Giants of Steam Gala
Posted by Chris Graham on 25th January 2022
We report on the Bluebell Railway’s successful Giants of Steam Gala, and the interesting locomotives that made special appearances.
Bluebell’s Giants of Steam visitors bed down for the night on October 8 at Sheffield Park with Clan Line (on left) and Cheltenham. (Pic: Dave Bowles)
The Bluebell Railway held its autumn Giants of Steam Gala last October (8th-10th) with two visiting locomotives; the National Railway Museum’s Schools Class locomotive No. 30925 Cheltenham, courtesy of the Mid-Hants Railway, and main line rail tour stalwart, Bulleid ‘Merchant Navy’ No. 35028 Clan Line – the latter making a rare appearance at a heritage line.
However, it wasn’t the first time that Clan Line had been to the Bluebell Railway, having made a service trip a couple of years ago in order to make use of the railway’s workshop facility.
Clan Line stretches its legs, returning to Sheffield Park on October 8th. (Pic: Dave Bowles)
From the home stable, it was good to see BR Standard No. 73082 Camelot fresh from an intermediate overhaul, it having been the focus of workshop activity during the past quarter.
Like many other small organisations, Camelot’s owning group, the Camelot Locomotive Society, has had severely reduced income since the start of the 2020 lockdown. The £35,000 spent on the overhaul has significantly depleted its financial reserves and, as a result, it’s launching an appeal to keep Camelot steaming into the future.
The NRM’s Schools Class Cheltenham leaves Horsted Keynes on a photo charter, on October 11th. (Pic: Peter Hollands)
Please download the appeal leaflet for further information from the 73082 Camelot Locomotive Society’s Facebook page, or from its website at: 73082-camelot.com
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