S15 506 returns to service on the Watercress Line 02/06/2019

After an absence of 18 years, Ex-LSWR S15 Class - 506 has made a spectacular return to service on the Mid-Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'.

506, owned by the Urie Locomotive Society, was one of only a pair of Urie designed S15's to elude the cutters' torch when withdrawn from revenue earning service in 1964. The only other Urie survivor, 499, is also under the ownership of the ULS. Being restored over a period 11 years, 506 re-entered service on the Watercress Line in 1987, and would operate (with intermittent repairs) for 14 years before finally being withdrawn in 2001.

What ensued, was a thorough and comprehensive overhaul - more in-line with a restoration - that has taken 18 years to complete. Though it has certainly been worth the wait, as resplendent in Bulleid Wartime Black, 506 was recommissioned into the MHR fleet during a service held at Alresford in the morning. Afterwards, the locomotive made two return trips along the line to Medstead and Four Marks.

The dedication, resilience and sheer hard-work behind 506 is a real testament to the Paid Staff and Volunteers, both of the ULS and the Watercress Line, who have been involved in returning the S15 to steam. The locomotive will now enter regular service on the Mid-Hants Railway as the current jewel in the crown of the Urie Locomotive Society, with their efforts now turning to 499.

All footage filmed on Sunday the 2nd of June 2019.