Swanage Railway General Discussion

They seemed to have faired a bit better today, although there were many (some quite heavy) showers this morning, the sun did shine at times.
T3 sounded quite loud this morning leaving Swanage, either woke me up or at least bought me out of a dozing state.

 

Was guard all day, its funny what we feel are ideal conditions. The sun shone, it bucketed down, it was grey. It apparently is about cloud. The downpour at Corfe under the canopy with period dressed people created atmosphere. One mans meat another's poison.....

 

Ia it known yet which loco is planned to haul the Polar Express trains over the Christmas period?

 

34070

 

Here is one from Monday's charter with 31806, seen in full dull conditions.https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/54087441656/in/dateposted-public/

 

There is a new video from the Mid Hants railway showing the auto coach and steam regulator mechanical extension working. But with only one coach. But there are 4 car auto trains with the steam engine in the middle, perhaps the linkage is carefully checked or relies on good teamwork (another video show an intercom rather than bells or horns).

From the video the idea is quite appealing to older volunteers as it means less uncoupling and recoupling at end of the lines.
But does mean the teams have to be on the ball to ensure safety.
Probably will be a while till steam push pull arrives in regular operations in Swanage, Bluebell or Mid Hants railway. Possible the LU 4TC, 4VEP or even the Swanage 4TC (if ready) will work push pull with 33111 in the 2025 diesel gala.

 

That's the Swindon version of push-pull. The Southern method of pull-push (note different terminology) was air operated. Looks solid on paper but no idea of the reality. (Suspect that it was OK pre-war, but iffy when maintenance standards slipped later.) I can't see the ORR allowing a fireman solo in the loco in push mode, anyhow.
Pat

 

The GWR system is two vehicles max, BUT you can have the engine in the middle of 4 vehicles

The air/vac systems can have more vehicles

 

Did the other T3 charter get cancelled today? When I did not hear it this morning going out I just put it down to the endless stream of blue light vehicles entering Swanage with their sirens going.

 

Yes it was Gladiator, I was the rostered driver this afternoon!! Apparently not enough takers on the charter to run all three days.

 

Thanks Bryan.

 

Fully booked yesterday, but as the T3 was facing the 'normal' way the organisers felt that the pull wasn't there for second day as people could go on an ordinary operating day and get the majority of shots.

 

In the more immediate future is it known what is working this weekend? We are staying at Corfe for three nights. Manston would be good buy any steam really

 

According to HOP's Manston

 

Indeed, my only steam run in the dark days back in 1969 was with 6412 sandwiched between two pairs of auto coaches between Buckfastleigh and Staverton Bridge. It didn't make for exciting photography, but I guess that it is now a bit of preservation history.


Peter

 

HAving read the RAIB investigation summary of the DFR incident, crews definitely need to be properly trained on the loco they're on and driving it in autotrain formation!

 

Ok thanks

 

Many years ago, whilst relaying track from Herston to Harmans Cross, we came to a point where we were allowed by the railway inspector to operate to telegraph pole No. 44 which was at the bottom of New Barn bank. A corridor connection cover had a window cut into it, a brake valve and battery operated horn was installed and off we went. Train left Swanage, run round at Herston then propelled with the guard at the front end to pole 44. What fun. No bells, no air, no gas, just propel at a leisurely pace and if there's any problem drop the handle.

 

Ah pioneering days, i remember a lot more "interesting" practices from way back then on many railways i hasten to add !

 

Manston looking superb in the sunshine today and trains quite full so far. The U is in the sidings at Swanage but no sign of the T3. Now waiting for the 1400 back to Corfe