As the Bluebell Railway celebrates 50 years of running the first privately preserved steam passenger railway in England, August the 7th to be exact, there will be a weekend of activities including the visit of guest locomotive "Furness 20" the oldest working standard gauge steam engine in Britain. This engine was built in 1863 in Manchester.
There will be an intensive service all weekend starting on Friday 6th from. approx 10.a.m It will also be possible for a supplement of £5 to travel from Kingscote, in the observation car, behind Furness, to view the most southerly part of the municipal tip blocking the track into East Grinstead.
On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a Special Vintage Bus Tour of the old line from Kingscote to East Grinstead which will include travelling under ten arch Hill Place Viaduct.
At Sheffield Park, there will be model railways to visit, an opportunity to view from the pit in the engine shed, locomotive "Stowe" together with a line up of Maunsell locomotives to view. The Bessemer Arms Restaurant and Bar will be open all weekend.
At Horsted Keynes Station there will be a Railway Bazaar and Real Ale Bar open, in the paddock. The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway locomotive "Typhoon" and coach will be giving rides in the carriage and wagon department. There will also be behind the scenes tours of the carriage shed and many static locomotives to view. Blue Circle, also a visiting locomotive, will be on show.
On Saturday, 7th August there will be a special Pullman breakfast Service leaving at 9.0.a.m. This will be for first class ticket holders plus a £20 supplement. Booking for this is essential and should be done through the Sales and Information Office at Sheffield Park on 01825 720800
The whole weekend will have a grand finale with a cavalcade of steam on Sunday afternoon.
More detailed information may also be available through the web-site www.bluebell-railway.com
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