LBSCR H2 Class - 32424 ‘Beachy Head’ takes on light test runs - Bluebell Railway | 4/7/24

[@colinthomasson3948]

I never thought to see an Atlantic in running order, the NBR Atlantics were almost identical, how wonderful to see this engine restored to life

[@chaileystowe3026]

Me neither, an amazing achievement for the Atlantic team and it definitely felt so real seeing the team’s efforts finally in motion along the line

[@TheHoveHeretic]

Superb clip. The GNR's large Ivatt Atlantics were closely related ... or 'copied' as some might have it (No.251 survives at the NRM). The North British ones were a very different beastie. See LNER Encyclopedia entry, their classes C10/C11. There, that's my gratuitous plug for the day!! 32424 is a magnificent achievement and has certainly come a long way from the chimney in front of a disembodied boiler I used to fold money into, each time I visited .... a long, long time ago. Given the drawings for the K Class have apparently gone walkabout, unless someone loses their marbles and restores 'Gladstone' to running order, I'd imagine 'Beachy Head' will be the one and only LBSCR tender loco we'll ever see in steam. That's one better than none and a damned good reason to head to Sheffield Park to experience this wonder for yourself.

[@teraris]

The the GNR Atlantics were virtually identical, one of which still survives on static display. The NBR Reid Atlantics bear no relationship to the LBSCR Marsh Atlantics.

[@jayyy3_yt295]

@@TheHoveHereticreally the It’s the other way around with the copy’s because the C1’s are older & they were designed first

[@HowardLeVert]

@@teraris There are two GNR Atlantics - 251 and 990.

[@chrisfrost8456]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT, that everyone involved in this Unique Loco gets The Proper Recognition from all 0f the Bluebell Railway for the Restoration and bringing back to Life a Unique LoCO over 20yrs ,We members of Bluebell Railway Salute You ,Thanks for all the Hardwork

[@Planetkid32]

British Atlantic engines are just so elegant. It’s wonderful to see a fully-functioning replica being constructed, and seeing it in motion. Can’t wait to see it in service once the tests are finished. 🖤

[@Tom-Lahaye]

What an presence Beachy Head has, looks splendid and runs splendid. Of the trio Lady, Grange and H2 Atlantic this one has involved the most new built parts since Tornado. It's quite a feat that over the last 16 years we have seen 4 extinct classes of standard gauge locomotives coming back to life, and more on the narrow gauge.

[@ryankelly8902]

This is my favourite steam engine. No other words needed to describe how happy I am.

[@haydenbrown8421]

I have two 3.5” LBSC ( Curly) live steam Atlantics. Love them I had to have two, one GNR Green and the other LBSC Black. They make super locomotives in any gauge.

[@stephensmith799]

Why isn’t this national news? Amazing accomplishment.

[@pedonnghaileach5211]

Because after fourteen years of the Tories trashing the economy and cutting services we have a Labour Government that cares and hope of a decade of national renewal. Much as I love Steam I think the new government is more important right now. You might also consider that when the original was built a passport wasn't needed to travel to France from Britain.

[@stephensmith799]

@@pedonnghaileach5211 I can’t disagree with you!

[@bluebellsalmon]

@@pedonnghaileach5211 Well, now Lord (Peter) Hendy has been brought into Government, who knows - he's a great supporter of heritage on top of being a very wise railway manager.

[@levelcrossing150]

After a quarter of a century it's great to see this loco running. Well done everyone involved in making it happen.

[@chaileystowe3026]

Amen to that my friend!

[@levelcrossing150]

@@chaileystowe3026 Love the opening shots which are almost picture like from a youngsters train book. It reminds me of my engine in my Hornby clockwork train set, 60 odd years ago. 👍

[@tonywise198]

I remember 32424 Beachy Head being withdrawn, and disappearing from Ian Allan's abc Locospotter's Books. Everyone was sad. Great to see this loco's re-incarnation. We never saw it this shiny though!

[@peterjhillier7659]

What a lovely sight, all that hard Work certainly has paid off. A beautiful video, thanks for sharing.

