The Southampton area
including the Docks
including the Docks
This is an attempt to cover the area of Southampton from about Millbrook to Mount Pleasant Crossing and including all of what our contributors have very kindly provided of the lines into the terminus and dockland beyond.
It has been covered as best possible in area and chronological order.
Many thanks to all our contributors - John Cornelius, Michael Forward, Mick House, Kevin Jenkin, Geoffery Matthews, Mike Morant, the late Sid Sponheimer and Roger Winnen.
It has been covered as best possible in area and chronological order.
Many thanks to all our contributors - John Cornelius, Michael Forward, Mick House, Kevin Jenkin, Geoffery Matthews, Mike Morant, the late Sid Sponheimer and Roger Winnen.
An excellent map of Southampton in 1937 can be found by clicking on this link. It shows the railways extent in 1937 including the interconnecting lines across Town Quay. http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=14&lat=50.9033&lon=-1.4263&layers=10&b=1
For detailed history of the development of the city and port of Southampton, courtesy of Wikipedia please click below.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Port_of_Southampton
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Port_of_Southampton
The area covered in this section.
We first of all take a look at Millbrook and then move east to Southampton Central, from here out to Northam then back to visit Southampton Terminus and on to Eastern Docks. Finally we have a few of Western Docks, both dockyards are normally closed to public access.
Millbrook
Southampton Freightliner Terminal
The road approach to Dock Gate 20 for Southampton Freightliner Depot, situated between Redbridge and Millbrook is along First Avenue so what better name for the bridge? From this vantage point Mick House has taken on several occasions a number of views looking east and west. It's almost a case as 'spot the difference' however you will find several prominent features appear each time. Many thanks indeed to Mick for his repeated visits and sharing these views with us.
Southampton Central
A look at Southampton station
Called Southampton West, Renamed Southampton Central in 1935 and became known simply as Southampton in 1967.
Called Southampton West, Renamed Southampton Central in 1935 and became known simply as Southampton in 1967.

Mojor Engineering Work in progress at Southampton Station on the22nd January 2011. This view taken from nearly above the tunnel is looking west. Platform 1 (Up for London) is on the right, 2 & 3 are on the centre island and four is to the left. The first (blue) footbridge is for general public use. The platfoms are served by steps and lifts to the high level covered walkway. There are ticket offices on both sides of the station. Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Southampton station. After taking a look at the station entrances and the general layout of the station we look at a number of pictures very kindly submitted taken at the station - these are in chronological order.

This undated cameo features SR Maunsell 'Scotch Arthur' N15 class 4-6-0 no. 30783 Sir Gillemere in charge of an inter-regional train at a very wet Southampton Central. There's much to see here as the loco's fireman hugs the water bag whilst the driver operates the stop cock next to the water column. The safety valves are blowing off with exhaust steam nicely picked out against the stormy skies whilst a westbound train of green liveried Bulleid stock departs from a Down platform. 30783's train has blood & custard BR Mk1 stock (set 880 et al) behind the tender and this will be taken as far as Oxord where GWR motive power will take over the haulage duties of this Bournemouth West - York or Newcastle service. 30783 was built by NBL in 1925 and was allocated to Bournemouth mpd from April 1951 until September 1960 which was followed by 5 months at Salisbury where withdrawal symptoms became apparent in February 1961.
[Mike Morant collection]
From the collection of Sid Sponheimer

We railway enthusiasts carry with us a global reputation for being a bit weird which isn't surprising with a shot like this that deserves, for us, a title like Birdcage in the Rain or some such. We know what it's about but Joe Public might wonder what sort of idiot would take a camera out in the rain to photograph a bird cage.
Anyway, here we see a newly outshopped SECR birdcage in service stock photographed in inclement weather from the central island platform at Southampton Central station looking towards London. The 2H Tadpole on the right of the image is probably working the Alton service via the Watercress line.
[Mike Morant collection] N.B. The Civic Centre clock gives a clue as to the position of this shot.
From the collection of Geoffery Matthews

A new Wessex EMU 2410 on an up test run.Just look at the cars, even a Morris Minor.I wonder if its still going! Almost 30 years on some of these are to be taken out of store and,under the new SWT franchise,will be used on some Waterloo to Portsmouth trains.Strange times indeed. 26th May 1988 Copyright Michael Forward
The following eleven pictures by Mick House all date from approximately 1992
We now move on heading east out through the 528 yard tunnel to Northam where, at Mount Pleaasant Crossing we reverse and head for the Terminus and Eastern Docks. en route we examine the works concerned with construction of Northam Traincare depot.
Maps covering the Southampton to Northam area and down through the docks - dated approx 1900

This map, the northernmost of the two, shows the line from Southampton Central to Northam Junction then down to the terminus with its six platforms and on to the docks over Canute Road. Note the street running and also note the once extensive tramway network. Map courtesy National Library of Scotland.
Northam Mount Pleasant Level Crossing

Mount Pleasant Level Crossing footbridge on the 5th November 2000 Copyright Kevin Jenkin. N.B. Although to the able bodied pedestrian the footbridge is invaluable for the motorists the extremely frequent loering of the barriers due to heavy rail traffic is the cause of much local annoyance. N.B. Views from this footbridge by Ron Kosys follow below, next but one.

