Watercress Line Spring Steam Gala: 29th April-1st May 2023.

4079 was the main attraction here for me and I had to leave before it hauled a train today...but I still had an absolutely superb day. The S15 and 7F were brilliant and the Ivatt tank reminded me that I need to prioritise it a bit more as it's often the loco I skip at these events but it was great entertainment. I didn't worry about 5239 for haulage today as I live in Devon so can have it pretty much anytime, but it looked great on the freight.

Having had to skip the SVR for work reasons at the last minute I'm now hoping I'll actually catch 4079 working at one of its GWR running days (the half term dates with 7903 and a 37 out too are very tempting as I can't make the gala there).

I know before 5239 was lined up there were valid concerns about the value for money compared to other events on in the surrounding weeks, but given the hills to I always come out from the Watercress feeling like I've got my money's worth even if - like today - I end up just focused on the home fleet.

 

A fun day yesterday linesiding with @Hampshire Unit - made a change from trying to tame troublesome trucks!!

4079 is certainly loud, but given its power rating 5239 just took things in its stride....

A few few pics of the trains.....

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/52858600927/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/52859358644/in/dateposted-public/

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/52858604797/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/52859622653/in/dateposted-public/

 

Yes as I have posted 5239 was a quiet star. It just got on with it without any fuss . And of course the Ivatt tank is often forgotten but should not be. It seems to be able to do anything. A friend on one of the trains said to me in amazement theatre it had 5 on today!

 

Amazing what modern technology can do, especially when the Didcot people were on the loco at the time Don. With this being the case, I think it must have been the Ropley shed staff who got the call, had the idea of pre-empting the new gasket & then devised a plan to get the loco in & out again in the quickest time possible, the Didcot guys did fit the new gasket so they were involved at the end. A good team effort just as it was this morning in sorting the engine out once again. Lets hope tomorrow runs a little smoother for those concerned.

 

Here are some of the folk responsible for getting 4079 back in action again on Saturday:

Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

It did sound like there was some amazing efforts to get 4079 back in action on both days. When I got to Ropley yesterday morning and there was no sign of steam or activity from it I assumed it was done for the day. I was pleased to at least get a shot of it departing Ropley on the tail of its set as it went to begin its turns and I headed for the car.

Meant to add to my earlier post that it seemed busy enough to be a success but passengers were spread around the sets pretty well so getting a seat or window near the front was always doable and platforms weren't rammed. Felt just right as a passenger for an enjoyable and comfortable day, though obviously I'm sure every set packed to standing is better for a line financially.

Finally, a question to help me label my pics - which engines are under tarps at the far end of Ropley headshunt now? I was fairly sure 73096 was one. Thanks to anyone who can help with info.

 

Yes it was busy but not crowded anywhere. Hope MHR has made enough to pay the hire fees and running costs. Is 4079 staying for a while?

 

It's going to GWSR in the week.

 

Definitely 73096 and also I think 34105 as overhaul work on that seems to have stopped. I'm not sure there are any other complete locos there now. I believe Lord Nelson is in the Boiler Shop but I didn't go up there this time so I'm not sure.

 

A shame about the travails of 4079, but as per usual the trusty Southern Railway sorted it out with 506 looking and sounding as magnificent as ever in her place

A few photos below, more at https://railwaygalleries.smugmug.com/MidHants/Spring-Steam-Gala-April-2023/

 

850 is in dry storage in the boiler shop and E828 is up in top yard awaiting better times and lots of money ....
Mentioned in the latest Watercress Line video -


Cheers, Neil

 

A stunning performance from all involved. The two guests looked excellent on the line. The bank holiday Monday seemed a lot less busy lineside wise:

 

Two images from Sunday ,506 on the first train ,standing in for 4079.Climbing towards Medstead .And 5239 arriving at Medstead with the goods train.

 

Sunday was challenging for light, I never did manage to catch the sun and a train at the same time, a couple of near misses.....

5279 on the freight by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

Close Encounter at Arleside by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

At least I will have a few more chances to capture Goliath over the Summer!

 

My video from Bank Holiday Monday. Initially we weren't going to go but the extra visitor and the extended timetable tipped the scales, very glad we did we had a great time as always. Thanks to everyone involved!

 

Photos from Bank Holiday Monday... https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72177720308004935

 

I went to the Mid-Hants Spring Gala last Sunday and the first three instalments of my video footage are now on YouTube. Here are the links if you'd like to have a look:







Hope they're of interest.

TTFN,

Ron.

 

I really do hope E828's fortunes improve some time soon. O/T but I have very fond memories of it's time at Swanage, indeed my first footplate ride and experience of the shovel was on it.

 

Thanks for the good wishes. We're slowly rebuilding the structure of the group and sales team to start fundraising. We have started working parties on conservation of that which has already been overhauled. It's a slow process but we'll get there.

Cheers, Neil

 

Have you got a fundraising page online?