Dear reader, you'd think I'd have had enough of trains with my work week agenda of commuting so to spend a day on them for fun would lead you to think I'd lost my marbles. Maybe I have. Living with Mr Him would do that. However in this instance there was a very good reason for such marble lostness.
Our Friend Brave was still with us Saturday morning. I know, I know, his bravery knows no bounds. However we had booked tickets to see the iconic Flying Scotsman and to ride other engines, which outweighed enduring Mr Him. You've heard of this iconic engine no doubt. The first steam engine to reach 100 mph and to cover 422 miles non stop in Australia. It's covered ground in USA and Canada too. Have you ever seen it?
I took this shot of it as it passed through a station on Saturday.
I also took this shot of Stepney, who was having a break from Thomas for Easter.
We took a ride on another engine to East Grinstead, not the Flying Scotsman sadly, despite Mr Him's voice on the video below.
and here are the pics
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| on the train |
Listen to the chuff chuff on the video below
We were in the first carriage so got a good view of the steam too here
This is Horsted Keynes station.
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| spot Houdini's luggage |
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| Horsted Keynes ticket office |
The station was used in Downton Abbey. Horsted Keynes and Sheffield Park stations are both now heritage stations and only service the steam trains on the Bluebell Line.
However the Bluebell line was once part of Britain's rail network joining East Grinstead with Uckfield and passing through Newick and Chailey. The railway in Britain suffered a major reduction in the 1960s sadly and since then the roads have become busier. There is a plan to extend this line into Haywards Heath which would then mean there would be a direct rail link between Haywards Heath and East Grinstead, and yes it would be steam. Can you imagine commuting by steam train every day?
Anyway, time for you to sit back and enjoy the pictures of stations, memorabilia, trains
and my lunch.
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| my lunch, pie and mash |
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| control room |
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| Sheffield Park station |
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| luggage display at Sheffield Park station |
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| a locomotive in the shed |
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| Horsted Keynes station in old Southern railway colouring |
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| Pullman |
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| wouldn't it be good to eat here |
I hope you enjoyed the trip. We did.
I just happened to be over at Christine's blog and saw you'd mentioned Steam Trains.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved steam trains and enjoyed rides on the Bluebell Line some years ago now.
You can't beat the magic of a steam train can you.
Great post, lovely photographs.
I'm sure I will visit your blog again soon.
Take care
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan. I actually follow your blog. I keep meaning to try those delicious recipes. I shall do soon and post on my boring style blog over on Mutton_Style
DeleteI have a very soft spot for steam trains. Dirty things yes, but laden with romance.
ReplyDeleteThese run along behind houses in places too. I remarked that it must be a constant job of cleaning and washing curtains.
DeleteLooks like such a fun outing! I like the food too.
ReplyDeleteThe food was perfectly in keeping for the venue.
DeleteWow that sound like an amazing outing.sure would love to do that. Maybe someday !
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteFascinating, Anna, what an amazing opportunity. I love that the steam train vibe carried through to the pie lunch. I'm now wondering what you wore. Was it some smart 1930s suit and hat? A 40s New Wave floral dress, cardi and gloves? Oh, I'm just imaging the great OOTD opps with this one ... now there's a thought for our next outing. First stop, the charity shops!
ReplyDeleteWe have a few steam engine trains operating as tourist attractions in western Canada. The trip usually involves being held up by train robbers on horseback.
ReplyDelete