Swanage Railway General Discussion

Looking at railcam pictures of the Swanage Railway i thought the line looked in remarkable condition, compared to photos of the West somerset line, which looks like an abandoned railway.

 

Yes, the SR is doing its best in difficult circumstances. Seeing the rails get polished again boosts morale. Anyway, I like class 33s!

John

 

I believe they’ve had a member of PW staff driving an 08 up and down the line on a regular basis. Checking the line and carrying out maintenance and repairs as necessary. This is kept the line in a good state ready to reopen.

Yes it’s safe to say a different approach has been taken at the WSR!

 

The o8 has been up and down moving materials, BUT the real difference has been made with the Track Gang working with "Big Sis" and "Little Sis" railroaders and carrying out several activities including weed killing & Flailing. The track gang has done a first class job of making the railway presentable.

 

As I have said before a well run railway. Will visit again before too long. Maybe another stay at the Mortons House Hotel in Corfe.

 

As a dedicated steam buff during my afternoon walk past Harman's Cross station I have to admit I stopped and watched the class 33 with five on cruise through the station, excellent to see life getting back to normal

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Amazing what can be achieved when you all pull in the same direction!

 

I'm sure that yet another WSR appeal will be launched shortly to fund the use of a loco to run up and down the line on a regular basis. <BJ>

 

Meanwhile, a third railway in the South of England has been running trains today to practice arrangements for the re-starting of services. Steam hauled today naturally.

 

And a fourth ran a steam-hauled passenger train back in June

Tom

 

Good to catch the 33 moving on the webcam today getting ready for Saturday.
Managed to take 2 day trips in 2019 for Flying Scotsman and the 4tc/73 Sunday special (first time time saw the Purbeck museum narrow gauge loco when passing though Norden station), maybe book a week in Swanage later in 2020 (or 2021?) when maybe the Steam locos and DMUs will be back in operation?

 

Signs of life from the U on shed when I drove past coming back from a post box this afternoon. Anyone know if just a test, or as I believe SD had it down to use on a Weymouth trip at months end some testing planned?

 

They plan to start steam in August which would probably mean start recommissioning of the Loco now
https://swanagerailway.co.uk/re-opening-services

 

Lovely sight from home of steam rising from Engine Shed area today at lunchtime.

 

One of my dads images from today. Easy when you live in Gilbert Road of course overlooking the station. Still awash with single deck buses in the bus yard as well, as at least on the 50 they are now running open tops, although the most passengers either I or my dad have seen on one bus is 5!

 

Meanwhile I had to pop down to Corfe this afternoon and as I pulled out on the main road I noticed clouds of black smoke heading away from Swanage. I assumed the U must be out on a test run, but waiting at Afflington Bridge the 33 arrived. Also seen on arrival at Norden. Poor images on my pocket camera though

 

Just seen the U go out on a LE run from my office window. Very good to hear steam moving again in Purbeck.

 

It made it to Corfe!

 

Preparing for departure at Swanage

Swanage Railway - British Railways U Class 31806 by Tim White, on Flickr

The 12:17 departure

Swanage Railway - British Railways U Class 31806 by Tim White, on Flickr

 

How does The Swanage deal with 'One Off' moves?

Do they have a WSR style travelling signalman, 'long section' token, or do all boxes have to be manned?