2. Railways

2016 Swanage Railway Diesel Gala rd

The second weekend in May means just one thing on the Swanage Railway, it's the Diesel Gala and Beer Festival. So Ross and I make our obligatory journey from Scotland to take it in and this year is set for a belter with three "firsts" for the Railway resulting in a star studded line up. 6-8/5/2016
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  • This is the first time a class 40 has worked the branch and the Railway says the first time a class 40 has worked in Dorset ever. Newly restored English Electric type 4 D213 Andania crosses Corfe Viaduct with 2N04 0915 off Swanage for Norden. 6/5/2016

    This is the first time a class 40 has worked the branch and the Railway says the first time a class 40 has worked in Dorset ever. Newly restored English Electric type 4 D213 Andania crosses Corfe Viaduct with 2N04 0915 off Swanage for Norden. 6/5/2016

  • Whilst the Railway said this was the first time a class 40 has ever worked in Dorset, my brother Danny disputes this as he has seen this loco in Bournemouth in 1967. This loco was bought for preservation in February 1988 and this is its very first passenger train in preservation.

    Whilst the Railway said this was the first time a class 40 has ever worked in Dorset, my brother Danny disputes this as he has seen this loco in Bournemouth in 1967. This loco was bought for preservation in February 1988 and this is its very first passenger train in preservation.

  • D213 passes the new up fixed distant signal at Norden as it slows for its stop. On the back is 50035 Ark Royal ready to take the train back to Swanage.

    D213 passes the new up fixed distant signal at Norden as it slows for its stop. On the back is 50035 Ark Royal ready to take the train back to Swanage.

  • The whistle board used to stand on the opposite side of the line facing the opposite direction and was there to warn any lorry driver accessing the clay loading chute on the narrow gauge system that ran at Norden.

    The whistle board used to stand on the opposite side of the line facing the opposite direction and was there to warn any lorry driver accessing the clay loading chute on the narrow gauge system that ran at Norden.

  • 50035 makes a popular return visit to Swanage and the superbly turned out type 4 will take out 2N03 1000 off Norden to Swanage.

    50035 makes a popular return visit to Swanage and the superbly turned out type 4 will take out 2N03 1000 off Norden to Swanage.

  • 50035 has come off its train and has pulled clear of the stock onto the head shunt at Swanage. The weather is picking up but Ross and I decided to ride the trains on the Friday which turned out to be a good decision as they were absolutely wedged on the Saturday.

    50035 has come off its train and has pulled clear of the stock onto the head shunt at Swanage. The weather is picking up but Ross and I decided to ride the trains on the Friday which turned out to be a good decision as they were absolutely wedged on the Saturday.

  • The loco which brought the visiting convoy in is GBRf 66748, one of three locos bought from a Dutch operator. As it is fitted with different equipment GBRf said the loco was not to be used. It is parked up at the end of No1 siding.

    The loco which brought the visiting convoy in is GBRf 66748, one of three locos bought from a Dutch operator. As it is fitted with different equipment GBRf said the loco was not to be used. It is parked up at the end of No1 siding.

  • In glorious sunshine, immaculate BR green liveried D213 has worked in from Norden. The loco carries the name Andania and is named after RMS Andania, a Cunard Line steamship sunk during WW2 by a German submarine on 16 June 1940. The loco is owned by a group of staff from Harry Needle Railroad Company and they have slowly restored the loco to full working order.

    In glorious sunshine, immaculate BR green liveried D213 has worked in from Norden. The loco carries the name Andania and is named after RMS Andania, a Cunard Line steamship sunk during WW2 by a German submarine on 16 June 1940. The loco is owned by a group of staff from Harry Needle Railroad Company and they have slowly restored the loco to full working order.

  • On the steam shed and having a well earned weekend off is U class 2-6-0 31806 and unrebuilt Battle of Britain class light pacific 34070 Manston.

    On the steam shed and having a well earned weekend off is U class 2-6-0 31806 and unrebuilt Battle of Britain class light pacific 34070 Manston.

  • The second of the "firsts" for the Railway is former Western Region diesel hydraulic class 42 Warship, D832 "Onslaught".

    The second of the "firsts" for the Railway is former Western Region diesel hydraulic class 42 Warship, D832 "Onslaught".

  • D832 brings in 1N03 1150 Norden to Swanage class 1 which does not stop at Harmans Cross. This loco and the class 40 are a major draw for visitors to the gala.

    D832 brings in 1N03 1150 Norden to Swanage class 1 which does not stop at Harmans Cross. This loco and the class 40 are a major draw for visitors to the gala.