Views from Mount Pleasant Road Footbridge by Ron Kosys

Emphasising how bad the availability of stock was in general before the introduction of the 159’s,
50027 crosses over to the bi-directional ‘up’ line at Northam for its passage through Southampton Tunnel and into Southampton station.
The stock is single TC 8017, and the train is 1L05, the 1000 Sundays Waterloo to Salisbury.
The timings of this train were so lax you could drive across Southampton to for a second shot at Millbrook!
Copyright Ron Kosys

The same view on 9th October 2001 as a Southern 4-CIG (?? - I’m not too hot on these!!) is over taken by a South West Trains 442 Wessex Unit. Note how much the view has changed. The cement terminal has gone. Southampton Football Club’s St Mary’s ground is an obvious feature on the skyline.
The 4-CIG will follow immediately behind the Wessex unit; the lines continues straight on towards Southampton Terminus station and the Eastern Docks (although it reduces to a single line). However, the main lines reduce from four tracks to two and turn sharply to the right to pass through Southampton Tunnel and into what was known as Southampton Central station. Copyright Ron Kosys
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A look at the development of Northam Traincare Depot
Northam Carriage Servicing Depot is an Electric Traction Depot located in Northam, Southampton, England. The depot is situated on the South Western Main Line and is near St Denys station. When it opened in 2002, it was named Northam Traincare Facility. It is located on an area previously occupied by a locomotive engine shed.
For more excellent information on the current facility please click here https://www.siemens.co.uk/en/.../siemens-northam-train-depot-whistle-stop-tour.htm
For more excellent information on the current facility please click here https://www.siemens.co.uk/en/.../siemens-northam-train-depot-whistle-stop-tour.htm

As can be seen from this copy from the 25" mile map of the area dated around 1900 the location of Northam Traincare Depot is not the first 'Motive Power' facility on the site. Note also the branch running off to the east to serve Northam Wharf and other facilities. The course of this line weatwards marks the route of Mount Pleasant Road. The main line off the top of this map goes to St Denys and that to the bottom to Southampton Terminus & docks and also to Southampton Central. Reproduced with permission of the National Library of Scotland
For the 'Inside Story' on Northam Traincare Depot please click here https://www.siemens.co.uk/en/.../siemens-northam-train-depot-whistle-stop-tour.htm

An EMU coming from Southampton Central has passed through Southampton tunnel and heads for St Denys. The lines in the foreground leas to the former Terminal station and also beyond that to East Docks. The bridge carrying Northam Road (A3024) is unusual in that it has a single bascule spanning all track on this side whereas on the far side there are two bascules supported by a central pillar. 20th April 2001 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Northam station
Notes: The main line from London to Southampton was opened to a temporary terminus called Northam Road on 10th June 1839....
Date closed to passengers: 5.9.1966
Company on closing: British Railways (Southern ...Date closed completely: 5.9.1966
Notes: The main line from London to Southampton was opened to a temporary terminus called Northam Road on 10th June 1839....
Date closed to passengers: 5.9.1966
Company on closing: British Railways (Southern ...Date closed completely: 5.9.1966

Here is the far side of Northam Bridge. As can be seen on this side two bascules were used - these are supported on a central pillar. The gap between the bascules providing access to steps leading down to Northam station platform. There were two platforms here both on the lines to and from the terminus. There were no platforms on the St Denys - Southampton line which passed under the left hand bascule. 20th April 2001. Copyright Kevin Jenkin
The Terminus station lay about 1200 yards beyond Northam station, the metals continue past the Terminus across Canute Road and into Eastern Docks.

