THE SUSSEX BELLE - THURSDAY 10th SEPTEMBER 2020

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.

EXHIBITION AND OPEN DAY SITUATION SEPTEMBER 2020

We've sadly had much to write about during the lock down, and even though that is easing and many activities open, including the return to Schools and Work for many, there still doesn't seem to be anything happening in September on the exhibition or open day circuit as far as I can see. Had so many plans to attend several open days, exhibitions and museums around the country this year and feeling that the year is going to be a complete write off now. 


Already received the expected news that we've lost the remaining open days from the Hillingdon Railway Modellers for the entire year, so it certainly isn't looking great. Looking at the calendar of forthcoming open days and exhibitions the entire month of September appears to be wiped out! This includes some large outside events such as those at Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway who had a Steam Gala booked for the opening weekend of September cancelled, also a show I might have reported about earlier in the year The Bressingham Steam Museum, Model Railway Show has also been cancelled. The October calendar doesn't look much better either, with the majority of events also called off already and those that are still showing as 'on' are surely in some doubt without a change in the government guidelines on social gatherings.

We have though seen some of the many heritage railways reopen, albeit with many social distance rules and running a reduced service. The Bluebell held their 60th anniversary, but trains are 'pre-booked' and are not running through to East Grinstead so for those of us without a car to get to Sheffield Park or Horstead Keynes it's not ideal, similar plans on the Watercress line at Alton / Alresford, with an unusual express service in place, and the other line I really wanted to visit was the Swanage line via Wareham, but they only running to Norden currently with Corfe Castle the only stop between to set down only! I had hoped to use the National Rail connection at Wareham to make a weekend of it. Capacity on all these services is very limited, pre-booking of a compartment is required, so geared around families I guess, and without main line connection a day out is not really an option for the time being. 

The National Railway Museum in York was also high on the list for 2020 and while it has recently re-opened to visitors there is a limited range of attractions open with the expected social distancing in place too. I think their "Great Hall" is open but little else sadly, so I think I will hold back on my trip away to York when it's possible to see it all and not be too disappointed overall as it's been a long time since I went there last. Does seem that we have to plan again for 2021 and hope that things improve for all the great modelling shows and heritage railways to have something to show later in the year.

STEAM RAILTOURS - THE ROYAL DUCHY [Bristol Temple Meads - Plymouth - Par]

The Royal Duchy Railtour

Sunday 30th August 2020

These ever-popular summer day trips by steam train run from Bristol Temple Meads, out via Yatton, Taunton then into Devon and finally reaching Cornwall. The route includes travelling along the internationally famous sea wall at Dawlish, crossing Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge into Cornwall, and some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the country. Passengers can choose to spend time in Plymouth or travel on to Par, where buses are provided for visits to Fowey or Charlestown. This train departs Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled by heritage steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland at around 08:45 and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Almost immediately on departure from Taunton, our steam locomotive will be working hard as it tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit. There is a further stop at Exeter St. David’s station for our locomotive to take on water and for more passengers to join the train. Departing Exeter and follow the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We then travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, an experience not to be missed.

After Newton Abbot, our steam locomotive will demonstrate her real strength as she powers up some of the steepest main line gradients in the country. First there is the difficult climb to the summit at Dainton Tunnel, followed by a dramatic drop down to Totnes, then an equally difficult climb up Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. Passengers have the option to alight at Plymouth or remain on the train to Par. There will be over five hours free time to explore the historic maritime city of Plymouth which includes the Hoe, the ancient Barbican and seafront areas, and the National Marine Aquarium. As we leave Plymouth, under diesel hauled power, and cross the river Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge, to enter Cornwall. Our train continues through the magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there will be a break of more than three hours. Buses will take passengers from Par, at no extra charge, to visit either the picturesque seaside town of Fowey or the harbour village of Charlestown. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre. We shall leave Par steam hauled by Duchess of Sutherland at around 17:45 and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there.  The train then returns to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton en route.

LMS Princess Coronation Class No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland
Preservation History
Following withdrawal from regular service, 46233 was acquired by Butlins Heads-of-Ayr holiday camp, Scotland, in October 1964. It was later purchased by Bressingham Steam Museum. Then in 1996, 6233 was acquired by the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT) with the intention of returning her to main line running and in 2001, No. 6233 returned to the national network after an overhaul assisted by the heritage lottery fund and match funded by the PRCLT.

On 6 March 2010, 6233 was rolled out in LMS lined black livery, which was retained during 2010, before a major overhaul, taking 6233 out of service for the 2011 season. Two years later now renumbered 46233 was rolled out in "authentic (Brunswick) green" livery, as used by British Railways during the early 1950s, at the Midland Railway - Butterley following a major overhaul. Most recently she has regained her original number "6233" and LMS "Crimson Lake" livery to mark its 80th birthday.