Swanage Railway General Discussion

Excellent news from the Swanage Railway. <BJ>

''Our financial review at the end of October confirmed that we continue to make steady progress and are forecasting a profit of around £150,000 at the end of the financial year. A successful Polar Express and further reductions in expenses will assist in achieving , or bettering this forecast.

The Railway's Finance Review Group, which consists of independent financial experts, have also reviewed progress noting that overheads to date are 10% less than last year; cash in hand enables some to be put on deposit until required and improved income from special events and negotiating the Polar Express contract has resulted in the possibility of at least breaking even or returning a small profit.''

 

Very good news about the finances, fingers crossed that the profit forecast is achieved.

Moving onto the winter warm up if I may.

Any idea when the working timetable will be made public please?

Bryan

 

Yesterday
https://www.facebook.com/swanagerai...QrxZw1HVPDSDdTTmzx2aF8eyZb46kjkUBkYHFNJcwUTjl

As the post states it'll be on the website 'as soon as possible'.

 

It's already on the webpage of the gala

 

May be worth pointing out to Premier Life Members and Life Time Travel Members that the fare chart for this event states that "Member and Public discount schemes are valid for this event".

 

''Following review the Trust have agreed proposals to simplify discounts given to Premier Life Members and Life Time Travel Members at enthusiasts events. From 1st January, 2025 the discount on public tickets will be adjusted to 50% on production of valid membership cards''.

<BJ>

 

Purely for a change some going away images of the Polar loco.
I did get out Thursday after my wife's post procedure monitoring (not to be left unattended for 24 hours, made her sound like a suitcase) was undertaken by the presence of one of her friends.
So the 15:30 on Thursday at Corfe in the last of the light.
And today in what seemed like Darragh's little brother, nearly had the tripod with the camcorder blown over at Corfe.
The 11:30 at Corfe Viaduct
The 13:30 in the rain at Harmans Cross, showing the great work the track gang have done on much of the lineside.
The ECS for the 15:30 heading into Swanage past the U
And finally something stirring between the trees at Corfe as the 15:30 heads back.

 

Premier Life Members received free travel on all scheduled trains and events with the exception of dining trains, Santa Specials and prebook only special events such as the Flying Scotsman.

 

£150,000 profit would be brilliant in a hard year.

Hopefuly this sets the base to which the railway can boost numbers further and build on that level for 2025.

The railway will finally have a 10 car carriage set enough for the main 2 coach sets over winter and other stock during the passenger running season.

Polar express is interesting, sounded like 2023 didn’t make much if any profit for the railway but have now adjusted the contract. Hope that stays for 2025 exams or something else better comes along, we shall see.


Again next year we will have 1/2 steam sets plus the 4 car 117/121 AND the 3TC set at some point (as pointed out many times before will the railway keep the DMU long term as the 3TC set really will reduce the days they run).

Looking forward to riding on the winter warm up service and helping boosting the 2025 numbers

 

In terms of stakeholder management it would be very difficult to dispose of the DMU 117/121 because of the potential risk to the SRT SRC reputation. Bear in mind (a) the very expensive refurbishment to mainline standards was grant funded (b) the significant book loss on disposal would be highlighted (c) the dmu maintenance facility at Corfe Castle Station was granted funded (in part?) by the Talbot Trust.

 

Although of course the diesel depot is now at Swanage I guess bigger maintenance would still be done there.

 

So, thinking out loud. 3 years time. 31806, M7, T3, 80104, Manston and 257 Squadron.

 

T9 anyone ?

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Being stripped at the Flour Mills. Donations required

 

3 years time, 257 Squadron will be at the end of it's ticket.

 

The T9's boiler has only just been removed from the frames for full inspection.
Lot's of money will be required to be raised to pay for the remainder of the initial inspection/assessment.
Assuming this is successful then lots more money will be needed to pay for the actual restoration.
Whether this can all be accomplished in three years is anyone's guess at the early stages of T9 Project.

 

I think it's fair to say that the Swanage Railway has had a healthy level of cross examination in recent years from the forum, during some challenging times. Therefore I think it's important to pause and recognise the news of the financial turnaround. I hope everyone involved on the railway from the top down to the very base level is proud of their efforts - well done!

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Rumour has it that 563 is scheduled be in steam after Christmas - Orange Timetable 27th December to 3rd January.
Then 563 is scheduled to be joined by 34070 and 31806 and D6515 on 4th & 5th for the "Winter Warm Up" event weekend.
All the foregoing subject to the usual caveats, inspections, etc.
Also scheduled on both days will be a goods train which may include the newly refurbished SR 12 ton ventilated van S 48367 which has been outshopped in "Express Dairy" Blue livery. Very photogenic.

 

Exellent

 

Will Manston be turned? WTT now available