Hastings Unit: Medstead Mountaineer, Hastings - Alton & Alresford, 02/04/22

A Railtour is going to The Watercress Line next month using the Hastings Unit.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&r...21545839341/&usg=AOvVaw1TQBRB9emJckJaGxXvTwdg

 

A Hastings Unit was the first train to work through onto the railway after the line was extended back to Alton.
Unit No. 1013 worked the Hampshire Hog railtour, on 20th July 1985.

https://www.nightrail.photography/Latest-Uploads/Hastings-Unit/n-nPvXkn/

 

You may want to edit the date to 02/04/22

 

A spot of trivia - I wonder how long it is intended to retain the 'gangway' yellow panel for on one of the motor coaches? It was an experimental scheme and looks awkward to my eyes. Interesting to see for a while but I just wonder what people think of it.

 

Timings now available:
Outward: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53226/2022-04-02/detailed
Return: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53227/2022-04-02/detailed

 

I captured the Hastings Unit running a few minutes late coasting down the hill from Aldershot station.
Sods law was working well this morning. Perfect sunlit conditions just before the unit appeared and then a big cloud blocked out the sun just where I wanted to capture the unit! At least the horsebox was still in the sun

 

Almost amusing that someone considers that horsebox's 'registration' to be adequate!

 

Middle son (13) & I have just done the 12.15 round trip ex Alresford

Very nice!

Tempted to go again, he wants to do it

Just a pity that it cant be an 'all Hastings' set

 

I captured the return run of the Medstead Mountaineer this evening atop the hill at Aldershot after a brief snow shower. The unit was making a fair bit of noise climbing the hill and we even had a friendly toot from the driver:



It was great to get back to the gricing today after two years off!

 

Wish I’d clocked this thread sooner, as it would have explained the rumbling sound I heard a little earlier this evening.

Simon

 

My video from my locale of yesterday's runs:

 

I do wonder at the point of a speed restriction differential of only 5mph there!

 

If the Hastings buffet converted to a main line inspection saloon (and already in green livery!) could be acquired and converted back...