An excellent and very detailed history of the Fawley Branch is provided by Nick Catford - you can get to this by clicking here http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/f/fawley/ . Our coverage to that provided by Nick Catford is somewhat limited, however many thanks to Mike Morant , Kevin Jenkin and Mick House for their contributions. Mike Morant has a vast library of images you can see his range by clicking here https://www.google.co.uk/search?source=hp&q=mike+morant+collection&oq=&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.35i39k1l6.0.0.0.392
To see a video on the re-opening of the Fawley branch in the 1950's try this site :- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbAecCZ6zwQ
FAWLEY BRANCH 1 inch 7th Series 1955- 61 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland'
The following courtesy of Wikipedia.
The Fawley branch line, also known as the Waterside line is a standard gauge railway line to Fawley, in the English county of Hampshire. It is on the opposite side of Southampton Water from the city of Southampton itself, in an area known as Waterside. For forty years a passenger service operated, but this was withdrawn with the exception of the occasional enthusiasts' railtour. The line served the freight needs of Marchwood Military Port until 2017 having also served the same function for Fawley Refinery until 2016.
The line was built under the Light Railways Act of 1896 as the Totton, Hythe and Fawley Light Railway and opened on 20 July 1925. At first, traffic was light but in the 1920s the largest oil refinery in Britain opened at Fawley and subsequently expanded. The line opened under the Southern Railway and then to British Railways (Southern Region) at nationalisation in 1948.
Leaving the South Western Main line at Totton , west of Southampton, the line can be seen from Bournemouth-bound trains running alongside the main line for a mile and then curving away to the south. The passenger service served Marchwood, Hythe and Fawley. Between Hythe and Fawley there was a Hardley Halt which opened for workmen in 1958 and closed in 1965. The line was operated by steam trains, then the 'Hampshire' DMU's the service was withdrawn on 14 February 1966.
Future On 16 June 2009 the Association of Train Operating Companies announced it was looking into the reopening of the railway as far as Hythe, with a possibility of a further extension to Fawley if agreement could be reached with Esso, which owns the land where Fawley railway station once stood.
The proposals included;
On 8 November 2013 Councillor David Harrison of Totton South and Marchwood obtained a copy of the final GRIP 3 Study report and shared it via his website. In the report it was stated that the service would be half-hourly, using Diesel Multiple Units calling at all stations between Hythe and Southampton, including a new station to be called Hounsdown (once planned to be called Totton West). A new passing loop would have to be installed at Hounsdown to allow passing of freight and passenger trains. Other upgrades would include AWS/TPWS and signalling. Owing to security reasons at the oil refinery, Fawley Station would not be reopened as part of the scheme. It has been pointed out that there are some possible drawbacks to this scheme. For example, if the Waterside line gets the green light, the subsidy from Hampshire County Council for the Southampton & Hythe Ferry service would be likely to cease, also the local bus companies who operate in the area might be at risk of losing some of their subsidy.
On 21 January 2014 Hampshire County Council decided to shelve the plans to reopen the line. The council's report came down against committing further funding for the scheme due to a perceived poor value for money business case, although it said the authority should review the position should local circumstances change.
The last train serving the refinery ran on 1 September 2016, after which trains would normally run only as far as Marchwood (This has also now ceased) although the occasional private hire train would travel the branch line as far as the gates at Fawley oil refinery.
The Fawley branch line, also known as the Waterside line is a standard gauge railway line to Fawley, in the English county of Hampshire. It is on the opposite side of Southampton Water from the city of Southampton itself, in an area known as Waterside. For forty years a passenger service operated, but this was withdrawn with the exception of the occasional enthusiasts' railtour. The line served the freight needs of Marchwood Military Port until 2017 having also served the same function for Fawley Refinery until 2016.
The line was built under the Light Railways Act of 1896 as the Totton, Hythe and Fawley Light Railway and opened on 20 July 1925. At first, traffic was light but in the 1920s the largest oil refinery in Britain opened at Fawley and subsequently expanded. The line opened under the Southern Railway and then to British Railways (Southern Region) at nationalisation in 1948.
