The Bluebell Railway is a heritage line West Sussex and East Sussex in England.

Steam locomotives

On loan/Visitors

Origin Wheel
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Class Notes Photograph

Operational

[1]

Origin Wheel
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Class Notes Photograph
BR 2-6-4T Standard Class 4 No. 80151. Built at Brighton in 1957, withdrawn in May 1967 and sent to Barry Scrapyard in October that year. It was purchased for preservation in 1974 and leaving Barry the following year. Overhaul began after the completion of 73082 "Camelot" in September 2015 and the overhaul saw replacement of its tyres and some new firebox plate-work. The loco was tested in June 2019 and returned to service the following month. Boiler ticket expires in 2029.
SER 0-6-0 O1 Class No. 65. Built in 1896 and rebuilt in 1908. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1996. The locomotive is seen as a reliable and remarkably powerful performer, as well as one which will complement the other SE&CR engines currently in traffic. The locomotive returned to service in July 2017. Boiler ticket expires in 2027.
BR 4-6-0 5MT No. 73082 Camelot. Built in 1955. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1979, and owned by the 73082 Camelot Locomotive Society. The locomotive returned to service following its overhaul in October 2015. However in 2020, persistent foundation ring leaks required the boiler to be lifted to attend to these as well as gaining a further ten-year ticket and undertaking any additional work required. The loco returned to service in September 2021. Boiler ticket expires in 2031.[2]

The engine was on loan to the West Somerset Railway for the steam gala between 27 and 30 September 2018. The engine departed for Bishops Lydeard by rail while in steam on 18 September. With 73082 not being mainline certified the move had to be done with the engine being towed behind a BR Class 37 no 37668.[3]

73082 at Sheffield Park
LB&SCR 0-6-0T A1 No. 672 Fenchurch. Built in 1872. Arrived at Bluebell 1963. Returned to traffic in 2001 after a rebuild. This engine was withdrawn at the end of January 2011 following expiry of its boiler certificate. In early December 2019 she entered the Locomotive works and was dismantled to remove the boiler for assessment, and the remainder of the locomotive reassembled for a return to public display in the newly refurbished display shed. The overhaul was formally completed in January 2023.

Undergoing overhaul, repair or restoration

[4]

Origin Wheel
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Class Notes Photograph
SR 0-6-0 Maunsell Q Class No. 30541. Built in 1939. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1978. Owned by the Maunsell Society.[5] The volunteer Loco Workshop Working Group carried out the overhaul of the locomotive, beginning in July 2011. The locomotive returned to service in April 2015 and ran until late 2022. It was withdrawn from service due to stay issues in the firebox and moved offsite for an overhaul by external contractors on the 6th July 2023 it is planned that the overhaul will take 12 to 18 months.[6][7][8] 30541 at Sheffield Park
SE&CR 0-4-4T Class H No. 263. Built in 1905. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1976, and returned to traffic after overhaul in July 2012. Boiler certificate expired 13th February 2022. Overhaul was started in November 2022 as the loco is in good mechanical condition but the boiler does require some minor attention. [9] 263 in the yard
SR 4-6-2 Rebuilt Bulleid Light Pacific No. 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair. Built in 1947. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1979. Relaunched and renamed on 24 April 2009 and entered public service the following day after a 10-year rebuild from Barry condition. 34059 was the first rebuilt Battle of Britain Class locomotive to steam in preservation. After only 2 years of service on the Bluebell, 34059 was withdrawn from traffic in October 2011 with firebox problems. Remedial work on the boiler (thought to take around nine months) was undertaken, with the boiler being lifted and taken to Crewe. In early 2016, it was discovered the locomotive needed a new inner firebox, and the boiler was transferred to the South Devon Railway for work to be undertaken. The boiler was returned to Sheffield Park toward the end of 2019 and is being prepared for lifting onto the chassis. 34059 at Sheffield Park station
SR 4-4-0 SR V Schools class No. 928 Stowe. Built in 1934. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1980. Last worked in 1991. Owned by the Maunsell Locomotive Society. An examination of the locomotive has shown that a new inner firebox will be required at a cost of up to £75,000. 928's tender has undergone a major rebuild in recent years. The boiler tubes, cab fittings and smoke deflectors have been removed prior to overhaul. The boiler is currently being worked on in the locomotive workshops. The driving wheels were sent for turning in August 2017. Stowe at Sheffield Park
SE&CR 0-6-0T Wainwright P class No. 27 Primrose. Built in 1910, and last worked in 1974. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1961. An overhaul was prepared and started in 1978 with the locomotive being dismantled, but it was paused for over 30 years due to the overhaul and maintenance of other locomotives before being restarted in 2012. This is 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. Amongst the many tasks undertaken for the overhaul have included replacement of sections of the frames and a new cylinder block. The frames of 27 awaiting work to start

BR 2-6-2T
(was 2-6-0)
Standard Class 2 (formerly 2-6-0) No. 84030 (formerly 78059). Recovered from Barry Scrapyard without a tender in May 1983. Was originally a tender engine. None of the original Standard Class 2 tank engines (84000-84029) survives, so this conversion will create the sole representative of the class. Reconstruction as a tank engine is well under way, with work currently focused on the frames, to which the new extension has now been welded. The boiler of 78059 with 84030 numberplate

Under construction

Origin Wheel
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Class Owner(s) Notes Photograph
LB&SCR 4-4-2 H2 Brighton Atlantic Group A replica of No 32424 Beachy Head (Brighton, 1911) 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. In April 2013 the cylinders, bogie and trailing wheels had been fitted and the driving wheels had been delivered. In June 2014 the main driving wheels have been fitted & motion & frames completed. The boiler underwent testing throughout 2018. The locomotive is expected to be operational by Autumn 2024. In early 2020 the owning group have announced plans to build an SECR E class as their next project once 32424 is complete.

