There’s nothing quite like the evocative combination of coal smoke, hot oil, and the powerful rumble of a steam locomotive entering the station? It's a sensory experience that truly brings the bygone era of steam back to life.

Join us as we delve into a nostalgic journey with two captivating photographs from the Mid-Hants Railway, each capturing a unique moment in time.

The first photograph, a snapshot from a crisp March day in 1978, transports us to Alton station. 

Here, we witness the arrival of a majestic ex-British Rail 2-6-0 locomotive, number 76017.

 This grand old engine, having served its time on the national network, is embarking on a new chapter in its life at the Mid-Hants Railway. 

The image captures the delicate moment of its arrival, being carefully unloaded from a low-loader lorry and gently eased onto a temporary ramped track. 

Overseeing this delicate operation is the trusty shunter, Errol Lonsdale, a familiar sight on the Watercress Line.

Fast forward to a sunny July day in 1985, and our second photograph takes us to the charming Mid-Hants Railway station of Medstead and Four Marks. 

The star of this image is another magnificent steam locomotive, its wheels biting into the rails as it gathers steam for its journey to Alton. 

The plume of smoke billowing from its chimney paints a nostalgic picture against the backdrop of the idyllic Hampshire countryside.

These two photographs, captured years apart, encapsulate the enduring magic of steam and the dedication of those who preserve this vital part of our railway heritage. They serve as a reminder of a time when steam ruled the rails, and the sight and sound of a locomotive was a familiar part of everyday life.

And so, the legacy of steam lives on, not just in photographs and memories, but in the living, breathing reality of these preserved railways.