HISTORIC STEAM-HAULED PASSENGER TRAIN RUNS BETWEEN SWANAGE AND LONDON
TANGMERE JOURNEYS TO LONDON WATERLOO - 4th May 2009

News Item and Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 6th July 2009
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
Photographs are copyright Andrew P.M. Wright.
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First Swanage to London steam train since 1967 hauled by Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacific No 34067 Tangmere sweeps over the viaduct at Corfe Castle on 4 May 2009 bound for London Waterloo.

Dorset railway history was made on Bank Holiday Monday, 4 May, 2009, when a steam train ran from Swanage to London - for the first time since the summer of 1967.

The locomotive was streamlined unrebuilt Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacific No. 34067 'Tangmere' which departed the seaside resort for the capital at 4pm and arrived at London's Waterloo station's Platform 19 at 9.03pm.

With the bit between its teeth, 'Tangmere' hauls its 11-coach train up the 1 in 220 gradient between the A351 Catseye Bridge and the start of the national railway network at Motala, between Norden and Furzebrook.

The last time that a steam train ran between Swanage and London was on Sunday 18 June 1967 - during the summer of love made famous by the Beatles.

Approaching Worgret Junction and the main line to London, Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacific No 34067 Tangmere climbs up the gradient from the River Frome bridge on Monday 4 May 2009.

That train was special end of steam rail tour organised by the RCTS (Railway Correspondence & Travel Society).

The first Swanage to London steam train since 1967 hauled by Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacific No 34067 Tangmere arrives at London Waterloo station on 4th May 2009.

On the Wareham end was Standard Class 4 Tank No. 80146 - a veteran performer on the Swanage branch between 1964 and 1966 - while on the Swanage end was rebuilt Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacific '602 Squadron'.

With its classic Bulleid Pacific air-smoothed casing reflecting the sodium lighting, 'Tangmere' simmers under the iron, steel and glass roof of London's Waterloo station after its five-hour run from Swanage which ended at platform 19 at 9.03pm.

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