The Watercress line has announced a theme and a list of visiting steam engines for its 2025 Spring Gala.

As part of its Railway 200 celebrations, the Spring Steam Gala of ‘Firsts’ will see three steam locomotives visiting the Hampshire Heritage Railway for the three-day event from Friday, 25 to Sunday, 27 April, which will also feature three locomotives for the home fleet.

The three visiting locos include some of the oldest operational locos in the county. LSWR T3, courtesy of the 563 Locomotive Group, will be in attendance, taking this historic locomotive on its first trip away from the Swanage Railway since its return to steam.

The locomotive has run over 1.5 million miles during its long career since being built in 1893.

Also attending the gala will be L&YR No. 752 / LMS 11456, courtesy of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Trust. Built in 1881, this locomotive began life as a tender engine before being rebuilt as a saddle tank in 1896. It will be making its first visit to the Hampshire Heritage Railway.

The last of the three vising engines is another Lancashire and Yorkshire veteran, A Class No. 52322. Built in 1895 at Horwich Works, this locomotive is almost 130 years old, having started its working career in early 1896. This steam engine is also making its first appearance at the Mid-Hants Railway courtesy of Andy Booth and the East Lancashire Railway.

The home fleet will consist of the recently restored Merchant Navy No. 35005 Canadian Pacific, S15 No. 506 and Ivatt tank No. 41312.

This Steam Gala of ‘Firsts’ is not to be missed, featuring six engines running to an enhanced timetable, there will be ample things to enjoy. From free guided tours of the Ropley workshop, brake van and goods train rides at the Goods Shed exhibition at Medstead & Four Marks to the operating of steam crane DS58. Which members of the public aged 18 and over can pre-book in advance if they wish to operate the crane under supervision.

With four stations to explore, a range of buffets offering hot and cold meals and gift shops selling memorabilia, there will be something for all to enjoy at the Watercress Line spring gala later this month.
Pre-booked tickets are available now on the Watercress Line website.

“We are very excited to welcome these remarkable guest locomotives to our line for the very first time – and delighted to be putting our fully renovated flagship locomotive 35005 Canadian Pacific on show to visitors for the first time since her launch. 

The Spring Steam Gala is always a highlight in our calendar, and this year’s event, as part of the Railway 200 celebrations, promises to be extra special.  

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line,