Stored or on display

[10]

Origin Wheel
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Class Owner Notes Photograph
Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST Bluebell Railway No. 641 Sharpthorn. Built in 1877. Arrived at Bluebell 1982. Used by the contractors in the building of the original Lewes and East Grinstead Railway (now the Bluebell Line) in the early 1880s. Its use is limited and remains a static display. In August 2014, a cosmetic restoration began.[11] Sharpthorn has not fared well as of late October 2018, with rust and paint chipping.
LB&SCR 0-6-0T A1 Bluebell Railway No. 55 Stepney. Built in 1875. Seen by many as the flagship of the fleet, it was the first locomotive to be permanently based on the line in May 1960. The engine was relaunched into traffic in time for the 50th Anniversary of his arrival on the line on 17 May 2010, emerging in the black livery he wore during the 1960 season. Withdrawn from service in March 2014 after its main steam pipe failed. The engine requires a full overhaul, including a new cylinder block, although this is deemed an unlikely prospect so it is possible the locomotive may remain on static display. It has been restored to its original Stroudley Golden Ochre colour. The locomotive became internationally famous for starring in Wilbert Awdry's Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine, part of The Railway Series, and the famous children's TV show Thomas & Friends, created by Britt Allcroft and later acquired by HIT Entertainment in the 2000s. On display in the newly refurbished display shed.
Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0T Bluebell Railway No. 3 Baxter. Built in 1877. Named 'Captain Baxter' in the late 1920s after one of the directors of the Dorking Greystone Lime Company at Betchworth, where the locomotive worked. The name was shortened to 'Baxter' in the 1940s. Arrived at the Bluebell in August 1960. The engine returned to steam in August 2010 and is frequently used for shunting and for various tasks around the line. Baxter was fitted with vacuum brakes during 2011 to enable its solo use on passenger stock for the first time. In 2014, the engine starred in the movie Muppets Most Wanted, known as Randy Stevenot No. 3 with some American attachments. In July 2016, Baxter was invited to the Talyllyn Railway to celebrate Dolgoch's 150th birthday and becoming the first standard gauge engine to visit the railway. Boiler ticket expired 8 October 2018 and Baxter is now displayed in the newly refurbished display shed. Captain Baxter in Sheffield Park in 2011 after overhaul
LSWR 0-4-0T B4 The Bulleid Society[12] No. 96 Normandy Built in 1893. Arrived at Bluebell 1978. Funds are now being raised by the owning society, and it is hoped that any overhaul may commence after 21C123 Blackmoor Vale and 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair are complete and the good condition of the loco is established. 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 steam shunts. On display in the newly refurbished display shed.[13]

In October 2023, it was announced that Normandy alongside two other Bluebell engines are to be sent into the works for overhauls for a return to service.[14]

LSWR 4-4-2T 0415 Bluebell Railway No. 488. Built in 1885. Arrived at Bluebell 1961. Work on this engine is unlikely to commence for some time. The locomotive is thought to require at least a new boiler barrel (if not a new boiler entirely) and possibly new wheels, which given the unique nature of the locomotive will be an expensive undertaking. No. 488 has been painted as 30583 in BR Black for the 2019 Branchline Weekend. On display in the newly refurbished display shed.[13]

In October 2023, it was announced that 30583 alongside two other Bluebell engines are to be sent into the works for overhauls for a return to service.[15]

NLR 0-6-0T Class 75 Bluebell Railway No. 58850. Built in 1880. Arrived at Bluebell 1962. Last worked in 1993 and is awaiting overhaul. Was on loan to the Barrow Hill Roundhouse and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway until 2006, when it was moved back to the Bluebell with a view to a quick overhaul. However, with the work required being more extensive than originally thought, it has yet to receive any major attention. The overhaul will require a new firebox to be fitted. A cosmetic restoration has taken place with the intention to repaint it in black to match the livery of the Ransome & Rapiers crane currently on display at Horsted Keynes.
LB&SCR 0-6-2T E4 Bluebell Railway No. B473 (formerly known as Birch Grove). Built in 1898. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1962. B473 returned to service in January 2010 in 1920s Southern Railway livery following overhaul. The locomotive had repairs to the firebox were completed, once again returning in August 2014. However, in 2016 the same firebox fault occurred and the repair cannot be repeated, so the decision was made to withdraw B473 from service even though the boiler ticket was due to expire in 2020. The next overhaul will require major replacement of copper plates forming the inner firebox. On display in the newly refurbished display shed. Birch Grove at Kingscote
SE&CR 0-6-0 Wainwright C Class Bluebell Railway No. 592. Built in 1902. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1970. 592 was prematurely withdrawn from traffic in September 2012 due to a lack of power resulting in the fitting of a new cylinder liner, and a return to service was made in August 2013. A further withdrawal was made in late 2014 for boiler repairs to be carried out, and 592 returned to service in April 2015. The locomotive was in restricted usage following the discovery of worn flanges. After the boiler ticket expired in May 2017, its next overhaul will require new tyres, a new cylinder block, new springs and a new copper firebox. 592 at Horsted Keynes.
SE&CR 0-6-0T Wainwright
P Class
Bluebell Railway No. 178. Built in 1910. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1969. Returned to traffic on 27 February 2010 following extensive overhaul. The locomotive was restored to full SECR goods livery in 2010. Sadly in late 2014, after four years in ticket the locomotive failed with issues with its cylinder block after a repair which failed it was found that the cylinder block has the same crack since when it arrived in 1969. 178 saw out the remainder of its ticket on light duties only, including a spell operating shuttle trains at the National Railway Museum in York during 2017. Boiler certificate expired in October 2020 178 double heading with 263
SE&CR 0-6-0T Wainwright P Class Bluebell Railway No. 323 Bluebell. Built in 1910. Arrived at the Bluebell in July 1960 as the second locomotive purchased from British Railways. The locomotive returned to steam in March 2011, painted in its unique 'Bluebell Blue' livery. Withdrawn from service in February 2019 requiring major boiler and mechanical work. On display in the newly refurbished display shed.

