The annual Autumn Steam Gala at The Watercress Line would see the gathering of three Ivatt 2MTs, in anticipation for the withdrawal of home based Tank 41312 early next year. Joining 41312 was sequential tank 41313 from the Isle of Wight, along with tender Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 46447 from the East Somerset Railway.

41313 last met with 312 back in 2017, and with boiler tickets of both engines set to expire in 2027, this event presented an opportunity to see them reunited almost 10 years later. Each day would culminate with a triple headed train worked by all three Ivatts, whilst 46447 would also feature on the railway's freight set, along with resident LSWR Urie S15 30506.

The gala would also welcome two western region guests in its line-up, with GWR 4200 Class 4247 from the Dartmouth Steam Railway, which is set to remain at the Watercress Line into next year, along with BR(W) Modified Hall Class 6989 'Wightwick Hall' from the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.

At Ropley station, Peckett 0-4-0ST No.1788 would run driver experiences in the yard, whilst sole surviving Southern Lord Nelson Class 850 'Lord Nelson' was on static display. Part of the National Colection, 'Nellie' is currently awaiting overhaul, having last steamed in 2015.

LINKS
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LOCOS & STOCK
LMS Ivatt 2MT Tank 41313
GWR 4200 Class 4247
LSWR Urie S15 30506
LMS Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 46447
Peckett & Sons R3 0-4-0ST No.1788 'Kilmersdon'
BR(W) Modified Hall Class 6989 'Wightwick Hall'
LMS Ivatt 2MT Tank 41312
Southern Railway Lord Nelson Class 850 'Lord Nelson'

VIDEO CONTENTS
0:00 - 41313 - Northside Foot Crossing
0:50 - 4247 - Hampshire Hunt
1:58 - 4247 - Northside Foot Crossing
3:01 - 30506 - Northside Foot Crossing
3:58 - 46447 - Hampshire Hunt
4:52 - 41313 & 46447 - Northside Foot Crossing
5:48 - 30506 - Ropley
7:08 - 30506 - Soke Hill
10:02 - 41313 - Ropley
11:53 - 6989 - Hampshire Hunt
12:45 - 46447 - Turk Street
14:13 - 46447 - Hampshire Hunt
15:06 - 46447 - Bishop's Sutton
15:46 - 41312 - Bishop's Sutton
16:22 - 850 - Ropley Yard
17:05 - 41313 & 41312 - Rookwood Lane
18:19 - 6989 - Bishop's Sutton
19:06 - 30506 - Northside
20:32 - 41312, 41313 & 46447 - Bighton Lane
22:51 - 41313, 41312 & 46447 - Northside

Filmed on 3rd & 4th October 2026.