Southern steam reigns on the Watercress Line for their 'Steam Illuminations' 21-22/12/2023

The 'Steam Illuminations' event is one that the Mid-Hants Railway 'Watercress Line' has shown great pride in since its inception, as they continue to evolve the steam and lights idea into something more captivating and enthralling for spectators and passengers alike.
Rather than use static lighting, the Watercress Line uses mappable LED lighting on its services, with each coach set featuring over 13,000 individually controlled LED bulbs. The result is a fantastic variety of colourful displays and patterns illuminating Hampshire's rolling countryside. In addition, passengers are given illuminating wristbands to wear, and new for this year, spotlights were fitted to the locomotives.
Visiting from the Swanage Railway, courtesy of Southern Locomotives Ltd, 34070 "Manston" would rub shoulders with resident S15 - 506 to deliver services with both putting in some memorable perfomances. "Manston" is visiting the Watercress Line to cover to a locomotive shortage. 506 would work out of Alresford, while 34070 worked out of Alton.
Locomotives:
Ex-SR 'Battle of Britain' Class - 34070 "Manston"
Ex-LSWR S15 Class - 506
00:00 On shed at Ropley
00:39 34070 Medstead and Four Marks
02:02 506 Alresford
02:18 506 Bowers Grove
03:50 506 Soke Hill
06:22 34070 Bishop's Sutton
07:31 34070 Soke Hill
10:42 34070 Hampshire Hunt
11:52 506 Northside Lane
13:24 506 Hampshire Hunt
14:12 34070 Northside Lane
15:40 34070 Northside foot crossing
16:56 34070 Rookwood
All footage filmed on Thursday the 21st, and Friday the 22nd, of December 2023.

[@chriskrebill1842]

Absolutely amazing! Love these illumination trains!!

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Cheers. The camera doesn't do it justice, the displays are much more vibrant in person.

[@kierianpowell962]

Always a good job, maybe the little tank loco would add something in Ropley yard as well ? .

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

excellent light show 👍merry Christmas 🌲☃️

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Merry Christmas

[@bobingram6912]

One of best displays on the circuit, top marks to Simon Horn for this brilliant light show - my mind is boggled at the electronic expertise👍😵‍💫 And of course top marks to you Matt for another year of fantastic footage keeping us armchair enthusiasts up to date with all that's going on out there. All the best to you.

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

It really is a wonder to film. The cameras don't do justice to the quality of the light show.
Thanks very much, Bob. For the compliments and all your kind words across the videos. It really is appreciated. Merry Christmas.

[@ThePlungerManOfficial]

Great video, left a like ❤

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Cheers

[@kniloc]

Excellent bit of video, puts mine to shame, but mine was from the PY window with the noise of a generator in the background!

[@SimonTog]

Super video and Merry Christmas :)

[@TheSouthernerYTChannel]

Cheers, Merry Christmas