12th October 2013

Siemens / South West Trains
Northam Depot Open Day

Route :

Notes : 
(1) The open day celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Northam Depot and raised £2,640 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. 
(2) Chris Bracey comments: Rides were available with steam loco M7 30053 hauling and propelling SR Queen Mary Brake Van S56289. Passengers were loaded at the drivers platform at the depot end of Road 6 and the train ran to the end of the reception road on the line into Southampton Eastern Docks. The journey was calculated to be 0.71 miles each way. Although advertised to run every 20-30 minutes it seemed to be on demand. The train was operated by Swanage Railway staff. The line towards the docks is part of the reception lines of the depot so although running next to National Rail line it did not have to cross it. 
(3) For Children only (a few adults not too impressed) the wheel lathe Battery Shunter also gave rides on the short piece of track between the depot building and the wheel lathe. The Great Cockcrow railway near Chertsey provided loco 'Wensleydale' which gave rides on 0.04 mile line laid on the driveway of the depot. Entrance to the depot was free as were most of the attractions including the miniature railway and the guide book, only the M7 was chargeable at £1.00 per ride!

30053 and the wheel lathe shunter are seen giving rides at Northam Depot
(photo: Andrew P.M. Wright)

Sources : Chris Bracey & David Lodwick

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