Experience the charm and nostalgia of branch line operations at the Bluebell Railway’s Branch Line Gala, taking place in March 2025!

This exciting event celebrates the vital role of branch lines in Britain’s railway history, showcasing the unique locomotives, rolling stock, and operations that once served these picturesque rural routes.

Highlights of the Branch Line Gala include:

  • Authentic Branch Line Operations: Enjoy an intensive timetable featuring short branch line trains, mixed traffic workings, and shunting displays, recreating the hustle and bustle of a traditional branch line.
  • Special Guest Locomotives: Look out for visiting engines joining our home fleet to provide a variety of motive power across the weekend.
  • Goods Train Demonstrations: Watch historical freight operations in action, showcasing how goods were transported across the countryside in the steam era.
  • Photo Opportunities: Capture the atmosphere of branch line working with locomotives and stock in authentic settings.

Whether you’re a lifelong railway enthusiast or simply looking for a fascinating day out, the Branch Line Gala offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heritage of Britain’s railway.

Mark your calendar for this unmissable event! Join us to celebrate the history of branch-line railways and the vital role they played in connecting communities across the country.

Photo of 41313 kindly supplied by The Isle Of Wight Steam Railway

Timetables for each day will be available nearer the event date.

Visiting locomotive – 41313 British Railways Ivatt 2MT Tank Engine

Built in 1952 by British Railways at Crewe, 41313 is a 2-6-2T tank locomotive, part of the Ivatt-designed Class 2. These engines were designed for light branch line duties, renowned for their adaptability and excellent performance on winding routes.

Our visitor, 41313, worked its entire life across the length of the Southern Region, being based at Exmouth Junction, Three Bridges, Faversham, Barnstaple, Brighton and Eastleigh during its BR career. This engine would have been working services local to The Bluebell Railway when it was based at Three Bridges & Brighton.

One interesting note is that during its mainline career, 41313 was used as a tester for empty coaching stock workings between London Waterloo & Clapham Junction, which was highly successful, leading to the class being the eventual replacement of Drummond’s M7 class engines on these duties.

The locomotive was withdrawn from British Railways service in November 1965. The following year, 41313 was transferred to Barry Scrapyard in South Wales, where it would remain until it was purchased by The Ivatt Trust in 1975.

Saved from scrapping, 41313 was moved to the Buckinghamshire Steam Centre, alongside sister engine 41298 and Ivatt 2MT Mogul 46447. The Ivatt Trust moved to a decision that both 41313 & 41298 would be restored to working order and operate trains on the Isle Of Wight Steam Railway. This was a poignant move as it was intended that Ivatt 2MTs were going to replace the ageing Adam’s O2 tank engines if steam had gone beyond the eventual phasing out of steam traction on the Island in 1966.

The restoration began in 2006, taking place at both Haven Street on the IWSR and Cranmore at the East Somerset Railway. After 11 years, 41313 returned to steam in June 2017 alongside 41298 before heading back to the Isle Of Wight and entering service on the IWSR in May 2018.

We must thank the Isle Of Wight Steam Railway for allowing 41313 to travel across from their railway to take part in our 2025 Branch Line Gala.