Swanage Railway General Discussion

Maybe we will be lucky and get a Bulleid Weekend in 2022, 34028, 34070 and 34072? That would be nice. Perhaps having 34067 visiting would be too much to hope for.

 

I wonder if it is that the Swanage Railway has more elderly volenteers, than say Bluebell or Mid Hants (which are nearer to large towns/cities), who may be wary of covid?.
So far the infection rate is increasing, and if not reduced might affect the Christmas dining and steam lights trains?.
Hopefully will be brought under control, and the SR can start planning for more dining trains, galas and the Wareham 90 day trial (which may encourage new volenteers and revenue income) for 2022.

 

There are two/three likely possibilities why Swanage hasn't ran a gala since October 2019.

1) Covid - even though other railways have held events over the last year or so. Each railway has a risk assessment of whether to do it or not with measurements in place. Covid still hasn't gone away yet. Depends how adventurous each railway management feels about holding such event.

2) Loco Availability: Swanage was left with 31806 and 34028 most of the year. 80104 withdrawn in May and 34072 failed with steam pipe issues. Running a gala with only two home fleet locomotives won't be much of a sell out alright 78018 helped the line between May and September and possible one to two locomotives to hire. But it's also depends on how much Swanage had available to spend on hosting a gala which can appeal to enthusiasts or families. Diesel Availability is that the DMU and 33111 are only available for service till D6515 is back in traffic. Then there is visiting engines. As in when and where they could be available or needed.

3) Calendar: date clashes are common for galas or events over the country so it's finding that right to to schedule it. If a date did clash with another gala or event elsewhere then Swanage will have competition over whether it can appeal to better audiences.

That's my thoughts. Not speaking on behalf of Swanage but that's what seems the most likely cases why there has been no gala this year.

 

I enjoyed a good day at the railway yesterday. Due to the excellent lighting conditions I decided to film Eddystone.
What a superb engine she is, one of my favourite locos as it was filmed by Ivo Peters on my beloved Somerset & Dorset.

During the day the DMU ran the length of the line. I understand that the train was used for testing of a bridge on the Corfe Castle / Wareham extension.

Thanks to all concerned who keep our Swanage dream a reality. <BJ>

Edit: Good to meet up with Gladiator 5076 at Harmons Cross.

 

Just seen on the webcams that Standard 4MT 80078 has arrived and is currently on its way up to Swanage station behind a 33.

 

If I could find my card reader (decorators in this week) I could post an image of it in steam on the shed. Not sure if the plan is to use straight away or not. Nice to see it back here.

 

It's possible there may be another lockdown in the winter.
If not then a Spring Diesel and beer gala for the return of D6515 and the Wareham trial service, maybe the 3TC (perhaps as a display if not ready for passengers) and a visiting loco?, could bring in some good revenue.
Then have a steam gala later.

Any progress with the new carriage shed?

 

How long is 80078 staying?

 

My road to Permanent Life Member was through this Engine. Rescued and restored at Swanage I was a little disappointed to see it go elsewhere but great to see it back. What great workhorses those Standard 4MT are. Enjoy its return!

 

80078 is working todays steam diagram of this weeks green timetable.
I have absolutely no idea why or how long it is staying at Swanage, I would like to think permanently! But that is 100% wishful thinking.

 

80078 is due to stay till early 2022 before maintenance elsewhere and then back to MNR. I suppose it is to help out with the Autumn and Winter services whilst 34070 and 34072 are being finished

 

They are very handy locos to have around, plus (IMO) being easy on the eye.

 

It's a pity there's no winter warm-up this year. I really enjoyed an informal, relaxed day out after Christmas.

 

Absolutely; c'mon guys anything working is a gala post Christmas

 

I don’t understand that, could you expand on it? Is it a statement or a question?

 

Er it's a statement not a question. If it was the latter I would put a question mark.

 

Not my image , actually it was taken by my dad but 80078 having a "spin" yesterday between I think between its second and third service trains.

 

80078 in service today but still facing Swanage. <BJ>

 

It certainly is in line with my observations, the operational diesel fleet currently would appear to be 2 x 08's, 33111 and the Class 117 DMU.

 

Looking up 30012 and it is having a lot of work done, last update August, no date for the finish (may need more funds?)
http://www.71alocogroup.co.uk/71A_news.htm
Would be good to see it back for a spring gala, plus trips on the mainline to Wareham and beyond (with 31806?).
I wonder if 33111 will need the same work done?
Guess the 3TC (eventually 4TC or 5TC) unit could be grouped with the diesel stock if it can become a push-pull unit with a 33?