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{{Short description|10 mile heritage railway in Hampshire, England}}
{{Infobox Heritage Railway
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
| name = Watercress Line
{{Use British English|date=April 2013}}
| other_name = Mid-Hants Railway

| image = [[Image:Alresford Station.jpg|thumb|center|250px]]
{{about|the modern heritage railway operation|a fuller history of the railway line between 1865 and 1973|Mid-Hants Railway}}
| caption = Alresford station
{{Infobox heritage railway
| name = Mid-Hants Railway
| other_name = Watercress Line
| image_name = LMS Class 2 2-6-2T No. 41312 on the Watercress Line - August 2018 - 02.jpg
| image_alt = Steam locomotive at Ropley station
| caption = Watercress line steam train at Ropley station
| locale = [[Hampshire]], [[United Kingdom]]
| locale = [[Hampshire]], [[United Kingdom]]
| connections = [[Network Rail]] track at Alton
| connections = [[Network Rail]] track at Alton
| linename = Mid-Hants Railway
| linename = Mid-Hants Railway
| builtby = Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway Company
| builtby = Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway Company
| originalgauge = {{railgauge|ussg}}
| originalgauge = {{Track gauge|UKsg|allk=on}} etc
| originalelec =
| originalelec =
| owned =
| owned =
| operator = Mid Hants Railway Ltd
| operator = Mid-Hants Railway Ltd
| stations =
| stations = 4
| length = {{convert|10|mi|km|0}}
| length = {{convert|10|mi|km|0}}
| preservedgauge = {{railgauge|ussg}}
| preservedgauge = {{Track gauge|UKsg|allk=on}}
| com-years = 2 October 1865
| originalopen = 2 October 1865
| com-events = opened
| com-years =
| com-events =
| closedpassengers =
| closedpassengers =
| closed = 1973
| closed = 5 February 1973
| years = 1975
| years = 1975
| events = Line purchased from British Rail
| events = Line purchased from British Rail
| years1 = 1977
| years1 = 1977
| events1 = Re-opened between [[Alresford (Hampshire) railway station|Alresford]] and {{stnlnk|Ropley}}
| events1 = Re-opened between [[Alresford (Hampshire) railway station|Alresford]] and {{Stnlnk|Ropley}}
| years2 = 1983
| years2 = 1983
| events2 = Re-opened to {{stnlnk|Medstead and Four Marks}}
| events2 = Re-opened to {{Stnlnk|Medstead and Four Marks}}
| years3 = 1985
| years3 = 1985
| events3 = Re-opened to {{stnlnk|Alton}}
| events3 = Re-opened to {{Stnlnk|Alton}}
| homepage = [http://www.watercressline.co.uk/ Watercressline.co.uk]
| website = {{URL|www.watercressline.co.uk}}
| headquarters = [[Alresford (Hampshire) railway station|Alresford]]
}}
}}
{{Watercress Line}}
{{Watercress Line}}
The '''Watercress Line''' is the marketing name of the '''Mid-Hants Railway''', a [[heritage railway]] in [[Hampshire]], [[England]], running {{convert|10|mi|km}} from [[New Alresford]] to [[Alton, Hampshire|Alton]] where it connects to the [[National Rail]] network. The line gained its popular name in the days when it was used to transport locally grown [[watercress]] to markets in [[London]]. The railway currently operates regular scheduled services, along with dining trains, [[real ale]] trains and numerous special events throughout the year.
[[Image:Alresford Station.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Alresford station]]
The '''Watercress Line''' is the marketing name of the '''Mid-Hants Railway''', a [[heritage railway|heritage line]] in [[Hampshire]], [[England]], running {{mi to km|10}} from [[New Alresford]] to [[Alton, Hampshire|Alton]] where it connects to the [[National Rail]] network. The line gained its popular name in the days that it was used to transport locally grown [[watercress]] to markets in [[London]].


== History ==
== History ==


=== British Railways ownership ===
In 1861<ref name=Butcher3>{{cite book |title=Mid-Hants railway in colour |author=Alan C Butcher |date=1996 |ISBN=0711024650}}</ref> the [[Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway Company]] was authorised to build a new railway to connect to the existing [[London & South Western Railway]] lines at Alton and Winchester. It was opened on 2 October 1865<ref name=Butcher3/> as the '''Mid-Hants Railway'''. Trains were operated by the [[London & South Western Railway]]<ref name=Butcher3/> who eventually purchased the '''Mid-Hants Railway Company''' in 1884.<ref name=Butcher3/>
In 1861, the Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway Company was authorised to build a new railway to connect to the existing [[London & South Western Railway]] lines at Alton and Winchester. It was opened on 2 October 1865 as the Mid-Hants Railway. Trains were operated by the [[London & South Western Railway]] which eventually purchased the Mid-Hants Railway Company in 1884.<ref name=Butcher3 >{{cite book |title=Mid-Hants railway in colour |author=Alan C Butcher |year=1996 |ISBN=0-7110-2465-0}}</ref>


Stations were initially constructed at [[Itchen Abbas]], [[Ropley]] and [[Alresford]].<ref name=Butcher3/> The station at [[Alton]] was already in existence. The station at [[Medstead and Four Marks railway station|Medstead and Four Marks]] was added in 1868.<ref name=Butcher3/> Just outside this station, the line is at it highest point ({{convert|652|ft|m}} above sea level)<ref name=Butcher3/> having risen from Alresford ({{convert|263|ft|m}} above sea level)<ref name=Butcher3/> and descending to Alton ({{convert|339|ft|m}} above sea level).<ref name=Butcher3/> The section of line became known as "the Alps",<ref name=Butcher3/> due to the steep gradients that exist here.
Stations were initially constructed at [[Itchen Abbas]], [[Ropley]] and [[New Alresford|Alresford]]. The station at {{stnlnk|Alton}} was already in existence. The station at [[Medstead and Four Marks railway station|Medstead and Four Marks]] was added in 1868. Just outside this station, the line is at its highest point ({{convert|652|ft|m|disp=or}} above sea level) having risen from Alresford ({{convert|263|ft|m|disp=or}} above sea level) and descending to Alton ({{convert|339|ft|m|disp=or}} above sea level). The section of line became known as "the Alps", due to the steep gradients that exist there.<ref name=Butcher3 />


The line provided an alternative route between London and [[Southampton]]<ref name=Butcher3/> and besides transporting locally produced [[watercress]], was particularly important for military traffic between the army town of [[Aldershot]] and the military embarkation port at Southampton.<ref name=Butcher3/>
The line provided an alternative route between London and [[Southampton]] and, besides transporting locally produced [[watercress]], was particularly important for military traffic between the army town of [[Aldershot]] and the military embarkation port at Southampton.<ref name=Butcher3 />


With the development of motorised transport, the line declined<ref name=Butcher3/> during the [[inter-war]] and [[post-war]] periods of the 20th Century and was further compromised by the closures of the [[Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway]] in 1932<ref name=Butcher3/> and the [[Meon Valley Railway]] in 1955.<ref name=Butcher3/> Electrification of the line from London to Alton in 1937 meant that the Watercress Line was no longer part of a through route: it became necessary to change at Alton.<ref name=Butcher3/> Electrification of the line from London to Southampton occurred in 1967,<ref name=MitchSmith>South Coast railways - Portsmouth to Southampton. Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. ISBN 0-906520-31-2</ref> which further affected the economics of the picturesque Mid-Hants route.
With the development of motorised transport, the line declined during the [[inter-war]] and [[post-war]] periods of the 20th century and was further compromised by the closures of the [[Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway]] in 1932 and the [[Meon Valley Railway]] in 1955. Electrification of the line from London to Alton in 1937 meant that the Watercress Line was no longer part of a through route; it became necessary to change at Alton.<ref name=Butcher3 /> Electrification of the line from London to Southampton occurred in 1967,<ref name=MitchSmith >South Coast railways&nbsp;– Portsmouth to Southampton. Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. {{ISBN|0-906520-31-2}}</ref> which further affected the economics of the Mid-Hants route.


