Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

There was lots of evidence of small lineside fires last Sunday, can only get worse with the weather forcast I guess. Could a diesel only service be on the cards soon?

 

As long as the fires stay inside our boundary as they have so far....no. All the locos have very effective spark arrestors and the fires are coming from the ashpans (hence being lineside). As long as the crews continue to use the ashpan sprays almost continuously I think it will be ok. However, two or three fires outside our boundaries could change that pretty rapidly.

 

92212 rolled into Alton this morning as we arrived on the SWR service from Aldershot. Went to the Bus Rally. I haven't been for a long time but this event is massive now. Excellent day out. A few pictures from the day:

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*Apologies for two of the pictures being on their side.

 

There was a three train service, with a swift turn around at Alresford from what I could hear! Hammie was out of action as it has a broken spring on one of the brush holders, so 33 202 was out

 

For those who take SWR to Alton, I see you now get a 2 for 1 deal (not Galas or special events) :

https://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/watercress-line

 

Looking at coming down next weekend for one of the freight train running days, does anyone have timings for the freight trains? I know the website shows departure times from Alresford and Alton, but these don't seem to work with the standard 2 train timetable - there appears to be an 11:15 Up freight out of Alresford and an 11:16 Down passenger from Ropley! Thanks in advance if anyone can clarify.

 

If it is the same as last year, the freight leave Alton at 11:16, 13:20 and 15:20
Alresford departures 12:22 14:27
Passenger services from Alton 10:50, 12:00 as per normal then 12:54, 14:05 and 15:00

 

PS still steam hauled at the moment, despite a field fire yesterday. We even had rain overnight in Alresford. RAT running next Friday, then RAT and Belle on Saturday night

 

Just been reading the new issue of Steam Railway and saw the report about the MHR being restricted to operating between Alresford and Medstead from January to July next year during the bridge replacement work at Alton. This is going to have a big impact on the Special Events for the first half of the year. Will there be any Vintage bus connecting services between Alton and Medstead to maintain the Alton to Alresford operation during the works period?

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Thanks very much!

 

Just to add to things........

I'm led to believe the freight is booked to do 3 round trips from Alresford departing at 1010, 1222, and 1415........

Oh, and don't forget, rides on the fully air conditioned Queen Mary Brake will be available for a suitable donation - hell, we're not proud - we'll take £5, £10, £20 or more!!

 

That is correct, and the Alton departures are, 11:15, 13:20 and 15:25.

 

Dave,

Any idea what’s going to be on the front of the freight train this coming Weekend.

Cheers

 

Could always use the Stagecoach bus service. From memory you would need to use route 64 bus.

https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s...les/South/Winchester/WI64Timetable19Nov17.pdf

 

Just got the WTT for Sat and Sun

Alresford dep for Freight 10:10 12:22 and 14:15 Alton as per Dave F's post above

 

I'd wager 92212, Lee, with 76017 & 925 on the service trains......

 

I see also that 92212 is to go to Crewe for overhaul when its boiler ticket runs out next year. Question is, will it return back to the MHR when the overhaul is complete?

 

I think it is just the 9F boiler which is off to Crewe for overhaul when the ticket runs out. They are hoping to have a quick turnaround on the overhaul.

 

Also available on the mhr freight train web site page.

https://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/39/freight-train-days

 

Popping down tomorrow to film the freight runs and, hopefully, have a ride on the last round trip from Alresford. Could anyone advise as to whether the freight runs through Ropley non-stop or not, please? A shot of the 9F accelerating through and away from the station would be rather lovely, I reckon

Thanks.