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
today's railway. The area is home to one of the UK's 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 Freightliner's base on the outskirts of Southampton
and GB Railfreight's 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 industry's 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.
