Medstead and Four Marks.
Ropley.
Alresford.
Winchester Junction.
(All 4.1.1973)
The Winchester to Alton line closed on 5.2.1973. It should of course have been electrified and used as a diversionary route for the Southampton main line, just as it was in 1967 when the main line was being electrified. Fortunately most of it has been reopened, as a heritage line, but I personally believe that the 'lost' section, which includes Itchen Abbas station, will be restored in the coming years and the line will once again serve a genuine function as part of our expanding network.
But back in 1973 the world was a very different place and people genuinely thought that railways had had their day! So the line closed after years of no investment or marketing.
It was a misty day and I was using a cheap camera, but I think this works well in the photos, giving the line an aura of melancholy which matched the mood of the times.
No comments:
Post a Comment