Mid Hants Railway - A Weekend With Calbourne 12th and 13th May 2012

Tickets now available to buy for this weekend also confirms that she'll be paired with the Hampshire Unit due to her being air braked.

I bought a ticket but I think its for any day as I wasn't given the choice of choosing Saturday or Sunday. I'll probably go on the Saturday.

 

Just thinking what service will she be working? Will they put her on Alresford to Meadstead shuttles or will Calbourne work the complete line?

 

The website says she'll be running on a yet to be announced service and to check back soon for a timetable.

Anyone know what happens to N.o. 24 after this weekend as she's not due to steam at Swanage until the 25th May. Will she stay at the MHR or is another visit to another Railway planned in between?

 

No, it's off to Swanage after the Mid Hants. First time two LSWR 0-4-4Ts have been shedded together in preservation

 

I must say I'm very impressed with the MHR. I recieved my ticket today but as its not classed as a Special Event but as a Standard Travel Open Ticket I can visit the MHR anytime I want (other than Special Events) with this ticket. Very good for £15.

 

Timetable now available here http://www.watercressline.co.uk/Files/2012-05/CalbourneTimetable.pdf . Sadly No.24 is doing Alresford-Ropley shuttles with 45379 and 850 providing the other passenger services over the weekend. I guess it makes sense but will still attend to see Calbourne and get as many rides behind her as I can.

 

I'm led to believe 205025 won't be taking power over the weekend so Calbourne will be doing all the work. It's ashame the O2 couldn't work shuttles to Medstead.

 

It should very interesting to see how W24 goes on the 1in80 to Ropley. Will W24 run around the DMU or will she stay at one end? The timings suggest that she will stay at one end (very little time to run around at either end). Also, does anyone know which way round she will be facing? Have heard rumours that it will be chimney first out of Alresford, but cannot confirm. It would be nice if true, especially as 45379 and 850 are chimney first into Alresford.

Might even make a trip down to Swanage in a couple of weeks for W24 and 53

James at SVN

 

Plenty of time to run-round..

 

Allelys lorry at Alresford this evening with one of the IoWSR weedkiller vehicles on board. I assume the O2 came in on this earlier today?

 

Should be no problem. There are steeper gradients on her home ground and she tackles them pulling more than a 2-car demu.

 

24 has just departed for Ropley, dragged by Lord Nelson with the Gronk in between (apparently dead? poss for braking?) 850 slipped a bit pulling the load out of the cattle dock, but the rails were pretty greasy!
Vezi atașament IMGP0286_IJFR.jpg

 

Looking forward to seeing her in action on Saturday. A bit disappointing she is only working between Ropley and Alresford though. The shuttles sound like they will be well loaded.

 

Vezi atașament IMGP0275_edited.jpg I'm working on the Belle on Saturday so might nip up to the station to watch her if Mrs Johnson lets me leave my chefly duties for a while.

 

A busy weekend for me. Swanage tomorrow followed by Calbourne on Saturday. Littlin is looking forward to it as well and it would appear from the weather forecasts that we may be blessed with a break in the rain. All good (except for the depleted traction at Swanage!).

 

The 08 was in the way so it had to be moved to get at Calbourne, but was put back before 850 and W24 trundled off to Ropley. Dead it wouldn't be much use as a brake tender anyway.

Nellie isn't an ideal shunting engine as the wheels are a bit big really, and the curve is a bit tight, and was a bit wet into the bargain....hence the slip.

 

The crew handled Nelson well, she made a good job of the shunt and the slipping was well controlled.! I had to nip back home for dinner so missed all the exciting shunting, I had just popped up to the station when I heard Nelson up there whilst I was feeding my chickens. I will be stuck in the Alresford cateering siding most of tomorrow, but should be able to get out on Sunday to see Calbourne in action.

 

W24 Calbourne in steam at Ropley, it left for Alresford at 1430, after 850 left for Alton

 

Here she is on the 10:30 from Alresford this morning:

 

I'm now going tomorrow as I had to work this morning and would have gotten there quite late.