SWING 2010

EAST HANTS LIGHT RAILWAY - 009 (4mm = 1ft, 9mm gauge)

Exhibited by Matt Wildsmith

In 1897, Colonel Stephens proposed a line linking the two market towns of Petersfield and Alton in East Hampshire. The initial plan was a straight line through the countryside, but interjections were made at the planning stage, forcing the line to deviate away from the properties of the grumbling wealthy land owners. The line was built to 2’ 3” foot gauge after observation of the Welsh lines and to keep costs down. The line had severe gradients and required some large motive power. The railway was (and still is, although unofficially) known as the East Hants Light Railway.

East Hants Light Railway - route map

The nearby Horndean Light Railway was facing financial difficulties and was purchased for a nominal sum by the board of the EHLR, and was converted to 2’ 3” gauge with a link line added between Petersfield and Horndean, allowing a direct route to the coast near Cosham, terminating at Port Solent, an area being developed for overseas travel. A private military line was installed, again to 2’ 3” gauge, between Alton and the RAE at Farnborough allowing direct transportation of aircraft, munitions and parts to and from the port. This model represents the village of Oakshott on the original line, which originates at Alton station and winds through a handful of other villages before stopping in the EHLR platform by the goods shed at Petersfield station, allowing connection to the main line.

The railway has been running for 40 years now. At the grouping, the line became controlled by the Southern Railway. Initial thoughts of regauging to standard gauge were soon quashed when the financiers and engineers explained the nonfeasibility of such a project, especially the widening and strengthening of the Froxfield Viaduct. Rolling stock is varied, however the 2-6-2 wheelbase is a common sight as they are more powerful locomotives that can cope with severe gradients just North and South of Petersfield. More recently a venture into diesel locomotives has occurred, with the locomotives performing well over the grades.
To cope with the increased traffic along the line, a small diesel railcar was also built at Eastleigh; this is known affectionately as Clarabel.

At Petersfield, a small private siding into Amey’s Brewery can be found, making their beer popular with the naval fraternity at the port.

The year is 1937, sit back and enjoy your visit..