The Bluebell Railway Trust, preserving the past

The Bluebell Railway Trust is a Registered Charity (No.292497), formed in 1985. The Trust is responsible for generating funds to support the Bluebell Railway, and ensuring that those funds are spent appropriately. Much of their work concerns managing donations, legacies, and running appeals for specific Bluebell Railway projects. The Trust also owns locomotives and other rolling stock, and supports the conservation of skills and heritage on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex. It also is responsible for the operation of both the Museum, and SteamWorks! at Sheffield Park station.

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Our current major appeals - restoring our heritage

Your generous support propels our preservation efforts forward

Every contribution you make plays a crucial role in preserving the rich heritage of our railway. Whether it’s a one-off donation or ongoing support, your generosity helps fund the meticulous maintenance and careful restoration of our historic locomotives, carriages, and the very tracks on which they travel.

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Regular Donations
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The Trust is the owner of several historic locomotives

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SECR Wainwright H-class No. 263

  • Class: H
  • Wheels: 0-4-4T
  • Built: 1905
  • Numbers Carried: 263, A263, 1263, 31263
  • Last Overhaul Completed: 28 May 2012
  • Owned By: The Bluebell Railway Trust
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SECR O1-class No. 65

  • Class: SER O, rebuilt by SECR, as O1
  • Designer: James Stirling, 1878, rebuilt Harry Wainwright
  • Wheels: 0-6-0
  • Built: 1896, Ashford Works - Rebuilt 1908
  • Numbers Carried: 65, A65, 1065, 31065
  • Returned To Service: 15 July 2017
  • Previously Operational: 5 August 1999 to 7 July 2009
  • Owned By: The Bluebell Railway Trust
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BR Standard 4MT Tank No. 80151

  • Class: BR 4MT
  • Designer: Robert Riddles, with design work done at Brighton
  • Wheels: 2-6-4T
  • Built: 1957, Brighton Works
  • Last Overhaul Completed: 27 July 2019
  • Previously Operational: Oct 2001 to 19 May 2012
  • Owned By: The 80151 Locomotive Company Limited (The Bluebell Railway Trust currently holds 40.3% of the shares in the company)
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SECR Wainwright C-class, No. 592

  • Class: C
  • Wheels: 0-6-0
  • Built: 1902
  • Numbers Carried: 592, A592, 1592, 31592
  • Last Overhaul Completed: 7 October 2007
  • Last Operational: 13 May 2017
  • Current Status: Static display, awaiting overhaul
  • Owned By: The Bluebell Railway Trust
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Carriages and Wagons owned by the Trust

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Photo: Newly restored SECR 3188 at Kingscote, 18 June 2016 (Alex Morley)

Thank you for being a part of our journey

There are many ways in which you can get involved – fundraising, volunteering, by becoming a member or using our shop.

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Fundraising
Gifts in Wills
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See the latest Bluebell Railway Trust news

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We answer your questions

Is the Bluebell Railway Trust a charitable organisation?

Yes we are a Registered Charity, number 292497.
See our listing with the Charity Commission.

Who's who in the Trust?

Chairman: Vernon Blackburn
Secretary: Lance Allen
Funding: Trevor Swainson

Other Governors: Terry Cole, Malcolm Johnson, Richard Salmon,
Colin Tyson (BRPS Rep), Roy Watts (BRPS Chairman)

How does the Trust operate?

Please see the Governance and Management Regulations.

How to contact the Trust?

Email: vernon.blackburn@bluebell-railway.com

Call the Trust office (Wednesdays only): 01825 720818

Registered address: Sheffield Park Station, near Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QL