Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes

As trains leave Sheffield Park the first feature they encounter is the River Ouse Bridge, a substantial double track structure. 263 is about to run on to the bridge with the Golden Arrow on 04.10.2015 12040

Visiting engine 8572 crosses the River Ouse bridge with a goods train. 28.10.2016 16567

30541 crosses the River Ouse bridge with a service train. 18.05.2018 18351

Many years earlier, crew members look out on both sides as 672 Fenchurch crosses the River Ouse bridge on 14.01.2007

Back in 1990 someone obviously decided to date the timbers on the River Ouse bridge. 12.09.2009

The western side of the River Ouse bridge, showing the river meandering alongside the track for a short distance. The flow is towards the camera. 15.11.2009 0105

The River Ouse bridge looking east. 10.10.2009 0145

A somewhat clearer view of the River Ouse bridge can be obtained in the winter. 24.02.2011 6032

Between the River Ouse bridge and Poleay Bridge the two tracks from the platforms at Sheffield Park merge into one. Visiting engine 78019 runs over the points on 21.02.2010 0789

As trains leave Sheffield Park they pass the Inner Home bracket signal which incorporates Calling On arms to allow moves towards the platforms when they are occupied. 21C123 passes the signal on 10.03.2007. The Starting signal can be seen in the background in the Off position.

The same signal, in this case cleared for Stepney to enter Platform 2 with a returning Footplate Days and Ways course on 02.06.2007. Unfortunately this signal suffered from rot and had to be replaced (see later).

One of those shots where you are in the right place at the right time. The Sheffield Park Inner Home bracket signal is pictured as a military helicopter passes by. It is not that unusual to find helicopters overflying Sheffield Park. 14.04.2011 0727 (For those in doubt this is not photo editing trickery).

How many members of S&T does it take to renew a rotten bracket signal? Well rather more than you see here, because all the components had to be refurbished too. Work is caught in progress on 25.06.2017 15618

The renewal of the Inner Home bracket signal in progress. Whilst the signal was being reconstructed temporary colour light signals were installed to replace it. An outgoing train is waiting in Platform 2, whilst the left hand signal shows a clear road into Platform 1 for an incoming southbound service. Between the two colour light signals are "Calling on" ground signals, that permit entry into an occupied platform. For example, these would be used when a locomotive was running round stock that had been left in the platform. 25.06.2017 17427

A closer look at the temporary colour light signals and "calling on" signals that were installed whilst the bracket signal was refurbished. 02.04.2017 17062

Some of the new (or refurbished) parts for the bracket signal are seen at ground level before fitting. 06.05.2017 17109

Some of the new (or refurbished) parts for the bracket signal are seen at ground level before fitting. 06.05.2017 17110

The newly refurbished Inner Home bracket signal at Sheffield Park. 18.05.2018 16443

The newly refurbished Inner Home bracket signal at Sheffield Park. 18.05.2018 18303

The newly refurbished Inner Home bracket signal at Sheffield Park, viewed from the rear. In the distance is the northbound Advance Starter in it's new shortened condition. The picture also catches the refurbished Poleay Bridge and some new track. 18.05.2018 18304

The newly refurbished inner Home bracket signal at Sheffield Park, viewed from the rear. the "Calling On" arm is "Off" to allow the locomotive to run round on to stock waiting in Platform 1. the locomotive only needs to shunt beyond the signal to undertake this move, but in the distance the Advance Starter protects the remainder of the line. This allows an incoming train to proceed up to the Outer Home (at Ketches Halt) whilst shunting is in progress at the station. 18.05.2018 16502

A little further north is Poleay Bridge, which gives access to a meadow. At times when the river is high excess water can escape under this bridge. 672 Fenchurch runs north with the Observation Car on 08.05.2007

The same year 32473 (then in black livery) passes over Poleay Bridge with the Metropolitan coaches. 14.10.2007

In 2018 Poleay Bridge was renewed, and the team made a very nice job of it. This view looks east. 18.05.2018 18283

The renewed Poleay Bridge, looking south. 18.05.2018 18300

The renewed Poleay Bridge, looking north. 18.05.2018 18301

The renewed Poleay Bridge, looking north. 18.05.2018 18302

In winter Poleay Bridge acts as a flood relief channel for the nearby River Ouse Bridge. As the water table is virtually on the surface at this point the farm track beneath the bridge is almost permanently waterlogged. This view looks east. 18.05.2018 18297

The first signs of The Bluebell Railway are just north of Poleay Bridge. In spring Bluebell Specials allow the flowers to be viewed from the train. 01.05.2008.

Signals have to be repaired and maintained. The Sheffield Park Advance Starter receives some refurbishment on 25.03.2007. This signal was subsequently shortened owing to rot.

The finished Sheffield Park Advanced Starter signal, repainted, and with a new safer gallery fitted at the top. 02.04.2007. This signal was subsequently shortened.

The same signal is featured later in the month as 80151 arrives at Sheffield Park. 15.04.2007

Unfortunately the very impressive tall post of the Sheffield Park Advance Starter suffered from rot, and in 2018 it was reduced to a more "normal height. It is always a shame to lose such features, but the cost of a new post would have been prohibitive, even assuming one could be sourced. 18.05.2018 18299

A rainbow caught in the eastern sky just north of Sheffield Park, with the low December sun also illuminating the trees. 01.12.2007. Unfortunately I got soaked by the heavy shower that caused the rainbow - you can't win them all!

Ketches Bridge used to stand between the Advance Starting signal and Ketches Halt, but was blown up (demolished) many years ago. The route of an old permissive path can still be seen either side of the site, although the path is now abandoned and becoming somewhat overgrown. 9017 passes the hump in the embankment marking the site of the bridge. 25.03.2007

On the west side of the line passengers can watch out for the pronounced hump that marks the site of the bridge. 25.03.2007

On the eastern side of the line there is also a mound in the embankment, and a small part of the bridge brickwork remains to mark the spot. 25.03.2007

A footpath used to run south from behind Ketches Halt. The footpath is now abandoned, but this view looks out from the path towards Sheffield Park Outer Home signal as 9017 passes on 25.03.2007

Although now closed, Ketches Halt is situated just north of Sheffield Park. The halt was used to give access to the adjacent Ketches Farm and is well known for the display of bluebells. 08.05.2007

Another shot of Ketches Halt, looking north at the height of the Bluebell season. 26.04.2009

A slightly wider shot of the old halt, including the Sheffield Park Outer Home signal. 08.05.2007

Another wider shot of Ketches Halt including the southbound Outer Home signal for Sheffield Park. 26.04.2009

592 hauls a service train south through Ketches Halt during bluebell season. 26.04.2009

The woods adjacent to Ketches Halt have an excellent display of bluebells almost every year. 26.04.2009

The woods adjacent to Ketches Halt have an excellent display of bluebells almost every year. 26.04.2009

Bluebells in the woods at Ketches Halt 06.05.2017 17115

Bluebells at Ketches Halt 06.05.2017 17126

A view, taken in 2006, of Ketches Halt looking north. In the distance the track curves to the left at the start of Freshfield Bank. 04.06.2006