Bluebell Railway: April 24th 2009.

April 24th 2009 was to be a very special day. The re-dedication of 34059, "Sir Archibald Sinclair", as that lovely Battle of Britain class rebuilt Bulleid pacific was to be put back into service after decades of restoration from scrap yard condition. next

My day started in the loco shed at Sheffield Park. Watching the final stages of 34059 being prepared for her big day, in the company of C class 0-6-0 31592 which was due to work observation car special trains during the day. next

A closer look at 34059, looking in superb condition after so many years of hard work by those involved in getting the pacific back into service.

next No surprise that the train that 34059 was to haul for this special day was the Bluebell Railways Pullman car set! Seen here heading into Horsted Keynes. next After running around the train at Horsted Keynes the ceremony of re -dedication took place. With a very good speech by Viscount Thurso, grandson of Sir Archibald Sinclair. And then a blessing from the Bluebell Railway's Chaplain. All in superb weather and in front of a lot of people. next

With the ceremony over the nameplates were uncovered again. And with the guests boarding the pullman train for lunch, there was time to view the immaculate loco in close up. next

The ceremony started at 11.00. So as it ended 31592 on the 11.00 from Sheffield Park joined the party, albeit rather briefly as it headed onto KIngscote. next It could not have been a better Spring day for such an occasion with 34059! next The newly outshoped pacific first worked the Pullman train and the invited guests back to Sheffield Park. Then worked put through to Kingscote on the 12.32 pathway, seen here heading away from Horsted Keynes. next 34059 heading the 12.32 Pullman train away from Horsted Keynes. next Later that afternoon, after taking the guests back to Sheffield Park, 34059 worked the 14.32 Pullman train, heading around the curve on the approach to Horsted Keynes station. next A last look at the immaculately turned out pacific heading into Horsted Keynes. top  Earlier 2009 Photos   Index