The 7 mile Fawley branch line, also known as the Waterside line had a passenger service for about forty years until the service was withdrawn on 14 February 1966 and now, with the exception of the occasional enthusiasts' railtour, the line serves the freight needs of Marchwood Military Port, having also served the same function for Fawley Refinery until 2016.
In the final few years of passenger operation the service was provided by Hampshire DEMU's so it's very fitting that this railtour is run by the Hastings Diesel company and aims to promote the possible reopening of the line to passengers.
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| An earlier DEMU Railtour at Fawley in the 1970s |
This special outing has been chartered by the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership to run three shuttle-trips between Southampton Central and Fawley, on the old Waterside Line through Marchwood and Hythe. Its passenger service was withdrawn in 1966, and freight trains ceased serving Fawley oil refnery in 2016.
Rather than send the train empty to Basingstoke to begin the charter, we made it an outing in its own right. Our train will run via the L&SWR Main Line to Southampton Central, then make its frst of three shuttle trips to Fawley, calling at Totton in both directions. After returning to Southampton it will then make two further shuttle trips to Fawley. The train’s third and final departure from Fawley will be the start of its journey back to Hastings.
As always, our train has a well-stocked buffet car selling hot & cold food and drink throughout the day at reasonable prices.
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