May 12th 2024.
It was a beautiful summer day in Dorset, England, and the annual three-day diesel gala and beer festival was in full swing. The atmosphere was lively as people gathered to celebrate and enjoy the festivities. However, the excitement quickly turned to chaos when a vintage locomotive derailed while carrying over a hundred passengers.
The ex-British Rail Class 50 train was on its way to Harman's Cross and Swanage, but as it approached Corfe Castle station, it suddenly derailed. The 115-ton heritage diesel locomotive, built in 1968, was pulling a six-carriage passenger train when it partially derailed. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the carriages sustained no damage.
Despite the incident, the festival continued on its second day. Nine heritage diesel locomotives, from the 1960s and 1970s, were gathered on the heritage line to haul passenger trains. Seven of these locomotives were visiting the Swanage Railway, while the other two were permanent residents. It was a sight to behold, and the festival-goers were delighted to experience a piece of history.
However, the festival organizers were not taking any chances. They immediately informed the Government's independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch, which launched an investigation into the cause of the derailment. Additionally, the Government's Office of Rail and Road, the regulator and inspectorate of the heritage line, was also aware of the incident.
Specialist contractors were brought in to re-rail the diesel locomotive, and after a few hours of hard work, it was back on track. But as a precaution, the locomotive was taken out of service and examined for any damage. The vintage train, adorned with British Rail Network South East livery from the 1980s, had been a crowd favorite, and its restoration was a labor of love for a group of volunteers who spent 15 years bringing it back to life.
The festival continued on its third and final day, with 11 trains operating on the five and a half miles of line between Swanage, Corfe Castle, and Norden. However, the trains did not venture beyond Norden, as they usually did, to the River Frome, near Wareham. This change was due to the ongoing investigation and discussions with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.
Despite the minor setback, the festival was a success, and the organizers were grateful that no one was hurt. Swanage Railway Company chairman, Gavin Johns, expressed his appreciation for the swift action taken by the authorities and the volunteers who helped with the recovery. He also reassured the public that the safety of their passengers is their top priority, and they will continue to work closely with the authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
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