The Sussex Belle Railtour
Thursday 10th September
Tour Promoter: Saphos Trains
Locomotive: 34046 Braunton + Class 47/8
Departing from London Victoria heading into the picturesque Sussex countryside through East Croydon, Redhill, Tonbridge and Robertsbridge to eventually arrive at Hastings for a break of around two hours. Capturing the atmosphere of summer seaside specials of yesteryear this train is steam hauled by Southern Railway West Country Class 34046 ‘Braunton’ and visits the popular destinations of Hastings and Eastbourne with ample time available in both resorts for building sandcastles, a stroll on the promenade and perhaps an ice cream or two.
Hastings – The history rich town of Hastings retains the character and charm of a Victorian seaside resort. Explore the lanes and passageways of the old town, lined with vintage shops, art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Take a stroll on the beach to see the famous black fishing huts that line the seafront, visit the refurbished pier or discover the history of Britain’s first Norman castle synonymous with the battle of 1066 whilst taking in the breathtaking views. Our dedicated and immaculate train stewards will welcome you back on board for the short 45-minute diesel hauled journey along the coastline through Bexhill to Eastbourne for a further break of around two hours.
Eastbourne – Held to be one of the sunniest resorts in England award winning Eastbourne, nestling at the foot of the south downs next to the national beauty spot Beachy Head, owes much to the Victorians and the 7th Duke of Devonshire who laid out beautiful parks and gardens and built the pier. This elegant town has many charms awaiting discovery including an excellent shopping centre and traditional seaside bandstands.
In the late afternoon our steam locomotive will be waiting to haul the train all the way back to London as we again take the coastal line back through Hastings and travelling across Romney Marsh and turning inland we pass the historic town of Rye and continue through Ashford International as our steam engine keeps company with modern Eurostar’s. Continuing through Sevenoakes, Swanley and Nunhead we are due to arrive back at London Victoria around 19:45 after a relaxing day out to two of the south coasts most iconic seaside resorts.
West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34046 Braunton
History
built at Brighton Works in November 1946 in original streamlined form and upon completion was allocated to Exmouth Junction. Further allocations included Salisbury, Brighton and Bournemouth. In 1949 the engine was re-numbered to 34046 once owned by British Railways.
Withdrawal and preservation
34046 was withdrawn from service in October 1965 and moved to the Woodham Brothers' scrapyard at Barry Island, this was to be the engine's home for the next 23 years until it was moved in 1988 to Brighton in a bid to be restored. In 1996 it was purchased by the West Somerset Railway but later sold on to a private individual. The engine was moved to Williton on the WSR where a long term restoration to running order was to be undertaken. 34046 returned to steam in July 2007 for the first time in the 42 years since its withdrawal from service. The engine's debut return to passenger service was in 2008 with plans to have the engine certified for use on the mainline hauling excursion trains. Since 2018 it was based in Crewe and owned by Jeremy Hosking. 34046 is operational on the mainline hauling excursion trains.
Eastbourne – Held to be one of the sunniest resorts in England award winning Eastbourne, nestling at the foot of the south downs next to the national beauty spot Beachy Head, owes much to the Victorians and the 7th Duke of Devonshire who laid out beautiful parks and gardens and built the pier. This elegant town has many charms awaiting discovery including an excellent shopping centre and traditional seaside bandstands.
West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34046 Braunton
History
built at Brighton Works in November 1946 in original streamlined form and upon completion was allocated to Exmouth Junction. Further allocations included Salisbury, Brighton and Bournemouth. In 1949 the engine was re-numbered to 34046 once owned by British Railways.
Withdrawal and preservation
34046 was withdrawn from service in October 1965 and moved to the Woodham Brothers' scrapyard at Barry Island, this was to be the engine's home for the next 23 years until it was moved in 1988 to Brighton in a bid to be restored. In 1996 it was purchased by the West Somerset Railway but later sold on to a private individual. The engine was moved to Williton on the WSR where a long term restoration to running order was to be undertaken. 34046 returned to steam in July 2007 for the first time in the 42 years since its withdrawal from service. The engine's debut return to passenger service was in 2008 with plans to have the engine certified for use on the mainline hauling excursion trains. Since 2018 it was based in Crewe and owned by Jeremy Hosking. 34046 is operational on the mainline hauling excursion trains.
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