MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Have a word with management then.

We have no say in whats put out or put on the front of it.

But, it showcases our efforts.

So either like it or lump it & be grateful the freight gets an outing outside of gala's & charters!

Yes it would be nice to see the Ivatt on a short rake, but that is down to whatever the owner & the Rly have agreed to.

 

I find the comments unbelievable. We are lucky to be able to run a goods train at all. The changes are rung on it frequently, and we've over time put every loco in the operating fleet on it at one time or other. The Ivatt tank has been back in service for 5 minutes. I'm sure in time that it will take its turn. But here's another thought, when the goods train was shorter, we got comments about it not being long enough. If you want to see it on a short goods train you have three options. 1, Write in and ask and be patient. 2, be patient and its likely to happen anyhow eventually or 3, Write a cheque and hire it.

 

Any guess at a Ball park figure?

 

North of a grand I reckon..................... depending on what loco & stock you want.

Oh, and a donation to the wagon group would be most welcome too!

 

I see from a few videos posted on YT that 76017 sneaked onto one of the service trains yesterday with 41312 as back up on the other end of the train. 76017 looks and sounds very nice. Another top job from the folks at Ropley MPD. Well done folks! 21 years since she last worked on the MHR

 

Are you sitting comfortably with a glass of something decent?............ do I have your attention?....................

OK, so I shall begin.

I have it on good authority the "The Management" were very happy with the freight running , and the exercise is very likely to be repeated soon, this time being advertised with more notice - hint, in about 6 weeks by my reckoning provided nothing befalls the QMB, as there are a few niggles to attend to - that enough notice?............

As mentioned previously, numbers will be on a first come first served basis, and strictly limited to 12 plus a 'minder' from the wagon group - its OK, we don't bite. but if you have any questions............on the veranda, as the cabin will be out of bounds to allow the guard to carry out his duties unhindered.

Oh, and don't forget, your £5 donation goes directly to the wagon groups fighting fund, to help maintain the freight rake you all love to see! So, as a "toe in the water" exercise & short notice, it has certainly been helpful.

 

A couple of shots of the Standard 4 at Ropley on the 30th July

BR Std 4 76017 by Tim White, on Flickr


BR Std 4 76017 by Tim White, on Flickr

And (seriously) the RAT was hauled that night my the mighty Ivatt as the 9F was receiving some attention prior to TTTE

Ivatt 2MT 41312 RAT by Tim White, on Flickr

 

The Ivatt handled the RAT! Isn't that loaded to six carriages? I know she has pulled that load on the Main Line as I was on the Railtour. Impressive sound as she tackled Camberley bank. It must have been quite something to see and hear over the Alps on the 30 th July.

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

Err, it would've had a b-b-box on t'other end - there's a clue in the picture.

 

I thought it must have been involved somehow. I was told that 41312 is limited to load 5 over the MHR so was shocked to read the earlier post about the RAT.

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I may have missed out mentioning Lion's input, but as DD said, I did leave a clue in the picture.
It was quite a suprise when I wandered into the yard, before the evening shift on the bar, to see 41312 being prep'd for the RAT though.

 

Anyone know what's running full line trains at this weekends Thomas event please?

 

Henry, Gordon (he's the only one who can pull the express you know) and James (a splendid engine, you never see his paint dirty) Sorry I know it's of no help I couldn't help myself though!

 

Thanks but James 1 and James 2 have now moved home as have The green engine and Douglas....numbers such as 925 and 41312 would be more useful.

 

I was told, last weekend, that Friend of Murdoch is due to be running
I would suspect Friend of Henry will be running, but it might be Friend of Edward as the second loco.

 

Loco roster has been updated. In the days after Thomas, 76017 and 925 will be working. I must say that 76017 looks superb in the pictures I have seen and a credit to all involved in the restoration.

 

Update on 75079 has appeared on the website: http://preservation.watercressline.co.uk/blog/entry/75079-update-august-2016

 

speaking of freight trains and what's running, is there any information on timetable/choice of locos for the open weekend yet?

 

WAKEY WAKEY everybody peeps!!

As its all gone quite since 76017 came back into traffic............................... I thought I'd wake this thread up again, as its only a week to go till the open weekend...................

The freight will be running over the weekend, usual caveats apply, not sure yet what will be hauling it on either day, BUT we will be offering rides in the QMB, and as its members weekend, we will not be charging for the privilege! But we will have a strategically placed bucket for donations............. of say at least £10 each ............. to show your appreciation/support for the wagon group......

Numbers are strictly limited to circa 12, or maybe slightly more at the discretion of the guard, on a first come first served basis & and you will have the company of some wagonista's as 'minders'! - IIRC the 1st up freight will depart Alresford 11:00........ so get there early - but check the timetable first!

Don't forget we will also have our sales stand at M4M on the up platform, as well as offering the ever popular yard tours for a suggested donation of £2 per head.

 

Speaking of the MHR, the news coming out from Canadian Pacific isn't good with the firebox needing more work then originally expected. The firebox has around 2200 stays holding together the inner and outer layers. The average cost of each stay is £25 and so you can assist the railway by purchasing replacements for them through there Sponsor a Stay campaign, which includes a number of incentives!

http://preservation.watercressline.co.uk/blog/entry/help-please-canadian-pacific-boiler-shop-update