2. Railways

2022 Swanage Railway Diesel Gala

IT IS BACK! After a two year Covid hiatus the legendary Swanage Diesel Gala is back with a great and varied selection of motive power. Ross and I head south to the "homeland" to take in the thrash and catch up with family and friends.
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  • The guests arrive and I have just copped a Peak and not just any Peak but class 44 D4 Great Gable....finally! 3/5/2022

    The guests arrive and I have just copped a Peak and not just any Peak but class 44 D4 Great Gable....finally! 3/5/2022

  • The convoy climb over Corfe Common towards Afflington with 31128 putting the clag out hauling dead 37703, D4 and D182. The type 2 has some 393 tonnes on the drawbar and the 1,470hp English Electric 12SVT powerplant has its work cut out on the rising 1 in 80 gradient.

    The convoy climb over Corfe Common towards Afflington with 31128 putting the clag out hauling dead 37703, D4 and D182. The type 2 has some 393 tonnes on the drawbar and the 1,470hp English Electric 12SVT powerplant has its work cut out on the rising 1 in 80 gradient.

  • The working is 0Z45 1006 Butterley to Swanage loco convoy. After two or three failed attempts D4 has made it and I'm overjoyed.

    The working is 0Z45 1006 Butterley to Swanage loco convoy. After two or three failed attempts D4 has made it and I'm overjoyed.

  • Moving to Swanage and the convoy run in passing the shed and will go into platform 1. On shed is 34028 Eddystone cooling down after its day at work.

    Moving to Swanage and the convoy run in passing the shed and will go into platform 1. On shed is 34028 Eddystone cooling down after its day at work.

  • A closer look at the class 44 and 46 Peaks, such a shame that a class 45 could not make it.

    A closer look at the class 44 and 46 Peaks, such a shame that a class 45 could not make it.

  • The fourship slow as they pass class U 2-6-0 31806 on the pit road.

    The fourship slow as they pass class U 2-6-0 31806 on the pit road.

  • The convoy arrived with a couple of days to spare as the class 37 was booked out on the Thursday warm up mixed traction day. 3/5/2022

    The convoy arrived with a couple of days to spare as the class 37 was booked out on the Thursday warm up mixed traction day. 3/5/2022

  • On a much better evening than 2 days previous, 37703 scurries home working 0Y78 1800 Corfe Castle to Swanage light engine. 5/5/2022

    On a much better evening than 2 days previous, 37703 scurries home working 0Y78 1800 Corfe Castle to Swanage light engine. 5/5/2022

  • The loco has worked its last train and left the stock at Corfe. The loco had failed during the day and its turns were covered by 33111 whilst the 37 was fixed. This was achieved in the afternoon and it returned picking up its last train out from Swanage.

    The loco has worked its last train and left the stock at Corfe. The loco had failed during the day and its turns were covered by 33111 whilst the 37 was fixed. This was achieved in the afternoon and it returned picking up its last train out from Swanage.

  • This was a real bonus for Ross and I even though we knew it was coming but not when. It was announced that GBRf was sending a class 73 loco but what came with it was a very short notice addition. 69004 leads 73136 under the bridge at Townsend heading for Swanage.

    This was a real bonus for Ross and I even though we knew it was coming but not when. It was announced that GBRf was sending a class 73 loco but what came with it was a very short notice addition. 69004 leads 73136 under the bridge at Townsend heading for Swanage.

  • GBRf are rebuilding ten class 56 locos replacing the Ruston-Paxman 16RK3CT 3,250hp powerplant with an EMD 12N-710G3B-T2 3,200hp stage IIIa emission compliant powerplant and a few other bits too. The original under frame, bogies, traction motors and brake system have been retained but new compressors, blower motors and electrical cubicles fitted. 69004 is the fourth one completed and used to be 56069.

    GBRf are rebuilding ten class 56 locos replacing the Ruston-Paxman 16RK3CT 3,250hp powerplant with an EMD 12N-710G3B-T2 3,200hp stage IIIa emission compliant powerplant and a few other bits too. The original under frame, bogies, traction motors and brake system have been retained but new compressors, blower motors and electrical cubicles fitted. 69004 is the fourth one completed and used to be 56069.

  • Each of the class 69s outshopped have carried a different BR era livery and this one carries the colours of the former Railway Technical Centre.