In October 2023, it was announced that Bluebell alongside two other Bluebell engines are to be sent into the works for overhauls for a return to service.[16] Bluebell will be sent into the workshop in early 2024 with the goal of returning to traffic by the summer.

323 at Horsted Keynes
SR 2-6-0 Maunsell U Class Maunsell Locomotive Society[17] No. 1618. Built in 1928. Arrived at Bluebell 1977 from the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Last worked in 1994 and is on static display awaiting a 10-year overhaul. 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. 31618 has been painted in lined BR black to match the tender, and to smarten the appearance of the engine up after many years in the shed. The overhaul is not likely to start until the work has completed on others. Its overhaul requires boiler work, including firebox and re-profiled tyres.
SR 2-6-0 Maunsell
U Class
Maunsell Locomotive Society[18] No. 1638. Built in 1931. Arrived in 1980. Returned to service in February 2006. The boiler ticket expired in January 2016, but due to a number of minor faults and the need for a new hydraulic test, it was decided to withdraw it from service in July 2015. 1638 was a reliable performer over the nine and a half years of running, although requiring a couple of spells in the works for boiler and firebox repairs, and bore the brunt of the heavier services on the Bluebell over its period in service. 1638 at Sheffield Park yard
SR 4-6-0 S15 Maunsell Locomotive Society[19] No. 847. Built in 1936. Arrived at the Bluebell in 1978 and owned by the Maunsell Locomotive Society.[20] It returned to service following its latest overhaul in December 2013 after being out of service for 16 years. Withdrawn from service in December 2021 due to worn tyres. Will also require major firebox repairs at its next overhaul. 847 running round at Sheffield Park
GWR 4-4-0 3200 Bluebell Railway No. 9017 Earl of Berkeley. Built in 1938. Arrived at Bluebell 1963. Returned to traffic in November 2003 after an overhaul which included a number change from 3217. The condition of the firebox saw this locomotive withdrawn in June 2011. This locomotive has been considered as the next medium-sized locomotive to be overhauled, the extensive work carried out during the previous overhaul rendering this a relatively straightforward job. The tender was loaned to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway in 2014 for use behind GWR 7800 Manor Class No. 7820 Dinmore Manor until the overhaul of that is completed which returned to the Bluebell in October 2015. The locomotive was transported to Goodwood Motor Circuit near Chichester in September 2018 and put on static display throughout the duration of that year's Goodwood Revival as part of a celebration of "British Transport".[21]
SR 4-6-2 West Country The Bulleid Society No. 21C123 Blackmoor Vale. Built in 1946. Arrived at Bluebell 1971. Returned to traffic in 2000. Withdrawn early in June 2008 following repeated failures and firebox problems, and is currently awaiting overhaul. A new firebox will be needed at the locomotive's next overhaul, which should cost around £150,000. The locomotive's owners, the Bulleid Society, have purchased new thermic syphons, as the first stage in obtaining the components for this work. A new inner firebox will also be constructed alongside that for 34059. It is currently stored at Horsted Keynes station having been moved there in March 2023
BR 4-6-0 Standard Class 4 Bluebell Railway No. 75027. Built in 1952. Arrived at Bluebell 1969 as the Bluebell's first "large" engine. Withdrawn February 2007 - shortly before the expiry of its 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. After many years stored outside at Horsted Keynes, the engine received some cosmetic attention in 2019 which included giving the engine a fresh coat of paint. Stored in the carriage shed at Sheffield Park.
BR 2-6-4T Standard Class 4 Bluebell Railway No. 80100. Arrived at Bluebell in 1978. Awaiting major restoration from Barry Scrapyard condition. Unlikely that a start will be made on restoration in the foreseeable future, at least until 84030 enters traffic. The locomotive is currently stored at Horsted Keynes station under a tarpaulin. It is seen as a long term option, being the only Standard Tank on the line actually owned by the railway.
BR 2-10-0 9F Bluebell Railway No. 92240. Built in 1958. Arrived at Bluebell 1978. Withdrawn in December 2002 due to deteriorating tubes. 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. An appeal was launched to raise funds for a return to steam, in November 2022 the loco was taken back to Sheffield park and in 2023 work has started on the locomotives tender [22] the locomotive currently being stored at Horsted Keynes. Its overhaul would likely take only a short time to complete given the good mechanical condition of the locomotive.

Diesel locomotives

On loan

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British Rail 0-6-0DM Class 09 D4106 (previously 09018). Bought by a consortium of locomotive department volunteers, D4106 is on loan to the railway on an "at-cost" basis where the railway hires it until the members receive their funds back. The higher gearing of an 09 compared to an 08 allows it to be used in emergencies on passenger services at 25 mph, a role it undertook for the first time during summer 2013.
British Rail Bo-Bo Class 33 D6570 Ashford, bought by the same consortium of loco owners as D4106. Arrived from K&ESR 2/7/2021. Currently undergoing bodywork repairs plus other repairs that are needed/required [23]

Operational

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Notes Photograph
Sentinel B Works No. 10241 and built in 1966, although technically built after the company became owned by Rolls-Royce. The locomotive was rebuilt by Thomas Hill in 1973 following accident damage.[24] This engine was acquired by the Bluebell in 2010 as a replacement for a hired-in class 08, for use primarily as the Horsted Keynes carriage works shunter. This is the first diesel locomotive ever to be owned outright by the railway, and is known by Bluebell volunteers as 'Skippy'.
Howard B No. 957, petrol-engined locomotive. The restoration, courtesy of the Alf Brown group, was the longest running on the railway. The locomotive was run for the first time at the 50th Anniversary celebrations in August 2010. As of October 2018, it is stored at Horsted Keynes under a tarp between 58850 and the carriage shop.

