The Bluebell Railway opened in 1960 as the first preserved standard gauge railway. The line is nine miles long, and runs from Sheffield Park to Kingscote, which originally formed part of the LBSCR's route from Lewes to East Grinstead. Until very recently the Bluebell was unique in the fact that it was entirely steam operated. Despite this, all passenger trains are steam hauled, and the railway is home to a enviable collection of steam locomotives and carriages of mainly Southern pedigree. The Bluebell is currently busy extending the line north to East Grinstead.

The Watercress Line runs for 10 miles between the market towns of Alresford and Alton in Hampshire. The line was built by the London & South Western Railway and was used as a diversionary route between London and Southampton, and as a result saw a wide variety of motive power. The line has some quite steep gradients as it climbs to 652 feet (above sea level) at its summit. This lead to the crews working the route referring to it as 'going over the Alps'. Alresford is famed for its production of watercress, and its annual Watercress Festival was taking place during my visit.

Steam locos in service were 5MT 73096 and recently restored U Class 31806.

The Swanage Railway runs through the heart of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset from Norden to Swanage. Opened in 1885 run by the London & South Western Railway it was closed by British Railways in 1972. Soon after the Swanage Railway Society was formed to save the line. It was reopened in stages and eventually reached its current length of six miles in 1995 when it reopened to Corfe Castle and Norden. The railway was reconnected to the national network in 2007, and the eventual aim is still to run trains to Wareham (the original starting point for many trains using the branch). The link still proves useful however in bringing in charter trains and guest locos for special events.

Running during my visit was Battle of Britain 34070 Manston (and briefly Class 33 D6513). Also 70013 Oliver Cromwell arrived Friday afternoon, ready to work the return leg of The Swanage Belle charter on Saturday.