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

Only around seven weeks until the gala.

 

Well Britannias missing wheel set has turned up can they get her back in action in under 5 weeks for the gala

 

They bloomin' better!

 

You still coming down for the gala then, we need to educate you what proper Southern engines are like

 

Yep, definite now! I've been told the signals go the wrong way as well.

 

Just so you don't feel too disorientated, Alex, you might be glad to know that some LSWR signals drop for "go" and the Mid Hants have a few (there's one visible from the footpath crossing west of Northside lane, Ropley, if my memory seres me correctly.) LBSCR signals also drop for "go."

 

will there be a A to R shuttle train and what is planned to run it

 

I doubt there will be a shuttle as all the locos at the gala and can easily run up the alps. Unless they get the thumper out which would be unlikely with it being a steam gal.

 

It could be an ideal running in turn for 70000...... If she is ready

 

I think with a little bit of luck she will be ready for the autumn gala ;-)

 

As I understand it, 70000 due to enter wheel drop shed on Monday for re-fitting of front coupled wheelset.

 

Any news on Bittern yet?
The only thing I can find (on RTT) arriving at Alton that looks odd is a round trip from Hither Green on the 20th, and that doesn't go anywhere near Southall (I assume Bittern is back at Southall)
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U98834/2015/01/20/advanced

I may break my journey to work on Tuesday, and sit around on Patform 5 at Clapham to see what this is.
140 tons would be about right for an A4 and Tender, surely.

 

Yes but not timed at 90mph. Interesting move tho, I shall wander down to my local station to see it pass. I am keeping my eyes peeled for movements from Southall Loco Services tho. There is such a dearth of stuff to film I am even contemplating toddling down to film on a toy railway.

 

I see it has an almost immediate reverse, its not a normal rail treatment run, so it could be the test and measurement train. Has there been an A4 down there since the track was moved and resignalled? gauging perhaps?

 

Hmm, it does go via Aldershott, so perhaps but you would have thought they already had those numbers.

 

Most likely a NR measurement train as they regularly stable in the yard between Hither Green and Grove Park.

Regards,

Dan

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O65051/2015/01/19/advanced

Bittern arrives at the MHR today....

James

 

And she's lost her valances, according to a photo on Facebook!



Posted by Nigel Carlisle on Railway Photography Group

 

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR GRRRRRRRRRRRRR GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR MASIVE GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

I checked RTT this morning it wasn't there then, then went down to the alton line and the MHR to mooch about and find spots and while i was on my way back this was moving down there.

 

The wheels are on, see the Britannia thread for a vid.