The line became part of the [[Southern Railway (Great Britain)|Southern Railway]] in 1923<ref name=Butcher3/> and then part of the [[Southern Region of British Railways]] in 1948.<ref name= Butcher3/> It survived the [[Beeching Axe]]<ref name=Butcher3/> in 1967, but was eventually closed by [[British Railways]] in 1973.<ref name=Butcher3/>
The line became part of the [[Southern Railway (UK)|Southern Railway]] in 1923 and then part of the [[Southern Region of British Railways]] in 1948. It survived the [[Beeching Axe]] in 1963, but was eventually closed by [[British Railways]] in February 1973.<ref name=Butcher3 /> During final years of operation under British Rail, passenger train services were operated by [[British Rail Class 205|Class 205]] ("2H") two carriage diesel-electric multiple units.

In 1941, prototype [[SR Merchant Navy Class|Merchant Navy Class]] 21C1 ''Channel Packet'' travelled as far as Alresford after the naming ceremony at Southampton for a trial run with press and dignitaries.


=== Heritage railway ===
=== Heritage railway ===
[[File:Ropley Shunting Yard and 506 (30506) – LSWR URIE S15 CLASS.jpg|thumb|Ropley locomotive shed]]
The section of line from Alresford to Alton that can be seen today was successfully purchased from British Rail in November 1975<!--by whom?-->.<ref name=Butcher3/> Reconstruction of the line subsequently progressed in stages<!--by whom?-->.<ref name=Butcher3/> The section between Alresford and Ropley re-opened on 30 April 1977.<ref name=Butcher3/> To provide engineering and maintenance facilities, the main locomotive shed and workshops were constructed at [[Ropley]]. The extension to Medstead & Four Marks opened on 28 May 1983<ref name=Butcher3/> and the final section to Alton opened on 25 May 1985.<ref name=Butcher3/>
The section of line from Alresford to Alton that can be seen today was purchased from British Rail in November 1975<!--by whom?-->. Reconstruction of the line subsequently progressed in stages<!--by whom?-->. The section between Alresford and Ropley re-opened on 30 April 1977. To provide engineering and maintenance facilities, the main locomotive shed and workshops were constructed at [[Ropley railway station|Ropley]]. The extension to Medstead & Four Marks opened on 28 May 1983 and the final section to Alton opened on 25 May 1985.<ref name=Butcher3 />


On 12 June 1982, a replica of ''[[Sans Pareil]]'' visited the Watercress Line, running successfully under its own power from Ropley to Alresford.<ref name=Butcher />
Some of the structures that can be seen on the ''Watercress Line'' today were not part of the original railway [[infrastructure]];<Ref name=Butcher/> they have been added to make the line serviceable again and to recreate the feel of a fully-operational steam railway.
{| class="wikitable" align="center"
|-
! colspan=3|Imported structures
|-
! Station
! Structure
! Original site
|-
| &nbsp;Alresford
| &nbsp;Footbridge
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Uckfield}}, East Sussex<ref name=MHRGuide>[http://www.watercressline.co.uk/mhrguide.htm Mid Hants Railway Guide] – accessed 2009-04-03</ref>
|-
| &nbsp;Alresford
| &nbsp;West Country Buffet (building)&nbsp;
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Lyme Regis}}, Dorset<ref name=Butcher>Mid-Hants railway in colour. Alan C Butcher. 1996. ISBN 0 7110 2465 0.</ref>
|-
| &nbsp;Alresford
| &nbsp;West Country Buffet (counter)
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Okehampton}}, Devon<ref name=Butcher/>
|-
| &nbsp;Ropley
| &nbsp;Signal box
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Netley}}, Hampshire<ref name=Butcher/>
|-
| &nbsp;Ropley
| &nbsp;Footbridge
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|North Tawton}}, Devon<ref name=Butcher/>
|-
| &nbsp;Ropley
| &nbsp;Water Tower
| &nbsp;[[Longmoor Military Railway]], Liss, Hampshire<ref name=MHRGuide/>&nbsp;
|-
| &nbsp;Ropley
| &nbsp;[[Wheel Drop]]
| &nbsp;[[Bricklayers' Arms]], South London<ref name=MHRGuide/>
|-
| &nbsp;Medstead & Four Marks&nbsp;
| &nbsp;Signal box
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Wilton South}}, Wiltshire<ref name=Butcher/>
|-
| &nbsp;Medstead & Four Marks
| &nbsp;Footbridge
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Cowes}}, Isle of Wight<ref name=Butcher/>
|-
| &nbsp;Medstead & Four Marks
| &nbsp;Groundframe Hut<br />(formally used at Ropley for many years)
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Dean}}, Hampshire<ref name=msj67/>
|-
| &nbsp;Alton
| &nbsp;Signal box
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Bentley}}, Hampshire<ref name=msj67/>
|-
| &nbsp;Alton
| &nbsp;Water Tower
| &nbsp;{{stnlnk|Farnham}}, Hampshire<ref name=msj67/>
|-
|}


Some of the structures that can be seen on the line today were not part of the original railway [[infrastructure]];<ref name=Butcher /> they have been added to make the line serviceable again and to recreate the feel of a fully operational steam railway. The line is now maintained by a small base of paid staff (mostly in administrative duties) and a core of over 400 volunteers.
=== Other history ===
In 1941, prototype [[SR Merchant Navy Class|Merchant Navy Class]] 21C1 ''Channel Packet'' travelled as far as Alresford after the naming ceremony at Southampton for a trial run with press dignitaries.


The railway is a [[Charitable organization|registered charity]].<ref>{{EW charity|284406|Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society Limited}}</ref>
A replica of ''[[Sans Pareil]]'' visited the Watercress Line in June 1982, successfully running from Ropley to Alresford under its own power<ref name=Butcher/> on 12 June 1982.<ref name=Butcher/>


== Locomotives and rolling stock ==
== Future developments ==
{{Main|Rolling stock of the Watercress Line|Locomotives formerly resident on the Watercress Line}}
Before its closure, the railway joined the [[South Western Main Line]] at [[Winchester]] Junction,<ref name=Butcher3/> two miles (3&nbsp;km) north of Winchester. There have been proposals to extend the existing line to rejoin Winchester, but that would require significant civil engineering works and massive funding. The [[M3 motorway]] from London to Southampton cuts across the old route and houses have been built across the [[right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]] in [[Itchen Abbas]].
The Mid-Hants Railway plays host to a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger carriages and restored wagons, most of which are from the 1920s to 1960s period. Steam locomotives operated include Bulleid Pacifics of the [[SR Merchant Navy class|Merchant Navy]] and [[SR West Country and Battle of Britain classes|West Country]], [[SR Lord Nelson class]], [[SR V Schools class|Schools Class]], [[LSWR S15 class|S15]], [[BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0|BR Standard Class 4]], [[BR Standard Class 9F]], [[LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T|LMS Ivatt Tank]], and a [[Black 5]]. Operated alongside these are a number of diesel locomotives including [[British Rail Class 33|Class 33s]], a [[British Rail Class 47|Class 47]], a [[British Rail Class 50|Class 50]], a [[British Rail Class 03|Class 03]] shunter, [[British Rail Class 08|Class 08]] shunters, a [[British Rail Class 11|Class 11]] shunter, and a [[British Rail Class 205|Class 205]] "Hampshire" multiple unit.


== Infrastructure ==
=== 2008 Lottery grant ===
In October 2008 the Mid-Hants Railway announced that it had been successfully awarded a £550,000 grant by the [[Heritage Lottery Fund]] (HLF) for a number of improvement projects.<ref name=HLFOct08>[http://www.watercressline.co.uk/images/hlfgrant.doc "Watercress Line Successful Again with a Substantial Grant Awarded by Heritage Lottery Fund."]''(Press Release on Mid-Hants Railway website - Accessed 08 December 2008)''</ref>


=== Stations of the Watercress Line ===
A new two-track carriage and wagon workshop is to be built at Ropley, capable of holding four carriages under cover. The workshop is intended to meet the particular needs for the restoration of wooden vehicles. New woodworking machinery will be installed, and the grant will also pay for the employment of a carpenter and carpentry trainees.<ref name=HLFOct08 />
[[File:Alresford Station in 2000.jpg|thumb|Alresford Station from the footbridge]]
The Watercress Line has four stations on the site of former [[British Rail]] stations. Each features a passing loop, allowing trains to pass one another, or locomotives to run round trains for a change of direction of travel. Alton station has three platforms, platforms 1 and 2 being operated by the national rail network, and platform 3 by the Watercress Line. The other three stations each have two platforms with connecting footbridges.


