We were amongst the very first to arrive at this exceedingly professionally run miniature railway on the morning of its annual Summer Steam Gala, so eager to experience the wonderful combination of 7¼" and 10¼" locos blissfully running in dual-gauge harmony around 1¼ miles of rural, lake-side double-track.

The atmosphere around the railway’s effervescent ‘Parkway’ hub was quite literally as well as metaphorically ‘steaming’. A truly impressive cacophony of locomotives of all shapes and sizes, some ‘famous’ others less so, excitedly hissing and spluttering thanks to their early wake-up-call, enshrouded in silvery-black, steamy-smoke, eagerly warming up for the exciting gala day ahead – all faithfully attended to by an army of zealous boiler-suited volunteers, brandishing spanners and bursting with the same infectious enthusiasm as the giddy engines.

The gloriously varied collection of locos housed at this passionately run railway, now in its 20^th year of existence is made possible by the presence of a 3^rd rail on the tracks, which in effect, acts as a gauge converter as well as providing a current for signalling purposes.

Our timely arrival at Parkway allowed us to witness the tremendous ambience of the vast, bustling workshop facilities, adjacent to the platforms as they reached ‘boiling point’. In addition to the home-forged machine tools and turntable, this area also bursts an overhead crane and wheel drop - all in full and glorious view of visitors boarding the fleet of train; so much more fun than being hidden away in some greasy forgotten corner and accessible for the railway’s hoards of admiring fans!

Our inaugural ride (the first of 3 return journeys to Monks Brook Halt covered by our entrance tickets) took us beneath the handsome gantry, with its semaphore signals and then out onto wonderfully long stretches of track, circumnavigating the tranquil, glistening lake whence the railway derives its name and followed faithfully by a perimeter footpath patronised by enthusiastic onlookers and dog-walkers.

The delightful halt at Monks Brook, at the far tip of the lake, is a wonderfully leafy, relaxed spot at which to alight. The laid-back, calm atmosphere oozing from the shade of this tranquil picnic spot provides a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle and energetic exuberance of ‘Parkway’. Our little ‘OTRBOTer’ loved the little children’s playground with its well-maintained equipment and lovely soft bark flooring just behind the halt (and we ‘senior’ members of the team quite liked it too!)

After our sojourn at Monks Brook, we boarded the next arrival – spoilt for choice on a day where these petite tracks were literally ‘heaving’ with a plethora of ferrovial action!

Soon after departure from the halt we were treated to the real “pièce de résistance” of the circuit as we plunged into its cool, dark, seemingly endless tunnel, breathing in a sharp freshness peppered with the unmistakable aroma of steam.

Following its very recent extension work, this fantastic tunnel has officially earned itself the impressive accolade of officially being the longest on any miniature railway in the UK – fabulous!

Our driver on this second leg of the lake-side loop sure did know how to glean the most speed out of his engine! What an exhilarating ride we were treated to as we “thundered” along (albeit scaled-down thunder!), our pace expedited by the lightness of the train’s load at this early hour! Our thrilling journey affording us super glimpses of the other eager locomotives racing around the track and shimmering shots of the gleaming waters through their protective veil of trees.

We were soon awaiting a signal change to re-enter the action-packed platforms of ‘Parkway’, entertained by the dulcet tones of a local brass band playing away by the trackside, sweetly enhancing the spectacular hissing of steam, a lovely touch!

After a further two tours of the circuit on the rails, hosted by further members of the colourful rolling stock repertoire and a very pleasant perimeter stroll, the OTRBOT team were thoroughly impressed by the immense energy, verve and enthusiasm gushing from these dynamic rails!

Seamlessly (certainly not ‘steamlessly’!) run throughout the calendar year, the meticulously constructed and operated ‘Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway’ certainly delivers a ‘riveting’ (pardon the pun!) ferrovial experience!