Autocoach To Alresford

A trip on 14xx class Autocoach from Ropley to Alresford on The Watercress Line. The old Great Western Railway made extensive use of these setups on rural branch lines, with them being able to be driven from the loco or the coach. Essential on smaller branch lines without run round facilities.

[@Kanjilearner]

Oh look, it's Oliver with Isabel!

[@Jiskpirate]

Please. Don't.

[@geralldus]

Nice video, very interesting. Is the control coupling to the loco simply mechanical or is it more sophisticated than that?

[@artymanphotos]

The regulator control is purely mechanical - a rotating rod under the coach runs to a universal joint style connector on the back of the loco which runs into the cab, via a lever that can be connected to the regulator. The whistle control is via a wire that runs to a mechanism in the roof of the loco that pulls the whistle lever. There is an electrical connection for the bell which is used to communicate back and forth. The reverser is purely in the hands of the fireman. People can try a simulation of it for themselves store.steampowered.com/app/277745/