Salisbury to Southampton direct and via Eastleigh
Fisherton Tunnel 443 Yards
Braunton was coming out of the west end of the tunnel (Salisbury end) and stopped in Platform 4. Braunton had brought its train from London Victoria (and was first day of Great Britain VII). After taking water Braunton took the train onto Exeter, where steam gave way to diesel, and the train ended up at Truro. (so Day 2 of Great Britain VII started from Truro.
Salisbury Tunnel Junction

30th June 2011. The 8F (48151) started off from Swanage via Southampton to Salisbury (the photo shows the train about to enter the East Portal of the tunnel). At Salisbury the train loco was changed to 34067, (Tangmere) which took the train onto London Victoria. This would entail going back through the Salisbury tunnel and taking the left 'road' (at Tunnel Junction) to Andover. I took the photo from above the scrub grass you see in Roger Winnens photos**, there is a park that allows you to get to a fence (so it is not quite as precarious as you imagine). ** Rogers photo referred to is below - A Portsmouth bound train turns off at the junction. 7th August 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen N.B. This photograph is copyright Terry Waldron
Alderbury Junction was about 3 and three quarters of a mile from Salisbury . West Grimstead about one mile further on.
East Grimstead Quarry
Dean
Dean railway station, also known as Dean (Wilts) railway station serves the village of West Dean in Wiltshire. The station is 9 miles south east of Salisbury. Interestingly whilst the station building is in Wiltshire, the platforms straddle the county boundary with Hampshire.
A siding from the goods yard led to a Military Establishment which itself was served by a narrow gauge railway system. This narrow gauge railway was used to transport various forms of ordnance around the site between various servicing enclosures and bunkers dug deep into the eascarpment of a hill which lay to the south.
A most interesting and profusely illustrated fact sheet detailing the history of the site can be viewed by clicking here:- http://www.deanhillpark.co.uk/history-office-complex.php
A most interesting and profusely illustrated fact sheet detailing the history of the site can be viewed by clicking here:- http://www.deanhillpark.co.uk/history-office-complex.php
More Photographs of Dean
By way of return here is an image from 2013 from the digital route-refresh file I compiled and keep for easy reference should the need ever arise. It shows a rearward-facing view of Dean station on the Wilts/Hants border looking towards Romsey on a cold January day in 2013. The level crossing here was upgraded in 2015 and now has full barriers and obstacle detection equipment in place. It is a fast stretch of line, 85mph in both directions with signals either side of the crossing offering protection until it is proven to be clear and the barriers are down. Lines here are 'Up and Down Dean', up being towards Romsey. From Romsey you are on the 'Down Test Valley' towards Redbridge, Up being vice-versa. This goes back to the days of the now closed Andover Jctn-Redbridge via Stockbridge 'Sprat and Winkle' line the closed section of which diverged in a northerly direction at Kimbridge Junction between Romsey and Dunbridge. See Wikipedia for more info. Many thanks Guy for the info and amazing picture.
Dunbridge for Mottisfont
Romsey Junction for Southampton or Eastleigh
Romsey Signalbox
After closure this was lifted from its operational position and moved a short distance to a location within yards of the main line. It has been carefully restored and connected to a simulator such that the lever operations for passing traffic through the junction can be faithfully carried out.
After closure this was lifted from its operational position and moved a short distance to a location within yards of the main line. It has been carefully restored and connected to a simulator such that the lever operations for passing traffic through the junction can be faithfully carried out.
Romsey Signal Box has been restored to full working order, with all the equipment and furniture to have been found in a traditional signal box.
Several of the levers have been connected to a point and signals outside. Visitors are invited to operate the point and signals, and to observe the actions necessary to operate the junction as it once was.
Several of the levers have been connected to a point and signals outside. Visitors are invited to operate the point and signals, and to observe the actions necessary to operate the junction as it once was.
For more information from 'Friends of Romsey Signalbox' please click here. www.romseysignalbox.org.uk/
The direct route to Southampton via Redbridge, and Millbrook.
Just west of Nursling station site
Nursling
Nursling station closed on 16 September 1957. The station house is in use as a private residence although the platforms have been demolished.
Redbridge Junction
Redbridge
Millbrook
Millbrook’s Concrete Footbridge is no More - Feature by Mick House.
