21C123 Blackmoor Vale (OVS Bulleid) has been withdrawn from service and awaits boiler works. It was last operational on 25 May 2008.

A photographic tribute to this popular engine.

Pictures are in random order.

34028 Eddystone was on loan to the Bluebell Railway from 18 November 2006 until it's return to the Swanage Railway on 3 January 2008.

The Locomotive is owned by Southern Locomotives Ltd.

This collection looks back at it's operation on the Bluebell Railway.

GWR Prairie Tank 5199 visited the the Bluebell Railway in 2008.

It officially entered service on 1 May 2008, having arrived on 25 April 2008.

The locomotive left the Bluebell Railway en route to the Churnet Valley Railway on 13 January 2009.

S&DJR 7F 53809 is currently visiting the Bluebell Railway.

The locomotive is normally based at the Midland Railway, Butterley.

55 Stepney retired on 10 June 2008 and awaits an overhaul.

This collection shows the engine in service on the Bluebell Railway in recent years.

*** PICTURES OF THE FAREWELL SPECIALS AND STEPNEY'S LAST DAY IN PUBLIC SERVICE NOW INCLUDED IN THIS COLLECTION ***

The main index page for the photographic tour of the Dungeness Branch and the Marshlink Line from Ashford International to Hastings.

The main index page for the photographic tour of the Oxted to East Grinstead line.

The main index page for the photographic tour of the Uckfield line from Monks Lane Halt (Closed) to Uckfield.

A selection of some of the best pictures from 2007 (excluding special events). They are simply images that I like - I have taken no account of viewing figures or voting.

The vast majority of photos from 2007 have now been transferred to the "Bluebell Railway Archive 2007".

There are many additional collections related to specific "Bluebell Railway" topics also listed in the Gallery Index.

A collection of photos taken on the Bluebell Railway in 2008 excluding Special Events.

There are many additional collections related to specific Bluebell Railway topics listed on the main site index page.

General pictures of the Bluebell Railway in 2009, excluding special events which are covered in separate collections.

Please note that the majority of pictures of 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair are in a separate gallery. Earlier updates from Sheffield Park Shed and Workshops have been transferred to the Sheffield Park Shed collection.

Photos of 34059, Sir Archibald Sinclair, taken on 23, 24 and 26 April, including the naming ceremony.

4-VEP 3417 Gordon Pettitt was presented to the Bluebell Railway at a ceremony held at East Grinstead on 17 January 2009.

*** Please note that 3417 left East Grinstead on 22 January 2009 to go to Knights Rail Services at Eastleigh on loan. ***

AN UPDATE TO THE TRACKBED TOUR FROM THE IMBERHORNE LANE TIP TO EAST GRINSTEAD HAS BEEN UPLOADED TO THE KINGSCOTE TO EAST GRINSTEAD COLLECTION

Pictures of the Day Out with Thomas 2007.

Photos are in random (not date) order.

A small selection of the animals you can see along the Bluebell Railway.

Pictures of the Bluebell Railway Autumn Steam Gala, which was held on 17 - 19 October 2008. The collection is in random (not date) order.

A collection featuring pictures from the Bluebell Railway Autumn Tints 2008 trains, together with some scenes around Sheffield Park Shed.

Pictures from "Bluebell 125", an event held to mark the 125th anniversary of the opening of the original line north from Culver Junction.

Photos of a display of classic cars and traction engines are towards the end of the collection.

Pictures of the Bluebell Specials and other activity on 1, 3 and 8 May 2007.

This collection is in random (not date) order.

Pictures of the 2008 Bluebell Specials, featuring 55 Stepney and the Observation Car, plus some other sights from the line on the same day.

The Bluebell Railway Branch Line Weekend was held on 21 and 22 February 2009.

A selection of pictures from the event. Photos are in random order.

The Bluebell Railway Built at Brighton Weekend was held on 26 and 27 April 2008 to say farewell to 55 Stepney and 32473 (Birch Grove) both of which are being withdrawn for overhaul.

