The annual 'Giants of Steam' Gala at the Bluebell Railway always promises to be a spectacular event, with the 2024 edition being held over the weekend of October 11th-13th.
5 locomotives would be in action across the line between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, operating an intensive timetable with frequent passenger services. Home-fleet hero 73082 "Camelot" would be rubbing shoulders with fellow residents 34059 "Sir Archibald Sinclair" and 32424 "Beachy Head"; for the latter, this would be the time appearing at a 'Giants of Steam' Gala since the completion of its construction. Joining the trio would be 6989 "Wightwick Hall" from the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, and 60007 "Sir Nigel Gresley" courtesy of Locomotive Services group.
The event would feature the occasional double-headed service; a highlight of which came in the form of 73082 piloting 34059 on the Friday of the event. This did well to evoke scenes from the Somerset and Dorset Railway.
Locomotives:
Ex-SR Rebuilt 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34059 "Sir Archibald Sinclair"
BR Standard Class 5MT - 73082 "Camelot"
Ex-LNER A4 Class - 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley”
Ex-LB&SCR H2 Class - 32424 “Beachy Head”
BR(W) 6959 'Modified Hall' Class - 6989 "Wightwick Hall"
00:00 - 34059 Freshfield Bank
01:34 - 73082 Freshfield Bank
03:07 - 60007 Freshfield Bank
04:23 - 32424 Horsted Keynes south field
05:22 - 6989 Sharpthorne Tunnel
06:42 - 73082 & 34059 Sharpthorne Tunnel
08:05 - 60007 Sharpthorne Tunnel
09:33 - 32424 Horsted Keynes south field
10:41 - 6989 Hosted Keynes footpath
12:27 - 34059 & 73082 Hosted Keynes footpath
14:34 - 60007 Horsted Keynes
All footage filmed on Friday the 11th of October 2024.