*{{Stnlnk|Alton}} – at the north-east end of the line. Alton has one passenger platform (two others are assigned to [[South Western Railway (train operating company)|South Western Railway]]), with a cross-platform connection to the town and onward services to [[London Waterloo]]. Alton has two passing loops, one within station limits, and another just outside, allowing trains to pass outside the station, thus reducing the impact of the single platform during intensive operations. There are several additional [[Siding (rail)|sidings]].
The existing locomotive workshop will be extended by the provision of a small machine shop and stores area, and new volunteer mess (refreshment and changing) facilities. Viewing platforms for visitors will be provided in the locomotive and carriage workshops and the boiler workshop. Interpretation materials will be provided to enhance educational opportuniites and provide explanations of the work being carried out.<ref name=HLFOct08 />
*{{Stnlnk|Medstead and Four Marks}} – the highest station in Hampshire, fully restored in the style of a quiet 1940s [[Southern Railway (UK)|Southern Railway]] station. The line's Signal and Telegraph department, [[Permanent Way]] group, and Building department are all located here, in and around the station yard. There are several sidings. This is where the greatest number of trains pass each other on standard running days.
*{{Stnlnk|Ropley}} – the engineering centre of the line and the location of the locomotive maintenance and running sheds. The station has flower beds and [[topiary]], and the largest of the line's four [[Signal Box|signal boxes]], controlling movements through the station, as well as much shunting to and from the locomotive yard.
*[[Alresford (Hampshire) railway station|Alresford]] – at the southern end of the line is the top visitor station and has the most passenger facilities, including a museum, buffet and two shops. Most of the carriage stock is stored at this station, with Alresford Train Care performing day-to-day maintenance and cleaning of the carriages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://watercressline.co.uk/Your-Visit/Guide |title=Railway Guide |publisher=Watercress Line |date=1999-12-04 |access-date=2010-08-13}}</ref>


=== Imported structures ===
A historic signal box is to be rescued (assisted by a grant from the [[Railway Heritage Trust]]) and installed at Medstead. It will provide a hands-on signalling experience for visitors together with space for an exhibition of Strowger telephone equipment.<ref name=HLFOct08 />


{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"
The total cost of the projects is likely to be in excess of £1m, with the balance being funded from within the railway and by additional volunteer labour.<ref name=HLFOct08 />

The railway was successful in gaining two previous HLF awards: the Old Goods Shed at Alresford was restored, and opened in 2000; the [[wheel drop]] shed at Ropley was built in 2005.<ref name=HLFOct08 />

== Ongoing developments ==
=== Alton signal box ===
Currently, a new [[Railway signal|signalling]] installation is being commissioned at Alton.<ref name=MHRGuide/> It is a colour-light system, running from the [[signal box]] control panel; as compared with the mechanical [[Railway semaphore signal|semaphore signals]] used on the rest of the line. The new system will allow a more intensive train service, making use of the [[passing loop|loop]], and will allow shunting within the station, operations which the current manual flag signalling does not allow. The new installation makes use of [[track circuit]]s to detect where the train is and can change points and signals accordingly. It will run fully automatically, once in use, so there is no need for a [[signalman]], unlike the other signal boxes on the line. When there is no signalman, all [[Signal Post Telephone]]s will be diverted to [[Medstead and Four Marks railway station|Medstead & Four Marks]] signal box. It will work on a system where a member of the locomotive crew will insert the [[Token (railway signalling)|token]] into a keyhole, to allow the system to take the next steps.

=== Ropley signal box ===
Phase One of the Ropley re-signalling project, construction of the new signal box, has been completed. Phase Two is expected to happen once the Alton re-signalling scheme has been finished. Phase Two will include installation of Up and Down distant signals, in place of the existing fixed reflective boards. The new signals will be motorised semaphore signals as they are too far from the signal box to be operated mechanically without considerable physical effort by the signalman. The scheme will also include installing "advance starter" signals and an "outer home" signal in the Up (Alton-bound) direction.<!--these terms could do with links to a page on British signalling practice!-->

== Stations ==
*{{stnlnk|Alton}} – at the northern end of the line, with a cross-platform [[National Rail]] connection to [[London Waterloo]].
*{{stnlnk|Medstead and Four Marks}} – the highest station in Hampshire, and a depiction of a quiet 1940s [[Southern Railway (Great Britain)|Southern Railway]] station. The Signal and Telegraph department is based here, along with the [[Permanent Way]] group, and the Building department.
*{{stnlnk|Ropley}} – the engineering centre of the line, the location of the locomotive maintenance and running sheds. The station is famous for its [[topiary]]. It houses the biggest signal box on the line, controlling movements through the station, as well as much shunting to and from the locomotive yard.
*[[Alresford (Hampshire) railway station|Alresford]] – the southern end of the line. Main station for passenger facilities, including a museum, buffet and two shops. On special events, the [[brake van]] rides are based here.

== Motive power ==

The railway is operated by a variety of steam locomotives, many originating from the [[Southern Railway (Great Britain)|Southern Railway]]. Two of the locomotives, now named ''[[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]]'' and ''[[Donald and Douglas|Douglas]]'', were rebuilt from Hunslet 'Austerity' tank engines ('Thomas' was rebuilt at MHR.) Heritage diesel locomotives and [[multiple unit]]s are also represented.

(Reference for this section<ref name="P5Pres">{{cite book | last = Fox | first = Peter | coauthors = Hall, Peter & Pritchard, Robert | title = Preserved Locomotives of British Railways (Twelfth edition) | publisher = [[Platform 5]], Sheffield | year = 2007 | isbn = 9 781902 336572}}</ref>)

