A drivers view of
The Swanage Diesel Gala
Alan Peters
The annual Swanage Diesel Gala and Beer Festival took place over the weekend of 9th to 11th May, with a look from the other side of the fence whilst working Colas Rail 56090.
Following a brake fault 56090 missed the first trip from Norden on 9th May 2025 and was shunted into the siding to allow 20066 to run around its train whilst photographers snap away, thankfully the fault was quickly rectified on the class 56 and returned to traffic with no further issues throughout the gala. 09.05.2025, copyright Alan Peters.
The Colas Rail class 56 stabled in the sidings in between service trains at Swanage on 09/05/25. Copyright Alan Peters.
Peak 45108 storms away from Swanage with the late running 13:00 from Swanage to Norden on 09/05/25. Copyright Alan Peters.
Drivers eye view at Corfe Castle with 45108 returning to Swanage from Norden on 09/05/25. Copyright Alan Peters.
GBRf Network SouthEast liveried 73128 with the Bluebell Railway 4-VEP seen arriving at Norden on 09/05/25, as seen from the footplate of 56090. Copyright Alan Peters.
Colas Rail 56090 ready to depart Swanage with 14:15 to Norden complete with 'Rail Riders' headboard and Ted in the cab window on 10/05/25. Copyright Alan Peters.
Another view of Corfe Castle from the cab of 56090 with the crowds on the platform as resident 33012 / D6515 'Lt Jenny Lewis RN' arrives from Norden on 10/05/25. Copyright Alan Peters.
Rail Engineering Solutions 47715 is seen on the shed at Swanage in between service trains on 11/05/25, this locomotive is now based at Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway. 10.05.2025, copyright Alan Peters.
Back at Norden with the Colas Rail class 56 and 47715 was captured arriving with the 13:00 from Swanage, the resident class 33 D6515 will take the train back to Swanage on 11/05/25. Copyright Alan Peters.
Back at Norden with the Colas Rail class 56 and 47715 was captured arriving with the 13:00 from Swanage, the resident class 33 D6515 will take the train back to Swanage on 11/05/25. Copyright Alan Peters.
Many thanks for sharing these great 'behind the scenes' pictures with us, Alan!
Exeter 'Peak'
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
A summers day in 1984 sees 45019 waiting to head East from Exeter St. Davids. An unidentified class 50 is in the background. Copyright Phil Smith.
Another super photo of bygone times, many thanks indeed Phil.
Branch Line Scenes
1450 at Bodmin
Jon Hird
On the first day of the Bodmin Railway's spring steam gala, 1450 climbs the gradient from Bodmin Parkway with the resident autocoach in tow. 16.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.