Swanage Railway - 'Diesel Gala' 12-13/05/2023

The 'Diesel Gala' at the Swanage Railway has become one of the highest profile diesel events in the heritage railway calendar, with this years' rendition being held over the weekend of May 12th-14th. 10 diesels would see action over the event, covering a variety from English Electric heavyweights to Third-Rail ED's. The event would feature an intensive timetable, with express services running between Swanage and River Frome Viaduct. A stopping shuttle service also was laced into proceedings, working between Swanage, Harmans Cross and Corfe Castle.

Joining the resident pair of Class 33's, Class 17 - D8568 would make its first visit to the Isle of Purbeck, rubbing shoulders with fellow visitors in the shape of Class 45 - 45108 and Class 40 - D345. GB Railfreight would show their support for the gala, with the presence of two Class 73's from their stables; 73107 "Tracy" and 73201 "Broadlands". Also in the realm of 'heritage diesels still in revenue earning service', Class 47 - 47830 would attend the event courtesy of Freightliner.

The line up would be completed by the Class 50 pair of 50026 "Indomitable" and 50021 "Rodney". For the latter, the gala served as a huge milestone, as 50021's return to revenue earning service; having not hauled a passenger service since 1999. This break of over 23 years saw the locomotive spend a prolonged period in storage before being sold to the same owners as 50026 in 2015, commencing a major and meticulous overhaul. 50021's presence at the gala serves as testament to the tireless dedication by the owners and volunteers and the work they’ve carried out over the last 7 years. Along with the numerous individuals and businesses in the rail industry who pulled out all the stops to ensure 50021 could, at the last minute, join the locomotive convoy headed for Swanage.

50021's relaunch at the event is very fitting, as 11 years previous 50026 made its preservation debut, at the 2012 edition of the 'Diesel Gala' on the SR. Topping it off, the pair worked a service together over the Dorset branch line, marking their first double-headed working in preservation, and by extension the first time since the current owners took ownership.

Locomotives:
GB Railfreight Class 73 - 73107 "Tracy"
GB Railfreight Class 73 - 73201 "Broadlands"
Freightliner Class 47 - D1645 / 47830 "Beeching's Legacy"
BR Class 17 - D8568
BR Class 33 - 33111
BR Class 40 - D345
BR Class 50 - 50021 "Rodney"
BR Class 45 - 45108
BR Class 50 - 50026 "Indomitable"
BR Class 33 - D6515 "Lt Jenny Lewis RN"

All footage filmed on Friday the 12th, and Saturday the 13th, of May 2023.