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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox rail
{{Use British English|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox rail
| railroad_name = Hayling Seaside Railway
| railroad_name = Hayling Seaside Railway
| logo_filename =
| logo_filename =
| logo_size =
| logo_size =
| system_map =
| system_map =
| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| map_size =
| map_size =
| marks =
| marks =
| image = trial13.jpg
| image = File:East Hayling Light Railway at Eastoke - geograph.org.uk - 499023.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_size = 250px
| image_caption = Hayling Seaside Railway
| image_caption = 'Jack' at the Hayling Seaside Railway (photo by Chris Rogers)
| locale =
| locale =
| start_year = 2003
| start_year = 2003
| end_year = Present
| end_year = Present
| predecessor_line =
| Operator = East Hayling Light Railway Society
| predecessor_line =
| successor_line =
| length = {{convert|1.1|mile}} (roughly)
| successor_line =
| length = 1.1 Miles (roughly)
| gauge = {{Track gauge|2ft|lk=on}}
| gauge = {{RailGauge|2ft}}
| old_gauge =
| old_gauge =
| electrification =
| electrification =
| hq_city =
| hq_city =
| website = [http://www.haylingseasiderailway.com Hayling Seaside Railway Official Website]
| website = [http://www.haylingrailway.com Hayling Railway Official Website]
}}
}}


The '''Hayling Seaside Railway''', formerly '''East Hayling Light Railway''', is a {{Track gauge|2ft|lk=on}} [[Narrow gauge railway|narrow gauge]] railway on [[Hayling Island]], [[Hampshire]], [[England]]. It is mainly a diesel operated railway, though from time to time the railway hires steam locomotives from other narrow gauge railways. It operates passenger trains between Beachlands and Eastoke Corner.
The Hayling Seaside Railway began life as the East Hayling Light Railway, formed by Bob Haddock, a member of the ill fated group who in the mid 1980's attempted to re-instate the "Hayling Billy" Line.


==History==
Havant Borough Council had already decided to turn the disused railway line into a cycle-way & footpath which precluded any chance of rebuilding the line as standard gauge. Bob with some other like minded members suggested a narrow gauge railway, but that was dismissed by the society committe who declared that it had to be standard gauge or nothing. Sadly at the end of the day that was what they got - nothing.
The Hayling Seaside Railway began life as the East Hayling Light Railway (EHLR), formed by Bob Haddock, a member of the society who in the mid-1980s attempted to reinstate the [[Hayling Island Branch Line|"Hayling Billy" Line]]. Havant Borough Council had already decided to turn the disused railway line into a cycle-way and footpath which precluded any chance of rebuilding the line as standard gauge, the option preferred by the committee of the society.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HPe0DQAAQBAJ&q=Havant+Borough+Council+had+already+decided+to+turn+the+disused+railway+line+into+a+cycle-way+and+footpath&pg=PA223|title=Biography of British Train Travel: A Journey Behind Steam and Modern Traction|last=Benn|first=Don|date=2017-05-19|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=9781473858466|language=en}}</ref> Some members including Haddock decided to create their own railway elsewhere on Hayling Island and after numerous setbacks, a site was found within the Mill Rythe Holiday Camp where the EHLR was constructed and ran successfully for many years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://local.portsmouth.co.uk/hayling-island-hampshire/communication/other/30965117|title=Hayling Seaside Railway in Hayling Island , - 07775 696912 Communication - Other|website=local.portsmouth.co.uk|access-date=2018-09-18}}</ref> Havant Council took the step of including a railway in their draft plan for Hayling's popular Pleasure Beach. Haddock submitted a plan for a narrow gauge railway to meet the Council's criteria, but the council refused planning permission. After a campaign lasting over 12 years, permission to build the railway was granted, but only after the Council's decision was overturned by the Department of the Environment.


Following closure of the EHLR at Mill Rythe, work started in October 2001 on the building of Beachlands Station on land leased from the neighbouring Funland Amusement Park. Work continued through 2002 and into 2003 and the line finally opened to passengers on 5 July [[2003 in rail transport|2003]], re-christened as "The Hayling Seaside Railway". {{As of|2006}} there was a mile of track in place and it was planned to extend it to the [[ferry terminal]] connecting the island with [[Portsmouth]] so providing a useful transport link. However, in 2015 the Portsmouth to Hayling ferry was withdrawn from operation due to the owners becoming bankrupt so this extension looks doubtful.
Bob, along with a number of other avid fans, decided to set about creating their own railway elsewhere on Hayling Island. After numerous setbacks, all the chosen sites were refused planning permission by the council, but eventually a site was found within the Mill Rythe Holiday Camp.


