MHR Pre-Spring Gala, S & D theme: 17-19th February 2017

I believe it is for ops reasons - ie forming the goods sets - makes the shunters & loco crews jobs easier.

So if you're going for a ride - give us a wave, but not before those of us lineside have photted the train.

Riding the freight is well worth the extra - you see the line in a different light & the QMB being a bogie break means a smooth ride!

 

Checked my plans, will probably myself be photting tomorrow, but I should be able to get on the main freight run to Alton on either Saturday or Sunday (depending on which day I return on )

Looks like a good gala considering how few locos there are relative to previous events - I'm sure the power of 76017 and the bark of the Ivatt 2MT will be more than enough to make it great, though.

To all of us out this weekend, good luck and let's hope the weather is a bit kinder than it was this time last year!

 

Good luck with parking at Alresford folks. We arrived at around 9.40 and both car parks were full. Only managed to get a space as someone was leaving when I was turning around to leave.

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I take it today is busy then.

 

Excellent day at the Watercress. Trains were 'comfortably busy' - I had no problem getting a seat and traveled behind Black 5, Standard 4 and 9F. Ivatt tank completed whole line round trip with 4 on so looked pretty full.
Parked in Station Road Ropley - arrived early so no problems getting a spot!
Excellent run past with 4MT on the goods at Ropley and steam crane demos in Ropley Yard worth a look.
All in all, an excellent day and about 10C warmer than 2016 IIRC!! Andy

 

Can second that! All locomotives ran without issue and within about 10 minutes of the timetable, in pleasantly sunny conditions as well The only problem, which couldn't have been foreseen, was when an additional coach was being attached to the 17:15 from Alresford. During the pullaway test after its attachment, the buckeye failed and the coach was subsequently removed. Unfortunately, I was not there to see; I was at Ropley talking to the crew of the waiting 9F. Anyway, caused about a 20 minute delay to itself and the last Down train, which was minor considering what had to be done, and the Alton set is consequently now formed of 4 coaches rather than 5. Overall though, a very enjoyable day and yes, the freight behind 76017 through Ropley was definately the highlight!

 

More like 30 mins down, I was waiting further up the line (past Ropley)to take a sunset shot. Had to give up as dark by the time the last train arrived at Ropley. Enjoyed a trip up to M4M behind the Ivatt earlier in the day though.

 

Know the feeling - two of us were just south of Ropley wondering what had happened, then for some reason it got checked outside Ropley, by which time we'd turned back as it was getting too dark trackside to be safe.

Never mind I hadn't even planned on turning up today........ but I'm glad I did, even though the ever changing light has produced some interesting results!

So - the 1st of today's offerings......

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/32917085386/in/dateposted-public/

 

Next one out the hat.

41312

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/32576925620/in/dateposted-public/

 

92212

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/32917092186/in/dateposted-public/

 

It was pretty busy today. The trains were well filled. A very good turn out for the first day.
We had a great day travelling behind 45379, 92212 and 41312 with the crews all putting on a very good show. Other highlights included watching 76017 storm through Ropley on the freight and observing the Steam crane at work in the yard at Ropley. Never seen one of these demonstrations before. Very entertaining.
To top it all we had perfect weather conditions. An excellent day all round.

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Perhaps my timings were a bit out. I think now I will join @Duty Druid's photo posting party with a few of my far inferior attempts from today

 

Nowt wrong with them.

Next up 76017.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/32803744462/in/dateposted-public/

 

They happen on occasion - last time was a fair few years ago though...... can't remember exactly when!

Though I'm led to believe is has a few gremlins resident at the mo......... so hope its OK for the rest of the weekend........

 

45379

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/32143239753/in/dateposted-public/

 

I visited for the 2015 gala; without any guest locos this is quite a lot of dosh including fare to Alton just to do 76017 (as I've done the 5 / 9F and not interested in the Ivatt sorry)

a nice looking loco though when will she be running next?

 

DD and 73082: excellent photos - how do you edit so quickly?!! Still playing with mine in Coral Paintshop!!! Many thanks for posting; may put a couple up later although a couple of glasses of claret are delaying the process!!

 

Helping more like..... I'm quaffing some Comfortably Numb from Triple fff & its doing what it says on the tin!

 

41312 for the final time today.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/32114342174/in/dateposted-public/

 

Bite the bullet time!! I was there early.....