MHR Autumn steam gala 2011

I would head out for this if I knew the timings. From previous experience, Tornado usually moves down to the MHR very late at night or early in the morning but you never know.............. 60019 used to return to the MHR when based there during the daytime.

 

Revised timetable with loco allocations can be found here:

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/News/Latest/View/697

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

 

Great to see from the roster that 34007 has been turned to face London, after arriving back from the GCR.

 

Yes that is certainly welcome, it'll make a nice change to see the Spamcan storming the banks facing the 'right' way!!!

It's also nice to see the visitors facing the other way for a change...........

 

The eagle eyed may also notice 1744 will work a solo trip each day, contrary to earlier statement. Operations have had a change of heart. Please note this is plan of record and may change on the day.

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

 

I'll keep my fingers crossed that she does!!!!!!!

 

Looking at the new time table all three main line visiting locos will now be facing out of Alton.

 

That's pushing it...but she's on her wheels now!
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/News/Loco/View/695

 

Ah go on Smiffy, you can do it....you'll have January and February to glue the boiler back on!!!:wink:

 

That really depends on which way they are facing when they arrive today. The movement on UK Steam shows them reversing at Guildford which suggests to me that they will arrive tender-first and therefore facing London (unless of course they do the Southall to Guildford leg tender first).

 

Any info on which way they're running from Southall to Guildford gratefully received!

I don't understand why they would have two reversals en route if they are going to be facing Alresford - why not just run them smokebox first all the way?

 

Anyone seen this move yet today?

 

WRGEN are saying this is timed at 60mph to Guildford, then 35mph after. Does that suggest it's going to be tender-first into Alton?

 

It's a bit confusing to what is going on. The MHR timetable says the 3 locos will be facing Alresford which suggests they will be smokebox first from Guildford. Also at Guildford there is a very short time for reversal which suggests that the support coaches will be between the locos so that there will be a loco on each end of the formation.

 

I'm sitting by my window overlooking the railway just north of Ash and will post when they go through. if anyone has seen them on the way it would be helpful to know in case I nip to the loo at the wrong moment!

 

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Just gone through Aldershot Junction All engines tender first. Formation is engine, two coaches, Bittern, engine. Not quite sure of the other two in order though. They must have have a green sigan as they passed me at quite a lick!

 

Or even a signal!

 

Here is the convoy on time after an enthusiastic pass through Aldershot Station with plenty of whistling.



Sod's law the sun went in before they arrived and came out again after they had passed! They were going at a fair pace too which accounts for my poor framing! An impressive sight though and can't wait for the Gala.

 

Just found these two videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PLJJICePZk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE6BVjHVXVo