Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

I wouldn't read too much into this other than an understandable caution to advertise something that is hard to plan whilst there is uncertainty about the bridge. If for example the bridge is in the range of locos that might be available is very different than if it is not. I am sure that information will be forthcoming as soon as it is possible.

 

It must be remembered that...

• Some locos are only moved around by rail, be it by other locos or under their own power. The bridge being out severs the MHR's mainline connection.
• The run out from Alton introduces an extra 3 mile length of 1 in 60 gradient, which could cause issues for locos of lesser power classes or limited fuel and water capacity.
• It is unknown at this date whether there may be weight restrictions imposed on the new bridge, for any reason, during its initial months of opening.

Any of these could seriously alter the shape of a potential gala.

 

My latest video featuring a plethora of Southern Region scenes, with 20 minutes of action filmed along the MHR last weekend. I hope you enjoy it!

 

2019 Autumn Steam Gala now back on the MHR website:
https://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/33/autumn-steam-gala

 

Can anyone advise what sort of timetable is in operation this Sunday please?

We may be in a position to drop in at Alresford due to a family trip in the area, it being many years since last visiting, but the website is currently showing no obvious timetable, just "special event".

Is it the standard "blue" 2 train steam timetable? Too much to hope I guess that the Hampshire unit is being put out in conjunction with the Alton Bus Rally!!

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Hampshire is running on Sunday according to https://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/38/hampshire-unit-days

 

Indeed, Hammie will be out Sunday, first trip 10:30 from Alresford

https://www.watercressline.co.uk/shopimages/Alton Bus Rally MHR timetable 2019 (MHR website & day sheet) (v1).pdf

Steam should be 92212 and 76017

 

Thanks guys, more than I could have hoped for being a diesel man! I was originally planning on just spending some time at Alresford with a donation given and a visit to the buffet, but now I'm trying to work out if I can shoehorn in a trip as well..... Hmmmm!

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Yesterday, as there was no official working party up at Medstead, I went for a bit of a jolly & a ride on the cushions - makes a change from riding in the guards van to get from A to B!

So I station hopped......

Down at Alresford, the Hampshire Unit lads appeared to be busy fettling 1125 for today.... & up at Medstead, it turned out a couple of lads were bored & nothing else better to do & were seen working on the underframe of the Maroon CCT....... & down at Ropley, it was a hive of activity...... it seemed Heritage were in working on 925 following some patch screw repairs, 506 appeared to be being readied again after a washout, there were deep discussions coming from within 50 027 - no doubt forming a cunning plan to get the rads back in........ & over by the carriage & boiler shop, the Urie lads were busy working on the firebox, removing stays & fettling draincock bosses on the left hand cylinder for 499.....

I even managed to catch up with folk I hadn't seen for a while - so an enjoyable all in all!

A couple of pics from the day - although I hardly picked up the camera as I was too busy talking......

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/48339268872/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/48339117126/in/photostream/

 

You, talking?! Dave I’m shocked, I’ve only known you as a quiet and timid person...

James

 

James, the quite ones are the ones you want to watch, there the type who turn out to be burying bodies at Medstead at 3 AM

 

I wondered why he was carrying a shovel the other day... Dave doesn’t strike me as the fireman type?!

James

 

Was that before or after he had caught up with people he hadn't seen for a while?

 

Dave, looks like a 'green tunnel' from which the Standard 4 is emerging at M4M! With the line closed during the 'main growing season' will there be a lot of remedial cutting back to be done once its all reconnected?
Cheers, Andy

 

Meeester Corben, you are one step away from being tied to the sandbox of a BR Brake & being forcibly fed pineapple pizza whilst having to watch endless U-Toob video's of identikit copper tops in action! Mwah ha ha ha!!

 

Andy,

I honestly don't know the answer to that.

If I bump into the right person to ask at the weekend -I'll endeavour to remember to find out........ but I would assume the flail will be out at some point.......

 

Dave, Many thanks. Andy

 

I passed over Boyneswood bridge on Sunday, and the trackbed on the Alton side looked pretty good - no sign of weeds or overgrown vegetation at all.

 

Thanks

 

Oooooooh kinky......