Bulleid Pacifics on the Swanage Railway 2017

As 2017 marked the 50th Anniversary of the End of Southern Steam, numerous events were held across the South coast in commemoration. Swanage Railway played host to a couple of such events, tying into the theme of the End of Steam on British Railways' Southern region.

The Spring Steam Gala, dubbed 'Strictly Bulleid', saw the largest gathering of working Bulleid Pacifics since the end of Southern steam itself back in 1967, with 5 locomotives rubbing shoulders on the Dorset branch line. On the 9th of July, 50 years to the day since the final fires were dropped, Swanage Railway played host to a one-day event 'Southern Sunrise' to commemorate the occasion. As such over the course of the year, 6 Bulleid Pacifics have graced Swanage metals, as Swanage stalwart 34072 "257 Squadron" returned from overhaul - 2017 really was 'the year of Bulleids'.

Filming Dates:
16th February 2017
'Strictly Bulleid' preparations - 29th March 2017
'Strictly Bulleid' Spring Steam Gala - 1st April 2017
"Lord Dowding" arrives for servicing - 8th April 2017
'Southern Sunrise' Gala - 9th July 2017
"257 Squadron" emerges from Herston Works - 21st August 2017
"257 Squadron" is steamed - 29th November 2017

Locomotives:
Ex-SR 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34070 "Manston"
BR(S) 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34081 "92 Squadron"
Ex-SR 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34052 "Lord Dowding" (34046 "Braunton")
BR(S) 'West Country' Class - 34092 "City of Wells"
Ex-SR 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34053 "Sir Keith Park"
BR(S) 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34072 "257 Squadron"