Observation Evening Eastleigh

The Solent Branch held its annual observation evening at Eastleigh station on Wednesday 21 June when 11 members and 2 guests assembled from 16:00. The peak period of activity for freights was between then and 17:20 in the course of which the Mountfield - Southampton Western Docks empty gypsum wagons, a southbound and a northbound Freightliner and a southbound and northbound intermodal service to/from Southampton Western Docks were seen. The Freightliner services were both in the hands of Class 70s.  The loaded gypsum train to Tonbridge returned at 18:45.

A highlight of the evening for many was the arrival of 73128 + 73109 as light engines from Hoo Junction to the East Yard at 17:49. They then proceeded to the virtual quarry by the station and were attached to a rake of loaded ballast wagons. After setting a headcode 43 the train proceeded slowly back to the East Yard at about 18:20.

Other noteworthy trains noted were 60103 “Flying Scotsman” which passed through at 17:56 on a 17:03 Salisbury - Paddington special, and 450067 in its Thank you all key workers livery.

The majority of Class 444s and 450s are now in South Western Railway livery.  However nine Class 444s were observed in the old South West Trains livery, including two 10-car formations, and three of the Class 450s seen were still in blue livery. Three Class 158s were seen on the Salisbury -Southampton - Romsey local services. Three Class 220s and two Class 221s were noted on Cross Country workings.