Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

201 is the Alton turn.

 

I understand trains are likely to be delayed today, as several of the rare Bentley's Donkey (Aprilis Asininus) have been found in the cutting at Medstead and they are refusing to move. My good friend T Hatt said he would love to help remove them, but he has recently suffered a slight hernia, and his Doctor has forbidden him to push....

 

45379 in service today, nice to see it again after a little break. Duty Druid also informed me that 92212 was running on Friday, so a bit of relief for 76017.

 

On the subject of that 'really useful engine' for the 1st time I can remember, yesterday completely sold out!

Also the event has been listed at No.2, in a MoS supplement, of the top `10 things to do this Easter.

 

Black 5 and 9F in service over the weekend (with Lion also running on Saturday).

A stormy looking Ropley yard.

Stormy Ropley Yard by Tim White, on Flickr

45379 being prepared for The Belle

British Railways Black 5 - 45379 by Tim White, on Flickr

The Ivatt tucked up in the Wheel Drop

Ivatt 2MT - 41312 by Tim White, on Flickr

A far more pleasant Sunday lunchtime at Alresford - The Black 5's tender must have had some serious polishing !

British Railways Black 5 - 45379 by Tim White, on Flickr

 

It was a 'fun' day up at Medstead yesterday - hot & humid for a start.......but plenty of progress being made on some "troublesome trucks".......

We had the strange sight of the 9F coming up the bank solo just before lunch - we thought it had come up to rescue the 50 - but no, found out later it had 'failed' on its 1st train at Ropley - so into the yard for some TLC & to plague-arise a well known ad - "You can't get quicker than a Ropley fitter" - so back down the bank it went to pick up is train!

We also gave an impromptu yard tour to some visitors wanting photo's of one of the vehicles in the yard for an art project - & later just as I'd finished painting, the heavens opened!

But hell's teeth, did the wet stuff come down last night - glad I left when I did!

My take on yesterday.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/39817042340/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/40914345504/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/41584871952/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/41584969152/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/39816905080/in/photostream/

 

50027 "Lion"had a running day on Saturday, but due to signal problems and a problem with the 9F, the timetable slipped a bit. This led to the 50's last trip being cancelled as the stock was required to be back in time for the RAT. The first up working, shown here, enjoyed a brief spell of sun.

 

Just to remind everyone Saturday 19th May will be the first running day for 47579.

 

Is there any chance someone could have a word with the webmaster to put up the loco roster for May?

Thanks

 

Black 5 fixed and running today (92212 Tues and Weds) so I think highly likely that it will be 45379 and 92212 on Sat/Sunday Saturday also sees the inaugral "Juniper Express" which will likely feature 45379 unless it breaks down again - just heard it at the bottom of my garden so fingers crossed for the weekend. Last weekend Hammie came out to play as well, plus a "Blue 3"

Spring Countryman by Arle Images, on Flickr

Crompton and cowslips by Arle Images, on Flickr

1125 at Wanders (2) by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

Why not email the railway direct rather than asking on here.

 

Good idea - I should have done this. Thanks.

 

It pretty much has to be 45379 and 92212 because the Ivatt is too small for either the RAT or the Belle (at present) on its own. The std4 and 925 are both stopped for repairs / annual exam.

 

Gin Train and RAT tomorrow night

 

Is that meant to imply that the Belle is heavier than normal at the moment, or the Ivatt is not on top form?

 

My last firing turn was on the Ivatt working the Belle set but that was some years ago.

 

You forgot to mention its clapped out vintage bus running day on Sunday as well.

 

I think you will find Friends of King Alfred buses think they are running on the 7th May
https://kingalfredbuses.org.uk/runningday.php

Cheers, Neil

 

The Belle is heavier than normal at the moment!

 

Indeed- extra coach being dragged around for braking purposes. However, the "Juniper Express" is using the Countryman- set- three coaches including 1973 kitchen car, plus two other coaches. Catering courtesy of Pulpo Negro