MHR steam galas March & Sept 2009

Why, what difference do they make?

 

She had a fire lit in her on thurs evening, and the only attention she was getting was cleaning around the motion, so I presume she is fit to run. The 9F also had a fire lit, but there was a lot of tinkering being done.

 

Many thanks Royce6229!

 

Anyone have any idea as to when 92212 when do some test runs?

 

They disfigure the front of perfectly decent steam locomotives - particularly the large BR(S) variety as carried by Bulleid Pacifics in the 1950's and 60's. In the last days of steam on the SR, even the named trains like the Bournemouth Belle very rarely carried headboards.

What would be good (and perhaps here I'm wandering off thread and thinking more about main line steam) would be to see carriage roofboards reinstated on some of the main line sets as an alternative to headboards.

I am surprised that so far no-one else here has come out against headboards. Most enthusiasts I have met seem to loathe them as much as I do. Perhaps most members of this forum move in different circles to me!

Anyway, can anyone answer my question? If less headbaords are going to be around on Friday, I may think about coming then instead.

Thanks

 

Firstly if you're in the coaches does it matter about a headboard?

Also 60019 was in service this weekend and has no issues, 92212 is due to be lit again tomorrow to set the valves with potential for a test run sometime during the week. She was still warm today though from when she was lit a few days ago

 

I hope it's Tuesday as I am hopefully going there then. Mainly to see 34046 arrive. Anyone know what time that will be?

But seriously, could Bob Deeth please get a move on with his WTT(he is the man that usually does them)


Incidentally I love headboards and like them to be used at the slightest opportunity.
Remeber, jo public doesn't particularly care about historical accuracy........

 

It's due into Alton at 17+30.

 

That's the golden question! A full WTT (with loco allocations) has not been available in advance for as long as I can remember. Other railways manage to do it, it's one of the gripes that comes up everytime.

 

Does anyone know yet which way the Super D is planned to face for this w/e?

 

Is 34046 still coming? There was a rumour at the weekend that the visit is off.

Edit: Just had a look at the Uksteam info loco moves page and the move of 34046 from the WSR to the MHR is no longer on there.

 

Could actually mean it is being moved on another day....

 

Latest info on 34046 is she won't be coming to the gala because she failed her fits to run exam last week at WSR. Someone did say that she may come by road? But I can't see this happening? Let’s hope the Super D is facing out of Alresford other wise every loco apart from 5224 will be facing out of Alton. I don't think we will get a working time table until the 9F has been on a test run which should take place on Wednesday and the Super D has also been run over the complete line before the gala which should take place on Thursday with RSF at the Helm.

 

I'm afraid you are in a minority on this one, John. There are few things as wonderful as a shiny Bulleid pacific or Lord Nelson with a "Royal Wessex", "Bournemouth Belle" (if you've got enough Pullman cars) or "Ocean Liner" headboard thundering through the Hampshire countryside. Obviously, one can have too much of a good thing, and they should be used where appropriate, but they have always been an important part of the Southern scene. Did you see 35028 on the VSOE set in January, going to Southampton Docks carrying the correct headcode and a "Union Castle" headboard? Magic!

There are some headboards that are vulgar and unsightly, such as some of the larger Santa Special devices, but even they are prototypical for 1950s and 60s special charters. Some of the worst were tours promoted by local newspapers - I seem to remember a photo of a particularly ghastly one on the front of a Castle with the name of one of the Bristol papers all over it. The local press have never undestood "taste and decency"!

 

I'm with Steamage on this one, if they're prototypical and match the stock then why not, is some added interest.

As for the Clan Line train Steamage refers too, make your own mind up:

 

Really good shot Matt!!

 

Lovely shot, Matt! I hope that's in one of your 2010 calendars.

 

I think it might be.

The headboard was a real suprise on that train, IMO looks superb. In fact it detracts attention from the horrible MKII support coach!

 

92212 was in steam today and sent out on a test run to Alresford and also to Medstead & Four Marks and her test was successful.
Well done to everyone that has worked on her.

 

will it take part tomorrow in a loaded test run?