[Jun 7, 2024] Strictly Bulleid 2 7th-9th of June at Swanage Railway (Swanage Railway)

Last Train Dave works for them, he could have a word with the lads at the marine camp, who could have a word with their oppo's in Hereford

 

Anyone planning coming by train to Wareham the extra summer bus timetable is now published. May provide a better connection to some SWR services.

Link to Friday inbound times below, just change date & or direction for other options.
https://www.morebus.co.uk/services/WDBC/30?date=2024-06-07&direction=inbound

 

Is there any indication yet as to what will happen on Thursday 6 June, the Preview day please?

I would like to start sorting out my travel etc arrangements quite soon.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Bryan B

 

40-min 2x train service with a shuttle set slotted in. Loco roster not confirmed, but as it’s the anniversary of D-Day probably not too hard to work out what that will be…

 

34053 now confirmed to appear

 

Thanks for that. I was wondering if the Preview would include some sort of 'line up' or 'group' photo opportunity of most/all the Bulleids sort of togther. If, of course, that is any sort of possiblility - I can't even begin to think how that could be done. Both from an infrastructure point of view and of course from an operational point of view.

Anyway, I'll probably stick to one or more days of the main event, but keep an eye open for any late announcements before sorting my travel etc and buying tickets for the event.

Thanks again,

Bryan B

 

Preview Day will celebrate D Day with the two Squadrons and 563 in service according to anannouncement on Facebook just now.

Overnight running from Saturday into Sunday also taking place.

 

Just seen the news. This will be by far the best (and hopefully money making) gala EVER for the railway. All finally details will arrive on the website in the next few days!

For us BEER LOVERS. Evening Beer train plus the Beer tent at Corfe (like at this weeks diesel gala).

Certainly a gala to remember !

 

Timetable available minus loco allocations https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/uploads/strictly_bulleid_ii_ptt.pdf

There is an additional supplement to ride the overnight runs over the 8th and 9th details on the webpage

 

Yet more (although in this case First) buses for those coming via Wareham in addition to the 40 and 30/35
Very surprised when I saw one in the week as last year there was rarely a passenger to be seen on one, did not think it would survive.
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/api/timetables/pdf?opco=6&service=X50&day=mf&print=pdf

 

So, it looks like everything during the day will go "over the road" to River Frome. Is the intention that all trains will be top & tailed throughout or only between Norden and River Frome as in previous years? If it's the latter I am surprised that a stop of only 3 minutes is allowed at Norden for attaching/detaching locos. What what I have seen in the past that is not long enough!

 

AIUI the single token section to Norden and beyond means the rear loco attaches at Corfe as per the diesel galas.

 

7 minutes shown at Corfe both ways. Diesel Gala had 8 minutes for up trains, 7 minutes for down.
Bulleid 1 of course it was done at Norden, but there was also a freight train to Corfe as well.
Discussing with a friend if there are enough coaches for 3 rakes of 5.
3 half brakes, two Maunsells and Car 14? (far less capacity) is 6, are there 9 serviceable Mk1's or is there a need to hire in? I have lost track, couple Mk1 in the sidings at Swanage, one at Herston but not sure what is at HX that has moved recently (Some nice Bulleid coaches in Sussex.)
Diesel Gala was 6 coaches "across the road" and this may be more popular I suspect.

 

Ah OK - I was remembering Bulleid 1 where the loco changes were definitely taking place at Norden. I'll be interested to see how it works this time.

 

Same as the diesel gala, which was also used for the exchanges steam gala and out the works event. No point reinventing the wheel…

 

After it's extensive overhaul, a very pristine 34053 Sir Keith Park arrived safely from Herston Works on Monday (20th). It is now having necessary checks and will have running-in workings before the Gala weekend.
34070 Manston, still in 'work-stained' condition, arrived on Tuesday (21st) from it's sojourn at the Mid Hants.
34072 257 Squadron should be arriving from the Spa Valley sometime next week I believe.
I have no idea, however, when 34081 92 Squadron, 34092 City of Wells and Merchant Navy 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co. will be arriving.

 

About to go up to 8!

 

EIGHT?!

 

And going by the tease, a very popular one too!

 

18?