Swanage Railway 23/07/2022

Faced by the prolonged hot weather, and subsequent extremely dry conditions, the Swanage Railway still managed to front two steam locomotives to deliver the first day of their Summer timetable. This consists of a two train service operating through the Isle of Purbeck between Swanage and Norden. Duties would be shared between 34028 "Eddystone" and U Class - 31806, the latter of which has recently received attention to its valve gear to fix some ailments associated with normal wear and tear. The U Class could be seen sporting a 'Swanage Railway 50th Anniversary' headboard throughout the day, marking both 50 years since the Swanage branch was closed by British Railways, and 50 years since the foundation of the Swanage Railway Society. Celebrating the 60th anniversary since the withdrawal of the titled service, 'The Royal Wessex' would be resurrected as a suppliment on one of the service trains. The service was implemented in 1951 in conjuction with the 'Festival of Britain', providing a semi-fast service between the capital and popular seaside towns on the South West Mainline; Bournemouth, Weymouth and Swanage. The service has its origins 40 years earlier in 1911, as an untitled express between London Waterloo and Bournemouth; later becoming the 'Bournemouth Limited'. The service was dropped at the onset of World War II. After its reintroduction and being retitled, the service lasted up until 1962. Swanage's celebration of the titled train saw passengers travel in freshly overhauled Maunsell SO carriage - S1381, adorned with 'Royal Wessex' name boards. Starting the day behind 34028, the Bulleid was suitably fitted with 'The Royal Wessex' headboard, with 31806 taking over the service in the afternoon minus this added touch. After the service trains were done for the day, the Swanage Railways' flagship dining service, 'The Wessex Belle', would venture through the Isle of Purbeck as the sun began to set, hauled by 34028 "Eddystone". Locomotives: Ex-SR U Class - 31806 Ex-SR Rebuilt 'West Country' Class - 34028 "Eddystone" All footage filmed on Saturday the 23rd of July 2022.