August 2010 sees the continuation of Railway Touring Company's 'The Dorset Coast Express' weekly trains from London to Weymouth using one steam engine. The return is handled by the engine from the previous week and then stabled at Yeovil.

01 August 2010 6024 'King Edward I' is propelled past 60019 'Bittern' enroute to the pit area. A difference in styles is very apparent! (Photo courtesy John Cornelius)

At the close of the Steam Train Day, 6024 looks out of the Shed. (Photo courtesy John Cornelius)

04 August 2010

An interesting view with the casing up, showing the smokebox door.

After turning, 'Bittern' runs around its support coach.

(Photo courtesy John Cornelius)

60019 bids farewell to 6024. (Photo courtesy John Cornelius)

Back on Network Rail metals, 60019 begins its journey to Weymouth and the return leg of 'The Dorset Coast Express'. The sun has reappeared after a heavy couple of showers.

30777 runs through Wool Station in heavy rain. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

On the return 60019 is seen at Wool Station.... (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

....with 30777 still attached as far as Wareham. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

30777 runs back through Wool Station enroute Wareham to Weymouth to reunite with its support coach and then on to Yeovil. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

Just after 8.30 in the evening, 30777 'Sir Lamiel' returns for a week's stay.

08 August 2010 Some trial runs are carried out to check that repairs made are satisfactory before the next 'Fitness to Run' examination and a Torbay Express run on 15 August from Bristol to Kingswear.

11 August 2010 Prior to departure 30777 shunts Peckett 'Pectin' so that its support coach can be reached.

Shunt over - a bit more cleaning can take place.

Away to Weymouth.

Scenes at Wool Station. 30777 on down trip to Weymouth. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

30777 works the return.... (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

....with 60019 on the back. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom).

Later 60019 returns after detaching at Wareham en route to Weymouth (runround) and Yeovil. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom)

13 August 2010 6024 gets ready for departure on 14 August.

Seen from the footbridge to Platforms 1/2

14 August 2010 6024 stands on the middle road awaiting departure for Bristol, Barton Hill. (Photo courtesy Pete Goodland).

18 August 2010. 60019 arrives at Yeovil Pen Mill enroute Yeovil Junction to Weymouth. Here the engine will run round its support coach before running tender first. (Photo courtesy Roger Marsh).

(Photo courtesy Roland Groom).

30777 is seen at Dorchester South. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom).

The big disappointment (not least to passengers) was that the Steam Dreams train due to be hauled by Black 5 44932 was instead powered by Class 37 diesel 37706. The Black 5 had a TPWS fault and prevented two steam hauled excursions being seen at Weymouth on the same day. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom).

60019 takes the Dorset Coast Express back through Wool Station in the evening. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom).

With 30777 on the back this time. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom).

30777 back through Wool Station. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom).

In the evening 30777 is seen at Yeovil Pen Mill returning from Weymouth. (Photo courtesy Roger Marsh).

Another run round and off to the Junction for stabling. (Photo courtesy Roger Marsh).

25 August 2010 30777 departs for Weymouth from Yeovil Junction for the final time for the 2010 Dorset Coast excursions. Its not the end of the trains however as two more are still to run - on 1 and 8 September.

Builder's plate.

Waiting 'right away' on a very wet Wednesday.

30777 has proved to be a very reliable engine, only requiring routine maintenance and a beading of a few tubes. Note the storm sheet which may provide a little protection from the rain for the crew when running tender first....

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