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

The event webpage says that most trains will run on to the River Frome.

With regard to SKP, the SLL website was hoping to have all 4 of their current locomotives running at the same time and had requested that 257 Squadron be released for a weekend, though it was acknowledged that it would probably be touch & go. Recent pictures show it coming together nicely, but I appreciate that the devil is in the detail so it may be close but not make it.

 

Whereas my thought was, based on last time the railway had better think about finding more parking at Norden, it was bonkers people just parking everywhere.

 

Maybe operate a nice little park and ride service from Wareham. Anyone got a spare DMU they can use for the weekend...?

 

Trackside Magazine, who are sponsoring the event says 34053 could join the lineup if it's completed in time, but is not currently being advertised as attending.

 

That’s very sensible then.

 

Tickets now available to purchase https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/strictly-bulleid-ii

 

I notice this includes a Preview Day in the ticket options, yet there appear to be no details to back it up yet. Could of course be a "reverse" Diesel Gala preview day with D6515 running alongside a Bulleid (or two) to show the before and after.

 

The preview day will be steam only, details should be released soon…

 

Plus of course D6515 is elsewhere that weekend.

 

Be interesting to see the timetable and coaching stock....the railways current gala timetable up to Wareham doesn't really work too well...

Last time they used 3 sets which all went up to the River... and as one set came into Swanage P2, th eP1 set left... which would enable an hourly service however.. a 4th small set of a Swanage - Corfe Shuttle would really 'add' more to the services, even it that service used the U class. enabling more shunting moves

 

There are not four serviceable brakes are there, hence the DMU use at the Victorian weekend. I am sure a 4th set also has the option to add more in the sense of timetable delays.
I cannot upload the timetable from last time but there was a 40 minute service to Bridge 4 & were the 4 freight paths of course to and from Corfe that could always binned in the case of the passenger services going awry.
If you have a coal bill for 6 Bulleids why add a 7th loco (assuming it is even back from the KESR by then)?
I personally would like to see a freight or engineers train, but it does add complexity to the event and increase costs at this time for little return, even if you let folks travel in the brake vans for a fee.Trouble is if you sell in advance then you have t run them and the flexibility goes.

 

SLL are throwing a lot of manpower at Skippy but there's no guarantee that it will be ready in time.

 

''Update - Sir Keith Park - progress continues at pace - all cladding sheets and bands now fitted - final gloss painting will begin this week - cab fittings virtually complete - smokebox is in the process of being fitted out - chimney fitted - cylinder cladding being prepared for painting - ashpan being cleaned and pony truck painted - front steps fitted - cylinder drain pipework fitted - nameplate backing plates almost ready for nameplates and shields - tender will start to be repainted this week .....''

 

Let's hope SKP is ready for June. However.. I wonder what the planners are doing. Planning two especially loco rosters with and one without SKP... or if they are leaving it to decide nearer the time.

Only 1.5 months till the gala so they need to announce the timetable in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

 

Why do they need to announce the timetable in the next 2-3 weeks?

Nothing to stop them advertising/announcing it the week before.

 

Tom,
I've never met you, do not know your circumstances, but mate, FFS, you are the ultimate keyboard warrior.
Unless you work for a mainline railway company, Network rail or volunteer for a heritage railway you should really take a breath before posting uninformed postings.
As a long time volunteer at Swanage since 1983, we've had our ups and downs.
I've run/running my own business, scaled the dizzy heights within BR and been on the council of management at Swanrail for a number of years.
Basically, please put yourself forward and help the railway on whatever level you are able to.
Otherwise.
SHUT UP

 

Four rebuilds including SKP.
Almost complete in Herston works according to SLL and witnessed the tender is in the goods shed at Swanage today having received its first undercoat.
Still think there are more surprises to come, Tangmere, SAS?
This is going to be the gala of the year, perhaps decade.
Book your hotels/Air BNB, B&B or campsites now.

 

SAS is a definite no

 

Latest update from SLL, 34053 due to be tested on 23rd May. Presumably the make or break of its appearance at the gala.

 

The Special Boat Squadron [SBS] has a base 'round the corner' at Hamworthy but I have no idea if they're on friendly terms with the Battle of Britain lot [RAF]