MHR Spring Gala 12-14th February 2016

Starting the ball rolling with what we know:

Confirmed date - 12th-14th February 2016.

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/21/spring-steam-gala

 

How likely is it we'll see a 2MT and a 4MT back in action for this?

 

That, I'm led to believe is the plan..........

 

Off topic a little maybe, but the line 'Drones must not be operated on or within 50m of Mid Hants Railway property.' that is always dropped into their event descriptions always makes me laugh. Surely the MHR have precisely zero right to decide what a drone operator does outside of their property, however close it may be, assuming that it is otherwise operated within the law.

 

I expect it is to provide a legal get-out in case some idiot flies one of those things into someone.

 

Link below is from the CAA website regarding the flying of drones. I think article 167 paraghaph c would be the one to look at.


https://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1995&pageid=16012

 

As I said, 'otherwise operated within the law'. As long as it not actually within 50m of a train (or anything else covered in the regulations, for that matter) there is apparently no reason why it cannot be within 50m of railway property.

 

Does it matter, if it's from the train or railway property. There isn't a lot of distance between the too. The banks on the MHR aren't that wide.

Back on topic, should be a good event with two locos coming back in to traffic and 34007 coming out of traffic.

 

a)
over or within 150 metres of any congested area;

b)
over or within 150 metres of an organised open-air assembly of more than 1,000 persons;

c)
within 50 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft; or

d)
subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), within 50 metres of any person.

So...
(a) - that would cover the stations etc., but not trackside.
(b) - It's an open air assembly of more than 1000 people (albeit over 10 miles), so the MHR could extend the no fly zone by 100m
(c) - This is probably the one that MHR refering to. Keep the drone at least 50m away from "any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft". "any vessel, vehicle" certainly applies and you could argue easily that the permenant way is a structure.
(d) - This may or may not apply depending on where you are, but given the amount of trespassers^w people you see lining the farmers fields, this could also come into force.

From this, the exclusion 50m from MHR property seems justified.

 

I think its a polite way of telling folks NOT to stand in the middle of someones crop...........

If I were one of said farmers, I'd happily get the shotgun out & down the damn thing - and then take aim at the operator....................... call it pest control!

 

They are just saying they don't want drones, they didn't threaten legal action or anything...

Will be a very different gala from the one just gone, with Bittern and Lord Nelson out and hopefully the 2MT and the 4MT back in.

 

Very different, but different is good.
Will Nellie be out of ticket for the Gala. I know 2016 is ten years, but I'm not sure when in 2016... (Not that 10 years is set in stone).
2016 is Wadebridge's last year in service too I believe.

 

Nellie bows out at the end of the year & 34007 is March next year - hence having the gala in Feb for 34007's swansong.......

 

I carry a shotgun with me on the footplate and 50 metres is about as far as I can shoot accurately!! Therefore, to avoid tears, no drones within 50 metres.

 

When I was linesiding last Saturday to get some Wizard Express pictures, two lads were on top of the (relocated) straw bales at Rookwood Lane, shooting rabbits(? might jus have been shooing at random bits of vegetation) I would have been an easy target in my Hi-vis and well within 50m at one point!

I wonder if 45379 will be available for the gala.....maybe we could borrow Camelot from the Bluebell??

 

I did hear from someone that the a Bluebell engine would be going to Watercress next year, as a reciprocation of the Cheltenham (and I guess Bittern) going to Giants of Steam. Can't remember which loco, but I don't think it was Camelot though.

 

Wouldn't mind seeing 847 or 30541 at the Spring gala.

 

I didn't think accuracy was part & parcel of using a shotgun, more like point & shoot!

Lets us all know when you're next on the footplate........... and I for one will concentrate on painting wagons.

 

That would looks the mutts on the freight!

 

didnt the Q classes often get given the Eastleigh to Alton freights so 30541, as she is at the moment would certainly look right at Alresford on the freight, but what could balance it? ivatt 2 tank on 2 maroon mk1s and a pmv, standard 4 on a passenger rake