  • Turning round for the opposite view and D832 slowly runs into platform 1. Over in platform 2 are 20205 and 20142 at the head of 2N12 1215 off for Norden. On the goods shed road is shunter 08436.

    Turning round for the opposite view and D832 slowly runs into platform 1. Over in platform 2 are 20205 and 20142 at the head of 2N12 1215 off for Norden. On the goods shed road is shunter 08436.

  • The secondman on 20205 takes the token to Harmans Cross from the signalman. Unusually the class 20's are coupled cab to cab, this is due to 20205 being air braked only so 20142 has to be inside the whole time to convert the air brake to vacuum.

    The secondman on 20205 takes the token to Harmans Cross from the signalman. Unusually the class 20's are coupled cab to cab, this is due to 20205 being air braked only so 20142 has to be inside the whole time to convert the air brake to vacuum.

  • Therefore it is something different to have the two type 1 locos running like this.

    Therefore it is something different to have the two type 1 locos running like this.

  • With platform 2 now clear, D213 can be brought out to move for its next duty. This move is 0N06 Swanage to Swanage light engine.

    With platform 2 now clear, D213 can be brought out to move for its next duty. This move is 0N06 Swanage to Swanage light engine.

  • The class 40 went as far as the inner home signal before taking the crossover to gain the line to the bay platform.

    The class 40 went as far as the inner home signal before taking the crossover to gain the line to the bay platform.

  • The loco is brought to a stand on the coaches in platform 1.

    The loco is brought to a stand on the coaches in platform 1.

  • Ross and I head for platform 1 to join the train and at the headshunt is D832 uncoupled and shut down.

    Ross and I head for platform 1 to join the train and at the headshunt is D832 uncoupled and shut down.

  • Brush type 2 5580 runs in with 2N09 1215 off Norden to Swanage. The BR blue loco carries its pre-TOPS number without the "D" prefix.

    Brush type 2 5580 runs in with 2N09 1215 off Norden to Swanage. The BR blue loco carries its pre-TOPS number without the "D" prefix.

  • The third of the "firsts" for the Railway is class 46 Peak D182 seen at the headshunt at Swanage having worked in on 2N13 1345 off Norden.

    The third of the "firsts" for the Railway is class 46 Peak D182 seen at the headshunt at Swanage having worked in on 2N13 1345 off Norden.

  • Riding the 1430 from Swanage, 2N18, behind 50035 we pause at Harmans Cross to allow 2N15 hauled by 20205 and 20142. The train is the 1430 from Norden.

    Riding the 1430 from Swanage, 2N18, behind 50035 we pause at Harmans Cross to allow 2N15 hauled by 20205 and 20142. The train is the 1430 from Norden.

  • The driver of 20205 is pal Pete Duncalfe and he concentrates as he brings the train for its station stop.

    The driver of 20205 is pal Pete Duncalfe and he concentrates as he brings the train for its station stop.

  • 50035 runs into to Corfe Castle station and passes D213 at the head of 1N07 1450 Norden to Swanage.

    50035 runs into to Corfe Castle station and passes D213 at the head of 1N07 1450 Norden to Swanage.

  • Steve Barker stands at the end of the down ramp, he is the Swanage driver rostered on D213.

    Steve Barker stands at the end of the down ramp, he is the Swanage driver rostered on D213.

  • At Norden the line up of locos in the loops is impressive. Next one out is Warship D832 and we will savour the haulage.

    At Norden the line up of locos in the loops is impressive. Next one out is Warship D832 and we will savour the haulage.

  • The running signal is off authorising the driver out of the loop with D832.

    The running signal is off authorising the driver out of the loop with D832.

  • Next to take a train south will be class 31 5580.

    Next to take a train south will be class 31 5580.

  • At Harmans Cross our train passes class 46 Peak D182 with 2N20 1515 from Swanage to Norden.

    At Harmans Cross our train passes class 46 Peak D182 with 2N20 1515 from Swanage to Norden.

  • Corfe Castle again and our train is 1N10 1546 Swanage to Norden hauled by 20205 and 20142. 5580 runs in with 2N19 1600 from Norden to Swanage.

    Corfe Castle again and our train is 1N10 1546 Swanage to Norden hauled by 20205 and 20142. 5580 runs in with 2N19 1600 from Norden to Swanage.

  • The token is exchanged between the secondman and the signalman.

    The token is exchanged between the secondman and the signalman.

  • The Brush type 2 comes to a stand at Corfe Castle. Ahead is the mile and half long climb at 1 in 80 over the Common to Afflington Bridge.

    The Brush type 2 comes to a stand at Corfe Castle. Ahead is the mile and half long climb at 1 in 80 over the Common to Afflington Bridge.

