Born of Victorian times as suburban engines, the push-pull era for the Drummond 'M7' 0-4-4Ts began in 1912, and the success was such that this became the dominant formula for the L&SWR's lightly-loaded passenger branches and secondary through routes into BR days, this post-1948 selection recording widespread operations. The staged expansion of the third-rail electric services westwards from London, closure of loss-making lines in the 1950s, and the 'Hampshire' diesel unit scheme chipped away at these workings before steam-powered push-pull duties came to an end on the Southern Region's Western Division in May 1964 - the withdrawal of passenger services over the 'Old Road' between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth, via Ringwood, coincided with the switch to conventional engine and carriage operation on the Swanage and Lymington branches.
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