SELECTED LINKS
Some recommended Websites which may be of interest, with a special emphasis on railways and the South
RAILWAY PRESERVATION
Swanage Railway - An authentic recreation of a famous Southern Region branch line, running through beautiful Dorset countryside and past the ancient spendour of Corfe Castle.
Mid Hants Railway - Better known as The Watercress Line, which operates Southern steam trains 'over the Alps' between Alton and Alresford in Hampshire
Isle of Wight Steam Railway- Maintaining the spirit of the Island railways with authentic historic rolling stock in this beautiful part of southern England
The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway- Recreating the incomparable North Devon 2' gauge line dating from 1898, closed by the Southern Railway in 1935, and now running again ...and extending!
Southern Locomotives Ltd is a company that owns, restores, maintains and operates nine steam locomotives. It has already restored a Merchant Navy Class locomotive, No 35027 Port Line, followed by restoring an unrebuilt Battle of Britain Class locomotive, 34072 257 Squadron. Two standard tank locomotives followed, 80104, was completed in 1997 and 80078 was finished in 1999. More recently, two Bulleid pacifics, No 34028 Eddystone, a rebuilt West Country class and No 34070 Manston have joined the fleet.
The Bulleid Society- A preservation society of distinction based at the Bluebell Railway and custodian of two Bulleid designed express locomotives, Nos 34023 BLACKMORE VALE and No 34059 SIR ARCHIBALS SINCLAIR
Wadebridge (34007) Locomotive Ltd is the owner and restorer of the superb ex-Southern Railway/British Railways Bulleid pacific locomotive No. 34007 Wadebridge which was restored to service in 2007 and and worked for ten years at the Mid-Hants railway. It is now under restoration at Heywood in Lancashire.
Merchant Navy Preservation Society The MNLPS was formed in 1965 to buy a MN 4-6-2 at the end of Southern Steam operation. They raised the funds needed (£2500) and were able to buy No 35028 CLAN LINE which was reckoned to be the best surviving member of the class and it was handed over to the Society in 1967. After several overhauls it continues to operate regularly on the main line over fifty years later!
INFO SOURCES
BRDatabase A fantastic resource about many aspects of British Railways rolling stock and infrastructure
Six Bells Junction - The ultimate website for information about enthusiasts' rail tours and special traffic, with information stretching back into the 19th century.
