The Swanage Railway is set to make history next month when Swanage and Corfe Castle will once again be reconnected to the mainline at Wareham. The first time in 45 years!

The railway is volunteer led and plans to run its first diesel hauled passenger train in Wareham on the 13th June 2017.

The first train will mark the start of a two year trial period where diesel trains will operate on 60 days during the summer. Four trains a day in each direction between Wareham, Corfe Castle and Swanage.

The Chairman of the Swanage Railway Company, Trevor Parsons, said “This is the culmination of a far-sighted investment by our stakeholders of £5.5 million to re-connect Swanage and Corfe Castle with the main line at Wareham. We’re working very closely with our partners at Network Rail and South West Trains to finalise arrangements for what is a complex operation. The trial public service will be historic because it has been the Swanage Railway’s ambition to return passenger trains to Wareham for more than 40 years – with several generations of volunteers working to achieve this”.

Network Rail has been given a £3.2 million investment by the District Council and Dorset County Council, this has been used to upgrade the track at Worgret Junction, west of Wareham where the line from Swanage joins. The investment has also allowed the signalling equipment between Wareham Station, Worgret Junction and Corfe Castle Signal Box to be upgraded.

West Coast Railways are supplying the Mainline Diesels and train crews to run the train in the summer. A diesel locomotive at each end and four coach’s in between will run the trains in the summer.

Fares for the train will be £15 for an adult or senior citizen for a day return from Swanage to Wareham, and £9 for a single. Children will be £10 for a return and £6 for a single.

• Visit the Swanage Railway Website
  For more information

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