Bluebell Railway Northern Extension - Vowels Lane Bridge to Imberhorne Lane Bridge

The Bluebell Railway's Northern Extension is covered by several galleries.

Separate collections cover (a) Track improvements north of Kingscote; (b) Vowels Lane Bridge to Imberhorne Lane Bridge; (c) Imberhone Tip; (d) Hill Place Farm Bridge to Hill Place Viaduct; (e)Hill Place Viaduct (sometimes called Imberhorne Viaduct); and (f) the Bluebell Railway's East Grinstead Station.

Please note that the vast majority of these pictures were taken on private land with permission. Where necessary lookout protection was provided or a possession was taken. No matter what their status no pedestrian may enter the section of restricted clearance adjacent to Turners Hill Bridge without specific authority and appropriate protection.

The whole area of the extension is OUT OF BOUNDS to holders of a photographic PTS. I have authority from the Bluebell Railway to display this collection.

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The southern boundary of the East Grinstead extension, looking north. 17.02.2013 6209
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The gate that marked the southern boundary of the East Grinstead extension, looking north. A ground signal controlled northbound trains. 28.06.2009. This gate and the ground signal have since been removed.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Another view of the gate that marked the southern boundary of the East Grinstead extension, looking north. A ground signal controlled northbound trains. 18.07.2010 3101. This gate and the ground signal have since been removed.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north from beyond the former extension gate. A lever frame was on the left. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A closer view of the former lever frame. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The reverse side of the lever frame. 28.06.2009
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A close-up of the levers. This frame was normally locked, and trains intending to enter the extension collected the necessary token (key) from the southern signalbox at Kingscote. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A view south past the former gate to the extension. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A second view south, towards the gate, showing the trap points that prevented unauthorised escape on to the operational lines. 28.06.2009. The trap points and gate have since been removed.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Directly north of the (former) gate is Vowels Lane Bridge, and this view south shows new fencing to protect the parapet. 18.07.2010 3153
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking east at the new fencing on the parapet of Vowels Lane Bridge. 18.07.2010 3103
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A sign marking the start of the East Grinstead extension on 29 October 2003 was originated located on a post near Vowels Lane Bridge. Unfortunately the sign has suffered slightly from the weather and it's rather exposed position. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The sign marking the start of the extension has subsequently been relocated on the new fencing at Vowels Lane Bridge. 18.07.2010 3102
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The remains of the former buffer stops that blocked the way to East Grinstead. Although the picture suggests that they are about to descend the embankment rather rapidly in fact they are held in position by the stumps of some large trees.... 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
During the construction phase southbound trains leaving the extension were presented with a sign requiring them to Stop and Await Instructions. They left the extension after obtaining permission and after the trap points were set. 28.06.2009. This area was subsequently converted to normal operation by signals.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A closer view of the former Stop Board at the southern end of the extension (since removed). 18.07.2010 3107
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south from the Kingscote Advance Starter towards the former gate and Stop board, which have since been removed. 18.07.2010 3152
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking north from from the former extension gate towards the curve that takes the line over Turners Hill Road. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A similar view in 2013 with the Advance Starting Signal operational. 17.02.2013 6210
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
More or less the same view in 2010 with the post for the Kingscote Advance Starter near the entrance to the narrow section of the embankment. 18.07.2010 3109
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The railway first passes over the high arch of Vowels Lane Bridge, although originally there was little to mark the bridge at track level, high up on the steep sided embankment. Fencing has subsequently been erected as shown in a previous picture. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking west from Vowels Lane Bridge the angle is too acute to see the road below, which negotiates a sharp left hand bend towards Kingscote Station. The warning chevron can be seen below. A private drive runs west. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A rather better view taken in 2010 looks down on the western side of Vowels Lane Bridge, with the road that leads to Kingscote Station below. 18.07.2010 3105
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The western arch of Vowels Lane Bridge seen from road level. 26.07.2009. Large vehicles pass under this bridge in the centre of the road, and the double bend does not aid visibility.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking east from the track a small part of Vowels Lane can be glimpsed beyond a parapet which is largely hidden by undergrowth. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The same view in 2010, looking east from near the parapet of Vowels Lane Bridge, with the road below. 18.10.2007 3106
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The eastern arch of Vowels Lane Bridge seen from road level. 26.07.2009
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking towards the post for the Kingscote Advance Starter, with the restricted clearance warning sign on the right. The fifteen and a quarter milepost can just be seen beyond the signal post. 18.07.2010 3110
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A similar view in 2013 with the Advance Starting Signal operational. 17.02.2013 6211
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Continuing north, this view looks north towards the site of the Kingscote Advance Starter, for which a post has already been provided. The trackbed at this point only occupies the former Up line, with the route of the former Down line fenced off. This creates VERY restricted clearance on a blind bend, making the area a particularly dangerous walking route. This area is wholly unsuitable for lineside access. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A similar view in 2013 with the Advance Starting Signal operational. 17.02.2013 8513
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking into the restricted clearance section, with the post for the Kingscote Advance Starter on the left. The milepost can be seen beyond the signal post. 18.07.2010 3111
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The reverse of the previous view, looking out of the restricted clearance section towards Kingscote. 18.07.2010 3151. A possession was taken to provide the images in this area.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Slightly futher north, at the fifteen and a quarter milepost, and within the area of restricted clearance. The track curves right towards East Grinstead and there is a sheer drop on the left. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The reverse of the previous shot, this image looks south, back towards the signal post from the fifteen and a quarter milepost. On the left the chain link fence is too close to the line to provide a walking route, and there is a sheer drop behind the milepost. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Further north still, the track passes over the high arch of Turners Hill Road, but there is little sign of the bridge high up on the embankment. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south from the bridge over Turners Hill Road, back towards the site of the Kingscote Advance Starter. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Roughly the same view in 2010, looking north from adjacent to the bridge over Turners Hill Road. There is no view of the road whatsoever in an easterly direction, owing to thick undergrowth. 18.07.2010 3115
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Turning round and looking south, new fencing can just be seen protecting the parapet of Turners Hill Road Bridge. 18.07.2010 3116
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking west from the embankment, Turners Hill Road can just be glimpsed as it emerges from the bridge. It is impossible to obtain any view east owing to the fence and a thick line of trees on the embankment. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Roughly the same view in 2010, looking west down at Turners Hill Road. Below is the private entrance to Ashlea Farm, leading off to the right. 18.07.2010 3112
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The western arch of Turners Hill Road Bridge seen from road level. 26.07.2009
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A view from the west side of Turners Hill Road Bridge, looking north, shows the steep and heavily wooded embankment on the right, with the line returning to level ground beyond the top of the hill. 26.07.2009. Anyone tempted to enter the private land over the fence is warned that you will meet an aggressive bull coming the other way! You may find that you can leap high over the fence on your return trip...!! Please keep out of this area.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The eastern approach to Turners Hill Road Bridge is somewhat obstructed by undergrowth. 26.07.2009
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The eastern arch of Turners Hill Road Bridge. 26.07.2009. Visibility on this busy main road is limited by bends and bushes and it is not a particularly safe walking route. Precautions were taken to obtain these pictures with the road temporarily clear of traffic.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
At the north end of the long curve the area of restricted clearance is nearly at an end, and the track begins to leave the embankment and approach level ground. This view looks north. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking south around the long restricted clearance curve that leads towards Kingscote. 28.06.2009.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Just north of the area of restricted clearance, looking south, with some of the buildings of Ashlea Farm on the right. 18.07.2010 3118
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep