Bluebell Railway proves to be model filming location

The next time you’re watching your favourite film or TV period drama, you might be surprised to find out that it has actually been filmed very close to home at the Bluebell Railway Station. Bluebell Railway Station is currently preserved as the oldest gauge passenger railway in the UK and the station has been used for many years for filmography.

Their stations are effectively ‘walk-on sets’ and for more than 50 years have been used as a backdrop to hundreds of films, TV shows, fashion shoots and music videos. The station has previously featured in the Downton Abbey TV series, The Woman in Black film, episodes of Poirot and a TV version of The Railway Children, just to name a few brilliant productions.

The station was right on track when a toy train manufacturer was looking for a site to film a promotional video. Last December, Hornby filmed scenes at Sheffield Park Station on platform 1 depicting a 1940’s retro scene, of a soldier going off to war and his girlfriend gifting him a model loco as he gets onto the train. The sequence lasts for approximately 50 seconds and forms part of a six-minute video called “More Than Just a Hobby… A Lifetime’s Journey” and can be viewed here:

https://youtu.be/zIJryE8GFU0 and the scenes are from 0.40 to 1.27.

Chris Knibbs, Bluebell Railway Filming Manager, said: “We were delighted to accommodate the crew from Hornby in making their promotional video. This year is an important anniversary for both of us as the Bluebell celebrates its 60th anniversary of operation and Hornby marks 100 years since the building of the first model locomotive.”

Mr Knibbs added: “We have many years of experience of working with producers and crews. They tend to choose the Bluebell Railway because we have authentic period stations and trains as well as being close to London.”

Hornby says the promotion was part of “celebrating 100 years since Frank Hornby built his first model locomotive and the journey you have all taken with us”.

Montana Hoeren, Hornby’s Brand and Exhibition Manager, said: “It was really great being able to film a scene for our centenary film at the Bluebell Railway. We have a longstanding relationship with the railway and onsite shop where our products are sold, so it was a perfect fit.

“The staff were so helpful and accommodating in making sure that we had everything we needed. Thank you to everyone involved.”

The railway’s 60th anniversary celebrations, ‘Steaming through 60’ will be held on 7-9th August with full details of this and all other events at https://www.bluebell-railway.com/

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