The Watercress Line between Alton and Alresford in Hampshire is set to delight visitors to this year's Spring Steam Gala with two special visiting locomotives.
From Friday, 26 to Sunday, 28 April, the Gala will be graced by London Midland and Scottish Railway Jubilee Class 4-6-0 No. 45690 Leander and Southern Railway Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 Manston.
Both locomotives will join engines from the line's home fleet to operate an intensive service over the 10-mile line.
45690 Leander
Leander was built at Crewe in 1936 and although it has visited other heritage railways, this will its first visit to the Watercress Line since being restored.
Its visit is especially pertinent, as it will soon be withdrawn from operational service for a major overhaul.
34070 Manston
Manston was designed by O.V.S. Bulleid, built at Brighton in 1947, and normally based at the Swanage Railway.
It is virtually identical to Bulleid's West Country Class Pacifics which were intended for use on the secondary routes of the Southern Railway, with Manston being in honour of the RAF airfield of the same name near Ramsgate in Kent.
Manston is visiting the Watercress Line thanks to the Swanage Railway and Southern Locomotives Ltd.
Home Fleet
Among locomotives from the line's home fleet will be:
- S15 Class 4-6-0 No. 506, built by the Southern Railway for hauling fast freight trains, and is owned by the Urie Locomotive Society.
- Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank locomotive No. 41312 was built in 1952 by the Midland Region but spent all its time on the Southern region.
- 0-4-0 saddle tank No. 1788 Kilmersdon was built in 1929 and worked at Kilmersdon Colliery, near Radstock.
Refreshments will be available from the West Country Buffet at Alresford station and T-Junction at Ropley, with Ropley station also hosting society stands and displays, and the gift shop at Alresford will be open.
Further information about the Gala and free guided tours and ticket booking details can be found at https://watercressline.co.uk/spring-steam-gala/
We are thrilled to welcome two special guest engines to this year's Spring Steam Gala. It promises to be a bumper occasion – in addition to riding behind some wonderful locomotives along the beautiful South Downs National Park, visitors can explore railway exhibits and enjoy guided tours, which will give them a real insight into what it takes to maintain and run locomotives at The Watercress Line.
Make sure you visit the impressive restoration projects, enjoy the free guided tours of the Engineering Works at Ropley and don't miss the exciting Queen Mary brake van rides on the Goods Train. There's also rides on the delightful miniature railway, pulled by a miniature steam locomotive, and a model railway that will delight visitors of all ages on display in the Carriage Shed.
Tickets are now on sale, so get on board for a memorable day out at The Watercress Line this Spring.
Rebecca Dalley, Watercress Line CEO
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