MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Is it fair to say that actually out of steam engines, diesel engines and coaching stock, steam engines are actually the element of a preserved railway line-up that can cope best with living outdoors...? Think the Mid-Hants is using its land pretty well though with those very, very busy looking workshop buildings, and though I'd love to see the diesels' facilities improved, at least the Cl.27 has got its own tent at Medstead now.

The Ropley headshunt isn't looking too bad at all since the departures to Swanage/Carnforth, the Medstead sidings are a world apart from how they used to look now that the wagon group is doing so well and the pre-nationalisation coaches that used to be rotting there 20 years ago are being restored. The Winchester end of Alresford station is perhaps the only place where passengers really see anything looking too ropey now.

Spent the first day of 2015 at the Mid-Hants today, and left the line having reconsidered my previous ambivalence towards Black Fives - 45379 was superb. I've tended to aim for days where Southern stuff or the 9F is running steam-wise, but think that was actually daft now. Reading above though, shame I wasn't there on one of the days when steam was struggling so I could get the 37/9 in as well, have always found that spectacular up the banks.

 

37905 was certainly loud, but I am not sure about spectacular. With the 9F in tow to provide steam heat, but otherwise dead, we ploughed steadily up the bank from Alton at a steady 20mph, and it didn't seem to matter how hard I pulled I couldn't make the power handle open any further. I wonder in fact if we have a load regulator issue because it didn't feel like the full 1750hp.

I think the comments about carriages are valid, but few railways put their fleet away each evening. I tend to think the priorities are, out of service locos, out of service carriages, in service locos, in service carriages in that order. The emphasis should be on preventing deterioration of equipment and in service Mk1s in good repair should be pretty weather tight.

 

Cheltenham and the Black 5 were out and about today, the last scheduled (public) running until the Spring Gala.
Having not been down to the line since early December, it was really good to see the progress on the Ropley Platform 2 Shelter

Ropley Platform 2 by timz2011, on Flickr
The interior looked to be coming on well too (no pictures through the windows).

Brittania has been sheeted over since my last visit, so it's not possible to see whether the wheelset has returned (I don't believe it has).

Britannia "70000" Sheeted at Ropley by timz2011, on Flickr
I would rather be able to see the loco, but I guess this will be approved of by everyone on here calling for out of service locos to be covered. I guess it doesn't really matter as there will be few (non volunteer) visitors until February.

30506's tender was also on view, and looking quiet splendid

30506 Tender at Ropley by timz2011, on Flickr

There seemed to be a lot of visitors today, certainly busier than other 01/01's that I've been down to the railway on.
Roll on 2015 .

 

Strange you should mention the attendance today, I found it to be much busier on Boxing Day than in previous years!

As for the up waiting room. it looks a treat inside, I was lucky enough to see inside the other Sunday when the guys were working on it. Its not too far off completion, barring snagging.........

 

The wheelset for 70000 was completed at Bury shortly before Christmas. Ian Riley posted on another forum pictures of said item on 24th December i think. I very much doubt that transport has been arranged to get the wheelset to Ropley this side of next week, but it cant be long now before the very first BR standard is back in one piece.

 

Fingers crossed..............

Also, its reported elsewhere that Bittern may well have a flat tyre........ is that going to affect things?........

 

I suppose it depends on how bad it is, Dave - 70013's been working on the GCR for a few weeks now, after it was withdrawn from the main line thanks to a flat tyre after it's LE move back to Southall from Taunton.

James

 

That shelter really looks the business. Amazing work by the MHR Building Department

 

If the flat is minor I suppose it could run at 25mph. However if it is a major issue, perhaps a visit to a ground lathe equipped depot would be prudent. Seem to remember the MHR sent one of their tenders to a depot in London during the mainline running era to correct a flat spot.

 

Oh, you're still breathing James - I wondered where you were!

I said, its "reported" so, it may or may not be true........... if it is, a trip to Ilford would be in order to allow her to move the the MHR under her own power. otherwise it gets expensive...... Time, as they say will tell...

 

I think that might well have been a throwaway line as in a car doesn't run very well with a flat tyre....

 

Yep, still breathing Dave! Been out a couple of times in December, but have also been rather busy at work!

But I digress...

James

 

Glad to hear you're still breathing.....

Nowt to do with Xmas then....... been there, seen it, done it..... never again!

Talking of December, here's a link to a "Bijou" gallery from a couple of visits........ day one was better than day two, weather wise.....

http://daverydingphotography.zenfolio.com/mid_hants_railway_december_20114

 

Is there any news for when Winston Churchill will be leaving us yet

 

It is due to be moved to york on January 15 ready for its big day on the 30th (read from the Railway Magazine)

 

Weird I still haven't received my winter railway mag :/

 

Re the Ropley up-shelter, here's a very recent pic of the two-sided ex-Aldershot station clock. You can see the attention to detail in that roof construction and painting, the whole building is of the highest standard. I am assured it will be completed and open for the Gala in February .

 

I did hear the new shelter should be open this month.

 

Beat me to it! A great article about 34051 in the January issue of the RM along with a reproduction of the print of 34051, 35029 and 30777 at Battle down in the centre pages.