From January to late March 2021, contractors Dyer & Butler, were on site to create the new light maintenance depot for South Western Railway. The new depot will have capacity for up to 8 Class 159 units to be stabled overnight for cleaning with some 35 drivers and a similar number of guards allocated. The accomodation will be on the (extended) dock in the main car park (upside). No doubt the build up of units and staff will happen over some months. For many months, one or two Class 159 units have recessed overnight and been cleaned. Here are a selection of photos, taken during security walkrounds or when meeting their Managers on site.

13 April 2018 A look back before the work was even contemplated! D6515 leading Swanage Railway's main line certified coaches and 'U' Class 31806 on a test run. (Photo courtesy Dave Tozer)

Tuesday 20 October 2020 Old concrete post, ladder and fitting to be removed.

Wednesday 11 November 2020 Electric cable to be laid alongside sidings for lighting and power. At this place a substantial concrete structure was uncovered. No idea what this was for!

6 January 2021 Early preparations for the electric connection.

Invasion of Dyer & Butler vans.

Mini digger with lots of hand digging to install electric ducting and cables, avoiding signalling cables.

Sunday 10 January 2021 New mains electric cable laid and new cabinet to be installed.

Cable to run down embankment.

Thursday 21 January 2021

Friday 29 January 2021

Mud, glorious mud!

Friday 12 February 2021

First 'hop up' in place.

How it was delivered.

Friday 26 February 2021 Meanwhile, on the upside, work starts on widening the old dock for the driver and guard cabins.

Bit of a tight squeeze.

Friday 5 March 2021 Container for the cleaners arrives on site.

Site for container is prepared.

Sunday 4 April 2021

New electric cabinet with another at the foot of the bank.

Cleaner's container was delivered by a road railer running down our track.

View towards east end of sidings - hand rails to prottect against main line.

View from east end of sidings. Stop lights yet to be installed.

Work continues to extend the dock (upside) to take the new accommodation units.

10 May 2021 An impressive suite of offices etc taking shape for the train crew and managers on up-side).

20 June 2021. Stop lights at east end of sidings now installed with outstanding lighting units. Work continues with crew accommodation units on up-side.

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