Bluebell Steam Railway in East Sussex

My trip on the Bluebell Railway began at the Victorian Sheffield Park Station.  Strolling up the lane towards the station I was wafted back in time by the old tin-type ‘posters’ attached to the white picket fence.  Here were advertisements for “Blue Bell Tobacco”, Redfern’s Rubber Wheels” and one that we still recognise – “Dewar’s Whisky”.

Once on the platform it is difficult to know what to look at first.  Obviously if there is a waiting train that gets the first inspection.  On this occasion there was a Pullman being prepared for a private lunch.  Envy, envy.  Looking in the windows at the tables spread with white linen and adorned with crystal glasses, silver cutlery, pink shaded lamps and the comfortable arm chairs does make one envious.

 Especially for boys of all ages are the workshops.  Here are restored locomotives, engines waiting to be restored or repaired.  And they come in all sizes from the small “Stepney” to the big old workhorses that once belonged to British Railways.  It’s funny, but when I was a teeny tot I am sure these monsters were black and dirty.  Now they are bright and shiny in either black or green. 

Across the footbridge on the other platform I found piles of luggage – old fashioned trunks, hampers and suitcases. The Waiting Room, now a museum, has photographs, various bits of equipment and a panel containing three stained glass windows depicting three gentlemen whose inventions helped create steam locomotion.

Toot!  Toot!

Time to board the train.  Unlike commuters we chatted with our neighbours and pointed out things of interest – some cows, horses or sheep (including cuddly, bouncy, lambs) in the fields.  Then there was the wild life, mostly rabbits bobbing about the fields and some colourful pheasants.  Someone further down the carriage called out, “Look, there’s a deer!” 

We looked about wildly but as we had no idea where he was looking we didn’t see the deer. When we drew into Horsted Keynes Station I wished there was time to get off and enjoy a step back in time to the 1940s.  Unfortunately I had other things to do later and couldn’t afford to wait there for the next train.

In those days the line terminated at Kingscote Station where we got off and went to the picnic area behind the station.  While we sat in the sun, the engine was unhitched and trundled its way to the other end of the train ready to make the return journey. Nowadays the Bluebell Railway goes all the way to East Grinstead.

In December there will be lots of special events such as Santa Specials on various dates starting either at Sheffield Park or East Grinstead. On the 21st December are Reindeer Specials from East Grinstead and Victorian Christmas Trains from Sheffield Park.

For more information log on to www.bluebell-railways.co.uk