HAYLING ISLAND BRANCH

Built for: Hayling Railway Terminus: Hayling Island Main line connection: Havant (Chichester-fareham main line) Opened: Throughout July 16 1867 Length of line: 4½ miles Intermediate stations: 2 Closed: November 4 1963 Key locomotives you’ll need? LBSCR ‘A1X’ 0‑6‑0T Why’s Hayling Island special? Restrictions imposed on branch lines kept some ancient locomotives going longer than they ought to have. That was great news for enthusiasts, but a headache for railway management! Stroudley ‘Terriers’ hauling heavy excursions across the trestle bridge over Langstone Harbour became the subject of many photographs but the cost of maintaining such a structure forced this classic line’s closure. What’s left at Hayling Island? The goods shed is now the Station Theatre, and the platform canopy is at the Hollycombe Steam Centre. Where can I find out more? www.semgonline.com/location/hayling_01.html

MAURICE EDWARDS A fine portrait showing the striking architectural style of Hayling Island station building. Sadly, this delightful building was demolished in the 1970s and only the goods shed survives. ‘Terrier’ No. 32678, photographed on June 19 1962 with the...