[@USSMaineBB-95]

I may be from the US where engines are massive but the UK has some of the best looking engines I didn’t think I'd see a 4-4-2 Running again, kudos to them for making it possible

[@scottlewis775]

What a beautiful locomotive; hats off to the Bluebell for pulling such an awesome feat off! I wonder if they’ll have a commencement/dedication ceremony upon the locos first day in full service?

[@chaileystowe3026]

@@scottlewis775 one would assume so!

[@bluebellsalmon]

@@chaileystowe3026 I think the ceremony will actually take place a week earlier, on Sunday 18th August.

[@chaileystowe3026]

@@bluebellsalmon another date to add to the diary!

[@brucepanny5010]

love the 4 4 2 engines ... this one is just beautiful, and Elegant .... she has an air of Grace about her ... thanks to all the chaps who brought her back to life ... From New Zealand .

[@jamesgilbart2672]

This 'scratch-build' is a fantastic achievement - Beachy Head looks superb. Sir Archibald looks great too!

[@SPRINGBONNIE_anim]

As someone whose favourite loco is the H1/2, i see this as the best milestone of my lifetimes experience of preservation.

[@DangerAngelous]

I’m coming to the UK next year, I can’t wait to see this myself!

[@allegheny1633]

What a beautiful, beautiful locomotive, she’s truly a magnificent machine. Very well done to all involved.

[@richardlanchester249]

When i was 7-8-9 years old, the original Beachy Head was often heading a mid afternoon train from Bournemouth to Brighton, that passed through Chichester just while i was waiting at the nearby Bus Station for my ride home from school. Some days I would also see the last of the Drummond T9s, even older, on the same run. And i woukd see a couple of the ancient Brighton Terriers parked up in the yards there, that ran the Hayling Billy Line branch from nearby Havant. And one old American wartime shunter, and one of those strangely armadillo-style but extremely powerful Bulleid 0-6-0 shunters. I remember that Beachy Head would seem to shout out its number as it started off -- "Fffrreee twoooo ffoour twooo ffour two four....." The T9 had a distinctive sound too, its connecting rods rang out like a church bell at speed and you could hear it clearly away across the countryside. I look forwards to seeing Beachy Head running, very soon!

[@neilturner3658]

The "American shunters" must the USA class that the SR converted to work Southampton Docks because of their extremely short wheelbase. And I think the Bulleid 0-6-0 must be the bizarre Q class austerity freight engines. I saw both of them when I was younger, on expeditions to the mainland. All withdrawn by the time I was about 12, alas. That's why it's so cheering to see Beachy Head brought back to life. Never thought to see a working Atlantic again.

[@KevinMorrison-xj2bt]

I am an old 1950/60's train spotter and never thought we would ever see this class in steam again. They have made an excellent locomotive. I wonder what extinct class next ? How about a Drummond LSWR 700 class 'Black Motor' that I remember from Feltham MPD as a kid ?

[@railwaymechanicalengineer4587]

Also this year is the "New" ex GWR Grange Class "Betton Grange" on the West Somerset Railway. ALL the original Granges were scrapped !

[@Steven_Rowe]

She is BEAUTIFUL,I love Atlantic's and my favourite is the Ivatt C1, it is so elegant and well balanced as is Beachy Head. I see it has airbrakes so how lovely would it be to see her running from Victoria to Brighton.

[@mattlander9119]

It's only got air brakes on the loco. But it won't ever go mainline unless dragged to another railway as there's no room to fit the electronic and safety equipment.

[@Steven_Rowe]

@@mattlander9119 it a nice addition to the Bluebell Railway,it's a pity the loco can't be turned at both ends so it can run chimney first.

