THE Mid-Hants Railway Watercress Line is marking science and engineering week by encouraging families to take part in a host of captivating experiments and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour.

The event, which takes place this weekend (March 18-19), is being run by the Canadian Pacific Project and is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Science and engineering week runs from March 10 to 18 and is a celebration of the best of British for these industries. It will see fascinating events rolled out across the UK for people of all ages.

Science experiments at the railway viewing gallery will include lighting a lightbulb with just a comb, learning to write invisible messages to friends, and seeing how far slime can be stretched.

Families can also explore the world of engineering with a behind-the-scenes tour of the workshops and yard where they can test their knowledge with a simple machine spotter sheet.

Caroline Appleton, marketing manager at the Watercress Line, said: “We are marking science and engineering week by giving families the chance to take part in exciting experiments and by going on a special tour of our railway workshops, providing great entertainment for all the family.

“With the Watercress Line’s tradition and commitment to fun education, we are delighted to be able to offer such an exciting weekend that visitors will love.”

She added: “The railway obviously owes a debt of gratitude to the wonders of science and engineering, so we felt it was fitting to put on a special weekend to celebrate this.”

Activities take place between 10.30am and 4pm and are free to passengers. Tickets cost £16 for adults and £8 for children aged two to 16.

n Canadian Pacific is a massive steam locomotive built during the Second World War at Eastleigh when the workforce included a large number of women. This is why the Canadian Pacific is of interest to women who might not usually look twice at a steam locomotive.

In its 75 year life, it would have touched the lives of many people. This not only includes those who worked on the railways or drove this locomotive faster than the Flying Scotsman, but also troop movements in wartime, taking immigrants from Southampton Docks, hauling prestigious boat trains and holidaymakers travelling to the south coast.

The Canadian Pacific project helps jobseekers, talks to WI groups, works with student film makers and runs family fun days – probably not things associated with steam engine restoration. But these are nevertheless all parts of the Watercress Line’s Heritage Lottery Fund-supported Canadian Pacific project that will see their flagship steam locomotive return to service.