2. Railways

2019 Swanage Railway Diesel Gala

The annual Swanage Diesel Gala cannot be missed - Resistance is Futile! So Ross and I boldly went where we always go, to Wareham for a weekend of family, friends and fun. It would be rude not to go so we can't have that.
A weekend of stunning weather and another first for the Railway, a visit by a class 59, but for the third time class 44 peak D4 failed to arrive.
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  • The 2019 Swanage Diesel Gala is underway. In No 1 siding 50007 endears itself with the neighbours as its English Electric 16CVST 2,700hp powerplant coughs into life and clags out the area! 97205 and 33111 emerge from No 2 siding passing 08436, 26007, 50007 and 73119. 10/5/2019

    The 2019 Swanage Diesel Gala is underway. In No 1 siding 50007 endears itself with the neighbours as its English Electric 16CVST 2,700hp powerplant coughs into life and clags out the area! 97205 and 33111 emerge from No 2 siding passing 08436, 26007, 50007 and 73119. 10/5/2019

  • Visiting 97205 runs with resident 33111 heading for the station.

    Visiting 97205 runs with resident 33111 heading for the station.

  • The pair run into the station loop to allow another loco movement.

    The pair run into the station loop to allow another loco movement.

  • The other resident class 33 D6515 has come out of platform 1 and is now dropping down into the station loop to couple onto 33111. On the goods shed road is 34072 257 Squadron and 50026 Indomitable, both of which are not taking part in the weekend.

    The other resident class 33 D6515 has come out of platform 1 and is now dropping down into the station loop to couple onto 33111. On the goods shed road is 34072 257 Squadron and 50026 Indomitable, both of which are not taking part in the weekend.

  • Moving to the viewpoint opposite the shed and the first timetabled move gets away. D6515, 33111 and 97205 form 0C00 0850 Swanage to Corfe Castle light engine convoy.

    Moving to the viewpoint opposite the shed and the first timetabled move gets away. D6515, 33111 and 97205 form 0C00 0850 Swanage to Corfe Castle light engine convoy.

  • This is a positioning move to get the locos in the right place for their first trains.

    This is a positioning move to get the locos in the right place for their first trains.

  • The trio pass the shed where T9 30120 is having a steam test This is the first year we have been in Swanage early enough to see this working. We are riding this day.

    The trio pass the shed where T9 30120 is having a steam test This is the first year we have been in Swanage early enough to see this working. We are riding this day.

  • 97205 is in reality 31163 and is based at Chinnor who have repainted it in the livery of the Derby Technical Centre. Whilst I have seen 31163 whilst in BR service I have no photos of it.

    97205 is in reality 31163 and is based at Chinnor who have repainted it in the livery of the Derby Technical Centre. Whilst I have seen 31163 whilst in BR service I have no photos of it.

  • At Corfe now after a great noisy run behind the class 25 and 33111 comes out of the yard. 97205 is sitting at an odd angle as work had started digging the inspection pit for the mainline DMU's which will be stabled here. But a problem with the cement saw the hole being filled in and track temporarily put back.

    At Corfe now after a great noisy run behind the class 25 and 33111 comes out of the yard. 97205 is sitting at an odd angle as work had started digging the inspection pit for the mainline DMU's which will be stabled here. But a problem with the cement saw the hole being filled in and track temporarily put back.

  • 33111 exits the yard and joins the Up platform loop and will couple onto the train brought in by the class 25. This move is 0C01 Corfe Castle Yard to Corfe Castle light engine.

    33111 exits the yard and joins the Up platform loop and will couple onto the train brought in by the class 25. This move is 0C01 Corfe Castle Yard to Corfe Castle light engine.

  • The board is off for 33111 to return to Swanage with 2C01 0939 Corfe Castle to Swanage.

    The board is off for 33111 to return to Swanage with 2C01 0939 Corfe Castle to Swanage.

  • With the down train clear D7535 moves slowly towards the yard. This move is 0C02 Corfe Castle to Corfe Castle Yard light engine.

    With the down train clear D7535 moves slowly towards the yard. This move is 0C02 Corfe Castle to Corfe Castle Yard light engine.

  • The ground running signal is OFF giving the driver permission to pass it and D7535 enters the yard.

    The ground running signal is OFF giving the driver permission to pass it and D7535 enters the yard.