[@nigelbrazier8585]

Looks absolutely stunning, I hope we get to see her in other liveries in the future

[@mrsaturngamingandstories]

Glad that we finally have an Atlantic Type locomotive in working order now

[@davemitchell9941]

Thanks for posting this capture. The ol Marsh Atlantic puts the ol rebuild in the shade. I vividly remember see the embryonic components being gathered together back in 2007 when us brought 34007 to the Bluebell & we had a smashing time & with the lads. I remember them all well & also remarking to Keith Sturt that if I lived a wee bit closer I would’ve loved to get involved with that new build Atlantic. Looks like as always u’ve done a smashing job lads & that young thing will be not only a train puller but a crowd puller also. Unconverted West Country’s, the ol T9 & Beattie Well tank, stand out well in my footplate memories nothing to touch em & now this!! Maybe one day I’ll make it back there & have a ride? Be lovely to see someone have a go at building an ol K mogul & or a J, 2-6-4T. I do have a soft spot for those ol Brighton engines despite living on LSWR turf. 😊

[@chaileystowe3026]

Thank you for the kind words David, nice to hear you’ve got some nice memories of the Bluebell. Did certainly feel so real watching her finally in steam!

[@WhyAyeMann]

The only running atlantic in preservation. Well done.

[@chaileystowe3026]

Thank you my friend

[@haydenbrown8421]

I saw the boiler under tarps at Bluebell when I visited in 2019. Come a long way since then. Everything a loco needs to be in an Atlantic.

[@philipizzard2584]

Fabulous work thanks for sharing a bit of a long drive from sleepy Somerset to see so thanks

[@hoskinb1]

An incredible achievement and a real crowd puller. Well done and thanks to all involved

[@donotwantahandle1111]

i watched this because of the name Beachy Head as I lived in Brighton in the 1970's. Saw a fine looking locomotive...

[@chaileystowe3026]

Thank you my friend

[@AbdulLajak]

glad to see that these steam engines are still being used

[@trenesdecolombiaPabloHiguita]

Not only used, that Atlantic type is brand new.

[@AbdulLajak]

@@trenesdecolombiaPabloHiguita WOOOOOOO

[@songsmith31a]

A smart and unusual wheel format (4.4.2) in appealing surroundings. Really worthwhile!

[@aveedub7403]

So glad you posted this brilliant video and keep up the excellent work. I've seen "Archie" dismantled for a good few years on shed and its great to see him back in steam looking resplendent as ever! As for Beachy Head, an incredible achievement, again, saw her coming together over the years and pleased to say theres a few quid of mine in her somewhere! 🙂 Can't wait to get back there in September whilst in Newick, hopefully to see both running! In the meantime I have to console myself with the OO versions! 🙂🙂🙂

[@PictureHouseCinema]

I never knew there was a loco called, "Sir Archibald Sinclair". It would be awesome if it could make a trip to Thurso, the home of the late Sir Archibald.

[@basictraincontent]

Great capture of the new steam train. I will be there on its debut passenger run

[@chaileystowe3026]

Cheers mate, look forward to seeing you there!

[@984francis]

Locomotive. Locomotives pull, trains are pulled. I do envy you that you will be there on its maiden passenger run. Enjoy🥰

[@WheelsonRails728]

A real asset and a crowd-pleaser for the Bluebell, and a gap filled in the preservation line-up!

[@BrokenIET]

Which gap?

[@bluebellsalmon]

@@BrokenIET At least three - A Brighton Atlantic, a Marsh locomotive, and a larger LB&SCR locomotive.

[@BrokenIET]

@@bluebellsalmon True

[@gerardsmith4401]

Love Atlantics, even though I’m a Midland man!

[@ianjeffery6744]

What a beautiful and elegant locomotive - the BR black suits her just right!

[@johnjephcote7636]

I scratchbuilt (metal) an EM 4mm Ivatt C12 Atlantic in 1949 condition for my first essay in sratchbuilding back in 1966. Therefore I run a careful eye over Marsh's equivalent on the Brighton. They went appreciably into BR days (unlike Doncaster's Atlantics) and such a pity that they just missed the preservation movement. Poor old Hartland Point being 'used' by Bullied for experiments prior to his Leader class.

[@laurencefielder]

Magnificent acheivment thank you team

[@MikesMovies]

wonderful

[@abloogywoogywoo]

This engine's beautiful.

