257 SQUADRON AT THE GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR 2004 - THE ROAD TRIP

Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright
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.

Swanage Railway volunteers and the Great Dorset Steam Fair made history on Tuesday, 24th August, 2004, when a huge leviathan of steam - a 128 ton steam locomotive - visited the popular annual event north of Blandford.

The main part of the journey by road from the Swanage Railway to the Steam Fair was made by road using two heavy low-loader transporters from specialist heavy haulier Allely's. Andrew's photos include an interesting shot of 257 Squadron passing over the railway at Wareham, and passing through the village of Spetisbury on the way to Blandford. 257 Squadron actually passed the site of the former S&D station through which unrebuilt Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacifics ran through until March, 1966, when the passenger service on the line was ceased and the line closed. The Broadstone to Blandford section of the S&D was kept for freight traffic until January, 1969.

For a selection of photographs of 257 Squadron on the road, please scroll down this page. For a series of Photo Reports and Press Release covering this historic event, please visit the following pages, either from the News Page or by clicking on these links:
Press Release - Preparation - By Rail to Norden - Road Trip (This page) - Arrival - On Show