New steam train at Bluebell Railway receives donation

Sussex Vintage Model Railway representatives hand over their cheque to David Jones, (second from the right) project secretary and treasurer.
From left to right they are Philip Cooke, Chairman, David Reed, Treasurer, member Tony Funnell who is also working on the project, and Peter Bryant, Deputy Chairman. A 1930s Hornby loco stands on Beachy Heads running plate. SUS-180925-104646001 — Sussex Vintage Model Railway representatives hand over their cheque to David Jones, (second from the right) project secretary and treasurer. From left to right they are Philip Cooke, Chairman, David Reed, Treasurer, member Tony Funnell who is also working on the project, and Peter Bryant, Deputy Chairman. A 1930s Hornby loco stands on Beachy Heads running plate. SUS-180925-104646001

On September 20 representatives from the Brighton-based Sussex Vintage Model Railway Collectors Club gathered at Sheffield Park Station and delivered a cheque for £250 to go towards re-building the ‘Beachy Head’ train.

The ‘Beachy Head’ is being re-built to a full size locomotive which will be fully operational by 2020 hauling several Pullman coaches for visitors to enjoy.

The club visited the base for the Bluebell Railway’s Atlantic project which is building a re-creation of Beachy Head, an Atlantic locomotive (4-4-2 wheel arrangement) that emerged from Brighton Locomotive Works in September 1911.

John Hollands said: “With a 1930s Hornby 0 gauge engine standing on the partly built locomotive’s running plate we handed over a cheque to help the project along.

“We exhibit a variety of lively and popular at the club with layouts featuring Hornby Trains and other fondly remembered old toy and model trains at Brighton’s Knoyle Hall.

“It is thanks to these that they have been able to make this donation. The next toy and model train Show will be on February 16.”

The Beachy Head is being assembled by a team of six staff and volunteers, one of whom, Tony Funnell, is a Collector.

They team is using a combination of new components, and preserved original components that include a boiler, yet to be placed on the loco’s frames, and part of a tender.

When the work began in 2006 it was known that this team would need many years to finish the job.

The Atlantic project has relied on donations and sponsorship to buy the parts to make Beachy Head come to life once more.

The Bluebell Railway began operating in 1960 and would have made every effort to save it, if it had survived a little longer.

To learn more about the new Beachy Head and how you can help the Atlantic Project visit www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/locos/atlantic, whilst information about the Collectors is available on www.sussex-transport.co.uk/svmrc/,