=== Steam locomotives ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Number & Name
! Description
! Current Status
! Livery
|-
|-
! colspan=3|Imported structures
|No. 1 (works number 3781 of 1952)
|[[Hunslet Engine Company|Hunslet]] [[Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST|Austerity 0-6-0ST]]
|Operational, converted<ref name=Butcher36> Mid-Hants railway in colour. Alan C Butcher. 1996. ISBN 0 7110 2465 0.pp36</ref>from a saddle-tank to side-tank design to create No. 1 "Thomas" in 1994
|Sodor Blue
|-
|-
! Station
|No. 34007 "[[Wadebridge]]"
! Structure
|[[SR West Country Class]] 4-6-2
! Original site
|Operational
|BR Lined Green
|-
|-
| rowspan="4"|Alresford
|No. 34016 ''Bodmin''
| Footbridge
|[[SR West Country Class]] [[4-6-2]]
| {{Stnlnk|Uckfield}}, East Sussex<ref name=MHRGuide >{{cite web|last=Pearson|first=Mike|title=Mid Hants Railway (The Watercress Line) – A Guide|url=http://www.watercressline.co.uk/mhrguide.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224160319/http://www.watercressline.co.uk/mhrguide.htm|archive-date=2008-02-24|work= (Original, detailed version, now at the Internet Archive)|publisher=Mid Hants Railway|access-date=2 June 2010}}</ref>
|Stored in Ropley MPD for public viewing
|BR Lined Green
|-
|-
| West Country Buffet (building)
|No. 34105 ''Swanage''
| {{Stnlnk|Lyme Regis}}, Dorset<ref name=Butcher >Mid-Hants railway in colour. Alan C Butcher. 1996. {{ISBN|0-7110-2465-0}}.</ref>
|[[SR West Country Class]] 4-6-2
|Stored in Ropley headshunt, this was moved into the yard in 2009 for a clean, and is now on the overhaul list
|BR Lined Green
|-
|-
| West Country Buffet (counter)
|No. 35005 ''[[Canadian Pacific]]
| {{Stnlnk|Okehampton}}, Devon<ref name=Butcher />
|[[SR Merchant Navy Class]] 4-6-2
|Stored
|BR Lined Green
|-
|-
| Platform Canopy Columns (now supporting upper floor in Former Goods Shed Visitor Centre)
|No. [[LNER Class A4 4464 Bittern|60019 Bittern]]
| {{Stnlnk|Ringwood}}, Hampshire<ref name="MHR Preservation News Website">{{cite web |url=http://www.watercressline.co.uk/article.php/461/building-group-report-25-november |title=Building Group Report 25 November « Mid Hants Railway Ltd 'Watercress Line' |website=watercressline.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307035539/http://watercressline.co.uk/article.php/461/building-group-report-25-november |archive-date=2016-03-07}}</ref>
|[[LNER Class A4]] 4-6-2
|Operational
|BR Green
|-
|-
| rowspan="8"|Ropley
|No. 10 "Douglas" (works number 2890 of 1943)
| Platform Canopy Columns (Heritage wrought iron stanchions incorporated into new waiting room building)
|[[Hunslet Engine Company|Hunslet]] 0-6-0
| {{Stnlnk|Ringwood}}, Hampshire<ref name="MHR Preservation News Website"/>
|Undergoing a major overhaul, work on chassis almost complete.
|T&F Black
|-
|-
| Signal box
|No. 850 "[[Lord Nelson]]"
| {{Stnlnk|Netley}}, Hampshire<ref name=Butcher />
|[[SR Lord Nelson Class]] 4-6-0
|Operational, at the MHR under agreement with the [[National Railway Museum]] and ERPS
|SR Green
|-
|-
| Footbridge
|No. 30075
| {{Stnlnk|North Tawton}}, Devon<ref name=Butcher />
|[[JŽ Class 62]] 0-6-0T
|Operational. Delivered from the East Somerset Railway following contract expiration, will be operational during the Autumn Steam Gala 09.
|BR Black
|-
|-
| Footbridge near picnic area<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-15555990 |title=Watercress Line gets Kings Cross 'Harry Potter' bridge |date=2 November 2011 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=2 November 2011}}</ref>
|No. 30076
| [[London King's Cross railway station|Kings Cross]], London
|[[JŽ Class 62]] 0-6-0T
|Undergoing restoration with the overseas modifications being removed
|N/A
|-
|-
| Water Tank
|No. 828
| [[Longmoor Military Railway]], Liss, Hampshire{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
|[[LSWR Class S15#The second and third (Maunsell) batches|SR Class S15]] 4-6-0
|Undergoing overhaul, boiler repairs underway, frames stored in Ropley headshunt
|SR Green
|-
|-
| Ex-LBSC Platform Water Column <br />(Reputed to be from Christ's Hospital Station)
|No. 30499
| {{Stnlnk|Christ's Hospital}}, West Sussex.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
|[[LSWR Class S15]] 4-6-0
|In storage at Alresford<ref name="MHRStock">{{cite web | last = Charlesworth | first = David | title = Mid-Hants Railway Loco Histories | url = http://www.watercressline.co.uk/tw/pages/locohist.htm | accessdate = 2008-02-17 | month = September | year = 2007}}</ref> after arrival from the [[East Lancashire Railway]]
|N/A
|-
|-
| [[Wheel Drop]]
|No. 30506
| [[Bricklayers Arms railway station|Bricklayers Arms]], South London<ref name=MHRGuide />
|[[LSWR Class S15]] 4-6-0
|Boiler receiving attention
|BR Green
|-
|-
| Groundframe Hut<br />(formerly used at Ropley in two locations as a signal box for many years)
|No. 45379 (5379)
| {{Stnlnk|Dean}}, Wiltshire<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fluidr.com/photos/50576141@N03/5572625622 |title=Fluidr / 11-043 Blakes Crossing, Ropley by Clive G' |publisher=Fluidr.com |accessdate=2022-04-12}}</ref>
|[[LMS Black Five]] [[4-6-0]]
|Newly restored boiler, planned to return to steam early-2010
|BR Black
|-
|-
| rowspan="3"|Medstead & Four Marks
|No. 76017
| Signal box
|[[BR standard class 4 2-6-0]]
| {{Stnlnk|Wilton South}}, Wiltshire<ref name=Butcher />
|Stored in Ropley headshunt
|BR Black
|-
|-
| Footbridge
|No. 75079
| {{Stnlnk|Cowes}}, Isle of Wight<ref name=Butcher />
|[[BR standard class 4 4-6-0]]
|Undergoing restoration
|N/A
|-
|-
| Signal box <br />(recovered by the Mid Hants Railway in October 2010 for use as a display)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.watercressline.co.uk/News/Building/View/292 |title=Great Missenden Signal Box moves to MHR |author=John Wright |date=27 October 2010 |publisher=Mid Hants Railway : Watercress Line }}</ref>
|No. 31625
| {{Stnlnk|Great Missenden}}, Buckinghamshire
|[[Southern Railway U Class]] [[2-6-0]]
|Stored, painted as [[James the Red Engine]], in Ropley headshunt
|T&F Red
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|Alton
|No. 31806
| Signal box
|[[Southern Railway U Class]] [[2-6-0]]
| [[Bentley (Hampshire) railway station|Bentley]], Hampshire{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
|Undergoing overhaul, re-wheeled, new cab fitted
|BR Black
|-
|-
| Water Tower
|No. 31874
| {{Stnlnk|Aldershot}}, Hants{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}}
|[[Southern Railway N Class]] 2-6-0
|Stored behind boiler shop
|N/A
|-
|No. 41312
|[[LMS Class 2MT 2-6-2T]]
|Awaiting overhaul
|BR Black
|-
|No. 73096
|[[BR Standard Class 5]] 4-6-0
|Operational until 14 March 2009, when a catastrophic failure destroyed the driver's side cylinder block and damaged the piston and motion.<ref name=73096cyl>[http://www.watercressline.co.uk/tw/index.htm#Cyl 5MT 73096 - Photographs of damage to cylinder casting]</ref> The locomotive is likely to be out of service for many months as new [[Sand casting|castings]] are required to replace the damaged parts, and new [[Pattern (casting)|patterns]] are required to make them. Work has already commenced with the removal of damaged parts and ordering of patterns.<Ref>73096 progress obtained from reading Watercress Line website news pages - 15 Sept 2009</ref>
|BR Green
|-
|No. 92212
|[[BR Standard Class 9F]] 2-10-0
|Operational. Restored to working condition after a two-year (boiler and heavy general) overhaul. Hauled first passenger train on 11 September 2009 during Autumn Steam Gala.
|BR Black
|}
|}
<gallery>
Image:Thomastrain.jpg|[[Thomas the Tank Engine]] at [[Ropley]] station
Image:SteamLoco73096ArrivingAlton.jpg|[[BR standard class 5]] loco 73096 arriving at Alton station
Image:80104 at ropley midhants watercress line photograph bt robert kilpin.jpg|80104 at Ropley
</gallery>


=== Diesel locomotives ===
=== Signalling and safety systems ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Number
! Description
! Current Status
! Livery
|-
|align="center"|–<!-- = &ndash; not wikimarkup-->
|[[John Fowler & Co.|John Fowler]]<br />[[0-4-0]][[diesel-mechanical|DM]]
|Works no. 22889 of 1939.<br />Stored in Ropley headshunt.<ref>{{cite web | last = Appleby | first = Paul | date = 2005-09-04 | url = http://www.preservedshunters.co.uk/psh_location.php?locn=119 | title = PreservedShunters.co.uk | accessdate = 2008-02-09}}</ref> <ref name="PresDiesels">{{cite web | last = | first = Tim | title = Guide to Preserved Diesel Locomotives in the UK | url = http://www.preserved-diesels.co.uk/railways/mid_hants.htm | accessdate = 2008-02-09}}
</ref>
|align="center"|–<!-- = &ndash; not wikimarkup-->
|-
|08032 "Mendip"
|[[British Rail Class 08|BR&nbsp;Class&nbsp;08]]
|Operational
|Yeoman Blue
|-
|08288 (D3358)
|[[British Rail Class 08|BR&nbsp;Class&nbsp;08]]
|Operational<br />Ropley yard shunter
|BR Black
|-
|12049
|[[British Rail Class 11|BR Class 11]]
|Undergoing bodywork repairs in the wheel drop shed.<br />New alternator fitted.
|Day Aggregates
|-
|27007 (D5353)
|[[British Rail Class 27|BR Class 27]]
|Undergoing overhaul at Ropley shed.
|BR Green
|-
|33053
|[[British Rail Class 33|BR Class 33]]
|Stored<br />Leased from [[Battlefield Line Railway]]
|BR Blue
|-
|33208 (D6593)
|[[British Rail Class 33|BR Class 33]]
|Operational until 14 March 2009, when a traction motor flashover occurred, resulting in a fire. (Motor will require re-winding.)
|BR Green
|-
|No. 37905 ''Vulcan Enterprise''
|[[British Rail Class 37|BR Class 37]]
|Operational<br />Leased from [[Battlefield Line Railway]]
|Railfreight Metals Grey
|-
|45132 (D22)
|[[British Rail Class 45|BR Class 45]]
|Undergoing overhaul, generator away for repair.<br />Stored in Ropley headshunt
|BR Blue
|}


