All four DMU vehicles that make up the mainline fleet for services from the Swanage branch to Wareham have now returned to the Swanage Railway and are stabled in their now home at the mainline diesel depot at Corfe Castle. The upgrade to mainline standards and overhaul was performed by Arlington Fleet Services at Eastleigh works.
The fleet is made up of a three car class 117 and a single car class 121 - or 'Bubble Car' unit. The Class 117 - in common with mainline practice - is made up of vehicles that saw time in a variety of units. The configuration now is 51356, 59486 and 51388. The class 121 is 55028.
The Swanage Railway always welcomes new volunteers so, for a chat, contact Swanage Railway volunteer co-ordinator Mike Whitwam on 01929 475212 or email him at iwanttovolunteer@swanagerailway.co.uk.
Photographs by Andrew P.M. Wright,
Swanage Railway official photographer and press officer.