  • 97205 will be leaving the yard before D7535 so the class 25 has moved forward of the exit turnout. The loco is based at the South Devon Railway and is turned out in all over BR blue with pre-Tops number with D prefix. It has been parked up and shut down until its next turn.

    97205 will be leaving the yard before D7535 so the class 25 has moved forward of the exit turnout. The loco is based at the South Devon Railway and is turned out in all over BR blue with pre-Tops number with D prefix. It has been parked up and shut down until its next turn.

  • The format of the gala is different this year with trains running to the River Frome and locos coming off and on at Corfe Castle. Also Norden is only being served by trains to and from the River Frome except for the very first train and the last one before the beer trains start running. So here is D6515 with 1N01 0948 Norden to Swanage. I think Ross and I got on this for the run to Swanage and then to the River Frome.

    The format of the gala is different this year with trains running to the River Frome and locos coming off and on at Corfe Castle. Also Norden is only being served by trains to and from the River Frome except for the very first train and the last one before the beer trains start running. So here is D6515 with 1N01 0948 Norden to Swanage. I think Ross and I got on this for the run to Swanage and then to the River Frome.

  • OK I am confused with my notes. Also the photos do not show consecutive trains as we have been jumping on and off them. 26007 runs to the yard as 0C08 a tad late. In the down platform is 1R07 1232 River Frome to Swanage.

    OK I am confused with my notes. Also the photos do not show consecutive trains as we have been jumping on and off them. 26007 runs to the yard as 0C08 a tad late. In the down platform is 1R07 1232 River Frome to Swanage.

  • 50007 also carrying 50014 has to wait for the late running 1239 off Corfe to Swanage to reach Harmans and cross the next up train which has to come to Corfe then the class 1 train can leave. 50007 was on time but now the timetable is turning to rats poo! 26007 enters the yard passing 33111 on the goods shed road.

    50007 also carrying 50014 has to wait for the late running 1239 off Corfe to Swanage to reach Harmans and cross the next up train which has to come to Corfe then the class 1 train can leave. 50007 was on time but now the timetable is turning to rats poo! 26007 enters the yard passing 33111 on the goods shed road.

  • 50007 or 50014 depending where you are standing, looks really good in GBRf livery. I did hear that this timetable format would not be repeated in 2020. As it turned out due to Covid nothing happened in 2020 or 2021!

    50007 or 50014 depending where you are standing, looks really good in GBRf livery. I did hear that this timetable format would not be repeated in 2020. As it turned out due to Covid nothing happened in 2020 or 2021!

  • Class 31 97205 has been uncoupled from the back of the waiting class 50 hauled working. I'm not sure what it will do once the train leaves.

    Class 31 97205 has been uncoupled from the back of the waiting class 50 hauled working. I'm not sure what it will do once the train leaves.

  • Later in the day and we are back at Corfe having ridden another train and will be boarding the next arrival. In the Up platform loop is 50007/50014 and is running into the yard as 0C12. The type 4 had brought its train up to Corfe and it has headed back.

    Later in the day and we are back at Corfe having ridden another train and will be boarding the next arrival. In the Up platform loop is 50007/50014 and is running into the yard as 0C12. The type 4 had brought its train up to Corfe and it has headed back.

  • 26007 runs in with 1R11 1432 River Frome to Swanage and anyone on platform 1 wanting to photograph it are completely bowled by 50007. The footbridge is the place to be.

    26007 runs in with 1R11 1432 River Frome to Swanage and anyone on platform 1 wanting to photograph it are completely bowled by 50007. The footbridge is the place to be.

  • 50007 enters the yard where D7535 is also parked up. 26007 comes to a stand to wait for the next Up train to arrive.

    50007 enters the yard where D7535 is also parked up. 26007 comes to a stand to wait for the next Up train to arrive.

  • Now inside the yard, 50007 moves forward so D7535 can exit next.

    Now inside the yard, 50007 moves forward so D7535 can exit next.

  • Looking towards the common and 97205 comes over Wurzell's crossing with 1R12 1439 Swanage to River Frome. There was hardly anyone at School's Crossing due to the OTT fencing still in place after the Flying Scotsman visit.

    Looking towards the common and 97205 comes over Wurzell's crossing with 1R12 1439 Swanage to River Frome. There was hardly anyone at School's Crossing due to the OTT fencing still in place after the Flying Scotsman visit.