  • Back again at Norden and the locos to work our train back to Swanage are 33201 and D6515. These are a class 33/2 and class 33/0 pairing.

    Back again at Norden and the locos to work our train back to Swanage are 33201 and D6515. These are a class 33/2 and class 33/0 pairing.

  • On the run back to Swanage behind the two class 33's we pass D213 waiting at Corfe Castle with Steve Barker in the secondman's seat.

    On the run back to Swanage behind the two class 33's we pass D213 waiting at Corfe Castle with Steve Barker in the secondman's seat.

  • At Swanage and 5580 passes the signalbox having been released by the departure of the train it had brought in earlier.

    At Swanage and 5580 passes the signalbox having been released by the departure of the train it had brought in earlier.

  • Now 5580 drops down onto the stock siting in platform 1 and will head for Norden as 1N12 1716 off. A great day of riding was had. 6/5/2016

    Now 5580 drops down onto the stock siting in platform 1 and will head for Norden as 1N12 1716 off. A great day of riding was had. 6/5/2016

  • Day two and the start of the two day photography session. Ross and I head up East Hill at Corfe and the first train off Swanage passes over the viaduct. D182 fronts 2N04 0915 from the seaside terminus to Norden. 7/5/2016

    Day two and the start of the two day photography session. Ross and I head up East Hill at Corfe and the first train off Swanage passes over the viaduct. D182 fronts 2N04 0915 from the seaside terminus to Norden. 7/5/2016

  • On the back of the five coach rake are D6515 and 33111 which will take the train back to Swanage.

    On the back of the five coach rake are D6515 and 33111 which will take the train back to Swanage.

  • A good number of intending passengers warm the platform at Norden whilst a healthy galley stands on the narrow gauge embankment at Skew Arch Bridge.

    A good number of intending passengers warm the platform at Norden whilst a healthy galley stands on the narrow gauge embankment at Skew Arch Bridge.

  • The class 46 has come off the train and is parked up in the loop. Now 33111 leads D6515 away from Norden with 2N03 1000 to Swanage. One of the narrow gauge locos works the clay line.

    The class 46 has come off the train and is parked up in the loop. Now 33111 leads D6515 away from Norden with 2N03 1000 to Swanage. One of the narrow gauge locos works the clay line.

  • After a brief spell under power to get the train moving, the driver has shut off to allow the train to coast towards Corfe station.

    After a brief spell under power to get the train moving, the driver has shut off to allow the train to coast towards Corfe station.

  • Another double headed working passes over Corfe Viaduct, 20205 and 20142 head 1N02 0946 class 1 service from Swanage to Norden.

    Another double headed working passes over Corfe Viaduct, 20205 and 20142 head 1N02 0946 class 1 service from Swanage to Norden.

  • On the back of this working is D213 which will return to Swanage straight away.

    On the back of this working is D213 which will return to Swanage straight away.

  • Having been ticking over since it took the stock into platform 1, D213 clears its throat as the driver opens the power handle and the English Electric 16SVT 2000hp power plant puts out the clag that would shame a Deltic.

    Having been ticking over since it took the stock into platform 1, D213 clears its throat as the driver opens the power handle and the English Electric 16SVT 2000hp power plant puts out the clag that would shame a Deltic.

  • The power handle is shut and the reek has gone as D213 approaches the foot crossing. This service is 1N01 1020 Norden to Swanage stopping only at Corfe Castle.

    The power handle is shut and the reek has gone as D213 approaches the foot crossing. This service is 1N01 1020 Norden to Swanage stopping only at Corfe Castle.

  • The big type 4 rumbles over Corfe Viaduct as it slows for its run into Corfe station. Sadly the sun hasn't burnt through the cloud yet.

    The big type 4 rumbles over Corfe Viaduct as it slows for its run into Corfe station. Sadly the sun hasn't burnt through the cloud yet.

  • The class 40 crossed the Warship at Corfe station and here D832 takes its five coaches on to Norden with 2N06 1000 from Swanage to Norden.

    The class 40 crossed the Warship at Corfe station and here D832 takes its five coaches on to Norden with 2N06 1000 from Swanage to Norden.

  • Norden is busy with passengers milling about and the locos change over. D832 will come off while D182 will go on.

    Norden is busy with passengers milling about and the locos change over. D832 will come off while D182 will go on.

  • The sun is making itself known as D182 departs with 2N05 1045 off Norden to Swanage. The train will be coasting now as it drops down the 1 in 120 gradient.

    The sun is making itself known as D182 departs with 2N05 1045 off Norden to Swanage. The train will be coasting now as it drops down the 1 in 120 gradient.

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