In the early part of 2015 after a lengthy period of campaigning to the local authority work started on a new depot at Eastoke Corner<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/our-region/hayling-island/new-railway-depot-will-be-celebrated-with-a-fanfare-1-7992024|title=New railway depot will be celebrated with a fanfare|access-date=2018-09-18|language=en}}</ref> as the lease on the depot at Beachlands had run out. {{As of|February 2018}}, the railway runs out of the new Eastoke Corner depot.
So the EHLR was born and ran successfully for many years


In September 2019 the owners (Mr & Mrs Haddock) put the business up for sale by lease or outright purchase,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.countrylife.co.uk/news/fancy-railway-hayling-seaside-railway-can-60000-203318 |title=Fancy having a railway of your own? The Hayling Seaside Railway can be yours for £60,000 |website=www.countrylife.co.uk |access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.businessesforsale.com/uk/light-railway-holiday-service-in-hayling-island-for-sale.aspx |title=Light railway holiday service in Hayling Island for sale |website=uk.businessesforsale.com |access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref> in regard to their wishes to retire and travel.
Perhaps inspired by the success of the EHLR, Havant Council took the unexpected step of including a railway in their draft plan for Hayling's popular Pleasure Beach. Bob jumped at the idea of running the railway at a more lucrative and prestigious location and submitted a plan for a narrow gauge railway to meet the Council's criteria. The council now took the unexpected step of refusing planning permission for their own plan. It transpired that a small but vociferous minority of local residents had made it clear to Havant Borough Council's resolute councilors that if they passed the plan they were in peril of loosing there much cherished seats. As the owner of a local attraction put it " if someone wanted to build a sand castle on Hayling Beach 10 people would complain about it".


==Stock list==
Luckily Bob Haddock is not the type of person who takes no for an answer and after a campaign lasting over 12 years permission to build the railway was granted, but only after the Council's decision was overturned by the Department of the Environment.


===Locomotives===
Following closure of the EHLR at Mill Rythe work started in October 2001 on the building of Beachlands Station on land leased from the neighbouring Funland Amusement Park. Red tape held up the track laying until May 2002. Work continued through 2002 and into 2003 although the original target of opening at Easter 2003 was not met.
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Number
!Name
!Builder
!Works<br />Number
!Built
![[Wheel arrangement|Wheel<br />Arrange&shy;ment]]
!Notes
!Image
|-
| 1
|Alan B <ref name="IRS 17EL">{{irs-el |el=17}}</ref>
| [[Motor Rail]]
| 7199
|1937<ref name=simplon>{{cite web |url=http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/EHLR.html#Loco-1 |title=EHLR/HSR Locomotives}}</ref>
| {{nowrap|{{whyte|4w|DH}}}}
| Built for the Ibstock Brick Company at their Wormley and Hambledon brick works. Originally named ''Ace'' at Hayling.<ref name=simplon/>
| [[File:Diesel locomotive, East Hayling Light Railway (2) (geograph 3498774).jpg|100 px]]
|-
| 3
|Jack <ref name="IRS 17EL" />
| [[Alan Keef]]
| 23
|1988<ref name=simplon/>
| {{nowrap|{{whyte|0-4-0|DH}}}}
|
| [[File:Hayling Seaside Railway 01.jpg|100 px]]
|-
| 4
|Alistair <ref name="IRS 17EL" /><br />
| [[Ruston & Hornsby]]
| 201970
|1940<ref name=simplon/>
| {{nowrap|{{whyte|4w|DM}}}}
|Initially preserved on the [[Festiniog Railway]], then based at the [[Gartell Light Railway]]. Entered service at Hayling in 2005.<ref name=simplon/> As of 2021 located at [[Statfold Barn Railway]].<ref>''Railway Magazine'' May 2021 p. 75.</ref>
|
|-
| 5
|Edwin <ref name="IRS 17EL" />
| Ruston & Hornsby
| 7002-0967-5
|1967<ref name=simplon/>
| {{nowrap|{{whyte|4w|DM}}}}
| An LB class Ruston, built for the South Western Tunnelling and Mining Company at [[Bodmin]]. Entered service at Hayling in 2007.<ref name=simplon/>
| [[File:Diesel locomotive, East Hayling Light Railway (geograph 3498770).jpg|100 px]]
|-
|}


===Coaches===
The line finally opened to passengers on July 5th 2003, re-christened as "The Hayling Seaside Railway" and as such has gone from strength to strength each successive year.

