Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

500 per day. Tickets on sale very shortly.

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They were banned from the S&D, one did bank a train out of Bath once but it cause a row & the crew were disciplined

 

My partner took her mother and aunt for a day out at MHR yesterday. She commented that everything was well organised and very well run with regards to the current climate we are in.
Trains healthy loaded and they are had a good day out.
Well done MHR and I hope that whatever you are doing the financial "hit" because of Covid, when you come out the other side, will be very minimal or non existent. Top Marks!!
(Note to another railway.....see what can be done when ALL staff (paid/volunteer) pull together for the common good)

 

Next spring? Can't do everything at the same time ;-)

 

What was the reason for the ban?

 

(Continuing the thread drift) Ploughman has already asked why that was, and I have a further question. Would it not have been the shed foreman's decision which loco to allocate as a banker, rather than the crew thinking "Let's take this one"?

 

Can anyone "in the know" say which locos are running at the Mid Hants this weekend?

 

That would be a very good move. The Bluebell did something similar with Green Arrow in 2003 - in use on four consecutive weekends including a gala. I'd very much like to travel behind and photograph Bahamas but wouldn't want to travel over for the gala if it's going to be a miserable weekend weather-wise. With very little main line work lined up, hopefully the BLS would be open to an extended stay.

May I say also full marks to the Mid Hants for dipping its toe in the water and planning a gala. It's a brave move as restrictions on numbers are still going to be needed, but someone has to give it a try. I hope it proves a financial success. With a popular high-profile visitor and 53808, it certainly has the ingredients of a good event.

 

41312 Alton on Sat and Alresford on Sun
506 Alresford on Sat and Alton on Sun

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Jubilees had a heavier axle-loading (over 20 tons) than any of the loco classes normally used on the S&DJ, so that is likely to have been the issue. Alternatively, it might simply be the case that Civil Engineer permission to use the class had never been sought.

 

Reading a book on the Portishead branch I was surprised to see that Lord Nelsons were allowed subject to the removal of certain components, which as they were a small class never known in the Bristol area I wonder why they were ever even considered.

 

And 30925 on the dining train on Sunday too. Sorry I forgot that was out.

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Thanks to everyone who is travelling to visit the Watercressline and support it in these odd times. The 1100 from Alresford today completely sold out in advance despite being increased in length. Fantastic seeing everyone having a great time.

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I was helping with lineside clearing this morning and the first train out of Alresford did look busy, plenty of happy kids waving at me!

 

Am I correct in thinking that gala tickets aren't actually on sale yet? Or am I being dim and failing to spot something really obvious on the web page?

 

Not on the website yet. Does anyone know which locos are planned from Tuesday as we may book?

 

21B will probably know, but he's currently driving 506 light engine back up to Ropley!

 

There wasn't supposed to be a gathering of like minded nutters atop the hill yesterday........

But, some of us without communicating, decided that a day with the troublesome trucks was a better idea than being stuck at home!

Up in the yard, the cosmetic repaint on the two plank continues apace, whilst under the maroon CCT, it was discovered that various areas had been missed, so rectification was the order of the day.......

Down the line in the Meon, the handbrakes on the two Sealions were attcked with gusto, until the portable light went flat! Stiil, at least the handbrake on one now winds & fully on or off, after removal of what seemed like welded on crud around anything designed to move, along with copious amounts of sump oil!!

The hand brake on the other one, despite the same treatment flatly refuses to move more than a quarter turn - even with aid of a wrecking bar........ Just as it was decided to investigate further underneath, it was at that point the light gave up!! So, no point in trying any heroics in the gloom.

Dropped down to Ropley later, which was a hive of activity.......

'Dave' was having a wash out & some fettling, 30925 was having a steam test following some minor repairs..... the Urie lads were having a riveting time on the chasis of 499 & 50 027 was having a bath in the Up yard & the BY Van (C) 563 was in the carriage shed in the process of having new dampers fitted in readiness for entering into traffic.

A few pics of the days goings on.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/50258009488/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/50258008478/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/50258006208/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/50258007568/in/dateposted-public/

 

ECS in fact. Sadly I dont know what the plan is this week. Probably 506 and 41312, but I shall find out.

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