Interesting snippet about the Portsmouth Direct line....

[johnmckenzie]

Ignoring the superb freeware units downloadable here, we already have two DLC emus which can be accurately used on this route - as the Isle of Wight class 483s were tested here, and the initial crew training was also undertaken on this line, around 1990... Scenario editors out there, I can already hear you thinking!

[yerkes]

Absolutely right, and I've already been thinking along those lines... When the CIG and 33 are released, we'll be sorted

And just to mention the freeware, people have mentioned the excellent EPBs and HAPs but there are also the excellent ex-Standard Stock units VEC-TIS which have made at least one journey by rail along the line in their time (I believe they were originally transported to the island by road).

[mbtech22]

Gents,

You are correct. The original IOW EMUs (VEC & TIS) stock was delivered on-rail under their own power from Stewarts Lane to Fratton between late 1966 and early 1967. They moved in either 4 or 7 car formations. 3 car sets were not permitted to operate on their own. They also operated crew training runs between Fratton and Haslemere during the early part of 1967. Some of the stock in ex.LT condition was stored for a time a Micheldever, but this was worked to and from there by loco hauling with suitable match wagons (from W&C Railway).
The newer Class 483 units transferred from LT to Eastleigh via Strawberry Hill Depot usually by being hauled using Service EMUs and match wagons. Once converted were more adventuresome than the older stock, they all ran from Eastleigh under their own power. Some went to Strawberry Hill Depot for testing on the Sheperton Branch. Others went Eastleigh to Fratton via Woking for onward delivery by road & ferry. The last unit 009 when direct from Eastleigh to Fratton via Fareham as this line was available for electric trains by the time this unit was completed. On completion of the Strawberry Hill testing the two units involved went to Fratton for delivery. Testing at Eastleigh was performed by running the units between Eastleigh and Winchester.
In all cases delivery to the Island from Fratton was by road and ferry. The VEC stock went to Ryde for unloading. The 483 units were all unloaded at Sandown and taken to Ryde on-rail for final commissioning.
The Class 483 units also operated a few crew training runs whist at Fratton waiting delivery. These operated to Haslemere and back.

Mark Brinton

[yerkes]

Thanks, Mark - very informative.