Channel Title: Mid Hants Railway 'The Watercress Line' Channel Description: Welcome to The Watercress Line! The Watercress Line, previously known as The Mid Hants Railway, was saved from closure in the 1970s and the line re-opened to visitors in 1977. As a charity, our mission is to preserve part of the country’s railway heritage for generations to come, and any profit generated from your visit enables us to do so. Did you know? · Virtually everyone you meet during your visit is a volunteer; from station staff and guards, to signalmen and loco crews. · We have four period stations along a ten mile route between Alresford and Alton in the heart of Hampshire, UK. · Your ticket gives you all day unlimited travel so you can hop on and off as you wish, exploring both the stations and surrounding area. · We welcome group visits and offer special tours and discounts rates for 15+. · Children aged four and under can travel FREE. · Dogs and bicycles travel free. Website: https://www.watercressline.co.uk/ <video> 35005 'Canadian Pacific' Boiler Lift Description: After 11 years, 35005 Canadian Pacific's boiler was finally reunited with its frames. This is a huge milestone in the journey to completing this Heritage Lottery funded project. Canadian Pacific will be back in steam on our rails in March 2025. Find out more about the restoration project here: https://watercressline.co.uk/canadian-pacific/ </video> <video> Autumn Delights Description: As our season draws to a close, it would be rude not to have another steam sunday highlights video! From an atmospheric start to a beautiful silhouette of 257 Squardron hauling the last Real Ale Train of the year! Fear not though, there's not long to wait until our fabulous Steam Illuminations trains begin to run! Book your tickets now: https://watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations/ </video> <video> Highlights & Outtakes 2024! - Keeping You In The Loop Description: Outtakes alert! Yes, it’s everyone’s favourite request, so without further ado let’s take a look at some of 2024 best bits and some entertaining bits from behind the scenes which never made the cut. Thank you for joining us this year and if you haven’t already, book your tickets now for our Steam Illuminations Party Train! Visit https://watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations/ For more details about Canadian Pacific’s launch and to bag your seat on one of the first trains, visit: https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/canadian-pacific-launch Follow the team at Ropley MPD here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ropleympd/ </video> <video> 257 'Squadron' - A Sunny Afternoon Description: Who doesn’t love a bit of Bulleid magic! Taking advantage of the stunning weather last weekend, we popped out to grab a couple of shots we think you’ll love! Featuring our visiting locomotive from our friends at the Spa Valley Railway and Southern Locomotives Ltd, 257 ‘Squadron’ makes for a stunning addition to the fleet. Watch until the end for a bonus bit of ‘Ivatt’ action on the Watercress Belle as the sun sets! </video> <video> Canadian Pacific: Steve Wilson's Story Description: One of our fantastic volunteers, Steve Wilson tells us about his family's connection to Canadian Pacific. Both Steve's parents worked in Eastleigh Works, his mother working throughout the War while his father was deployed. As we work to restore 35005 ‘Canadian Pacific’ to her former glory, we need your help to uncover these stories. Perhaps your family member, a resident in your care home or a friend was a part of this remarkable chapter in history, or remembers a family member who was? We want to get their voices heard and share their stories. Email us at museum@watercressline.co.uk, we can’t wait to hear your story. Find out more about Canadian Pacific here: https://watercressline.co.uk/canadian-pacific/ </video> <video> Push-Pull Trains: How Do They Work? Description: Before the Hampshire Units roamed the line, push-pull trains flew up and over the alps! A curious technology where the train can be driven from the coaches, push-pull led the way for the modern trains we see today. To find out a little more about how all of this works, we visited our friends at the South Devon Railway, where their GWR auto train still operates. With some scenic shots and a view you don’t normally get to see, this is a smashing episode! </video> <video> Steam Illuminations 2024 Trailer Description: Steam Illuminations is back for 2024! Tickets on sale now: https://watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations </video> <video> Keeping You In The Loop: The Women Behind The Machine Description: This week we sit down with our CEO Rebecca Dalley to find out more about some exciting plans we have for the launch of Canadian Pacific! Do you have a story to share about Canadian Pacific? Perhaps you know one of the women who helped to build this extraordinary locomotive? Email us at museums@watercressline.co.uk. Find out more about the 'Canadian Pacific' Restoration project: https://watercressline.co.uk/canadian-pacific/ Stay up to date with the latest news on 'Canadian Pacific' and sign up to our newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/watercressline/canadian-pacific-newsletter-sign-up </video> <video> Keeping You In The Loop: Canadian Pacific - The boiler is on! Description: Big news with Canadian Pacific's boiler being reunited with her fames once again! Today we take a look at the exciting moment and chat to some of the team including our boilersmith Jamie, longstanding CP volunteer Steve and our CEO Rebecca Dalley. Find out more about the 35005 'Canadian Pacific' story: https://watercressline.co.uk/canadian-pacific/ </video> <video> Education Visits at The Watercress Line Description: On the look out for an Educational Group visit for your class, club or group? Our programme covers a range of subjects and age groups from STEM to WW2 history and more! Find out more here: https://watercressline.co.uk/all-experiences/education-experience/ </video> <video> Canadian Pacific Locomotive - silent film Description: Watch this silent film of the oldest and fastest survivor of Oliver Bulleid’s Merchant Navy class, Canadian Pacific, as she is being restored, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Click here to find out more about Canadian Pacific and her restoration: https://watercressline.co.uk/canadian-pacific/ </video> <video> Leaves on the line: Fact or Friction? Description: Leaves on the line. The age old cliché, surely it’s not a real thing…well, it is. In today’s video we take a look at why it’s such a problem and what we do to deal with it. Planning a festive get together? Tickets are still available for our ever popular Steam Illuminations, find out more and book here: </video> <video> Keeping You In The Loop: The Thunderbird Description: It’s one of the most important duties that many people don’t know about, the thunderbird! Today we go behind the scenes to see just how our class 20s keep steam illuminations running! Keep an eye out for next week's final episode celebrating our 2024 highlights...and outtakes </video> <video> Keeping You In The Loop: Lion - The engine is back in! Description: Lion is one step closer to roaring once again! In this episode we watch the moment when the main generator was lifted back in including talking to a few of the group and Tony Middleton from the class 50 alliance! </video> <video> Autumn Steam Gala 2024 Highlights Description: What a fantastic weekend that was! Here are some of the highlights from another brilliant autumn steam gala! Don't forget you have another chance to ride behind No. 4144 this weekend: https://watercressline.co.uk/timetables-prices/ </video>

Contacts and Links

Description

Welcome to The Watercress Line!

The Watercress Line, previously known as The Mid Hants Railway, was saved from closure in the 1970s and the line re-opened to visitors in 1977. As a charity, our mission is to preserve part of the country’s railway heritage for generations to come, and any profit generated from your visit enables us to do so.

Did you know?
· Virtually everyone you meet during your visit is a volunteer; from station staff and guards, to signalmen and loco crews.
· We have four period stations along a ten mile route between Alresford and Alton in the heart of Hampshire, UK.
· Your ticket gives you all day unlimited travel so you can hop on and off as you wish, exploring both the stations and surrounding area.
· We welcome group visits and offer special tours and discounts rates for 15+.
· Children aged four and under can travel FREE.
· Dogs and bicycles travel free.

Website: https://www.watercressline.co.uk/

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