Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

I'm glad someone has mentioned music. That kiboshes any inclination that I might have had to patronise one of these trains (next year).

 

Actually it wasn't - it ran a "me too" event a year after the pioneering "Train of Lights" on the DSR as did a number of other railways. I find it a little distasteful that the MHR seem to be claiming credit for the concept when what they have done improve on what was already there - and haven't addressed the current fundamental flaw that the best seat for the show is on the lineside!

 

Actually all we claimed was that it was a first for programmable LED lights, which it is. I think it is fair to say though that we have addressed the on board show as well.

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“To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research” sums up what the MHR have done with their train of lights.

Well done to the MHR as having both seen the MHR offering from the lineside and ridden on the train, I can personally tell you that this is taking the idea of the previous train of lights concept put on by other railways and improving it by bringing new ideas/proper theatre style lighting rather than static rope lights, the lighting effects have been designed for the experience of the passenger rather than the external view is exactly what the MHR have done; it just so happens it also looks amazing from the outside. For example - the programmable LEDs outside & inside of the train (including the wristbands given to passengers) interact to the music, & voiceover (from the famous voiceover man Peter Dickson off the TV) which adds to the experience; the effect of the colours changing on the cuttings, lineside trees & steam/smoke etc are spectacular.

 

I don't care who thinks they were first, second or whatever... and anyone insisting on claiming that position should take a trip to see the trams at Blackpool before they get too upset.

What matters is that this has brought another dimension to any railways offering. Santa's have been a very important part of any railways offering, getting cash flowing in the quiet season. This just adds to it. My grandchildren have grown and flown so I'd never go to a Santa event, but I did the Mid Hants this year, thoroughly enjoyed myself and will be back next year (and probably not just for the winter illuminations).

With what has happened this year anyone putting on a show that brings in that bit of extra cash should be praised - not knocked because they weren't the first or whatever. If anyone out there needs someone to moan at then I'd suggest you moan at the ones who were big enough or rich enough to have done something but have made no effort - and just sat back and simply begged for public support.

 

This. I was passing by Alresford on Saturday so stopped off to see the 3:50pm departure. There must have been a hundred people in the viewing area watching a full train depart. And it looked great.

 

This year has been one to forget , but the way the mid hants as come out fighting with the gala , the Christmas offerings and the new videos on you -tube deserves only the highest praise . I hope people will see the hard work and effort that has gone into all aspects of the railways operations this year and will support them in any why they can . If you have not seen the new content on you tube, take a look if you like it and recommend it to any one with an interest . I have been a Mid Hants member (non volunteering at present owing to work ) for 40 years i have never been prouder to be associated with the organisation than during this year .

 

There are still spaces about as of this afternoon

https://www.watercressline.co.uk/product.php/183/steam-illuminations

 

Despite everything, it seems the MHR has come out pretty much as strong (and in many ways I'd argue stronger) at the end of 2020 as it was at the beginning which is a pretty astounding achievement as far as I'm concerned. So glad that, just occasionally, I can still be a part of it.

I'm one for historical accuracy - I'd love nothing more than for an event that went out of its way to portray the line as was. But it wouldn't be a profitable event, not if going for complete accuracy. Besides, it'd require too much demolition work! I think some people need to realise that heritage railways have come to have an appeal in their own right beyond simply reigniting the flames of the past. New and novel experiences draw people in and chances are that they'll come back on a normal day and learn more about the place.

I worked the platform at Medstead during the September test run and, to be honest, had my doubts - I wasn't a huge fan and was worried about the potential impact on operations. I then worked the same platforms last night and thoroughly enjoyed the unusual spectacle, but also seeing all those happy people! Haven't seen many of those this year. As for my operational concerns - banished.

 

The reality is that if it isn't for you then it isn't for you. MHR and almost every line offer a variety of events that cater for different tastes, preferences and interests. I can't say that Diesel Galas or War on the Line are my bag - but if diesels or dressing up are your thing then fine. Likewise, for families with young children Thomas events etc are going to be much more appealing than an out and back, themed galas etc also bring in the punters too. And if you hate all that then there is always the regular normal service you can ride on.

It reminds me a bit of debates in the 1980s when people were getting outraged about preserved lines using diesels instead of all steam

If it makes more money than it costs, generates good publicity then who is anyone to argue. If it had been a massive loss making exercise in the Covid financial crisis then I think questions could be asked. As it is, the MHR took a risk and it seems to have paid off, so good luck to them. Fortune favours the brave etc

 

I attended the "Steam Illuminations" on Tuesday...this thread is evidence of the unpopularity of this kind of event among some of us, but I personally was happy to see something different and thought the trains looked spectacular in their own right, even if a little unusual. A lot of hard work has clearly gone into the lighting designs, and I hope the Mid Hants do well financially from it after a difficult year. My video and a few photos follow...

 

There's no controversy that I am aware of. Some people dont like such events, which is their prerogative. However, far far more people are enjoying them like you did, and bringing joy at this time is a wonderful thing to do. It will help to secure the railway for the future too.

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I was only meaning to reference the disquiet amongst enthusiasts that has been present on this site lately with regards to "Steam Illuminations". I've rephrased my post, sorry for the confusion.

 

Personally I'm quite liking these Illuminated trains that the Railways are running and the Mid Hants have knocked it out of the park with Steam Illuminations, both in terms of its looks and its interactivity. This time of the year is always when the Railways are more focused on attracting visiting families anyway, usually via Santa Specials, so these trains are a nice addition and/or substitute for that, so I don't see why there seems to be negativity from some about them. As long as it helps the Railways survive that's all that matters for me.

 

Can you point us to this 'disquiet...on this site' please? I've seen lots of complementary posts (not just about the MHR train) and a couple of people saying it's not their cup of tea but good luck to the railways. I haven't seen anything that could be characterised as 'disquiet'

Keith

 

There's some seriously good photography coming from the Steam Illuminations too! My attempts were all blurred, not sure my fairly low-end camera copes well with the contrast levels...

 

Can anyone confirm the timing of the first Illuminations departure from Alresford this evening? I believe its 1600. Am thinking of popping up and viewing it from a safe distance as this is my only day off work before the end.

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It is 1600, yes

 

Thanks Nick

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Having lit-up trains for one month of the year is not going to bother me. Quite the opposite, actually - I think they look spectacular and I hope that they will bring in some money to help keep the trains running.