The Bluebell Railway: 60 Glorious Years 1960

The Bluebell Railway in Sussex was the first standard gauge former British Railways line to be taken over after closure by volunteers, having seen the early success made previously on the narrow gauge by the Tallylyn Railway and Ffestiniog Railway in Wales. The 4.5-mile railway opened from Sheffield Park on August 7, 1960, a year after the founding of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society. Sixty years later the extended 11-mile line is supported by 10,500 members of the society, 30 full time staff and a 4.2m turnover business as a major tourist attraction. Colin Tyson is only the second editor of the long-running society journal Bluebell News and this book sets out to focus on the highlights of progress in each of its glorious years.