MHR Autumn steam gala 2011

Anybody else noticed that the loco's swap trains at Alton?.......................

 

It's so that people can't just get a seat behind(for example) Tornado and just stay on there hogging it for lots of rides, I believe.

 

Its exactly what they did at last years Spring Gala when it was just Tornado,to stop the seat huggers doing just that ensuring that everybody gets a fair chance, and it works well too!

 

They have been doing this for years - I first encountered it when Union of South Africa was visiting. I was apoplectic with rage when we were held outside Alton for ages, and eventually saw the A4 heading for Alresford without me.

I haven't bothered going to a MHR gala since.

 

Yes, heaven forbid missing a couple of miles behind an overpowered main line registered loco at 25mph which will work again everywhere for the rest of time! :lol:

 

They probably wont miss a passenger who cannot control his rage over such an inconsequential matter!

 

Yup, even states it on the timetable as a note so visitors are aware.

 

Note the timetable has been revised again (yesterday):http://www.watercressline.co.uk/Fil...1withproposedlocoallocationsRevised241011.pdf

The MHR Site also says: "Please note that, due to unforeseen circumstances, there might be slight delays to this timetable for trains travelling between Medstead & Alton. We will be doing out best to minimise any delay for the duration of this event." Anyone know whats up between Alton and Medstead?

 

Reported cable theft Friday night/Saturday morning,announced over the Tannoy at Alresford before the first train departed, certainly didn't disrupt the services trains too much- Very quick turn a rounds at Alton and Tornado didn't hang a round on the banks either!!!!

 

That's bad news regarding the cable theft. Makes me very angry that it keeps happening both on the Preserved lines and the National Network. But what can be done to stop the thefts I wonder?

 

In an ideal world, a wickham trolley laden with machine guns.
Realisticaly though maybe that special paint that leaves an invisible skin dye could be used.

 

More realistically, to get this pantomime of a government to amend the scrap metal laws to make it a cashless trade as it is now getting seriously out of hand, ie how long before crews turn up to find half a loco missing - I know that's in the extreme, but the way things are going..................

BTW I'm with you on the Wickham - Shoot the barstools on sight & take no prisoners!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The maintenance hatches either end of a class 37 would make nice gun turrets

 

I wonder if it would be possible to rig up some sort of electrical continuity check on the cabling when not in use that would set off an alarm if the continuity was broken (i.e. when some low-life pinched some of it) ?

 

Might 4492 be having an extended stay at the MHR? A story in the latest Heritage Railway mentions the suspension of Roland Kennington from his duties at Southall. Sounds pretty serious.

 

I doubt it. Its more likely to be put under the wing of Bob Allen, alongside Britannia.

 

Which is what has happened!

 

That's good to hear.

 

Any news of todays event?

May go down tomorrow if the weather isn't total cr.p and the locos I want to see/ride behind are all ok still: 34007, 31806 and 30850. Plus maybe the two standards.

 

Just back from the MHR today. I can’t remember seeing so many people on a Friday gala day.