. Used as a workshop for the S&T Dept.
SR 2462 GBL (Gangwayed Bogie Luggage van) Operational
SR 2531 CCT (Covered Carriage Truck) Non operational, used as a store by the Camelot Locomotive Society at Kingscote station.
BR 4601 GUV Bogie Scenery Van
(modified for carrying circus elephants).		 Non operational. Used as a store by the S&T Dept.

LMS & BR

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LMS/BR 398 First Sleeper Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
LMS/BR 603 Third Sleeper Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
LMS/BR 623 Third Sleeper Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
LMS 32975 BGZ (6-wheel Gangwayed Guard's Brake, Stove R) Used as a combined kitchen and brake vehicle for the Golden Arrow dining train. Has been fitted with shelving for crockery and facilities to keep food warm, and has been repainted from the familiar LMS crimson livery into Pullman chocolate and cream livery to complement the other vehicles in the rake. The work has been done in such a way that the changes can later be reversed, once a further Pullman vehicle has been overhauled to undertake these functions.

BR 6334 BG (Full Brake) Non operational and used as a store.
BR 87720 Insulated Fish Covered Van In storage awaiting overhaul which is expected to be done in the coming years.
BR 93722 GUV (General Utility Van) Non operational and used as a store.

Mk. I carriages used for non-traffic purposes

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
BR 2442 Staff Sleeping Coach (88 Service Car No.2) Ex-SLC (1961).
BR 25776 Staff Dormitory (TCL 99166) Ex-SK (1961).
BR 25871 Carriage Shop at Horsted Keynes (TCL 99161) Ex-SK (1962).

Milk tanks

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
United Dairies 4430 6-wheel glass-lined Milk Tank Operational and used regularly in goods trains, and sometimes in passenger trains.

Goods wagons

The Bluebell has a large collection of goods wagons. They are usually used for demonstrations at various times of the year.

Brake vans

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LSWR 5706 10 ton "Road Van" Brake Van Stored awaiting a structural restoration
SECR 11916 25 ton "Dance Hall" Brake Van Withdrawn pending overhaul.
SECR 11934 25 ton "Dance Hall" Brake Van Undergoing restoration
GWR 17908 20 ton "Toad" Brake Van Operational, but rarely used as it does not fit with the rest of the line's stock.
SR 49018 25 ton "Pillbox" Brake Van Soon to receive some cosmetic attention, used on engineers trains
SR 55993 25 ton "Pillbox" Brake Van Operational
SR 56290 25 ton "Queen Mary" Brake Van Operational, regularly used with engineering trains run in connection with removal of the tip at Imberhorne.
BR 62864 "Shark" Ballast Plough Brake Van Non-operational

Covered goods vans

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LSWR 2773 10 ton Covered Goods Van Stored awaiting overhaul
LSWR 8112 10 ton Covered Goods Van Stored awaiting overhaul
LBSCR 8196 6 ton Box Van In service and used regularly on goods trains
LBSCR 1590 8 ton Box Van Stored awaiting major restoration
SECR 15750 12 ton Covered Goods Van In service and used regularly on goods trains
SR 44611 10 ton Ventilated Van In service and used regularly on goods trains
SR 47588 12 ton Ventilated Van In service and used regularly on goods trains
LMS 524178 12 ton Plywood Ventilated Van Awaiting restoration which is expected to be done in the coming years
LMS 570027 Banana Van In service and occasionally used on goods trains
BR B761349 12 ton Pallet Van Stored awaiting restoration
BR B772972 12 ton Pallet Van Stored awaiting restoration

