Watercress Line, The

Synopsis

A record of the rise and decline of a cross-country railway and of its resuscitation as a preserved line. The construction of the Mid-Hants Railway and its opening from Alton to Winchester Junction in 1865 is described, with the hopes of its promoters that it would be developed as a through route to Southampton. Views are shown of it operating as a typical steam raiway, of the change to diesel traction and of its closure in 1973. The story of its resuscitation is told by means of interviews, followed by a sequence showing the re-opening day in 1978 with traditional operating methods restored, including the use of steam locomotives.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 15 min.

Year of production

1979

Availability

Sale; 1996 sale: £35.00 (inclusive)

Uses

Students of transport history, social history and industrial archaeology.

Subjects

Archaeology; Technology

Keywords

industrial archaeology; railways

Credits

Director

Graham M Geddes

Writer

A E Course

Contributor

Graham M Geddes

Cast

John Arlott

Sponsor

Name

University of Southampton, Department of Adult Education

Distributor

Name

University of Southampton, Computing Services, e.media

Email

e.media@soton.ac.uk

Web

http://www.iss.soton.ac.uk/e.media/Frames/main1_frameset.html External site opens in new window

Phone

023 8059 2330

Fax

023 8059 3005

Address

Building 2
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