*Alton signal box – A new [[Railway signal|signalling]] installation has been commissioned at Alton.<ref name=MHRGuide /> It is a colour-light system, running from the [[signal box]] control panel; this contrasts with the mechanical [[Railway semaphore signal|semaphore signals]] used on the rest of the line. The new system allows a more intensive train service, making use of the [[passing loop|loop]], and allows shunting within the station, operations which the previous manual flag signalling did not allow. The new installation makes use of [[track circuit]]s to detect where the train is situated and can change points and signals accordingly. It can run fully automatically, so there is no need for a [[signalman (rail)|signalman]], unlike the other signal boxes on the line. When there is no signalman, all Signal Post Telephones are diverted to [[Medstead and Four Marks railway station|Medstead & Four Marks]] signal box. It works on a system where a member of the locomotive crew inserts the [[Token (railway signalling)|token]] into a token switch, to allow the system to take the next steps.
=== Diesel multiple units ===
*Ropley signal box – Phase One of the Ropley re-signalling project, construction of the new signal box, has been completed. Phase Two was expected to be completed in 2012. Phase Two will include installation of working distant signals, in place of the existing fixed distant signals. The new signals will be motorised semaphore signals as they are too far from the signal box to be operated mechanically without considerable physical effort by the signalman. The scheme will also include installing Advanced Starting and Outer Home signals in both directions.<!--these terms could do with links to a page on British signalling practice!-->
{| class="wikitable"
*AWS (Automatic Warning System) – The Watercress Line is currently the only heritage railway with a complete [[Automatic Warning System|AWS]] system.{{Citation needed|date=April 2018}} It is used on all distant signals on the line and at all signals in the Alton colour light area, until an AWS gap is reached before the Meon Loop due to the large number of signals. Almost all of the locomotives and multiple units are fitted with it, apart from a couple of steam locomotives.{{Citation needed|date=April 2018}}
! Number (Type)
*Train Protection & Warning System – [[Train Protection & Warning System|TPWS]] is not used by the Watercress Line, however the [[British Rail Class 205|Class 205]] Hampshire Unit has TPWS fitted.
! Description
! Current Status
! Livery
|-
|W51363&nbsp;&nbsp;(DMBS)<br />W51400&nbsp; (DMS)<br />W59515&nbsp; (TCL)
|[[British Rail Class 117|BR&nbsp;Class&nbsp;117]]
|3-car [[DMMU]].<br />Operates on most special events, such as playing 'Daisy' in Day Out With Thomas events
|Malachite Green
|-
|W55003<ref>[http://www.railcar.co.uk/societies.htm#ian Restoration of Class 122 W55003]</ref>&nbsp;(DMBS)
|[[British Rail Class 122|BR&nbsp;Class&nbsp;122]]
|Single [[railcar]].<br />Operational. Has a Main-line Certification
|BR Green
|-
|60124 (DMBC)<br />(60824) DTC
|[[British Rail Class 205|BR Class 205]]
|Unit 1125. Two-car "Hampshire Unit" [[DEMU]]. Returned to operational use in May 2009. Rededicated at the Diesel Gala.
|BR Green
|}


== Future developments ==
Before its closure, the railway joined the [[South West Main Line]] at [[Winchester]] Junction,<ref name=Butcher3 /> two miles (3&nbsp;km) north of Winchester. The cheapest viable proposals to reinstate the tracks to rejoin Winchester, calling for platforms, embankments, earth cuttings and/or tunnels, have proven too expensive to submit to government or large charities. The track would need to cross the [[M3 motorway (Great Britain)|M3 motorway]] and replace or tunnel underneath houses and gardens{{how many?|date=May 2016}} built across the [[right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]] between the former other junction of the railway (with electrified railways) and [[Itchen Abbas]].


=== 2008 lottery grant ===
Upon bidding, in October 2008 the Mid Hants Railway received £550,000 from the [[Heritage Lottery Fund]] (HLF) for improvement projects.<ref name=HLFOct08 >{{cite web |url=http://www.watercressline.co.uk/images/hlfgrant.doc |title=Watercress Line Successful Again with a Substantial Grant Awarded by Heritage Lottery Fund. |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091128041949/http://www.watercressline.co.uk/images/hlfgrant.doc |archive-date = 2009-11-28 |publisher=Mid Hants Railway |access-date=8 December 2008}}</ref>


A new two-track carriage and wagon workshop has been built at Ropley, capable of holding four carriages under cover. The workshop is intended to meet the particular needs for the restoration of wooden vehicles with woodworking machinery, a retained carpenter and apprentice/trainee carpenters.<ref name=HLFOct08 />
== Passenger Coaches ==


Extensions to the locomotive workshop are a small machine shop, stores area and a set of volunteers' refreshment and changing facilities. Viewing platforms for visitors take in the locomotive and carriage workshops and the boiler workshop. Materials and displays for interpretation and overview are provided to educate visitors in the work and trades used to maintain and improve a largely manually-maintained, bespoke set of rolling stock.<ref name=HLFOct08 />
The railway currenly operates mainly [[British Railways Mark 1]] for its locomotive hauled services. This normally consists of sets of five or six coaches but without the classic 'Southern' feature of fixed sets typified by a brake coach at each end of the rake with a set number painted on the external bulkhead end.


A historic signal box assisted by a grant from the Railway Heritage Trust is installed at Medstead. It provides a hands-on signalling experience for visitors together with space for an exhibition of [[Strowger switch|Strowger telephone equipment]].<ref name=HLFOct08 />
For a peiord in the 1990 to early 2000's the railway invested heavly in [[British Railways Mark 2]] stock whist reducing its Mark 1 fleet.


The cost of this round of projects exceeded £1m, assisted by funds within the railway and by additional volunteer labour.<ref name=HLFOct08 />
These vehicles were used on the railways regular serices and on mainline steam charters (known at the time as 'The Green Train') but after a change in direction, both with the abandonment of the charter bussiness and the preferance to Mark 2 stock, these more modern coaches fell from faviour and were later sold en-bloc to another operator.


The railway was successful in gaining two previous HLF awards: the Old Goods Shed at Alresford was restored and opened in 2000; the [[wheel drop]] shed at Ropley was built in 2005.<ref name=HLFOct08 />
The Mid-Hants then after many years of winding down its Mark 1 fleet started to purchase stock from other operators and began a program of rebuilding and overhaul for there Mark 1's. Interestingly very few coaches from the old Southern Region found a preservation home on the Mid-Hants with most coming via the Eastern region and some as far as Scotland arriving on the line still displaying the former owners Scotrail branding.

Slightly disappointingly for the enthusiast and the photographer the Mid-Hants standarized on BR Southern green for all of its home based fleet, a contast to the 1980's when the whole period of British Railways steam era liveries where in use. Today only one or two coaches stray outside this policy (Pullmans and 'Watercress Belle" coaches exculded) and it is hoped that some variation will soon be found in this area.

Outside the very numerious Mark 1 home fleet and perhaps more interesting to the railway enthusiast a number of more vintage Southern vehicles and Pullman cars are undergoing restoration or are currently in service.

