Bluebell north extension

The current terminus at the north end of the line is Kingscote, but the line carried on to East Grinstead, a few miles further on.  The task of reopening the rest of the line is a big one, but is hoped to be completed in the not too distant future.  The biggest hurdle that is left is the landfill site that infilled one of the cuttings after the line was closed.  This first set of pictures was taken during a visit to the line by some of the P-way members from the Mid-Hants Railway on 21 September 2003

Thanks to Paul Norris for providing the info for the new captions

Please note: the extension is a work site, and is not open for the public or members, except with specific permission and under strict supervision


The first four panels of Bullhead rail laid on re-processed Jarrah sleepers northwards as seen from the former buffer stop at Vowels Lane bridge.


Looking north by the Ash Lea Farm access gate, just out of view on the west (left) side and just south of the former trout lake which was in the cutting


North of the former trout lake looking towards the first Hazleden farm crossing. This will be the end of phase 3B on the extension


Looking north approaching the second Hazleden farm crossing, a large culvert runs underneath west to east, draining the farmland


Looking south from the second farm crossing, a concrete ramp lies out of shot to the west (right) side, which utilised the mixer's services


This is the Hazleden Farm bridge looking north. To the east (right) side was a slip which has been repaired.  On the west (left) side are drainage culverts which will need clearing out to aid the slip repairs.


Walking up to Imberhorne Lane bridge from the south, the ground starts to rise up to the main problem - the landfill...


Looking back south along the trackbed from the start of the climb up to Imberhorne Lane bridge


The north side of the Imberhorne Lane bridge, at the start of the tip, the railway cutting would have been far lower at this point before filling took place


Looking back towards the bridge, height of the main tip above the trackbed can be seen - this picture was taken slightly off the top of the tip.

If all local rumours were to be believed, then on removal of the tip large quantities of of buried locomotives, army vehicles etc etc will be found upon excavation.  Hopefully that means finding examples of classes like the C2x that never made it to preservation.  Of course, it's far more likely that these stories are like the contents of the tip - a load of old rubbish..... (groan)

Sheffield Park  Horsted Keynes  Kingscote  Extension  Lineside

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