As those who know me are aware, despite having been born and bred in the East Midlands, I am totally a 'Southern Steam' fan, and although I've never had a 'bucket list of 50 things to do before I die', spending a bit of time 'Down South' has always been my intention, and I've just returned from a week doing just that. Trips on the "Bluebell", "Kent & East Sussex" and the "Watercress Line" were pre-booked, and despite the forecast of some 'changeable' weather, the first visit to the Bluebell Line was on the 15th. The Bluebell have just completed and done first yard movements under steam, of a brand new replica of the long scrapped H2 'Atlantic' 32424 "Beachy Head", and I'd hoped that the loco might be in a position where I could get to see it, but unfortunately, it was not to be. However, there were a few worthwhile photo opportunities which I took advantage of.
Finally after all the 'buffer buffing', and you can see, it was certainly worth all the work. This appeared to have come virtually straight out of the paint shop, and looked absolutely stunning. (At least, in my opinion, but I'm biased!)
Not a loco, but this decidedly 'Old Fashioned' sign in the 'Gents' made me smile. Things were different 'when I were a lad'! No, not that sort of 'Dress'!
Now we are onto the 'Kent & East Sussex' railway. The coach we were in was something of an oddity in itself. We are not disabled, ('Old Farts' maybe, but not disabled!)but I though this coach worthy of a photo as it's apparently a 'One-Off', carried out by BR apprentices.
One end is 'Standard', the other adapted for wheelchair users including the toilet facilities, and higher tables with loose chairs in matching upholstery. This is the view from the 'Standard' end.
Although I didn't get to see 32424 "Beachy Head" on the 'Bluebell', it's place in the build shop has since been taken by an Adams 'Radial', in for a complete rebuild apparently. If it comes out anything like 34059 "Sir Archibald Sinclair", then it'll be worth waiting for. They certainly seem to have some top class tradesmen and/or volunteers working there. I'd imagine that in time, "Beachy Head" will be 'Main line' certificated and appear at many heritage railways over the years as the "Bluebell" will need to get back what must have been a huge investment to actually build the loco, hopefully I'll get to see it in the future. Keith.