Open goods wagons

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LSWR 91 3, 4 or 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Awaiting restoration
LBSCR 3346 Hi-Bar Open Goods Wagon In service and used regularly on goods trains
SECR 5542 7 Plank Open Goods Wagon In service and used regularly on goods trains
SECR 16194 7 Plank Open Goods Wagon In service and used regularly on goods trains
SECR 16358 7 Plank Open Goods Wagon Dismantled for major repairs
SECR 50899 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Stored awaiting overhaul
SR 9608 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Servicable but rarely used
SR 10013 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon In service and used regularly on goods trains
SR 12058 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Undergoing restoration with the underframe and framework receiving attention
SR 62002 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon In service and used regularly on goods trains
SR 30004 8 Plank Open Goods Wagon In service and used regularly on goods trains
SR 37786 8 Plank Open Goods Wagon In service and used regularly on goods trains
PBA 59685 13 ton Steel Mineral Wagon Stored awaiting major restoration
LMS 66071 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Stored awaiting restoration
GWR 87782 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Stored awaiting restoration. Will be restored in the short to medium term.
LMS 411245 13 ton open merchandise Wagon Operational and used regularly on goods trains
LMS 474558 3 Plank Open Goods Wagon Overhaul completed
LMS M480222 3 Plank Open Goods Wagon Overhaul completed
BR B458525 Steel dropside Open Goods Wagon In use with the permanent way train
BR B461224 Steel dropside Open Goods Wagon In use with the permanent way train
BR B741381 "Pipefit" dropside Open Goods Wagon In service and used regularly on goods trains

Flat wagons and bolster wagons

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
SR 39617 Motor Car Truck Stored at Kingscote. Hoped to be released for restoration in the near future.
SR 57889 Bogie Bolster Undergoing overhaul
SR 57949 Bogie Bolster Operational

Tank wagons

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
BP 4497 Class A Shell Tank Wagon Stored awaiting overhaul
Esso 1921 Class B Tank Wagon Operational and used regularly on goods trains
Shell-BP 1603 Class A Tanker Emergency Water Supply at Kingscote

Ballast wagons

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
SECR 567 2 Plank Ballast Wagon Being constructed from another wagon. Work underway on the underframe.
SR 62002 Dropside Engineers Wagon Fully restored and used regularly on goods trains
BR 983103 Dogfish Ballast Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 984082 Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 984506 Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 986419 Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 986591 Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 987403 Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 988395 Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 991391 Grampus Engineers Dropside Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 992780 Dogfish Ballast Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 993210 Dogfish Ballast Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 993217 Dogfish Ballast Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train
BR 993348 Dogfish Ballast Wagon Operational and used in the engineers train

Cranes and other special use wagons

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
SR 61107 Well Wagon Used to carry engineering vehicles. Eventually planned to have its BR modifications removed.
GWR 100677 Sleeper Wagon Used to carry sleepers
BR B904134 Lowmac Machinery Wagon Operational and used in goods trains
BR B900036 Trolley Wagon Used to carry smaller locomotive boilers
BR B900920 Bogie Well Wagon Used to carry locomotive boilers
LNER 1083 Ransome & Rapier Steam Crane Stored awaiting overhaul
SR 1748S Joseph Booth & Sons Hand Crane Fully restored and used for lifting things

References

  1. ^ http://www.maunsell.org/virtual%20shed/1638/1638_profile.htm
  2. ^ 'Bluebell News' Winter 2010
  3. ^ http://www.maunsell.org/virtual%20shed/541/541_profile.htm
  4. ^ http://www.maunsell.org/virtual%20shed/847/847_profile.htm
  5. ^ http://www.73082-camelot.com/
  6. ^ "Bluebell Railway Atlantic Group". Bluebell Railway. http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/atlantic/. Retrieved 31 January 2010. 
  7. ^ http://www.bulleidsociety.org/96/96_History.html
  8. ^ http://www.maunsell.org/virtual%20shed/1618/1618profile.htm
  9. ^ http://www.maunsell.org/virtual%20shed/928/928profile.htm
  10. ^ http://www.bulleidsociety.org/21C123/21C123_History.html
  11. ^ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pic2/nigel_kendall_34059b.html 34059 info page on Bluebell Website
  12. ^ http://www.nemesisrail.com/ Nemesis Rail website
  13. ^ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/d/sentinel.html
  14. ^ http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/preservation/preservationbr.html
  15. ^ http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/segpreservation3142.html
  16. ^ a b c Brodrick, Nick (September 18 - October 15 2009). "'Horsted' unearths another carriage relic". Steam Railway (356). 
  17. ^ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/coach5768.html
  18. ^ http://www.bulleidsociety.org/Coach_5768/5768_History.html
  19. ^ a b http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/catering/lounge_cars.html
  20. ^ http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/arrow_dates.html
  21. ^ http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/preservation/preservationpull.html
  22. ^ http://www.brightonbelle.com/

Further reading
Heritage railways: England · Scotland · Wales · Northern Ireland · Isle of Man · Channel Islands