Swanage Railway General Discussion

Don't know why they weren't working - but they appear to be now. Hope you enjoy the views.
The Red Arrows are scheduled to display over Swanage Bay from 11:30 this Saturday (26th) so an extra two early diesel trains are running from Norden thus providing three services into Swanage in time to see them. Three extra afternoon/early evening diesel trains have also been inserted into the two-train service in the hopes of dealing with extra passenger numbers.
Unfortunately the webcams are angled for train observations - of course - so it's unlikely to see the Red Arrows pass over a few seconds before starting their display. They have used the railway, to line up their approach over the town and beach, on several occasions in the past. 'Shock and Awe' for visiting tourists and residents alike.
They've not displayed over Swanage Bay for a few years now but I seem to remember the noise was equally as 'awesome' as their visual show.
Hopefully the forecast cloud and early rain blows away in plenty of time for a full display.

 

I hope the railway made some money out of the services over the weekend with the Red Arrows on Saturday and the Carnival Parade yesterday. I am sure Swanage Council will have made a mint as I have never seen so many cars (even during previous Carnivals) in the overflow in King George's Field adjacent to the railway. It did pass through my mind that it sort of showed why the Wareham service would probably never work.
I assume the 20 failed on Saturday? After a longer than expected trip to Upwey to see the Black 5 I was very surprised to hear the U blasting away from Swanage as I got out of the car at home.

 

Yes, the 20 apparently had some issues, so It was two in steam yesterday (Sunday) 563 and 31806, The class 33 is "Gathered at Derby" so a shortage of Diesels at the moment.
I understand the T3 and the class 20 were out today though. Also looking at the Corfe webcam, tonight, I see the evening Sunset shuttle is formed of the 121 and the 117.

 

Never saw or heard the 20 Andy, I did see the 4 car DMU on the Corfe webcam during the day though.

 

That would account why the evening service was 4Car DMMU tonight then.
Hmmm Wonder what we will have tomorrow night then.

 

Because its Carnival week the dmu is due to be 4 cars every evening so I've been told.The 20 should return to action today.

 

When I came back from an ultrasound at Swanage Hospital earlier I was surprised to see both 08's on the shed and I thought the 20 in the sidings.
As the DMU is out and about again I guess the 20 has an issue again.

 

The 20 did start with good intentions on the 10:30 from Swanage, by the time it got back the problems experienced on Sunday returned and therefore the diagram was switched to the DMU.
I was the driver of 563 this morning (29/07/2025) and we were surprised to see the DMU on the 12:00 (ex-Swanage).
The green 08 is being moved so that a different group can do an engine overhaul, they were on shed getting a FTR on D3591 for the move.
Hope that helps.

 

Fingers crossed for the DMU, I'm guard on 506 duty tomorrow.

 

Needless to say having kept an eye on proceedings Eddystone went out for test runs this afternoon, which I only discovered when I drove back from collecting my car from its MOT and noticed it was not in Swanage.
A webcam check told me is what at Corfe and then what originally I assumed to be 33111 but was actually 33053 appeared and was coupled up, I assume to save a path on a two train day.
Quick trip out to HX saw them come through plus some images from Swanage before and as it left on the second run.
Apart from the air pump the loco also when standing seem to make a ticking noise not dissimilar I thought to an 86.
I assume the 33 is to cover for the failed 20, although D6515 is due back tonight as well.

 

Thanks for the images! I managed to miss all of this on the Swanage Station cameras this afternoon!

 

53 has some issues that need addressing, but will become part of the short term SR fleet.
The 20 hopefully has been sorted as we have DX booked.
All is well. Last years accounts show the railway did not make a loss.
Film company around the railway promoting Santa's yesterday and good results through the turnstiles at the same time.
Good job done by the board/trustees to turn around a hopeless case.

 

Gladiator, the ticking is probably exactly the noise an 86 (and some other classes) might make as I suspect it is the auto-drip valves that release water from the air receivers.

 

An interesting start to the day at Swanage. <BJ>

34072 light engine test run carried out
31806 09:50 ex Swanage service train
33.053 + D6515 10:30 ex Swanage service train

 

Good to hear 257 Squadron is finally out on test runs!

 

If any kind soul with the information is able to indicate the rostered motive power for this weekend, I would be very grateful! Thanks

 

No idea but as of 16:00 the only ones that did not have steam omitting from them were Manston and Eddystone.

 

33012 and 31806 according to Hops

Sent from my SM-P610 using Tapatalk

 

Many thanks, much appreciated! Hopefully a car full of reprobates will visit & ride on Sunday!

 

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