Electric motive power

Stored or on display

Origin Class Notes Photograph
British Rail 423 4-Vep unit 3417 "Gordon Pettitt" is currently on loan to the Southern Electric Traction Group, who intend to operate it on the national rail network once its restoration is complete. The unit was stored at Clapham Junction for some time prior to a move to Ilford for some cosmetic work, and has operated over Bluebell metals with a class 73 on special shuttle services between East Grinstead station and the railhead at Imberhorne tip. The unit is currently being given a full restoration at Strawberry Hill by the SETG with a view to a return to the national network.[25]

Carriages

[26]

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 three carriages are already in service with another three 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 Built in 1894. Stored awaiting major restoration, but the underframe has received some attention. This coach was formerly used as a break room. Unlike any other preserved LCDR six-wheelers, its original six-wheeled chassis is still intact, and deemed eminently restorable.
LCDR 114 4-wheeled Brake Third Built in 1899. Returned to traffic in 2006 after an extensive restoration; was previously used as a bungalow. In use with the other 4-wheelers. Painted as LCDR 114.
LCDR 51 4-wheeled Brake Second Built in 1889, 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 Built in 1897. Returned to service on 25 June 2016 following restoration. This was a grounded body, and has been mounted on a two-axle underframe. The end result provides a carriage similar to other ex-LCDR six-wheelers used on the Isle of Wight by the SR. The carriage has been painted in SECR livery to match 3360 and numbered 3188.
LBSCR 661 Stroudley 6-wheel First Built in 1880. In use. It is planned to eventually be part of a Stroudley train. Now placed on a 4-wheel underframe of SR PMVY 2216.
LBSCR 676 Stroudley 4-wheel Brake Third Built in 1875. Stored awaiting restoration. Moved into the OP4 carriage shed at Horsted Keynes in 2018.[27][28] Now on underframe of PMVY 1728 [29]
LBSCR 949 Stroudley 4-wheel Brake Third Built in 1881. Undergoing restoration, a new underframe has been found and the structure is complete. The carriage has been reassembled externally and is awaiting painting and varnishing as well as the interior rebuilding. Body placed on underframe of SR PMVY 1193.
LBSCR 328 Stroudley 4-wheel Third Built in 1890. Moved into the works in early 2010. The underframe has been refurbished and work on reconstructing the bodywork is underway.
LBSCR 992 Stroudley 4-wheel Third Built in 1880. Stored awaiting restoration. Stored on underframe of carriage no. 4035 [30]
LBSCR 725 Stroudley 4-wheel Brake Third Built in 1878. Recovered in 1998 and stored in a dismantled state. Is a slightly different design to 676 and 949 as it has full height partitions and luggage racks.
LBSCR 35 Craven 4-wheel Second Three compartment carriage built in 1856. Stored awaiting restoration.[31] 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 undergoing restoration [31][32] Currently placed on a wagon underframe.
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.[31] Awaiting restoration. In July 2011, this carriage was seriously damaged by fire. Although most of the original wood was destroyed, it would've been replaced to reconstruct this body anyway, metal components still remain.
LBSCR 204 Craven 4-wheel Quadrant-windowed First Three compartment carriage built in 1866. Stored awaiting restoration.
LSWR 25 6-wheeled 34-ft Family Saloon Built in 1885. Stored awaiting restoration. Stored on underframe of carriage no. 4035
SER 172 6-wheeled Saloon Built in 1898. Stored awaiting restoration. Stored on underframe of SR van. 442.[33]
SER 18?? Brake Third Built in either 1877 or 1878. Body only. Stored under a tarpaulin. The only surviving SER guard's brake vehicle.
SER 2159 6-wheeled Third Built in 1887. Body only. Stored under a tarpaulin.

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 7598 Bogie First Built in 1903. Returned to traffic in 1999 and won the 'Best Coach of the Year' award for 2002/03. After some time awaiting tyre turning, the coach has now returned to regular service.
LSWR 320 Lavatory Third Built in 1900. One of the first two coaches to operate on the preserved Bluebell Line. Stored undercover awaiting eventual restoration.
LSWR 494 Corridor Third Built in 1911. Stored awaiting restoration.
LSWR 1520 Brake Third Operational. Built in 1910. The carriage was relaunched into traffic in April 2010 following major rebuild from departmental use. The carriage has been finished in LSWR livery, and as such only sees limited use as it does not match other carriages of a similar vintage.
SECR 950 Semi Saloon Lav. Brake Second Stored. Built 1907. Under a tarpaulin on the Ardingly Branch. Not owned by the Bluebell Railway, private owner. Awaiting restoration.[34]
SECR 971 Hundred Seater Built in 1923. 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 currently in store awaiting restoration.
SECR 1061 Birdcage Brake Built in 1909. Stored awaiting restoration. Inside the Horsted Keynes carriage shed.
SECR 1084 Birdcage Brake Operational. The carriage returned to traffic in November 2011 following rebuild.
SECR 1098 Hundred Seater Built in 1922. Operational. The carriage is popular among many visitors to and members of the line.
SECR 1170 Birdcage Brake Built in 1912. 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 straightforward.
SR 1050 Bogie Third Stored awaiting overhaul. 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. Under a tarpaulin in the Horsted Keynes carriage shed.

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. The carriages have seen regular use on London Underground in recent years as part of steam operations on the Metropolitan line, and possess TOPS identities for movements over the Network Rail network to and from London.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
Metropolitan 394 Full Third Built in 1900. Returned to traffic in 1999. Received major rebuilding to remove the driving cab added in the 1930s when the set was converted to electric operation.
Metropolitan 368 Composite Built in 1898. Returned to traffic in 2002. 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 Built in 1900. Returned to traffic in late 2006.
Metropolitan 387 Brake Third Built in 1898. Returned to traffic in 1999. 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. In addition to those preserved on the railway, the Bluebell also has the underframe of coach 3725 and the bogies from several other coaches that were converted to Carflat wagons in the 1960s. For more information see SR Maunsell carriage

