Steam railway reconnected to mainline in Dorset after four decades adrift

The last train at Swanage on 1 January 1972 Credit: Les Tindall

The last piece of track is being laid today to connect the Swanage steam railway in Dorset to the mainline for the first time in 40 years.

The line closed in the 1970s after cuts by British Rail. But the route has now been restored and reinstated by steam enthusiasts.

One of the last trains at Corfe Castle 1 Jan 1972 Credit: Les Tindall

First train service run by enthusiasts at Swanage, August 1979 Credit: Mick Stone