Over the Alps DVD: 2018 Update – The Story of Mid-Hants Railway

Description

Over the Alps – The Updated Story of the Mid-Hants Railway 2018

A completely updated DVD presentation about the Mid-Hants Railway from its construction in the 1860s up to the present day with its preserved section between Alresford and Alton.

We see archive films from the 1950s and 1960s and a unique cab ride aboard a Hampshire DEMU as it progresses from Winchester Junction up to Alton which includes the now closed section through Itchen Abbas.

Right up-to-date films from the recent galas and the newest locomotives coming on stream which include Nos. 35005, 75079, 34105 and 506.

Today, The Mid-Hants Railway, Watercress Line is one of Hampshire’s premier tourist attractions.

Originally opened in 1865 as a route between Alton and Winchester.

The line was also used as an alternative through route between London and Southampton – the main being via Basingstoke.

This programme looks at the very beginnings of the line and its construction through the picturesque Hampshire countryside at the western edge of the South Downs.

Although the line had continued service for over one hundred years, it was always under threat due to poor passenger numbers and this eventually caused its closure in 1973.

Following one of the most vigorous campaigns to save the route, supporters decided to try and re-open the line as a steam railway.

From 1977 the line from Alresford towards Alton was gradually re-opened as a tourist railway.

We see archive films showing the last steam and diesel services prior to closures and also footage of the early preservation era as a heritage line began to take shape.

Rare archive films show the track relaying of the mid-1980s as the line was extended to Medstead and Four Marks and then eventually to Alton in May 1985.

A survey of locomotives currently operating on the line and the many facilities at all the stations.

Visiting locomotives are featured as they operated at special gala weekends over the past few years.

Altogether, the complete story of this railway in the heart of Hampshire with plenty of steam action!

Approx. 82 minutes.

This dvd is being sold on behalf of and with full permission of the copyright owner – Kingfisher Productions.