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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Looking south from the sixteen milepost. 18.07.2010 3138 The level of the trackbed in this area has subsequently been significantly raised.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Inside Imberhorne cutting and looking north towards the bridge. The new security fencing and gates can be seen on the right of the parapet. A path leads down to track level within the secure gates. 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 out of Imberhorne cutting from the same point as the 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
Getting closer to Imberhorne Lane Bridge, and the access path can be seen more clearly. 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 Imberhorne cutting 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
Possibly an exhibit for the Bluebell museum (if they can lift it)? Imberhorne Lane Bridge 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
As the original track (since raised) starts to curve towards Imberhorne Lane Bridge this shot looks back towards Kingscote. 18.07.2010 3140
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
As the original track (since raised) starts to curve towards Imberhorne Lane Bridge this shot looks back towards Kingscote. 18.07.2010 30001
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
As the original track (since raised) starts to curve towards Imberhorne Lane Bridge this shot looks back towards Kingscote with a long lens. 18.07.2010 30003
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Pulling back, this shot shows the former spoil loading area, now formed into a layer of hard standing. 28.06.2009. This area has subsequently completely disappeared under the raised trackbed.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Pulling back still further the path up the embankment is in the foreground. 28.06.2009. This area has subsequently completely disappeared under the raised trackbed.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Standing on the side of the embankment this view looks south towards Kingscote with a long lens. 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
Viewed from the former loading area for inert spoil, looking north, Imberhorne Lane Bridge can be seen ahead. 28.06.2009. This area has subsequently completely disappeared under the raised trackbed.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
In 2009 the line close to Imberhorne Lane Bridge was rarely used, and there were problems with undergrowth encroaching on to the track. In consequence the railway called in an experienced contractor to eat the offending items. 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 north towards Imberhorne Lane Bridge from about the same spot in 2010, before the trackbed was raised. 18.07.2010 3139
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 Imberhorne Lane Bridge from the eastern embankment, with the site of an embankment slip on the left. 28.06.2009. This slip was subsequently completely dug out and properly consolidated when the level of the trackbed was raised.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Slightly closer to Imberhorne Lane Bridge, looking north. The hard standing on the right curves up the embankment to an access through security gates. 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 south of Imberhorne Lane Bridge the western embankment suffered a slip caused by excess water. In consequence a very solid fence was installed. 28.06.2009. This area was subsequently completely dug out and properly consolidated when the level of the trackbed was raised.
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 original fence at the site of the slipped embankment, looking north. 28.06.2009. This area was subsequently completely dug out and properly consolidated when the level of the trackbed was raised.
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 time a rather large pipe was installed to drain excess water from the site. There was a natural discharge of water from the embankment ridge at this point. 28.06.2009. This area was subsequently completely dug out and properly consolidated when the level of the trackbed was raised.
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 western embankment slip, taken on 18.07.2010 3149. This area was subsequently completely dug out and properly consolidated when the level of the trackbed was raised.
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, away from Imberhorne Lane Bridge, at the site of the embankment slip. 28.06.2009. This area was subsequently completely dug out and properly consolidated when the level of the trackbed was raised.
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
In 2010 there was evidence of a small area of movement in the eastern embankment too. This problem has since been corrected when the trackbed was substantuially raised. 18.07.2010 3148
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
In 2010 there was evidence of a small area of movement in the eastern embankment too. This problem has since been corrected when the trackbed was substantuially raised. 18.07.2010 3146
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 to Imberhorne Lane Bridge, with the temporary cap on the tip visible through the arch. 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
Another view of Imberhorne Lane Bridge from the western side of the line. 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 through the arch of Imberhorne Lane Bridge towards the tip. 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 eastern foundation of Imberhorne Lane Bridge. The rock formation can be seen clearly. 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 eastern side of the arch of Imberhorne Lane Bridge. 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 top span of the arch of Imberhorne Lane Bridge. 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 western embankment and foundation of Imberhorne Lane Bridge. 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
New catch pits have been installed to receive and control surface water running into the cutting from Imberhorne Lane. The pipe from the road can just be seen. 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 new catch pits under the western side of Imberhorne Lane Bridge. 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 through Imberhorne Lane Bridge towards the western edge of the tip, 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
An earth bank is not very exciting, but this is a close-up of the southern end of the tip, complete with temporary cap. Inert spoil formerly under Imberhorne Lane Bridge has been removed to Horsted Keynes. 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 rock face that comprises the eastern side of the cutting north of Imberhorne Lane Bridge. 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
In 2010 a Stop Board was installed just south of Imberhorne Lane Bridge to indicate the temporary end of the line. 18.07.2010 3141
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The temporary buffers located just under Imberhorne Lane Bridge. 18.07.2010 3142
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The temporary buffers located just under Imberhorne Lane Bridge. Note the spare track panel beyond the buffers, so someone was hoping to go further north. 18.07.2010 3143
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Looking up at the top of the temporary clay cap on the waste in Imberhorne tip. A small pile of new (moved) spoil is also evident. 18.07.2010 3145
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
The handy thing about clay is that it provides evidence of who has been visiting the area, both animal and human. Imberhorne Lane Bridge 18.07.2010 3144
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Now moving to Imberhorne Lane Bridge this view looks south with a long lens on 23.04.2009. In the distance the line curves left towards Kingscote.
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 early part of 2010 much work took place to convert the line from a works siding to a line fit for passengers. Hopefully the section to Imberhorne Lane Bridge will be found fit for such use soon. 17.04.2010
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 shot of the line in the vicinity of Imberhorne Lane Bridge in 2010. It is often difficult to photograph the considerable work done by PWay and lineside clearance teams to produce the finished product. 17.04.2010
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
An earlier shot taken from the same position in 2007, unfortunately slightly obscured by mist. 27.03.2007
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Pulling back, the extent of the line can be seen more clearly. On the right is the 16 mile post. 23.04.2009
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
Pulling back still further, the true extent of the length of the section is revealed. At the bottom of the picture the line curves towards Imberhorne Lane Bridge. The remains of the spoil loading area is on the left, now cleared. Compare this view to the next shot, taken two years earlier. 23.04.2009
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep
A 2007 view from Imberhorne Lane Bridge looking south through the construction site towards Kingscote. 27.03.2007
bluebell railway extension east grinstead imberhorne lane ashlea farm hazelden farm vowels lane bridge turners hill road bridge bluebell railway northern extension nep