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
Maunsell 1309 Open Third Built in 1935. In service and used on passenger trains. This coach is unique in preservation, and was restored from stripped-out departmental condition, in part thanks to parts stripped from identical No 1306 when the latter was in a scrap yard. On restoration in 1984 it won the first ever ARPS (now HRA) "Coach of the Year" award.
Maunsell 1336 Open Third, "Drop Light" Built in 1933. In service and used on passenger trains, having been restored from stripped-out ex-departmental condition.
Maunsell 1365 Composite Dining Saloon / Open Third Built in 1927. Stored awaiting overhaul after being used on passenger trains regularly in the 1970s. Another number for this carriage is 7866.
Maunsell 2356 Corridor Third Built in 1931. 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 Built in 1931. Undergoing overhaul and conversion back to original condition, after a BR rebuild and subsequent departmental conversion. The interior is nearing completion and the doors have had all their timberwork overhauled and fitted. Overhaul in advanced stage and the carriage has now moved to the main restoration dock in the Horsted Keynes carriage workshop for completion at the hands of a volunteer team.
Maunsell 3724 Corridor Brake Third Built in 1930. Stripped out and rebuilt for use on Chipmans weed-killer train. Stored awaiting restoration, following use as an exhibition vehicle. During its eventual restoration it may be converted into a wheelchair-accessible coach on passenger trains.
Maunsell 4441 Unclassed Brake Built in 1933. Awaiting overhaul with a seriously damaged underframe but a reasonably complete body. It is planned to swap underframes with 4444 in the fullness of time, so this one can be restored.
Maunsell 4444 Nondescript Brake Built in 1933. The carriage was scrapped during 2021, following the salvaging of restorable components.[35] Its body was affected by dry rot before it arrived on the Bluebell. It is planned that 4444 will donate its underframe to 4441, the body of 4441 being in better condition.
Maunsell 4922 Travelling Post Office Built in 1939. Stored awaiting restoration but it has been given low priority as it is not a passenger carrying vehicle. TPO 4922 was purchased in 1977 on the merit of having a complete interior and was restored to running order in 1980. However the paint failed to adhere to the galvanising, and so 4922 was placed in storage in 1984.[36]
Maunsell 5644 Corridor Composite Built in 1930. Stored awaiting restoration. Purchased in 1989 from Chipmans as part of CWT Set 8. This carriage has had its roof recovered but it was found the previous roof covering had been damaged and allowed water ingress. The carriage will require replacement cant rails and eradication of dry rot as part of its restoration.[37] It is considered to be one of the gems of the Bluebell's Maunsell fleet.
Maunsell 6575 Corridor Brake Composite Built in 1929. Stored awaiting a fairly major overhaul particularly at the brake end. The carriage was 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 Built in 1935. Operational, won the 'Highly Commended Coach of the Year' award for 1998/99. First class seating recently underwent refurbishment.[38]
Maunsell 7864 Kitchen Buffet Built in 1932. 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. Work beginning to replace bottom, middle and top rails, as well as the side pillars. 7864 is to move into the carriage shed at Horsted Kenyes once 3687 is in the workshop.[39] Photo shows a couple of tons of second hand teak purchased for the forthcoming overhaul.

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 Built in 1947. On loan to the Mid Hants Railway until 2037 where it is being restored to operational condition.
Bulleid 1464 Open Third Built in 1950. In service and used on passenger trains.
Bulleid 1481 Open Third Built in 1950. Out of service awaiting a fairly major overhaul with the body structure needing attention and replacement of external paneling.
Bulleid 1482 Open Third Built in 1950. In service and used on passenger trains. Received repairs and a repaint in 2019.
Bulleid 2515 Semi-Open Brake Third Built in 1951. Awaiting major underframe overhaul. Could be back in traffic quickly as body itself is sound.
Bulleid 2526 Semi-Open Brake Third Built in 1951. In service and used on passenger trains.
Bulleid 4227 Semi-Open Brake Third Built in 1948. Awaiting restoration.
Bulleid 4279 Semi-Brake Open Third Built in 1949. Withdrawn in 2015, now awaiting overhaul.
Bulleid 5768 Corridor Composite Built in 1947. In October 2009 the carriage began to receive a major overhaul which will include work on the bodywork and floor.[40] Owned by the Bulleid Society.[41] This carriage is owned by the Bulleid Society, and is the only surviving loco-hauled Bulleid-design carriage with first class accommodation. Returned to service in 2019.

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) Built in 1961. Currently in service as part of the Lounge Car Service.
British Railways 1818 Restaurant Miniature Buffet Built in 1960. In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 1838 Restaurant Miniature Buffet Built in 1959. Currently out of traffic awaiting overhaul to its end structure. This work is now being undertaken at Cranmore, East Somerset Railway from November 2019.
British Railways 3064 Open First Built in 1955. In service and used as part of the Lounge Car Service.[42]
British Railways 4754 Open Second Built in 1957. Formerly used by the Bicester Military Railway, this carriage was acquired from the Ministry of Defence in 2014. The intention is that once 4754 has entered traffic, the more modern-looking 4957, which is in need of refurbishment, will be offered for sale. Under restoration at Horsted Keynes.
British Railways 4824 Open Second Built in 1959. In service and used as part of the Lounge Car service.[42]
British Railways 4941 Saloon Built in 1962. In service and used on passenger trains. Converted to multi-use saloon with wheelchair lifts.
British Railways 4957 Open Second Built in 1962. 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, which is a result of it having been refitted to serve as a classroom on The Travelling College in the late 1980s. The intention is that once 4754 has entered traffic, this coach, which is in need of refurbishment, will be offered for sale.
British Railways 5034 Saloon Built in 1962. In service and used on passenger trains. Converted to multi-use saloon with wheelchair lifts.

This carriage had been employed as a dormitory coach on The Travelling College. Returned from Cranmore in November 2019 following a structural overhaul of both ends. The remaining work will be finished at Horsted Keynes.[43] The aim is to have the vehicle back in traffic in time for the line's 60th Anniversary celebrations in August 2020.

