Swanage Railway Diesel Gala 2024

11/5/24
Over the last weekend, the Swanage Railway held their annual diesel gala with home fleet and visiting locomotives taking to the rails over the 3 days. The lineup certainly was very nice this year with freshly painted locomotives and recent returnees amongst the list.
Making up the roster was;
Home Fleet:
. Class 33 No. D6515 'Jenny Lewis'
. Class 33 No. 33 111
Visiting Locomotives:
. Class 20s 302 & 311
(Courtesy of HNRC)
. Class 24 D5054 'Phil Southern'
(Courtesy of East Lancashire Railway)
. Class 37 219 'Jonty Jarvis'
(Courtesy of Colas Railfreight)
. Class 50 021 'Rodney'
(Courtesy of Paul Spracklen)
(Failed on the day so no running footage)
. Class 50 026 'Indomitable'
(Courtesy of Paul Spracklen)
. Class 52 D1015 'Western Champion'
(Courtesy of DTG)
. Class 69 002 'Bob Tiller'
(Courtesy of GBRF)
. Class 73 109 'Battle of Britain'
(Courtesy of GBRF)
(Not seen in video, static display at Swanage)
Despite the many problems Swanage Railway faced during the three days, from 50 021 failing twice in two days, 50 026 derailing outside Corfe and 69 007 failing just a day before the gala leading to 69 002 taking its place, they have shown great determination in rectifying the situations and dealing with what couldve been a complete write-off in some occasions and still continuing to give the people what they wanted despite the obstacles, I congratulate you Swanage Railway!