    Each of the class 69s outshopped have carried a different BR era livery and this one carries the colours of the former Railway Technical Centre.

  • Unfortunately the loco was not to be taking part in the gala as the first passenger train has been contracted to the Severn Valley Railway. It will be on static display only. 5/5/2022.

    Unfortunately the loco was not to be taking part in the gala as the first passenger train has been contracted to the Severn Valley Railway. It will be on static display only. 5/5/2022.

  • And so the 2022 diesel gala gets underway. Ross and I arrived at Harmans Cross in time to see the light engine move to Corfe but it never showed, oh a bad omen I thought. But the first passenger train left on time and D7612 arrives with 2C02 0915 off Swanage to Corfe Castle.

    And so the 2022 diesel gala gets underway. Ross and I arrived at Harmans Cross in time to see the light engine move to Corfe but it never showed, oh a bad omen I thought. But the first passenger train left on time and D7612 arrives with 2C02 0915 off Swanage to Corfe Castle.

  • Running into Corfe and this is a relief to see, 31128 was one of the two light locos we didn't see. It transpired they were ready to leave early so they went early.

    Running into Corfe and this is a relief to see, 31128 was one of the two light locos we didn't see. It transpired they were ready to leave early so they went early.

  • The other loco in the early morning light engine move was D4 and here it is getting away from Corfe with 1N00 0935 to Norden.

    The other loco in the early morning light engine move was D4 and here it is getting away from Corfe with 1N00 0935 to Norden.

  • This is one of just two pre beer train workings that go just to Norden. It will be served only by trains going to and from Bridge 4.

    This is one of just two pre beer train workings that go just to Norden. It will be served only by trains going to and from Bridge 4.

  • 50026 is at Swanage for mileage accumulation following overhaul at Eastleigh prior to going back out mainline. It is participating in the gala. The type 4 slows for its Corfe stop with the first of the River Frome Bridge 4 trains, 1R02 0939 off Swanage. 33111 is already on the back to take the train back to Swanage.

    50026 is at Swanage for mileage accumulation following overhaul at Eastleigh prior to going back out mainline. It is participating in the gala. The type 4 slows for its Corfe stop with the first of the River Frome Bridge 4 trains, 1R02 0939 off Swanage. 33111 is already on the back to take the train back to Swanage.

  • We decided to ride on the Friday thinking it would be quieter with fewer families out on a week day. D4 returns with 1N01 0948 Norden to Swanage and we will board this wedged train for our first time class 44 haulage.

    We decided to ride on the Friday thinking it would be quieter with fewer families out on a week day. D4 returns with 1N01 0948 Norden to Swanage and we will board this wedged train for our first time class 44 haulage.

  • Class 44 original Peak D4 Great Gable basks in the sun at Swanage. Ten locos of this class were built at Derby Works introduced in 1959 and named after English and Welsh mountains, hence the Peak nickname. Two survive in preservation, the other being D8 Penyghent. I only ever saw one in BR service, 44007 Ingleborough on a coal train in late 1979 or early 1980 somewhere in the Midlands.

    Class 44 original Peak D4 Great Gable basks in the sun at Swanage. Ten locos of this class were built at Derby Works introduced in 1959 and named after English and Welsh mountains, hence the Peak nickname. Two survive in preservation, the other being D8 Penyghent. I only ever saw one in BR service, 44007 Ingleborough on a coal train in late 1979 or early 1980 somewhere in the Midlands.

  • 31128 Charybdis stands at the headshunt in bay platform 1 having come in with 1039 Corfe to Swanage which we rode on. We had 40 minutes at Swanage before departing behind D4 for Bridge 4.

    31128 Charybdis stands at the headshunt in bay platform 1 having come in with 1039 Corfe to Swanage which we rode on. We had 40 minutes at Swanage before departing behind D4 for Bridge 4.

  • Parked up in the squint is 69004 with the cab open for inspection for a donation to GBRf's chosen charity Prostate Cancer. The type 5 looks stunning. This loco used to be 56069 and I have photographed it at Barnetby on 24/4/2002 on the Scunthorpe Steel Works - Immingham Docks merry go round circuit. Ten years later on 7/9/2012 I photographed it at Crewe South in Fertis livery having worked in Spain on engineers trains building their high speed lines.

