IT was a golden age of rail. Fire-breathing giants like the legendary Lord Nelson roared out of the locomotive running sheds, and huge clouds of smoke billowed over the roofs of the terraced houses that were home to many of the railway workers.

From being just a dot on the map, Eastleigh mushroomed around its massive railway works – so much so that between 1891and 1901 the population exploded by 54 per cent.

The rail plant was a major workplace for generations of Eastleigh families.

Not only was it the economic lifeblood of the town, but it laid the foundations for a close-knit community.

For practically every family seemed to have someone who was in the “works”.

So when the gates finally slammed shut on the plant four years ago, it felt like the industrial heart had been ripped out of Eastleigh.

But many of those who mourned the passing of the railway works will now be able to celebrate its proud past. Next weekend, thousands of railway fans will help to mark the centenary of the former rail complex.

Railway fanatic and pop Svengali Pete Waterman will help give a VIP opening to Eastleigh 100, billed as one of the biggest rail events of the year.

About 60 steam, diesel and electric locomotives will be on parade during the three-day event over the bank holiday weekend.

Many of these legendary giants will have been built or rebuilt in the Eastleigh works, including Lord Nelson, Manston, Eddystone, Canadian Pacific and Oliver Cromwell.

For diesel enthusiasts, Eastleigh-built Class 73 Broadlands will be one to look out for, while a line-up of Class 50s – all named after Royal Navy warships – will be on show to entice steam fans. This will include Indomitable, making its first public appearance in 18 years, and Ark Royal, which is to be rededicated over the weekend, with some of the crew of the aircraft carrier Ark Royal taking part in the ceremony. Under the cover of the workshops, there will be a large number of trade stands, and a dis play of more than 100 old station signs from all over the south of England.

Event coordinator and deputy editor of The Railway Magazine, Chris Milner, says: “It promises to be a great weekend, with children’s rides, steam train rides, railway films and a reunion of former works staff.”

The event, which is being organised jointly by Knights Rail, who operate from part of the works, and The Railway Magazine, will raise money for the Naomi House children’s hospice, Teenage Cancer Trust and PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) Association. There will also be a sealed-bid auction with some great rail-related prizes. Advance tickets for the Saturday have been sold out, but there are plenty left for Sunday and bank holiday Monday.

Daily Echo: A railway century for Eastleigh works