Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

Great to get an update. Anyone else remember the bad old days when a knackered throat plate was tantamount to a boiler's death sentence?

It was pleasing to see the comment about Eastleigh Works getting busier as well . It wasn't all that long ago it looked as if the whole kit'n'kaboodle would vanish forever under redevelopment proposals.

 

Bit of a transformation.......

http://preservation.watercressline.co.uk/news/entry/douglas-reborn

 

92212 has departed for Toton to have its tyres turned

 

According to the MHR web site the Pre Steam gala 2018 will be from 9th-11th February 2018.

https://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php?xProd=21

 

The wagon group took delivery of its latest acquisition to the running fleet, yesterday, well it will be once its been fettled!

 

Pre Steam gala...
Is that a horse show?

 

Canal boats

 

End of Steam 1968 theme perhaps? Home fleet of Std 4, Black Five, 9F and Ivatt Tank. Hire in an 8F or another Black Five or 70013?

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

8F would be nice....

 

I will say nothing, except to say, I reckon this was taken yesterday as there was a cleaning gang giving it, 45379 & 925 some TLC........

 

TLC indeed...

 

9F awaiting some TLC at Ropley.

British Railways Standard 9F 92212 by Tim White, on Flickr

British Railways Standard 9F 92212 by Tim White, on Flickr

A Merchant Navy visiting Alresford 20-22/10

Guildford O Gauge - Bulleid Merchant Navy by Tim White, on Flickr

Another Bulleid visiting Alresford. This time a Q1 !

Guildford O Gauge - Q1 by Tim White, on Flickr

 

Back to steam at the Mid-Hants yesterday, Cheltenham and the Black Five working on Wizard Weekend.

 

But they forgot the Wizard Express headboard on the first trip yesterday!

45379 passes the signal by Arle Images, on Flickr

soon remedied....
Wizard Express by Arle Images, on Flickr

Cheltenham was on good form

Cheltenham speeds into Sun Lane cutting by Arle Images, on Flickr

Hammie was also out today

Hampshire Unit at the old A31 bridge by Arle Images, on Flickr

Last up train for a while.....

Sunset at Rookwood by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

It was nice to see 925 back in steam yesterday.

So a few from me.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/37989487182/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/37989461812/in/dateposted-public/

And not forgetting 45379.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/37310958584/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/37310938844/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/37310924644/in/dateposted-public/

In other news, it appears that the overhaul of the Tar Wagon is complete & is, I believe soon set to join the freight rake.

 

Steve and Dave have given you action shots from the weekend, so I'll give you a couple from the yard

A couple of the visitors from the gala still in the yard at Ropley

BR Class 03 - 03 197 by Tim White, on Flickr

The Standard 4MT evidently undergoing some fettling in light steam

British Railways Standard 4 - 76017 by Tim White, on Flickr

 

Now that the clocks have gone back, Ropley yard is much more atmospheric at 17:30 whilst the locos are being prepared for the RAT & Belle.
Cheltenham headed The Belle whilst the RAT was top and tailed by the Black 5 and Lion as it was a little slippy over the alps.

Southern Schools Class 925 - Cheltenham by Tim White, on Flickr

76017 has her cylinders back together, but doesn't appear to have moved since last weekend.

British Railways Standard 4MT - 76017 by Tim White, on Flickr

British Railways Standard 4MT - 76017 by Tim White, on Flickr

Two of the Gala visitors still remain at Ropley

CR Class 33 - 33202 and Class 03 - 03 197 by Tim White, on Flickr

 

Very interesting message circulated to loco and traffic departments today from our Operations Manager:
"8th Nov 2017
The MHR has agreed to acquire locomotive 73096 from Mr John Bunch at its operational value and the locomotive will arrive at MHR shortly.
Upon final payment being made the parties have agreed to extinguish all claims."
It will be good to welcome this "really useful engine" back to the Watercress Line and to reach a satisfactory conclusion to at least one of our historical "unpleasantnesses".

 

i never saw that one coming its not an early april fools is it ?

 

I do hope not. Actually got New Year's Eve off work so don't want to have missed it!

Talk about "under the radar". If this really is true then well done to those who negotiated the deal.

Now for the WIBN: A Standard Gala with 73096, 75069, 76017, 80150 & 92212 from the home fleet!