Cathedrals Express: 44871, Ashford to Alresford (MHR), 14/12/18.

Timings are up for this trip now hauled by Black Five 44871 from Ashford to Alton only:

Outward: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54810/2018/12/14/advanced
Return, Diesel hauled: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54812/2018/12/14/advanced
44871 turning move to Guildford: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54814/2018/12/14/advanced

The outward trip is now running a bit later than the original outline timings suggested. Was hoping to see it during my lunch break but won't be able to do this now. Will just be able to see the turning move in the dark.

 

Odd that the turning move is shown as 5Z46 (ECS) not 0Z46 (LE), given it's only got 4 mins in Guildford, it surely can't have a support coach with it? Maybe just an error on RTT.

 

From the timings it looks like 44871 only works the train as far as Alton (not Alresford). Does anyone know what is hauling the train onwards to Alresford? Will it be the WCRC diesel that accompanies the train or are MHR supplying a steam or diesel loco?

 

Last year it was 925 double-heading with the WCRC Class 47 from Alton to Alresford. Class 47 solo for the return from Alresford.
Not sure what is rostered this time as I think there is a Christmas dining train operating on the MHR tomorrow. 41312, 925 and 92212 currently available I think. 76017 is out of action for repairs/maintenance going by the Ropley shed report in the latest MHR News.

 

SD have posted on their Facebook page that 76017 will do the honours on the MHR.

James


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I'm guessing 44871 will be taking its second tender with it today?

 

Just seen a video of 47746, stock + 44871 passing Maidstone, no diesel inside.

James

 

This might cause problems after Willesden:

http://m.nationalrail.co.uk/pj/disruption/details/CA7EFE155EF045B3B41653519DDD2EB8

Regards,

Dan

 

MHR is expecting train to arrive at Alton with Cl 47 on rear. It will remain attached and haul the return from Alresford in the evening

 

Has a 47 on the back roaring away like an angry bull, love the smell of fuel oil on a winter morning

 

44871 leaving Charing in the morning gloom.
This would have been my Father's 95th birthday. He loved Black Fives and his ashes are near the line at Charing.

 

Passing through Hounslow at 10:56 on Wednesday and 12:08 on Friday.

 

The turning move was definitely the Black Five on its own.

 

The support coach was firmly attached to 76017 when it left Alresford about an hour ago!

 

On the MHR

76017 and a decent load by Arle Images, on Flickr

 

Climbing from Pirbright Junction up Tunnel Hill




Light Engine Backwards at the location of Ash Junction

 

I saw 44871 returning from her turning move just outside Aldershot from a road overbridge. She started out late from Alton, left Woking early and was still running early before she returned through Aldershot. Sods law she was held back to booked time and passed me in the gathering dark.
Great to listen to the unmistakable sound of a Black Five coasting down hill from Aldershot though. I might upload the video at the weekend.

76017 must have had a lot of help from the rear over the Alps. A bit overloaded for a Class Four.



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My video and a photo from Addison Gardens, Kensington. OHLE problems at South Acton had resulted in a closure of the line and I was concerned that the tour would either be delayed at Willesden or diverted via Barnes, but in the end 44871 appeared to be the first train through the re-opened section!