MHR Restorations and Overhauls

A bit off topic but still on a MHR theme. Next years information and timetable booklet has just been printed and delivered to the MHR. Looking at the timetable next year the MHR will be a steam operation only. With two steam loco’s being used every weekend and on mid week peak season as well. Off peak mid week will be a one train steam service only. There is also NO increase in ticket prices. This looks like a win win situation for anyone visiting the MHR next year.

 

Maintaining ticket prices at the current level is obviously challenging in the current financial climate, with rising coal, overhaul, insurance and maintenance costs ect.

So i think the MHR should be applauded for this helpful move in helping cash strapped families and individuals enjoy a great day out. Bravo!!

 

Perhaps the 100% steam service may attract extra visitors. Are people put off if they turn up on spec, find the next service is a DMU and there is a 1 1/2 hour wait for steam? Possible, but even so, a brave and bold decision, and I agree - to be applauded. It also means the MHR's steam fleet will see a bit more action. With 45379, 92212, 31806, 34007 and 850 to be joined by 925 before too long, that's quite a line-up.

 

Yes, Bravo! Don't forget that when the freight train is running there will be three engines in steam.

Regards

 

Ok I'm now confused!

With all this talk of having a two steam service next year, having got rid of the DMU, why then is there an "urgent" appeal on the website for help with costs of transporting a n other DMU to the line?

Could some one please enlighten me as to the rationale behind this!

On a completely different note, it is very pleasing to hear all the good news emanating form the railway at the moment - the main one being the ex KX foot bridge (how the hell did they manage to keep that quiet?), then you have the C&W gang steadily making excellent progress with the restorations along with all the progress on Swanage and the two Standard Four's - I'm sure that good progress is also being made with Cheltenham - but there hasn't been a blog for weeks now - wouldn't be nice to see her in steam at the Spring gala!

And then there is the new Ropley Manor, I can't believe the speed with which that has gone up and is being kitted out, I'll bet everyone can't wait to start using it fully - I can see the viewing gallery being very popular!

Keep up the good work chaps!!!!

 

I understand the DMU is required as additional motive power for certain special events such as the Alresford Watercress festival when it operates early morning and late evening shuttle services between Ropley and Alresford (as part of a park and ride service) and it is also required for the Thomas events.

 

So why get rid of the 117 (& the bubblecar) then now want to obtain a 127, totally different with RR engines & hydraulic transmission.

 

I was thinking exactly the same thing! It does seem a rather A about T thing to do.

 

As I understand it the 3 car DMU was offered to the MHR though sadly there was nobody left to maintain it so the owners sold it to the G/W Railway.

According to the website this one comes free although there are £6000.00 pounds transportation costs and the good thing is it willcome with some trained mechanics who will train up some MHR staff.

Does this help Dave?

Regards
Chris:

 

Sure does Chris - Thanks for the clarification, didn't know it had its own mechanics thrown in to boot - Bonus!

Seems like a win win situation.

BTW hows your 'project' coming on?

 

Hi Dave:
EX MOD Brake Van coming on nicely though working outside work on it has slowed a little as the nights draw in.

CCT 1765 was due to go into the C&W works this week for a full repaint though some of the handy side bridge componants are in the way at the moment, so in the meantime we are working on the Bulleid Brake S 4211 until the CCT is finally undercover, ( we always have a back up plan so no time is wasted), nothing worse I think when you are looking forward to a days volunteering and you cannot get on with anything.

Other news is that a 6 wheel milk tanker is coming from the Glos/Warks Railway and BY van C from the Bluebell both should keep us busy for a while.

Finally a vintage coach is likely also to be coming on loan though I cannot say too much about this at the moment.

Thanks for asking

Kindest regards
Chris

 

That sounds interesting - don't worry I shall wait for the official announcement!

Have to say (should've said this weeks ago) that the mixed freight looked excellent at the gala - looking forward to seeing the 'extra' bits next year.

The fleet is certainly expanding at a rate of knots - are you sure that you're not going to run out of siding space? LoL!!!

 

Because both unit would cost £xxxx amount of pounds and the MHR couldn't justify buying one or both units in this current economic climate. The 127 unit is coming free of charge and the only cost will be the transporting of the unit. The unit does come with a group to look after the unit but sadly the owners are look to retire from active care of the unit. Simon Baggott and Chris Smith MHR Directors are both looking for people to help look after the unit. The current owners will be giving support and training on the unit. Anyone wishing to help should contact the MHR.

 

Good news indeed on the wagon front and even better news on the carriage side.

I thought about which vintage coach could be coming. I made the assumption that it’s an appropriate type for the Mid Hants and its ‘restored’ or at worst least in need of little work and not required/used/can be spared by its home line, which I suppose narrows it down to the following:

Bulleid TO S1469S on the KWVR
Pullman observation No14 on the Swanage
Maunsell observation/route training car S5600S reputed to be being overhauled at Ramparts

I would think it’s the Pullman..anyways just a guess and again well done to he MHR.

 

Hi old chap:

Actually it is an unrestored coach, however nothing yet has been written in tablets of stone but the MHR is getting there.

You are fairly near the mark with one of your guesses but it is none of those three.

Kindest regards
chris:

 

Interesting... humm... so maybe,

Hastings Maunsell BTK S3960S from Robertsbridge (an ideal disabled coach conversion)?
Or one of VSOE's unused Pullmans?

I know one of the Bluebell's Bulleid TO's are privately owned (S1481S?) and in need of a overhaul so maybe that.
The only others I can think of are the LSWR Ironclads S7200S (FK) from KSER, or BTK's S3193S from Pontypool or the S3190S up at Alton.

I would personally like to see the Bournemouth RTO S1456S released by the Bluebell - it has been sitting around since 1980 (31 years 'preserved' whiich is nearly as long as in both passenger/deparmental service on SR/BR @ 33 years - and would match Bournemouth BTK S4367S already on the MHR.

So anyways Chris my guess is S3690S

 

Chris - will the milk tanker be vacuum braked, so it can run in passenger trains? If so, that will look very good, especially if marshalled beside the Bulleid brake. I have a photo in a book on the Withered Arm, showing a spamcan running tender first pulling one 6-wheeled milk tanker and one Bulleid brake coach. I think it was on the Bude branch.

 

Not sure about that.

All I do know about this one is that Colin Chambers arranged this, so I suspect that it will not arrive before the new year now.

Kindest regards
Chris:

 

Evening all.

925 Boiler has been hydrolic tested and passed and from what i have heard the steam test is due soon...

watch this space

Regards.

 

Indeed , it is booked I understand foe a steam test next Tuesday/Wednesday once the lorry can be booked to move aside the stanchions of the handyside bridge.

At the same time it is hoped to move CCT 1765 inside the shed for a full repaint.

Fingers crossed.

Chris: