Bournemouth to Southampton

Bournemouth to Southampton
Including Redbridge

For a 25" to the mile map of Bournemouth in 1902 courtesy of the National Library of Scotland please click below:-

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=18&lat=50.7276&lon=-1.8637&layers=168&b=1

The above is an extremely useful map, zoom in and out and pan around to see the locations of Boscombe (To the east) and Bournemouth West - to the west with its junction at Branksome. Also use the overlay transparency button bottom left to see modern road layouts.

Bournemouth Central Twenty seven and three quarter miles from Dorchester

Aerial view of Bournemouth courtesy Google Earth.

Home Counties Railway Society: Somerset & Dorset Tour 7/6/64. Fowler 7F 2-8-0 no. 53807 and 4F 0-6-0 no. 44558 at Bournemouth mpd prior to the start of the S&D leg of the tour.
[Mike Morant collection]

Bournemouth Central. Looking very dirty and with no nameplate West Country pacific 34088 '213 Squadron' leaving with the Up 'Bournemouth Belle' on the 23rd March 1966 Copyright Geoff Matthews

The 'sea side' entrance to Bournemouth with the local yellow cabs. A fair walk ahead to the beach.Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Plenty of light streams through the roof which was renovated in 2000. The architecture dates back to 1885. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

An overall view from the west. The bay used to be used for trains towards Brighton, but has been disused for scheduled trains since 2012. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

HST History from 2001. These used to be a regular site but now replaced by 4 / 5 car voyagers which can tend to be full. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A final view of the grand architecture, taken in May 2001, complete with potted dracaena, and locally extinct species of 'plastic pig' EMU arriving from the west. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The rail exit/entry to Bournemouth station is under Holdenhurst Road Bridge 5th March 2010 Copyright Mick House N.B. The bay platform has been disused since 2012 but even in 2010 it doesn't look much used.

Mike Morant takes a look at motive power at Bournemouth -
from his collection - with many thanks.

Maunsell Schools class 4-4-0 no. 30901 Winchester prepares for departure from Bournemouth Central whilst in charge of a Brighton service circa 1959. 30901 was a Brighton allocated engine from March 1958 until falling victim to the great cull of December 1962. [Mike Morant collection]

An undated view of BR Southern region class 73 ED no. 73136 in Inter City livery ready to depart from Bournemouth Central station with a Waterloo express. The unit behind 73136 is '4TCB' unit no. 2802 formed 8/12/86 from 4TC 8002 with TFK 70845 replaced by buffet car 69324 ex disbanded 4REP 2006. It ran until 12/1/88 when disbanded. [Mike Morant collection]

LSWR Adams X2 class 4-4-0 no. 588 awaits departure from Bournemouth Central whilst in charge of a Waterloo-bound service in the first decade of the 20th century. No. 588 had been built at the LSWR's Nine Elms Works in November 1891 and is depicted here following modifications by Drummond. Withdrawal came in March 1932. [Mike Morant collection]

Drummond T9 class 4-4-0 no. 707 awaits departure from Bournemouth Central. [Mike Morant collection]

Urie N15 class 4-6-0 no. 752 Linette is ready to depart from Bournemouth Central station in 1947. Linette would be adorned with its BR number 30752 in June 1948 whilst allocated to Eastleigh and would be withdrawn in December 1955 at Nine Elms. [Mike Morant collection]

SR Maunsell Lord Nelson 4-6-0 no. 853 Sir Richard Grenville awaits departure from Bournemouth Central whilst in charge of an express to Waterloo. [Mike Morant collection]

BR Standard 7MT No. 70014 Iron Duke in an undated view at Bournemouth Central. It's well known that 70014 was 'the other' Britannia allocated to Stewarts Lane in the 1950's but it's often forgotten that it was initially allocated to Nine Elms from June to October 1951 before moving down the road to 73A. [Mike Morant collection]

Bulleid rebuilt West Country pacific no. 34093 Saunton awaits departure from Bournemouth Central station. [Mike Morant collection]

Boscombe Twenty nine miles from Dorchester
N.B Boscombe, which lay between Polkesdown and Bournemouth closed on the 4th October 1965.

