MHR steam galas March & Sept 2009

Steamage you're a star. Thanks very much

 

Hi all had a great day at the gala just a shame about the weather. Nice to see 850 with the Cunarder head board on her. The only thing that went out the window was the time table at the end of the day the service was running half hour late.

Ps Great news about the next gala in September. We should be getting 34070 Manston and 34046 Braunton.
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All three days are the same or they should be and there was no double-headers today but you never know it may happen on Sat or sunday.

All I can tell you is today first three locos out of Alton were 60019 then 34007 then 850.

 

You are welcome though if you ask for me at Medstead you are welcome to come and photograph progress on the two standard Brake Vans there?.

Regards
Chris Willis

 

cct man: you made mention of a freight charter - is this a private event? If not are places still available? How much?

Cheers,
didcot fireman

 

Had a good day out today. Plenty to see & ride on. The rather challenging timetable finished the day around half an hour adrift but all services ran.
For those of you buying a £2 guide to the Gala ..... beware! ....... the 1031 Ropley-Alresford shuttle does not exist!
The Watercress Belle set made an appearance on the 1313from Alresford returning on the non stop 1401down service. 850 was un charge of the return trip which dud the run in 24 mins! I gather that the set will be used on the same services on Sat & Sun.

Swanage & the 4 have been brought into the main yard and there was evidence of some cleaning of Swanage this afternoon ...... should keep some Rangers busy over the weekend!

 

one photos from today a shame about the weather.[attachment=0:3ctwsogc]Atlantic Coast Express.jpg[/attachment:3ctwsogc]

 

Wow, Manston and Braunton for the September gala that is most impressive! Is this confirmed yet or only rumour?

Cheers

 

The man to contact is Matt Allen who is the co-orgoniser of this event as this is not in my domain .

I suggest a private mail to him, he has posted on this thread.

Regards
Chris Willis

 

What was the reason for the late running?

 

Thanks very much Chris

 

Manston & Braunton! Wow I can hope..... And I hope my wish comes true - With the likes of 34007 in steam too! What a good time that will be!!

 

Excellent day, loads of action. In response to the query, the late running just seemed to be a result of a very ambitious timetable - the delay seemed to build up gradually as the day went on. In particular, the shunting of the shuttles at Ropley seems to be very challenging, but it all adds to the action and means there's plenty going on.

Contrary to an earlier post, there was at least one double header, as the well tank and Met No 1 ended up both at Ropley in the afternoon, and went back down the hill together. The only minor criticism would be the necessity to use the DMU stock on the Alresford shuttle, especially since the diesel has to be running, which rather drowns out the sound of the steam loco. That's being really picky though, it was a good day.

 

Was good to see 76017 and 34105 in the shed yard.

Lets hope they both get a little tlc , even if just a steam clean and an oil round before they return to the headshunt.

It just shows someone cares!

Great Gala.

46118

 

Oh cripes! That is a serious failure - hope no one was hurt.

Not irrepairable (given time and money) but it does mean the loco will not work again this side of a full heavy overhaul.

Not a way for any loco to end its current working stint.

Regards,

Dan

 

Nobody was hurt.

 

Why may I ask?

 

Core plug fell out of piston (not uncommon on BR Stds. Stupid idea, typical Riddles et al) Smashed cylinder cover & block off.

 

Nothing has been confirmed, although that is likely, also is that water got in the cylinders.