The Watercress Line brings back the golden age of railways at its autumn steam gala

Steam enthusiasts and families are invited to step back in time when the thrilling Autumn Steam Gala returns to The Watercress Line in Hampshire, from 2 to 4 October.

Highlights include a spectacular line-up of steam locomotives, unlimited train rides on an enhanced timetable, and behind-the-scenes experiences at the heritage railway – promising a packed programme of steam action across its 10-mile route between Alresford and Alton.

There will be a distinctly nostalgic vibe to The Watercress Line’s period stations as they host locomotives familiar to anyone who travelled by steam in the 1950s and 1960s. Chief amongst these will be a rare opportunity to see together three of the great workhorses of steam branch line travel: Ivatt locomotives 41312, 41313 and 46447. A highlight of each day will be the sight of a ‘triple-header’ when all three Ivatts will couple up to pull a single train. 

Leading the visiting line-up is Ivatt Class 2, 41313, courtesy of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Designed for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway by George Ivatt, the class was introduced in 1946, with 130 locomotives eventually built. She is particularly special for The Watercress Line, as she is the sister locomotive to the railway’s own 41312. The Autumn Steam Gala will be the final appearance for 41312 before she is withdrawn for overhaul, making the presence of her sister locomotive a fitting way to mark the occasion.

Completing the trio line-up is 46447, courtesy of the East Somerset Railway. The Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2 tank locomotive enjoyed a working life across the north of England and Wales before being withdrawn in 1966 and rescued from Woodham Brothers’ scrapyard. Following many years of preservation and restoration, 46447 returned to service in 2014, after a 48-year break from railway service.

The third visiting locomotive will be 6989 Wightwick Hall, courtesy of Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. This locomotive would have been familiar in British Railways black to travellers in the 1960s but is now sporting a smart red livery for a special filming project. The BR (WR) 4-6-0 5MT locomotive was rescued from a Welsh scrapyard by volunteers in January 1978 and her meticulous restoration has taken more than four decades, transforming a locomotive once destined to become scrap metal into a working piece of Britain's railway heritage.

Joining her will be GWR 4247, a heavy freight tank locomotive courtesy of Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. Built at Swindon in 1916, 4247 was delivered new to South Wales, where she spent virtually all her working life, apart from a spell in Cornwall between 1952 and 1957.

The visiting locomotives will join The Watercress Line’s own steam fleet for an intensive programme, with the opportunity to explore the heritage stations, enjoy delicious refreshments, visit the railway’s workshops and experience the sights, sounds and smells of steam in action.

For a hands-on experience, visitors aged 18+ can take the controls of 1788 Kilmersdon at Ropley Yard, under the guidance of a driver and fireman. Experiences run from 10.30am–3pm each day, lasting around 5 to 7 minutes. A Gala ticket is required, and places must be booked in advance.

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said:

“Anyone who remembers or wants to experience the last days of steam travel will be rewarded with a spectacular line-up at this year’s Autumn Gala. Our volunteers maintain and manage the Watercress Line stations in their 1950s and ‘60s heyday so our visiting locos will feel right at home. If you ever travelled to school or work behind a steam train, you may well have been pulled by one of our starring Ivatts. To have three together as a swansong to our faithful 41312 before she is withdrawn from service, is a huge treat. 

“Visitors can also watch out for 4247 thundering through our stations recreating its working life as a freight train. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase the glorious colourful wagons that are so beautifully restored and maintained by our Wagon Group volunteers for these special moments. 

“There is always so much to do at a Gala, from your own steam loco driving experience to a peek behind the scenes, as well as great food and drink and a wonderful atmosphere of excitement and expectation. Step back into the 1960s with us for a really memorable day out!”

Find out more and book tickets at: https://watercressline.co.uk/autumn-steam-gala/