Pokesdown Twenty nine and half miles from Dorchester

For a 1902 25" to the mile map courtesy National Library of Scotland please click below:-

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=18&lat=50.7312&lon=-1.8255&layers=168&b=1

Pokesdown station buildings 24th January 2003 A tram depot, part of the Bournemouth system lay across the road, more or less opposite.. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Pokesdown station as D806 Cambrian heads a down Royal Train. 14th July 1966. Note in those days there were four tracks. Copyright Geoff Matthews

Another shot at Pokesdown as D806 Cambrian continues through with the down Royal Train. 14th July 1966 Copyright Geoff Matthews

The main road in the area is the A35 which crosses the main line east of the station on this bridge. As originally built there was a single island platform - this was removed at two platform faces created. Presumably this also created space for four running lines through the station. Seen here on the 24th January 2003. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Looking east from the modern footbridge at the A35 road bridge which crosses on a skew. The foot bridge is sufficiently high to accommodate overhead electrification should that ever be required. 24th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Looking west towards Bournemouth from the footbridge. 24th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Proof of the gradient change on the down platform. 24th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Boscombe, which lay between Pokesdown and Bournemouth closed 4th October 1965. This picture 7th July 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen.

A down service departs Pokesdown - next stop Bournemouth. 24th January 2003. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Christchurch Thirty one and a quarter miles from Dorchester

For a 25" to the mile 1902 map courtesy National Library of Scotland please click below :-

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=50.7389&lon=-1.7876&layers=168&b=1

This also shows details of the connection off towards Ringwood.

Christchurch station exterior. 23rd September 2009 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Christchurch Station. 7th July 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

Christchurch looking west. 23rd September 2003. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

Christchurch Looking east 24th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin. To the left beyond the station lay sidings and also off to the left lay the line to Ringwood - this closed to passengers and goods w.e.f the 30th September 1935. The last train running on the 28th September 1935. ** This picture dated 24th January 2003. Copyright Kevin Jenkin ** Please refer to the history of the Hurn branch and Ringwood area compiled by Andrew Bellis. See below.

Christchurch 24th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Christchurch Floral arrangements 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Signal at the east end of Christchurch station. 24th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Railways in the Ringwood area to Christchurch and Brockenhurst
inc the Hurn branch. A history and personal reminiscences by Andrew Bellis
The Hurn branch was in fact the first serious closure in the Wessex area, being the original line connecting London/Southampton to the then new town of Bournemouth. The line between Ringwood and Christchurch (later extended west to Bournemouth, that part being now the main line) was built as a separate undertaking, leaving the 'old road' from Brockenhurst to Poole at Ringwood turning south, and going single line through Avon Lodge Halt and Hurn before reaching Christchurch. Hugging the river, the route twisted quite sharply through pine plantations and only had a passing loop at Hurn; as trains became faster it was completely unsuitable, especially as the landowner who owned the bulk of the land it was built on demanded the right to stop any train when he wanted to travel between his home at Hurn Court and his fishing lodge, Avon Castle! It closed with the last service running 28th September 1935 and the lines were lifted by July 1937, except for long sidings used for stock storage at the Christchurch end which went about 1980. I've walked most of the little 'Hurn branch' over the years and it must have been a fun trip, a bustling little M7 setting light to the resinous pine trees...Hurn Station http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/h/hurn/ is now a pub and Avon Lodge Halt is a private house (very nice) with a bit of platform still evident. The Ringwood end of the little line is the most traceable now; as I mentioned, the private Avon Lodge Halt is now a home on a very exclusive estate into which I feel I'm intruding with my bicycle freewheel ticking, it's that quiet! One of their access roads is along part of the railway route. Avon Lodge was rebuilt as a mock castle, and is now divided into 'exclusive' flats. The little line joined the 'Old Road' just west of Ringwood, double lines then went over the River Avon (the bridge is still there and forms part of a cycleway along the 'Old Road', called the Castleman Trailway), then a level crossing over the main road from Christchurch into Ringwood, and terminated in a dedicated and covered bay as you say, pointing towards Brockenhurst. You make a very valid point about the service having to be push-pull once the little line ceased to be the main route to Christchurch/Bournemouth, hence the use of M7's that had such 'auto' equipment and simply shuttled between Ringwood and Christchurch/Bournemouth. I have a suspicion that at one time there was a turntable at the Christchurch end, useful in the days before the Bournemouth extension was built. There was certainly a shed, used latterly for goods but looking very much like an engine shed.

