For the first time since returning from its mainline standard overhaul, Class 121 'Bubble Car' - W55028 would be offered up for Driver Experiences on the Swanage Railway, taking advantage of their 'over the road' extension between Norden and River Frome Viaduct; the limit of SR operations.
W55028 was overhauled up to mainline standard for the Swanage Railway's 'Wareham Service', which was implemented in 2023. The 'Bubble Car' saw extensive use on the service, which realised the dream of the Swanage Railway operating their heritage rolling stock into Wareham on the South West Mainline on a regular timetable. However, after a year of operating into Wareham, the Swanage Railway have decided not to continue with the service for the time being, due to the nature of the costs involved during very challenging times financially.
As such, with limited work for W55028 and the extension being seldom used, the SR would offer the 121 for Drivers Experience courses. This would allow participants the rare opportunity to get behind the controls of the 121 for a return trip between Arne Road siding (west of Norden Gates Crossing) and the SR's limit at River Frome Viaduct.
Locomotives:
BR Class 121 'Bubble Car' - W55028
00:00 - Blue Pool
00:35 - Furzebrook
02:18 - Furzebrook foot crossing
04:56 - Arland Campsite foot crossing
05:44 - Creech Bottom
All footage filmed on Thursday the 18th of April 2024.