Swanage Railway General Discussion

How many weeks before we get to see this again I wonder?
Manston departing Herston Halt, with a healthy shove from the 33 on the back of course on the last up train yesterday evening. Impressed by how many got off to walk back to the campsite.
My hope had been, having an appointment for yet more tests at Poole Hospital, to get a shot of the penultimate steam down journey, which would have been a Manston/ D6515 double header.
But of course the hospital were running late, spent longer being tested than the estimate and I only got to Herston with about 90 seconds to spare.
I also missed the fun part of my appointment due to the heat I guess. Letter said I needed to be there at 15:15 to be "warmed up". This was of course with a heat pad, although I thought a couple of nurses would have been an acceptable alternative

 

The 1745 Norden was Double headed with 34072 tender first and D6515.
At 2140 we actually had a few spots of rain at Corfe Castle, but they were only a few spots!

 

I assumed it would be Andy, but I knew my wife had to go out for a while and it is a pain having to lock all the patio doors & windows in this heat so could not really wait around. Only realised the DH's were happening late on Thursday.

 

Good news. Steam has returned to the Swanage Railway!! 34070 Manston departed Swanage on the 09:50 service.

Class 20 on the second train. <BJ>

 

Really last minute, but. Sunset shuttles tonight performed by TNT class 33/0's with MKI stock.

 

Lots of shunting today (1pm)

The U, the red ish wagon (does anyone know if thats used to house parts?) and a Maunsell car.

Does anyone know what the steam local hauled set will be for the off season, is it just Mk1s?

 

I really hope no-one answers that question on here.

It should be very obvious why it would not be a good idea.

 

Down on HOPS as Set A, which is currently formed of 5 Mk1s.

 

A lamentable sign of our times, alas.

Noel

 

STEAM GALA starting today!

looking at the webcam watch out for the ‘mixed set’. Looks to be ONLY 3 carriages which seems super short on the standard swanage - Nordon runes.
With tornado and good weather think this gala could be super busy.

 

The T3 waits patiently at Corfe ready for the days fun

 

According to the videos these are the coaches on each set.


Overall look at the stock. Green is being used this gala, Orange I'm unsure if they are usable and the location.

 

35011 has been restored and is running as Eddystone’s support coach on the mainline. 21205 is not in passenger service.

 

Oh right thanks for that!

After going to Herston during the gala it seemed only 1-2 coaches were left in there which were the TC set coaches.

Guessing now every coach running at the gala excluding the 5 coach mark 1 set is tucked up nicely in there!


Do we know any long term planes with Sk(O) 24127 and 1865 (x Norden buffet)?

After going past Harmans cross it seems like there’s been some shunting in the sidings which seems to have been cleared a little. Has anything left those sidings, only guess could be those 2 TC cars that are now undercover ?

 

The SK (H) is to be a classroom type facility. It is currently in the goods shed.

 

Oh nice! Sounds great.

Still based at the railway or going elsewhere?

 

Staying on the railway

 

Guess with the same aims as the Rail200 train a classroom carraige could be useful for young visitors to learn about the railway, exhibitions and a meeting area.

There are 2 Buleid carraiges missing from the list and I notice on FB there is an update today on the work being carried out on 4366 and 4365 where progress is being made, but more funds are needed to get them back in service for 2028, https://www.facebook.com/swanagerailwayheritagecarriages
Eventually with 5761 to recreate the Bournemouth Dining Set 298.

 

4356 is at Margate, 4366 is being finished at Corfe, 5761 is in traffic. 1475 is a workshop coupled to 4366

 

I'm hoping to pop down to the railway on Friday to see Tornado. I know it's on Driver Experiences but can't see any timings for that. Does anyone happen to know what it's timings are meant to be?