31806 First Mainline Run For 54 years 13/04/18

Описание: After 54 years away from the Main Line, 1928 built Southern Railway U Class No 31806 returns in fine style.
The loaded test run from Swanage to Yeovil Junction, meant the locomotive would have to climb the steep 1 In 50 gradient of Upwey Bank and Evershot. This film shows main highlights of the day. Including both climbs of Upwey Bank and the 33 powering up Evershot on the return.
Starting at Swanage, the U made its way along the branch to the Mainline at Worgret Junction. Making history the loco strolls onto the National network after two service trains pass.
Heading over to Upwey bank next, we see the train head down towards Weymouth and then storm back up unassisted with 5 MK 1 Coaches and the Class 33 dragging on the back.
Due to the train running early, we missed the engine climbing Evershot, so headed straight for Yeovil Junction to see it arrive.
On the return we see a bit of 33 action, As D6515 climbs Evershot heading for Weymouth.
Next we arrived at Wool just in time to the U drift through heading for Wareham.
At Wareham it's mission accomplished as the U is dragged back onto the Swanage branch.
Filmed on the 13/04/18
This is also the first time, a complete Swanage Railway train, has run on the Mainline. All Congratulations must go to the Swanage Railway and all the Volunteers that have made this possible.
West Coast Railways operated the test run.