The Mid-Hants Railway ‘Watercress Line’ would welcome the beginning of their main operating season this week, with services returning to the heritage railway over the weekend of March 9th-10th under their Green timetable; One Train Service Plus Ropley Shuttle.

Visiting from the Swanage Railway, courtesy of Southern Locomotives Ltd, 34070 “Manston” would provide the bulk of the motive power as it took charge of services between Alresford and Alton. “Manston” is currently presented in a wonderfully weathered condition, with dirt and grime building up nicely across the air-smoothed casing. Its work-worn appearance provides a welcome and authentic reminder of 34070's working life; 34070 spent its final years allocated to 72A Exmouth Junction, appearing in a similarly rundown aesthetic.

Over the weekend, the Ropley shuttle would be taken care of by D8188. On the Sunday, 34070 would be in charge of the ‘Mothers Day Lunch’ dining service, bolstering its coach set up to 6 coaches for the day.

Locomotives:
BR Class 20 – D8188
Ex-SR 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34070 "Manston"

00:00 - On shed at Ropley
01:22 - 34070 Alresford
03:16 - D8188 Alresford
04:03 - 34070 Horse Lane
05:47 - 34070 Mounters Lane
06:42 - 34070 Northside foot crossing
08:01 - 34070 Bowers Grove Lane
09:23 - 34070 Chawton Woods
10:43 - 34070 Northside Lane
12:27 - 34070 Turk Street
14:03 - 34070 Bishop's Sutton
15:24 - 34070 Rookwood Lane
16:51 - 34070 Hampshire Hunt

All footage filmed on Saturday the 9th, and Sunday the 10th, of March 2024.