SWANAGE RAILWAY VOLUNTEERS HAIL SUCCESS OF FIRST LONDON TO SWANAGE EXCURSION
The Purbeck Pioneer - Wednesday 1st April 2009

Interim News Item from Keith Morgan - dated 1st April 2009
Photographs are copyright Keith Morgan.
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Success at last! The long-awaited passenger service hauled by freshly-painted DB Schenker Class 66 locomotive No 66152 from the main line at Wareham, stands at Swanage station on 1st April 2009.

At 8.45am on Wednesday April 1st 2009, under clear blue skies, a twelve-car special - 'The Purbeck Pioneer' hauled by a DB Schenker Class 66 locomotive No 66152 - departed from London Victoria on schedule and travelled via Leatherhead, Effingham, the Pompey Direct line, Southampton, Bournemouth, Wareham, Worgret Junction and down to Corfe Castle and Swanage!

This was the first passenger service to visit Swanage from the main line at Wareham since 1st January 1972, and represents a major milestone in the efforts of Swanage Railway volunteers

The scene at London Victoria on 1st April 2009, awaiting the departure of the 'Purbeck Pioneer' to Swanage.

The atmosphere on board the train was one of excitement and anticipation for the historic journey ahead, and many Swanage veterans had made the journey to London to be able to be part of this historic event. The organisers had provided a choice of a full set meal package for some passengers, whilst others brought picnics or made use of the well-stocked buffet.

The journey down to the coast at Havant and west to Wareham was made through beautiful early Spring countryside under clear blue skies.

The train was met at Wareham by Alan Greatbatch of Network Rail and with Swanage Railway's Steve Dyer on board the train was signalled down the Swanage branch via Worgret Junction, past Furzebrook and passed onto Swange Railway metals at Motala accompanied by a barrage of popping corks.

The historic train then travelled non-stop to Swanage via Norden, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Herston Halt (which is currently under reconstruction by volunteers). The train was met at Swanage by a welcoming crowd, Swanage Railway Trust's Chairman Mike Whitwam, Swanage Railway's staff and vounteers and local elected dignitaries, who all went out of their way to ensure that passengers were given an extremely warm welcome to Swanage and the seaside.

The 'Purbeck Pioneer' at Swanage on 1st April 2009 almost ready for the return journey to London.

After a couple of hours in Sunny Swanage, passengers reboarded the train for the return journey to London Waterloo, this time hauled by DB Schenker Class 66 locomotive No 66142 with 66152 at the rear.

After completing its historic journey, the DB Schenker Class 66 locomotive No 66152 stands at London Waterloo station on the evening of 1st April 2009.

None of this could have happened without the efforts of supporters working 'behind the scenes'. Eastleigh-based DB Schenker men Dave Purvis and Dave Gravell cleaned the DB loco inside and out and tested the stock. With Ian McDavid they relieved the train crew at Southampton for the final section to Swanage.

As Dave Purvis, Dave Gravell and Ian McDavid are all Swanage Railway members and volunteers, it ran like clockwork!

Dave Purvis ensures that the paintwork is spotless prior to the historic journey, and (left to right) are Ian McDavid, Dave Gravell and Dave Purvis with the The 'Purbeck Pioneer' at Swanage on 1st April 2009. (Photos courtesy Dave Purvis)

For the full background to this historic event, and information on future excursions, please read our news page here.

A fully illustrated news item is now available here.