Hampshire Unit 1125

British Rail 2H, Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) 1125 (later 205025)

Built at Eastleigh Works from 1957 to operate rural lines, this type was classified as a “Hampshire Unit” due to the area that they worked in. They were designed with a nominal life of fifteen years, with the expectation that the lines on which they operated would either be electrified or closed within that period.

1125 was completed in 1959 and first worked on the Watercress Line between Southampton. She ran over the route with others of the same type up until the line's closure in 1973.

The units continued in service working over many routes on the Southern Region until final withdrawal in 2004 when the Watercress Line Heritage Trust purchased the unit from Porterbrook Leasing.

1125 is now 64 years old, and way past her original design life of 15 years! A small group of volunteers are working to protect and care for 1125, but as a result of her age, the bodywork has deteriorated and requires to be repaired and, in some cases, replaced.

We are raising the funds needed to give the unit a thorough overhaul, so that she can operate trains over the Watercress Line for many years to come.