there to Alton became two single tracks: the Mid-Hants line and the Meon Valley line continued into Alton independently. Electric trains at Alton, and diesels on the MHR On 4 July 1937 electric trains started operating to Alton (and to Portsmouth Direct). A frequent train service between Alton and London was operating, and the MHR was now a non-electrified extension. There was no operational convenience in running through trains from east of Alton on to the MHR, and so a shuttle passenger service operated by push and pull trains worked between Alton and Winchester. After nationalisation of the railways in 1948, a programme of introduction of diesel traction was implemented, and local trains on the Hampshire group of services began to be operated by diesel-electric multiple units that came to be known as Hampshire units. After 3 November 1957 steam passenger operation ceased on the MHR route, and the Hampshire units took over. An hourly regular interval service operated seven days a week, and the journey time between Alton and Southampton Terminus was reduced from 75 minutes to 55. Good connections were made at Alton with London trains. Passenger numbers increased markedly: carryings were 50% up (from a very low base). At the same time goods business declined steeply. Diverted services, but ultimately closure In the period 1963 to 1967, the process of electrification of the main Bournemouth line was under way, and frequently main line trains were diverted over the MHR. The decline in ordinary use of the line continued, and moves were made to close it. After a considerable series of hearings and appeals, it was announced that last day of operation would be 4 February 1973. Heritage railway Closure of the line on 5 February 1973 by British Rail did not mean the end of train operation on the line. A heritage operator, the Mid-Hants Railway Limited, was formed to preserve and operate the Alton to Alresford section. It opened from Alresford to Ropley on 30 April 1977, reached Medstead & Four Marks on 28 May 1983 and finally ran through to Alton, enabling cross-platform passenger interchange from British Rail trains there, on 25 May 1985. Topography Gradients The line climbed at 1 in 100 from Alton station, with a brief level section at Butts Junction, the stiffening to 1 in 80. The climb is five miles to Boyneswood summit, 652 feet above sea level. The line