EDWIN THE ENGINE RETURNS

Hayling Light Railway diesel locomotive ‘Edwin’, has now returned to the line’s Eastoke Corner Depot on Hayling Island Seafront, after a full engine rebuild at the Jim Stokes Motor Workshops. A first for the company, based at Waterlooville, Hampshire, more normally associated with the restoration of classic Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia, Mercedes, Aston Martin and Jaguar racing cars. The two foot gauge loco was built in 1969 by Ruston & Hornsby of Lincoln, and after industrial service first arrived on Hayling Island in 2005.

Where it was fully refurbished by volunteers, receiving a much improved drivers cab, a coat of bright ‘JCB’ yellow paint, and given the name ‘Edwin’, after Bob Haddock the railway owners’ son.

2007 saw its return to service, hauling narrow gauge passenger trains on the picturesque mile long coastal route beside Hayling Bay. Between the seaside village of Eastoke Corner, with its shops, arcades, pubs and eateries, and Beachlands well known for its popular funfairs. Via Mengham Halt, where on busy days trains can pass each other to give a more frequent service. Once ‘Edwin’ is fully run in and available for regular service, the opportunity will then be taken to give some well-deserved TLC, to ‘Jack’, our stalwart maroon liveried 1988 Alan Keef Victorian-style ‘steam outline’ diesel loco, known to children of all ages as ‘Jack the Seaside Engine'.

Both engines have a busy autumn and winter to look forward to, including a season of ‘Santa Specials’, on the 8th, 19th and finally the 20th of through to Christmas Eve on the 24th December. Starting and finishing at Eastoke Corner light railway station, travelling along the seaside via North Pole Halt, for a visit to see Father Christmas in his railway carriage grotto. Bookings for which are strongly advised, and can be made by phone to our very own Chief Elf on 07394 194066.

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