The dates of the closure of the 'Old Road' Brockenhurst-Poole are complex. It was a very useful diversion route when traffic was too busy at Bournemouth (! imagine that - and Bournemouth had a down platform so long that it could accomodate two whole trains, and still does, except relaid pointwork doesn't allow such diagrams any more) - but it still went in May 1964 for regular passengers and 1966/7 for a few 'specials', and freight and light engines (a scrap yard in Ringwood dealt with the demise of a few Standard class locos). However, to the west, the line was still useful for the Army petrol dump at West Moors, so the section from Poole through Broadstone and Wimborne to West Moors became a ghost line with occasional workings of class 33 diesels on tanker duty as well as a few 'enthusiast specials' until 1977/8. How those railway routes would be useful now - car traffic with commuters into Bournemouth/Poole has become manic.

The book I mentioned - 'Castleman's Corkscrew Volume Two' by B. L. Jackson - is highly recommended, as is Volume One, both have photos in that I'd never seen previously.
Andrew Bellis. Many thanks Andrew.

Hinton Admiral Thirty four and a half miles from Dorchester

14th November 2010 Copyright Mick House

Looking west, a general view from Station Road bridge. Hinton Admiral 23rd September 2007 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Hinton Admiral 23rd September 2007 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Hinton Admiral Station Road bridge 23rd September 2007 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Hinton Admiral up platform on the 5th September 2004 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Hinton Admiral 23rd September 2007 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Hinton Admiral 5th September 2004 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Hinton Admiral EWS 66019 berthed during eiginering work. 14th November 2010 Copyright Mick House

Hinton Admiral on the 4th June 1967 as Sir Nigel Gresley disturbs the peace. Copyright Martin Scane

On the 3rd and 4th June 1967 No. 4498 'Sir Nigel Gresley' on tour on the 'Southern' operated two tours originating from Waterloo. See Six Bells Junction.

Near New Milton

Ex-works Bulleid rebuilt Merchant Navy pacific no. 35018 British India Line in charge of the Bournemouth Belle at New Milton. [Mike Morant collection]

New Milton Thirty seven and a quarter from Dorchester

New Milton. The view, looking west on the 7th July 2007 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

New Milton. Looking back from a down service train. 5th September 2004 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

New Milton, a service departs heading for Bournemouth. 7th July 2007 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

New Milton Looking east from the up platform. 7th July 2007 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Bulleid rebuilt Merchant Navy pacific no. 35023 Holland-Afrika Line in charge of an inter-regional service speeds through New Milton. [Mike Morant collection]

Near Sway

A 1959 view of Maunsell N15 'King Arthur' class 4-6-0 no. 30772 Sir Percivale taken near Sway. 30772 was a Bournemouth based engine at the time and would be withdrawn there in September 1961. [Mike Morant collection]

An inter-regional service shown here being hauled by Bulleid rebuilt Merchant navy pacific no. 35016 Elders Fyffes near Sway in May 1958. [Mike Morant collection]

Sway Forty and quarter miles from Dorchester

Sway - 14th November 2010 Copyright Mick House

Sway station. Looking east from the up platform. The road bridge carries the appropriately named Station Road. There are approaches to both the up and down platforms from this. 26th August 2002 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Detail of the up platform looking east. 26th August 2002 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Detail of the up platform looking west. 26th August 2002. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The down platform building at Sway. 26th August 2002. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Sway Looking West 14th November 2010 Copyright Mick House

Sway Looking East 14th November 2010 Copyright Mick House

Thought to be west of Brockenhurst.

RCTS: Farewell to Southern Steam 18/6/67. Bulleid original WC pacific 34023 Blackmore Vale and rebuilt West Country no. 34108 Wincanton double-head the special through the New Forest much of which is actually devoid of trees. This pairing of motive power hauled the penultimate leg of this tour from Weymouth to Salisbury via Bournemouth, Southampton, Eastleigh and Romsey and was, by this time, running some 45 minutes down on its schedule. The sixbellsjunction web site states that none of the locos wore their erstwhile names but Wincanton certainly did. However, whether they were the real deal or replicas I know not but I think, from a long-ago memory, that they were the real ones. [Mike Morant]

A bridge over the B3055 about one and half miles west of Brockenhurst

A interesting skew bridge west of Brockenhurst. 19th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A interesting skew bridge west of Brockenhurst. 19th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin. Note the massive amounts of steel used.

