Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

Don't let Wallace and Gromit near the trains though, we don't want this sort of thing happening!

 

Many thanks.

I rang the Watercress Line not long ago and I think it was Richard who was very helpful when I asked about the roster for this weekend; it hadn't yet been updated when I rang. And he very quickly rang me back with the above information. So, very many thanks to Richard, and for Stinch too in posting it here.

I was actually after getting 30506 this weekend away from the crowded Gala weekend. But hopefully the S15 will operate on a normal service day at another time in October.

And, by the way, I do plan to be part of the crowd at the Gala next weekend. Only one loco for me to avoid, and no prizes for guessing which one that is.

Bryan

 

Yes the magnificent post war steam speed record holder!

 

Do as I suspected it will face towards Alresford

 

Equalled by German 18 201 on test Don!

WEDGIE aka Bryan - B

 

Don't think so - it will run around its support coach and then run tender first to the Mid Hants so it will be facing Alton for the gala won't it?

 

Updates on Facebook today show that 34059 has arrived at Alresford on a lorry. Will she be in the yard tomorrow or hiding in the wheeldrop shed? We are attending the Wallace & Gromit event.

Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

Yep. Should face London.

 

We visited for the excellent Wallace and Gromit event yesterday which proved to be really popular as the railway was very busy.
The West Country Buffet was doing very well and they were selling a lot of the Wallace and Gromit themed Cheesy Afternoon Tea boxes which looked to be a hit with the customers. Both trains were well filled all day and Ropley was a hive of activity.
The miniature railway was also carrying lots of passengers over the newly extended line. In the afternoon we met Wallace and Gromit as they wandered around Ropley delighting their many fans with photo opportunities with the duo. Wallace appeared to be a big fan of 35005.
The Wallace and Gromit themed Lego display in the old goods shed at Alresford was brilliant. The attention to detail was superb and we spent a fair while trying to spot all of the different Film and TV characters portrayed on the layout.
Hopefully further events in the future can be held in association with Aardman.

The yard at Ropley was also busy with staff and volunteers engaged in various activities. It was good to see 850 back out in the daylight and finally reunited with her tender after the loco had been residing in the carriage shop for some time. We were curious as to what is going on with Lord Nelson. Is there an overhaul pending or cosmetic restoration perhaps before returning back to the NRM?
34059, recently arrived from the Bluebell was hiding between 850 and other rolling stock in the yard.
41312 and 35005 were both on great form again. A delayed departure from Alresford with the 13.45 service encouraged the crew of the Ivatt into a spirited run up to Ropley where we left the train to explore. We later joined 35005 on the last round trip of the day to Alton for another wonderful run behind the mighty Merchant Navy. She sounds absolutely spot on and how a Bulleid should sound. The cracking climb back out of Alton was certainly turning the heads of dog walkers as we passed by the sports field.

Thank you to everyone involved for another very good day on the Railway. We are really looking forward to the Gala next weekend.
Below are a few shots from the day.

41312 tops up before heading to Alton:


41312 lifts her train out of Ropley as 850 and 34059 rest in the yard.


Wallace and Gromit posing for their fans:


Wallace is impressed by 35005:


850 Lord Nelson back in the yard:


CanPac rolls into Ropley with the last round trip of the day:


We finally meet Wallace and Gromit (yes, we are all big fans of everything Aardman!)