5526 was built in 1928 and worked from many sheds in Devon and Cornwall: St Blazey, Bodmin, Exeter, Plymouth Millbay, Plymouth Laira and Truro before being withdrawn from Westbury in 1962. It then went to Barry scrap yard from where it was purchased in 1985. It was moved to Swindon for restoration but this was not completed until it was sold to a new group and moved to Buckfastleigh. Its next major overhaul is due in 2027
en.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org
The Watercress Line is the marketing name of the Mid-Hants Railway, a heritage railway in Hampshire, England, running 10 miles (16 km) from New Alresford to Alton where it connects to the National Rail network. The line gained its popular name in the days when it was used to transport locally grown watercress to markets in London. The railway currently operates regular scheduled services, along with dining trains, real ale trains and numerous special events throughout the year.
The section of line from Alresford to Alton that can be seen today was purchased from British Rail in November 1975.[1] Reconstruction of the line subsequently progressed in stages.[1] The section between Alresford and Ropley re-opened on 30 April 1977.[1] To provide engineering and maintenance facilities, the main locomotive shed and workshops were constructed at Ropley. The extension to Medstead & Four Marks opened on 28 May 1983[1] and the final section to Alton opened on 25 May 1985.
en.wikipedia.org