Brockenhurst Forty three miles from Dorchester
(Junction for the Lymington branch)

RCTS: Wessex Wyvern 8/7/56. This tour started from Waterloo behind Maunsell 'Schools' no. 30925 as far as Brockenhurst where this shot was taken of ex-LSWR Drummond T9 'Greyhound' 4-4-0 no. 30287 which hauled the next leg as far as Weymouth Junction where entirely GWR motive power took over the haulage duties to the Quay station. [Mike Morant collection]

Southern Maunsell 'Schools' class 4-4-0 no. 30925 Cheltenham at Brockenhurst on 8/7/56. No. 30925, a survivor into the heritage era, was built at the Southern's Eastleigh works in 1934, acquired it's BR number in April 1950 and was withdrawn from service at Basingstoke mpd in December 1962. [Mike Morant collection]

The upside entrance to Brockenhurst station seen on the 23rd May 2001 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A view from the Lymington platform. Brockenhurst Station. 7th July 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

It must be summer at Brockenhurst as the warm platform provides an attractive resting place! 23rd May 2001 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A more recent view of the refurbished footbridge at Brokenhurst lifts have been provided on the far side of the footbridge. Brockenhurst Station 7th July 2016 , Lymington Branch Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

The branch line celebrated the 150th anniversary of its opening in July 2008. Between 2005 and 2010, it was promoted as a 'heritage' route, making use of older rolling stock that had been retired from elsewhere on the UK rail network. The old order at Brockenhurst on the 19th December 2003 as electric units provide the service to Lymington. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The new order as class 158 Unit provides the South West Trains service to Lymington Pier. 7th July 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

On the far side of the station a unique swinging bridge provides access from the station building to platforms 1 and 2.. 23rd May 2001 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

- and here is the same bridge swung into position. Brockenhurst 19th December 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

There are two footbridges at Brockenhurst - this is taking a stroll over the one on the western end of the platforma on the 19th December 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

This is the view looking west towards Bournemouth, to the left the Lymington branch can be seen bearing away heading for the ferry port. of Lymington. Picture taken on the 19th January 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin. The Lymington branch retains its third rail electrification although the traffic is handled by class 158 units from Monday to Friday and class 450 emus on weekends.

Looking east from Brockenhurst footbridge one can see the level crossing at the station throat. The signalbox is just before the crossing on the right. 15th January 2000 Copyright Mick House

Brockenhurst Signalbox Nameplate 16th Jan 2010 Copyright Mick House

An interesting view of Brockenhurst station taken from the A337 Lymington road level crossing. 15th January 2010 Copyright Mick House

Brockenhurst This is a train for Waterloo - it should bear a headcode of 97. Copyright Mick House

Brockenhurst Signalbox from the top of a double decker bus. 9th June 2017 KJ

Brockenhurst Country Lanes Cyclestore ready for the energetic! 15th January 2010 Copyright Mick House

Looking at the 25" map one can see that Brockenhurst had a substantial goods yard complete with a turntable, also that the station serve both the Lymington and Ringwood branches though these diverged from the main line at Lymington Junction about a mile away. In the 1970's the junction was eliminated and the Lymington branch extended to Brockenhurst as an independent line. The Ringwood line - the 'Castlemens Corkscrew' was closed between Lymington Junction and Hamworthy Junction closed to passenger traffic on 4 May 1964, although part of this section was kept open for freight access to private sidings for some time. Track lifting began on the section between Lymington Junction and Ringwood, being completed in 1965.

Beaulieu Road Forty seven and three quarter miles from Dorchester

Beaulieu Road sign 6th March 2010 Copyright Mick House

Beaulieu Road, looking west. The least used station in Hampshire, but recommended for New Forest walking. 14th December 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Beaulieu Road 14th December 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Beaulieu Road 20th March 2005 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Beaulieu Road N.B. These appear to be the only dwellings around although there is a pub at hand - the Drift Inn. 14th December 2003 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

About a quarter mile north of Beaulieu Road , a new bridge connecting New Forest paths is being erected across the line. Note the undulating nature of the line. 6th March 2010 Copyright Mick House

Map supplied by Mick House. Note the name of the Pub, encouraging one to 'Drift In', also note across the road the animal pens.

Lyndhurst Road Now Ashurst since 1995 Fifty and a quarter miles from Dorchester

An interesting comparison of new and old station signs. Copyright Mick House

Renamed Ashurst (New Forest) in 1995, and another good starting or completion point for a New Forest Walk. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Ashurst formerly Lynhurst Road 7th November 2004 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Ashurst Looking at the old station building as 450 016 departs for Southampton. Copyright Mick House

Ashurst formerly Lynhurst Road 12th May 2002 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Ashurst formerly Lynhurst Road 7th November 2004 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Ashurst From the footbridge looking towards Southampton. Copyright Mick House

The elevation of the tracks here is very noticeable as 1225 slumps to the right on stopping. 6th March 2010. Copyright Mick House.

