Mid Hants Railway - End of Southern Steam Gala 1-2, 8-9 July 2017

34058 is in the Alresford Traincare /Hampshire Unit siding and can be viewed from the London en of Plat 1

 

I'd love to but as well as doing the Bluebell I have other things as well sadly. Really looking forward to both days this weekend though.

Thanks for the info on 34058, Hampshire Unit.

 

Do members still get the usual discount when purchasing a multi-day pass (full price £75, members price £37.50?).
We are intending to visit Saturday of the first weekend and Friday & Saturday of the second weekend. I would ask the MHR twitter feed but I have never had a reply to questions asked on there before.

Very excited about this event. 34007 as 34019 looks very good (and very grimy) from the picture on the MHR Ropley blog. Can't wait to see the mighty 35006 flexing her muscles a bit over the Alps. Also looking forward to travelling behind the immaculate 80078.
I hope the folks on the 80150 stand have some t-shirts in sizes other than XXXL. I wanted to buy one at the last gala but that was the only size they had. That is like a very large tent on my frame. Got any Mediums printed up?
Anyway, I will be topping up the DeLorean tonight and entering 01-07-1967 into the dial ready for tomorrow...........

 

Looking at the BBC weather app tonight. The weather should be ok for this coming Saturday and Sunday. With rain showing for Monday and Tuesday and then becoming sunny again for next Friday,Saturday, Sunday.

 

Issues appear to be afoot. First shuttle off Alresford caped and 33 (I assume) having to bring the first Alton train from Alresford to Ropley, where 34052 and 34053 are waiting.

 

yes 930 cancelled and 33 on 945 as far as Ropley. Just like the 2017 Southern Railway

 

There were problems with 34053 and 41312 was stuck behind her. All sorted now. Been here since 9.15. Brilliant atmosphere and loads of people. Field was very full when we arrived. What an event this is going to be.

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Now enjoying some Bulleid chatter with 34081 up to Medstead

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Yes

Yes 34081 sounded great. Now at Medstead waiting for 34052 ex Alton. 92212 in steam at Ropley presumably stand by loco. Late running building up nicely

 

A few photos from this morning. I must say 34081 looks and sounds great.

 

A man of impeccable taste.

 

Just back from a brilliant first day. Bravo to everyone involved. Despite the problems first thing this morning things were running near to time later on.
Travelled behind three of the Bulleids today and all sounded superb. 34081 and 35006 were immaculate and I spent a fair while admiring both during their lay over time at Alton. The reaction of one guy this morning watching the BB double-header depart Ropley sums up the emotions of this event. As he turned away from the train he wiped tears from his eyes.

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Yes, a shaky start but things soon got into their stride. I do wish I hadn't bothered leaving the gala to see 46100 on the Pullmans, as to be honest, I put 80 miles on the car and for a bowled shot at Worplesdon and not even being able to park in time at Albury to make up for it. Never mind, the bits I did do were very good. Back tomorrow and Friday... photos to follow!

James

 

35006 in action at Borovere Lane and Horse Lane.




James

 

It was a good day with plenty of recovery time in the time-table help to make up the morning deficit. Travelled behind all the visitors & I agree that 34081 sounded in good form! Loads of people around but didn't see too much argy-bargy bar one child almost getting bowled out of the way trying to get ourt of a door. One disappointment was the van train. With such a lovely variety in the rake of wagons (and the effort that goes into restoring /maintaining it) why oh why at galas does it so often get cut short. The link to the Winchester tomato train did seem a bit tenuous compared to the prospect of seeing the full rake storm through Ropley.
Anyhow, 1st world problems - it was an enjoyable day!

 

What a great day of nostalgia and meeting old friends from 1967. The only real Bulleid 34081 was the star for me. Whoever designed the robust timetable deserves a medal. We will be back in the 8th.

 

I spent most of the day standing and the late 10:50 from Alton had a load of us standing in the larger doorways.

I had spells behind all the visitors (I'll get longer trips behind 34081 and 35006 tomorrow) and enjoyed the 34052/34053 double header back to Alton at the end if the day.

 

Two superb books by a certain Mr Benn of National Preservation arrived in the post this week and have been getting me in the mood for the MHR event. Thank you Don for writing these great books. The Twilight of SR Steam volume is without doubt the best I have ever seen about the end of SR Steam. I think I even recognised some of the faces featured in the 1967 pictures down at the MHR today.
I also bought the new Southern Steam Swansong book by Paul Cooper from Alresford this afternoon and got a signed copy. I highly recommend all three books pictured below.
My Dad and I are back tomorrow as today was so good.

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Now the MHR can see how good a Unrebuilt light Pacific looks in Malachite green. Just hope we see 34007 turned out in Malachite green next time it's overhaul.

 

Well said sir.