THE Swanage Railway will be staging its first London and South Western Railway Weekend later this month.

The star of the show will be the only working T9 locomotive in the world, which is usually based on Cornwall’s Bodmin and Wenford Railway, where it is on loan from the National Railway Museum.

It will be the first time since early 1960s that a Victorian-designed T9 class steam locomotive will have hauled a train through Corfe Castle.

The special two-day event will also be the first time steam enthusiasts will be able to see the T9 operating with the Victorian-designed M7 tank locomotive since the early 60s.

Swanage Railway general manager Richard Jones said: “A special timetable is being introduced so the two Victorian locomotive-hauled trains pass each other at Corfe Castle station beneath the medieval ruins.

“This will maximise the spectacle and photographic opportunities as the Victorian days of old are recreated.

“We are grateful to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway – and the National Railway Museum – for allowing the T9 to visit Swanage Railway, bringing part of our national heritage collection to Dorset.”

Mr Jones describes the visit of the No.30120 locomotive as important and historic because it will be “the first time a T9 locomotive hauls passenger trains to Corfe Castle since the British Railways days of the early 1960s.”

The London and South Western Railway Weekend will see the shop and buffet coach – serving drinks and snacks – open at Swanage station.

There will also be a buffet car at Norden station.

At Corfe Castle, the exhibition and cinema coach next to the goods shed museum will be open.

For more on the March 15 and 16 event call 01929 2425 800 or visit swanagerailway.co.uk