Horsted Keynes to Sheriff Mill Viaduct
Near the start of the collection are pictures of bridge sections delivered in October 2013 with a view to spanning the gap west of Horsted Keynes left by the demolition of Sheriff Mill Viaduct in 1968. There are also some views (taken in 2009) of the operational Ardingly siding at Horsted Keynes, together with some shots of the Carriage and Wagon Works and the area known as the triangle, which contains inert spoil from the Imberhorne Lane tip.
The section of the line from Horsted Keynes to the eastern end of Ardingly station is private property owned by the Bluebell Railway.
There is no expectation that the Bluebell Railway will restore the section of the line that they own in the near future, and there is no finance for any significant works.
Separate collections cover (a) Horsted Keynes to the site of Sheriff Mill Viaduct; (b) The site of Sheriff Mill Viaduct to Ardingly Station; (c) Ardingly Station and the Hanson Plant; and (d) Ardingly to Haywards Heath.
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Next stop Ardingly then? 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
In October 2013 bridge sections were delivered to the down yard at Horsted Keynes which might, in the future, be used to span the gap on the Ardingly Branch west of Horsted Keynes Station. 06.10.2013 9771
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
In October 2013 bridge sections were delivered to the down yard at Horsted Keynes which might, in the future, be used to span the gap on the Ardingly Branch west of Horsted Keynes Station. 06.10.2013 9773
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
In October 2013 bridge sections were delivered to the down yard at Horsted Keynes which might, in the future, be used to span the gap on the Ardingly Branch west of Horsted Keynes Station. 06.10.2013 9775
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
In October 2013 bridge sections were delivered to the down yard at Horsted Keynes which might, in the future, be used to span the gap on the Ardingly Branch west of Horsted Keynes Station. 06.10.2013 9772
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
In October 2013 bridge sections were delivered to the down yard at Horsted Keynes which might, in the future, be used to span the gap on the Ardingly Branch west of Horsted Keynes Station. 06.10.2013 9774
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
In October 2013 bridge sections were delivered to the down yard at Horsted Keynes which might, in the future, be used to span the gap on the Ardingly Branch west of Horsted Keynes Station. 06.10.2013 9776
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
In October 2013 bridge sections were delivered to the down yard at Horsted Keynes which might, in the future, be used to span the gap on the Ardingly Branch west of Horsted Keynes Station. 06.10.2013 9778
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
In October 2013 bridge sections were delivered to the down yard at Horsted Keynes which might, in the future, be used to span the gap on the Ardingly Branch west of Horsted Keynes Station. 06.10.2013 9779
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
On their journey the bridge sections appear to have been near an orchard. If the owner would like his apple back please apply to the railway without delay. 06.10.2013 9777
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Departing for Ardingly (well almost) and looking back at Horsted Keynes Station. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
A sight you don't see often from the front of a train. The points set for Ardingly and the branch starter cleared. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Running on to the branch, with the points leading to Platform 1 in the foreground. Some ornate freshly painted columns are on the right. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Looking across to the dock siding on the eastern side of the line at Horsted Keynes. Beyond is the Carriage and Wagon works. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
A general view of the sidings to the south of the Carriage and Wagon works, looking south. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Looking back at the Carriage and Wagon works, with the Victorian coaches stored in the nearest road, out of the weather. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
A wider shot of the Carriage and Wagon works, with two newly restored three plank wagons in the centre of the picture. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Moving slightly to the right, the luxury PW transport comes into view. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
An alternative angle on the newly restored wagons. On the right the white post holds a shunting bell, warning of movements in the sidings. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
The PW transport, loaded and ready for action. Note the wedges holding the Wickham trolley in position. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
They are skilled people in Carriage and Wagon - apparently they also deal with steam rollers and traction engines.... (Actually it was Vintage Transport Weekend). 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Changing angle and looking south, the line to Sheffield Park is in the foreground with the sidings behind. Note the change in gradient on the main line from Level through the station to 1 in 75 down towards Three Arch Bridge and beyond. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
The line to Ardingly curves westwards (to the right) following the route of the former Down line. A siding occupies the Up line. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Slightly further south the sign in the lower foreground shows that the gradient changes to 1 in 65 downwards, steeper than the line to Sheffield Park. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
On the left the reverse side of the northbound Inner Home signal at Horsted Keynes controls trains from Sheffield Park, whilst in the distance the southbound Advance Starter stands just beyond the end of the sidings. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Moving the camera slightly to the right a tractor was working on the newly deposited inert spoil in the triangle. Note the 10mph speed restriction for northbound trains approaching Horsted Keynes Station. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
This is the area known as the triangle, which has been filled with inert spoil taken from the southern end of the Imberhorne Lane tip. This soil will eventually become a picnic and leisure area. The irony is that most of this spoil is much travelled. It was originally removed from Beeching Way in East Grinstead when the old East Grinstead to Forest Row railway cutting was widened after closure to form a main road. The soil was dumped at Imberhorne Lane in the cutting there, and has now moved again to Horsted Keynes....15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Looking to the left a vehicular crossing gives access to and from the sidings and is protected by the signal. The sign says Stop and telephone. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Looking further to the left the position of the crossing in relation to the Carriage and Wagon works can be seen. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Moving the camera slightly to the right a tractor was working on the newly deposited inert spoil in the triangle. Note the 10mph speed restriction for northbound trains approaching Horsted Keynes Station. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
The line to Ardingly now follows a gentle curve to the west, with the newly deposited inert spoil on the left. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
The end of the triangle is on the left as the line to Ardingly continues to curve westwards past disused stock. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Beyond the triangle containing the deposited inert spoil is a wooded hollow. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Looking east across to the Sheffield Park line as both tracks descend away from Horsted Keynes Station. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
The boundary between the inert spoil and the wooded hollow. Work is still in progress to form and shape this area. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Slightly further west along the Ardingly Branch and still looking east into the wooded hollow. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Beyond the works area the trees form a pleasant wildlife habitat. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Looking east into the woods. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Turning the camera west, the woods are on the left and the end of the current track can be seen in the far distance. The former Up line on the right now contains disused stock awaiting restoration. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Slightly further west, with more vulnerable carriages on the right protected from the weather. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Some old goods wagons are also part of the line in the adjacent siding. This one appears to need some care and attention, especially since a small tree appears to be growing inside it! 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
Ardingly 150809 127 E
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
The Advance Starter for the Ardingly Branch, controlled from Horsted Keynes signal box. This section of line is already included on the panel in the box. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
The train comes to a stand at the Advance Starter, which is currently fixed at danger. There is a sand drag prior to the buffers. 15.08.2009
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station
The buffer stops at the current end of the line. Beyond the buffers the downward gradient increases somewhat as someone inconsiderately blew up Sheriff Mill Viaduct. Just a small obstruction by Bluebell standards.... 15.08.2009 The remainder of the line is covered in subsequent collections.
bluebell railwayardinglylywood tunnelcopyhold junctionhorsted keynesardingly station