Take a step back to the Golden Age of Travel at The Watercress Line’s fascinating Autumn Steam Gala, from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 October. The popular three-day event will give visitors unlimited rides behind an impressive range of steam locomotives along the heritage railway’s 10 mile line, passing through glorious Hampshire countryside and stopping at stations along the way.
The steam engines will be running from 9am to 5pm on an enhanced timetable. This year, the visiting fleet includes:
- No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’, courtesy of Southern Locomotive Limited. Unrebuilt Bulleid Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2. Built in 1948 and withdrawn from service in 1964, finished its working life at Eastleigh.
- No. 4144 Class 41xx GWR 2-6-2T, courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre. 4144 was built in Swindon in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1965.
- GWR 66xx Class 0-6-2 no. 6695, courtesy of the 6695 loco group and the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Built in 1928 by Armstrong Whitworth in Newcastle and initially allocated around the Midlands before moving to South Wales at the outbreak of the Second World War.
The home-fleet at the Autumn Steam Gala will showcase:
- 41312 LMS Ivatt – spent much of its working career on Southern region lines.
- 506 (30506) – LSWR Urie S15 Class – designed for the London & South Western Railway as a Fast Freight engine, working the heavy night express goods trains.
The weekend will also give steam train enthusiasts an insight into restoration projects at the Ropley workshop and yard. A free “Behind the Scenes” Tour can be booked in advance (with a Steam Gala ticket) and is a unique opportunity to find out more about the craftsmanship and equipment needed to restore and maintain The Watercress Line’s steam locomotives and rolling stock.
Driver experiences will be available each day, giving participants the chance to take control of Kilmersdon – 1788, with guidance from the driver. Pre-book for £20 per person.
There will be opportunities to take Queen Mary Brake Van rides on the Goods Train, and the delightful miniature steam railway will be giving unlimited rides for all the family to enjoy.
The Goods Shed exhibition ‘Delivering The Goods’ will be open at Medstead and Four Marks Station, and society stands and displays will be at Ropley Station.
When it’s time for a refreshment stop, local ales will be served at The Beer Junction, Ropley, and the West Country Buffet at Alresford station, T-Junction at Ropley and the Kiosk at Alton will be open. Don’t forget to visit the gift shops at Alton and Ropley, too!
Watercress Line CEO Rebecca Dalley said:
“Our Autumn Steam Gala is a fascinating event for anyone interested in steam engines. It’s a great opportunity to ride behind some wonderful steam locomotives, see the restoration taking place behind the scenes at The Watercress Line and find out more about the history of the railway.
“Gala visitors will be able to explore all our heritage stations along the route, take the controls behind Kilmersdon and much more. Don’t miss out on this memorable event – book your tickets online”.
Book ahead for the Autumn Steam Gala and find out more at: https://watercressline.co.uk/autumn-steam-gala/
