GBRf Class 66 Cab Ride.

March 28th 2013 was a significant day in the history of the Bluebell Railway. Following the completion and opening of the extension from Kingscote to East Grinstead, the railway received its first ‘through train’ from London to Sheffield Park since 1963. This DVD is a cab ride filmed on board that first historic train, which was operated by GB Railfreight who provided newly re-painted 66739 for the occasion.

Immediately after setting off with ‘The Blue Belle’ charter train from London Victoria, the Class 66 first has to tackle the short sharp 1 in 62 climb to cross the River Thames. Then comes the complex rail network and series of junctions as the train heads through the south London suburbs of Brixton, Tulse Hill, Herne Hill and Crystal Palace to Norwood Junction. From there it continues to South Croydon Junction where it diverges onto the Oxted branch to travel through the steeply graded Caterham Valley, through the Surrey towns of Sanderstead, Woldingham and Hurst Green. After passing through Lingfield and Dormans the train reaches East Grinstead, where it proceeds over the short connection linking the national rail network to the Bluebell Railway. The impressive Imberhorne viaduct is followed by the restored Imberhorne cutting, which had been a landfill site! Then come the delightful stations at Kingscote and Horsted Keynes. At Sheffield Park a large crowd is waiting to greet the arrival of the first train from London via East Grinstead in 55 years. The naming ceremony of 66739 at Horsted Keynes completes a historic occasion for the railway.

Produced by - Locomaster Profiles
Duration - 110 Minutes
DVD only
Released - March 2021