Swanage Railway General Discussion

http://563locomotivegroup.co.uk.gridhosted.co.uk/donate/

''The Swanage Railway Trust’s 563 Locomotive Group is appealing to raise this money over the next two years and, providing our fundraising hits it’s targets,
we could potentially see the locomotive back on the railway as early as 2021''

BJ>

 

Is 2021 ambitious - yes.
Does it depend on fundraising- yes.
Have we found anything yet that would make this ambition unachievable - no.

 

Does the NRM want 30120 back though? I’d suggest a further overhaul and new loan agreement is more likely.

31806 had an extensive bottom end overhaul recently. Also 31625’s boiler was recently lifted. All things point to a fast track return to service of 31806 with a pre overhauled boiler from 31625.

 

No it wasn’t.

 

It was moved to Norden fairly recently wasn’t it, and I heard it was there for a boiler lift. I must have got false information.

 

The work intended ended up being postponed, so the loco was returned to Imerys siding.

 

I will say that the Railtrack could learn something from looking at the Swanage Railway's tree clearance. On the mainline where once all vegetation on embankments etc was removed, now there are small trees growing all the time into large trees waiting for a wind to be blown into the path of a train. The journey from Worgret to Wareham station does contrast sharply with Swanage to Worgret.

 

Views are also a consideration in favor of removing excess lineside vegetation when you are a tourist railway. This is something the the Mid Hants appear to be taking on board. When I last visited its was clear that a massive program of opening up scenic vistas is underway.

 

A few images from this weekend's activity, (none of course as stunning as those in the snow on the S & C). Ending with the departure of the final Santa service of the weekend departing Swanage with some help from its blue friend. I am not aware what the issue was but obviously occurred after the loco left the shed and backed on to the train. The Class 33 did seem to have to exert some effort to get it all moving. A great shame for the passengers, plus 257 looked good in the gathering gloom with the lamps lit.

 

Ooops....

 

The show must go on

 

Looking at the Events page has the Spring Gala been called off for 2020?

 

A video worth watching from Eastleigh



It was taken on 6th December

 

The Diesel Spring Gala still on, no details but looks like the DMUs might be in operation?

Good news update on steam engines in 2020
https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2019/1...020-update-from-southern-locomotives-ltd.html

 

Or you can read what SLL wrote here: http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

"Six SLL locos running in 2020" is a rather optimistic interpretation.

 

OT, I know, but the linked talk from Clive James is well worth a listen.
Pat

 

I see it's off on an adventure again!
"The Devonian Crompton is on Sunday 8th March 2020, from London Victoria to Exeter St Davids, Credition, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Temple Meads, Salisbury and London Waterloo. It will be hauled by 33012 and a WCR Class 33"

 

5 SLL locos to be working at Swanage next year.
34053 Sir Keith Park
34072 257 Squadron,
80104
34070 Manston Return 2020?
34028 Eddystone Return 2020?
plus
SLL 69 Norman Hunslet Austerity to go to Kent on loan

 

So 6 Southern Locomotives Loco's in steam next year is a real possibility. 5 of them at Swanage. Will there be enough work for them? I would expect one or two maybe off on their travels.

 

from the shores of Lake Ontario and viewing the SR webcams it look pretty impressive to me. Three engines in steam, Santa Specials and The Dorsetman operating. Makes one gratified that the pioneers faith has been justified AND it looks like 2020 could be even better. well done all!p