RAIL buffs have the chance to fulfil childhood dreams by driving a steam train at a gala in Purbeck.

All those who wanted to be a train driver when they grew up will have the chance to get behind the controls of a classic steam locomotive at the Grand Steam Gala and Vintage Transport Weekend.

Swanage Railway is hosting the event on Friday, September 6 to Sunday 8 with a special appearance by a 1920s U class mixed traffic tender locomotive Number 31806.

The engine, nicknamed the U Boat, will be on loan from the Mid-Hants Railway in Hampshire and returns to Purbeck for the first time in 50 years.

Swanage Railway general manager Richard Jones said: “This is an exciting coup for the Swanage Railway and we are very grateful to the Mid-Hants Railway for its very kind help in enabling us to re-create an important piece of post-war railway history at Corfe Castle and Swanage.

“We are looking forward to re-creating another piece of history during our Grand Steam Gala and Vintage Transport Weekend when we hope to pair No 31806 with our Victorian-designed M7 tank locomotive No. 30053 because the “U’s” and their trains were often piloted from Swanage back to Wareham by one of the branch’s M7s.”

People will have the rare chance to drive and fire the classic steam locomotive – under supervision – on Tuesday, September 10.

The 31806 will haul four special driving experience trains during the day, departing from Swanage at 11.06am, 12.26pm, 1.46pm and 3.06pm.

The 102-ton 31806 loco hauled popular holidaymaker and day tripper trains from Salisbury, Basingstoke and Bournemouth to Corfe Castle and Swanage during the 1940s and 1950s.

For more details on the steam train gala and a booking option please visit the Swanage Railway’s website or call the Swanage Railway on 01929 425800.