Leaving the South Western Main line at Totton , west of Southampton, the line can be seen from Bournemouth-bound trains running alongside the main line for a mile and then curving away to the south. The passenger service served Marchwood, Hythe and Fawley. Between Hythe and Fawley there was a Hardley Halt which opened for workmen in 1958 and closed in 1965. The line was operated by steam trains, then the 'Hampshire' DMU's the service was withdrawn on 14 February 1966.
Future On 16 June 2009 the Association of Train Operating Companies announced it was looking into the reopening of the railway as far as Hythe, with a possibility of a further extension to Fawley if agreement could be reached with Esso, which owns the land where Fawley railway station once stood.
The proposals included;
- Reopening of all former stations along the line.
- A new station in Totton called Totton West, sited just west of the junction with the main line.
- A new train service from Fawley or Hythe to Totton and on via Southampton Central,Southampton Airport Parkway, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, and Romsey before returning to Southampton Central, Totton and Fawley or Hythe, also serving other intermediate stations.
On 8 November 2013 Councillor David Harrison of Totton South and Marchwood obtained a copy of the final GRIP 3 Study report and shared it via his website. In the report it was stated that the service would be half-hourly, using Diesel Multiple Units calling at all stations between Hythe and Southampton, including a new station to be called Hounsdown (once planned to be called Totton West). A new passing loop would have to be installed at Hounsdown to allow passing of freight and passenger trains. Other upgrades would include AWS/TPWS and signalling. Owing to security reasons at the oil refinery, Fawley Station would not be reopened as part of the scheme. It has been pointed out that there are some possible drawbacks to this scheme. For example, if the Waterside line gets the green light, the subsidy from Hampshire County Council for the Southampton & Hythe Ferry service would be likely to cease, also the local bus companies who operate in the area might be at risk of losing some of their subsidy.
On 21 January 2014 Hampshire County Council decided to shelve the plans to reopen the line. The council's report came down against committing further funding for the scheme due to a perceived poor value for money business case, although it said the authority should review the position should local circumstances change.
The last train serving the refinery ran on 1 September 2016, after which trains would normally run only as far as Marchwood (This has also now ceased) although the occasional private hire train would travel the branch line as far as the gates at Fawley oil refinery.
Level Crossings - The Totton to Fawley route is punctuated by many level crossings. These are at Junction Road Totton, then at Jacobs Ladder, Trotts Lane, Travels Lane, Marchwood, Pumpfield Farm, Veals Lane, West Street, School Road and Frost Lane.
Totton station looking west. In the distance lies Junction Road level crossing. 15th January 2010. Copyright Mick House
Quote courtesy Wikipedia.
The station was constructed by the London and South Western Railway and opened in 1859 as Eling Junction, after the name of the junction with the Eling Tramway branch located adjacent to the station. It was renamed in later the same year as Totton after the growing community surrounding the station.
The station passed into the ownership of the Southern Railway following the passing of the Railways Act 1921 and the subsequent grouping. It became the junction station for the Fawley Branch Line which opened in 1925. Following nationalisation of the railways in 1948, the station became part of British Railways Southern Region and is now owned by Network Rail, and operated by South West Trains. With effect from the 20th August 2017 there was a new franchise and the trains are now operated by the South Western Railway.
The station is only manned during peak periods and the waiting facilities are only opened during this time.
The station was constructed by the London and South Western Railway and opened in 1859 as Eling Junction, after the name of the junction with the Eling Tramway branch located adjacent to the station. It was renamed in later the same year as Totton after the growing community surrounding the station.
The station passed into the ownership of the Southern Railway following the passing of the Railways Act 1921 and the subsequent grouping. It became the junction station for the Fawley Branch Line which opened in 1925. Following nationalisation of the railways in 1948, the station became part of British Railways Southern Region and is now owned by Network Rail, and operated by South West Trains. With effect from the 20th August 2017 there was a new franchise and the trains are now operated by the South Western Railway.
The station is only manned during peak periods and the waiting facilities are only opened during this time.
Looking East towards Totton station from the level crossing at Junction road. 15th January 2010 Copyright Mick House N.B. presumably Junction Road was so named being at the junction for the Eling branch. Also as the station at Totton was originally named Eling Junction - see note above.
We are looking east from Brokenford footbridge at Totton Yard. GBRF 66 709 leaves the Southampton - Bournemouth main line and crosses on to the start of the Fawley Branch. Copyright Mick House
After leaving the main line at Totton the first structure that you come to is Rushington lane road over rail bridge, which is in fact two bridges a road bridge looking north east towards Totton and a foot bridge looking south towards Fawley.
