Catch an electric train or two during summer gala on the Watercress Line!

ELECTRIC traction is set to star at the Mid-Hants Railway when not one but two motor luggage vans (MLV) – in the forms of Nos. 9001 (running as S68001) and 9002, along with Class 419 2EPB No. 5759 visiting for the July 15-17 diesel gala.

With it being 85 years since electrification between Brookwood and Alton, the Class 419 MLVs will present a unique opportunity to see a working of these vehicles on a heritage line, with options to ride both behind and aboard these vehicles. Further details were still to be confirmed, including the planned operational use of the two vehicles.

Owned by the EPB preservation group, the MLVs were previously based on the East Kent Railway, departing there in 2016 for new homes, initially at the Epping Ongar Railway for No. 9001 and Southall depot for No.9002, before the former moved again to join it in 2018. Both vehicles were built to augment express services running Victoria and both Dover and Folkestone harbours.

No. 5759 is normally based at Southall and comprises of driving motor brake second

No. 65373 and driving trailer second open

No. 77558, both in BR(S) green.

The diesel gala will see most of the home fleet in operation, including the Class 08 and 11 shunters. For more information and advance tickets, visit www.watercressline.co.uk/diesel-gala

➜ The EPB Preservation Group has moved BR Class 411 4-CEP EMU trailer brake composite No. 70235 from the EOR to Carnforth for use as a source of spares, while 4-BEP trailer with buffet No. 69013 was also sold and due to leave the line imminently for continued use in preservation. The group decided to dispose of these vehicles and focus efforts on completing its motor coaches due to a lack of available funding and volunteers for all four vehicles.