Swanage Railway General Discussion

Looking tatty on the webcam with peeling paintwork. D6515s owning group still raising money to get it finished. Think "hot dog" is a different owning group, so may also need to raise money for a refurbishment. But eventually will look good with the refurbished 4TC for a 70s era push pull (back on the platform, might be possible as a photo opertunity in the May gala.

 

I was going to say it's no time at all since 33111 had a lovely repaint but it was May 2016 I think when it emerged from the shed looking mint and I guess 6 years in sea air is pretty punishing. Am I right in thinking it's the same owners as 33108, which is having extensive bodywork done at Kidderminster at the moment?

 

I think it looks great at the moment. Not much different to the shot at 6 minutes 29 in this clip

 

Does anyone know how long the Western Prairie 5526 which is arriving this week is staying in Purbeck?.

 

According to a comment I seen on Facebook. Till April. I suppose will be the same lowloader that will bring in Manston

 

I passed Manston near Wareham this morning

 

You getting confused with 34072 257 Squadron?. That left GCR yesterday

 

Oh yeah

 

Manston has been in Herston Works since before Christmas, I thought it was not going to be finished for a few weeks yet.

 

Guess 33111 has an authentic "weathered" look like it would have had in BR service.
On FB there was a discussion if Manston should be repainted or kept as "weathered" after restoration?.

Also on FB an official post that the Western Prairie 5526 will run the half term trains.

 

Dare I ask which Swanage resident steam locos are fit for service? Does seem somewhat unusual to hire in for a week during which patronage can be very strongly influenced by the weather.

 

Squadron has recently returned from the GCR and is as far as I am aware fit for service,m. I think the U class was undergoing some routine maintenance and obviously Eddystone needs to be re-assembled following its return.

I’d assume that the Prairie is being used for DX’s, so makes sense to test it first.


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257 Squadron went to the GCR not Manston, and arrived back in Swanage today.

 

Cheaper to steam option than Pacifics,if 31806 on maintenance ,in the absence of 80104.
Has 80078 left since Christmas?

 

Not the best of ideas really.
How is a driver supposed to instruct "Joe Public" on a loco class he/she is unfamiliar/never been on?

 

80078 left on January 28.

 

Following on from the discussion on 31806 being mainline certified in the project Wareham thread, and this thread seems to be better to post in, the only railtour charter with it so far announced in 2022 is the The Dorset Coast Express for August, but does not go to Swanage, but Weymouth as it will be too long to fit in Swanage.
https://www.railwaytouring.net/the-dorset-coast-express---august
Although not guaranteed "In the event of a high fire risk the section from Weymouth to Southampton on the return leg would be diesel hauled"
Hopefully there will be more mainline outings in 2022 for 31806 and also 33012 (if it gets enough funds to finish its overhaul at Eastleigh).

 

A mainline certified U-boat making a return to the North Downs line would be a sight to behold.

 

It is potentially 3 DCE'S July 23. August 18 and September 1.
It is usually the regular Southall based RTC set used on the Swanage Belle that has covered the DCE's so not sure length has anything to do with it. I guess there is another reason why the U can not do the return Belle, or RTC did not want it. Train length is an issue at Weymouth due to track circuits.

 

On the day of yet another wind warning along the Channel coastal areas, the railway had its first day with 5526.
Seen on the first public departure since the Christmas lights trains leaving Swanage at 10:30 and approaching Townsend Bridge with the 15:40 service from Norden in far better but still windy weather.