By Julian Evison
Scale 4mm
Gauge 9mm
Size 300cm x 60cm

 

Selborne is a prosperous village of about 1200 people situated on the Hampshire Downs. Home to the naturalist Gilbert White, it attracted (and attracts) many visitors. In 1900 it was, once again, being missed out by a new railway line in the area so decided to 'do something' about it, even if it was, perhaps, not the wisest thing. The station at East Tisted on the new L&SWR Meon Valley line was about 3 miles away and was due to open in 1903. This could be reached along a fairly level route, with the exception of the first half mile which would have been a very steep climb up from the centre of Selborne. It was therefore decided that the station would be built on land above the village on the side of Selborne Hanger ('hanger' is the local name for a steep slope on the Downs.) Work started in 1901 on a narrow gauge railway to keep costs down. The Tisted and Selborne Light Railway opened in 1903 with an extension to Liss in 1908. It prospered initially, but badly misjudged its prospects after the First World War, buying more stock, when takings were declining. There was talk of Colonel Stephens taking over the railway, but the good folk of Selborne took exception to some of his ways. Despite all the cost savings, by 1935 the end was in sight. Finally, in the depths of winter, the line closed on 20th January 1936.