Santa's Black Fives on the MHR

The Watercress Line/Mid Hants Railway got the pair of Black Fives helping Santa today (9th Dec 2017)
- Guest Black Five No. 45231 "The Sherwood Forester" was heading westward trains, tender first, assisted by another guest - Diesel No 33203
- The resident Back Five 45379 was heading eastwards trains, assisted by MHR's own class 50 (No 50027)

 

Why the need for Santas Little Helper? (The Diesels)

 

I think it was because they didn't run the locos around at either end of the journeys so the helpers became the leaders in one direction (I am guessing mind you but the diesels were leading even if possibly not exerting much effort)

They also might have been concerned about rail head conditions with the overnight frost and the Santa trains cannot run too far off schedule (children having to hang around in winter conditions doesn't work too well)

 

Diesels are a precaution with heavy trains and slippy rai l (-4 degrees in Alresford last night) Both 50027 and 33202 were left at Ropley for the later runs......

Santa Special between Ropley and Medstead by Arle Images, on Flickr

Sherwood Santa by Arle Images, on Flickr

Diesel present on first run, but hidden in cutting!

Sunshine Santa by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

Thanks - I had a busy day so wasn't aware they changed things later as I only caught the earlier trains.
Nice shots .

 

Some cracking photos there gents, thanks for sharing.

 

Excellent shots...all of them.