[@NickRatnieks]

I can recall as a teenager in the late 60s staying with my grandmother and she had a copy of a "Berkshire Life" type magazine. In it there was a small article about Trevose Head and its working of some specials which the writer described as the engine's "swan song"- this would have been back in 1956 or 1957 from memory. I seem to recall there was a photo of Trevose Head in Sonning Cutting- not so far from where she lived. On another matter, this class must have been the engines with the largest diameter driving wheels ever to receive BR's "mixed traffic" lined black livery. I suppose as they were no longer diagrammed for express work this was seen as being as far as they could go with adornments. Doubtlessly, the Western Region would have found a way to paint them express passenger lined green- even using that livery on some of the Churchward moguls and 14XX tank engines! Anyway, what a fantastic sight and extraordinary culmination of so much effort!

[@michaelsandford1015]

well done guys

[@johncourtneidge]

Thank-you! I think that I just managed to travel on an almost last service on this line to Eastbourne. Tragic closure!

[@chaileystowe3026]

@@johncourtneidge thank you, John. Who would have thought after the East Grinstead - Lewes line closed, that one day they’d be building their own locomotives

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Absolutely fantastic 🎉

[@flippop101]

She looks absolutely stunning!

[@dudeneon924]

I like the black, but I hope that it gets its original umber brown one day

[@roysimmons3549]

Great job. Thanks to all.

[@philbarker8219]

Magnificent loco, lovely footage, thank you so much. !! Pity we couldn't save a K as well.....

[@tangerinedream7211]

Planning a visit in late August when the loco is running . Thanks for this vid.

[@chaileystowe3026]

Hope you enjoy your visit!

[@David-v2t8h]

What a handsome piece of machinery

[@ewhurstgreen]

Absolutely superb and well done by all involved! 🌞

[@paulbarnett9068]

The regulator handle is from the original beachcy head. And there other LBSCR parts used in the restoration.

[@Mounhas]

If there is such a place as heaven, please let it be in Sussex on a sunny day with SR steam engines, like the Bluebell!

[@DeafIaint]

Looks wonderful. They're being rather kind to the boiler with pressure set at just 175 psi.

[@chaileystowe3026]

Yeah given that was the second day that she went out testing, was understandable. They did add some added oomph when she started testing on loaded runs. She sounded amazing coming up the Horsted footpath in my loaded run video!

[@mattlander9119]

It's an Ex GNR boiler so have to follow the original spec for that. If it was a new boiler it would be different

[@DeafIaint]

@mattlander9119 Thanks, I'm not too well up on GNR, so I assumed all boilers were eventually rated at 200 lbs/□in

[@YorkshireMalsTrains]

Hi, enjoyed your video, going here next week so found it very interesting, i have subscribed to you...Mal

[@chaileystowe3026]

@@YorkshireMalsTrains thank you my friend, enjoy the Bluebell next week!

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

7:41 Looks like beachy head has reemerged from the grave

[@paulbarnett9068]

It has been fitted with westinghouse air brakes.

[@johnd8892]

The Brighton company was one of the first of the few early adopters of the Westinghouse brake in the UK.

[@ЛЬВИНИ]

Very nice, like !

[@chaileystowe3026]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kevinpennick3604]

Great to see

[@thesudricmerman3318]

It doesn't fill real that beachy head lives again but i carnt wait to see her in August 😊

[@vc10aviation]

Great Catch

[@chaileystowe3026]

Cheers mate

[@brianhepke7182]

If the guys who run these heritage railways were to take over the national rail network, we'd have a top-notch system 😊 BTW... nice to see some parts of the country are have decent weather.

[@Sam_Green____4114]

Is this a replica ? How much is original ? Only the boiler ! A Great job done by all !! Applause !