Both locomotives were built at the Brighton Locomotive Works of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSCR). All engines in use during the weekend were built at Brighton.

The Bluebell Railway held it's Family Fun Weekends on 21/22 and 28/29 June 2008.

Pictures of the event are now available, including the service trains and some shots taken around Sheffield Park shed.

The Bluebell Railway Family Fun Weekends 2009 were held on 20/21 and 27/28 June.

This collection includes photos from the event, pictures of the service trains, and (at the end of the collection) an update from Sheffield Park Workshops.

An opportunity to take a photographic tour westwards along the former branch line from Horsted Keynes to Ardingly and beyond. Although there is no immediate prospect of this section of the line being restored, you can see the environment in early 2007. The line can also be seen on OS maps and Google Earth.

This area is private Bluebell property; pictures exhibited with permission.

An opportunity to take a photographic tour north along the former line from Hamsey and Culver Junction to Sheffield Park. Although the trackbed is now in poor condition and extensively overgrown, you can see the environment in June 2007. The line has been closed for more than 50 years and naturally many views are obstructed by vegetation.

Please note that some sections of the line are now private property, and other parts are totally impassable. It is not possible to walk the entire length. The line can also be seen on OS maps and Google Earth. This collection will take some time to view.

Pictures from the Giants of Steam event on 19, 20 and 21 October.

Photos are in random order.

Pictures from the Goods Train Weekend held on 29 and 30 March 2008.

The photos are in random (not date) order.

On Wednesday, 17 June, the four original students that thought up the idea of the Bluebell Railway in 1959, and were instrumental in organising the original meeting in Haywards Heath where the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society came into being, attended a grand re-union at Sheffield Park Station.

The founder members and other invited guests toured Sheffield Park Shed, the Workshops, the Brighton Atlantic project, the Carriage and Wagon Works and the signal box at Horsted Keynes.

An opportunity to take a photographic tour along the Bluebell Railway from Horsted Keynes to Kingscote, featuring the stations, signals, signal boxes, and lineside views along the line. The photos in this collection date from the period 1998 to 2008.

A separate collection covers the section from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes (including Horsted Keynes Station).

A group of images showing the line north of Kingscote.

The collection includes a large number of pictures of Hill Place Viaduct, images from the north and south end of the tip, and some pictures of East Grinstead Station taken between 1998 and 2009. Hill Place Viaduct is often known (incorrectly) as Imberhorne Viaduct.

Please note that the vast majority of these pictures were taken on private land with permission. I have authority from the Bluebell Railway to display this collection.

*** Updated to reflect the trial phase of waste extraction at Imberhorne Lane tip in December 2008; the Open Day at East Grinstead in January 2009; and the removal of inert spoil in Spring 2009. ***

Absolutely NO pictures of engines in this collection. Just shots taken around the railway showing the people and sights that give Bluebell its unique authentic atmosphere.

In most cases no captions - the pictures speak for themselves.

The Bluebell Railway could not operate without the help of a fantasic band of staff and volunteers.

This collection pays tribute to some of them. Photos are in random order.

With the exception of office holders in the BRPS or plc, by default I do not identify individuals. However, I will gladly add names to individual pictures if those concerned give permission PERSONALLY. Please send me an e-mail or use the Comments button under the picture (comments without genuine e-mail addresses are automatically deleted) .

I have received a number of helpful messages identifying people in these pictures, but I need **PERSONAL** permission from those concerned before I amend captions.

Pictures from the Bluebell Railway Santa Specials that ran between 1 December and 24 December 2007.

Photos of the Victorian Christmas trains are in a separate collection at http://train.fotopic.net/victorian2007

A selection of pictures from the Bluebell Railway Santa Specials 2008.

Many of the Bluebell Railway's historic collection of engines are rarely photographed whilst out of service because lack of space and light makes it very difficult to take pictures inside Sheffield Park Shed. This collection attempts to provide some news and information about locomotives that are out of service, including those not currently stored in the shed (subject to the obvious photographic constraints). This collection includes photographs taken in the Atlantic Shed. It also features Sharpthorn and 4-COR 3142 at Horsted Keynes.

