Swanage Railway: Drive & Fire 2011

[34053]

Just getting the Topic set up, ready for some pics (to follow) of this year's Event. Watch this space.

PW

[Xplumberlives]

Oooooh, I hope it's worth the wait!

[34053]

Here is the promised Report, together with some pics, from the Annual, Southern Locomotives Ltd's Shareholders 'Drive & Fire' at the Swanage Railway:

This year, the 'D & F' days were on Wednesday 12th October until Friday 14th October. (Normally they are held Thursday to Saturday, but had to be altered this year due to the Main Line Excursion arriving on the Saturday-see separate Topic). Wedgy and I were booked in for the Thursday and we reported 'for duty' in good time for our 1355hrs Departure from Swanage. This year was slightly different in that instead of coaching stock, 34070 'Manston' was hauling a rake of goods wagons, with a Brake Van (Guards Van) at each end.

As usual, the schedule of our 'Special' had to fit in with the normal Service Passenger Train, hauled by 'Standard Tank' 80104 that day.

Following a brief 'tutorial' by the Driver and Fireman of 'Manston', Wedgy was 'on the Regulator' for the Outward journey from Swanage to Norden Stations, whilst I was 'on the Shovel'. [I am pleased to say that I remembered the technique (and the correct way to hold the shovel) from last year, of shovelling the coal from tender to fire hole, without moving your feet].
At Norden, we changed over roles; I was on the Regulator with Wedgy firing, for the return trip (Tender first) back to Swanage, pausing at Harman's Cross to allow the Service Train to pass. A great experience for us both!

Upon arrival back at Swanage, we had the offer (because of a vacancy arising) of a 'Footplate Ride' on the 1545hrs Service Train Departure from Swanage. We did not need asking twice! This was most interesting as, not only was this my first time on the footplate of a 'Standard 4 Tank', but it was also an education to see a Driver and Fireman 'in action'. Also, being the last train of the day, witnessing the decisions being made regarding the minimum amount of coal to use (taking into account the gradients of the line, etc) so that there was sufficient steam to finish the job, move the coaching stock into the siding and then get back 'on shed' for 'disposal' (dropping the fire, etc). A perfect end to a perfect day for me and my son Wedgy.

Here are the pics:

1. Did somebody mention '...2 grinning cheshire cats' somewhere?:


2. 'Manston', with goods stock, at Swanage:


3. 'Manston', with goods stock, at Swanage:


4. 'Special' Headboard:


5. Nameplate:


6. Wedgy and Papa Wedgy waiting for the 'Right Away':


7. 'Manston' leaving Swanage, with Wedgy on the Regulator:


8. The 'Backhead' of 'Manston':


9. It gets quite hot on here:


10. At Harman's Cross (en route to Swanage) waiting for Service Train to pass:


11. Standard Tank 80104 (on which we had our 'Footplate Ride':


12. Additionally, 34028 'Eddystone' was also used on 'D & F' duties (light engine) on the Friday:


13. 'Eddystone' on 'D & F' duty:


My most grateful thanks to the following, for the photos used in this Report:

- Southern Locomotives Ltd (Pics 1; 6; 10-13 incl).

- Paul Gildersleve (Pics 2-5 incl and 7-9 incl).

Paul has a brilliant photo website, which is well worth a look at:

http://paulgildersleve.smugmug.com/Paul ... 68_FGpQBvN

Would you like to be on the Footplate, 'Driving & Firing'? Why not become a Shareholder and contribute to the Restoration of these beautiful Locomotives? Please see the SLL website:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk

PW

[Xplumberlives]

Cracking report Ray, many thanks!

looks like you both had a great time!

[Wedgy]

3rd year and it just gets better each year

Love that photo of Manston under my control

[Xplumberlives]

Having looked again, I've just noticed that you are wearing a proper CASEY JONES shirt!

[MOD]

Great stuff Ray and Matt.


Ian