On Sat 7 July I and 3 others travelled from the Norh Devon line on the 0705 from Barnstaple, changing at Exeter Central, to Yeovil Jn to join the recently introduced SWR through train at 0940 (0722 from Basingstoke) to Corfe Castle on the Swanage Railway. We returned on the 1545 Corfe Castle to Waterloo alighting at Yeovil Jn for train to Exeter Central/North Devon.
It was noted that the 0722 Basingstoke was sensibly formed of a 2 car cl 158 portion for Weymouth and a 3 car cl 159 portion for Corfe Castle, and this proved ideal for the passenger traffic on offer, being principally those heading for the Swanage Railway or Weymouth.
Full credit must be given to those, not least Senior SWR Management, who will have worked hard behind the scenes to introduce this increasingly popular service with excellent punctuality, train cleanliness, welcoming, efficient staff throughout and fully functioning train air conditioning on another exceptionally hot day this Summer.
The icing on the cake was to experience a ride behind the National Railway Museum's legendary 1899 built T9 loco 30120 hauling 5 former BR Mark I coaches resplendant in Southern Green, on a well cared for and heavily volunteered run line that has made tremendous achievements since its closure in 1972 and its very hasty shortsighted dismantling soon afterwards.
'Where there's a will there's a way' as they say; something long overdue in provision of some through trains from Taunton to Bishops Lydiard for the West Somerset Railway; a Railway that is scratching its head, with realisation of its challenges ahead and the need to increase its business.
what a glorious engine. Will be 120 years old next year won’t it?