*1 L Class coach named Lisa
*3 M Class coaches named Mavis, Michelle & Marilyn

=== Wagons===

*2 tippers
*3 open sided 3-5 plank wagons
*1 tanker
*1 brakevan

==See also==

* [[British narrow gauge railways]]
* [[Hayling Island branch line]]

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Hayling Seaside Railway}}
*[https://haylinglightrailway.wixsite.com/ehlr Hayling Seaside Railway official site including full details with route map and photographs]

{{Heritage railways in England}}

{{coords|50.7815|-0.9668|display=title}}

[[Category:Heritage railways in Hampshire]]
[[Category:2 ft gauge railways in England]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2003]]
[[Category:Hayling Island]]

Revision as of 21:33, 29 March 2024

Hayling Seaside Railway
'Jack' at the Hayling Seaside Railway (photo by Chris Rogers)
Overview
Dates of operation2003–Present
Technical
Track gauge2 ft (610 mm)
Length1.1 miles (1.8 km) (roughly)
Other
WebsiteHayling Railway Official Website

The Hayling Seaside Railway, formerly East Hayling Light Railway, is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railway on Hayling Island, Hampshire, England. It is mainly a diesel operated railway, though from time to time the railway hires steam locomotives from other narrow gauge railways. It operates passenger trains between Beachlands and Eastoke Corner.

History

The Hayling Seaside Railway began life as the East Hayling Light Railway (EHLR), formed by Bob Haddock, a member of the society who in the mid-1980s attempted to reinstate the "Hayling Billy" Line. Havant Borough Council had already decided to turn the disused railway line into a cycle-way and footpath which precluded any chance of rebuilding the line as standard gauge, the option preferred by the committee of the society.[1] Some members including Haddock decided to create their own railway elsewhere on Hayling Island and after numerous setbacks, a site was found within the Mill Rythe Holiday Camp where the EHLR was constructed and ran successfully for many years.[2] Havant Council took the step of including a railway in their draft plan for Hayling's popular Pleasure Beach. Haddock submitted a plan for a narrow gauge railway to meet the Council's criteria, but the council refused planning permission. After a campaign lasting over 12 years, permission to build the railway was granted, but only after the Council's decision was overturned by the Department of the Environment.

Following closure of the EHLR at Mill Rythe, work started in October 2001 on the building of Beachlands Station on land leased from the neighbouring Funland Amusement Park. Work continued through 2002 and into 2003 and the line finally opened to passengers on 5 July 2003, re-christened as "The Hayling Seaside Railway". As of 2006 there was a mile of track in place and it was planned to extend it to the ferry terminal connecting the island with Portsmouth so providing a useful transport link. However, in 2015 the Portsmouth to Hayling ferry was withdrawn from operation due to the owners becoming bankrupt so this extension looks doubtful.

In the early part of 2015 after a lengthy period of campaigning to the local authority work started on a new depot at Eastoke Corner[3] as the lease on the depot at Beachlands had run out. As of February 2018, the railway runs out of the new Eastoke Corner depot.

In September 2019 the owners (Mr & Mrs Haddock) put the business up for sale by lease or outright purchase,[4][5] in regard to their wishes to retire and travel.

Stock list

Locomotives

Number Name Builder Works
Number 		Built Wheel
Arrange­ment 		Notes Image
1 Alan B [6] Motor Rail 7199 1937[7] 4wDH Built for the Ibstock Brick Company at their Wormley and Hambledon brick works. Originally named Ace at Hayling.[7]
3 Jack [6] Alan Keef 23 1988[7] 0-4-0DH
4 Alistair [6]
 Ruston & Hornsby 201970 1940[7] 4wDM Initially preserved on the Festiniog Railway, then based at the Gartell Light Railway. Entered service at Hayling in 2005.[7] As of 2021 located at Statfold Barn Railway.[8]
5 Edwin [6] Ruston & Hornsby 7002-0967-5 1967[7] 4wDM An LB class Ruston, built for the South Western Tunnelling and Mining Company at Bodmin. Entered service at Hayling in 2007.[7]

Coaches

  • 1 L Class coach named Lisa
  • 3 M Class coaches named Mavis, Michelle & Marilyn

Wagons

  • 2 tippers
  • 3 open sided 3-5 plank wagons
  • 1 tanker
  • 1 brakevan

See also

References

  1. ^ Benn, Don (19 May 2017). Biography of British Train Travel: A Journey Behind Steam and Modern Traction. Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781473858466.
  2. ^ "Hayling Seaside Railway in Hayling Island , - 07775 696912 Communication - Other". local.portsmouth.co.uk. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  3. ^ "New railway depot will be celebrated with a fanfare". Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  4. ^ "Fancy having a railway of your own? The Hayling Seaside Railway can be yours for £60,000". www.countrylife.co.uk. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  5. ^ "Light railway holiday service in Hayling Island for sale". uk.businessesforsale.com. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d Industrial Locomotives: including preserved and minor railway locomotives. Vol. 17EL. Melton Mowbray: Industrial Railway Society. 2015. ISBN 978 1 901556 88 9.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "EHLR/HSR Locomotives".
  8. ^ Railway Magazine May 2021 p. 75.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hayling Seaside Railway.

50°46′53″N 0°58′00″W / 50.7815°N 0.9668°W / 50.7815; -0.9668

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