    Parked up in the squint is 69004 with the cab open for inspection for a donation to GBRf's chosen charity Prostate Cancer. The type 5 looks stunning. This loco used to be 56069 and I have photographed it at Barnetby on 24/4/2002 on the Scunthorpe Steel Works - Immingham Docks merry go round circuit. Ten years later on 7/9/2012 I photographed it at Crewe South in Fertis livery having worked in Spain on engineers trains building their high speed lines.

  • 33111 arrives with 1R03 1032 River Frome to Swanage and passes D4 as it runs along platform 2. Ross and I make our way back to the platform to join the train for more D4 haulage all the way almost to Worgret, nine miles away.

    33111 arrives with 1R03 1032 River Frome to Swanage and passes D4 as it runs along platform 2. Ross and I make our way back to the platform to join the train for more D4 haulage all the way almost to Worgret, nine miles away.

  • Resident main line approved class 33 D6515 is fresh out of Eastleigh Works where it has received extensive bodywork repairs and other works and a full repaint. It really does look the dogs danglies! Its next working will be 1R14 1539 from Swanage to the River Frome and we will be on it from Corfe where D4 will come on to bring the train back to Swanage.

    Resident main line approved class 33 D6515 is fresh out of Eastleigh Works where it has received extensive bodywork repairs and other works and a full repaint. It really does look the dogs danglies! Its next working will be 1R14 1539 from Swanage to the River Frome and we will be on it from Corfe where D4 will come on to bring the train back to Swanage.

  • We rode behind D4 from Swanage to Corfe and here it moves light along platform 1 to go into the yard to await the River Frome train.

    We rode behind D4 from Swanage to Corfe and here it moves light along platform 1 to go into the yard to await the River Frome train.

  • The 133 tonne type 4 passes ground signal No 14 and enters the yard to wait the ten or so minutes for D6515 to arrive with the through train. We will board near the back to enjoy the sound of the Sulzer 12LDA28A 2,300hp powerplant on the standing start and 2 mile 1 in 78 climb to Furzebrook.

    The 133 tonne type 4 passes ground signal No 14 and enters the yard to wait the ten or so minutes for D6515 to arrive with the through train. We will board near the back to enjoy the sound of the Sulzer 12LDA28A 2,300hp powerplant on the standing start and 2 mile 1 in 78 climb to Furzebrook.

  • The second Peak is class 46 D182 on a return visit to Swanage. Here is slows for its station stop with 1R13 1532 River Frome to Swanage.

    The second Peak is class 46 D182 on a return visit to Swanage. Here is slows for its station stop with 1R13 1532 River Frome to Swanage.

  • Both Peaks are based at Midland Railway Centre, Butterley and are owned by the Peak Locomotive Company who also have two class 45 locos.

    Both Peaks are based at Midland Railway Centre, Butterley and are owned by the Peak Locomotive Company who also have two class 45 locos.

  • Our day of riding is over and we are back at Harmans Cross but there are still a few more trains to photograph. 31128 comes through Harmans Cross with 0Y78 1758 Corfe Castle to Swanage light engine.

    Our day of riding is over and we are back at Harmans Cross but there are still a few more trains to photograph. 31128 comes through Harmans Cross with 0Y78 1758 Corfe Castle to Swanage light engine.

  • The Brush type 2's last working was from Bridge 4 to Corfe Castle where it left the stock in platform 2 for the night and then run light for Swanage. It is passing the Up home gantry which was resited a few years ago.

    The Brush type 2's last working was from Bridge 4 to Corfe Castle where it left the stock in platform 2 for the night and then run light for Swanage. It is passing the Up home gantry which was resited a few years ago.

  • An arty farty shot of 31128 looking through the gantry.

    An arty farty shot of 31128 looking through the gantry.

  • Harmans Cross signalbox has now been switched out as the Up starter is off as a Down trains runs through. D7612 comes through with 1N19 1815 Norden to Swanage.

    Harmans Cross signalbox has now been switched out as the Up starter is off as a Down trains runs through. D7612 comes through with 1N19 1815 Norden to Swanage.

  • After its station stop the driver opens the power handle and the Sulzer 6LDA28-B 1,250hp powerplant puts out an exhaust as it gets away.

    After its station stop the driver opens the power handle and the Sulzer 6LDA28-B 1,250hp powerplant puts out an exhaust as it gets away.

  • On the back is 50026, its work for the day is over. This is the last train before the beer train starts running.

