Trains Around Eastleigh and Southampton

This area of the south coast of England has long been a popular hotspot for enthusiasts to sample the variety of traffic on offer on todays railway. The area is home to one of the UKs most significant ports as well as railway workshops that continue to see a variety of uses despite mounting competition from overseas. Interest is sustained by virtue of both Freightliners base on the outskirts of Southampton and GB Railfreights recent takeover of the yard at Eastleigh. In addition, both DB Cargo and Colas Rail locos are regular visitors to the area. In Trains Around Eastleigh and Southampton, John Jackson takes a look at the variety of traffic passing through the area. The freight traffic for both the railway industrys external customers and its own Network Rail use is included. This area of Hampshire also serves as an important commuter catchment area for London and a popular destination for rail travel for leisure purposes. The modern-day rail picture is completed with a look at these passenger services operated by South Western Railway, Southern and Cross Country.