MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Just to add on to this. There are another two more huts being built on the Alton section. One at Yew tree curve and another to possibly built under Hampshire Hunt bridge or possible the other side of Butts bridge.

 

These huts are a real enhancement to the Mid Hants lineside

 

The most recent Mid Hants News stated that they wont be building a hut under Hampshire Hunt Bridge due to issues with tamping and keeping in guage due to the low height of the bridge, however under the bridge is the remnants of an original lineside hut.

 

I heard it was only an idea to reinstate the hut at Hampshire hunt bridge. What I do know is another hut will be built in the Alton section some time next year. I wonder what will appear on the line side next after the huts are completed. Stone chipping boxes would look great next to the huts.

 

Write up now on Mid Hants website: http://preservation.watercressline.co.uk/news/entry/watercress-line-is-fit-for-royalty

 

It is more likely the hut will be removed and the line slewed toward the centre of the bridge to improve clearances.

 

Anyone able to give a steer as to likely locos for next week from Monday 13th?

 

You'll probably have to wait until the dust has settled behind Thomas before the loco roster is updated. 925 is off to Swanage for their gala next week, and Bittern is only contracted for a limited number of steaming days this year, so I doubt either of them will be running. Nellie and the Black Five are available for traffic and so is Wadebridge, but I think the 9F might still be waiting for the pony truck to be reassembled. Does that help?

 

I really appreciate your reply.
I do understand about the huge demands the long Thomas season makes on time! I will be along for the 50 at the weekend, on my own, but will probably drag a young lady over midweek with the promise of a nice meal at one of the better local restaurants as an enticement....

 

Good thinking. It's worked for me for years !! <BJ>

 

The plan as it stands is to use 45379 and 34007 all week next week. 30925 is away to Swanage. 30850 is stopped for annual exam. 92212 is stopped for ashpan replacement (due to complete in around 2 weeks time). 60019 is available, but would be a last resort given limited number of days available.

 

Much appreciated! Good to know Mr free2grice that you use the same technique as me!

 

Weren't 41312 and 76017 supposed to be running by now? What state have they reached?

 

Give them a chance!

Other things like repairs to 34007 & 92212 will no doubt have focused attention away from them for a while.........

Best place as ever to keep up is with the Wednesday gang's blogs.

As the saying goes, they'll be ready when they're ready.............. and I'm led to believe (though could be wrong) the Ivatt doesn't need too much doing so in theory should be out first, but no idea when!

 

They are both being worked on, however Ropley MPD is in the fortunate situation to have enough motive power (850, 925,34007, 45379, 4464 & 92212) for this season, so there is no real rush to get them out; as duty druid says they will be ready when they are ready!.

 

There is a plan for both 41312 and 76017, and both are nearing the end of their overhauls. However, it would be wrong to share the plan in public just yet since there is still a lot that could change. We have only so many hours in the day and running trains comes first. We are in a hurry to complete them soon, but not rushing the job.

 

Sounds a sensible balanced approach. If you let things slow down too much to a trot, then volunteers can lose impetus and interest, however rushing the job too quick is something the MHR of recent years has never done and has paid dividends in overall reliability.

I think 60019, 45379 and the now departed 31806 are testament to that to name but a few.

I look forward to seeing 41312 and 76017 back in service sometime in the forthcoming months ahead.

 

Contractors finished boring the valve liners on 41312 today. The new valve heads are on order and expected imminently for machining to size. Valve rings and piston rings are in hand too so we will be able to reassemble the motion in a few weeks time.

 

I'm coming over to the Mid-Hants for a few hours on my morning off on Tuesday, just wondered what time the light engine moves normally leave Ropley before the start of service as I'll be able to get there early and would be good to spend a bit of time around the shed during the prep first thing. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

News from E828 from ERPS http://www.erps.co.uk/boilerrebuild.html