Courtesy Google Earth

Totton Yard

Totton Yard 1 from Brokenford footbridge, GBRF 66 709 after passing Totton yard crosses on to the start of the Fawley Branch Copyright Mick House

Totton Yard 2 Totton yard from Brokenford footbridge. Jan 16th 2010 Copyright Mick House

Totton Yard from above.

A link to Totton yard from Brokenford footbridge 55 years ago:
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/613248

Totton Level crossing

Looking East towards Totton station from the level crossing at Junction Road. The end of the down platform can just be seen. The short Eling branch turned off to the right here passing behind the station to head southwards to wharf. Copyright Mick House

Totton Fifty three and a quarter miles from Dorchester
(Junction for the Fawley branch)

Totton station 27th June 2023. Copyright Mick House.

Totton The station buildings are on the up side. 15th August 2004 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Totton 15th January 2010 Copyright Mick House

Totton 2 15th January 2010 Copyright Mick House

Totton 15th August 2004 From the up platform. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The view east with the River Test bridges (road and rail) just visible, as is Redbridge Tower in Southampton..

Railhead treatment train MPV 014 has just passed Totton and under the A35 road bridge.(Totton bypass) and is about to cross the river Test to its final destination of Eastleigh 15th January 2010 Copyright Mick House

Train spotters at Totton 15th August 2004 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

47450 leaves Totton station behind with the 12.15 Poole to Newcastle. Taken from the A35 Totton By pass bridge on Sunday 25th JUne 1989 , Copyright Ron Kosys

Redbridge Junction

An un- identified Voyager crosses Redbridge Junction 30th December 2014 Copyright Mick House N.B. This is likely to have come from Pool. The lines to the right in this view are to and from Salisbury.

Redbridge Junction. October 2004. The lines bearing away to our left are to and from Romsey and Salisbury. Those to the right are towards Totton and Bournemouth. October 2004 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Redbridge Causeway October 2004. Totton station is just visible in the distance. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Redbridge Junction

Unidentified 8 VEP on a Weymouth to Waterloo (92 head code, Semi fast) runs through Redbridge Junction. Copyright Mick House

Unidentified class 33 on a Bristol Temple Meads to Portsmouth Harbour (89 head code, via Salisbury and Netley) runs through Redbridge Junction. Copyright Mick House

Weymouth to Waterloo (93 head code, Slow) runs through Redbridge Junction. Copyright Mick House

Redbridge Junction

Redbridge Junction Mick House

The 5 pictures in this section are all photographed from the old Redbridge Track and Sleeper Works after its closure around 1992.

P1) Class 47 832 (TAMAR) emerges from under Redbridge footbridge and the loco is on the road crossing that serviced the old Redbridge Track and Sleeper Works. Copyright Mick House.

P2) Class 47 832 (TAMAR) crosses Redbridge Junction on to the section known as The Sprat and Winkle Line, it was the common name of the Andover to Redbridge railway line, It was built by the Andover and Redbridge Railway. In 1863 the uncompleted railway was taken over by the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) who opened the line in 1865 and operated until 1923 when it amalgamated with several other railways to create the Southern Railway (SR). Copyright Mick House.

P3) Class 47 832 (TAMAR) and its train are about to go under Redbridge Causeway bridge with the A35 Totton Bypass on top. Copyright Mick House.

P4) A class 442 2405 emerges from under Redbridge footbridge and is on the road crossing that serviced the old Redbridge Track and Sleeper Works. These class 442 units were given the nickname Plastic Pigs and were in the NSE livery from 1988 to 1996. Copyright Mick House.

P5) Class 442 2405 has just crossed the River Test on its way to Weymouth, with the A35 Totton Bypass in the background. Copyright Mick House.

Many thanks to Mick House for the above collection.

Redbridge Fifty three and three quarter miles from Dorchester

Redbridge is a basic station on the outskirts of Southampton. Views taken from opening train windows are a distant memory. This from a stopping train heading towards Southampton Central. 12th May 2002 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A 4 CIG 1744 arrives with head code 39 denoting a stopping service to Weymouth, Gasometer on the left, mixed bag of wagons in the centre and to the far right above the two ladies you can see the Rail & Sleeper Works foundry chimney. Copyright Mick House.

In this view courtesy of the National Museum of Scotland (Non Commercial use) Redrbridge staton is in view as are the lines to Romsey and Salisbury exit at the top and to Bournemouth exit left and to Southampton exit right. Note the Rail and sleeper works and associated sidings and also the pole pool.

