Swanage Railway 'Somerset and Dorset Weekend' - 17/18 November

Well, my oldest two sons & I rocked up at Norden for the 11.20. It was running late due to a SPAD involving 257 Squadron which was simmering away at Swanage getting attention due to a possible brake issue.

We had a compartment in the Bullied composite so then did a round trip in it behind the 33 that was standing in for 257 Squadron before heading off to Chococo for a little light refreshment and a rather dramatic walk along the sea front where a high tide and waves made quite a spectacle.

We then went to Harmans Cross behind 80104, back behind the 33 then home via Norden with the Black 5, time now having been regained.

Good weather, some interesting locos and great Scenery made for a good day out.

What I dont understand though is why the set with the Bullieds had only one other vehicle, a MK1 SK with half the compartments removed for wheelchairs. It was rather crowded and I dont understand why a further vehicle could not have been added.

Including a PMV though was rather a nice touch

 

My video of today, enjoy

 

A short video of 44871 in action yesterday. I hope you enjoy it

 

A few images from my day riding (the very cold) trains on Saturday and lineside on Sunday.
Nice to see a train that almost fitted under the Swanage station canopy for once.
Also a couple of attempts at "something different" that may or may not have worked.

 

That rake had been in use for some photo charters including on Thurday, so presumably was used to save shunting
Wareham Local by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

Many thanks to the crews and staff who made this event happen. Especially to the crew of the Black 5 on the 09:26 from Swanage on Saturday who had to cope with some very adverse rail conditions away from the TSR at New Barn and around the reverse curves at Ponderosa and the very damp section through the trees by Wilderness. Despite the locos desire to slip whilst tender first of course, and speed dropping to not much more than walking pace forward momentum was maintained. Also even allowing for the lighter loads than normal some impressive times were set on my usual timing stretches by both the Back 5 and Standard Tank.