Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

Good day Yesterday, though I think we might have been the car which almost collided with you when you were coming into Station Road at Alresford...

But yes, lots of trains full (literally!) of happy people! And the weather wasn't too bad for winter, though cold as you say.

 

Santas in full swing now

506 on a Santa by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

Flying Scotsman will be visiting in February and March to mark the re-opening of the line to Alton:

https://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/136/flying-scotsman

 

Does anyone 'in the know' at the Mid-Hants know whether there is Spring Steam Gala planned in 2020?

 

I suspect the above visit is something to do with that, but wouldn't be able to say for sure (simply because I don't know!).

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I've not heard anything about galas, just the Alton reopening and FS visit.

 

3 tickets booked this evening for the 7th March 13.50 departure.
Really looking forward to this event as I have missed several MHR special events (including the Autumn Steam Gala) in the second half of this year due to ill health. Been ill since August but now better at last. Hoping to visit after Christmas to say farewell to 92212.

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No, indeed. I should have clarified myself better.

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FS will only be operating on those advertised dates, and possibly a bridge-opening special once date confirmed. No word on a Gala as yet, but I imagine we will hear soon - I expect the management were waiting for the bridge status to be confirmed before agreeing to anything?

 

There is an update from the contractor at;
https://www.buttsbridgeroadworks.co.../Planned-Completion-of-Butts-Bridge-Roadworks
In summary, they expect to reopen the road to traffic on Tuesday 17th December. (2019!)
Logic says given this, the handover of the railway side must be imminent, so fingers crossed

 

If you want to get your seats behind 60103 at the MHR you had better book soon. Just checked the MHR website and the 11.20 and 13.50 departures on all four days are SOLD OUT! Great news for the MHR. Glad I booked when I did.
Anyone know what load she will be allowed to take over the Alps? 7 or 8 carriages I would guess as 34081 and 35006 hauled 8 during the End of SR Steam Gala.

 

FWIW, she had no problem with 8 carriages (282 tons tare as I recall) at the Bluebell, which is 1 in 55 at the steepest. That was in April and the railhead condition was good (at least the day I was firing), but there was certainly no struggle for power.

Tom

 

I wonder which way round 60103 will be facing on arrival at the mhr.

 

most likily facing London , they tend to come down via Guildford, and go back direct I imagine its easier and theres less traffic between Guildford and Alton, than to run via Woking and the 45 MPH tender first section is easier to ,or from Guildford as its off the main Portsmouth and Bournemouth routes.

 

It is wonderful to have Flying Scotsman visit to reopen the line. I cannot think of a better way to start the year.

If you do want to experience her on a proper climb (part of the bank out of Alton is actually around 1 in 50) then better book soon!

To answer a couple of questions, the plan is for her to be facing London.

There is no spring gala in 2020. With this event and Thomas, there is plenty for everyone to do. Hopefully we will do something a bit special in the Autumn.

The bridge is progressing very well now, but the first passenger trains will be February 2020 giving us plenty of time for testing and staff re familiarisation.

2020 is going to be an exciting year.

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50% of Scotsman trains have sold out as looking at the website, leaving the earliest and latest departure for each day with tickets still available. From what I heard the tickets are selling, so if you want one buy it now for Christmas rather than waiting.
It shall be lovely to see the line to Alton running again and this shall provide a more unusual gala style event for the spring.

Also in other news from the carriage blog MK1 CK 16083 is almost ready for traffic, it has run some test runs and could be running over the winter period

 

I hope the MHR have some robust plan to keep people out of the filed by Wanderers Curve otherwise there will be one very unhappy farmer, especially as it will be crop time.

 

Simon,

Sorry to ask will this event be 60103 plus two additional service trains or will it be three additional service trains plus 60103.

thanks

 

I wonder if the moves off the ML to and from Ropley will be middle of the night jobs to avoid the possibility of trespass?

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Timetable plan is a work in progress, but likely two.

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