Trip to Bluebell to see progress towards East Grinstead.  A fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes at the premier heritage railway and understand the practical (and bureaucratic) implications of a reinstatement project.

Entering extension at Kingscote

Approaching tip at Imberhorne Lane bridge

End of the line...

The ascent.  Apparently this first section of spoil, up till the bridge, is sandstone and soil from the widening fo Beeching Way in East Grinsead, when converted to car use in the 70's.  Nice!  It will propbably be used to help reduce the span needed to replace Sheriff Mill viaduct (Ardingly branch) when shifted.  The rest of the fill, i.e. years of East Grinstead's domestic rubbish will have to be relocated to another tip, and is the main reason for the delay (permits etc)

The summit!

Imberhorne Lane bridge peeping over the fill.

the extant of fill - right to the top of the arch.

The main tip - this is supposed to be a cutting.

East Grinstead end of tip - partially filled bridge

Crossing Imberhorne Viaduct

The compound at East Grinstead.  Network Rail line on left side of fence.

Looking south from compound.  Viaduct is not far beyond volunteers.

Fenchurch - a pleasant ride back to Horsted Keynes.

Birchgrove at Horsted

Don't Jump!  An intimate examination of the missing Sheriff Mill viaduct on the Ardingly branch.

Walking the Ardingly branch.  A long term vision for the Bluebell

Walking through the only tunnel on the Ardingly branch.

Full steam ahead at Horsted.

Very many thanks to all the staff at the Bluebell.  We saw much more than we could have hoped for and the hospitality (nice cake and tea!) was most appreciated.

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