A Swindon-built Great Western Railway express steam locomotive that appeared in the 2005 worldwide hit children’s film ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ is to be the historic star of the Swanage Railway’s exciting autumn steam gala.
It will be the first time that a Manor class steam locomotive has ever visited the Swanage Railway – both since the award-winning heritage line was rebuilt from nothing by volunteers from 1976 as well as during the branch line’s time under the Southern Railway Company and then British Railways.
The elegant restored steam locomotive is based on the Severn Valley Railway and spent its 23-year working career with the Great Western Railway and British Railways hauling trains in London, Wales and the West Midlands.
Designed by Charles Collett, Manor class 4-6-0 wheel arrangement steam locomotive No. 7800 ‘Bradley Manor’ was built at the famous Swindon railway works in Wiltshire during January 1938.
The dramatic three-day steam gala extravaganza takes to the rails of the award-winning six mile Swanage Railway between Friday and Sunday, 10 and 12 September, 2010.
As well as passenger trains being hauled between Norden ‘park and ride’, Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross, Herston Halt and Swanage by a variety of steam locomotives, the fund-raising event will also see nostalgic demonstration freight trains.
After a busy working life based at Old Oak Common in London, Bristol, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth in Wales as well as Shrewsbury in Shropshire, ‘Bradley Manor’ was scrapped by British Railways during 1965 before being sent to the Barry scrapyard in south Wales in July 1966 – the month that England won the World Cup against Germany.
‘Bradley Manor’ was rescued from the cutter’s torch at the Barry scrapyard during 1979 with the rusting hulk moved to the Severn Valley Railway. After a major ten year restoration, the express steam locomotive hauled its first passenger train since 1965 during 1993. Since then, the express steam locomotive has hauled trains on the Severn Valley Railway and West Somerset Railway as well as hauling special excursion trains on the national railway network.
Swanage Railway commercial manager, Martin Payne, said: “It is the first time a Great Western Railway ‘Manor’ steam locomotive has ever operated on the Swanage Railway and ‘Bradley Manor’ is a real gem from the days of elegant train travel.”
The Swanage Railway’s autumn steam gala will see all the line’s resident steam locomotives in action during the three day event, subject to availability. Victorian-designed London and South Western Railway M7 tank No. 53 from 1905 will be in action, along with 1920s Great Western Railway tank engine No. 6695, two 1940s Southern Railway Bulleid Pacifics ‘Manston’ and ‘Eddystone’ as well as 1955 British Railways Standard Tank No. 80104.
The popular Wessex Belle ‘Bistro’ dining train will be running on Friday and Saturday, 10 and 11 September 2010. While no booking is required, tables can be reserved in advance. The ‘˜Wareham Whalers’ shanty crew will be singing on the 11 September Wessex Belle ‘Bistro’ dining train.
An important part of the Swanage Railway’s annual autumn steam gala is the classic vehicle rally which takes place next to Harman’s Cross station and is staged by enthusiasts from the Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club.
Martin Payne explained: “With the classic vehicle rally taking place next to Harman’s Cross station, our annual grand steam gala offers the best of rail and road with something of interest to enjoy for all ages.”
More details about Swanage Railway services and special events are available from www.swanagerailway.co.uk or by calling 01929 425800.
Cool! Now all they need is the subway from Prince Caspian!!! 😀
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