MHR Spring Gala 23-25 March 2012

It was attached to the delayed 13.00 service hauled by 34007 from Alresford at Ropley.It was to save on time running around we were told.This service was the first train to run through to Alton after the Lineside fire near Hampshire Hunt. It enabled the train to return quickly, since after passing the passenger train which had been stuck at Alton, it was the only passenger train between M4M and Alton.It enabled the stock to get back to their timetabled path, even if they were hauled by different locos than planned.

 

Couldn't make it yesterday as I had other things to do but it's good to hear the Railway handled the situation very well.
When riding the trains on Friday I did notice many burnt patches along the line where fires had already occured between Ropley and Alresford, and Ropley and Medstead. It really is dry out there and we could really do with some rain.

Edit: Now sorted some pictures out from Friday and here are a few shots I took in the difficult hazy light conditions:

 

As I wasnt working this weekend I managed two days up at the Gala even though the Saturday afternoon was rather out of sync . The M7 proved how good these locos were in their day . Maybe the next NRM loco to arrive at the Mid Hants ought to be 245 !.
Here are the pics some of which I will re do at some point. Lates Pictures . Mid Hants Spring Gala Saturday Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March 2012.

 

Great set of photos Dave. I hear the M7 has already left for Swanage tonight.

 

Splendid day out today at the MHR. Even the dog enjoyed himself. Nice to have met "steam age" and "Duty Druid."
Highlight of the day for me was 34007 on the goods with 31806 banking. Wonderful sight and sound.

 

Yes and lots of exhaust from 34007 coming out of Ropley to boot. What more can you ask for.

 

I has enjoyable on day Saturday. I had good fortune to be at Alresford when the services were delayed due to the lineside fire. I ended up sitting on the platform enjoying some Itchen Valley Godfathers from the Real Ale Coach which was a short distance away.The passengers at New Alresford were kept well informed about the reason for the delay and the plan to run services as M4M, although 34007 on the set with the Real ale Coach and Pullmans did run through to Alton. Warm welcome from Staff in the car park and outside ticket office at Ropley when I arrived.

Please can we have at least one more Real Ale in the coach at future Gala's.

A selection of my photos can be found at Zenfolio | Paul Simpson | The Mid Hants Railway Spring Gala 2012.

 

Visited today and had a cracking day will post up some photos tomorrow well done too all at the MHR

 

Had another great 3 days on the MHR (although with 7 continous early starts during the week meant I nearly fell asleep a few times). Trains were running late again today (15 minutes by the time I left). One problem this morning I believe was the braking on the rear brakevan of 850's goods train which caused it to stop just past the platform then continue a few minutes late then in the afternoon with 45379 we were held for a while at Ropley waiting for 850 on the goods again but 92212 came past us at one point before 850 (or as I learnt today Lord Help Us which I heard from one of the ticket inspectors) came in and then went into one of the roads out side the boiler shop (not sure if there was a problem with her and also looking on the Bluebell site she is due to enter service there on Good Friday and stay until August 5th but arrives during the week).

Finally got a run behind 31806 (the only MHR loco I didn't get a ride behind at the Autumn Gala and planned to get it yesterday before the locos were rearranged yesterday and idn't catch her on Friday) although she was double heading with 34007. They made a great noise going up from Alton especially in the coach behind them where I was.

Here's to the Autumn one. Also looking at 73129's post no time was wasted getting the M7 back to Swanage.

Currently trying to sort out photos (including a few Black and White photos I took). Should have them up tomorrow.

 

Monday Morning 9.52, No 53 drove down West Street about half an hour ago. Still warm I guess!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arleimages/6867709308/in/photostream

 

Not quite. The Medstead-Alton section was still closed when the train departed Alresford and therefore the 33 was to bring the train back from M4M if the section didn't re-open. As the section had re-opened as the train arrived at M4M, there was no path to send the 33 back light without causing other problems, so wise to leave on the back of the train and take that train back to Ropley. There was time to run-round. It was just prudent to do, also why the 9f was sent light from Alresford to Ropley to attach to the rear of the train at Ropley. The 9f then did bring the train back from M4M.

 

Interesting..... I'd heard that 92212 was going to the Bluebell. Probably a better move to let them have 850 for a bit!

 

Here are my pictures from Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I've also posted some of my favourites in my post

Friday Mid Hants Railway Spring Gala March 23rd 2012 pictures by DanHill1991 - Photobucket

Saturday Mid Hants Railway Spring Gala March 24th 2012 pictures by DanHill1991 - Photobucket

Sunday Mid Hants Railway Spring Gala March 25th 2012 pictures by DanHill1991 - Photobucket

And my favourites

B/W 9F entering Medstead and Four Marks on Saturday


M7 on the approach to Ropley


45379 departs Ropley

 

Had a very pleasant day yesterday

here are a few from me..................... View attachment 4402














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And last but not least!

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Nice to have met you too Spamcan81 - Hope you let the dog out for a walk!!! :thumb:

 

I maybe making a visit a bit earlier than expected. Looking on the MHR website 24 Calbourne is visiting during a weekend in May.

 

Very nice, I hope you found the tips on locations useful, looks like Bowers Grove was a winner!
This is a sunset shot at Northside lane

Southern Sunset | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

I did hear this a few weeks ago. I'm led to believe they are going to use the Hampshire unit 1125 with the O2 Calbourne. It's the only air brake stock we have on the railway.

 

Great news about Calbourne visiting. I'll be down for that weekend!