It is uncertain when precast concrete was introduced into the UK but early applications revolved around railway footbridges, with the Southern Railway leading the way at Oxshott, Surrey (1908) and Exeter (1923). A lot of the Southern Region prefabricated concrete footbridges have badly rusted reinforcement and have effectively rotted from the inside. Poor quality control at the manufacturing plant at Exmouth Junction allowed the inclusion of aggregate directly off the local beaches without being washed, therefore leaving the salt to do its worst.
Millbrook’s iconic Southern style concrete footbridge has been completely removed (Photos 1 & 2) and only half has been replaced with a brand new steel structure that now only serves the station (Photo 3), wear as before it went over to a footpath via a zigzag ramp (photo 4), that took you into Southampton following the main line and into Southampton station car park. Now all you can see is the car storage facility and the container port (photo 5). The bridge has suffered over the years and the legs on the station platform and road side had to be reinforced with steel RSJs and Bullhead rail (Photos 6 & 7), I suspect the rest of the structure was heading the same way and it was cheaper to remove than replace, also on my many visits over the years I could see signs of alcohol and drug abuse as at the bottom of the ramp leading to the footpath, more often than not you would see evidence of empty beer cans and needles, this could have also added to the bridges demise. It is sad to see structures like this disappear, as not too many still survive, that’s progress I suppose. Also I should mention the extension that was added when the main road was improved many years ago, although this is not part of the railway it is physically attached, having said that it was cut off for a time during the demolition of the old bridge and building of the new (photos 8, 9 & 10). The zigzag ramp on the road side has also been removed and replaced with a steel staircase (photos 11 & 12). All in all the new bridge its self with staircases leading to the platform and road is an unimpressive but functional structure (photos 13 & 14). Finally a selection of photos never to be recreated (Photos 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24).
It is uncertain when precast concrete was introduced into the UK but early applications revolved around railway footbridges, with the Southern Railway leading the way at Oxshott, Surrey (1908) and Exeter (1923). A lot of the Southern Region prefabricated concrete footbridges have badly rusted reinforcement and have effectively rotted from the inside. Poor quality control at the manufacturing plant at Exmouth Junction allowed the inclusion of aggregate directly off the local beaches without being washed, therefore leaving the salt to do its worst.
Millbrook’s iconic Southern style concrete footbridge has been completely removed (Photos 1 & 2) and only half has been replaced with a brand new steel structure that now only serves the station (Photo 3), wear as before it went over to a footpath via a zigzag ramp (photo 4), that took you into Southampton following the main line and into Southampton station car park. Now all you can see is the car storage facility and the container port (photo 5). The bridge has suffered over the years and the legs on the station platform and road side had to be reinforced with steel RSJs and Bullhead rail (Photos 6 & 7), I suspect the rest of the structure was heading the same way and it was cheaper to remove than replace, also on my many visits over the years I could see signs of alcohol and drug abuse as at the bottom of the ramp leading to the footpath, more often than not you would see evidence of empty beer cans and needles, this could have also added to the bridges demise. It is sad to see structures like this disappear, as not too many still survive, that’s progress I suppose. Also I should mention the extension that was added when the main road was improved many years ago, although this is not part of the railway it is physically attached, having said that it was cut off for a time during the demolition of the old bridge and building of the new (photos 8, 9 & 10). The zigzag ramp on the road side has also been removed and replaced with a steel staircase (photos 11 & 12). All in all the new bridge its self with staircases leading to the platform and road is an unimpressive but functional structure (photos 13 & 14). Finally a selection of photos never to be recreated (Photos 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24).
All photographs Copyright Mick House.
Click on an image to obtain a larger version.
Southampton
And the alternative route to Southampton via Eastleigh
Chandlers Ford
Chandlers Ford station opened in 1847 and then closed 5th May 1969 to passengers and to goods on 4th May 1964. It reopened amid great celebration on the 13th June 2013 - 60009 Union of South Africa covered the line on a railtour to celebrate the re-opening.
