MHR Autumn steam gala 7th-9th Sept

That is most excellent news :madgrin:

I wasn't sure if she still was as it was stated after Didcots fund raiser the other month she would be returned to the Khaki livery, so obviously not in a hurry to do a repaint then - BONUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will certainly look smart on the coaching sets - wonder if they will put her on the freight ( fingers crossed they will!)

Talking of freight I've just had a mooch at the timetable to see if they have the allocations on yet - they don't, BUT they have the 9F as facing London, its tender might be but its smokebox isn't, so unless the mogul and the S15 are facing London its going to be a rather lopsided gala in terms of photo ops.............................................

 

A shame that 777 can no longer make it but I haven't seen or ridden behind 5322. Mind you I haven't seen or ridden behind 825 either and I've seen but haven't ridden behind 925 yet either.

 

As others have said, its a shame 777 hasn't made it quite in time but I'm impressed with the MHR for getting a replacement in and what a replacement! Been waiting to hear this baby barking on some banks for a while now - put your ear plugs in people, we're off up the hills hehehehe

It will look awesome on the freight if they can fit that in to the WTT somewhere

 

I would like to travel behind 5322 solo, as well as see it double head with 1806 and solo on the freight if possible?

5322 & 1806 at Didcot Steam Trains: Didcot Railway Centre, 31806 and 5322 Double Heading - YouTube

 

Agreed. I tweeted last night that I was a bit disappointed that 5322 was to replace 777, but today I am looking at it completely differently! I now cannot wait to hear her bark on the Alps, especially as she has only run (I THINK!) at Didcot and the GWSR since her last overhaul. She will look cracking with the freight train, and wouldn't mind seeing her with the RAT.

Not sure how 5322 will look when paired with a rake of green Mk1s... Time will tell!

Can't wait for MM now

James at SVN

 

5322 has also run at the South Devon since its last overhaul, I believe.

 

Can't wait to hear her going up Medstead bank. Let's hope she's smoke box out of Alresford.

 

So it has, thanks Nick

James at SVN

 

Great news on 5322, when are we likely to see the loco roster ?

 

Think Redhill-Reading early 1960s. While SR Maunsell stock would have been more common, Mk 1s may well have been hauled by GWR moguls over that particular route.

Didcot have come to the rescue twice now: 3650 to help the SVR with their motive power shortage and now 5322 for the MHR gala. Good on them.

 

Also the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. They had a GWR 175 gala fairly soon after the GWSR one.

 

Timetable with loco roster is now avalible on the MHR web site.

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/Files/2012-08/AutumnSteamGalaTimetable.pdf

 

Two things.

1) The roster looks good, although there is no mention of the Black 5? Is there a problem with 45379? Or will she not be back in time after her weekend away in Norfolk?
2) A bit off topic, I know - that said, it is relating to an engine that is visiting... I visited Didcot Railway Centre to see 70000 today (joined by fellow NP user KristianGWR), and we were in luck as 5322 was rostered to haul the TPO. The video attached shows all three runs, my favourite being the first run with the slip Fingers crossed she will sound this good next week! (And of course, fingers crossed she turns up facing Alton!)

The video link is here: A very loud 5322 on the TPO at Didcot Railway Centre 26-08-12 - YouTube

James at SVN

 

Great vid of the mogul; can't wait to see it at the Mid Hants.

 

James great video has me excited to see to 5322 now and she really picks speed up quickly as well. I just need to buy a ticket as I have the Friday booked off work.

Mind you I'm disappointed that once again 31806 spends most of her time either double heading or on the freight train during the Gala. I've only had 1 trip behind her so far as she mainly spends the galas on the freight and even then she was double heading with 34007 and they both came off just outside Alresford to go on the freight back in March. I can't really get down to the MHR on normal operating days to ride behind her. Mind you at least she's double heading with 825 at points during the event.

But great to see that 850 and 925 are double heading. Though then again that is sort of on the request of the NRM.

 

For those photographers hoping to photograph the Schools working out of Alton on Medstead Bank .... Dont bother this is what awaits you under the Oaks at the sheep field..Support the railway Buy a ticket and enjoy the ride !

 

I take it then that 925 will be put on passenger services then today (with assistance)?

If, indeed, she is running today, I will definitely be there!

James at SVN

 

I think you have the wrong end of the stick ... 925 will not be running untill the Gala ..However the braken will still be there !! its still growing :mmph:

 

Thanks for clearing that up David, I must've mis-read what you wrote.

James at SVN

 

Apparently 925 has done some Thomas duties, at least on Friday, complete with face! Don't know whether this is planned or if she was covering for a problem with another loco.
No notes on the roster re the direction 825 and 5322 will be facing though. The 9F seems to be tender first on the freights it is on.