MHR Pre-Spring Gala - 9-11 Feb 2018

Give the poor bugga's who are trying to TT/roster this a chance - there are too many if, but's & maybe's at the mo given the race against time to get loco's fixed & ready, which probably means there are plans, A,B, C & possibly D waiting to be implemented!

 

Not to mention E, F and G.

 

Wouldn't surprise me if they're now up to M or N.........

All I do know is - I'm glad I'm not on the gala planing committee!

Oh, and I really do hope the 15xx is facing London........

 

Timetable available without locos.
Keep watching the site for updates.

 

The timetable (minus loco allocations) is available here:
https://www.watercressline.co.uk/shopimages/Feb Gala PTT (1).pdf

 

MHR website updated:

9th - 11th February 2018

*Final Lineup*

Repairs are expected to be completed on both Black 5s (45379 and 45231), subject to a steaming test they will be running at the gala.

925 SR Schools Class ‘Cheltenham’

15xx Class 1501

41312 LMS Ivatt Class 2MT

76017 BR Standard Class 4MT

Rides with 03197 in the Queen Mary Brake Van at Alton

Subject to successful tests:

45379 LMS Black 5

45231 LMS Black 5 'The Sherwood Forester'

 

I popped into Ropley at lunchtime, 76017 was in steam, 45231 was all fitted back together, 41312 was in the yard, I presume 925 and 45379 were in the wheeldrop shed as 92212 was sitting in the yard (last week it was in light steam, but only for the annual boiler test!)

The footbridge looked nicely painted!

 

Oh, and whilst working at Alresford clearing up some overgrown greenery impinging on the pavement, one of my co-workers was telling me how pleased he was that the QMBnow had a working stove, as he is guard on the 03/QMB combo at Alton on Saturday, and the weather gods do not appear to be likely to be friendly on that day.

 

Anyone know which way round 41312 is now facing.

Thanks

 

Still facing London

 

The QMB does indeed now have a working stove - it was given the "Jose" treatment on Saturday.

Oh, and it now also has a fire extinguisher too - just in case any guard gets carried away..........

 

I'm surprised no one has picked up on the fact that 45231 is back in one piece & went for a spin to Medstead this evening.

So, I'm guessing that 45379 might be ready tomorrow........

Wonder if that means the TT is likely to change?....

 

Both Black 5s have been passed fit, so we have a full line up, and they will be doubleheading at times as promised.

Regarding Saturday, I shall be turning the cab heater on in the 03....and I am hoping it works well!

 

This 03, I take it it's not a DB light Pacific.

 

If it were Ian I would be instantly making diary changes

 

Loco allocations now up! I think I'm right in saying that the black fives and 41312 are facing London whereas 76017 and 925 face Alresford, but the timetable doesn't state which way 1501 is/will be facing. Does anyone know?

Well done to everyone who has worked to hard to repair the two "fives" in time. Seems like it was a real battle against the clock, but all looks well.

 

1501 faces Alton, John.

James

 

Thanks James.

 

Just got back from a couple of days training and relieved to see both fives are fit! 1501 is also facing the best way photting wise

 

As its gala time, it must be shameless plug time on behalf of all in the wagon group!

We will as per usual we will have our sales stand on the up platform at Medstead all three days, manned by some hardy souls, stocked full of all sorts of goodies and also this years limited edition must have OO gauge wagons - see pic below (pic not mine)

Crowleys Brewery of Alton. There are two running numbers, either 21 or 22. The wagons are £13 each, or 2 for £25.

(They can also be obtained from Alresford Information Office.)

We will aslo be running yard tours on a turn up & go basis, for a small charge - just ask at the sales stand.

The freight trains sadly, this time round from Arl to Rop will not be for public rides, as has been noted elsewhere the QMB is up at Alton along with 03 for rides, for a donation, up to the Meon loop & into the station limits (I'm sure @21B can clarify exactly where ), and some not so hardly souls - well there is a roaring stove on the QMB! - will be on hand to take your donations, answer any questions you may have about what we get up to with the "troublesome trucks"! Oh, and sure they may well have some wagons etc to tempt you will as well.......