SEEING SOUTHERN STEAM’S SWANSONG

Evidence of the impending move away from steam was everywhere by 1960. Diesel sets had actually appeared as long ago as 1958 on local workings in West Hampshire, although by 1967 diesel would fall victim to all-conquering electric, just as much as steam. At Winchester, platforms were lengthened at the south end in 1965 in preparation for electrification. At Bournemouth, the two centre roads were not needed for electric services, so were removed. As a Down ‘Bournemouth Belle’ raced past Millbrook (Southampton) on April 21 1966, the third-rail was ready to be installed and by June the conductor rails were in place at Sway (New Forest).

Rebuilt Bulleid ‘Battle of Britain’ locomotives such as No. 34071 (formerly could still be seen at London Waterloo in 1966, having brought trains up from Weymouth. Those rebuilt in the 1950s were noted for increased efficiency, so Southern Region managers could be quietly confident that they