British Railways 16012 Corridor Composite Built in 1957. In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 16210 Corridor Composite Built in 1961. In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 21246 Brake Composite Built in 1962. In service following comprehensive overhaul after arrival in 2011. Returned to service for 2018 Santa Specials.
British Railways 21271 Brake Composite Built in 1964. Awaiting restoration. Has had some attention done to it.
British Railways 25728 Corridor Second Built in 1961. In service and used on passenger trains.
British Railways 25769 Corridor Second Built in 1961. Awaiting end overhaul. The bogies have recently been swapped with 25728 to keep that in traffic.
British Railways 34556 Brake Corridor Second Built in 1955. In service and used as part of the Lounge Car service.
British Railways 35207 Brake Corridor Second Built in 1958. In Service.

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).[44]

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. This car was sold to a private owner who had the carriage body cut in two and integrated into a building before being sold to the Bluebell in 1997. The two halves are in good condition and the remains of Constance are currently stored on the underframe of a Bulleid coach.
Pullman Car Company 157 Car No. 54. Brake Third Built in 1923. Undergoing restoration. Car No. 54 was originally preserved on the Dart Valley Railway before moving to the Birmingham Railway Museum in 1970. It was later sold to Venice-Simplon Orient Express and was stripped at Carnforth before being put aside for sale. This car was purchased in 1984 but did not arrive until 1986. Largely complete, Car No. 54 also contains a large collection of toilet doors from the VSOE Pullmans.[45] The carriage was overhauled 20 years ago but rain seeped into the carriage, ruining a lot of the newly refurbished carriage. It is now being restored under cover with proper materials.
Pullman Car Company 175 Fingall Kitchen First Built in 1924. Operational. A rebuild of the bogies, wheels and brakes was completed in 2022.
Pullman Car Company 194 Car No. 36. Parlour Third Built in 1926. The carriage was purchased privately and moved to the Bluebell from the Churnet Valley Railway in late 2019. The carriage will enter the workshops once work on Car No. 54 is complete,[46] with a hope it will replace Christine once the latter becomes due for underframe overhaul in 2022. The carriage was formerly part of the Bulmer's Cider promotional train in the 1970s.[47]
Pullman Car Company 219 Car No. 64 Parlour Third Built in 1928. Operational. Named Christine by the railway. Formerly part of the Bulmers Cider Pullman set, but sold to the Bluebell by VSOE as it was a third-class car. This coach was overhauled at VSOE's Stewarts Lane workshops in 2004, and returned to service in 2006. Aluminium roof panelling replaced by canvas, following signs of water damage; the canvas has been painted white and the roof furniture re-fitted.[48]
Pullman Car Company 307 Carina Kitchen First A 1951 'Festival of Britain' Golden Arrow Pullman carriage. Carina was part of Sir Winston Churchill's funeral train in 1965, and was later sold to the Hotel Mercure in Lyon, France before being returned to the UK in the late 1970s by Venice-Simplon Orient Express. She was originally purchased by the Brighton Belle trust, but was swapped for car Doris which was based for a while on the Bluebell.
Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits 3801 N/A First Class Sleeping Car Built in 1939. Car 3801 was part of the last Night Ferry service in 1980. It was stored at Ostend until 1984 when it was purchased by the Bluebell for use as an accommodation coach at Horsted Keynes. It is somewhat unusual but fits in with the Bluebell as this car was formerly used by the Southern Railway and more latterly British Railways (Southern Region).

Observation car, Royal and Directors' saloons

The Observation 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 Built in 1897. 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 Built in 1913. Painted in LNWR livery. Operational following a rebuild in 2014.
LBSCR 60 Directors' Saloon Built in 1913. 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 Built in 1882. Destroyed by fire in 2010, may be reconstructed at some point in the future
SECR 153 Passenger Luggage Van Built in 1922. Serviceable, but used as mess van.
LBSCR 270 Milk / Fruit Van Built in 1908. Overhaul completed in 2015, restored to as-built condition. This vehicle, hauled by Fenchurch, was the last to arrive on the Bluebell via. the line through Ardingly. New axle holds are needed while the body of 270 is held up inside the new carriage shed's workshop area.
SECR 719 Birdcage Brake Van Built in 1905. Awaiting restoration. Stored in Horsted Keynes' sidings behind the station.
LSWR 5498 Ventilated Luggage Van Built in 1920. Awaiting restoration.

Southern Railway vans, etc.

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
SR C 404 4-wheel brake Van Built in 1937. Operational
SR C 419 4-wheel Brake Van Built in 1937. Operational
SR C 442 4-Wheel Brake Van Built in 1937. Dismantled. Converted to generator truck in 1990s for Queen of Scots accommodation, and used on the Bluebell as a passenger brake, it was stored out of use at Kingscote where its condition deteriorated to a point where it became the worst of the Bluebell's 4 vans, it was then taken to Horsted Keynes where its body was broken up, with re-usable parts being stored to help maintain the remaining vans. Its underframe will be used to support the body of South Eastern Railway Saloon No. 172.
SR 1184 PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) Built in 1935. Non operational. Used as a workshop by the S&T Dept.
SR 1788 PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) Built in 1942. Restored and repainted to BR Crimson.
SR 2186 PLV (Passenger Luggage Van) Built in 1934. Nearing the end of repairs.
SR 2276 Van U (Covered Carriage Truck) Built in 1929. Non operational. Used as a workshop for the S&T Dept.
SR 2462 GBL (Gangwayed Bogie Luggage van) Built in 1931. Operational. Currently being repainted.
BR 2531 CCT (Covered Carriage Truck) Built in 1955. 2531 has recently been restored to BR Crimson livery.
BR 4601 GUV Bogie Scenery Van
(modified for carrying circus elephants).
Built in 1949. Undergoing restoration. The vehicle has been converted into a children's play carriage.

LMS & BR

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LMS/BR 398 First Sleeper Built in 1952. Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
LMS/BR 603 Third Sleeper Built in 1951. Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
LMS/BR 623 Third Sleeper Built in 1952. Non operational and used as a staff sleeping accommodation.
LMS 32975 BGZ (6-wheel Gangwayed Guard's Brake, Stove R) Built in 1938. 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. The vehicle prior to rebuilding.

