Swanage Railway General Discussion

Looking at the times, it's essentially the 2-train Swanage-Norden peak service but using a DMU on one of the trains in the shoulders of the season instead of two steamers.
Without a major timetable rewrite, these services wouldn't have time to get to Wareham and back.
In fact there's no mention of Wareham at all on the 2019 timetable leaflet, other than a details of the bus service which connects main line trains with Swanage.

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Don’t read too much into Wareham trains not being mentioned in the timetable. There was no mention of Wareham trains on the 2017 timetable either. It was only when it was confirmed at the last minute they were happening, that an updated timetable was printed.

 

I suspect the issue may not be the rolling stock but the Operators Licence and Network SMS. A quick look at the ORR website and as of this morning, Swanage haven't been granted an Operators Licence, nor is an application out for consultation. http://orr.gov.uk/rail/licensing/licensing-the-railway/current-licensing-consultations

As the consultation period is quite long (14 weeks I think but may be mistaken), even being able to start training appears to be some time away.

I am assuming that any Licence or application would be in the Swanage's own name.

Steven

 

There seems to be a cloak of secrecy over when (and if?) the 2019 Wareham trains will run. The last update I can find on the SR website was nearly a year ago and quoted "Easter 2019", well that is only 3 months away.

Given that substantial amounts of public money have been put into this project, surely there must be some aspirations, however tentative, that could be made public as to what is/is not happening with the Wareham service?

 

Happened to be in Eastleigh today delivering seats and had a look in Campbell Road. A nice shiny DMMU was outside the works of the type with high seat backs. The 4TC was also on show. Does the Swanage own the other DMMU wrecks in the yard as well?

 

Yes two complete 117 units were sent to Eastleigh by the Swanage Railway, and one good one has been made out of the two. The rest will be scrapped once all useful parts removed.

 

https://swanagerailway.co.uk/news/d...an-carriage-for-first-time-in-almost-50-years

And tickets here: https://swanagerailway.co.uk/events/detail/flying-scotsman-running-days

 

Visit of Flying Scotsman to Swanage announced this morning, press release here:
https://swanagerailway.co.uk/news/d...an-carriage-for-first-time-in-almost-50-years

And tickets available here: https://swanagerailway.co.uk/events/detail/flying-scotsman-running-days

 

Good news, but why has the world gone so mad with Flying Scotsman in recent years?

I remember going to Swanage to see it in 1994. Yes it was busier than normal, but it was pretty much just a normal service day that happened to have Flying Scotsman there.

Now it’s increased prices, no access anywhere near the railway without a pre booked ticket, and probably people taking silly risks just to get near it.

 

I would guess that 'social media' is a big factor - any 'event' attracts people who are not necessarily even interested in the 'event' itself but just want to post (e.g.) a selfie of them standing near the loco to show they were present.

 

I must say that seems quite a premium - £40 plays £15 for an ordinary Return (or even £21 for a Freedom of the Line).

I have been surprised at the premium fares achieved elsewhere but I do wonder about this price! I may be proven wrong again!

Steven

 

I just think I'll visit the Swanage Railway at a different time to enjoy the line with fewer visitors.....

Cheers, Neil.

 

Swanage will probably make £1 million in revenue, before costs - they might even able to cram another round trip with Scotsman in the evenings if they want, or stick another TSO on the train.

 

All good things come to those that wait!

 

It'll be about a third of that if the seats sell out, plus a bit extra for the Pullman seats.

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Brilliant, can’t wait

 

The Scotsman events are extremely to put on.

 

How is Scotsman getting to Swanage? A railtour perhaps??

 

I don't know but, thus far, no rail tour is shown on uksteam.info. so I guess it must be coming down just 60103 and support coach.
I wonder if it's routing will allow the engine to be chimney-first out of Swanage?

 

Rather expensive £40 .and plus for a 16 minute journey and return.