THE Watercress Line has announced that its annual Autumn Steam Gala event will this year feature a ‘branch line’ theme.

Visitors to the three-day gala, from Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8, will ride behind home-fleet and visiting locomotives, go behind the scenes to find out more about s restoration projects and view various exhibits.

There will be an enhanced timetable offering unlimited rides behind the range of steam engines, giving plenty of opportunity to enjoy the Hampshire countryside.

The popular Autumn Gala will showcase two of the Watercress Line’s own engines - 41312 LMS Ivatt, which spent much of its working career on the Southern Region, and the 53808 7F, courtesy of the S&D Railway Trust, which was used as a local goods train.

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Visiting locomotives will include No. 72 ‘Fenchurch’, from the Bluebell Railway. This gave rapid acceleration on suburban trains of lightweight carriages on the South London line.

LNWR coal tank no. 1054, owned by the National Trust and courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Trust. Originally designed to haul freight (predominantly coal traffic).

The GWR Class 5205, 5239 ‘Goliath’, courtesy of the Dartmouth Steam Railway, Devon, will also be in operation. This engine was used to haul coal from the mines in South Wales to the ports for export.

The gala weekend will give visitors an insight into restoration projects at Ropley workshop and yard. Driver experiences will be available with ‘Kilmersdon’ 1788, and opportunities to take Queen Mary Brake Van rides on the Goods Train. The miniature steam railway will also offer unlimited rides for all the family to enjoy.

Guests can visit the Goods Shed exhibition at Medstead and Four Marks, and browse the society stands and displays at Ropley Station.

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There will also be artefacts on show from the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust at the Old Goods Shed Museum in Alresford.

Watercress Line chief executive Rebecca Dalley said: “Most of our trains are operated by tender engines, so this is a rare opportunity to travel along the line by a variety of tank engines, smaller engines that tended to travel on branch lines, which 'branch off' the main line to serve local communities in rural areas.

“Our Autumn Steam Gala provides a fascinating day out for anyone interested in steam engines. It’s a great opportunity to ride behind these steam locomotives, see behind the scenes as restoration is in progress and find out more about the history of the railway.”

More information can be found by visiting the Watercress Line website.