  • 97205 or 31163 enters the loop and passes D7535 which will come onto the back of the train.

    97205 or 31163 enters the loop and passes D7535 which will come onto the back of the train.

  • The secondman is at the door ready to hand over the token to the signalman. 50007 is shut down on the goods shed road.

    The secondman is at the door ready to hand over the token to the signalman. 50007 is shut down on the goods shed road.

  • After another train ride we are back at Corfe again and GBRf 59003 "Yeoman Highlander" runs through platform 1 to the yard as 0C16.

    After another train ride we are back at Corfe again and GBRf 59003 "Yeoman Highlander" runs through platform 1 to the yard as 0C16.

  • Turning round and the mighty type 5 passes the ground signal and enters the yard passing 97205 on the right.

    Turning round and the mighty type 5 passes the ground signal and enters the yard passing 97205 on the right.

  • As 59003 is air braked only it needs a brake translator and 73119 being dual braked performs that task. Here is runs into the station having uncoupled from 59003 and moved clear to allow it to enter the yard first.

    As 59003 is air braked only it needs a brake translator and 73119 being dual braked performs that task. Here is runs into the station having uncoupled from 59003 and moved clear to allow it to enter the yard first.

  • Now 73119 enters the yard and will couple onto the class 59.

    Now 73119 enters the yard and will couple onto the class 59.

  • At this point I do not recall how the timetable was doing after its earlier slippage, my notes do not say. D6515 runs in with 1R15 1632 River Frome to Swanage. During the station dwell time to await the next Up train, the loco on the back will uncouple.

    At this point I do not recall how the timetable was doing after its earlier slippage, my notes do not say. D6515 runs in with 1R15 1632 River Frome to Swanage. During the station dwell time to await the next Up train, the loco on the back will uncouple.

  • 50007 or 50014, on this side, passes D6515, on both sides, and forms 1R16 1639 Swanage to River Frome, the last train of the day to the river viaduct. 97205 will come out of the yard and tie on at the back. Ross and I will get on board.

    50007 or 50014, on this side, passes D6515, on both sides, and forms 1R16 1639 Swanage to River Frome, the last train of the day to the river viaduct. 97205 will come out of the yard and tie on at the back. Ross and I will get on board.

  • Back at Corfe after a cracking run from the River Frome which climbs all the way to Furzebrook and 97205 made a fantastic sound on the climb. Here 50014 basks in the early evening sun and is uncoupled from the train.

    Back at Corfe after a cracking run from the River Frome which climbs all the way to Furzebrook and 97205 made a fantastic sound on the climb. Here 50014 basks in the early evening sun and is uncoupled from the train.

  • At the head of the train is 97205 with 1C17 1732 River Frome to Corfe Castle. 97205 will also uncouple from the stock which will spend the night here in platform 2. The type 2 will run to Swanage light.

    At the head of the train is 97205 with 1C17 1732 River Frome to Corfe Castle. 97205 will also uncouple from the stock which will spend the night here in platform 2. The type 2 will run to Swanage light.

  • 50007 has the road north into the cutting to await the arrival of the next train which it will drop onto the top of. This move is 0N18

    50007 has the road north into the cutting to await the arrival of the next train which it will drop onto the top of. This move is 0N18

  • 26007 enters the station and passes 97205. The BRCW type 2 hauls 1N18 1739 Swanage to Norden.

    26007 enters the station and passes 97205. The BRCW type 2 hauls 1N18 1739 Swanage to Norden.

  • 50007 comes into platform 1 slowly to drop onto 26007.

    50007 comes into platform 1 slowly to drop onto 26007.

  • Clunk! The 50 buffers up to the 26 and the shunter will go between to couple them up. All three days saw this movement take place with the two 007 locos running from Corfe to Norden.

    Clunk! The 50 buffers up to the 26 and the shunter will go between to couple them up. All three days saw this movement take place with the two 007 locos running from Corfe to Norden.

  • A quick walk to the Swanage end of the platform to see 97205 head off for Swanage as 0Y78 1758 Corfe Castle to Swanage light engine.

    A quick walk to the Swanage end of the platform to see 97205 head off for Swanage as 0Y78 1758 Corfe Castle to Swanage light engine.

