12th/13th September 1998 - Grand Steam Gala Weekend

Report and photographs from Andrew P.M. Wright - September 19th 1998

Delighted Swanage Railway volunteers are celebrating one of their most successful autumn steam galas ever with train passenger numbers up 30 per cent to 2,200 - three train running for the first time ever and more people linesiding despite a less than favourable weather forecast. 2,000 people attended the 100 vehicle vintage transport rally that, for the first time, had been staged as part of the two-day weekend event at Harman’s Cross.

The event on September 12th and 13th saw four steam locomotives with a combined age of almost 300 years and more than five million miles on their collective clocks go through their paces on the relaid Purbeck Line between Swanage, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden Park and Ride.

Midland 1F No. 41708 of 1880 made history when it took part in the Swanage Railway’s first ever three train running when it hauled four-a-day goods trains between Swanage, Herston and Harman’s Cross - slotted between the two-train passenger service ever 35 minutes from Swanage and Norden.

"It was bloody marvellous - probably the best ever steam gala we’ve ever put on. It was a great financial success," said Swanage Railway’s Passenger Services Manager David Green.

"To carry the number of passengers and attract the number of visitors to the vintage vehicle rally was a great achievement bearing in mind a weather forecast predicting wind and rain," he added.

As well as Midland 1F No. 41708 of 1880, Southern Railway S15 class No. E828 Harry A. Frith of 1927, Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacific No. 34072 257 Squadron of 1948 and BR Standard Class 4 Tank No. 80104 of 1955 were in action over the steam gala weekend.

Swanage Railway’s locomotive department had burnt the midnight oil during the week leading up to the gala to make sure the retubing of No. 34072 257 Squadron was completed in time for the steam gala - work being completed on the Thursday with a successful steam test on the Friday.