The ever popular ‘Giants of Steam’ gala at the Bluebell Railway, taking place on the 13th-15th October, would see two southern bullied pacific locomotives visit the line.
Running alongside the home fleet of 73082 Camelot, 6989 Wightwick Hall, Standard 4 No. 80151 (Sunday only), and 72 Fenchurch (brake van rides at Horsted Keynes), were 34070 Manston from the Swanage Railway, and 21C127 Taw Valley from the Severn Valley Railway. The guests’ appearances would make for an interesting look on the line, with 34070 in her weathered condition and 21C127 in her authentic black livery.
This video captures the action from the Saturday and Sunday of the event. The action-packed weekend saw a great performance from the locomotives, including an unexpected 8 coach train for 6989, with perfect weather conditions throughout. However, the highlights of the event would see 73082 & 34070 double head on a ‘Pines Express’ run in glorious evening sunlight on the Saturday, and 34070 & 21C127 double head two separate runs on the Sunday, allowing each loco to lead a run. A very top weekend it was and a huge credit to all involved, it certainly felt fitting to have a chorus of bullied whistles echoing around the Sussex countryside!
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