4 Deltics - working less than a mile from home – was I dreaming?
2017 was the 40th Anniversary of the foundation of the Deltic Preservation Society and in conjunction with the NRM/KOYLI Group, Beaver Sports, the Bluebell Railway hosted the very special Anniversary Gala over the weekend Friday October 6th to Sunday October 8th.
When formed in 1977 – The Deltic Preservation Society had a dream of saving just one loco – now they have three!
The event was planned to feature 4 working Deltics, D9002, D9009, 55019 and 55022 – a Deltic ONLY event, in reality though - 55022 was unable to attend and a secret plan to involve 55016 never came off.
Either way it was a fantastic weekend, remarkable not only for its location – but also as previously The Bluebell Railway were a staunch ‘Steam only’ operators. Apparently, they had previously fought off a coup when they bought a diesel shunter!
With Deltic followers staying the weekend at ours, we could hear the distant throb of a Napier engine from the back garden. Heading off to Sheffield Park after a hearty breakfast – the special weekend timetable enabled haulage on all three of the engines with a couple of changes at Horsted Keynes. At lunchtime on the 6th – all three engines were parked up at Horsted Keynes for a photo opportunity.
Although only 11 miles in length, The Bluebell Railway has some steep gradients and the drivers were really getting into the spirit of things. The rise up and through West Hoathly tunnel was well worth savouring.
With sales stands, food, good weather and beer on tap – this was a most enjoyable weekend – just a shame the other 2 operational Deltics couldn’t make it.
The majority of pictures on this page credited to my good friend S Roebuck.