From the station footbridge, 158 953 is waiting to depart for Cardiff. 31st Dec 2014 Copyright Mick House

Redbridge. Looking in the Bournemouth direction towards Redbridge with a class 08 shunting the Freightliner sidings, 444 030 on the through road heading for Southampton and behind the signal 444 006 arr Redbridge. 27th September 2013. Copyright Mick House

One last look at Redbridge on the 2nd Feb 2004 as 66 569 shunts the Freightliner sidings to the back of the station. Mick House

Southampton Freightliner terminal

Southampton Freightliner Depot. Engines on the Freightliner Depot. 21st August 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

Southampton Freightliner Depot Class 08s at the Freightliner Depot. 21st August 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

Millbrook Fifty five and a half miles from Dorchester

Millbrook and Docks 9th February 2003. No architectural awards here and a place not to linger. Several of Southampton's suburban stations now suffer from noise pollution from adjacent A roads. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Millbrook concrete footbridge was it in danger of collapse?
By Mick House.

Millbrook footbridge has been reinforced with the installation of two RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) frames, one on the island platform surrounding the existing concrete support and the other, on the north east side entrance to the station inside the existing concrete support and this also has a new end ramp. The south west support has not been touched. The station entrance frame has also had concrete counter balance weights installed on a concrete plinth to one side; presumably the original supports are sinking/unstable. Part of the old ramp made from bullhead rail and concrete slabs was taken out to accommodate the counter balance weights. The new ramp is set as a return from the old one and was constructed with side walls of concrete blocks, tubular handrails, and compacted infill, topped with tarmac and protected with Armco crash barriers. Both the frame on the platform and the counter balance weights are enclosed with galvanised steel palisade (triple pointed) railings. I am uncertain if this is a permanent measure or if they plan on replacing the old footbridge altogether.
Words by Mick House.

Frame on the island platform surrounding the existing concrete support with palisade railings and in the background the south west support has not been touched. Copyright Mick House.

North east side station entrance frame inside the existing concrete support. Copyright Mick House.

Concrete counter balance weights installed on a concrete plinth with palisade railings and part of the old ramp to the left. Copyright Mick House.

New ramp with Armco barrier. Copyright Mick House.

Millbrook 66105 arr to collect loaded car train. 15th Jan 2010 Copyright Mick House

Millbrook Looking east at two loaded car trains. 15th Jan 2010 Copyright Mick House

SOUTHAMPTON CENTRAL
Fifty six and a half miles from Dorchester.

Read all about it - the history of the development of Southampton Station - click below ( Courtesy Wilipedia) :-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southampton_Central_railway_station

3556 MN 35029 Ellerman Lines is seen on an express to Waterloo at 9.58am Copyright Mike Roach

3558 WC 34012 Lapford is seen taking water at 10.13am, and believed to be also heading for Waterloo. Copyright Mike Roach

In between photographing the two locos I walked to the end of the footbridge and took this bus parked in the station forecourt on the south side of the station. Its Southampton Corporation number 230, a Guy Arab, on route 54. The bus is believed to date from 1951. The liner in the background was believed to be Pendennis Castle or Pretoria Castle. Copyright Mike Roach

The west end of the station. A class 158 unit on a service from Totton to Salisbury via Southampton Central, St Denys, Swaythling, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford and Romsey approaches platform 2. Platform 5 the end of which is to our left is not in passenger use but the metals are used for stock storage. Platform 4, to the right in this picture is used for trains to Bournemouth, Weymouth and also to Salisbury, Bristol and Cardiff. 25th October 2010. Copyright Roger Winnen

Another view of the same service running in past the former signalbox at the west end of the station. 25th October 2010. Copyright Roger Winnen

101025l A Class 450 discharges passengers at Southampton. 25th October 2010 Copyright Roger Winnen

160509a Southern Trains at Southampton on a London Victoria service. 9th May 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

A view from above the tunnel at Southampton. A Class 66 Freightliner approaches Southampton Tunnel. 21st August 2008 Copyright Roger Winnen

For a 1902 25" to the mile map courtesy National Library of Scotland please click below:- http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=18&lat=50.7312&lon=-1.8255&layers=168&b=1​

Millbrook concrete footbridge was it in danger of collapse?By Mick House.

For a 1902 25" to the mile map courtesy National Library of Scotland please click below:-

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=18&lat=50.7312&lon=-1.8255&layers=168&b=1

Millbrook concrete footbridge was it in danger of collapse?
By Mick House.