=== Pre-Nationalisation Passenger Coaches ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Number (Type)
! Description
! Current Status
! Livery
|-
|S7851 &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Warner Resturant Third)
|[[LSWR]]
|Under Restoration - Unique LSWR Ironclad coach, undergoing longterm restoration to passenger carrying condition.
|n/a
|-
|S4211S &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Bullied Brake Third)
|[[Southern Railway]]
|In Service - Full passenger carrying condition, restored from stripped out departmental coach.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4367S &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Bullied Brake Third)
|[[Southern Railway]]
|Under Restoration - After withdrawl this carrige was modified for use by the British Army at one of its railway networks ([[Marchwood]], [[Longmoor]], [[ Long Marston]] etc) and arrived on the Mid-Hants in 1992 in poor but substantially complete condition, unfortuanatly this coach was subsiquently heavly vandalized whilst in store. Restoration ongoing.
|n/a
|}
=== Pullman Passenger Coaches ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Number (Type)
! Description
! Current Status
! Livery
|-
|311 EAGLE &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Pullman Kitchen First)
|[[Pullman]]
|In Service - On loan from the [[National Railway Museum]].
|Umber and Cream
|-
|315 HERON &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Pullman Kitchen First)
|[[Pullman]]
|For Restoration - Stripped out departmental coach, possible will be dismantled for spares for other members of the Mid Hants Pullman fleet.
|n/a
|-
|325 AMETHYST &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Pullman Parlour First)
|[[Pullman]]
|Under Restoration - Restoration ongoing.
|n/a
|-
|351 &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Pullman Parlour Second)
|[[Pullman]]
|In Service -
|Umber and Cream
|-

|}
=== British Railways Mark 1 Passenger Coaches (Caterning Cars) ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Number (Type)
! Description
! Current Status
! Livery
|-
|S 1105&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Griddle)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Former Resturant first rebuilt by BR to Griddle configuration in 1965.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S1087&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Resturant Miniture Buffet)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Built for locomotive haulage this carriage was later formed into a SR electric unit for a period in the 1970/80's.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S1851&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Resturant Miniture Buffet)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Built for Southern Region, believed to be last minute transfer at delivery as this batch of RMB's (1849-1852) were in BR maroon livery but branded S1849-S1851, later in life this carriage has interiour rebuilt using in the style of a BR built CEP electric units.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S1668&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Buffet Restaurant )
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Used in the Mid-Hants dining train 'The Watercress Belle'
|Pseudo Pullman - Umber and Cream
|-
|S1973&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Restaurant Unclassed )
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Used in the Mid-Hants dining train 'The Watercress Belle'
|Pseudo Pullman - Umber and Cream
|-
|}
=== British Railways Mark 1 Passenger Coaches ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Number (Type)
! Description
! Current Status
! Livery
|-
|S3067&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(First Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Built for use on the Southern Region, used in the Mid-Hants dining train 'The Watercress Belle' carried the name 'Sage'
|Pseudo Pullman - Umber and Cream
|-
|S3070&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(First Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Built for use on the Southern Region, used in the Mid-Hants dining train 'The Watercress Belle' carried the name 'Fern'
|Pseudo Pullman - Umber and Cream
|-
|S3738&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - .
|British Railways Green
|-
|S3769&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - .
|British Railways Green
|-
|S3906&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Southern Region at Eastleigh works built.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4224&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - .
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4423&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - .
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4549&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - One of the two original coaches delivered to the Mid-Hants by rail in 1976.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4600&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - One of the two original coaches delivered to the Mid-Hants by rail in 1976.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4712&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service -
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4822&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Originally built as a Second Open with 2+1 seating, finished and branded by the Mid-Hants as a First Open.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4910&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Tourist Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service -
|British Railways Green
|-
|S4977&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Second Open)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service -
|British Railways Green
|-
|E15939&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Corridor Composite)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|Awaiting Overhaul -
|Pseudo LNER Tourist Green & Cream
|-
|S16083&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Corridor Composite)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service -
|British Railways Green
|-
|S16204&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Corridor Composite)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|Awaiting Overhaul -
|n/a
|-
|M21208&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Corridor Composite)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|Awaiting Overhaul -
|British Railways Maroon & Cream
|-
|S21236&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Corridor Composite)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Formally used as 30828 Support Coach
|British Railways Green
|-
|S21252&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Corridor Composite)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service -
|British Railways Green
|-
|S25591&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Corridor Composite)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|Awaiting Overhaul -
|n/a
|-
|S34618&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Second Corridor)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|Departmental Service - - Built for the Southern Region, ex Set 524. Now used as an office.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S34947&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Second Corridor)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service- Built for the Southern Region, ex Set 531.
|British Railways Green
|-
|S35317&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Second Corridor)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service- used as 30850 Support Coach
|British Railways Green
|-
|S35329&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Second Corridor)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|Departmental Service - Used for crane staff coach as DS329
|Departmental Red
|-
|S35331&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />(Brake Second Corridor)
|[[British Railways Mark 1]]
|In Service - Converted by BR for departmental use, after purchase for preservation the Mid-Hants rebuilt the coach as a 'Real Ale Bar', running for many years in Green and Cream livery in is reportedly being overhauld and painted BR Maroon
|British Railways Maroon
|-
|}

== Safety systems ==
=== AWS (Automatic Warning System) ===
The [[Watercress Line]] is currently the only heritage railway with a complete [[Automatic Warning System|AWS]] system. It is used on all distant signals, and some other signals. Almost all of the locomotives and multiple units are fitted with it, apart from a couple of steam locomotives.

=== Train Protection & Warning System ===
The [[Class 205]] and [[LNER Class A4|Gresley A4]] 60019 ''Bittern'' only have [[Train Protection & Warning System]] (TPWS) fitted, although it is not used.

== Staff and volunteers ==
Currently there is a small base of paid staff (mostly in administrative duties) and a core of volunteers.


== Incidents ==
== Incidents ==
{{Main|Incidents at the Watercress Line}}
=== Derailment at Ropley, 2006 ===
On 25 July 2006 the leading bogie of the [[BR Class 117]] DMMU forming the 10:50 service from Alton to Alresford derailed on points approaching Platform 2 at Ropley Station. The train was stopped within 20 metres of the point of derailment by an instructor who was in the cab with the driver. There were no injuries as a result of the incident, and the train and track suffered limited damage.


There have been some incidents at the Watercress Line over its history. Most incidents are confined to mechanical failure of railway systems. On 26 July 2010, a fire broke out in the newly constructed Carriage and Wagon workshop at Ropley station.
The immediate cause of the incident was the reversal of the points by the signalman at Ropley Signal box. The causal factors were the confusion by the signalman about the exact location of the train and lack of point-detection systems.


== References ==
The RAIB has made six recommendations aimed at:
{{Reflist}}
* the provision of train detection on points;
* the operating of the electric token block system;
* the safety management system; and
* the competence and medical standards for staff.


==Further reading==
Since the accident a new signal box has been opened at Ropley, with full [[interlocking]], which will prevent a repeat of this incident. Also, [[fouling bars]] have been installed to prevent points being moved (when the [[Facing Point Lock]] is not in use).
*{{cite book |title=The Mid-Hants Railway: From Construction to Closure |first=Roger |last=Hardingham |date=28 September 1995 |edition=1st |publisher=Runpast Publishing |isbn=978-1-870754-29-3 }}

<ref>[http://www.raib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/reports_2007/report202007.cfm RAIB report]</ref><ref>[http://www.era.europa.eu/Documents/Safety/Investigations_notifications_reports/UK/55-06-07-25ropley.pdf European Rail Agency Incident Report]</ref>

=== Passenger fatality at Alresford, 2007 ===
On 1 December 2007 a passenger fell from the platform at Alresford as he tried to board a departing train. It is believed Michael Kerry, 62, of Redbridge, Southampton, fell on to the platform, and was dragged under the train on Saturday night just after 10pm as he was about to board the Real Ale Train.<ref name=PPost>[http://www.petersfieldpost.co.uk/west-of-petersfield/Rail-death-man-named.3576937.jp Fatality - report from Petersfield Post (Dec 2007)]</ref>

The PA system was not working in the carriage he was travelling in. As a result he missed an announcement asking passengers not to leave the train at the second Alresford stop as it was running late.<ref name=PPost />

As the train was pulling out of the station, Mr Kerry ran to get onto the train while it was moving. Despite shouts for him to stand clear by the guard and other people on the platform, he managed to open a door but lost his footing and was dragged under the train. The train was stopped by the guard using the emergency brake and the Emergency Services were called by the signalman. The post mortem concluded that Mr Kerry was killed by multiple crush injuries. He was declared dead at the scene. The coroner concluded that the death was accidental, and he was satisfied that the emergency procedures, put in place by the Mid-Hants Railway, were safe and worked.<ref>[http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/3817404.Accidental_death_on_Heritage_Railway_line/ Coroner's findings - Southern Daily Echo (Nov 2008)]</ref>

