West Country Class 34028 Eddystone - Preparations for first run at Swanage on 4th October

Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright - 7th October 2003
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
Photographs are copyright Andrew P.M. Wright. To view a larger version of any photograph on this page, just click on the thumbnail photograph and subsequently use the Back button on your browser to return to this page.

Andrew P.M. Wright has sent us a comprehensive Photo Report of preparations for West Country Class 34028 Eddystone making its first run at Swanage on Saturday 4th October 2003. (To visit Andrew's separate report of the first run itself please click here).

Andrew's photos show the extensive preparations as the head of steam is built up, as this was the first time Eddystone had moved under its own power since 1964. The photos show the dedicated team of volunteers making final checks, lubricating the moving parts and correcting the minor leaks before the momentous event.

The restoration of Eddystone was originally started at Sellinge but moved to Swanage in November 1999. Steady progress has been made since then thanks to the efforts of the dedicated teams of volunteers, culminating in the passing of the steam test on 24th July. To see photos of this milestone event please click here. (To see photos of the move from Herston works in September please click here. There is also a progress news item from December 2001, here. To see a photo of the locomotive passing through Corfe Castle by road in 1999, please click here).