    On the back is 50026, its work for the day is over. This is the last train before the beer train starts running.

  • Looking through the gantry and the auto focus has gripped the signals so the class 50 is slightly blurred, a nice shot. Now off for something to eat, a great day. 6/5/2022

    Looking through the gantry and the auto focus has gripped the signals so the class 50 is slightly blurred, a nice shot. Now off for something to eat, a great day. 6/5/2022

  • Day two and we are photographing "over the road" to get the River Frome trains. But first 73136 arrives at Norden with 1N00 0935 Corfe Castle to Norden. 7/5/2022

    Day two and we are photographing "over the road" to get the River Frome trains. But first 73136 arrives at Norden with 1N00 0935 Corfe Castle to Norden. 7/5/2022

  • 73136 was brought in as a possible standby loco and just as well as this should have been 31128 on this diagram but it had failed with a distributor fault, a repair would be made during the day. 73136 runs round its train.

    73136 was brought in as a possible standby loco and just as well as this should have been 31128 on this diagram but it had failed with a distributor fault, a repair would be made during the day. 73136 runs round its train.

  • The station looks busy as the ED passes its four coaches on the run round.

    The station looks busy as the ED passes its four coaches on the run round.

  • The first of the trains to the River Frome at Bridge 4 and D6515 pauses at Norden with 1R02 0939 off Swanage.

    The first of the trains to the River Frome at Bridge 4 and D6515 pauses at Norden with 1R02 0939 off Swanage.

  • The Up starter is off and the barriers are down , the signalman is ready with the token and Andrew Wright is ready with his camera.

    The Up starter is off and the barriers are down , the signalman is ready with the token and Andrew Wright is ready with his camera.

  • The train comes "over the road". The signalman would have shown the class 33 driver the token and given it to the driver of the loco on the back.

    The train comes "over the road". The signalman would have shown the class 33 driver the token and given it to the driver of the loco on the back.

  • Once clear of Norden Gates signalbox the driver of D6515 can open it up and accelerate away. The track is climbing here at 1 in 330 and will continue to climb to just before Furzebrook.

    Once clear of Norden Gates signalbox the driver of D6515 can open it up and accelerate away. The track is climbing here at 1 in 330 and will continue to climb to just before Furzebrook.

  • On the back is class 46 D182 which will return the train to Swanage.

    On the back is class 46 D182 which will return the train to Swanage.

  • The returning train passes the site of the clay loading transshipment shed at Eldon Sidings. The shed is long gone but the siding has been relaid and in use for storage. The train is 1R03 1032 River Frome to Swanage stopping only at Norden and Corfe Castle.

    The returning train passes the site of the clay loading transshipment shed at Eldon Sidings. The shed is long gone but the siding has been relaid and in use for storage. The train is 1R03 1032 River Frome to Swanage stopping only at Norden and Corfe Castle.

  • D182 approaches the road over bridge slowing to allow the secondman to exchange tokens with the signalman.

    D182 approaches the road over bridge slowing to allow the secondman to exchange tokens with the signalman.

  • The train crosses over the level crossing and will come to a stand in Norden station. Down home NX32 is off as D6515 passes it.

    The train crosses over the level crossing and will come to a stand in Norden station. Down home NX32 is off as D6515 passes it.

  • We moved to Creech Bottom now as I wanted to be here for the next Down train from the River Frome. 50026 fronts 1R04 1039 from Swanage dropping down at 1 in 78 from Furzebrook.

    We moved to Creech Bottom now as I wanted to be here for the next Down train from the River Frome. 50026 fronts 1R04 1039 from Swanage dropping down at 1 in 78 from Furzebrook.

  • Network SouthEast liveried 50026 Indomitable comes by the private crossing with five on made up of a Maunsell open and four mkI coaches.

    Network SouthEast liveried 50026 Indomitable comes by the private crossing with five on made up of a Maunsell open and four mkI coaches.

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    Resident main line approved class 33 D6515 is fresh out of Eastleigh Works where it has received extensive bodywork repairs and other works and a full repaint. It really does look the dogs danglies! Its next working will be 1R14 1539 from Swanage to the River Frome and we will be on it from Corfe where D4 will come on to bring the train back to Swanage.
    We rode behind D4 from Swanage to Corfe and here it moves light along platform 1 to go into the yard to await the River Frome train.