Visitors to the shed will know that it is very difficult to obtain satisfactory photographs in the area, and I apologise that I am not able to provide better images.

These images are **NOT** in date order. Pictures of individual engines are grouped together.

An opportunity to take a photographic tour along the Bluebell Railway from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes, featuring the stations, signals, signal boxes, and lineside views along the line. The photos in this collection date from the period 1998 to 2007.

A separate collection covers the section from Horsted Keynes to Kingscote.

Pictures from the Southern at War event which was held on 10 and 11 May 2008.

The approximate order in which the collection appears is: the fly-past; some of the service trains; capture of spies at West Hoathly and Horsted Keynes; scenes at Horsted Keynes; pictures from Kingscote; photos from Sheffield Park; more shots of service trains; and some scenes from Sheffield Park Shed.

Pictures of the Bluebell Railway Southern at War event held on 9 and 10 May 2009.

Remembering the late Simon Baker, Trustee, Director, Membership Secretary, Station Master Horsted Keynes and member of the "Southern at War" sub-committee.

We also remember, with respect, the late Pat Howard-Tricker, and thank her husband Russell for his continuing contribution to the event over the weekend.

Pictures of the Bluebell Railway Spring Specials.

A small engine plus the Observation Car gives good views of the spring flowers.

A selection of photographs of vehicles that have visited the Bluebell Railway in recent years.

The collection covers fire engines, cars, vans, commercial vehicles, buses, tractors, traction engines, mechanical horses and military vehicles.

Pictures from the Bluebell Railway Victorian Christmas trains on 22 December 2007.

Photos of the Santa Special trains are in a separate collection at http://train.fotopic.net/santa2007

Pictures of the Victorian Christmas trains are now available, including some photos of the Santa trains running at the same time.

A separate collection covers the main Santa trains.

Pictures from the Bluebell Railway Vintage Transport Weekend which was held on 16 and 17 August 2008.

This collection illustrates the trains, traction engines, classic cars, motor cycles, tractors, mechanical horses and stationary engines on display.

Towards the end of the collection is an update of events around Shefield Park Shed.

The Bluebell Railway Wizard Weekend 2008 took place on 25 and 26 October 2008.

A selection of pictures, including an update from Sheffield Park Shed at the end of the collection.

I took a number of additional photographs at the Fancy Dress Competition; please contact me for free copies if you child is pictured.

32473 retired on 5 May 2008 and it's overhaul has started.

This collection features the locomotive in use on the Bluebell Railway in recent years.

Standard Class 4 4-6-0 Locomotive No.75027 retired from service in 2007 and is now awaiting overhaul.

This small collection of pictures shows the engine in action in recent years.

A small selection of the best pictures of 9017.

A small collection of photos for the children (from the 2006 Day Out with Thomas).

Remember to click "Full Size" for a bigger picture.

For 2007 Thomas photos see http://train.fotopic.net/thomas2007

GWR locomotive 1450 and Auto Coach Trailer number 178 visited the Bluebell Railway in February 2008.

A selection of pictures from the visit.

A general collection of pictures of the "Bluebell Railway" taken between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2005.

A general collection of pictures of the "Bluebell Railway" taken in 2006.

A general collection of pictures of the "Bluebell Railway" taken between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2007.

This collection excludes special events which have their own collections.

See also "2007 A Selection of the Best Pictures"

A selection of pictures from the Autumn Tints Specials in October 2007.

This collection also features the Sussex Belle Pullman and a Footplate Days and Ways course taking place at the same time (you can learn to drive a steam engine - see http://www.steamway.dircon.co.uk/footplate.html for more details).

A collection of photographs from the Bluebell Railway Branch Line Weekend 2007, which was held on 24 and 25 February 2007.

Pictures from the Bluebell Railway Branch Line Weekend 2008, which was held on 23 and 24 February 2008.