=== Failure of 5MT 73096, 2009 ===
Services for the Spring Steam Gala on 14 March 2009 were seriously disrupted when one of the operational locomotives suffered a major failure at Wander's Curve in the Ropley to Medstead section. The casualty was 5MT Standard 5 number 73096, which, whilst on the first Alresford to Alton service of the day, suffered major damage to its left-hand (driver's-side) cylinder. It is thought, about 3/4 of a mile from Ropley station, a piston coreplug worked loose thus causing much damage to the cylinder covers, cylinder, piston and piston-rod plus other equipment in the area.<ref name=73096cyl /> There is no evidence that this was caused by [[Priming (steam engine)|priming]] (water in the cylinders, which can cause similar catastrophic failures) and currently the crew are absolved of any blame.
No damage was done to the track or signalling, but No. 73096 blocked the line for some time. Shuttle services were quickly organised between Alresford and Ropley, and between Alton and Medstead, until the line could be cleared. Parts of the steam locomotive's 'motion' (connecting rod, valve gear linkages, etc) on the driver's side had to be removed by [[Motive power depot|MPD]] staff to allow the locomotive to be moved – as the 5MT was unable to move under its own power, a diesel locomotive was dispatched from Ropley engine shed to retrieve it. The Gala thereafter continued with a revised timetable.

The locomotive is to be out of service until its cylinder is replaced.

=== Failure of 33208 at Ropley, 2009 ===
At the 2009 Spring Steam gala, [[British Rail Class 33|Class 33]] diesel locomotive number 33208 was sent from Ropley MPD to rescue the failed 73096. However, the Class 33 suffered a traction motor flashover, which resulted in a small fire when the locomotive was over the yard entrance points. To allow the other Class 33 out of the yard to rescue the failed train, the dead Class 33 had to be manually pushed back into the station by a number of volunteer workers before it could be moved out of the way with the yard's [[British Rail Class 08|Class 08]] shunter.

== References ==
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{commons cat|Watercress Line}}
{{Commons category|Watercress Line}}
*Mid Hants Railway – [http://www.watercressline.co.uk/ "The Watercress Line"] official website.
*Mid Hants Railway – [http://www.watercressline.co.uk/ "The Watercress Line"] official website.
*Mid Hants Railway – [http://www.watercressline.co.uk/tw/archive.htm Steam locomotive restorations '''in detail with photos and movies''']
*Mid Hants Railway – [http://phones-midhants.co.uk/ Telecoms Department]<!--Turns out this is not spam, made that mistake myself... check the link *before* deleting! -sladen --> run by volunteers.
*HeritageRail.co.uk – [http://www.heritagerail.co.uk/index.php?searchStr=Watercress&act=viewCat&Submit=Go Watercress Line] photographs.


{{Heritage railways in England}}
{{Heritage railways in England}}


[[Category:Heritage railways in England]]
[[Category:Watercress Line| ]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Hampshire]]
[[Category:Heritage railways in Hampshire]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Hampshire]]
[[Category:Alton, Hampshire]]

Latest revision as of 09:14, 14 June 2024

This article is about the modern heritage railway operation. For a fuller history of the railway line between 1865 and 1973, see Mid-Hants Railway.
Mid-Hants Railway
Watercress Line
Steam locomotive at Ropley station
Watercress line steam train at Ropley station
LocaleHampshire, United Kingdom
ConnectionsNetwork Rail track at Alton
Commercial operations
NameMid-Hants Railway
Built byAlton, Alresford and Winchester Railway Company
Original gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge etc
Preserved operations
Operated byMid-Hants Railway Ltd
Stations4
Length10 miles (16 km)
Preserved gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Commercial history
Opened2 October 1865
Closed5 February 1973
Preservation history
1975Line purchased from British Rail
1977Re-opened between Alresford and Ropley
1983Re-opened to Medstead and Four Marks
1985Re-opened to Alton
HeadquartersAlresford
Website
www.watercressline.co.uk
Watercress Line
Legend
Alton line
to Brookwood
 Alton National Rail
Meon Valley Passing loop
Basingstoke & Alton Light Railway
to Basingstoke
Meon Valley Railway
to Fareham
Boyneswood Bridge (summit of line)
 Medstead and Four Marks
Ropley motive power depot
 Ropley
Alresford
Alresford sidings (end of line)
 Itchen Abbas
M3 built over trackbed
 Winchester
South West Main Line
to London Waterloo & Weymouth
Didcot, Newbury & Southampton Railway
to Newbury

The Watercress Line is the marketing name of the Mid-Hants Railway, a heritage railway in Hampshire, England, running 10 miles (16 km) from New Alresford to Alton where it connects to the National Rail network. The line gained its popular name in the days when it was used to transport locally grown watercress to markets in London. The railway currently operates regular scheduled services, along with dining trains, real ale trains and numerous special events throughout the year.

History

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British Railways ownership

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In 1861, the Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway Company was authorised to build a new railway to connect to the existing London & South Western Railway lines at Alton and Winchester. It was opened on 2 October 1865 as the Mid-Hants Railway. Trains were operated by the London & South Western Railway which eventually purchased the Mid-Hants Railway Company in 1884.[1]

Stations were initially constructed at Itchen Abbas, Ropley and Alresford. The station at Alton was already in existence. The station at Medstead and Four Marks was added in 1868. Just outside this station, the line is at its highest point (652 feet or 199 metres above sea level) having risen from Alresford (263 feet or 80 metres above sea level) and descending to Alton (339 feet or 103 metres above sea level). The section of line became known as "the Alps", due to the steep gradients that exist there.[1]

The line provided an alternative route between London and Southampton and, besides transporting locally produced watercress, was particularly important for military traffic between the army town of Aldershot and the military embarkation port at Southampton.[1]

With the development of motorised transport, the line declined during the inter-war and post-war periods of the 20th century and was further compromised by the closures of the Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway in 1932 and the Meon Valley Railway in 1955. Electrification of the line from London to Alton in 1937 meant that the Watercress Line was no longer part of a through route; it became necessary to change at Alton.[1] Electrification of the line from London to Southampton occurred in 1967,[2] which further affected the economics of the Mid-Hants route.

The line became part of the Southern Railway in 1923 and then part of the Southern Region of British Railways in 1948. It survived the Beeching Axe in 1963, but was eventually closed by British Railways in February 1973.[1] During final years of operation under British Rail, passenger train services were operated by Class 205 ("2H") two carriage diesel-electric multiple units.

In 1941, prototype Merchant Navy Class 21C1 Channel Packet travelled as far as Alresford after the naming ceremony at Southampton for a trial run with press and dignitaries.

Heritage railway

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Ropley locomotive shed

The section of line from Alresford to Alton that can be seen today was purchased from British Rail in November 1975. Reconstruction of the line subsequently progressed in stages. The section between Alresford and Ropley re-opened on 30 April 1977. To provide engineering and maintenance facilities, the main locomotive shed and workshops were constructed at Ropley. The extension to Medstead & Four Marks opened on 28 May 1983 and the final section to Alton opened on 25 May 1985.[1]

On 12 June 1982, a replica of Sans Pareil visited the Watercress Line, running successfully under its own power from Ropley to Alresford.[3]

Some of the structures that can be seen on the line today were not part of the original railway infrastructure;[3] they have been added to make the line serviceable again and to recreate the feel of a fully operational steam railway. The line is now maintained by a small base of paid staff (mostly in administrative duties) and a core of over 400 volunteers.

The railway is a registered charity.[4]

Locomotives and rolling stock

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Main articles: Rolling stock of the Watercress Line and Locomotives formerly resident on the Watercress Line

The Mid-Hants Railway plays host to a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger carriages and restored wagons, most of which are from the 1920s to 1960s period. Steam locomotives operated include Bulleid Pacifics of the Merchant Navy and West Country, SR Lord Nelson class, Schools Class, S15, BR Standard Class 4, BR Standard Class 9F, LMS Ivatt Tank, and a Black 5. Operated alongside these are a number of diesel locomotives including Class 33s, a Class 47, a Class 50, a Class 03 shunter, Class 08 shunters, a Class 11 shunter, and a Class 205 "Hampshire" multiple unit.

