Public Railtour Waterloo-Swanage!

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Information for the Railway Media and Industry Contacts

LONDON TO SWANAGE BY TRAIN - AT LAST!

THE PURBECK PIONEER – WEDNESDAY 1 APRIL 2009

John Farrow of UKRailtours has announced the first public railtour to Swanage since closure of the branch by BR in 1972.

‘This has been a long time coming’ said John ‘but all the pieces of the jigsaw have now fallen into place and we’re ready to go.

‘All parties felt that it was a good idea to keep things robust and simple, and run the first train on a date when there is no scheduled Swanage Railway train service. That way we have the line all to ourselves, hence the choice of date just a few days before the railway begins running every day right through till autumn.

The train will leave from London Victoria (provisionally 08.55) running via the Mid-Sussex Line, Havant, Southampton, Bournemouth, Worgret Junction and Corfe Castle to Swanage where passengers can enjoy a break of over two hours. The station is right in the town centre, with the sea just a few minutes level walk away. Return is as outward to Southampton then via Romsey, the Laverstock Loop and Basingstoke, reaching Waterloo by around 20.30. Motive power is expected to be a DB Schenker (formerly EWS) Class 66 throughout, with Mark 1 vehicles.

The First Class Dining fare for this historic trip will be £159 (£616 for a party of four) including the Great British Breakfast, morning coffee and a four course dinner. A celebratory glass of champagne will be served to dining passengers as the train passes over the boundary between Network Rail and the Swanage Railway at Motala. Alternatively Standard Class is available at £57.50 (child £47.50) with a buffet car available.

Bookings are being handled by Past-Time Rail, PO Box 6000, Lichfield, WS14 4EH, telephone 01543 411971, or visit www.past-timerail.co.uk. Demand is expected to be very heavy so you are advised to book soon.

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http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news495.htm

This item is well worth reading.