The Steam Locomotive Works at Ropley

The Mid Hants Railway has one of the best equipped locomotive repair shops anywhere in Britain. The heritage railway´s technical HQ at Ropley is stacked with tools and ready to take on any sort of big overhaul job. Aside from keeping the Watercress Line´s own fleet up and running, Ropley also regularly receives an influx of contractual assignments to repair or re-tube other heritage locomotives. The most prominent kettle to undergo an entire overhaul cycle at Ropley probably was A4 "Bittern" a few years ago. In August 2011 "Canadian Pacific" 35005 was visible outside of the shop, patiently awaiting its turn in the overhaul queue. It was side-by-side with 850 "Lord Nelson", where steam was being raised ahead of next day running. At the same time Standard 5 Class 73096 was running through the station with a passenger train to Alton.