Travel back in time at The Watercress Line’s Autumn Gala

Visitors can take unlimited rides behind an impressive range of steam locomotives from yesteryear, travelling along the heritage railway’s 10-mile line, passing through glorious Hampshire countryside and stopping at heritage stations along the way. 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 Built in 1948 and withdrawn from service in 1964, finished its working life at Eastleigh.
• No. 4144 Class 41xx GWR 2-6-2T, courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre. 4144 was built in Swindon in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1965.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, working on lines in the Midlands and South Wales.

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.

Driver experiences will be available each day, giving participants the chance to take control of 3781 Hunslett Austerity, with guidance from the driver. Pre-book for £20 per person. The weekend will also give visitors 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. 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. 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. Hot and cold food and drinks will be available at Alresford, Ropley and Alton stations. Watercress Line CEO Rebecca Dalley said: “Come along to our fascinating Autumn Steam Gala for the chance to ride behind some wonderful steam locomotives and find out more about the brilliant restoration projects and the history of the railway. “This steam gala is recreating the scene of a busy joint railway hub with Southern & Great Western trains and locos hauling express trains, local shuttle and freight. “Visitors will have unlimited travel and can explore all our heritage stations. 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/