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Gordon Arrives at Grinstead
The sale of South West Trains' celebrity 4 Vep unit 3417 " Gordon Pettitt" to the Bluebell Railway for a nominal sum has been completed and it was delivered to the Bluebell Railway's East Grinstead station site on Saturday 17th January. This is the first time a train has travelled directly onto Bluebell property from the national railway network since British Railways closed the line between Ardlingly and Horsted Keynes in 1963, even though at the moment this section of the Bluebell Line is little over four cars' length. |
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A special event, which was well attended by dignitaries, locals and enthusiasts, was held on the Bluebell Railway's East Grinstead station site to celebrate. This also provided the opportunity for the public to walk across the Imberhorne Viaduct and along the trackbed through very pleasant countryside to the former Imberhorne landfill site (which is currently blocking the route of the line). |
| For its journey from Wimbledon to East Grinstead 3417 was accompanied by Electro-Diesel 73109 "Battle of Britain", both being immaculately turned out by South West Trains' staff, to whom grateful thanks are due. Thanks are also due to South West Trains for first saving and then looking after the unit so well since the withdrawal of slam door stock in 2005. 3417 will be sheeted over for protection and a Bluebell Railway team is being established to care for the train. Please note that the Bluebell Railway East Grinstead station site is neither open nor accessible to the public except during open-days. |
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The transfer move to East Grinstead was diagrammed as follows: Train 5Z66 runs SO 17/01/09
Not long out of Wimbedon depot and the train pauses on the Down Main at Wimbedon Station. The 91 headcode is appropriate although it is only running a fraction of the way to Bournemouth! |
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Gordon passing through Surbiton on the Down Main on its way to Woking |
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HMPTNCTJN PASS 10:16
The train reversed in the Carriage Siding at Woking, following that clearly attracting an enthusiast's attention whilst passing through Platform 1. |
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The immaculately turned out train departing Woking. Note the change of headcode reflecting not only the final two figures of its train running number but also the headcode for Victoria - East Grinstead services. |
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Train 1Z66 runs SO 17/01/09
The train is about to duck under the main lines to reach Longhedge Junction. |
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This page updated 6th May 2009 by Colin Duff. All text, graphics and photographs are ©Copyright |