Otterbridge
EM Gauge (18.2 mm) 4mm / 1 ft Scale
Contact: Peter Bailey Tel: (023) 9247 1288
All photographs by Jas Millham
| A1X, number 2662, was for many years a Fratton engine. Here we see it returning from Otterbridge with a local working to Eastleigh. The Leyland TD1 bus is on Southdown service 38, recently extended to Otterbridge from Hambledon | |
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Linesman's view of Otterbridge, as he walks the line from the tunnel mouth towards the road over-bridge and signal box. The industrial buildings in the background constitute a brewery, famous in Hampshire for the brewing of Otter Ales. The signalman is attracting the linesman's attention, probably to say he has the kettle on. |
| The linesman's view towards the tunnel mouth, the goods yard on the left. The cramped location of the railway at Otterbridge, due to its location in what is really little more than a chalk quarry, is apparent from this view. |  |
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The daily milk train to the dairy is in the hands of the
Great Western Railway. The short train of tankers is arriving from
Winchester Chesil. This working arrives in the morning, the pannier tank
departing with a local goods. The pigs are making a bid for freedom. Is
the pig-man sampling the delights of Otter Ale?
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| Another TD1 makes its way up Church Hill. The driver has been experimenting with his screens. The bus should be heading for Southsea, via (Portsmouth) Commercial Road and Theatre Royal, definitely not for Brighton! A Terrier runs round its South Western, two coach, arc roofed, local set. The pub on the left is the "Lord Nelson". Behind the bus is the sign over the door of the "Eton and Harrow", whilst in the background can be seen the roof of the "Queen Guinevere". |  |
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It is market day at Otterbridge and N class mogul, number 1821, arrives with a cattle train. The church on the hill is St Margaret's Without. This does not mean that it is missing anything, rather that it is situated outside the town walls. A main gateway is immediately beyond the church, a low bridge Titan squeezing through. Timber, rough and cut, is clearly a major freight commodity. A wagon has been loaded with newly cut pit props and will depart as part of the next goods working. |
| Things are quiet in the vicinity of the goods shed. In contrast to the horse drawn flat wagon, a Mammoth Major eight wheeled lorry has been brought in to remove some very large lumps of chalk which have fallen from the cliff in the background |  |
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A push pull service from Chesil forms the mainstay of the Great Western passenger service. A Southern passenger working must be about to depart from the main platform, as the push pull unit, viewed beneath the road bridge, is arriving at the bay. The footway gives access to the signal box and is used by the signalman when he collects or issues the single line token to Beauworth, the next station on the branch. |
Last updated: 27 November, 2006