Some shots of the Bluebell Railway's Golden Arrow Dining Service.

A collection of photographs from the Bluebell Railway Goods Train Weekend 2007, which was held on 14 and 15 April 2007.

This collection includes pictures from both days. There are individual photographs of each wagon in use and features on the preserved road vehicles seen around the railway during the event.

A collection of photos taken at the launch of the Bluebell Railway Lounge Car Service on 13 January 2008

Pictures from the re-launch of the Metropolitan coaches on 28 July 2007.

A selection of photos from the Bluebell Railway 2006 "Santa Specials"

This collection also contains pictures from the Victorian Christmas trains that operated from Horsted Keynes on 21 December 2006

Pictures of the Southern at War 2007 event on 12-13 May 2007.

Shots of activity at Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote.

Pictures from the Bluebell Railway Victorian Weekend on 27/28 January 2007, when trains were operating between Horsted Keynes and Kingscote.

Thanks to Henry O'Dwyer for the loan of the models, and to Cecile and Tara for their help.

Pictures from Mark and Stacey's Wedding at the Bluebell Railway on 28.07.2007 are now available.

Photographs displayed with permission from the bride and groom.

Railway photographers do not just take pictures of trains.

Here are a very small number of my other pictures to prove it.

Click "Full size" for better pictures

These are low quality images - the high definition versions show much more detail (not available from this website).

Level crossings on the Dungeness Branch between Appledore Station and Brookland Station (or Brookland Halt), listed running west to east.

The total number of crossings on this branch is listed in some reference works as 14, but this is not really an accurate reflection of the number of crossing points as agricultural facilities and foot crossings also have to be considered. Some of the road crossings no longer have any value except to adjacent properties.

Brookland Halt was opened on 7 December 1881 and was originally designated Brookland Station, being shown as such in pictures from the 1920s and in early Ordnance Survey maps. It was subsequently redesignated as a Halt and the old station building became a dwelling. Passenger services were withdrawn from the Branch on 6 March 1967.

The station is located directly adjacent to the main A259 (Straight Lane) and the track crosses the main road at Brookland Level Crossing, which is the only crossing on the branch to have standard automatic flashing red lights to halt road traffic. There are no barriers.

The station served Brookland village (to the south west) and has been wrongly named as Brenzett Station (another local village) in some reference works. It has never carried that name.

Level crossings on the Dungeness Branch between Brookland Station (or Brookland Halt) and Lydd Town Station (formerly Lydd Station), listed from west to east.

The total number of crossings on this branch is listed in some reference works as 14, but this is not really an accurate reflection of the number of crossing points as agricultural facilities and foot crossings also have to be considered. Some of the road crossings no longer have any value except to adjacent properties.

Opened on 7 December 1881 as Lydd Station, on 4 July 1937 the station was renamed Lydd Town to prevent confusion with a newly opened station at Lydd-on-Sea.

Lydd Town Station was a substantial facility, with a large goods yard and much passenger and freight traffic generated by nearby army camps. A branch ran south from the goods yard into the army camps, which were served by Lydd Military Railway. A passing loop was provided at the station, but this has subsequently been lifted. The station was closed to passenger traffic on 6 March 1967 and to freight on 4 October 1971. Part of the site is now used as a recycling facility.

If open today Lydd Town Station would serve a growing town, which is just south of the site, and a short extension to the line could also provide much improved transport facilities to Lydd Airport (also known as London Ashford), linking directly to Ashford International Station.

Dungeness Station was opened on 7 December 1881 for freight services, but there was no passenger use until 1 April 1883. The station was very close to Dungeness Station on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway which opened in August 1928. However there was little time to exchange passengers because the main Dungeness Station closed to passengers on 4 July 1937, when the Southern Railway opened a realignment of the remainder of the branch towards New Romney. Freight services ceased in the 1950s and the line was lifted.

Part of the old embankment now supports the access road to Dungeness nuclear power station, and a secure terminal has been constructed at the end of the current line to handle freight related to the power station.