A short branch of roughly three quarters of a mile headed SSW from the Goods Yard at Chandlers Ford which lay just the Eastleigh side of Chandlers Ford station. This little branch, long gone can be seen Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland click below:- maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.9815&lon=-1.3914&layers=168&b=1 http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.9815&lon=-1.3914&layers=168&b=1
Note : - There was once a short branch some three quarters of a mile long heading roughly SSW from the goods yard at Chandlers Ford which lay just the Eastleigh side of the station. This branch served clay pits and brick works all of which have been long gone. The layout of this short branch can be seen if you click here.
Eastleigh
Taken on a visit to Eastleigh Works in 1979 by Paul Barlow
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A copy of the 1902 map courtesy of the National Library of Scotland of Eastleigh station can be seen by clicking below :- N.B. This before the days of Eastleigh works as we know it.
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=15&lat=50.9682&lon=-1.3551&layers=168&b=1
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=15&lat=50.9682&lon=-1.3551&layers=168&b=1
A case of right place right time with this picture. There were photographers on the bridge which crosses Eastleigh station, so I loitered for a few minutes and was rewarded with a sighting of the Midlands Pullman HST heading into the works from the Winchester direction. I know it was repainted and left ESL heading North about a week ago (after dark) so presumably there's some more work to be done. Is this just within your area? I thought this could add a bit of colour to the CRS website - some bright blue rather than the more normal dull green! Kevin Jenkin
Eastleigh Works
Southampton Airport Parkway
Courtesy Wikipedia :- A station opened on the site as the Atlantic Park Hostel Halt in 1929 by the Southern Railway, though later closed. In 1966, the station was built by British Rail as Southampton Airport before changing to Southampton Parkway (in 1986), with another name change in the 1990s to Southampton Airport Parkway.
Swaythling
The goods yard was situated on the east side of the station - an area now occupied by housing.
To see a map showing the station and yard click below :-
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=50.9407&lon=-1.3762&layers=168&b=1
To see a map showing the station and yard click below :-
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=50.9407&lon=-1.3762&layers=168&b=1

The outbreak of the 1st World War in August 1914, saw the construction of the Swaythling Remount Depot begin at nearby North Stoneham. This supplied 40,0000 horses & mules for the War Effort. A one way journey. The depot closed 1920. This plaque remembers the loss of our dumb friends. 11th June 2017.
St Denys

Class 47 with ballast at St Deny's, Southampton. The train is coming from Southampton Central direction and going on towards Eastleigh. The metals going off left on this picture are of the 'Netley Road' this serves Netley, Fareham, Cosham, and Portsmouth / Brighton.
Behind the signals Crescent bridge crosses the lines. Also note that the 'Netley Road' doesn't have 3rd rail electrification yet. 7th August 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

A view of St Denys taken in 2001. The bright sky in otherwise low light serving to illuminate the complexities of a 'third rail electrified track' junction. Graffitti on the railway equipment in this case adds a little colour but emphasises the risks these vandals take particularly in area such as this. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The span of the awning on the centre is clearly illustrated in this view. The centre complex contains a peak hours booking office and waiting room. 2001. The platform on the left is for services from Portsmouth, this centre platform serves, on the left trains to Portsmouth and on the right trains from Winchester and Waterloo. The platform on the far right is for services to London Waterloo. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

A historical scene not only in the rolling stock but in the bridges. The footbridge which spans the tracks was probably installed on the construction of the line to continue a 'right of way' along Priory Road, taking pedestrisns onto a continuation of Priory Road. The relatively recent construction of Thomas Lewis Way cut through Priory Road again and the footbridge gave little advantage to pedestrians who would now cross the line using Crescent Bridge in the behind. The footbridge was lifted out sometime around 2004. Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Ron Kosys writes :- Over the years I have spent quite some time in the Southampton area for one reason or another.
In the early 1980’s, it was a fantastic area for freight traffic, which was very varied in the extreme, as was the motive power. At the same time, the Bristol/Cardiff to Portsmouth/Brighton services were loco and stock, before Sprinterisation took away the interest later in the decade.
On a number of Sundays each year, the diversion of the Waterloo-Exeter and vv services via Southampton enticed me down again.
Then back in the early 2000’s, the taking up of employment with a Channel Islands airline for some three and a half years, flying from and to Southampton Airport, got me back again. Sessions photting trains before and/or after the flights became the norm. Unfortunately the days of ‘real’ interest had passed, but there was still more than enough to keep that deep-down interest alive.
