The UK was truly one of the front runners when it came to building and maintaining steam trains, creating some of the most iconic locomotives the world has ever seen.
Steam trains such as the Flying Scotsman and Mallard have rolled off the production line and been put to use serving the nation's passenger railways. The famous locomotives of years gone by are set to be honoured at Swanage Railway's London and South Western Railway Weekend on March 15th and 16th. It is set to be a celebration of all things Victorian and will feature some rare steam trains.
The star attraction of the event will be T9 steam locomotive No. 30120, the only working engine of its kind in the world. These engines, nicknamed 'Greyhounds', were the first trains to be used on the London to Plymouth express route and the one on show at Swanage was originally built in 1899 by the London and South Western Railway. It is currently based on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway in Cornwall and is on loan to the society for the event.
Speaking about the railway weekend, Richard Jones, Swanage Railway general manager, said: "A special timetable is being introduced so the two Victorian locomotive-hauled trains pass each other at Corfe Castle station to maximise the spectacle and photographic opportunities as the Victorian days of old are re-created."
Mr Jones added his gratitude for the Cornwall-based group for being able to showcase the T9 steam locomotive No. 30120. However, it is not just this train that will be featured over the course of the weekend as the Drummond Locomotive Society's Swanage Railway-based M7 tank No. 30053 will be hauling two 1940s Southern Railway Bulleid passenger coaches that have been lovingly restored to full working order.
Tickets for the weekend are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children for a one day rover while for a two day rover it is £25 for adults and £15 for children.