Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes
There are five collections covering the operational part of the line: (a) Sheffield Park Station; (b) the line from Sheffield Park to Horsted Keynes; (c) Horsted Keynes Station; (d) the line from Horsted Keynes to Kingscote and (e) Kingscote Station.
Signal boxes have separate collections: (a) Sheffield Park Signal Box; (b) Horsted Keynes Signal Box; and (c) Kingscote Signal Box (including the old southern box).
Photos relating to the Bluebell Railway's Northern Extension to East Grinstead are in several separate collections within the Photographic Tours index.
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A view looking up Freshfield Bank from Ketches Halt towards the Distant signal. The lens makes the distance appear shorter. Just before the fogman's hut Palmer's Cattle Creep passes under the line. The fogman's hut marks the original position of a signal. In the far distance is Town Place Bridge. 04.06.2006
The underside of Palmers Cattle Creep pictured in 2007. At first sight this looks a bit draughty, but the eastern end of the bridge has never carried any load, the track in this area being a single line since construction in 1882. Careful viewing of the picture shows the iron girders supporting the track to be totally intact, with a solid base. Nearest the camera, where there is no load, there is a wooden cross beam rather than iron, and the planking had seen better days. The rotten timbers were subsequently removed. 23.09.2007
When Palmers Bridge was built in 1882 provision was made (on the left) for a second track, by laying timber decking. After so many years this deck has naturally rotted and new fencing has been erected around the consequential hole. This alleviated the dreadful screams as track walkers disappeared down the abyss. In the background the board marking the start of the 10mph speed restriction into Sheffield Park can be seen. When the track in the area is renewed this restriction will be lifted. 18.05.2018 18317
An old fog man's hut on Freshfield Bank. These huts were originally sited near signals and provided shelter for men whose duty it was to place detonators on the track and to show flags or lamps to drivers in order to give information about the aspect of the signal in foggy conditions. Such activities are now very much a relic of the past. 18.05.2018 18318
Turning round, this view looks north, and catches the Distant signal mid-way between the Off and the On position. Before anyone praises the photographic skill it was pure fluke. I happened to release the shutter just as the signal changed. A short distance away the parapets of Oakham Bridge can be seen. 01.07.2007
Thirteen years later and another view looking south from Town Place Bridge with the Sheffield Park Distant signal in the distance. New track has been laid northwards from a point roughly adjacent to the signal, with the remainder of Freshfield Bank to receive attention at a later stage. 28.05.2018 18489