The East Kent Railway has no steam services, but is home to a number of preserved electric and diesel multiple units, plus some diesel shunters and unique Motor Luggage Vans that can use their own battery power in addition to the third rail. These units are being restored. The shots in this collection show the situation during visits on 6 June 2005 and 19 September 2006, when a new extension to Wigmore Lane had been opened.

Pictures were last added on 19.09.2006

A small selection of pictures taken at the Kent & East Sussex Railway which runs between Tenterden and Bodium.

Pictures were last added on 19.09.2006

An opportunity to take a photographic tour along the Lavender Line from Isfield Station in Sussex.

This collection features the station, shed and signal box. It follows the route of the line towards Little Horsted, and finally includes individual pictures of the goods wagons.

Ashford Station was opened on 1 December 1842, and was renamed Ashford International on 28 February 1996. It is a major junction in the South East railway network with services extending to London, Dover, Ramsgate, Margate and Canterbury West, plus, of course, the Marshlink Line, which must be considered one of the lesser sources of passenger traffic at the station.

A small number of pictures of Ashford Station are included for completeness as the northern terminus of the Marshlink Line.

Ham Street Station was opened on 13 February 1851, and serves the adjacent village, which is shown on Ordnance Survey maps as "Hamstreet". Commencing on 1 February 1897 Ham Street Station was known as Ham Street and Orlestone, but the suffix has subsequently fallen into disuse.

Appledore Station was opened on 13 February 1851 and is intended to serve the village of Appledore, which is some distance to the west. A hotel, public house, and some other buildings are directly adjacent to the station.

Appledore Station was once an important junction, serving the branch line that ran south east to Lydd, Dungeness and New Romney, although bay platforms were never provided. Today the branch is a freight only line serving Dungeness nuclear power station. (The branch is covered in a separate collection).

Rye Station was opened on 13 February 1851, and serves a significant town popular with visitors. Trains on the Marshlink line commonly pass here, for which purpose double track has been retained at the station. The signal box that controls the Marshlink Line from Appledore to Ore is also sited here.

A separate branch was originally provided to Rye Harbour, opening in 1854 and closing on 29 January 1960. The Harbour branch was approached from the west and NOT from the station. This branch is not currently featured in the photographic collection.

Winchelsea Station was opened on 13 February 1851, but was unfortunately located on Brede Level (close to the River Brede) north of the town. Signs at the station advise passengers that the town is half a mile to the south east.

The ancient town of Winchelsea is located on a small area of high ground and access to the town from the station involves a steep climb.

Despite extensive efforts by local people to make the station very welcoming the service has been run down to the degree that it can only be described as a disgrace, especially since trains are required to slow to 20 mph as they pass over the level crossing. It is hard to see why they cannot stop.

Opened on 1 July 1907, Snailham Halt was frankly remote from any dwellings, or indeed any surfaced road. Not surprisingly it closed in 1959.

Originally opened as Guesting Station on 1 July 1907, Doleham Station was subsequently named Doleham Halt after a farm to the west of the railway. It was subsequently renamed again as Doleham Station although the description of Halt is probably more appropriate to the facilities.

Services have been deliberately reduced to a tiny number of trains each day, which are run at the most inconvenient times possible. Prior to this cynical action the station served a small community, leisure travellers and walkers.

Three Oaks Station was originally called Three Oaks Bridge, and later became Three Oaks and Guestling Halt. There are two communities sharing the Guestling name to the east of the station, but this part of the name was later dropped.

Although now known as Three Oaks Station the description of Halt is probably more appropriate to the facilities.

Services have been deliberately reduced to a tiny number of trains each day, which are run at the most inconvenient times possible. Prior to this cynical action the station served several villages, leisure travellers and walkers.

Ore Station is currently subject to a major redevelopment project so only a few pictures of the old station are included.

The station opened on 1 January 1888, and originally the site also accommodated a four road carriage shed and six goods sidings. There was also a separate siding for the generating station that served Hastings Tramway, and further north east, a siding serving a power station.

