Mid Hants Railway Autumn Gala featuring 'Bahamas'

Here's my footage of 45596 Bahamas looking absolutely gorgeous yesterday and sounding as good as ever. I hope you enjoy the video.

 

My version of events, so nice to see the shunting at Ropley as well as the loco changes. 10/10 for effort from the Mid Hants!

 

An unexpected work comittment meant that I was unable to be on the MHR yesterday, instead stuck in an office in Epsom on a training course! Driving through the lovely sun and mist yesterday AM made me quite envious. However did manage a few shots today
"Bahamas" at Arleside first thing this morning

Jubilee in Hampshire by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

Any footage of S&D '88' hauling trains from forum members or on YouTube on the Watercress Line?

Were it not for local lockdown (not going out of Caerphilly County Borough since early September) I would have loved to see the SDRT loco in action on the Watercress Line! And bought a ticket to travel behind it!

 

With the loco facing Alresford you are very limited to seeing the engine working well as the London side of the Alps is pretty much treed in, which is made much worst by being in the Autumn, there's a few tight overbridge shots but they would of clashed with Bahamas or the S15 which I have personally not had seen in action. Of course I had ample chance to film the 7F but slowly rolling down the other side of the Alps didn't interest me. There will still be plenty of videos to come by others which should suit your needs.

 

Yes, as withdrawn from BR service, kept for authenticity...

 

Temperature checked on arrival At Ropley, received warm welcome, advised my table number (although seat number on ticket), given a green wrist band and Alresford Buffet menu with details to place order by text.
Enjoyable run behind Bahamas, but Why the sudden stop approaching Wanders?
One way system in operation in the Alresford Buffet - selection of beers and Ciders available inside entrance, opposite to Food Counter end - visited on three different occasions - last one to take some home - unsurprisingly this has proved very popular - can this be a regular feature at Gala’s?
After a break at Ropley for refreshment,to visit Bahamas Society Stall, pre-ordered Bacon Bap by text and headed to Alresford to collect it. As I approached the counter young lady appeared and said Bacon bap for Paul. I went outside to eat it and after taking my first bite a large friendly black dog ( German Sheppard ?) tried to sniff what I was eating, although it's owner ( Martin 1656?) pulled it away as he headed to the Alton end of the platform.
On my run full line run behind the 7F, spotted The Druid and Hampshire Unit at Wanders -both ways - waved though they didn’t see me.
As I was walking back to the carpark could clearly hear 506 heading for M4M.

Everyone in near me in Coach K was wearing a mask, I only saw one person in another train not wearing one. The only incident of anyone getting to close was why I was taking photo on the Ex King’s Cross footbridge - someone came at the last minute, I expect because loco that had just come of the train positioned by the water tower was blocking his shot.
A lot of people appeared to have bought tickets just to photograph from the stations, so there were a lot of gaps on some of the trains, probably less people on them than on a normal service.
A very enjoyable and relaxing day.

 

Yes, that was me, I'm sorry but bacon is so temping that pesky owner of mine, never lets me have any bacon signed : Shadow,
That dogs nicked my keyboard again last time I had an artic full of boneos turn up,
yes the driver of the Ivatt is an old friend of mine, i wanted to catch him before he returned to Ropley .
The whole gala was superbly organised, and by and large most people seemed to obey the rules, it was good to catch up with old friends, as usual, My dog, was quite well behaved, got plenty of praise from everyone, sorry about the bacon incident, i'll send her to bed with no treats,

 

Nice to meet you and your lovely black dog this morning. She seemed very friendly!
Not sure where everyone else from Nat Pres was - coach M seemed almost deserted every time I got in it.

 

A couple of photo's
76017 at Ropley by Paul Simpson, on Flickr

45596 approaching Ropley by Paul Simpson, on Flickr

 

An excellent day - seemed a bit weird at first with temperature checks, people in masks and so on but that is the crazy world we live in right now. I can only say a big "thank you" and "well done" to all at the Mid Hants for putting on an excellent show. I can imagine how much work is involved in organising a gala at the best of times, but having to think of Covid restrictions as well makes it even harder. As far as I could see it all worked well. I was very happy with my allocated table (a table for 2 on one of the Watercress Belle coaches). Very comfortable!
It was a brave move of the railway to attempt a gala in the current circumstances and they certainly delivered. Getting "Bahamas" in was a great move. A really beautiful loco and one of the best visitors I can remember on the line. The 7F is a great bit of kit too - sorry to see it leave the West Somerset but it will make a great addition to the Mid Hants fleet.

The timetable was really good - I thought it was all a bit ambitious but it worked and there was never more than 5 minutes slippage all day. I was particularly impressed by the loco changes at Ropley. A very slick operation. Ropley really was buzzing with activity with something moving about almost all the time. I wasn't expecting to see "Thomas" in action (I have never seen him running in 20 years!!!) but he added a certain something keeping those troublesome trucks in order. At least they'd removed the face!

Well done again to everyone involved - hope the last day goes well tomorrow.

 

Not Thomas, he's 'DAVE'
Even had the nameplate

Hunslet 3781 - Dave by Tim White, on Flickr

 

Sent from my I3312 using Tapatalk

 

So Thomas was once Linda but is now Dave? I'm confused!

 

Your confused ? , He, or is it she? is so messed up that it needed therapy Swanage and Wadebridge didn't exactly help, as both wear dresses , they say, its just an air smoothed casing darling,

 

What's in a name? Dave is the polite name
Pat

 

Hi Martin,
Nice to meet Shadow and yourself yesterday. Glad you had a good day out.
Pat

 

Most of Saturday was spent riding the trains, rather than taking photos, here are a few (to add to my shot of DAVE)...

Nellie tucked away in the back of the boiler shop. Train of lights?

Southern Railway Lord Nelson Class : 850 - Lord Nelson by Tim White, on Flickr

Pines Express approaching Medstead (from Bath Green, on diversion).

S&DJR 7F : 53808 by Tim White, on Flickr

Bahamas awaiting the road at Alresford

British Railways Jubilee : 45596 - Bahamas by Tim White, on Flickr

The Ivatt just off the freight

British Railways Ivatt 2MT : 41312 by Tim White, on Flickr

 

The Pines Express from Bath Green Park to Bournemouth via Medstead? That's a long way around. <BJ>

 

A few shots from Saturday: