W24 CALBOURNE - Visit to Swanage Railway 25th to 27th May 2012

With the kind co-operation and help of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway LSWR Adams Class 02 0-4-4T No. W24 "Calbourne" finishes a brief tour of some mainland heritage railways by travelling to Swanage later this month. It is unlikely to be visiting the mainland again any time soon!
On Friday 25th May it is intended to operate all day, on the unfitted Goods Train, in between the off-peak [Blue] timetabled services which are scheduled to be hauled by fellow LSWR loco Drummond Class M7 0-4-4T No. 53.
On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May [Green Timtable] the M7 is scheduled to operate the steam service again. Intermediate DMU services in the Green timetable will be taken over by "Calbourne" hauling three dual braked (Green) Mk 1 coaches over the whole line. Normal fares will apply over the weekend. A third steam loco will be used on 27th to haul the Sunday Luncheon train [13.20 and 14.40 departures from Swanage]. During this period W24's coaches will be put in the sidings but it is hoped to double-head W24 and 53 on the 14.00 departure from Swanage.

 

Thanks Peter for the update, very useful. We're looking forward to the weekend. <BJ>

 

There are reports [rumours?] that a double heading 'event' may occur on Friday but this remains to be confirmed.

 

The double heading will take place on Friday, a late train quite possibly the last train of the day. Should make for some great evening light shots.
Remember, we will be turning W24 throughout the weekend.

All three days there will be 3 locomotives in steam. These look to be 34028, 53 and W24.
53 will work a three coach set on Friday with 34028 handling the 5 set.

 

Calbourne arrives in the Purbecks on Wednesday afternoon, she will be able to see the isle of wight on the way down to Swanage haha.

Looking forward to welcoming you to the Swanage Railway this weekend, remember on Friday evening the 02 will double head with the M7 for the only time, come and enjoy it with us after work!

 

Calbourne was sitting in the cattle dock at Alresford this afternoon waiting for the low loader. Good weather promised for Swanage this weekend.

 

So buzby2's post that it was hoped to d/h the O2 and M7 on the 14:00 on the 27th is no longer true? That's a shame as I think doubleheaders throughout the weekend would have been a greater draw that just the one off.

 

The decision was taken because we wish to promote the Friday event.
Because of weekend commitments with the DX on Saturday and Diner on Sunday lunch, we felt that if we were to isolate the 02 on double heading duties it would limit what it could actually do and therefore limit its milage.

Usually the DMU would sit out for two trips whilst the dining train took its place, however this weekend we have slipped the 02 into the third path which allows it to continue to run throughout the day on Sunday.
This means there is at least 24 miles of extra milage on Sunday when it would have otherwise only have just got a round trip in on a double header.

The timetable we have come up with allows for an intensive 40 minute service to be operated with 3 trains. This means that you will be able to get the classic passing shots at Corfe Castle and at Harmans Cross, throughout the day.
The 02 and M7 will be turned throughout the weekend which will again add to the interest.

The 02 and M7 will double head the 17.35 ex Swanage on Friday 25th May.

A full working timetable will be issued to the public website tomorrow, im sure you will agree, its going to be quite a show!

Remember when 34028 works the lunch time dining trains a 6th coach will be added which is open to the general public, why not hop on this service and enjoy a drink in the wessex belle bar car.

 

Only a minor point but Calbourne is an O2 not an 02. An 02 is a diesel shunter. :wink:

 

Friday's special timetable: http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/12broch/25may12tt.pdf

 

2 LSWR 0-4-4s on shed together, the first time since when? tomorrow

 

Thanks for the timetable Peter. It should be a very good day. <BJ>

 

After brake test trials today with 33111, one TSO was knocked out the set.

Calbourne then undertook a 2 coach test run which was completely successful. Therefore W24 will operate with a 2 coach set on Saturday and Sunday.
Tomorrow the M7 works a 3 coach set with the O2 joining it for the last round trip at 17.35.

W24 is currently facing Swanage but will be turned after three trips tomorrow. The M7 will also be turned during the day.

 

Our apologies for the delays today, this was due to signalling problems at Harmans Cross, largely due to the heat.

 

Which way will she be pointing on the 11:20 from Norden?

 

Swanage Railway News Gallery - Page 822

Good to see timetable and loco workings in advance.

Some railways might want to learn that it is good advertising, good publicity, good PR and improves the railways reputation to do so.

Far better than keeping it a secret and charging £x to find out the info.

Will be there on Sunday

 

I should be coming along tomorrow, looking forward to getting my first ride behind W24. Can anyone advise on whether the shot from Corfe Castle looking towards Norden is a morning or afternoon one? Similarly, is the one a couple of bridges outside of Corfe (Swanage side) looking towards the castle an afternoon one? Many thanks!

 

Having been to Swanage on Friday, I'd just like to publically say thank you to everyone who worked to make Calbourne's visit possible. The problems with the signalling and with Calbourne's brakes were unfortunate, but these things happen; one has learned to expect the unexpected on special event days! However, one constructive criticism that I would make is that, when things did go wrong, some of the staff I asked for information were "out of the loop" and weren't able to tell me what was going on. It might be worthwhile for the railway to investigate methods of improving communication in such situations. On the plus side, all the staff I spoke to were extremely friendly and courteous.
Apart from these minor niggles, it was an excellent day in every respect

As a very rough guide, if you're looking towards Norden it's a morning shot, if you're looking towards Swanage it's an afternoon shot.

 

I had a good day. Yes the timetable went wrong again, but was due to Eddystones's stupid drivers experiance train rather then Calbourne. And I got some decent photos!!! Only problom I burnt both of me arms off in the sun...

 

Couple of very good days around the railway, I quite fancy one of those O2 tanks! A few pics are below - sorry for the quality but they were taken on a camera phone:-

006 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
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016 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!