Swanage Railway "Spring Steam Gala" 5/6 April

Since you ask, if you could add an Arthur, a Schools a Nelson and an O2 that would be the biz! But then I'm just greedy.

 

Manston left on a test run about half an hour ago (I think - its been a bit hectic!).

 

Manston has done a light engine test run to Corfe and back, and is just about to leave on a loaded test run. Fingers crossed.

 

looks good I will be there on Sunday

 

34070 certainly appears to be fixed!

 

Indeed, its a yes...well done to everyone who has worked so hard this week.

 

Is there only one freight train in the morning? Does anyone know what will be pulling it on Saturday? Will timetables with loco allocations be available from the stations over the weekend?

Cheers,

Rick

 

There's a freight in the morning, and then another at lunchtime. Loco workings will be available at booking offices, but Manston will handle the majority of freight workings.

 

Anyone going to this event via the train to wareham be warned that there is engineering work from Bournemouth to Weymouth so make take you longer as it buses

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Very good day. Timetable was excellent, no long waits, plenty of runs behind all locos, and a goods train running that didn't stuff things up, always good! Trains were comfortably busy all day, despite, or maybe because of, the weather. The two Bulleids coaches are superb, and looked great with the PMV.

Only slight gripe is the Birds Nest buffet at Swanage. The layout of the counter just inside the door makes things very awkward, especially with collecting food at one counter then paying at another. It also meant people were queuing out the door in the rain, and people who had bought stuff struggled to get out.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the gala today. I travelled behind the classic combination of the M7 and T9 classes which, despite the rain, was excellent. 'Manston' has returned to good health working a goods train and passenger turns. 31806 certainly looked at home at Swanage. We all agreed that it would be good to see the engine here on a more permanent basis .....please.

As advised, all locos face Swanage apart from 'Eddystone'.

Thanks to all concerned for the gala this weekend. <BJ>

 

Travelled on the swanage railway today southern branch line steam at its best travelling in the bulleid coaches is as near as it is possible to recreate a typical branch train bring on the maunsells.

 

First post for me on this forum! Really enjoyable day on Saturday; despite the rain and gloom. Photting for a couple of hours then travelling to avoid the worst of the rain! The first couple of evening trains with 30120 were a highlight as those few who were there will know...! Hopefully, a couple of photos attached.

 

Good day Sunday, rain held off as well which was nice though was still full dull and windy! Video up now, photos to follow over next couple of days...

 

I assume the T9 has gone back? Pity it couldn't have stayed for longer.

 

30120 should be going back today.

 

THanks, Nick. I guessed it would be. I hope it will pay another visit at some stage in the not-too-distant future.

 

T9 30120 reported heading home southbound on M5 near Taunton a short while ago. <BJ>

 

Actually left today due to delays in the transport of 31806 which knocked 30120 back. Both were welcome visitors, and looked absolutely spot on around the branch.

 

Photos from last Sunday...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/sets/72157643766505585/