30th July, 2024
Story and photographs by Andrew P.M. Wright,
Swanage Railway official photographer and press officer.
A summer holidays ‘Sunset Shuttle’ evening heritage diesel train service connecting Swanage, Herston Halt, Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle has been launched by dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers.
Combining value and convenience, the service operates on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6.30pm until Saturday, 7 September, 2024, (inclusive) and daily during the charity fund-raising Swanage Regatta and Carnival Week, Saturday, 27 July to Saturday, 3 August, 2024.
On Friday, 2 August, and Saturday, 17 August, 2024, part of the ‘Sunset Shuttle’ evening train will be playing host to a Murder Mystery evening with seats for the Murder Mystery evening having to be pre-booked via the Swanage Railway website at swanagerailway.co.uk.
The ‘Sunset Shuttle’ also operates during the Purbeck Film Festival at the end of August and the Swanage Folk Festival in early September.
The ‘Sunset Shuttle’ trains depart Swanage station at 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm and 10.30pm with the return trains departing Corfe Castle station at 7pm, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm and 11pm.
The 6.30pm and 7.30pm ‘Sunset Shuttle’ trains from Swanage call at Norden station – – next to Dorset Council’s Purbeck Park long-stay car park off the main A351 road from Wareham – at 6.55pm and 7.55pm with the evening’s three remaining ‘Sunset Shuttle’ trains only calling at Norden by request to the train guard.
‘Sunset Shuttle’ tickets – giving unlimited evening travel from 6.00pm on the date of purchase – are £10 for adults and £5 for children aged five to 15 years.
Swanage Railway volunteer commercial director Robert Patterson said: “There is no better way to enjoy the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside than from our summer holidays ‘Sunset Shuttle’ heritage diesel train service connecting hotels as well as camping and caravan sites with restaurants and bars in Corfe Castle and Swanage.
“Combining value and convenience, it has never been easier to leave the car and let the train take the strain.
“While discounted tickets are available for the ‘Sunset Shuttle’ – giving unlimited evening travel from 6pm for the date of purchase – daytime return tickets and Freedom of the Line unlimited travel tickets can also be used on the ‘Sunset Shuttle’ trains,” added Bob who is a volunteer station porter on the Isle of Purbeck heritage line.
Depending on operational requirements, the ‘Sunset Shuttle’ trains will be formed of either the Swanage Railway’s 1950s diesel mechanical multiple unit or a rake of its 1950s Mark One carriages hauled by a 1960 Class 33 heritage diesel locomotive.
The Swanage Railway welcomes new volunteers and anyone interested in finding out more should contact the Swanage Railway volunteer recruitment and retention officer Lisa Gravett on 01929 475212 or email iwanttovolunteer@swanagerailway.co.uk.
Details about volunteering can be found at swanagerailwaytrust.org/volunteering.