It’s full steam ahead for the new 2ft gauge East Hayling Light Railway being constructed on the sea front of this Hampshire town, which members of the East Hayling Light Railway Society hopes to have the line operational by Easter 2003. Volunteers have already laid a third of a mile of track on concrete sleepers. This new 2ft gauge line will run from a station know as Beechlands Central behind the popular funfair for just over one mile to a terminus at Eastoke Corner. On route, there are two intermediate sponsored halts. The first Hornby Halt is sponsored by the famous model railway manufacture, while the second Wicor Way Halt has local model and hobby dealer Wicor Models as the sponsor. Construction started this May following many years of negations with Havent Borough Council, and once the final red tape was cleared track laying on the beach could commence. However, the Council will not allow permanent buildings to be erected at Eastoke Corner, so a temporary ticket office will be employed. The East Hayling Light Railway Society previously operated a successful 2ft gauge line within the nearby Mill Rythe Holiday Camp. The society has amassed a large collection of rolling stock including ‘Jack’, an Alan Keef built steam outline 0-4-0, a 1937 built Simplex ‘Alan B’ formerly owned by Ibstock and a 1941 Ruston diesel acquired from the Gartell Light Railway. In addition, a freelance 0-4-0 steam engine is currently being constructed in the line’s workshop at Gutnor on the island. An appeal has been put out for volunteers to help construct this new 2ft gauge railway, and working parties take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sunday’s. All new volunteers will be most welcome.