Rushington Lane road overbridge and footbridge. 83 miles 53 chains
Rushington Lane road over rail bridge - to the right lies Totton. Copyright Mick House.
Rushington Lane bridge Identification plate. Copyright Mick House.
From Rushington Lane road bridge looking south at the foot bridge . Marchwood 2.5 miies and Fawley (aprox 8 mles lie beyond. Copyright Mick House.
Spicers Hill road overbridge. 83 miles 70 chains
This is an Engineer's Line Reference sign and is on Spicers Hill road overbridge in Totton. This bridge formed part of the A35 before a new bridge was constructed. The sign says TTF (Totton to Fawley Branch) E18/3 (bridge number) and is 83m/70ch (Miles and chains from Waterloo) 3rd October 2017 Copyright Mick House
Looking north across the old Spicers Road bridge towards the new A35 road bridge. 3rd October 2017 Copyright Mick House.
Jacobs Gutter Level Crossing 84 miles 12 chains
Jacobs Gutter Level Crossing 3rd October 2017. This is the first level crossing out from the main line. Copyright Mick House
Network Rails DR98974 with DR98924 on the rear and formed as a railhead treatment rain on a driver route learning trip to the naval base at Marchwood approaches Jacobs Gutter level crossing from the north. 3rd October 2017. Copyright Mick House
DR 98924 passes over Jacobs Gutter level crossing heading south. 3rd October 2017. Copyright Mick House
Looking west across Jacobs Gutter Level Crossing. 3rd October 2017. Copyright Mick House
Travells Lane Level Crossing Again AHBC 85 miles 68 chains
Travells Lane Barrier. 3rd October 2017. Copyright Mick House
Looking east across Travells Lane Level Crossing 3rd October 2017. Copyright Mick House
Looking west across Travells Lane Level Crossing 3rd October 2017. Copyright Mick House
Looking south from Travells Lane towards Marchwood with the Railhead Treatment train standing at the station waiting to enter the Naval base. 2010 Copyright Mick House
Looking west across Main Road level crossing at Marchwood. 3rd October 2017. Copyright Mick House.
Marchwood
Mick House visits Marchwood.
Marchwood Signalbox. By Mick House.
Marchwood Signalbox is situated in the station building that sits on the old Marchwood station platform (photos 1 & 2). I was lucky enough on the 8th September 2021 to be give a privileged look inside. I was visiting the site to photograph the NetworkRail Measurement train that was traversing the Fawley branch, top and tailed with two class 73 locos and 4 couches, with 73 963 Janice, 72612, 977868, 5981, 6264 & 73 965 Des O`Brien (photos 3 & 4) also note the semaphore signals in these two shots. The Signalbox frame has 23 leavers and the usual assortment of switches, dials, gauges and buttons mounted above and above that is the track diagram, then to the left are modern day computer monitors, one also with a track diagram (photos 5, 6, 7 & 8), then to the right of the frame is the token machine (photo 9). The final shot (photo10) is of the driver of the train returning the branch token to the signalman before departing back towards Totton and then rejoining the main line.
Marchwood Signalbox is situated in the station building that sits on the old Marchwood station platform (photos 1 & 2). I was lucky enough on the 8th September 2021 to be give a privileged look inside. I was visiting the site to photograph the NetworkRail Measurement train that was traversing the Fawley branch, top and tailed with two class 73 locos and 4 couches, with 73 963 Janice, 72612, 977868, 5981, 6264 & 73 965 Des O`Brien (photos 3 & 4) also note the semaphore signals in these two shots. The Signalbox frame has 23 leavers and the usual assortment of switches, dials, gauges and buttons mounted above and above that is the track diagram, then to the left are modern day computer monitors, one also with a track diagram (photos 5, 6, 7 & 8), then to the right of the frame is the token machine (photo 9). The final shot (photo10) is of the driver of the train returning the branch token to the signalman before departing back towards Totton and then rejoining the main line.
All photographs below are the Copyright of Mick House.
Pictures numbered left and right and down. i.e.
1 - 2
3 - 4
Pictures numbered left and right and down. i.e.
1 - 2
3 - 4
Many thanks Mick.