Hastings Station was opened on 13 February 1851, and is a major station with services extending to London via Tunbridge Wells, to London via Eastbourne and Haywards Heath, to Brighton, and via the Marshlink Line to Ashford International.

Hastings is the former terminus of the Marshlink Line, but services now venture further west. However the photographic tour does not!

Hastings is a shadow of the former station, which had extensive goods facilities and a different arrangement of platforms. Much of the area occupied by the former station has been redeveloped.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead.

Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages), and a line was constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888 and is covered in a separate collection.

PLEASE NOTE: Photos in this section were taken from safe positions to which the public have access. Please remember that a long lens can give a false impression of where the picture was taken. Do NOT trespass on any railway.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead.

Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages), and a line was constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888 and is covered in a separate collection.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead.

Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages), and a line was constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888 and is covered in a separate collection.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead.

Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages), and a line was constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888 and is covered in a separate collection.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead.

Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages), and a line was constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888 and is covered in a separate collection.

A collection of pictures of steam locomotives used on the Spa Valley Railway.

A collection for the enthusiast showing the work on the tracks and embankments carried out between Groombridge sidings and Birchden in order to run trains as far as the old Network Rail junction.

Pictures in this collection were taken in the period 2003 to 2009. For part of this time the extension to Birchden was disused. *** Recent pictures are at the end of the collection. ***

Separate collections cover Groombridge Station, Forge Farm Crossing and Eridge Station.

Photos of diesel traction in use on the Spa Valley Railway.

Pictures of the Spa Valley Diesel Gala on 5 August 2006 are included in this collection.

Contractors are currently clearing undergrowth and restoring the track north of Eridge for Spa Valley Railway use. Photos of the work undertaken in 2008 and 2009 are in this collection.

Separate collections cover Forge Farm Crossing, the line to Birchden, and Groombridge Station.

Another collection covers the period prior to 2008 when the Spa Valley line into Eridge was disused. Please follow the link from the main index page to view this historical collection.

Any Spa Valley Railway extension from Birchden to Eridge must pass through Forge Farm Crossing, a user worked level crossing serving both Network Rail and the SVR.

Pictures in this collection were taken in the period 2003 to 2009. For part of this time the Spa Valley line passing over the level crossing at Forge Farm was disused, although the Network Rail track was operational.

Separate Spa Valley Railway collections cover Groombridge Station, the line to Birchden and Eridge Station.

A collection for the enthusiast showing the line east of Groombridge, Groombridge Station, and Groombridge sidings (west of the station). Extensive improvements are taking place in this area.

Pictures in this collection were taken in the period 1998 to 2009. Separate collections cover the line to Birchden, Forge Farm Crossing, and Eridge Station.

The Spa Valley Railway hope to extend their line from the current termination point at Birchden through to Eridge Station, which would be shared with "Southern".

This collection of pictures, for the enthusiast, shows the situation at Eridge in 2003 - 2007, while the Spa Valley line was disused. Hopefully this collection will serve as a historical record if the line is successfully reopened. There is significant potential for an interchange at Eridge.

**** A SEPARATE COLLECTION COVERS THE CURRENT WORKS TO REOPEN THE SECTION FROM BIRCHDEN TO ERIDGE ****

An opportunity to take a photographic tour north along the former line from Culver Junction to Uckfield Station. The tour includes the former Barcombe Mills Station and Isfield Station. Although the trackbed is now overgrown in places, you can see the environment in 2007/2008. The line has been closed for more than 50 years and naturally many views are obstructed by vegetation.

Please note that some sections of the line are now private property, and other parts are totally impassable. It is not possible to walk the entire length. The line can also be seen on OS maps and Google Earth. This collection will take some time to view.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the adjacent line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead. Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages).

A line was then constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888.

However in those days all services were directed towards Tunbridge Wells and it was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services travelled south from Ashurst towards Uckfield.

