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Gradient of the Line
Driving a locomotive on the Mid Hants Railway was often described as going 'Over the Alps' by footplate crews. This is because the engines have to work hard up the steep 1 in 60 gradient either side of Medstead and Four Marks station. The station is the highest in Southern England at around 650ft above sea level. The summit of the 'Alps' is actually just outside the station at 652ft; look out for the green board alongside the track as you go under the impressive Boyneswood bridge.
Today this steep gradient means that we need big powerful engines to haul our long passenger trains.