If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

Can you identify the location.

Discussion in 'Photography' started by 46203, Sep 15, 2026 at 8:53 AM.

  1. 46203

    46203 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    Messages:
    984
    Likes Received:
    4,422
    Location:
    S&C
    Image 22-18. 35008 Beaulieu Road 15.09.66-Edit-Edit.jpg

    I took the photograph 60 years ago today (15 September 1966) of MN 35008 Orient Line. I had travelled from Waterloo and got off the train at what I think was Beaulieu Road. Being not too happy with the location, I caught another southbound train to Brockenhurst where I spent the rest of the day a couple of miles south of there. There is either a railway path or track seen to the right of the MN and I am hoping that that will lead to someone with knowledge of the area (1960s) to identify the location which I think, but not certain, is Beaulieu Road.
     
    46203, Sep 15, 2026 at 8:53 AM
    #1
  2. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2009
    Messages:
    24,260
    Likes Received:
    25,145
    Location:
    1016
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    The sun on the loco suggests that you were to the south of the train and Merchant 8 is heading for Waterloo. If you were taking photos beyond Brockenhurst I am guessing it was beyond the junction for Lymington where the terrain looks much the same as your photo and the land is easy to access from the road and paths crisscross the area. The loco is under power and it may have just topped the climb to Sway. Probably near to the B3055 although the railway is generally above the New Forest land. That's the best I can offer unless you have more specific info..
     
    Big Al, Sep 15, 2026 at 11:34 AM
    #2
  3. 46203

    46203 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    Messages:
    984
    Likes Received:
    4,422
    Location:
    S&C
    Image 22-19. 34060 15.09.66-Edit-Edit.jpg [

    Thanks for your interest Al. We may be at cross purposes here. After taking the photograph of 35008, I caught a stopping train headed by 76009 which is pictured here with 34060 passing. This is the next image on the strip of negatives after taking 35008. I got off the train at Brockenhurst and walked beyond Lymington Junction and spent the rest of the day between there and Sway. The photo of 35008 was definately taken north of Brockenhust but although I think it was Beaulieu Road, I'm not certain. I am hoping someone on NP will recognise the track which is climbing to the right of the MN to pinpoint the location.
     
    46203, Sep 15, 2026 at 1:25 PM
    #3
  4. Romsey

    Romsey Part of the furniture

    Joined:
    Jul 14, 2007
    Messages:
    4,244
    Likes Received:
    2,228
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired SPM
    Location:
    Close to Bridge 200
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    I think the photo of 35008 was taken south of Beaulieu Road station between overbridge E2/24 Lovely Hill and underbridge E2/25 Kings Dyke No.1. The cutting at Lovely Hill drops quite quickly to the bottom (read bog..) at Kings Dyke bridge.

    Cheers, Neil
     
    Romsey, Sep 15, 2026 at 3:02 PM
    #4
  5. 46203

    46203 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2007
    Messages:
    984
    Likes Received:
    4,422
    Location:
    S&C
    Thank you, Neil. Your knowledge of that area is something else!
     
    46203, Sep 15, 2026 at 3:14 PM
    #5
  6. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2009
    Messages:
    24,260
    Likes Received:
    25,145
    Location:
    1016
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    OK, now I'm with you. So Merchant 8 was heading towards London and is under power. That must put it on the climb up to Beaulieu Road station from the dip after Woodfidley Box/Crossing in the Forest. The whole area is open apart from a line of trees by the railway. Between Beaulieu Road and Woodfidley there are no path crossings over the railway but there is an overbridge half a mile south (Lovely Hill Bridge #24) that takes walkers over the railway and therefore is at a point where the railway is in a shallow cutting.

    So my best guess is that you are somewhere just beyond the country end of Beaulieu Road station where there is a shallow cutting. I can't see the footpath in your picture but there are right of ways nearby all over the heathland. I'd have a look around on Google Earth to see what rings a bell. (The station before -Lyndhurst Road/ Ashurst New Forest - has a different topography.)

    Edit: I see that @Romsey has come to the same conclusion!
     
    Big Al, Sep 15, 2026 at 3:18 PM
    #6

Share This Page