Repainted into Pullman livery
BR 6334 BG (Full Brake) Built in 1957. Non operational and used as a store.
BR 86722 Bogie GUV (General Utility Van) Built in 1959. Went from Stewarts Lane to the Bluebell Railway in January 2009 to be used as a stores van.
BR 87720 Insulated Fish Covered Van Built in 1960. Recently repainted as of 10 June 2019 but still stored in Horsted Keynes sidings.
BR 94181 CCT (Covered Carriage Truck) Built in 1959. Non operational, used as a store by the Howlden Trust at Horsted Keynes.
BR 10690 Mark 3 sleeper Ex-Caledonian Sleeper vehicle displaced by a full fleet upgrade, arriving on the railway in December 2019. To be used as staff accommodation at Sheffield Park.
BR 10693 Mark 3 sleeper Ex-Caledonian Sleeper vehicle displaced by a full fleet upgrade, arriving on the railway in December 2019. To be used as staff accommodation at Sheffield Park.

Mk. I carriages used for non-traffic purposes

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
BR 2442 Staff Sleeping Coach Built in 1961. (88 Service Car No.2) Ex-SLC.
BR 25776 Staff Dormitory Built in 1961. (TCL 99166) Ex-SK.
BR 25871 Carriage Shop at Horsted Keynes. Built in 1962. (TCL 99161) Ex-SK. Now in use as a shop at Horsted Keynes platform 4, selling books, model railway items, Thomas the Tank Engine items, etc.
BR 35419 Visitor facilities, East Grinstead. Built in 1963. (BDC 977166) Ex-BSK. Converted to form part of the permanent Bluebell presence in East Grinstead, and now provides both a coffee shop / buffet and travel centre at the station.

Milk tanks

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
United Dairies 4430 6-wheel glass-lined Milk Tank Built in 1933. Operational and used regularly in goods trains, and sometimes in passenger trains. Is through-piped for vacuum braking and carriage heat to enable use in standard passenger workings.

Goods wagons

[49] The Bluebell has a large collection of goods wagons. Some are used in demonstration goods trains at various times of the year.

Brake vans

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
LSWR 5706 10 ton "Road Van" Brake Van Built in 1898. Stored awaiting a major structural restoration. Currently stored at Horsted Keynes
SECR 11916 25 ton "Dance Hall" Brake Van Built in 1923. Stored at Kingscote, recent cosmetic overhaul carried by Friends of Kingscote however still required major bottom end work
SECR 11934 25 ton "Dance Hall" Brake Van Undergoing restoration
GWR 17908 20 ton "Toad" Brake Van Operational, but normally stored at Horsted Keynes, presumably because it does not fit with the rest of the line's stock.[50]
MoS (SR design) 49018 25 ton "Pillbox" Brake Van Was built in 1942 for the Ministry of Supply during the Second World War by the Southern Railway. Fitted with Vacuum brake. Later entered BR stock. Soon to receive some cosmetic attention, used mainly on engineers trains. It is intended that this van will revert to its BR identity of M360328.
SR 55993 25 ton "Pillbox" Brake Van Operational. Built in 1930.
SR 56290 25 ton "Queen Mary" Brake Van Operational, regularly used with engineering trains and brake van rides. Built in 1936.
BR 62864 "Shark" Ballast Plough Brake Van Stored awaiting restoration. Built in 1949.

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. Destroyed in a fire on Friday, 16 July 2010. Its reconstruction with metal frames is possible though even though this practice would've been necessary anyway.[51]
SECR 15750 12 ton Covered Goods Van Out of service awaiting major structural repairs to all the corner pillars
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
LMS 570027 Banana Van Received cosmetic attention between late May 2018 and March 2019. Restored and operational.
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. Stored at Horsted Keynes beside staff car park.
LBSCR 3346 Hi-Bar Open Goods Wagon Awaiting repairs
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. Received repairs and a repaint in 2021.
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 Serviceable but rarely used. Currently disguised as S.C.Ruffey from the Thomas & Friends episode, Toad Stands By.
SR 10013 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Awaiting overhaul.
SR 12058 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Undergoing restoration.
SR 62002 5 Plank Open Goods Wagon Undergoing overhaul.
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.
LMS 411245 13 ton open merchandise Wagon Stored.
LMS 474558 3 Plank Open Goods Wagon Operational.
LMS M480222 3 Plank Open Goods Wagon Operational.
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 Stored.

Flat wagons and bolster wagons

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
SR 39617 Motor Car Truck Stored at Kingscote. It is hoped that this vehicle can be released for restoration in the near future, subject to workshop space at Horsted Keynes.
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 Stored.
Shell-BP 1603 Class A Tanker Emergency Water Supply at Kingscote, was the sole supplier of water north of Horsted Keynes until the opening of the East Grinstead station water column in 2015.

Ballast wagons

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
SECR 567 2 Plank Ballast Wagon Operational, and used in demonstration goods trains. Has been constructed based on the identical underframe of an SECR 7-plank wagon, since the Bluebell had 4 of these, but no 2-planks survived into preservation.
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 Moved to Horsted Keynes after many years stored out of use, for a start to be made on restoration to operational condition in terms of potential use in trains. Jib runner was recently repainted on 21 October 2018 and a rear section of it is to be taken out because of corrosion and a new section will be made in place.
SR 1748S Joseph Booth & Sons Hand Crane Operational. Was used heavily in the 80's and the early 2000s before "working at height" rules came into force.

Former Stock

This section is currently under construction.

Steam locomotives

Locomotives that used to be based on the Bluebell Railway.

