ENJOY THE SWANAGE RAILWAY'S PURBECK LINE AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE!

Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 20th July 2008
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
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Visitors enjoy the spectacle of Corfe Castle through the back window of newly restored Pullman Observation Car 14 on 16th July 2008

Andrew P.M. Wright has supplied over 125 great photos taken through the window of Car 14 during a trip from Norden to Swanage. To see the full set of photos, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If there was ever a heritage line absolutely perfect - tailor made indeed - for the running of a luxurious Pullman observation car, it is the Swanage Railway's relaid Purbeck Line.

For a supplement of just £2 on the normal single journey fare, you can sit in comfort and watch the views around you endlessly change. For the first time, you can enjoy the sort of views previously only experienced by steam locomotive drivers, firemen and cleaners.

The A351 Afflington bridge through the back window of newly restored Pullman Observation Car 14 on 16th July 2008

With its plush two-seater sofas and carpeted floor, it's like being in a glass conservatory - only so much better!

And what a view it is - the lush valleys from Swanage to Harman's Cross, Kingston Church and the spine of the Purbeck Hills disappearing towards Kimmeridge, then the drama of going through the portal of the A351 Afflington bridge and then crossing Corfe common as the castle ruins come closer into view.

Corfe Castle through the back window of newly restored Pullman Observation Car 14 on 16th July 2008

On leaving Corfe station, there is the breath-taking view of the castle with the village cottages nestling below it before crossing the Sandy Lane girder and plunging into the Challow Hill cutting through the Purbeck Hills before bursting out into the light again and crossing the viaduct across the Corfe stream.

Sitting in the gloriously restored Pullman-liveried Car 14, it really is a chance to enjoy a steam train journey from yesteryear - almost something out of the Orient Express.

As well as the views right and left through the large picture windows - a wall of glass - on the trip from Swanage to Norden, the 'up' trip also offers the excitement of watching the steam locomotive in front of you working away.

BR Standard Clas 4 No 80078 carrying the special Devon Belle headboard uncouples from the newly restored Pullman Observation Car 14 at Norden on 16th July 2008

On the run back to Swanage from Norden - the 'down' trip - just sit back in comfort and watch the magnificent views unfold before your eyes as the track disappears into the distance in front of you.

So, sit back and enjoy this taster of what you are missing - and make yourself a promise to travel down to the Swanage Railway and enjoy the visual delights of the observation car for real. You won't be disappointed!

The magnificent Corfe Castle from restored Pullman Observation Car 14 on 16th July 2008

But, please remember that the observation car is no ordinary carriage and so no pets, pushchairs, food or drink are allowed - and please wipe your feet when you board.

Simply pay the £2 supplement on board. Enjoy!

Donations to the Pullman restoration project can be made to the Swanage Railway Trust (Devon Belle Fund), Station House, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB or on-line by debit or credit card via the Trust’s website at ‘www.swanagerailwaytrust.org.uk’ by following this link.

The Swanage Railway Trust website now has an Appeals section with the ability to make online donations to the Devon Belle Fund, the Churchill Project, the Heritage Coach Fund and to the General Fund.

Donations are processed via PayPal and the payment process includes an electronic Gift Aid form that conforms to HMR&C requirements. Donors do not need a PayPal account.

Please click here to visit the Swanage Railway Trust Appeals section at http://www.swanagerailwaytrust.org.uk/appeals/index.htm

The following photos showing are courtesy of Swanage Railway press officer and official photographer Andrew P.M. Wright.