The Swanage Railway’s Strictly Bulleid II Gala, held between the 7th and 9th June, saw more than 4,700 passengers travelling on trains over the weekend.

It was the largest gathering of Merchant Navy Bulleid Pacifics since then end of Southern Steam in 1967.

This makes the gala the largest special event that the Swanage Railway had held.

Before the gala properly kicked off, there was a preview day on Thursday 6th June which marked the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion in 1944.

The eight locomotives that featured at the gala were No. 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation’ (visiting thanks to the 35006 Locomotive Company and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway), 35018 British India Line (visiting thanks to West Coast Railways), 34081 ’92 Squadron’ (visiting thanks to the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society and the Nene Valley Railway), 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ (visiting thanks to the Spa Valley Railway and Southern Locomotives Limited), 34070 ‘Manston’ (made available thanks to Southern Locomotives Limited), 34028 ‘Eddystone’ (owned by SLL), and 34092 ‘City of Wells’ (visiting thanks to the East Lancashire Railway).

Most of the trains travelled from Swanage to just before the mainline connection at Furzebrook.

There were also night trains with departures at 1, 3, 5 and 7 in the morning, which was a first for the Swanage Railway.

“”We were delighted with the level of interest in our historic ‘Strictly Bulleid II’ steam gala which carried more than 4,700 passengers during the four-day event that captured the imagination of enthusiasts.

“Events like this take a lot of planning, securing co-operation from locomotive owners and transport hauliers as well as the daunting task of delivering a complex operation. To everyone who took part – in whatever role – thank you. ‘Strictly Bullied II’ was a distinct, unique and a real pleasure to experience,” added Gavin who is a volunteer signalman on the heritage line.

Swanage Railway Company chairman Gavin Johns

“The highlight of ‘Strictly Bulleid II’ was experiencing the wonderful atmosphere of the eight locomotive event and seeing the complex train timetable, on nine miles of railway, run as well as it did.

“It has been a remarkable journey getting everything organised and feeling the buzz and excitement generated by ‘Strictly Bulleid II’ among our customers, staff and volunteers – who have worked so hard to deliver this event – is the greatest reward.

“Strictly Bulleid II’ was a wonderful celebration of some of the most popular classes of steam locomotives and to admire eight Bulleid Pacifics in steam together was totally breathtaking and an astounding achievement by our dedicated staff and volunteers.

“I cannot praise the ‘Strictly Bulleid II’ organising committee team enough for pulling together an amazing and historic event. My thanks also go to the locomotive owning groups because without their generosity, enthusiasm and support we would not have been able to pull the historic and impressive line-up together,”

Steam gala event organiser Alexander Atkins