MHR Autumn steam gala 7th-9th Sept

Just looked at the timetable again. Looks like 5322 is doing one solo run from Alresford to Alton each day, but two from Alton to Alresford. That seems a bit odd to me if it's facing Alton as it will do two of its solo runs tender first.

I think in general they over-do the double-heading at Mid Hants galas, but with 7 locos to find work for I suppose it's necessary. If it were down to me (which it isn't) I would keep one of the home fleet back as a spare each day, like they do on the West Somerset. That way it's easier to cope with any failures and less double-heading is required.

However each to their own - for some the double-heading is an attraction even if some of the combinations they use are a bit strange.

 

I have heard via the rumour mill that a surprise Loco might be coming to the Gala from the main line. Gauging problems at Alresford , (it is alleged), suggest that this might be a GWR one.

Any ideas what that might be?

Regards
Chris:

 

Mmm interesting. A mainliner that may have gauging problems at Alresford! How many Halls are mainline passed? If there is a gauging issue, surely it would have to come in by road. Afterall, 6024 couldn't get in by rail and that doesn't have gauging issues at Alresford!

Even if this is only a rumour and comes to nothing, there is enough there to keep me amused for the day.

I wait with baited breath!

 

The only GWR loco I can think of Chris with a possible gauging issue would be a 49XX. But it all sounds every intriguing.

 

It was 24 degrees in Alresford at 6 last night! Shame 5322 is missing its solo run from Ropley first thing in the morning, that would have been nice light at Wanders. as it is we get all these odd double headed combinations or tender first stuff, apart from Sat/Sunday on the RAT set. The 925 850 combination is also only running out of ALton early on, so will be an against the light shot.. previously this was an afternoon slot. 5322's solo effort is also now at the wrong side of midday, still it should sound terrific. I think TE wise it is a bit more powerful than the U , so a shame not to see it on its own a bit more

 

Steve,

If there is another loco on the way. The latest roster could change again.

 

Good, all the more audible from on the train!

 

GW locos are pretty vocal, I once sat in my garden in Alresford and heard Nunney Castle all the way from Alresford to Grosvenor road bridge just outside Medstead!

 

In addition to visiting the Gala on Friday and Saturday I will be travelling on the line tommorrow and will keep my eyes peeled for a WR surprise guest...............

 

Apologies, last question by me!

I don't suppose anyone has been into Alresford today and seen the Mogul? I might pop in on my way to Mottisfont for 70000 if it has appeared...

Thanks in advance

James at SVN

 

5322 Unloaded at 5 tonight, facing London, 92212 also turned, tender not yet but I assume will be soon

 

Please can anyone confirm that the N Class, 31874, will appear as advertised as a static at Ropley.

Thanks

David Moore

 

Interesting - you've certainly got us guessing, Chris. A Hall, a King and several Castles have all on the MHR without gauging problems, and nothing comes much bigger or wider than that, unless Didcot has been secretly building a replica of The Great Bear!

 

Fire Fly???

 

Excellent

 

A Manor?

 

Although i know we shouldn't trust rumours but it did say from the mainline. There aren't any mainline Manors.

 

There's a pretty limited choice of GW motive power on the mainline if the rumour is true.

 

I suggested on the basis part of the rumour was wrong and this would explain the possible gauging issues at Alresford, since Kings,Castle and Halls have visited before.

 

It doesn't explain that at all really. Surely various track maintenance and replacement means that the Castle or Hall that was fine to run into Alresford a few years back may have issues now....?