Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala - 8-10 April 2016

Can I just say I had a really lovely time today at this gala. I broke my ankle back in August, and this was my first proper 'day out' since then. Hobbling along on my zimmer, I must have been quite a sight! But all the staff and volunteers I met today were the definition of professional, Happy, kind, friendly. They helped me with ramps, they helped me across the barrow crossing at Corfe. The guard on the train to the River Frome (Oh what a lovely run that is!) was especially good. Amusing, witty, and totally on the ball, he kept us all smiling, even when the token machine at Norden decided to play up. I had a great day, so thank you to all Swanage Railway staff and volunteers!

 

I also had a great day today. Sorry no photos - I still use film! I've done the whole branch with steam both ways on an RTC special in November 2010, but it was still a great feeling to to pull out of Norden bound for the River Frome Bridge, with 4247 chugging purposefully away up front.

I think in view of the gauging issues, the decision to use 4247 on the shuttles was the best one, even if it probably ended up being under-used.

Weather turned good in the afternoon - lovely light. Hopefully someone with a digital camera will post some pictures.

Thank you and well done to all on the Swanage Railway.

 

Thats the problem with taking GWR locos off to southern lines etc they are either a tad too wide or heavy or in some cases a bit of both, Always had this down as a maybe depending on if 4247 fit or not. Had a nagging thought in back of my mind it may not.

 

I remember 7802 was a bit of a tight squeeze when it visited a few years ago. Had to take it very slowly past Herston Halt. No major issues at Corfe Castle as far as I remember though.

 

Funnily enough, 4247 had loads of room at Herston following last winter's relay; at least there appeared to be when I nailed through there at line speed this evening!

 

As the weather was generally overcast until quite late in the afternoon on Friday photography was a little limited and I'm sure others will have much better results but as they've not so far shared them perhaps I can start a trend whilst also saying thank you to all of the people who make such galas (and line extensions) possible.

 

Hi, Couple of snaps from yesterday (Saturday) from Swanage. As I had SWMBO with me spent a couple of hours there and unfortunately didn't manage a trip nor see the GW tank. Leave that until another time.
Although reasonable numbers on Swanage station until about 1500 seemed to get quiet thereafter and numbers on trains seemed quite low? Hopefully railway will have made a profit and full intend to spend more time/money later in the summer.
The diesel gala is always excellent! Andy

 

Thank you for those.

Modesty prevents me saying that the second photo is especially nice to see! Ooops!

Robin

 

Just another quite weekend in the Purbecks.
And vey one went home on time.....

 

Yes Standard tanks are always a joy to behold....

 

Ash had no problem with either bank on the extension, the 42 sounded good (a bit more weight behind would have been even better!!). Whatever comments you've read would refer to the morning freight from Swanage, but she was nicely warmed up for the trips to & from the Frome!

 

There was much debate at the weekend (and some ribald shouting on the 1200 from Swanage) as to whether this is the River Frome (to rhyme with 'home') or Frome (to rhyme with 'broom').

Answers on a county boundary marker, please.....

Robin

 

If you go to Frome (town) you'll find it is the second and rhymes with broom, I thought that it was the RIVER Frome though!

 

Yes, typo now corrected, thanks.

It seems to be 'froooom' in Somerset and 'frowme' for some folks in 'Darset'.

Robin

 

Not sure "unbelieveable" is warranted in the circumstances.
I was told that 4247's overall dimensions were checked carefully before hiring. (Swanage hosted Bradley Manor in 2010 without problems.)
An engine's 'dynamic envelope' is the important point so a gauging run was organised, shortly after its arrival off the lorry, and this showed certain areas where clearance was, at worst, impassable as mentioned by Rumpole earlier.
Harmans Cross village hall does not have sufficient volunteers to open up for events such as the Spring Steam Gala nor did the Railway have spare personnel as they were heavily involved running all aspects of the event. A good idea but, alas, impractical.

 

You will like these two then………...

You'll like these two then……..

 

Seeing Maunsell brake 6697 last weekend it looks like she could collapse at an minute, is anything going to be done to prevent this. Then next to her is the under frame of brake 2768 with her collapsed body on top of her. Are there any plans to stop the damage from the wind and rain, because they are near the bottom on the list to restore the heritage carriages at Swanage.

 

With regards to 4247's clearance problems, the manors have larger driving wheels so alter the gauging for the loco. Western Locos are well know for their over hanging cylinders and I would of thought anyone hiring a loco would check before hiring. It's a potentially expensive mistake.