Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

" Bugger Bognor" Whats Bognor ever done to you? And besides, Its far to gentile a town for those kind of goings on , Brighton, though does have a reputation for those kind of goings on

 

Or the Grubes of North Devon...

 

A lot of the local press is under the same ownership, so articles get syndicated - which helps explain why you sometimes get reports turning up in odd places. "Must be a slow news day in Yorkshire" ...

That said, Bognor is not that far off your patch. Mr Google tells me that Bognor - Alresford is a quicker drive than Bognor - Sheffield Park, which isn't what you would immediately think.

Tom

 

You mean it's full of goyim?

 

Given I'm a Bognor resident (Unfortunate, but someone has to be) and distance/travel time were key considerations when deciding where to volunteer I can confirm that pretty much anywhere on the MHR is easier to get to than the Bluebell, yet I know more locals who have either visited or worked on the Bluebell because they perceive it as nearer.

 

Steam Illuminations, filmed just before we had even heard of a "Tier 4"! A fantastic sight to end the year that 2020 has been.

S15 and 7F were in operation

 

They were reputed to be the last words of some dead King or other.

Patrick

 

George V I believe or 6000 for those who like things from Swindon

 

Living just 5 miles along the road nothing wrong with Bognor, far worse places to live. It is strange when considering returning to volunteering the MHR never came top of the list yet several Bluebell exiles migrated across I think. The road to Alton is far better in traffic and environment terms than A272 Cowfold/Haywards Heath mess or the total mayhem of A27 Worthing/Lancing as well.

 

It's strange to think that the nearest and quickest to get to (by public transport) line is the IoWSR...

 

Cancelled

 

The trains may sadly no longer be running but the train of lights can now be seen in the opening sequence of every BBC South Today news bulletin -
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000qsz0

 

A nice video wrapping up 2020:

I know I'm biased, but haven't we done well for press, etc., this year?
Pat

 

The MHR did a lot to lift a lot of people's spirits in 2020 in various ways. Personally, I must say that the Autumn Steam Gala was one of the most memorable days in the second half of what was a pretty challenging year for all of us. Bringing down a visiting loco and operating an ambitious timetable was seen as a big risk by many, but it paid off and whatever the benefit to the the railway may have been financially, it must surely be outdone by the good will it generated, giving the thousands who visited the line a really welcome day to remember. In the future, I will no doubt look at my picture of 45596 storming towards the "gallery" at Northside Lane crossing in glorious Autumn sunshine and say to myself "2020 wasn't all bad!"

 

I was also very fortunate to be in the gallery. I believe it was 45596 followed by Urie 506, both in stunning light. It was then off to Chawton Woods to capture the S&D 7F 53808 in the opposite direction followed by a visit to M4M to hand in a donation for the railway. Happy days indeed. <BJ>

 

The videos from Will are decent, they certainly give me something to look forward to on a Friday and a reason to visit.
Myself and my Dad have popped in to the Mid Hants on few occasions but things like Thomas, Santa’s or a Mother who wants to go home/holiday destination have prevented a journey, but in the words of General McArther (slightly adjusted) ‘We will return!’

 

Looking on the MHR web site. I see there’s been a blog update on 75079.

https://preservation.watercressline...ation-cinderella-did-go-to-the-christmas-ball

 

Since this was written the 75 standard boiler has already been moved into the boiler shop for initial inspections.

 

Since the blog was written the tubes have been removed and most of the boiler descaled for inspection. The grass doesnt grow under anyone's feet there. Before anyone races ahead with the idea that we will be seeing it in steam this time next year, sadly we won't. It makes sense to use a window of opportunity to do a full assessment so that when we plan the next steps in the restoration, we do so knowing what the true picture is.

Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk

 

Very astute, when you think this boiler has not seen an overhaul since it's last BR one, it will be interesting to see what the state of it is compared to say the Standard 4 mogul, when that engine's boiler entered the boilershop