MHR Thumper 1125

After a few false starts, fundraising has started for the overhaul of MHR based Hampshire unit 1125.
Mechanically sound, (expensive) major bodywork repairs are required.

Link here to donate to this very historic and important unit.

Facebook page search Thumper 1125.




https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ham ... =pfp-share


And if you’re feeling generous, link to Lions ongoing fund.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding ... erhaulfund

 

Unit will be on display this weekend for the engineering weekend open days.

Should be manned in order show people the work required to get it back in service.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ham ... LQjcvDCiqQ

 

Milestone reached today with the donation fund hitting £10k

Link here

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ham ... _source=CL

Most recent update below >>>>>

Firstly apologies for the lack of recent updates. Christmas train services have distracted many people, and the weather hasn't been conducive for working parties either.

A great deal is taking place behind the scenes in terms of putting together a project plan, and discussing how and where we can move the project on.

The fundraising is progressing well and we are immensely grateful to everyone that has supported us so far.

Back in November we purchased a window repair panel from our friends at South Devon Railway Engineering. This followed a considerable amount of research into the design. To show a bit of perspective we took the opportunity the show how the repair panels fit into the plan, and where they actually go.

The panels are larger than required, so that they can be trimmed accordingly, and the photos below illustrate the extent of the area they cover. Panels are reversable and therefore two panels are required to produce a complete window.

Repair panels cost £103.20 each, and we will be looking to purchase more very shortly. How can you help?

If you would like to sponsor a panel, or indeed a pair of panels, we will engrave your name on the inside of the panel for posterity, and will advise you where your panels have been fitted into the unit.
Once we commence the bodywork repairs, the more panels that we have in stock, will determine the speed at which we can repair the unit.

If you wish to sponsor a panel, please ensure that you add a note to the JustGiving page along with any details of names etc.

Lions link here if you’re also feeling generous

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding ... ntoservice

 

The latest press release about getting a 150 unit (discussed in the MHR thread) mentions the "Thumper"
https://watercressline.co.uk/heritage-train-first-for-the-watercress-line/

Think what she means is the Hampshire Unit has not had a regular service on the MHR, but when restored will take over the new early daily service from the 150 unit, and the 150 will be backup for the Hampshire unit.
Also means either the Thumper or the 150 can go to galas and other events, with the other staying to run the daily early service.

The appearance of the MK3 based 150 also resembles the 455 EMUs used on suburban lines in the South of England but now being withdrawn

 

Sorry not sure what point you are trying to make over and above the press release.

 

Eventually the MHR are committing the Hampshire Unit to be running a daily early service for those arriving from the mainline at Alton.
The Bluebelle railway are also planning something similar with their Hampshire Unit at East Grinstead

 

With a 1 train (steam) service the first train ex Alton isn’t till mid day (ish).

With a unit to balance that out with a 1030 ish departure people can catch up with the steam at the next available station.
Missing a train completely would mean they probably bugger off to Bird World etc but giving them another train option (for very little cost) hopefully meaning they stay with us.

 

Looks like from
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thumper1125/
1125 had a full inspection with a view to update the refurb project plan.