  • The driver powers away from Corfe Castle having cleared the down starter signal and a clear run to Harmans Cross. A good and different day with superb weather. Ross and I wait for the Norden train to go back to Swanage and one more round trip to Norden and back then heading back to Wareham. 10/5/2019

    The driver powers away from Corfe Castle having cleared the down starter signal and a clear run to Harmans Cross. A good and different day with superb weather. Ross and I wait for the Norden train to go back to Swanage and one more round trip to Norden and back then heading back to Wareham. 10/5/2019

  • Day two and like last year, Ross and I are photographing "over the road" on the Norden to the River Frome section. The barriers are up and the signals are ON and 50007 and its train stands at Norden station. 11/5/2019

    Day two and like last year, Ross and I are photographing "over the road" on the Norden to the River Frome section. The barriers are up and the signals are ON and 50007 and its train stands at Norden station. 11/5/2019

  • The Up starter is off and 50007 passes FIVE steam loco tenders, 3 Bulleid and 2 Urie designs, and is about to cross the road to the park and ride carpark and also to Wytch Farm oil field. The train is 1R02 0939 Swanage to River Frome. The signalman will show the driver the Worgret token and collect the Norden token, he will give the Worgret token to the secondman on the loco on the back.

    The Up starter is off and 50007 passes FIVE steam loco tenders, 3 Bulleid and 2 Urie designs, and is about to cross the road to the park and ride carpark and also to Wytch Farm oil field. The train is 1R02 0939 Swanage to River Frome. The signalman will show the driver the Worgret token and collect the Norden token, he will give the Worgret token to the secondman on the loco on the back.

  • The train passes the new road/rail pad on the left which replaces the previous one where the tenders are parked. In building the pad the Railway has destroyed all evidence of the narrow gauge clay lines and traces of the weighbridge and any other buildings that used to be here.

    The train passes the new road/rail pad on the left which replaces the previous one where the tenders are parked. In building the pad the Railway has destroyed all evidence of the narrow gauge clay lines and traces of the weighbridge and any other buildings that used to be here.

  • Turning round and crossing the Scotland Heath road as the train passes Eldon's sidings on the right. This is where the transshipment shed for the Norden mines used to be.

    Turning round and crossing the Scotland Heath road as the train passes Eldon's sidings on the right. This is where the transshipment shed for the Norden mines used to be.

  • Moving to Cats Eye foot crossing and 26007 leads the Swanage bound train returning from the River Frome as 1R03 1032 off.

    Moving to Cats Eye foot crossing and 26007 leads the Swanage bound train returning from the River Frome as 1R03 1032 off.

  • In pre TOPS days this was D5300 the first of the class introduced in 1958 and withdrawn in October 1993. I first photographed it at Cupar on 1/9/1989 and on the 21/8/1992 I chased it, and a sister loco, on a railtour to Oban running as D5300 in BR green livery, see here https://www.jules-merlin27.com/Railways/Loco-hauled-on-the-West-Highland-Railway/i-g2TTGDt/A

    In pre TOPS days this was D5300 the first of the class introduced in 1958 and withdrawn in October 1993. I first photographed it at Cupar on 1/9/1989 and on the 21/8/1992 I chased it, and a sister loco, on a railtour to Oban running as D5300 in BR green livery, see here https://www.jules-merlin27.com/Railways/Loco-hauled-on-the-West-Highland-Railway/i-g2TTGDt/A

  • On the back is the other 007 loco 50007 AKA 50014, just ticking over.

    On the back is the other 007 loco 50007 AKA 50014, just ticking over.

  • Next up to the River Frome is resident 33111 putting out the clag on the rising 1 in 80 gradient from under the A351 road.

    Next up to the River Frome is resident 33111 putting out the clag on the rising 1 in 80 gradient from under the A351 road.

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    97205 is in reality 31163 and is based at Chinnor who have repainted it in the livery of the Derby Technical Centre. Whilst I have seen 31163 whilst in BR service I have no photos of it.
    At Corfe now after a great noisy run behind the class 25 and 33111 comes out of the yard. 97205 is sitting at an odd angle as work had started digging the inspection pit for the mainline DMU's which will be stabled here. But a problem with the cement saw the hole being filled in and track temporarily put back.
    33111 exits the yard and joins the Up platform loop and will couple onto the train brought in by the class 25. This move is 0C01 Corfe Castle Yard to Corfe Castle light engine.