MHR Autumn Steam Gala 2014.

Where are we going to fit all these locos? Ropley will be packed.

 

Plus 92212 was absent from the last autumn gala, so will make a welcome return.

 

No it wont......... a certain gentleman's engines won't be there anymore, soooo the head shunt at Ropley will be quite empty - problem solved!!

 

Maybe put the engines that won't be in service down the Alresford headshunt for the weekend?

If that is the plan, I wonder if the MHR are going to look at running another evening photo session like at the Autumn 2012 event?

EDIT: Forgot the John Bunch engines won't be around, so Ropley headshunt will be rather empty!

James

 

It will be rather strange to see all but one of the resident loco's sitting in the yard during the daytime at a major Gala.
I wonder what the chances are of 92212 appearing in weathered condition for this event? She would look rather good next to a re-born 70025.................

 

21B, thanks for the tip-off about how soon 31806's MHR duties will be done, will try to zip across on Tuesday for the last service after a morning at Swanage. Not exactly been short of mileage behind 31806 at the Mid-Hants either when visiting as a kid in the 1980s or since getting back into things in recent years, but it feels so synonymous with the line I want to grab one last chance for a ride/photo.

 

It really would be a shame to see Lord Nelson and Cheltenham clogging up the yard at Ropley. Now, if you could just tow them to East Grinstead then I'm sure a home could be found for them for a few weeks...

 

It will make a refreshing change to have all bar one of the home fleet given a weekend off!

I think the team involved in organising the gala should be given a big pat on the back for showing initiative and letting the guest engines have the freedom of the line.

Which leaves me thinking....... if the home fleet are to be parked out of the way to make room for the visitors, when the yard is empty of said engines - will some or all of the home fleet be shunted back into the yard to allow for cab visits???

It would certainly add some interest between trains!

 

As we are having a GWR gala you fancy sending down the Earl would make a nice static exhibit

 

Going back many years ago. I can remember locos being used on a gala were stabled on the pit road for fire cleaning and smokebox cleaning and then moved to the station loop for overnight stabling.

 

That is still how its done, there is an overnight crew who look after the locos in light steam and coal/water them before shunting with the 08.

 

She's missing a tender!

Tom

 

Yes - it's going to be very different from most MHR galas. I wonder how the goods trains will be handled. Normally, the resident fleet share these workings in order to maximise the opportuities for a run behind all the visiting locos. If this formula were adhered to, it would result in 92212 having a monopoly of the workings all three days. which would be a shame. I hope 4270 can be given a go at some stage.

 

Final addition to the line up is 1450 with autocoach W231

 

Err, no it isn't......................... If you read the statement, there's the possibility of A N OTHER guest!

Any way, I did say you lot would be pleasantly surprised!

Blue King anyone?..................................

 

Pretty sure it is then!

https://www.facebook.com/watercressline?ref=ts&fref=ts

 

Oh please let it be 6023. That would top what already looks like a fantastic event.

As for 1450 and the Autocoach I've only seen it once (well glimpsed would be better) when it was at the Bluebell and saw it at Kingscote station as I went past.

 

Has anyone ACTUALLY read the LAST LINE??????????????????????????

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/art...announcement/d0943b7ab3b05606b4a1755d89f59f3e

 

Ah, now I get ya! I thought you were on about 1450 not being announced, rather than not being the final guest. Makes sense now!

 

Hurrah!!