Swanage Railway - Visiting Locos

Was down at Swanage yesterday and saw Sir Lamiel undergoing a steam test following repair work. It moved under its own power within Swanage station limits but wasn't tested anymore than this. I was hoping they'd sling it on one of the afternoon service trains to 'test' it but that wasn't to be! There was word that it is due to be used on passenger services over the weekend, but how much truth there is in this I don't know?

 

I'd make the quite long journey down from Kent if it was. But such workings are, I guess, only activated at very short notice for very good operational reasons.

 

Despite being called an arse hole, I will answer your direct questions; Fireline and Kent Yeti. As neither of you called me an arse hole.

Manston is undergoing washout exam and some other work at the moment. It could very well be running for 3 weeks or so come the middle of June.

Sir Lamiel's steam test on thursday was required following the repairs that 5305 carried out, with support from Swanage Railway. It was only moving about light engine to go to the coal dock for emptying ashpan and coaling. Lamiel will not be running at Swanage this weekend, because 5305 cannot resource staff on Saturday and want to spend Sunday getting it ready for Monday's railtour.

 

A photo of yesterday's steam test:

 

Very helpful. Thank you. I'll probably wait until Manston is back in that case. That was a loco I never travelled behind in the 1960s so want to put that right.

Unless the M7 is going to run on Monday.................... LOL!

 

M7 is going to be out for a few weeks. Repairs to cyl bore, piston head, a steam valve. Oh well, more work for Manston...

 

44871 was in service today and was brilliant!! Credit to her owner and the people who look after her...