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Swanage Autumn Steam Gala 11-13 September

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by 5944, May 19, 2026.

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  1. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    We had a bit of shock today when arriving at Swanage to find that 34072 had a broken spring and would not be double-heading with Manston to the River Frome and back. The train was instead hauled by Manston and D6515. Fortunately, the maintenance team quickly replaced the broken spring on 34072 and both Spamcans hauled their 2nd and 3rd runs as scheduled. Both runs were spirited and thoroughly enjoyable.

    The last time that I witnessed a pair of Spamcans in BR livery was at Midsomer Norton on 5th March, 1966 during the final weekend of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway.

    Many thanks to all volunteers and staff at the Swanage Railway. [BJ]
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2026 at 10:09 AM
    free2grice, Sep 10, 2026 at 11:18 PM
    #41
  2. Ben Jenden

    Ben Jenden Well-Known Member

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    31806 has failed, replaced by D6515 today
     
    Ben Jenden, Sep 12, 2026 at 8:11 AM
    #42
  3. Dan Bennett

    Dan Bennett Member

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    31806 back out on the 09.25 from Norden
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2026 at 10:04 AM
    Dan Bennett, Sep 12, 2026 at 9:03 AM
    #43
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  4. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    I think that you'll find that it's on the early morning goods, double-headed with D6515. Just arrived at Corfe Castle 09:33 heading for Swanage. <BJ>
     
    free2grice, Sep 12, 2026 at 9:39 AM
    #44
  5. Dan Bennett

    Dan Bennett Member

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    Yes, you’re correct. I meant the 09:25 from Norden
     
    Dan Bennett, Sep 12, 2026 at 10:01 AM
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  6. Dan Bennett

    Dan Bennett Member

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    Duplicate post
     
    Dan Bennett, Sep 12, 2026 at 10:02 AM
    #46
  7. OldSchoolTrains2

    OldSchoolTrains2 Member

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    Really, really enjoyed this gala yesterday. Had been very 50/50 on going as I've had plenty of time with the home fleet and I wasn't that fussed about Tornado for the potentially sacrilegious reason that I'd started thinking big LNER locos on preserved lines were just a bit 'looks lovely, but the sound is just a sort of whooshy express noise' after recent experiences with 60103 and 60007. (Bear in mind that my ideal steam engine is a Manor). The decent discount for Swanage members swayed me into going anyway and I'm very glad I did.

    Tornado actually had an excellent bark when accelerating, I had some utterly epic runs with the T3 and the Mogul was in very good voice too. The timetable worked really well I thought, there was some slippage but decent recovery too in the time I was there.

    In terms of personal preference, the Grange and Austerities from the March gala remain my favourite Swanage steam gala visitor line-up of recent times but there was a lot to enjoy yesterday and some very entertaining work from the loco crews. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.
     
    OldSchoolTrains2, Sep 12, 2026 at 10:10 AM
    #47
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  8. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    Duplicate post
     
    free2grice, Sep 12, 2026 at 10:35 AM
    #48
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