[@bluebellsalmon]

The team refer to it as a reconstruction, rather than a replica. The boiler is ex GN Atlantic, which had exactly the same dimensions (because they came from the same basic drawings). Some things on the boiler have been modified to LB&SCR pattern, including an additional pipe inside the boiler, a new J-pipe and regulator valve, and an adaptation between the GN boiler front to match the LB&SCR-style smokebox. The Safety valves are LB&SCR pattern but with a modified fixing to allow it to sit in place of the GN style safety valves. The regulator handle and whistle are original from 'Beachy Head'. The H2 class plate in the cab, and I think the firehole door, are from other H2s. The tender frames (repaired and slightly modified) are from an LB&SCR B4 tender, and the tender axleboxes, springs and wheels are from a C2X tender. Pretty much everything else has been made brand new. 3000 drawings were drawn! 300 hot rivets just in the cab roof! Details of the boiler and tenders are at www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/locos/atlantic/background.html

[@mickboakes7023]

Another better than new build. Well done to all concerned. Look forward to seeing her.

[@jozefbubez6116]

Is that noise in the background the Westinghouse brake gear? Kind of sounds familiar and my first trip to Bluebell was in mid-1962 when I was a 12-year old and that line down to Ardingly and Haywards Heath was 100% working but got the 'chop' in November the following year.

[@mattlander9119]

Yes like Birch Grove and Fenchurch it is air brake fitted on the loco and tender

[@daystatesniper01]

Cracking video , she looks totally stunning ,mind you Archie looks just as stunning , only thing i think they should have done is number it one after they ended ,like Totnado , betton Grange ,but what would be a appropiate name for it ??? answers below please

[@TroublesomeSlateTruck]

Good Job. 👏🏼

[@SimonTog]

Nice video Chailey :)

[@chaileystowe3026]

Thank you for the kind words, Simon 🙌

[@dragonzilla6482]

Its nice to see No' 251 back in steam though I wish that they kept her original GNR livery instead of giving her BR black.

[@mattlander9119]

A not 251. This is a new build/ reconstruction of the Marsh H2 type atlantic.

[@dragonzilla6482]

@@mattlander9119 Oh right, I didn’t know the Southern had Atlantics.

[@JohnRiley-lj5sn]

I was a bit curious as to the sounds it made even when stationary and the unusual pattern of exhaust beats. A little like the sound of Westinghouse brake system(?)

[@johnd8892]

The Brighton company was one of the first of the few early adopters of the Westinghouse brake in the UK.

[@pn112upfast]

Excellent subbed 👍

[@chaileystowe3026]

Welcome to the channel my friend, thanks for the sub!

[@MattiaGelmini-ln7py]

We Are So close to have e2 tank engine

[@ungowa1002]

I wonder if a Mail push rod has averted broken off at/off the wheel

[@mattlander9119]

Cant see any broken bit, where do you mean?

[@wideyxyz2271]

❤

[@rolandbevan7088]

What a pity that is could not be furnished in its original livery.

[@bluebellsalmon]

It can, one day. But there's plenty of reasons why it's in this current livery, not least of which is that this was stated from the start, and was the basis on which £1.3 Million was raised to build it. In its final BR form it was: * The very last Atlantic running in BR service. * Was used on many railtours in the 1950s, including several over the Bluebell line. * It was this loco's scrapping in 1958 which led Brighton enthusiasts to realise that something must be done to save something of the history of the LB&SCR before it was too late, and led to the first meeting of what became the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society in 1959. So it is significant in the Bluebell's own history.

[@theextremeanimator4721]

@@bluebellsalmon I see...

[@FriscoTheRailroadFurry]

Do you think beachy head will get to run on the mainline???

[@mattlander9119]

No because there is no room for the electronic and safety equipment to go on such an old design.

[@DominicMiles-c1v]

It would be nicer if they had painted it in LBSCR umber as opposed to BR Black just so it would have looked when first built in 1911.

[@mattlander9119]

It would need different parts to properly wear LBSC livery. Maybe one day.

[@johnarmstrong3782]

What's the clanking noise. Doesn't sound right?

[@DerekWalsh-l4i]

That is the air pump for the Westinghouse air-brake system.

[@johnarmstrong3782]

@@DerekWalsh-l4i Ah! Thanks for the info. Did they have Westinghouse brakes on the LBSC back in the day?