Infrastructure

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Stations of the Watercress Line

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Alresford Station from the footbridge

The Watercress Line has four stations on the site of former British Rail stations. Each features a passing loop, allowing trains to pass one another, or locomotives to run round trains for a change of direction of travel. Alton station has three platforms, platforms 1 and 2 being operated by the national rail network, and platform 3 by the Watercress Line. The other three stations each have two platforms with connecting footbridges.

  • Alton – at the north-east end of the line. Alton has one passenger platform (two others are assigned to South Western Railway), with a cross-platform connection to the town and onward services to London Waterloo. Alton has two passing loops, one within station limits, and another just outside, allowing trains to pass outside the station, thus reducing the impact of the single platform during intensive operations. There are several additional sidings.
  • Medstead and Four Marks – the highest station in Hampshire, fully restored in the style of a quiet 1940s Southern Railway station. The line's Signal and Telegraph department, Permanent Way group, and Building department are all located here, in and around the station yard. There are several sidings. This is where the greatest number of trains pass each other on standard running days.
  • Ropley – the engineering centre of the line and the location of the locomotive maintenance and running sheds. The station has flower beds and topiary, and the largest of the line's four signal boxes, controlling movements through the station, as well as much shunting to and from the locomotive yard.
  • Alresford – at the southern end of the line is the top visitor station and has the most passenger facilities, including a museum, buffet and two shops. Most of the carriage stock is stored at this station, with Alresford Train Care performing day-to-day maintenance and cleaning of the carriages.[5]

Imported structures

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Imported structures
Station Structure Original site
Alresford Footbridge Uckfield, East Sussex[6]
West Country Buffet (building) Lyme Regis, Dorset[3]
West Country Buffet (counter) Okehampton, Devon[3]
Platform Canopy Columns (now supporting upper floor in Former Goods Shed Visitor Centre) Ringwood, Hampshire[7]
Ropley Platform Canopy Columns (Heritage wrought iron stanchions incorporated into new waiting room building) Ringwood, Hampshire[7]
Signal box Netley, Hampshire[3]
Footbridge North Tawton, Devon[3]
Footbridge near picnic area[8] Kings Cross, London
Water Tank Longmoor Military Railway, Liss, Hampshire[citation needed]
Ex-LBSC Platform Water Column
(Reputed to be from Christ's Hospital Station) 		Christ's Hospital, West Sussex.[citation needed]
Wheel Drop Bricklayers Arms, South London[6]
Groundframe Hut
(formerly used at Ropley in two locations as a signal box for many years) 		Dean, Wiltshire[9]
Medstead & Four Marks Signal box Wilton South, Wiltshire[3]
Footbridge Cowes, Isle of Wight[3]
Signal box
(recovered by the Mid Hants Railway in October 2010 for use as a display)[10] 		Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire
Alton Signal box Bentley, Hampshire[citation needed]
Water Tower Aldershot, Hants[citation needed]

Signalling and safety systems

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  • Alton signal box – A new signalling installation has been commissioned at Alton.[6] It is a colour-light system, running from the signal box control panel; this contrasts with the mechanical semaphore signals used on the rest of the line. The new system allows a more intensive train service, making use of the loop, and allows shunting within the station, operations which the previous manual flag signalling did not allow. The new installation makes use of track circuits to detect where the train is situated and can change points and signals accordingly. It can run fully automatically, so there is no need for a signalman, unlike the other signal boxes on the line. When there is no signalman, all Signal Post Telephones are diverted to Medstead & Four Marks signal box. It works on a system where a member of the locomotive crew inserts the token into a token switch, to allow the system to take the next steps.
  • Ropley signal box – Phase One of the Ropley re-signalling project, construction of the new signal box, has been completed. Phase Two was expected to be completed in 2012. Phase Two will include installation of working distant signals, in place of the existing fixed distant signals. The new signals will be motorised semaphore signals as they are too far from the signal box to be operated mechanically without considerable physical effort by the signalman. The scheme will also include installing Advanced Starting and Outer Home signals in both directions.
  • AWS (Automatic Warning System) – The Watercress Line is currently the only heritage railway with a complete AWS system.[citation needed] It is used on all distant signals on the line and at all signals in the Alton colour light area, until an AWS gap is reached before the Meon Loop due to the large number of signals. Almost all of the locomotives and multiple units are fitted with it, apart from a couple of steam locomotives.[citation needed]
  • Train Protection & Warning System – TPWS is not used by the Watercress Line, however the Class 205 Hampshire Unit has TPWS fitted.

Future developments

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Before its closure, the railway joined the South West Main Line at Winchester Junction,[1] two miles (3 km) north of Winchester. The cheapest viable proposals to reinstate the tracks to rejoin Winchester, calling for platforms, embankments, earth cuttings and/or tunnels, have proven too expensive to submit to government or large charities. The track would need to cross the M3 motorway and replace or tunnel underneath houses and gardens[quantify] built across the right-of-way between the former other junction of the railway (with electrified railways) and Itchen Abbas.

2008 lottery grant

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Upon bidding, in October 2008 the Mid Hants Railway received £550,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for improvement projects.[11]

A new two-track carriage and wagon workshop has been built at Ropley, capable of holding four carriages under cover. The workshop is intended to meet the particular needs for the restoration of wooden vehicles with woodworking machinery, a retained carpenter and apprentice/trainee carpenters.[11]

Extensions to the locomotive workshop are a small machine shop, stores area and a set of volunteers' refreshment and changing facilities. Viewing platforms for visitors take in the locomotive and carriage workshops and the boiler workshop. Materials and displays for interpretation and overview are provided to educate visitors in the work and trades used to maintain and improve a largely manually-maintained, bespoke set of rolling stock.[11]

A historic signal box assisted by a grant from the Railway Heritage Trust is installed at Medstead. It provides a hands-on signalling experience for visitors together with space for an exhibition of Strowger telephone equipment.[11]

The cost of this round of projects exceeded £1m, assisted by funds within the railway and by additional volunteer labour.[11]

The railway was successful in gaining two previous HLF awards: the Old Goods Shed at Alresford was restored and opened in 2000; the wheel drop shed at Ropley was built in 2005.[11]

Incidents

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Main article: Incidents at the Watercress Line

There have been some incidents at the Watercress Line over its history. Most incidents are confined to mechanical failure of railway systems. On 26 July 2010, a fire broke out in the newly constructed Carriage and Wagon workshop at Ropley station.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Alan C Butcher (1996). Mid-Hants railway in colour. ISBN 0-7110-2465-0.
  2. ^ South Coast railways – Portsmouth to Southampton. Vic Mitchell and Keith Smith. ISBN 0-906520-31-2
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Mid-Hants railway in colour. Alan C Butcher. 1996. ISBN 0-7110-2465-0.
  4. ^ "Mid-Hants Railway Preservation Society Limited, registered charity no. 284406". Charity Commission for England and Wales.
  5. ^ "Railway Guide". Watercress Line. 4 December 1999. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
  6. ^ a b c Pearson, Mike. "Mid Hants Railway (The Watercress Line) – A Guide". (Original, detailed version, now at the Internet Archive). Mid Hants Railway. Archived from the original on 24 February 2008. Retrieved 2 June 2010.
  7. ^ a b "Building Group Report 25 November « Mid Hants Railway Ltd 'Watercress Line'". watercressline.co.uk. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016.
  8. ^ "Watercress Line gets Kings Cross 'Harry Potter' bridge". BBC News. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  9. ^ "Fluidr / 11-043 Blakes Crossing, Ropley by Clive G'". Fluidr.com. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
  10. ^ John Wright (27 October 2010). "Great Missenden Signal Box moves to MHR". Mid Hants Railway : Watercress Line.
  11. ^ a b c d e f "Watercress Line Successful Again with a Substantial Grant Awarded by Heritage Lottery Fund". Mid Hants Railway. Archived from the original on 28 November 2009. Retrieved 8 December 2008.

Further reading

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  • Hardingham, Roger (28 September 1995). The Mid-Hants Railway: From Construction to Closure (1st ed.). Runpast Publishing. ISBN 978-1-870754-29-3.
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