MHR Pre-Spring Gala, S & D theme: 17-19th February 2017

Very nice picture, even if it is a box.
The 33's & 73's are the only classes of diesels that I've seen every member of, there used to be loads of them around Clapham Jct years ago.

 

Can't wait to see what they come up with, timetable wise.

 

How will they be able to do shuttles and freight though? It'll just be a normal day if that's the case with them as extras as there'd be only two full line sets, which I'd be a little disappointed with in all honesty however I'd still go in all probability.

I guess the pain will be 41312 because I assume she can't take as many coaches as the other locos?

If they could rotate all locos with all stock, 3 passenger sets and the goods all full line passing at Alton, M&FM and Ropley, with loco swaps at Alton loop - incoming loco to uncouple off one set and proceed into stock in platform and go straight back out. The engine that originally brought the stock that's just left the platform to collect the stock just brought into the loop from Alresford. I believe that's what happened when Tornado visited?

 

I'd suggest wait & see what the gala planners have up their sleeve.......

 

Not this old chestnut again! I know I'm not the only one who will stay away if that's the plan. I really resent the loss of choice which comes from being stranded in the Alton loop, unable to catch the next departure and denied a round trip behind a particular loco. I know you can't please all the people all the time, but I'm afraid this is a deal breaker for me!

 

Personally, I can't see being stuck in Alton loop whilst engines swap over being done - there aren't enough loco's to achieve that - so, as they say, watch this space or more correctly the website & hopefully you'll come for what promises to be a good weekend! ...... if the weather plays ball.......

 

I will be attending this event and can't wait. I am hoping to clock up some mileage behind 76017 as she has eluded me on recent visits.
One question. Will the field at Ropley be in use as it is not mentioned on the MHR Website?

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

leaving aside questions, debate and discussions about the timetable and loco rosters, I'm just hoping that the weather improves and gets a bit warmer by the 17th February. Last year's spring gala was cold enough thank you very much.

 

Well my tickets are booked now can't wait.

 

But we like cold - makes for better clag ergo better photo's. At least you can warm up on the train or waiting room or buffet - try being lineside...... but we are a hardy bunch.

 

Well, yes, the cold weather does have some advantages photo-wise.
As to being a hardy bunch, I'd agree with that, but many of my (non-railway) friends regard me as being a bit crazy, if not totally mad, to actually want to go hunting steam trains in freezing cold weather.
I did point out to one of them that he was quite happy to sit outdoors in the same freezing weather watching 22 men run around a field and he agreed that I did have a point.

 

Timetable up on the website:
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/shopimages/Pre Spring Gala Timetable.pdf

Anyone able to tell us which way the loco's are facing, thanks?

 

All facing Alton as far as I am aware.

 

Many thanks John

 

Just over 8 hours of running a day, nice
@cymroglan will be cheering I hope, as there is no swapping locos in the loop. Are you going to attend?

 

Loud cheering here. Attending all day Sat and Sun morning. First event of the year for me!

 

Lightweight... GCR was last weekend
I'm hoping to be at Ropley at around 07:00 to grab some shots at dawn, before heading off to pick up the 09:45 from Alresford for the day on Friday.

 

Given the lack of visitors, a shame they couldn't have snuck a cheeky night shoot in there but beggars / choosers and all that

 

What's to stop you rocking up to the yard as the loco's come in for disposal & staying a bit longer?.....

 

I plan to be there Friday & Saturday. It's the first gala of the year for me too.
Thinking about it, for the past few years the MHR galas have been my first & last galas of the year.