Watercress Line - 'Autumn Steam Gala' 06/10/2023

The weekend of October 6th-8th would see the Mid-Hants Railway 'Watercress Line' host their annual 'Autumn Steam Gala' for this year, with a varied line up of visiting and home-fleet locomotives.
Representing the home-fleet, would be 53808, 41312, and 1788 "Kilmersdon". Owned by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust, the event is set to be the final gala appearance for 53808, prior to the expiry of the locomotives' boiler ticket, due later this year. Also owned by the S&DRT, "Kilmersdon" would largely feature on driver experiences in the station limits at Ropley, though making a welcome return trip per day to Alresford. Joining the resident trio, would be four tank locomotives of very different breeds. 5239 "Goliath" is on long term loan to the Watercress Line from the Dartmouth Steam Railway. At the other end of the size scale, 'Terrier' - 72 "Fenchurch" would pay a visit from the Bluebell Railway, joining Coal Tank - 1054 from the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Completing the line up, Bagnall - 401 from the Stephenson Steam Railway.
2023 marks the 60th anniversary since the closure of the Hayling Island branch in 1963. The 'Terrier' Class are well renowned for their service on the branch line, with "Fenchurch" being one of the class to regularly work the route. In addition, on the 3rd of November 1963, "Fenchurch" under its BR guise of 32636, hauled the 'Hayling Farewell Rail Tour'; the final service over the branch before closure. Watercress Line driver Dave Pallett spent a portion of his BR career firing locomotives on the Hayling Island branch, including "Fenchurch", with this event serving to reunite the pair; commemorated by a display at Alton station.
The event featured a range of passenger and demonstration freight services. A local passenger service would shuttle between Alresford and Ropley for the majority of the day, with other services working over the full 10 mile stretch between Alresford and Alton.
Locomotives:
Ex-S&DJR 7F Class - 53808
Steel Company of Wales Bagnall 'New Standard 18' Class - 401 "Vulcan" (name not carried)
GWR 5205 Class - 5239 "Goliath"
BR(M) Class 2MT Tank - 41312
LB&SCR A1X 'Terrier' Class - 72 "Fenchurch"
LNWR Coal Tank Class - 1054
Ex-Kilmersdon Colliery Peckett R3 Class - 1788 "Kilmersdon"
All footage filmed on Friday the 6th of October 2023.

[@stuartaaron613]

I love that whistle on Fenchurch, and it looks so cute pulling those full size carriages.

[@Class57finnian-gl4dm]

I agree can't wait to see her at the svr

[@barrytillman2818]

Oooh I do love a tank engine Thumbs up for Fenchurch 👍

[@Rog250]

Very well shot video with varied scenes..thank you for sharing it

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@elijahglasser1421]

Super awesome

[@threepea1151]

Great vid

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Cheers

[@mickboakes7023]

Nice to see someone ploughing for a change. Seems the current trend is to over sow on this year’s stubble. Great video as always. Autumn colours have started to appear.

[@robertbester]

Thank you. Another place I have never been to. My fault.

[@BidoofTrain]

If you ever get the chance to go, I would highly recommend it. I went on the Friday and it was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. Will be going much more if I can.

[@socialsaz]

@@BidoofTrainHi, please can you tell us what spot that is with the bridge and the horses? My daughter really wants to go

[@BidoofTrain]

@@socialsaz Sorry, I haven't seen the video in a while. Could you let me know what timeframe the place you're specifically talking about is and I'll let you know.

[@SimonTog]

Good video from the Steam Gala :)

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Cheers

[@fraserdonachie5792]

… nice to see the Hayling Island branch remembered … 🙏

[@terryplumb4833]

Super video really captures the gala and the variety of motive power

[@MrPeteUK]

You are a great videographer with a fantastic "eye for the shot"!
I'm a Terrier freak, so loved this display. I recently returned to British railway modelling (O gauge Terrier and Stroudley "Bouncers") from messing about with American On30 for several years... 😊

[@IowaTrainGay]

Another amazing video! What beautiful operations!

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Thanks very much!

[@AndreiTupolev]

The Terrier putting in a splendid show there. I love Vulcan on the mixed train too. Nice Massey Ferguson moment too2:23; notice something, possibly a weasel or Stoat, scurrying along on the far side of the field.

[@alyro-ls1dv]

Beautiful shots, thanks

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Thank you

[@stephaniemillar291]

Another spectacular video as always matthew well done keep it up 😊

[@GraceBurton-qm8jj]

Another great video with engine and gorgeous scenery as well very well done.😊

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Cheers

[@barrytillman2818]

Any one remember Invincible pulling good in and out of the R.A.E I love to see her at the watercress line when she’s restored sadly currently in bits on the I o W

[@derekdee9592]

Superb video 👍

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Thanks