November 2001
The Autumn 'Giants of Steam' saw the return to traffic after restoration of BR Standard 4 Tank No.80151. This locomotive used to work over the what is now the Bluebell line when it was allocated to Brighton shed after completion in January 1957. It is seen here on Saturday 27th October 2001 at West Hoathly having just shut off steam to run down to Horsted Keynes with the 4.08 service from Kingscote.

Photo Copyright © Jon Bowers

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October 2001
On Sunday the 16th September 2001, during the '1940's weekend', the 2.48 train from Kingscote is seen at Freshfields, heading towards Sheffield Park. The double headed combination of Terrier No.672 'Fenchurch' and E4 No.473 'Birch Grove' have a combined age of 232 years ! Surely the range of motive power on show during the weekend contributes to justifying the Bluebell's claim to be 'The South's Premier Steam Line' !

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September 2001
Another photo from the 'Summer Giants of Steam' weekend, this time from Saturday the 28th July 2001. After the two BR Standards had double-headed the 11 coach 3.35pm train, the 9F took the same set for a round trip of the line. She certainly wasn't working especially hard with the extra load as she passed the group of photographers just north of Three Arch Bridge - the enthusiasts on the train seemed happy enough though !

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August 2001
During the 'Summer Giants of Steam' weekend, held on the 28th and 29th July 2001, the 3.35pm train consisted of 11 coaches and was double headed along the length of the line. On the Saturday, this duty fell to BR Standards Nos.75027 and 73082, while on the Sunday, it was the turn of Bulleid Pacifics Nos.21C123 'Blackmoor Vale' and 34081 '92 Squadron'. The pair are seen here climbing the 1 in 75 Freshfield Bank - a spectacular sight.

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July 2001
On Monday the 21st and Tuesday the 22nd of May 2001, a double headed goods train was run for an advanced Footplate Course. Motive power was provided by LBSCR E4 Class No.473 'Birch Grove' and SER O1 Class No.65. The pair are seen here passing the site of West Hoathly station on the Monday, with the 3.08pm working from Kingscote.

Photo © Jon Bowers.

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June 2001
During the 2000 Summer Gala, an LBSCR pairing of 'Terrier' No.55 'Stepney' and E4 No.473 'Birch Grove' are seen with the 12.20 from Sheffield Park at Leamland bridge, just to the north of Horsted Keynes station. A total of 8 locomotives were in steam for the two day event, held over the weekend of Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of August 2000, which was used to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Bluebell Railway.

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May 2001
Due to the bad weather experienced during March 2001, the landslip at Ingewersons was not repaired in time for the Bluebell's Easter services to run through to Kingscote as was originally hoped. Instead, an intensive service was operated between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes, and it is the latter station that BR 5MT No.73082 'Camelot' is pictured at. The locomotive was running round its train, before working the 12.33 service back to Sheffield Park.

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April 2001
No new pictures I’m afraid, due to the foot and mouth crisis closing the lineside, but it’s a good opportunity to use another photo from the 2000 Winter Steam Up. On Sunday the 20th February 2000, SECR O1 Class No.65, of 1896, climbs the 1 in 75 gradient past Holywell, heading towards Horsted Keynes. This 0-6-0 locomotive was hidden from public view for 20 years, before being restored to working order at Sheffield Park, re-entering service on the 5th August 1999 - the centenary of the formation of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway.

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March 2001
Two LBSCR 'Terriers', Nos.W8 'Freshwater' and 672 'Fenchurch' run downgrade from Three Arch bridge with the 2.53 from Horsted Keynes during the 2001 Winter Steam Up. The event, held over the 17th and 18th February, saw an intensive service between Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes, with six locomotives in steam - including four Terriers. Thanks to the driver of W8 for opening the regulator for a few seconds on this 1 in 75 downhill section.

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February 2001
The sole survivor of Bulleid's Q1 Class appeared in its BR livery for the 2000 Winter Steam Up, held over the weekend of Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th February 2000. On the Sunday, as well as working a non-stop train over the entire line first thing in the morning, No.33001 also made two trips with the 'Golden Arrow' Pullman dining train. It is seen here making light work of the 1 in 75 at Holywell with the 14.12 service from Sheffield Park.

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January 2001
The 'Memories of the LBSCR' event wasn't the success it could have been, due to bad weather over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of November 2000, combined with a points and locomotive failure. However, the sun did shine for quite a bit of the Sunday, as proved with this shot of No.21C123 'Blackmoor Vale' in charge of an afternoon 'Golden Arrow' working. The vehicle immediately behind the locomotive is the 1903 built Semi-Royal saloon, which had only entered service a week earlier after being purchased by a Bluebell member.

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