The passing of a steam train through Surrey and East Hampshire has signalled the end of an era.
Levers – and heartstrings – were pulled on Saturday (April 26) when Network Rail staff at the Farncombe, Haslemere and Petersfield signal boxes ushered the safe passage of a steam train.
The Merchant Navy Class Clan Line No. 35028 was the last steam train to be signalled along the Guildford to Portsmouth line by the boxes before a digital upgrade and transfer.
Ashley Hillier said he was “very, very proud” to signal the final steam train through Haslemere with big crowds gathering on the platforms for its stopover.
“It was a delight,” said the Network Rail signaller, adding that he would cherish the memory.
“It really is an honour to be part of this fantastic piece of history.”
The steam engine was hauling the first leg of the Great Britain XVII on the southern leg of its UK rail tour from London Victoria to Bristol.
Network Rail says the Farncombe, Haslemere and Petersfield signal boxes are becoming less reliable and increasingly difficult to maintain after nearly 50 years of service.
A long-term programme to upgrade signalling systems between Farncombe and Petersfield will finish later this year with control being transferred to a new operating centre in Basingstoke.
Once signalling control has been transferred the signal boxes will be decommissioned.
Haslemere signal box, which opened in 1895, will become a small museum overseen by Haslemere Community Station (HCS) and the Signal Box Trust (SBT).
Ken Griffiths, chairman of both groups, said: “We are determined to preserve the Haslemere Signal Box as an educational facility for future generations to enjoy.
“We would like to thank NR for their constructive support in our endeavour and look forward to being able to open the signal box up to the public in the very near future."
Tom McNamee, Network Rail’s Wessex route infrastructure director, said: “We know that signal boxes across the route are part of the romance of the railway and we are delighted that Haslemere’s signal box will be preserved for years to come.”
A Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society spokesperson said: “To see Clan Line haul the final steam-hauled charter service to be signalled by Farncombe, Haslemere, and Petersfield signal boxes is a poignant and historic moment.
“These boxes have been an essential part of railway operations on the Portsmouth Direct line for generations, and their closure marks the end of a remarkable era.
“With Clan Line’s strong links to the South Western division of the Southern Region during its operational life under British Railways and under MNLPS ownership, it is the ideal locomotive to mark this milestone.”
The spokesperson added: “The MNLPS is especially delighted that Haslemere signal box will be preserved through the efforts of The Haslemere Community Station and Signal Box Trust.
“This ensures the history of the route and its signalling legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations. We’re proud and honoured to contribute to this moment in railway history.”