Northam station was at the top of this map, one can just about see the long footbridge which served this station in addition to the step access off the Northam Road bridge. Note also curve from the terminus line around towards Southampton Central. Other branches will be seen heading east to the riverside wharves, whilst to the west can be the motive power servicing facility. From the 25" map C1900 Reproduced with permission of the National Library of Scotland
Southampton Terminus station
Date opened: 11.5.1840
Date closed to passengers: 5.9.1966
Company on closing: British Railways (Southern ...
Date closed completely: 5.9.1966
Date closed to passengers: 5.9.1966
Company on closing: British Railways (Southern ...
Date closed completely: 5.9.1966
For a full history of the Terminus courtesy Wikipedia click below https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southampton_Terminus_railway_station
Underneath the awnings
Canute Road Crossing.
On into Southampton Eastern Docks
Public access is not normally permitted, however, on this occasion Kevin took advantage of an exhibition of sailing vessels to get through the gates.
Public access is not normally permitted, however, on this occasion Kevin took advantage of an exhibition of sailing vessels to get through the gates.
The steam fleet at Southampton Docks. Part 1
The loco shed lay near the Dry Docks
Images captured during a visit to the docks by the late Sid Sponheimer in 1962
The loco shed lay near the Dry Docks
Images captured during a visit to the docks by the late Sid Sponheimer in 1962
The steam fleet at Southampton Docks. Part 2
The following picture some older and some more recent than those by the Late Sid Sponheimer in Part `1 have very kindly been sent in in August 2017 by Mike Morant - from his vast collection. Many thanks Mike.
The following picture some older and some more recent than those by the Late Sid Sponheimer in Part `1 have very kindly been sent in in August 2017 by Mike Morant - from his vast collection. Many thanks Mike.

LSWR 0-4-0ST no. 109 Southampton is known as a Shanks tram engine which is derived from the name of the builder, Alexander Shanks of Arbroath. No. 109 was purchased for use on the LSWR's Royal Pier at Southampton and was delivered on 19/9/1876 and would later be ably assisted by two more locos of the same design. No. 109 and her sisters would be superseded by the C14 class and moved to other duties whilst this example would be withdrawn in December 1913 and subsequently sold to Kynock Ltd of Longparish exactly two years after withdrawal.
The negative was obviously taken on Royal Pier and is dated c. 1912 which is nonsense as 109 had moved away from there some five years previously.
Image notes paraphrased from D. L. Bradley's LSWR Locomotives The Adams Classes.
[Mike Morant collection]

Although not of the best quality this shot is of too great an interest to languish. This is Southampton docks in 1948 and depicted is a line-up of three USATC S100 class 0-6-0 tank engines in different liveries. On the left is USATC liveried no. 4326 which entered SR service in June 1947 would be BR branded as 30074 in either July or November 1948 depnding on which source should be believed. In the middle is BR liveried no. 30067 which had been BR branded in April 1948 whilst the Southern liveried loco could be either 62, 63 or 65 but the critical digit is indecipherable.
[Mike Morant collection]

LCGB: The "B4" Dock Tank Rail Tour (No.1) 9/3/63
LSWR Adams B4 dock tank No. 30096 is depicted here Southampton Ocean Terminal. The tour started at Winchester Chesil, visited Ocean Terminal in Southampton, Eastleigh works and then terminated at Winchester City. 30096 had originally been named Normandy and would be named again when sold out of service to Corrall who named her Corrall Queen. In 1972 he was again sold on but this time to the Bulleid Pacific Preservation Society (later renamed The Bulleid Society) and the locomotive is, of course, now located on The Bluebell Railway.
[Mike Morant collection]

Southern Railway USA 0-6-0T No. 67 in SR plain black livery with letters and numbers in 'sunshine' style photographed when new in SR service in May 1947. No. 67, later to become BR 30067, was built by the Vulcan Iron Works in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1942 to be shipped to England in 1943 but remained in store until 1947. As 30067 this loco was relatively sedentary remaining at Southampton Docks where this shot was taken until June 1963 after which it was allocated to Eastleigh mpd where it remained until the end of SR steam in July 1967.
[Mike Morant collection]
Southampton Town Quay
There was a link line between the Eastern Docks and the then new Western Docks. Trains ran along the street at Town Quay.
There was a link line between the Eastern Docks and the then new Western Docks. Trains ran along the street at Town Quay.

This one is for Southampton Docks when you get round to it as it shows C14 0-4-0T 30589 on the Town Quay
circa 1954 and seeing that I was only about 9 at the time my late father, Lionel Matthews took this photo on a
Purma Special camera that I still have. If you look on Google Street View of Southampton Town Quay you can
still see the buildings in the background, not bad for a gap of 63 years, Ross's is now `The Platform Tavern'. Copyright Geoffrey Matthews
Southampton Western Docks
The western sction of the docks were built on reclaimed land in the 1930's
Again public access is not permitted except on occasional open days.
The western sction of the docks were built on reclaimed land in the 1930's
Again public access is not permitted except on occasional open days.
Views taken of Southampton Western docks during a Sky Ride event.