Two steam trains to the Sunny South Coast
[photos: Jon Jolliffe]
A half-hourly steam service on the SW main line from Waterloo? This scenario has not been experienced for real since 1967, but something like it was available recently when two separate excursion trains were scheduled down the main line between Woking and Basingstoke less than half an hour apart.
The trains were organised for 9th July to commemorate the anniversary of the final day of steam operation in 1967 before diesel and electric trains took over. Both trains halted mid-morning to take on water at Winchfield station platform, sandwiched between the half-hourly local stopping services. The first was the Dorset Coast Express hauled by reboilered LMS Royal Scot class 46115 Scots Guardsman which paused for a drink then headed for Weymouth via Yeovil. After one electric train to Basingstoke, SR King Arthur class 777 Sir Lamiel appeared with the second train, the Cathedrals Express for Swanage. Sadly, in the modern fashion, both locomotives were assisted by diesel traction.
A further opportunity to see both steam-hauled trains together arose at Southampton the same evening. Sir Lamiel paused just outside Southampton station to run round the train, before continuing its journey via Romsey and Andover. While waiting there for a clear path it was passed by Scots Guardsman travelling at speed with whistle shrieking. A fine sight for all steam enthusiasts.
Many steam runs continue on a variety of main line routes through the summer. In case anyone doesn't know, a summary of steam specials can be found here.