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Lymington 3CIGs together in turning move

The 3Cig units dedicated to the Lymington Branch are periodically turned on the triangle bounded by St Denys, Eastleigh and Fareham as the branch is largely a long left hand curve. As these two units are only cleared to work the branch and between Bournemouth Depot and Brockenhurst these turning moves are usually topped and tailed by Electro-Diesels. However something exceptional happened on Saturday 21st July 2007 when both units were turned at the same time (whilst Desiro 450073 worked the branch) and with a single EDL, 73109 "Battle of Britain". On this occasion the turning move was performed Bournemouth - St Denys - Fareham - Eastleigh - St Denys - Bournemouth .

73109 with 1498 and 1497 behind approaching Swanwick 73109 with 1498 and 1497 behind approaching Swanwick

photograph by Stephen Hodgson
1497 trails 1498 and 73109 beyond Swanwick station 1497 trails 1498 and 73109 beyond Swanwick station

photograph by Stephen Hodgson

Note also that the Lymington Branch will be completely closed for track improvements and maintenance between 00:01 on 30th September until 23:59 on 18th November 2007.