5786 has found itself in new surroundings after a call for help from the Swanage Railway. A temporary loco shortage found the busy seaside railway looking for an engine to help with the services through March. And so, with the approval of the owners, the Worcester Locomotive Society, who lease the loco to the SDR, the engine was made ready during this week and steam tested and today (29th February) was moved to the Swanage Railway by low loader. It is expected to enter traffic almost immediately. It will be run over the Easter holiday period and remain on the line until 31st March.

The new General Manager at the Swanage, Mick Dean, was evidently receiving a few well meaning comments at hiring a Great Western engine as his first hire since moving to the line from the Great Western Society HQ at Didcot! Still he couldn't choose a more capable engine. The Dorset line already has a resident GW engine in the shape of 6695, and has previously hired another pannier tank, No 7714 from Severn Valley Railway.

Meanwhile at Buckfastleigh Swanage resident 2-6-4T 80078 will shortly be having a new crank pin fitted before being returned to Swanage where it will go back in to service when the pistons and motion have been reassembled.