[@DerekWalsh-l4i]

@@johnarmstrong3782 Indeed they did. Have a look at the LBSC "Terriers," the A1X 0-6-0 tank engines. They all have the Westinghouse air-brake pumps alongside the boiler.

[@johnarmstrong3782]

@@DerekWalsh-l4i Thanks so much for the interesting reply. Douglas Earl Marsh must have been a convert. Back then, as I understand it, none of the railway companies liked the idea of continuous brakes and the majority reluctantly adopted vacuum brakes?

[@DerekWalsh-l4i]

@@johnarmstrong3782 The vacuum brake is a simpler system, relying on a continuous flow of steam through a venturi to maintain a vacuum in the train pipe. But, being simpler, also makes it slower to react. In applying the brake, letting air into that pipe, the brakes will come on on the 1st coach, then the 2nd, etc., all the way to the last coach, so the driver really needs to be in sympathy with his train, and to be able to feel what is happening in order to slow down at the correct rate. In the same way, when releasing the brakes at a station stop they are slow to come off, starting with the last coach and working forward to the engine, before the train-pipe is exhausted of air. Conversely the Westinghouse air-brake system, with its pumps, is more complicated, but allows all brakes on all coaches to be applied at the same time, which is a great time-saver. It enables the driver to run faster into a station, knowing he has full brake power available instantly. And in releasing them all brakes come off at the same time, in an instant. So station stops could be extremely short, which was a bonus when taking thousands of commuters into and out of cities every day. The Great Eastern Railway, out of Liverpool Street Station in London, was probably the best example of this in the UK.

[@BrokenIET]

Such a shame to see another loco in BR black.

[@bluebellsalmon]

It's been the plan ever since the project to reconstruct this locomotive was announced 23 years ago, and all the fundraising (£1.34million) has been on the basis that it would be initially in this livery. In its final BR form it was: * The very last Atlantic running in BR service. * Was used on many railtours in the 1950s, including several over the Bluebell line. * It was this loco's scrapping in 1958 which led Brighton enthusiasts to realise that something must be done to save something of the history of the LB&SCR before it was too late, and led to the first meeting of what became the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society in 1959. So it is significant in the Bluebell's own history. It will carry many other other liveries over the coming decades.

[@paulcaswell2813]

Oh look. It's a C1 with an identity crisis...

[@meanwhileme4128]

Will it ever go on the main line ?

[@chaileystowe3026]

@@meanwhileme4128 almost certainly not, not enough room in the cab unfortunately for the modern signaling equipment to give it a mainline certificate

[@theextremeanimator4721]

@@chaileystowe3026 Any workarounds should, and _must_ be done for that matter...

[@HeavensGremlin]

A great effort to build this, - FANTASTIC - but OH DEAR....that WRETCHED BR livery....!!!! What is the problem with these ignoramuses....!!!!!

[@bluebellsalmon]

I'm afraid you are apparently ignorant of the project's origins... since it's been the plan ever since the project to reconstruct this locomotive was announced 23 years ago, and all the fundraising (£1.34million) has been on the basis that it would be initially in this livery. In its final BR form it was: * The very last Atlantic running in BR service. * Was used on many railtours in the 1950s, including several over the Bluebell line. * It was this loco's scrapping in 1958 which led Brighton enthusiasts to realise that something must be done to save something of the history of the LB&SCR before it was too late, and led to the first meeting of what became the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society in 1959. So it is significant in the Bluebell's own history. * It's how many people in the Atlantic group remember it. Undoubtedly it will carry other liveries in subsequent boiler certificates.

[@Rosie6857]

@@bluebellsalmon Well said. I am probably the oldest contributor here (81) and I have seen this loco at work on routine trains on the Oxted line, along with its two sisters 32425 Trevose Head and 32426 St Albans Head. The train was the 6.10 pm Victoria to Brighton via Uckfield. It was non-stop E Croydon to Oxted so we called it "the Fast". Later, BR4 2-6-4Ts were used but they found it a bit much and U1 2-6-0's replaced them. The new livery is exactly as I remember them so well done The Bluebell. I never thought they'd finish the job but they have done. Brilliant!