The return of 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair | New Years Day Steam at the Bluebell Railway - 01.01.24

The start of 2024 would see the Bluebell Railway hold one final event before closing for winter maintenance, in the form of a New Years Day special timetable with four locomotives in action.
The highlight of the event would be the return of Battle of Britain Class No. 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair, hauling her first public trains on the line in 14 years. Although the engine had been used on the recent Santa Specials, this was the first time the engine would be on normal public service trains. The engine, still fresh from overhaul having returned in October, is yet to receive it's new paint job and nameplates. As such, the engine appeared in a somewhat weathered looking condition, and would be disposed of at Horsted Keynes after the event for the repaint to take place.
Running alongside 'Archie' would be 6989 Wightwick Hall, currently on loan to the line from Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, SECR O1 Class No. 65, featuring on the demonstration freight train, and A1 Terrier Class No. 72 Fenchurch, which recently had it's whistle changed.
The event proved to be a popular one despite the weather turning rather wet in the afternoon, with many people out on the lineside to see 34059 back in public service, and the trains seemingly full with many marking a start to 2024 with plenty of steam action along the line.
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[@DavidParkerlocomotive67]

Hi Thomas, Great video , Track side nice and clear, Happy New Year ....Dave🙂👍👍👍🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

[@themodster]

Cheers Dave, you too.

[@DavidParkerlocomotive67]

Hi Thomas,Thanks for reply ......Dave,😃👍👍👍🚂🚂🚂

[@DavidFennessy-yj7du]

I was thinking, when you think of the size of a traction motor under an EMU, then the Terrier A1X becomes some traction motor as you couldn’t get that under an EMU , the chimney gives it an ..’aww’..look, mentally remove the chimney and put another bunker at the end and you get a different image altogether

[@SimonTog]

Very well done Thomas :)

[@themodster]

Cheers Simon.

[@definitelytransport484]

Very Good Indeed!

[@themodster]

Thank You Sam. Good to meet you. Thomas

[@joelightrailway2362]

Excellent video of the action today at Bluebell 👍👍 and a happy new year 🥳

[@themodster]

Cheers Joe, same to you.

[@basictraincontent]

Great video! I was on the other side next to the gate between Horsted Keynes and Kingscote

[@themodster]

Thank you. It was a busy day on the lineside. Thomas

[@callumthornelow2936]

Good footage Thomas.
I may have to plan a visit to the Bluebell as Archie is one Bulleid I need for haulage. 😁

[@themodster]

Thanks Callum

[@BlainRhys]

It's Great To 34059 back In Steam

[@themodster]

Look forward to what she brings in the coming years. Thomas

[@JohnSmith-ii9ci]

Named after the leader of the Liberals and member of the war cabinet, from Thurso