MHR Autumn steam gala 2011

There is a legitimate concern surrounding the N2's ability to deal with loaded 6 coach trains over the full length of the line. Whilst it may well be able to manage it, giving it a go during what is likely to be our biggest gala ever, isn't a good idea and a touch cavalier. Given the guest list we have and the associated numbers of visitors it should attract, we want to ensure we deliver an event that runs to time and minimises such risks. It is therefore much more enjoyable for all concerned, which is the ultimate aim.

Tim Beere
Marketing Manager
The Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'

 

Thanks for the clarification Tim!

Safety First - always the best policy.

 

The N2 is well punchy! Handled 6 coach packed trains at Swanage with no problem, banks and reverse curves and all!

 

Don't forget the railhead conditions are going to be a lot different at the end of October than the beginning of September- cold, wet even icy - for all we know there could be six foot of snow on the ground by then!

If she got stuck half way up with six on........................

Now you can see the reason for not letting her go up the banks unassisted, I'm more than happy with Tim's explanation, and it makes sense not to jeopardise the timetable or the gala.

 

I think than rather describe individual gradents and yes you can see the change from 1-80 to 1-60 quite easily . The best way to describe the whole route id its UPHILL to Medstead both ways !!! . Safest I think . David

 

It's good to hear from Tim. Better to be safe than sorry with 1744. Even the larger loco's can get stuck sometimes when the track conditions are not great. I remember one time many years ago, 73096 got stuck coming up from Alton. She slipped to a stand on the greasy rails just before the summit and 92203 had to be taken off her train at Medstead to rescue us. It was quite a soundtrack listening to 73096 and 92203 trying to get the train moving again. The timetable went considerably t*** up.

 

Just got to hand my holiday form in at work and see if I can get the Friday off before booking a 3 day ticket on the MHR website be great to ride on the line again after many years. I must say £40 is a very good price for a 3 day ticket seeing as its 3 days for the price of 2 although on the Friday at least I'll have to get the train down to Alton.

Is the yard at Ropley still open to the public?

 

There'd be a mutiny if it wasn't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! would seem strange NOT to have the photographers gallery...........

The strange thing will be not having Can Pac cluttering up the place and the standard five in the head shunt (?)

 

I would think it should be open to the public. The only time the yard is closed to the general public is when there are loco movements within the yard.

 

Thanks

 

I imagine 73096 will remain in the yard, due to the fact we cant run trains round quickly at ropley, the shuttle wills probably run round in the headshunt/pit area with a diesel shunter, meaning more space is required along there, also, if it wernt in the yard, all that would be there would be... an S15! 5224 may be dragged out aswell, but who knows!

 

Are you sure there's enough room? Lol!!!

Are they planning to do wheel drop demo's this time round - if so using what?

As an aside its nice to see that Wadebridge didn't disgrace herself at the GCR (from what I've seen) Or she is saving that for us?....................

 

Don’t joke about 34007 failing at the gala. There are too many people that continuously find pleasure in seeing or hearing about 34007 failing. Some railways would give their high teeth to have a Bulleid pacific on their books. I’m sure John Butchers finds this type of behavior from MHR members very disheartening.

 

Trust me I am NOT taking the mickey out of Wadebridge, like I said I was PLEASED to see her running well at the GCR!

I'm just glad to see that the patience shown by the boys at Ropley is paying off!

I for one don't want ANY loco to fail at the Gala, and I'm sure that goes for everyone else as well!

 

Actually Lee just for everyones information, John Butcher has stepped down as Chairman of the Wadebridge Society.

Regards
Chris:

 

Got the Friday of the event off work and ordered my 3 day ticket on the MHR website just got to find out how I'm getting down there on the Saturday and Sunday.

 

Thought about booking a B&B in Alresford or Alton - that's if you still can!

There is a section on the MHR website under 'your visit' with a list of accomodation - good luck....

 

Well the Mid Hants is only about an hour and a half away so I don't mthink I'll need to worry about somewhere to stay as I think my Dad might be taking me on the Saturday and Sunday. What he'll do in the mean time I've no idea though as he's not into trains.