Observation at Eastleigh

5 members and guests gathered at Eastleigh station on the afternoon and early evening of 17th June for the Solent Branch’s annual observation evening. There were no unusual workings and trains generally ran to time. The most delayed one was 13:25 Manchester - Bournemouth which was about 10 minutes late. Re-liveried 220023 was observed on 12:25 Manchester - Bournemouth and 17:45 return.

There was less freight traffic than in previous years. In a three hour period from 15:45 two southbound and one northbound Freightliners were seen. Regular visitor 66620 was seen on 12:22 Mountfield- Southampton Western Docks empty gypsum wagons, whilst 66015 passed through the station with 17:33 Southampton Eastern Docks - Cowley empty car carriers.

No shunting was being carried out in the yard.  Video Inspection Unit 153385 and Colas locomotive 66848 were stabled opposite the station.