SWANAGE RAILWAY DIESEL GALA & BEER FESTIVAL 2019 (10 - 12 May)

Although Braunton only carries one or the other not both. Mind you 80104 ran in a split identity for about a week, but that was renumbered purely for the FS and Spring Gala events.

 

Trains running late by noon already. The double-headed GBRf 59 and 73 arrived at Swanage 30 mins late at 12:30.

Where's 257 Squadron when you need it. <BJ>

 

Recovered through the afternoon to approx 15 late. Combination of minor faults with 2 locos and a broken fishplate discovered during a P-Way line walk led to the delay.

 

Not really in to diesels but living in Swanage it would be unforgivable to take note of what is happening (plus ride on preview day).
I must say the visiting locos all looked bright and shiny, which included the the GBRF ones which of course are in daily service. However for me the loco that looked the most "real" was the one I see nearly every day 33111. But then I do also prefer dirty steam locos to clean ones.
Some comparison images all from Holme Lane Bridge.
The timetable seemed to work much better on Saturday and Sunday although there did seem to be late running is was never too far adrift when I was around.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the gala, huge thanks to all the staff and volunteers for making it such a good weekend. Funny thing is, whenever I visit Swanage Railway, it always seems to be sunny. And this weekend was no exception! And how often do you get to see a class 59 at Corfe Castle!

 

When I saw the WTT, Was pretty much the same as the steam gala it had me worried , About late running etc,
Apart from the fishplate issue on the friday, I need not have worried about it.
Was a great gala as usual but wouldn't expect anything less from Swanage.