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In the early 1960s, the Southern Region of BR boasted a diversity of types of traffic. It ranged from the intense commuter traffic of the south east, with its third rail electric network, through to the sleepy branch line scene of the south west. The Isle of Wight railway system also fell under Southern Region jurisdiction but, in the mid 1960s, control of the last steam dominated main line was what this section of BR was best remembered for. Electrification was the main focus for modernising the Southern Region, which as a result possessed fewer diesel locomotives than the other regions. This meant that Bulleid Pacifics and other steam locomotive classes could be found working passenger traffic on the busy Waterloo to Weymouth line right through to the end of the steam era in this part of the UK. The axe finally fell on steam on the Southern Region in 1967 and events were staged to mark the 40th anniversary, during 2007. This programme includes action from special commemorative galas staged at the Mid-Hants Railway and the Swanage Railway along with main line runs associated with the anniversary. Cine archive footage of Southern Region steam is also featured. |
