MHR Restorations and Overhauls

Great to see the ERPS making progress with 828.

 

i could never understand why the Urie LPS and ERPS didnt merge into one group when they moved to the Mid Hants, but its good to see 828 making progress, it will be good to be able to see what if any difference there is between the Maunsel and Urie versions of the class. 506 was alway a dream to work, free steaming, and once you got the knack even using the flap presented no problems

 

Off shed somwhere around 9.30 usually.

 

Great stuff, thanks. Should be there by 9 if traffic's co-operative. Need to head off for work at 12.30 but a mooch around the shed and a ride behind Wadebridge up a hill will be a good start to my day.

 

Well worth popping in this morning - extra bit of variety with 37324 standing in for Wadebridge as far as Ropley on the first up train, and D6836 running in the yard too (a much appreciated bonus as work means I won't make it to any of the diesel running days till May). Always enjoy a Bulleid Pacific up a hill and 45379 has definitely swung me round to appreciating Black 5s over my last two Watercress visits. The only downside was that I should've stayed all day - spent the following 4.5 hours stuck on the M3 after fire/shunt ahead and didn't make it to work till it was basically time to go home again.

 

In other news... There is a big blue engine running today.

Edit: Scrub that. We're now having a mini Diesel Gala.

 

Two photos taken from today. Great to see 34007 Wadebridge in service today

 

Whats prompted that - fire risk?

If so, sensible move, given the amount of crops in the proximity of the line.

 

50027 Lion was on a running day. Nice to see a fair few people coming today to ride behind 50027 Lion. Always look forward to a diesel running day. From memory 205025 Hampshire unit is out tomorrow.

 

Seems 45379 was replaced by 4464 this morning, which later failed, hence the use is the 37.

 

They must have worn 4464 out during the Thomas event. It's a little strange to read that out of the loco's running, 34007 & 4464, 4464 failed! 34007 is definitely a different beast now.
I hope the problem is not too serious with 4464 or she might retire earlier than expected.

 

I understand from posts on Faceache that 4464 had brake problems. So shouldn't be too much trouble to put right hopefully.

 

A couple of photos from today.

The big blue engine alongside the star of the day, the other big blue engine

50 027 Lion Ropley & Gresley A4 4464 Bittern - Ropley by timz2011, on Flickr

4464 heading for the shed.

Gresley A4 4464 Bittern - Ropley by timz2011, on Flickr
@green five, I expect the Ropley Wizards will have her back in traffic shortly.

Class 50, 50 027 - Lion at Alresford

50 027 Lion Alresford by timz2011, on Flickr

 

Bittern only made it from Alresford to Ropley...I have been working on the Belle and had hoped we might get some A4 haulage.....

 

Just as well it didn't happen at the gala....... though it looks like "Thomas" may have taken its toll..........

So what hauled the Belle tonight, Wadebridge?

 

Yes, although neither Dan nor Bernie could find the "Watercress Belle" headboard in the new BG- (80233 in Blood and Custard)
Watercress Belle -1st of 2015 by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

Really enjoyed the day out with Lion, Wadebridge and an unexpected 37! Brilliant day, with the Bittern problem handled professionally and quickly. I was impressed with the way staff kept us informed.
No criticism intended, but I do wonder why so many of Bittern's steaming days were allocated to Thomas. I'm guessing it's for operational reasons rather than marketing reasons? I would have thought an A4 could be marketed to the public and to train fans and attract extra visitors, say on Bank Holiday Weekends or August weekends or whatever? I freely admit to knowing nothing about how such matters are decided, but I'm genuinely interested.

 

Bitterne was running the Countryman diner today (Sunday) with Wadebridge and the Hampshire unit running their own services. All three looked great.

 

Flying Bittern by Arle Images, on Flickr

Wadebridge nears Wanders by Arle Images, on Flickr
Hampshire Unit in Hampshire Countryside by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

The A4 is fine as the excellent picture above demonstrates.

Regarding its usage. We have to have a certain number of character engines at Thomas events and the A4 (Spencer from the TV version apparently) was one of those.