60103 "Flying Scotsman" powers through the Purbecks | Swanage Railway 22/10/2022

Appearing fresh from an intermediate overhaul, sole surviving A3 Class - 60103 "Flying Scotsman" would make a return to the Isle of Purbeck and the Swanage Railway, hauling passengers through the picturesque Dorset countryside.

Operating over October 22nd - 26th, "Flying Scotsman" would be in service for 5 consecutive days, with each day seeing the locomotive make 5 non-stop return services over the Purbeck branch from Swanage to Norden and back. Complimenting 60103's services, a 'feeder' service would be operating alongside the Gresley pacific, taking passengers from Norden, Corfe Castle and Harmans Cross, to Swanage where they could alight for a service hauled by "Flying Scotsman". This 'feeder' service would feature 34028 Eddystone; a Swanage stalwart, and member of the Southern Locomotives Ltd stables.

For the A3 pacific, this event also forms part of a large programme of events scheduled for "Flying Scotsman", to celebrate its centenary in 2023. As such, its visit to the Swanage Railway marks the locomotives first working visit to a heritage railway since the completion of its intermediate overhaul; which has seen the boiler tubes replaced, pistons and valves bored and lined, as well as other mechanical and cosmetic attention where required. On the day of filming, services ran late towards the end of the timetable, owing to teething issues with 60103.

The visit would reunite the A3 with Pullman Observation Car - No14. Car No14 had traveled with "Flying Scotsman" to the USA from 1969-1971, on the locomotives' infamous tour of America. Also in the rake of 7 coaches behind 60103, would be two recently refurbished Maunsell Open Third carriages. Due to operational requirements, U Class - 31806 would perform a 'shunt and release' of 60103's services at Swanage; this is due to the run-around loop at Swanage only accomodating 5 carriages.

Locomotives:
Ex-LNER A3 Class - 60103 "Flying Scotsman"
Ex-SR Rebuilt 'West Country' Class - 34028 "Eddystone"

All footage filmed on Saturday the 22nd of October 2022.