Why is it called the Watercress Line?
The Mid Hants Railway is generally known as the Watercress Line thanks to its proud history of transporting watercress to the fresh produce markets of the UK during the boom in popularity in Victorian times.
Where is the Watercress Line train?
The Watercress Line is located just off the A31, about seven miles from Winchester. It is recommended that visitors start their journey from either Alresford or Alton. Parking is available at Alresford and Alton.
How long is the train journey on the Watercress Line?
10 miles
Watercress Line
| Mid-Hants Railway | |
|---|---|
| Watercress Line | |
| Length | 10 miles (16 km) |
| Preserved gauge | 4 ft 81⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Commercial history |
What is the most powerful British locomotive?
The locomotive number is a combination of the initials of Hawker Siddeley (the owners of Brush Traction) and the power rating of its Sulzer diesel engine (4000 HP), making it the most powerful locomotive built by the company….British Rail HS4000.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 7 in (1.092 m) 1,092 mm (42.99 in) |
Are dogs allowed on the Watercress Line?
We are a dog friendly site and dogs travel FREE on the line. There is no charge to take bikes on our trains and they can be stored in the guard’s compartment, but please be aware that during special events space may be limited and we may not be able to accommodate cycles on some services.
What are they filming at the Watercress Line?
Credits
| Production | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Jamie & Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast | TV | 2020 |
| Classic Mary Berry for BBC1 | TV | 2018 |
| On Chesil Beach | Film | 2017 |
What is the strongest steam locomotive in Britain?
The P2s, also known as The ‘Mikados’, was the most powerful express locomotive in the UK. Designed in the 1930s by Sir Nigel Gresley, they were designed to haul 600-ton trains. The build of 2007 is at an estimated cost of £5 million and will use modern construction techniques, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD).
What engines are on the Watercress Line?
The railway also has a range of Diesel Locomotives and a 2H Diesel Multiple Unit. Although the majority of services on the Watercress Line are steam hauled, diesel locomotives are often found hauling passenger trains in their own right, as well as acting as thunderbird locomotives, trip workings and shunting duties.
Is the Watercress line running today?
Alresford station Non-running days: Open every day except Mondays & Tuesdays, 9am – 3pm.
Are there toilets on the Watercress Line?
Toilets are available at all stations. Toilets on board are currently locked and out of use due to Covid-19 safety regulations. Disabled toilets are available at Alresford station in the Old Goods Shed, Ropley Station and Alton station. Ropley station is home to our engineering base.
Where are the steam and diesel locomotives on the Watercress Line?
Many steam and diesel locomotives have operated on the Watercress Line or Mid-Hants Railway, a heritage railway in Hampshire, England . Was the first locomotive to arrive on the Mid-Hants Railway at Alresford in July 1973. Assisted in the loading of Slough Estates No. 3 in 1974 at Alresford. Now based at the Foxfield Railway.
What happened to the river Loco 31806?
The River names were quietly dropped. Of the four U class locos surviving in preservation, 31806 is the only one from the 20 K class rebuilds. If you know where to look you can still see the evidence of its earlier life in another form.
Where are the Watercress Line BR wagons?
The Watercress Line owns many BR wagons along with a few SR Pillbox Brake Vans, two LMS vans, a Great Western three-axle tanker, a recently built cattle wagon, an LNER open wagon, etc. Build in 1936 at Ashford. Operational Built in 1957 in Derbyshire. Operational Built in 1951 at Shildon. Operational Built in 1958 at Derby.
What was the original name of the Swanage US 31806?
K Class River Cray after the Severn Oaks Crash that bought both of the Swanage Us in to being. 31806 was originally built as a K class 2-6-4 tank engine. They were all named after rivers in the region and No A806 was named “River Torridge”. Constructed at Brighton Works, it entered traffic in August 1926.