The original Uckfield Station (now closed) was first reached from the south by the Lewes and Uckfield Railway in October 1858. The company was purchased by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway in 1864 and a new more heavily engineered southern route opened on 1 October 1868. This whole section closed on 23 February 1969.

The line was extended north from Uckfield to join a new line from Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge in the period 1864 to 1868. Work was complicated by the need to construct a tunnel and two viaducts between Buxted and Crowborough, but the line opened on 5 August 1868. Double track was provided in 1894. In the early days services were directed towards Tunbridge Wells and it was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services travelled north from Eridge to Ashurst and on to Oxted.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the adjacent line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead. Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages).

A line was then constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888.

However in those days all services were directed towards Tunbridge Wells and it was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services travelled south from Ashurst towards Uckfield.

On 15 October 1994 a serious railway accident took place just south of Cowden Station.

The original Uckfield Station (now closed) was first reached from the south by the Lewes and Uckfield Railway in October 1858. The company was purchased by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway in 1864 and a new more heavily engineered southern route opened on 1 October 1868. This whole section closed on 23 February 1969.

The line was extended north from Uckfield to join a new line from Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge in the period 1864 to 1868. Work was complicated by the need to construct a tunnel and two viaducts between Buxted and Crowborough, but the line opened on 5 August 1868. Double track was provided in 1894. In the early days services were directed towards Tunbridge Wells and it was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services travelled north from Eridge to Ashurst and on to Oxted.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the adjacent line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead. Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages).

A line was then constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888.

However in those days all services were directed towards Tunbridge Wells and it was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services travelled south from Ashurst towards Uckfield.

A large selection of photographs of Eridge Station are included within the Spa Valley Railway collection as the SVR are intending to extend their heritage line to Eridge.

Railways came to this area relatively late, and it was not until 10 March 1884 that the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company opened the adjacent line that ran from Oxted to East Grinstead. Subsequently a junction was created south of Hurst Green (then a simple railway halt taking a maximum of two carriages).

A line was then constructed from the Hurst Green junction south through Edenbridge (called Edenbridge Town from 1 May 1896), Hever, Cowden and Ashurst to join with the existing line from East Grinstead through Withyham to Tunbridge Wells. This line opened to passengers on 1 October 1888.

However in those days all services were directed towards Tunbridge Wells and it was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services travelled south from Ashurst towards Uckfield.

Monks Lane Halt no longer exists. The halt was opened on 1 July 1907 in the expectation that residential development would occur as it did further north at Hurst Green. In the event the houses never came and the halt closed on 11 September 1939. It reopened during the war to serve nearby army camps.

This collection shows the site of the halt and some very small relics of the platforms. It also includes the unusual Little Browns Tunnel (sometimes called Edenbridge Tunnel).

The original Uckfield Station (now closed) was first reached from the south by the Lewes and Uckfield Railway in October 1858. The company was purchased by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway in 1864 and a new more heavily engineered southern route opened on 1 October 1868. This whole section closed on 23 February 1969.

The line was extended north from Uckfield to join a new line from Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge in the period 1864 to 1868. Work was complicated by the need to construct a tunnel and two viaducts between Buxted and Crowborough, but the line opened on 5 August 1868. Double track was provided in 1894. In the early days services were directed towards Tunbridge Wells and it was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services travelled north from Eridge to Ashurst and on to Oxted.

Photographs of the Bluebell Railway Playroom at the Valley Presbyterian Hospital in California. You can see a You Tube report of this event at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=typ5pjMSqCs

"The room's initial purpose," says Judie Stein, the Director of the Stein Family Foundation that funded the project, "is to give attention to children while their adults' attention is elsewhere. We've given them a sanctuary of sorts to prepare for whatever is happening at Valley Presbyterian - whether it be a loved one's illness or a new baby in their home."

The design for this facility was by Anna-Marie Buss of Bussroot Limited, graphic designers based in Paddock Wood, using pictures from this website.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - NOT YET AVAILABLE

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - NOT YET AVAILABLE

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - NOT YET AVAILABLE

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - NOT YET AVAILABLE

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