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Fawley branch tour. Marchwood - the careful positioning of the photographers not to get in each others way is of note. (Pity it wasn't a steam loco on the front) 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Fawley branch tour Marchwood station. 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin (Will the young man being held up for a view of the train remember in 20 years time, will the station be back in use by then?)
Marchwood station 3rd March 2002 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Marchwood station 3rd March 2002 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Main Road level crossing at Marchwood station 3rd March 2002 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Marchwood station 3rd March 2002 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
The Railhead Treatment Train stands at Marchwood station ready to depart on its return to Eastleigh. 3rd October 2017 Copyright Mick House.
The Railhead Treatment train crossing Main Road level crossing at Marchwood bound for Eastleigh. 3rd October 2017. Copyright Mick House.
Marchwood Military Railway Junction.
Taken through the train window on the Fawley Forester railtour Marchwood Military branch junction
at 12.09 on the 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin The Marchwood branch turns off to the north about 300 yards east of Marchwood station.
For more information on the Marchwood Military Railway click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marchwood_Military_Port and also
www.disused-stations.org.uk/features/marchwood_military_railway/index1.shtml
www.disused-stations.org.uk/features/marchwood_military_railway/index1.shtml
Visit to Marchwood Naval base including a railtour from Euston - A comprehensive article by Mick House'
Please click here to get to Features Jan to June 2022 and scroll as necessary.
Please click here to get to Features Jan to June 2022 and scroll as necessary.
Hythe
For more information and pictures of Hythe station click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hythe_(Hampshire)_railway_station and also
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/h/hythe/
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/h/hythe/
Hythe Station
While on a day visit to Southampton Roger Winnen took the Hythe Ferry across from Southampton and made a search looking for the old station. The building is very much in use and in a good state of preservation as can be seen below. Thanks very much Roger.
Hythe (1) The bridge carrying the Fawley Branch at Hythe. 3rd May 2018 Copyright Roger Winnen
Hythe (2) The Old Railway Station at Hythe. 3rd May 2018 Copyright Roger Winnen
Hardley Halt The new refinery at Fawley was opened on 14 September 1951. As it was a mile to the north of Fawley station a new workers' station called Hardley Halt opened on 5 April 1954. Although available for the public to use the halt didn't appear in public timetables. The Halt closed on the 5th April 1965 - that is before the lines closure to passengers. For more details and map :- http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/h/hardley_halt/index.shtml
LCGB: The New Forester Rail Tour 19/3/66.
Green liveried USA 0-6-0T's nos. 30064 and 30073 (leading) somewhere on the Fawley branch.
[Mike Morant collection]
Fawley
RCTS: Southampton Docks & Fawley Branch Rail Tour 17/5/53.
USA 0-6-0T no. 30062 ready for departure from Fawley station.
[Mike Morant collection]
Southampton Docks & Fawley Branch Rail Tour 17/5/53.
Former PDSWJR 0-6-2T no. 30757 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe on arrival at Fawley station.
[Mike Morant collection]
RCTS: Southampton Docks & Fawley Branch Rail Tour 17/5/53.
Former PDSWJR 0-6-2T no. 30757 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Fawley station after which she would take no further part in the day's proceedings.
[Mike Morant collection]
RCTS The Solent Railtour 20/3/66 Back to back green liveried USA 0-6-0 T's 30064 and 30073 at Fawley {Mike Morant Collection}
The Fawley Forester Railtour
There is excellent coverage of this railtour which was held on Saturday 13th May 2017 - click below.
http://www.hastingsdiesels.co.uk/railtours/2017waterside.pdf
http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=146831
And a long video on the railtour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao_OPu5_Hsg
Pictures from Kevin Jenkin who also rode this tour
The Fawley Forester has reached the end of the permissable line - the boundary marker between Network Rail lines and Fawley Depot. It's 11.39 on the 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin.
Fawley branch tour 02 Marchwood Military branch junction it's 12.09 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Fawley branch tour 03 Marchwood spectators 12.11 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Fawley branch tour 04 Marchwood station waiting room 12.11 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Fawley branch tour 05.1 The railtour arrives at platform 1. Southampton Central 12.40 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Fawley branch tour 06 Southampton Central. The Hastings Unit on Fawley branch railtour looks grand standing in platform 1. It is 12.48 on the 14th May 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin