Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

Congratulations.

 

Congratulations! Can't wait to see her powering up the bank to Medstead!

 

Might have to do some sweet talking to SWMBO as we currently have plans on 2nd June that may now need a little amending.

 

Congratulations to all involved with 506.
The launch day of June 2nd* is now on the MHR Website:
https://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/131/506-returns-to-steam

*Subject to change if any problems are found during testing.

 

Congratulations to all at the ULS. I have fond memories of 506 as it's the loco I was on for my driving / firing course back in 2000

 

Not a surprise. How many UK infrastructure projects manage to keep to time and cost? I hope the railway has cover for consequential losses if the replacement bridge is delayed.

 

Congratulations! Am down for the RAT on Friday, hoping to get a glimpse!

 

As they say : In construction, you always pay the cost of a ground survey whether or not you carry one out.

 

That press release seems to suggest a problem with the other bridge? I wonder if the bridge pier has sunk or moved, hopefully not.

 

Great news about 506.
Is 499 the one being returned to LSWR condition?

 

Yes, complete with stove pipe chimney!

 

506 went out for an impromptu jolly last night & I think my Ropley Spy is still on cloud 9!

So in light of last nights shake down run, he's asked me to post the info below.

The words & pics are his not mine.

"Well, she really is back! 506 undertook her first test run to Medstead during the evening of 23rd May, feedback = no major problems. We made a couple of stops on the way up to check boxes etc which gave me the opportunity to take the photo’s I’ve shared below. Confidence in the June 2nd launch is now growing, to the extent I am comfortable to release the timings for the day. It has been a pleasure to keep you all informed of developments in these latter months, I’m happy to do the same for 499’s journey once that restarts later in June. Let’s hope many of you can join us on the 2nd, how about paying for a ride behind the old girl (even if you’re an MHR member) and thus put a few quid in the Mid Hants coffers – yes we do need to look after the loco, but we must also do whatever we can to look after her home.

Don’t forget our open day as well on June 29th at Ropley, it’s a great chance to have a chat with the engineering team.

Until June 2nd, take care one and all and thank you again for your support.

506 Schedule 2 June 2019

• 10.00: Rededication service in platform 2, Alresford
  
• 10.20: Loco runs through to platform 1, coupled on to coaching stock
  
• 10.30: Depart Alresford. 5 or 6 coach set, confirmation awaited, with 1 coach reserved for ULS committee, press and other invited guests
  
• 10.55: Arrive Medstead
  
• 11.10: Depart Medstead
  
• 11.30: Arrive Alresford
  
• 506 taken off train and held in platform 2 for viewing. Service loco takes over.
  
• 12.10: Standard service arrives Alresford, loco taken off and 506 moved onto train.
  
• 12.30: Depart Alresford. 1 coach reserved for paid staff and MHR volunteers involved in 506’s overhaul
  
• 12.55: Arrive Medstead
  
• 13.10: Depart Medstead
  
• 13.30: Arrive Alresford

506 taken off train and moved to cattle dock for the rest of the afternoon for viewing

Almost forgot, yes the smoke deflectors will be fitted!!!"

 

What a magnanimous (and welcome) statement!

Can’t make June 2nd, but we’ll done to all involved, and hopefully I can cajole the family into another visit before too long.

Tom

 

I was working last night so missed it Dave!
Hope to be around on 2nd June but I do have the on-call phone that weekend unfortunately. Should be able to spare 30 mins to watch her leave Alresford though

 

Congratulations to the ULS - she's a beauty!


Keith

 

Shame you're fitting the deflectors - I like it without!


Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk

 

She does look good, and strangely, that livery ( war time bullied black ) matches the 1939 Southern livery carried by Cheltenham, so on a later 1940's week end, you will have two locos that are correct livery wise.

 

Hopefully, if all goes well on the 2nd, we'll see the two of them together for war on the line later in June.
@Duty Druid ?

 

True enough regarding 499 - I really need to chuck some money into the ULS funds at some point.

As far as I know 925 is supposed to be going in for some work as soon as 506 becomes available. However, it would be nice if 925 can be kept on for a couple of weeks to allow two locos not only in correct period liveries but simply ones which actually existed prior to 1945 to run for War on the Line. That said, it does sound as if 925 really does need to go in A.S.A.P. so perhaps it won't happen. We'll see.