34028 'EDDYSTONE' on first mainline run since 1960s with Railway Touring Company's Swanage Belle!
The steam locomotive at the head of the railtour was certainly no stranger to Swanage metals, none other than 34028 ‘Eddystone’ a loco which has been seen many times at Swanage, but today was that little bit more special.
Thats because, after passing her fully loaded main line test, this was 'Eddystone’s' first passenger carrying mainline duties since 1964 and first mainline revenue earning railtour! The loco performed faultlessly at high speed on the mainline and upon arrival at Swanage, the train was stabled for a few hours whilst passengers enjoyed a visit to the town between the rain showers, and the Pacific headed for watering and coaling. This would be the last visit for some time to Swanage for 'Eddystone' as she prepares to start a new career on the mainline.
We also see SR Schools 926 'Repton' at Swanage being prepared for a starring role in the lines forthcoming steam gala this weekend. The rain continued as 34028 ‘Eddystone’ was serviced, and 47812 shunted the stock, while services hauled by U Boat 31806 and D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ utilised the bay platform through some complex shunt moves with the resident diesel shunter while the charter occupied the main platform.
The return journey was diesel hauled by 47812 until Southampton, which we see passing Wareham where 'Eddystone' was dragged back before taking charge from Southampton on the way back to London.
A huge congratulations to Southern Locomotives & the engineers at The Swanage Railway on this fantastic achievement. From entering service in 1946, to early withdrawal in 1964, decades in Barry scrapyard, and a full restoration, 'Eddystone' has been through an extraordinary journey, and this exciting next chapter will enable the locomotive to be enjoyed by people all over the country as her modern mainline career begins and true power is unleashed… | 10.09.2025
** EDIT: Sadly the locomotive failed on the return run this evening at Basingstoke, hopefully it can be repaired in due course **
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A steam locomotive, 34028 'Eddystone', makes its first mainline passenger service since the 1960s on a railtour operated by the Railway Touring Company’s Swanage Belle. The train arrives at Swanage from London Victoria, with the locomotive undergoing its first mainline revenue-earning duties after passing a full test. The event takes place on the Swanage Railway, with additional railway stock and operators present, including Blue Pullman, British Railways, and others. Passengers enjoy a visit to Swanage between rain showers before the locomotive prepares for further mainline operations.
Fishplate has identified 5 locomotives in this video. We’ve also matched 2 headcodes and 9 operators . Create a free account to see where they appear, unlock timestamps and locations, and view the full breakdown.
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