Frost, fog, and steam. The bitterly cold winter conditions in the Isle of Purbeck made for a challenging day, as a thick fog set in over the Swanage Railway, providing interesting atmospherics for their festive services. 2023 marks the first time that 'The Polar Express' format has been seen on the Swanage Railway, indicating a move towards more daylight operations, and away from the 'Steam and Lights' services which were the main staple of festive services in recent years.
This format would see 5 return trips made over the railway across the day. The carriage set comprised of 7 carriages, which necessitated being top-and-tailed due to platform lengths and the length of run-around loops at both Swanage and Norden. As such all workings towards Norden would be led by 33111, with the returns worked by 34028, the latter of which would provide some spectacular soundtracks. Hauling a load of 7 carriages and an idling diesel on the drawbar, and not forgetting its own tender, 34028 would be in charge of roughly 350 tons as it thundered up Corfe bank.
Despite much positive public reception to the services, there has been some criticism of the railway regarding the expensive ticket prices. It's worth noting that the whole event is organised by an outside company, who effectively hire the railway to use as their stage, and set ticket prices accordingly. The prices are set to cover the hire cost of the railway and their subsequent operating fees, as well as the hiring and operating fees of the locomotives used, all of which are privately owned by seperate groups.
Locomotives:
Ex-SR Rebuilt 'West Country' Class - 34028 "Eddystone"
BR Class 33 - 33111
00:00 34028 on shed at Swanage
01:28 33111 Wilderness foot crossing
03:04 33111 Townsend Bridge
04:16 34028 Wurzel Crossing
05:38 34028 Corfe Common
07:13 33111 Dickers Crossing
09:08 34028 Townsend Bridge
10:19 34028 Swanage
13:13 33111 Corfe Castle
16:12 34028 Corfe Castle
All footage filmed on Saturday the 2nd of December 2023.
