Headcode 98 - Destination Swanage
Between
1967 and 1969, British Railways ran loco-hauled services from London
Waterloo through to Swanage using either Class 33s or 73s and two 4TC
sets. Fifty years after those services last ran, Class 33 D6515 made a
nostalgic trip along the same route, displaying the authentic 98
headcode. This cab ride is a record of the 82 miles of that journey from
Basingstoke to Swanage. The stock of this August 2019 charter train
comprised London Underground’s 4TC set with 73107 on the rear of the
train, making the formation the equivalent of load 8.
The Class 33 was booked for plenty of 85mph running over what was once
familiar Crompton territory. The 59-year-old B&RCW Type 3 is in fine
fettle and put in an excellent performance - as can be heard from the
superb WIRED FOR SOUND Sulzer soundtrack.
After a spirited departure from Basingstoke, the Class 33 makes a lively
run through Winchester, Eastleigh and Micheldever to Southampton Central
where it stops for a crew change. After passing the vast Freightliner
terminal and the Fawley branch, the Crompton powers across the New
Forest, passing Brockenhurst, New Milton and Christchurch before
arriving under Bournemouth’s magnificent station roof. The journey
continues through Branksome to Poole. After passing through the tight
curve of Poole station, the Class 33 passes the site of the former Holes
Bay Junction, where more than forty years ago in May 1977, D6515 worked
the final freight to Wimbourne.
After crossing Holes Bay and passing through Hamworthy, the Crompton
pauses at Wareham to pick up the Swanage Railway pilotman. A mile later,
D6515 leaves the main line at Worgret Junction to take the scenic
Swanage branch. The line descends sharply to cross the River Frome,
after which the loco is on full power again for the 1 in 78 climb up to
Furzebrook. After encountering the first semaphore signals of the
journey at Norden, the line passes under the shadow of Corfe Castle. The
Class 33 rounds off a memorable journey with a non-stop run through
Harmans Cross before arriving at Swanage alongside Crompton classmate
33111.
This programme was produced with the assistance of GB Railfreight and
71A Locomotives.
