Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

I may have missed it, but are the MHR in particularly bad shape financially? Of course all railways could use additional funds, but I don't think the MHR is in the position that it needs to consider selling locos. I could be wrong.

Does the MHR need another loco back in traffic quickly? AIUI they currently have 41312, 925, 506, 76017 and Thomas in service with 499, 35005, 34105 and 828? coming on stream in the next few years and 75079, 34007, 73096 probably in the slightly longer term. I'm not sure that they need another loco back in traffic quickly?

Keith

 

Selling would also require another railway to be in a good position to buy (which seems a bit unlikely in the current situation) and additionally, that the price would be worthwhile (again, in the current circumstances, I can't imagine we're exactly at the top of the market).

I expect there might be some good opportunities coming up for gazillionaires to hoover up some bargains, people with money can always afford to speculate / accumulate in a recession or depression, but I doubt there's going to be a rash of railway-to-railway sales in coming months/years…

Simon

 

Who would buy it since most lines are looking to save cash not spend it?

 

Yes Al. From what I have gleaned talking to the crews the little Ivatt tank is a firm favourite. Quite appropriate as well as quite a few worked on the Southern not far away. As to the Stanier 5s one had a regular turn on the 930 down in 1966 and of course the BR 5s worked over the line on diversions.

 

Not forgetting the Somerset & Dorset of course. Black 5's were very popular among crews battling against the gruelling Mendip inclines. <BJ>

 

Absolutely correct; it's all about conservation of 34058 although the line between conservation and restoration is often a very fine one. Most of our activities will hopefully tick both boxes.
Week by week our team are gradually returning Sir Fred and our main project 80150 to something of their former dignity. Allowing them to simply fall apart at the end of a siding was not an option.
Here are a couple of pictures from today's working party.

 

A new festive event announced....

https://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/183

Night Lights at Ropley by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

I travelled on the test run of the "Steam Illuminations"and it was very impressive!

Winter Lights at Northside(2) by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

It makes far more sense and responsibility than some kind of Santa visit.
An illustration of this might be today when I went to a neighbours door to take a box of chocolates for the six year old daughters birthday. The child was delighted and wanted to come and hug me. I said I can't, her mother understood and explained. The child is at school, mother and father paramedics; at my age I cannot take risks. I came away with a sadness. Next year hopefully!

 

They are indeed impressive but that is to watch. If you are travelling it is very much less so and you need a good number of lineside illuminated tableaux to make it interesting for passengers. After all, it is these people who are paying the money.

 

Blackpool comes to the Mid Hants! Looks very impressive, might have to book some tickets.

 

The lights are not only on the outside of the train! And there is an audio element as well, but well I shan't give too much away!

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

 

Clearly the MHR has a "we can do it" approach to special events, when many are saying don't do it, clearly it should be a spectacular event, especially if some of the runs are done after dark, theres something special about a steam heated train on a cold winter night, especially if its a cold clear night,

 

Looking at the MHR website, these illuminated trains are in addition to the Santa specials - not instead of. A S&D event is being run next month too.

The Mid Hants is really pulling out all the stops, at a time when some lines have yet to reopen at all.

 

Indeed the first departures aren’t until after 4pm, when it will be dark in November and December. Then they run until 8 or 9pm.

 

Thanks I wasn't aware it was an into the evening event I assumed that it would be an later afternoon start, at twilight when it's not fully dark, but the MHR deserves praise for thinking outside of the box it should be an spellbinding experience for those who take part.