S&D theme for Watercress Line gala

THE Mid-Hants Railway’s October 1-3 Somerset & Dorset (S&D) themed autumn steam gala is set to feature visiting motive power and hop-on, hop-off journeys, allowing maximum flexibility for passengers. Each of the three days will have a different line-up. Friday will provide a glimpse of the S&D at work, with both goods trains and passenger trains. The S&D will be remembered on holiday with frequent passenger services on the Saturday, while on Sunday the focus will be on the ‘Pines Express’. Visiting from the East Lancs Railway, Bulleid Pacific No. 34092 City of Wells is booked to haul local and express trains both single and double-headed. A second visitor remains to be confirmed.

Attractions

Resident performers will include ‘7F’ 2-8-0 No. 53808 on goods and holiday trains; BR ‘4MT’ 2-6-0 No. 76017 on passenger trains and as the pilot engine on heavy expresses; BR ‘2MT’ No. 41312 on short goods trains, local passenger trains and banking heavy trains; and Hunslet 0-6-0T No. 3781 as yard pilot and shunter. Other attractions will include the opening of the new museum in Alresford incorporating S&D Trust artefacts; a real ale train on the Saturday evening; a display of shunting at Ropley; and society stalls at Ropley. While there will be no allocated seats and entrance is possible at any station, booking is preferred. More immediately, as part of the Heritage Open Days on September 11/12, the public will have free access to Ropley station. Guided tours will explore the yard, plus the engineering shed and carriage shop viewing galleries. A freight train will be operating with ‘Queen Mary’ brake van rides available for a donation.