Spring Steam Gala, The Watercress Line, Alresford, UK - 26 Apr 2024
'Lambton' Tank no. 29, courtesy of the Lambton Trust and North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Built in 1904 by Kitson of Leeds, Works Number 4263, for Lambton Collieries, No. 29 was the first 0-6-2T to be employed on that system. She was overhauled at Philadelphia in 1968, by which time the 'main line' running over British Rail tracks had ceased, so No.29 was made redundant on 15 February, 1969. With 65 years in service she must be a one of the longest-working steam locomotives in the UK.
The Spring Steam Gala event is a chance to see and ride behind special guest engines and The Watercress Lines home-fleet locomotives, with an intensive operating service running each day. Guest engines included the LMS Jubilee Class 'Leander' no. 45690 & 'Lambton' Tank no. 29.
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.
