AVBCU: This is Brockenhurst

The first four sections of this DVD feature activity between 1989 and 2007, while the last two sections were filmed on 22nd May 2010, on the final day of slam door stock.

Running time of this region-free DVD-R is 75 minutes.

David Brown’s review in Traction July/August 2011:

“On 22nd May 2010 the Brockenhurst-Lymington Pier branch saw the final day of operation using slam door EMU stock. This 5.5 mile self-contained branch was also the final steam-worked country branch line in the BR era with the last steam trains worked by Ivatt 2-6-2 No. 41320 on 2nd April 1967. After the steam era, the branch effectively became a siding diverging from the Southampton-Bournemouth line at the former Lymington junction west of Brockenhurst station. The intermediate station at Shirley Holmes closed back in 1888 and there was also a private half serving Wellworth Ampress works.

From Brockenhurst the branch runs in attractive New Forest scenery until it reaches Lymington Town station where, after crossing a viaduct, the train passes the boat-lined harbour until reaching the terminus at Lymington Pier. Ferries ply between here and the Isle of Wight, so every train is a boat train!

This DVD offers an affectionate flavour of operations on the branch over the past couple of decades starting with 423 432 in NSE livery and ending with ‘heritage’ liveried blue & grey 421 497 and BR green 421 498. The traditional junction station of Brockenhurst with its platform canopies and useful vantage point of a lattice bridge crossing the western approach, is seen busy with both locomotives and units, both old and contemporary. A Class 73 is recorded on a Pullman service, Class 47s and an HST on Virgin CrossCountry trains, plus other interesting visitors such as 207 013 on ‘The Intercity DEMU’ railtour on Sunday 7th February 1993.

On the more recent footage, when one of the vintage EMUs pulls into Brockenhurst, complete with its ‘Lymington Flyer’ headboard, it seems quite strange to see ‘Voyagers’ sitting in the station! In the latter years the three stations have featured replica Southern Region totem signs and even trolleys stacked with vintage luggage at Lymington Town – just like a preserved line. All good things come to an end and I wonder if we will ever again see Lymington harbour framed through the window of old BR stock?

Meanwhile, this DVD captures some good memories. If you are a dedicated EMU fan you might also enjoy ‘The Merseyside Class 507 & 508’ two-disc programme from Anbrico which shows that we can enjoy northern electric traction up north too!”

© Anbrico Felixjaz Railway and Transport Films, DVDs and Photography.