MHR Spring Steam Gala 2015: 13th - 15th February

Is that a bad thing? The MHR benefit from an excellent working relationship with Locomotive Services Ltd (Icons of Steam), having previously overhauled Bittern & 92212 (currently having the 9f as part of the home fleet) as well as undertaken running maintenance on others within the Loco Services pool.

 

Tricky one! It's always hard to turn down a Mid-Hants event (the gradients are too entertaining) but I've had a fair amount of time with all those home fleet engines in recent years now, Britannia on that route is fairly familiar from the October 2013 gala (and that early-nineties closure anniversary gala, which is oddly lodged in my memory - that was a great little event with the M7, S15, Britannia, 76017 and the Thumper), so the selling point is Bittern. Do absolutely love A4s but the date makes it hard. That Friday is a tricky one to miss work on and I'd rather spend February 14 with my wife, and a full day on the Mid-Hants wouldn't have much appeal for her, a trip is fine but the rover-or-nowt ticket policy is a bit of a stumbling block as there's not £25 worth of entertainment for her there. Suspect this is one where I'll be indecisive until the morning of Feb 15.

 

Extra news - following the Gala Bittern will spend the next year based on the MHR - https://medium.com/@IconsOfSteam/an-extra-year-of-bittern-ae63b26f7d64

 

Although they are not new visitors I will be happy with that line-up

It will be good to see 4464 back on the MHR after some time away on the Big Railway. Last time she visited she was in disguise as 4492. It's rather fitting that she sees out her ticket where it all began again.
It will also be good to have 70000 back in action at last. I wonder if the parts made for the WR swap will be used?
Alas, no new visitors as they probably couldn't get any but it will be a great opportunity to enjoy all the residents in action together. Looking forward to the return of 34007 after a lot of work in Ropley shed. I just hope the weather is going to be okay.

 

Very inviting for someone who has seen bittern static and that's it, I've seen Cheltenham a couple of times but I don't care! Right I'm off to sell this to Dad!

 

Interesting to note that what I was told about 4464 has rung true.........

 

Remember my offer of free tea or coffee.... might even be talk Dave into providing biscuits to dunk ;-)

 

I will, what day you thinking? If it's half term I'd prefer the Friday as probably less busy and less time for things to go wrong! If not probably Saturday for the latter reason. Dad's sold on the lineup, but 1 hour 45 is a bit of a trek, I think he's coming round to the idea though. It's just close enough for it to be my birthday outing which helps.

 

And the award for least imaginative gala line-up goes to....

 

Possibly the Bluebell. When did they last have a proper gala?

 

All we need now is a rake of Gresley teak stock to go with her.

 

Its ok they are having a "Giants of Steam" next year with a class 5 as one of the giants…. I suppose is that the smallest loco power rating at this so called "least imaginative gala"

 

And you expected what?......

Given that most loco's at that time of year are either winterised or undergoing maintenance!

All I know is that SSS IV has put a spanner in the works for quite a few lines SSG's next year.

 

There'll be an A4 and that's all you need for an excellent gala.

 

Oh Yes!!

Shame we cant nick the Teaks from The Valley........

 

Problem with big engines on a line with no gradients like the MHR ** is you can't hear 'em Much more fun with a smaller engine actually having to work hard!

Tom

** Only kidding chaps - well, a little bit...

 

Agree - my response to A1X was in jest!

On a serious note with double headed terriers what power ratio is 0+0? My maths fails me

 

We seem to work on about 0+0 = 2 and 2 + 0 = 3ish ...

Tom

 

And there was me thinking we'd better keep a Diesel on standby in the yard at Ropley, to give the snowplough a shove up the bank to Medstead.

 

There's a fairly cheap travel lodge in Four Marks. Travel down for Friday morning, travel back Saturday evening. Split's the journey and you get 2 days out of it