Mid Hants Railway Spring Steam Gala - 30th April-3rd May 2021

In my opinion think they all look good. Can't notice any colour change really.

 

30925 being replaced by 41312 at Ropley on 13.05 departure to Alton.

 

5526 stopped for blow up on climb out of Alton

 

Seconded.

 

Currently on 4612. Having a fantastic day. Shame about the failure of "Cheltenham" but happens.

 

Leaking lubrication pipe on Cheltenham.

 

5526 and 41312 on 1500 ex Alresford!

 

5526 off at Ropley, 41312 forward. 30925 on rear of 1515 Ropley to Alresford for 1545 Alresford

 

Anyone know the game with 5526 atm?

 

Just found out it's a clinkered fire.

 

5526 stopped for a blow up at MP 52 on the climb out of Alton on the 1315. It was struggling earlier on the 1200 Alresford and the fireman was trying to clean the fire at Medstead obviously without success. Wrong kind of coal? The 6412 took ages to move the stock of the 1438 shuttle at Ropley. Just could not move in either direction for about 5 minutes. Temperamental things these GWR tanks. Maybe they don’t like playing away from home. Full marks to the operating guys for thinking ahead to get locos swapped round without having to cancel any trains though with a bit of late running. Trains never that busy and everything very well controlled so an enjoyable day. Well done to all

Don

 

4612-Maybe the setter.

 

Yes they are both locos with small fireboxes and limited working area . The Pannier sounded fine and stormed around with no apparent steaming issues. Maybe the brakes couldn’t be released?

 

So despite all the constant moaning over the last few weeks of asking when details will be released. Today was SO worth the wait for those details. Really have to give the team at MHR a high amount of praise for what they done in particular the shunting and running movements at two separate times when both 5526 and "Cheltenham" decided to pull wobblers. The latter was reinstated on its last round trip and 5526 completed the day shunting in the yard at Ropley. Both are due to recommence their timetabled runs tomorrow. The last time I saw shunting movements this extensive was when 506 rescued 76017 at the 2019 Autumn Steam Gala. I am seriously hoping Mid Hants has turned over a very well deserved profit.

 

I like the second one James, I surveyed that location a couple of weeks back on a walk to Bishops Sutton and back but thought there would be too many people there today, plus balancing on the roadside bank was a bit precarious! A few years ago I did set up a step ladder in the road just below the bridge and survived though

 

Yes indeed . Praise where it’s due but my comments about poor communication still stand. It was a good day and well done to all out there at the sharp end

 

Just shows you can get some great shots away from the line side.

 

GWR.... Goes When Ready

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Geoff and Adrian from PW have done a great job clearing scrub along the line, very noticeable around Northside, people up Park Lane and Middle Lane(?) - places that have not had a clear shot for 7 or 8 years.