The museum tells the story of the branch line from the beginning in 1885 to its closure in 1972 and the important role the railways played in the first and second world wars. The Exhibition and Cinema Coach has a film which tells the story to the present day and is dedicated to the volunteers who have achieved their dream of rebuilding the line after with their hard work and determination, as well as celebrating the people who played a part.
See how the railway and stations have changed with our before and after photos (hint, click and drag the bar left and right to view the images).
Swanage
In 1974, Swanage Station was sold to the town council. The main platform was torn up and the canopy stripped.
The following year, the town council gave Swanage Railway a lease for Swanage Station. Volunteers began to repair the station and relay the track. It was laid by hand and was heavy work and slow. This was the first step towards rebuilding the line.
In 1979, the railway operated its first passenger train. For five years, this ran just a few hundred metres, raising vital income to rebuild the line.
As the line grew, so did the Railway’s popularity. It was now building a reputation as a heritage railway and tourist attraction.
Swanage Station
Swanage
Corfe Castle
In 1982, the line reached Herston, one mile from Swanage. Work continued apace and by 1987, the line extended to Harmans Cross.
It now stretched for three miles.
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle
The next challenge was to reach Corfe Castle and Norden. This required Government approval. Despite objections, permission was granted. In 1995 the first train since 1972 ran to Corfe Castle and Norden.
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle
Pulling it all together
The building projects included stations, signal boxes and bridges. This was done in a 1950s style, in line with the goal to create a heritage railway.
As the line grew, new stations were built at Herston Halt and then at Harmans Cross. This was the first station to be built in Dorset for fifty years.
In the 1990s at Corfe Castle, the original Victorian building was refurbished and a new station was created at Norden.
Alongside these, a network of signal boxes were restored or built. New ones were built at Harmans Cross, Swanage and Corfe Castle. Over thirty bridges, culverts and a viaduct were also repaired.
Harmans Cross
Norden Station