Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

I would have loved to have the other 7F, a 9F or a Black 5 or 4F as well. It simply is not possible to gather together exactly the locomotives you might want even if there are examples in working order. It isnt only the cost, but the ability of the potential lender to release the locomotive and their willingness to do so, for all manner of perfectly understandable reasons. This line up has taken 9 months to organise and as is not unusual is only coming together quite close to the event. There is a significant shortage of steam engines at present. I think that "themed" galas may have to take a breather for a bit and we live with what we can draw together. I think this might be the best S&D line up we will see for some years. Like you I am looking forward to it though. If you stay on for the beer train on the Saturday there will be extra Bulleid mileage available.

 

A Standard tank is always going to be a better bet than a Standard 4/Standard 5 tender loco and even a Black 5 or B1 as it doesn't have a tender to drag around, which is equivalent to 1-1½ coaches. FWIW, a Standard 4 tank is good for 8 coaches on the NYMR, including Pullmans, if on the diner.

 

Well, I'm delighted by this second visitor. As a Sussex resident, I've travelled behind 80151 and taken plenty of photos of her on the Bluebell, but am very much looking forward to enjoying her on different but equally suitable territory. No doubt there will be someone rattling a tin during the gala to raise funds for sister engine 80150. I'll try and look out for such a person/stand.

 

The Timetable has been Released via the MHR website, including 2 types of freight train, a local shorter set, a 6+ pass+ set and Dave doing Brake van rides at Alton and I assume Pilot duty when needed for the longer sets

As well as a 10 coach Pines express, hauled by the sd4T and Wells From Alresford to Alton on the Saturday and Hauled by the SD4 and 7F from Alton to Alresford on the Sunday
The Pines is going to be quite a sight

 

Looks like a good timetable to me - looking forward to it. Had to Google what 3781 is though - it's Thomas (or Dave)!

 

Yes, we'll be there with the 80150 sales and information stand and we look forward to meeting you!

 

Any idea where the sales stands will be located at this years gala.

cheers

 

My Mount for today

 

53808 also made her debut on the Barn Owl last night

Barn Owl arrives at Alresford by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

Yours Truly isn't anywhere near 'Ampshire at the mo, so this weeks report for our reader comes from my Oppo......

We had a chat in the week to go through what needed doing to the GPV...... most of which was done.

As mentioned last week, there was a shunt this week which meant that the GPV went for a spin on the mainline! Its now in road one, which makes working on the running side difficult, if not dangerous, so the planned works of bringing doors #3 & #4 didn't happen.

However, the door jambs were fettled following a certain persons cock up last week (not me!) and along with the kick boards, were primed and then undercoated, and due to the heat, it meant all four door frames were bought up to 1st gloss later on, plus the solebar & Headstocks were given a second and final coat of gloss, meaning the vac pipe can now go bad on. some touching up of various drips beneath the solebar were sorted out.

The van is now getting so close to completion, we can smell it....... but, as there's no working party planned next week it will be a bit longer, plus we will lose the gala weekend as well, as it will have a starring role in the dock at M4M as our sales stands base - so please do come and have a look at what we've been up to, as well a supporting us by finding stuff you never knew you needed on our sales stand!

The GPV about to go for a spin on the mainline - not my pic.


In road one, looking the absolute mutts - its the 1st time we've actually been able to see it in full light! Not my pic.

 

Does anyone know what's running this weekend? The new web-site doesn't seem to have a loco roster unless I've missed it

 

34092 arrived from the East Lancs this morning, facing London.

James

 

Ivatt Alresford, Std 4 Alton I believe.

 

50027 "Lion" also working the old Wanderer diagram too. 1000/1310/1505 ex Alresford, 1118/1415/1635 ex Alton

 

Latest YouTube video looks at 35005 in Eastleigh works. With any luck it’s won’t be to long before 35005 is back in traffic.

 

Looked into the Carriage Shop. BY coming along nicely.
Pat

 

Ropley this evening

 

Barn Owl service tonight....

"Lion" leaving Alresford by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

Barn Owl service waiting at platform 1 at Ropley with 76017 in charge

Barn Owl at Ropley by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

Loco Prep this morning