A photographic tour of the Bluebell Railway - Former Branch Line to Ardingly
8th March 2007 to 31st December 2009

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.

At the start of the collection are some views (taken in 2009) of the operational Ardingly siding at Horsted Keynes, together with some shots of the Carriage and Wagon works and the area known as the triangle, which contains inert spoil from Imberhorne Lane.

This area is private Bluebell property; pictures exhibited with permission. The Ardingly branch is OUT OF BOUNDS to lineside permit holders.

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They are skilled people in Carriage and Wagon - apparently they also deal with steam rollers and traction engines.... (Actually it was Vintage Transport Weekend). 15.08.2009
They are skilled people in Carriage and Wagon - apparently they also deal with steam rollers and traction engines.... (Actually it was Vintage Transport Weekend). 15.08.2009New
 Changing angle and looking south, the line to Sheffield Park is in the foreground with the sidings behind. Note the change in gradient on the main line from Level through the station to 1 in 75 down towards Three Arch Bridge and beyond. 15.08.2009
Changing angle and looking south, the line to Sheffield Park is in the foreground with the sidings behind. Note the change in gradient on the main line from Level through the station to 1 in 75 down towards Three Arch Bridge and beyond. 15.08.2009New
 The line to Ardingly curves westwards (to the right) following the route of the former Down line. A siding occupies the Up line. 15.08.2009
The line to Ardingly curves westwards (to the right) following the route of the former Down line. A siding occupies the Up line. 15.08.2009New
 Slightly further south the sign in the lower foreground shows that the gradient changes to 1 in 65 downwards, steeper than the line to Sheffield Park. 15.08.2009
Slightly further south the sign in the lower foreground shows that the gradient changes to 1 in 65 downwards, steeper than the line to Sheffield Park. 15.08.2009New
On the left the reverse side of the northbound Inner Home signal at Horsted Keynes controls trains from Sheffield Park, whilst in the distance the southbound Advance Starter stands just beyond the end of the sidings. 15.08.2009
On the left the reverse side of the northbound Inner Home signal at Horsted Keynes controls trains from Sheffield Park, whilst in the distance the southbound Advance Starter stands just beyond the end of the sidings. 15.08.2009New
 Moving the camera slightly to the right a tractor was working on the newly deposited inert spoil in the triangle. Note the 10mph speed restriction for northbound trains approaching Horsted Keynes Station. 15.08.2009
Moving the camera slightly to the right a tractor was working on the newly deposited inert spoil in the triangle. Note the 10mph speed restriction for northbound trains approaching Horsted Keynes Station. 15.08.2009New
 This is the area known as the triangle, which has been filled with inert spoil taken from the southern end of the Imberhorne Lane tip. This soil will eventually become a picnic and leisure area. The irony is that most of this spoil is much travelled. It was originally removed from Beeching Way in East Grinstead when the old East Grinstead to Forest Row railway cutting was widened after closure to form a main road. The soil was dumped at Imberhorne Lane in the cutting there, and has now moved again to Horsted Keynes....15.08.2009
This is the area known as the triangle, which has been filled with inert spoil taken from the southern end of the Imberhorne Lane tip. This soil will eventually become a picnic and leisure area. The irony is that most of this spoil is much travelled. It was originally removed from Beeching Way in East Grinstead when the old East Grinstead to Forest Row railway cutting was widened after closure to form a main road. The soil was dumped at Imberhorne Lane in the cutting there, and has now moved again to Horsted Keynes....15.08.2009New
 Looking to the left a vehicular crossing gives access to and from the sidings and is protected by the signal. The sign says Stop and telephone. 15.08.2009
Looking to the left a vehicular crossing gives access to and from the sidings and is protected by the signal. The sign says Stop and telephone. 15.08.2009New
Looking further to the left the position of the crossing in relation to the Carriage and Wagon works can be seen. 15.08.2009
Looking further to the left the position of the crossing in relation to the Carriage and Wagon works can be seen. 15.08.2009New
 Looking back at the Carriage and Wagon Works as the line starts to descend the gradient towards Ardingly. The change in levels is obvious. 15.08.2009
Looking back at the Carriage and Wagon Works as the line starts to descend the gradient towards Ardingly. The change in levels is obvious. 15.08.2009New
 The line to Ardingly now follows a gentle curve to the west, with the newly deposited inert spoil on the left. 15.08.2009
The line to Ardingly now follows a gentle curve to the west, with the newly deposited inert spoil on the left. 15.08.2009New
 The end of the triangle is on the left as the line to Ardingly continues to curve westwards past disused stock. 15.08.2009
The end of the triangle is on the left as the line to Ardingly continues to curve westwards past disused stock. 15.08.2009New

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© 1998-2009 Derek Hayward - All rights reserved - All copyrights rest with the Author
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