Small Engines star at The Watercress Line 'Autumn Steam Gala' - 07/10/2023

A well overdue trip to Hampshire this weekend to visit an old favourite of ours. The Mid-Hants Railway held their annual 'Autumn Steam Gala' over the weekend of the 6th-8th of October. Three guest Tank engines would star in what was very much a small engine themed event.
Visiting from the Bluebell Railway, A1 Terrier 72 'Fenchurch' stole the show as it worked alongside Bagnall Saddle Tank 401 'Vulcan' and LNWR Coal Tank 1054 to complete the guest line up. GWR Heavy Tank 5239 'Goliath' was also in the final weeks of it's extended period of loan to the line from the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway.
From the home fleet, S&D 7F 53808 was making it's last appearance at a Gala event before it's withdraw for overhaul later on in the year, and was the only Tender locomotive in action at the event. Meanwhile Ivatt 2MT 41312 was also in action having just starred at the Severn Valley Railway's Gala, and recently overhauled Peckett 0-4-0 1788 'Kilmersdon' also ventured out onto the line with a round trip on the Shuttle once a day.
0:00 1054 & 53808
4:52 5239 'Goliath'
7:07 41312
8:57 72 'Fenchurch
13:22 401 'Vulcan'
16:51 1788 'Kilmersdon'
With a mixture of local passenger, mixed passenger and freight trains it was a bustling atmosphere around the line, combined with some lovely autumnal weather to top off a tidy event. A great day catching up with some old friends and the usual company as great as ever. Hope you enjoy!
Check out my Facebook Page for extra content and updates:
/ frontlinesteam

[@williamtacey7770]

A1xx Terrier LBSC so has been based on from Thomas the Tank Engine books of series.
📖 📚

[@paulsheward3325]

Why does everything come back to Thomas!!!!!