The two easily accessible locations close to Bevois yard were particular favourites.
Immediately to the north of Bevois yard – and to the south of St Denys station – was a road bridge with superb two way views.
Immediately to the south of Bevois yard is the magical Mount Pleasant footbridge – also with superb two way views.
This section of railway can only be described as incredibly busy!! Then – and even more so now. The reduction overall in freight traffic (other than Freightliners) has been made up by the increased frequency of passenger services.
In the early 1980’s, it was a fantastic area for freight traffic, which was very varied in the extreme, as was the motive power. At the same time, the Bristol/Cardiff to Portsmouth/Brighton services were loco and stock, before Sprinterisation took away the interest later in the decade.
On a number of Sundays each year, the diversion of the Waterloo-Exeter and vv services via Southampton enticed me down again.
Then back in the early 2000’s, the taking up of employment with a Channel Islands airline for some three and a half years, flying from and to Southampton Airport, got me back again. Sessions photting trains before and/or after the flights became the norm. Unfortunately the days of ‘real’ interest had passed, but there was still more than enough to keep that deep-down interest alive.
The two easily accessible locations close to Bevois yard were particular favourites.
Immediately to the north of Bevois yard – and to the south of St Denys station – was a road bridge with superb two way views.
Immediately to the south of Bevois yard is the magical Mount Pleasant footbridge – also with superb two way views.
This section of railway can only be described as incredibly busy!! Then – and even more so now. The reduction overall in freight traffic (other than Freightliners) has been made up by the increased frequency of passenger services.
I was in the Southampton area yesterday (14th April 2022) and took these two pictures at St Denys. 33012 hauled 50026 from Eastleigh Arlington to Swanage. I believe that 50026 is going to the Swanage Railway to get some running time before it’s main line test. It looked very tidy in the Network South East livery. 33012 looked in excellent condition too, Regards, Dennis Clarke.
Just north of St Denys
Class 31's in the St Denys area. Ron Kosys
Mention has been previously made of the Class 31’s that were hired by Wessex Trains in 2003 to operate a round trip from Cardiff to Brighton and back on Fridays only.
The trains involved were the
1O98 1200 Fridays only Cardiff to Brighton
1V96 1700 Fridays only Brighton to Cardiff
And the locos were any two from four
31452 31454 31468 31601
These were owned by Fragonset Railways, a company that provided spot hires to the rail industry.
If I returned home from work in the Channel Islands to Southampton Airport on a Friday and if the weather allowed, I’d take a look at this working.
Unfortunately time restrictions meant that photographic locations would be somewhat limited meaning I had little variation in the photographs I obtained. (All were taken either from the road bridge just south of St Denys station or from the footbridge spanning the four tracks at Mount Pleasant Level Crossing).
The shots clearly illustrate the much clearer skies that were regularly seen over Southampton Water to those seen inland.
Many thanks Ron - glad you paused on your way home from work.
Mention has been previously made of the Class 31’s that were hired by Wessex Trains in 2003 to operate a round trip from Cardiff to Brighton and back on Fridays only.
The trains involved were the
1O98 1200 Fridays only Cardiff to Brighton
1V96 1700 Fridays only Brighton to Cardiff
And the locos were any two from four
31452 31454 31468 31601
These were owned by Fragonset Railways, a company that provided spot hires to the rail industry.
If I returned home from work in the Channel Islands to Southampton Airport on a Friday and if the weather allowed, I’d take a look at this working.
Unfortunately time restrictions meant that photographic locations would be somewhat limited meaning I had little variation in the photographs I obtained. (All were taken either from the road bridge just south of St Denys station or from the footbridge spanning the four tracks at Mount Pleasant Level Crossing).
The shots clearly illustrate the much clearer skies that were regularly seen over Southampton Water to those seen inland.
Many thanks Ron - glad you paused on your way home from work.
An old friend, driver and CRS Member the late:Len Baker told us how they had to watch out here as within yards 33101 is going to pass by some elderly houses which almost overhang the line - a hazard here was that the inhabitants occasionally emptied the contents of their tea pots over the wall onto the line.
For Southampton Central and Southampton Docks please see the next section.