Wow, amazing the information a simple question can generate. Ian J that whole process seems so complicated and convoluted, surely as was previously suggested simply attaching a loco at the other end and hauling the train out the way would be simpler, even as far as Corfe or Norden, perhaps there simply isn’t a double track stretch long enough to stable a train that length and still conduct normal operations.
I believe there’s a charter train running to Swanage in the not to distant future, will have to see if can get down and observe.
EddieK, I grew up in North Wales and indeed spent several happy summers as a steward on the trains based out of Chester dragging my trolley through anything and everything that ran from Crewe and Manchester up to Holyhead 142s to 37 hauled club trains, even occasionally hitching a lift on the Virgin hauled 47s or or steam specials that ran. That coupled with attending college in Wrexham adjacent to the station there has my prime interest firmly in the Regional Railways era and the freight that ran through Wrexham late 80s mid 90s
However the last 15 yrs or so I’ve lived down on the south coast so a semi regular visitor to Swanage and equally enjoy the sight of a stream engine in action.
I’m hoping that I’m finally approaching a point where I’ll have the space time and funds to start the layout I’ve always wanted. It will be predominantly based on the time frame above but I want the excuse to run steam too and Swanage with its terminus and sheds and mainline connection gives all sort of scope. So it will be the heritage line on what hopefully be a larger layout. There is obviously a disconnect between 1990s diesels and Swanage as it is now but I’m a firm believer in Rule 1
The grand plan is still some time off but I’m aiming to start on my version of Swanage as Im hoping I can build it as a stand alone layout but on a base that can be accommodated in to a larger layout later on.
I’ve never tried to recreate any particular location/prototype before, my skills aren’t great but I’m going to try to get it as realistic as I can.
I’m not striving for perfection, Enjoyment of construction and operation is what it’s all about.
So thanks for the info already posted, will gratefully appreciate any further nuggets regarding anything Swanage. (Or indeed Wrexham 88-93ish)
Cheers
John