From Alton to the summit

March 25, 2012 and Black 5, 45379 runs round the RAT (Real Ale Train) at Alton before heading back to Alresford. The first half of the journey is almost all uphill, with the summit at Boyneswood Bridge just before Medstead and Four Marks station.
As 45379 sets off it passes 31806, wreathed in steam, and 34007 (with a 'hi' from the crew) which have just arrived with a demonstration goods train. The Black 5 gets into its stride but slows for the road bridge near Butts Junction. From here a 'light railway' ran north to Basingstoke (closed in the 1930s) and the Meon Valley Line headed south towards Fareham (closed to passengers in 1955). The engine is soon working hard once again and makes light work of the climb. With the bridge and summit board in sight, steam is shut off and the train coasts the last few metres, with the dip down Medstead and Four Marks just around the bend.

[@dickeramb]

Excellent video,thanks for sharing, I missed the Spring MHR as I was away.

[@EMuksteam]

Very good video Will,theBlack 5 sounds perfect thanks for posting it was very good onboard footage .EM

[@bkendlerA4]

An excellent clip. Will 4379 working hard up the Alps. Barry

[@vladimir2366fa]

Thank you very much for your videos is very nice, (LIKE)

[@JimTLonW6]

A detail I particularly liked was the Strong Country poster.
That part of the world was at one time well covered with these; not knowing that Strongs were a regional brewery I was rather puzzled by them (well I was about 12 at the time!).
I wonder if anyone has any references to them? I'd love to have one as a picture.