Class 50 locomotive No. 50021 “Rodney” to be guest at Swanage Railway Gala

Last updated: 17/04/2023 at 11:15 AM

Roger Smith - Contributor 8 months ago 1 comment 3 Min Read

BR Class 50 No. 50021 // Credit: George Browning

The Swanage Railway has announced that the final heritage locomotive for this year's Diesel Gala and Beer Festival will be Class 50 No. 50021 Rodney.

This will be the Swanage Railway's 16th annual Diesel Gala and Beer Festival, and this year is being held from Friday 12th to Sunday, 14th May, with a preview day on Thursday 11th May.

Class 33 111 at Corfe Castle. // Credit: Andrew P M Wright

Rodney's appearance at the Gala will be subject to successful completion of repairs and testing and will be the first time since 1999 that it has worked trains. If the testing of Rodney is not successful, then its Classmate No. 50026 Indomitable will take over Rodney's duties at the gala. The Swanage Railway will make an announcement nearer the event if this change becomes necessary.

On all three days, an intensive service will operate over the railway's full ten-mile route between Swanage and its boundary with Network Rail at “Bridge 4” over the River Frome on the line from Weymouth to Wareham. A three-train service will be in operation, with two trains operating over the full length of the line to Bridge 4, and a shuttle service in operation between Swanage and Corfe Castle.

Class 40 D345/40145, one of the Gala visitors. Credit: Class 40 Preservation Society

The Beer Festival will be held in the station yard at Corfe Castle and at Swanage station there will be a number of trade stands and, subject to confirmation, a BBQ.

Locomotives from the railway's home fleet will include Class 33s Nos. 33012 and 33111, and besides Rodney, visiting locomotives will include Class 17 No. D8568, Class 40 No. D345/40145, Class 45 No. 45108, and Class 47 No. 47830.

Class 17 D8568, one of the Gala visitors. Credit: Matt Robinson

Advance tickets cost £35 for adults and £25 for children, with two-day tickets for £58 adult and £38 child, and three-day tickets for £66 adult and £45 child, and can be purchased online at Swanage Railway Ticket Prices Fares Travel charges (myonlinebooking.co.uk). Tickets can be purchased on the day but cost an extra £5.