Origin Wheel
arrangement
Class Owner(s) Notes Photograph
BR 2-6-4T Standard Class 4 West Somerset Railway Association No. 80064. Built in 1953. Arrived at Bluebell 1984. Last ran in 1991 and awaits a heavy overhaul. The locomotive left the railway in November 2023 and moved to the West Somerset Railway after being donated by its owners, the 80064 Locomotive Fund, to the WSR Association.[52]
SR 0-6-0T USA class Private owner No. 30064. Built in 1943. Arrived at Bluebell in 1971, withdrawn in 1983 for major overhaul and painted in WD grey in 2003. After several years stored at Horsted Keynes, 30064 was sold to a private owner in 2022 and left the Bluebell on 23 June that year. Its new owner intends to restore the locomotive within 5-6 years. Its current location has yet to be disclosed.[53]
Avonside 0-6-0ST Rutland Railway Museum Works No 1972 Stamford. Built in 1927. Arrived on the Bluebell 25th October 1969, with the intention of providing extra power when the railway only had eight locomotives capable of hauling passenger trains. Subsequent locomotive arrivals made 'Stamford' redundant and was it was placed on loan to the Rutland Railway Museum in 2010 before being sold to them in December 2021.
LSWR 4-4-0 LSWR T9 Class National Railway Museum No. 120. Built in 1899. Following expiry of boiler certificate in 1993, it went to the Bluebell for undercover accommodation with a shortage of space at York on 24 March 1994. Left for the Bodmin & Wenford Railway on 1 February 2008. Currently awaiting overhaul on the Swanage Railway.
SR 0-6-0 SR Q1 class National Railway Museum No. C1. Built in 1942 at Brighton Works. C1 was at the Bluebell Railway from 15 May 1977 to 4 May 2004. It was overhauled twice while at the Bluebell. The NRM have indicated that C1's return to Sussex is possible in the future. Currently on static display at York.
Aveiling and Porter 2-2-0WT Rushden Historical Transport Society Works No. 9449. Built in 1926. Arrived on the Bluebell Railway on 23 April 1964 and named Blue Circle.[54] Sold by the Bluebell Railway in 2001. Currently operational at the Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway
SR 4-6-0 SR S15 class Essex Locomotive Society No. 30830. Built in August 1927. Arrived on the Bluebell on 23 Sept 1987. Restoration had not started when arrived in 1987 as S15 No. 847 was of priority. When the opportunity to purchase SR Schools Class Stowe arose, to allow the Bluebell to have a more balanced collection, to raise funds for the purchase of No. 928, 30830 was sold together with spares and a tender chassis, to the Essex Locomotive Society in 2000. Now at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
SR 4-6-2 SR Merchant Navy class Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust No. 35027 Port Line. Built 1948, rebuilt 1957. Arrived on the Bluebell 31 May 1988. Left the Bluebell Railway in early 2000. Now at LNWR Heritage, Crewe.
Neilson & Co. 0-4-0ST Bressingham Steam and Gardens Beckton Gas Works No. 25. Built in 1896. Arrived at the Bluebell on 25 October 1961. Temporarily on the Bluebell Line on behalf of the Industrial Locomotive Society. Left the Bluebell on 2 August 1967. Now at Bressingham Steam and Gardens on static display.

Carriages

Origin Number Type Notes Photograph
CR 1375 Corridor Third Built in 1921. Restored by British Railways in 1958 for use with Caledonian Single No. 123. Preserved in 1968 by the Bluebell Railway and delivered there in 1969. Exchanged to the Scottish Railway Preservation Society in 1974 for Bulleid Third Open No. 1482 and taken to Falkirk. In 1988, 1375 was moved to the SRPS' site at Bo'ness. Restored and now operational in Caledonian Railway livery. One of only three surviving coaches used by the Caledonian Railway.
LNWR 74 Semi-royal saloon Built in 1903. This carriage was withdrawn in 1971 and preserved in 1973 by 7029 Clun Castle Ltd. Arrived on the Bluebell in October, 2000. Later repainted in LMS Wartime livery, then the carriage was returned to LNWR livery. Offered for sale at the end of 2012, later moved to the Lavender Line when it had still not been sold. Later in use as an Indian restaurant in Polhill, in Kent.
Pullman Car Company Car No. 76 Parlour Third Built in 1928. Named Lilian by the Bluebell. Sold and departed for Carnforth in January 2021.
LMS 1272 Corridor Third Built in 1924 by the LMS to a Midland Railway design. Used by the Bluebell as volunteer accommodation from 1971 to 1993. Now at Midland Railway Centre at Butterley and sheeted under a tarpaulin awaiting restoration.
SR 11201 4-COR DMBTO Built in 1938 for Set 3142. Preserved by the Southern Electric Group in 1972. Left Ashford Steam Centre in 1976 and went to the Nene Valley Railway where it acted as passenger coaches for the NVR's re-opening train in 1977.[55][56] Cosmetically restored in SR livery and put on display at Horsted Kenyes in 2005 until 2015. In June 2017, 11201 moved to a private site in Sellindge, Kent with two other carriages from 4-COR set 3142.[57]

References

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  2. "Operational Locomotives".
  3. Holden, Michael (17 September 2018). "TIMINGS ADDED: Steam locomotive 73082 Camelot to make rare movement on mainline tomorrow".
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  50. "Bluebell Railway Wagons - Great Western Railway 20 Ton "Toad" Goods Brake Van 17908". Bluebell-railway.co.uk. 22 November 2007. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  51. "LBSCR 1590 (body only) Goods Van built 1908". www.ws.rhrp.org.uk.
  52. "80064 comes to the WSRA". West Somerset Railway Association. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  53. "Bluebell sells 'USA' tank 30064". Steam Railway. No. 533. Bauer Media Group. 24 June 2022. p. 18.
  54. Inns, Robert; Scott-Morgan, John (1996). Bluebell Railway Locomotives: As They Were. Leicester: Midland Publishing Limited. pp. 81–83. ISBN 1-85780-036-2.
  55. Devereux, Nigel (4 September 2018). "40 years of the Nene Valley Railway".
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  57. "SR 11201 Driving Motor Brake Third Open from 4-COR EMU Set built 1938". www.cs.rhrp.org.uk.

Further reading

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