The Branch Line Society has released details of its ‘Millbrook Meander’ on Sunday 26 May 2024.

The charity charter will run to the coastal town of Weymouth in Dorset, where passengers will spend two hours enjoying the sea air, fish and chips, and other seaside attractions, before heading off on the return journey.

Hanson & Hall will operate the charter with Mk 1 stock, with Class 50 50008 operating top ‘n’ tail with a Class 66 locomotive. 50008 will lead the train out of Eastleigh.

There will be plenty of track interest along the way, with highlights including access to both Southampton and Millbrook Freightliner terminals. The Society has expressed its thanks to Freightliner for its help with the project.

Passengers will be able to buy from a limited range of drinks, snacks and light refreshments on board, and a charity raffle will take place.

All profits from this railtour and raffle will be donated to Yorkshire children’s hospice Martin House.

Indicative routing and timings:

Eastleigh P3 (PU 10.00) – Southampton Airport Parkway P2 (PU 10.06) – Southampton Central P1 (PU 10.16) – Southampton Maritime Freightliner Terminal – Redbridge – Romsey – Salisbury P4 (PU 12.20) – Gillingham (Dorset) P2 (photo stop) – Yeovil Junction (RM) – Yeovil Pen Mill (RM) – Dorchester West P2 (SD 14.27) – Weymouth P1 (SD 14.43)

Weymouth P3 (PU 17.08) – Dorchester South P1 (PU 17.24) – Poole – Bournemouth – Brockenhurst P1 – Redbridge – Millbrook Freightliner Terminal – Southampton Central P1 (SD 19.35) – Southampton Airport Parkway P1 (SD 19.46) – Eastleigh P3 (SD 19.53)

Fares:

• First Class, Non-Dining £189
• Standard Class £129
• No part fares
• No surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member
• Accompanied under 18s benefit from a £64.50 reduction in all fares.