SUPPORTERS' PHOTOS OF THE SWANAGE BELLE LONDON TO SWANAGE RAILTOUR - 3rd July 2010

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'The Swanage Belle' passing Brockenhurst, headed by No. 30777 Sir Lamiel on 3rd July 2010. Photo Peter Milford

Another milestone was reached in Purbeck today - Saturday, 3rd July 2010 - when the Railway Touring Company's "The Swanage Belle" London to Swanage & return railtour hailed by No. 30777 Sir Lamiel visited Swanage. The railtour was originally expected to be hauled by No. 34067 Tangmere which is currently out of service undergoing repairs.

"The Swanage Belle" will again visit Swanage on Saturday 25th September [Tickets from Railway Touring Company] travelling from London Victoria down to Corfe Castle and Swanage, returning to London Waterloo.

Swanage Railway supporters Peter Milford and Dave Cook have supplied photos taken during the journey to and from Swanage on 3rd July.

Please scroll down the page to see all the photos.

Peter Milford writes:

With hot summer conditions and high fire risk, 37 706 was positioned immediately behind Sir Lamiel and was providing much of the power as the train passed Brockenhurst.

'The Swanage Belle' at Lymington Junction, headed by No. 30777 Sir Lamiel on 3rd July 2010. Photo Peter Milford

At Lymington Junction, 30777 was running with the drain cocks open and then, passing the junction and beginning the climb to Sway, the cocks were shut and the regulator opened - along with the power handle on the 37. The deep growl of the 'tractor' was very evident ......

Unable to turn at Swanage due to the small turntable, No 30777 Sir Lamiel was hauled back to Southampton and then worked the train back to London Waterloo via Romsey, Laverstock and Andover.

'The Swanage Belle' arriving at Wareham headed by No. 30777 Sir Lamiel on 3rd July 2010. Swanage Belle 3rd July 2010. Photo Dave Cook

'The Swanage Belle' at Wareham headed by No. 30777 Sir Lamiel on 3rd July 2010 as the fireman shovels coal forward in the tender whilst the support crew prepare to take on some water. Photo Dave Cook

'The Swanage Belle' headed by No. 30777 Sir Lamiel leaving Norden for Corfe Castle on 3rd July 2010. Photo Dave Cook

No. 30777 Sir Lamiel eases 'The Swanage Belle' over the Corfe Castle viaduct, taken from West Hill, Corfe Castle on 3rd July 2010. Photo Dave Cook

No. 30777 Sir Lamiel viewed through the castle ruins, entering Corfe station on 3rd July 2010. Photo Dave Cook

No. 30777 Sir Lamiel hauls 'The Swanage Belle' through Grimstead - heading for Laverstock and then the return to London Waterloo via Andover and Basingstoke - on the return working on Saturday 3rd July 2010. Photo Peter Milford

Fire precautions meant that most of the work on the return journey was done by 37706 growling at the rear of the train. Although blowing off, Sir Lamielwas not working hard - there is very little visible exhaust and the drain cocks appear to be open.

37 706 had hauled Sir Lamiel from Swanage to Southampton where the train reversed to put Sir Lamiel once again at the head of the train for the return via Romsey.

More details about Swanage Railway services and special events are available from 'www.swanagerailway.co.uk' or by calling 01929 425800.