Back in steam -Swanage railway re-opens after Covid lockdown

First steam train sets off at Swanage Railway after Covid lockdown
The first steam loco, 31806 sets off from Swanage as the railway re-opens after lockdown Credit: Andrew PM Wright

Steam trains have resumed on the Swanage Railway for the first time since mid-March.

From Monday, both Swanage and Norden stations will be open to the public, but trains will not stop at Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross and Herston Halt.

Volunteer staff back on the footplate at Swanage Railway Credit: Andrew PM Wright

The steam locomotive that will be hauling the trains will be late 1920s-built SouthernRailway U class No. 31806 which used to haul trains to Corfe Castle and Swanageduring the 1950s.

The resumption of steam trains and the opening of Norden station will see the health ofpassengers and railway staff still protected with socially distanced queuing at Swanageand Norden stations, socially distanced assigned seating on trains and the wearing offace coverings.

Locos back in steam on Dorset's Swanage Railway Credit: Andrew PM Wright

Passengers are being encouraged to book in advance for the trains via the SwanageRailway’s website at www.swanagerailway.co.uk.

Swanage Railway chairman Gavin Johns said: “I am delighted to see the return ofsteam locomotives on our trains and the re-opening of Norden station so that visitorscan book a day out at the seaside confident in the knowledge that they will be safe.