Railway Herald
SR U Class Mogul No. 31806 hauls passenger trains once again after a quick turnaround overhaul following the expiry of the boiler certificate at the end of 2020. On the 14th April 2021, the Mogul has been pressed into service and charges up the 1 in 78 gradient at New Barn on the Swanage Railway in command of the 14:15 departure from Swanage to Norden, calling at Corfe Castle only due to social distancing requirements. The loco carries the boiler of SR N Class No. 31874 replacing its own boiler, hence the ability to have this loco back working on the railway quickly. Another note, at this time, the loco has not had smoke deflectors refitted thus offering an unusual appearance.
Frank Thurlby
