MHR Autumn steam gala 2011

He could always have a look at Winchester for a start - not too far away.

Your lucky to be getting a lift, I'm playing Chauffeur for my mate, I think I may need to take the following Monday off after three VERY long days as we like to get to Ropley early in the morning!

 

There might be something in Winchester for him. He likes Military stuff so maybe he could find something in Aldershot. I'm sure he'll find something. I've booked the Monday off as well as I think I'll be knackered after.

 

I'll second that!

I'm looking at doing the best part of 500 miles that weekend - coupled with three long days by the time I get back home on the Sunday, I think the word Zombie springs to mind!

 

60163 should arrive sometime next week to work service trains on 22nd and 23rd Oct.

http://www.watercressline.co.uk/Events?ref=menu

 

Looking on UK steam info web site today. Thursday 20th Oct is the provisional date for 60163 move from Southall to Ropley

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/lem11.htm

 

The 35th Anniversary looks interesting for next year - are we to assume that will be the Spring Gala?

 

True, but isn't she still at Barrow Hill?

So probably a move from BH on Thursday with a pit stop at Southall?

And will she arrive in the dead of night like last year?

Still will be good to see her up close and personal for a change.

 

Never mind that, they've got Peppa Pig visiting in October!

Joking aside, the Spring Gala is due to feature 925 Cheltenham working with 850 LN. Perhaps they might get some other SR loco's in?

 

That suggests that progress with 925 is coming along in great strides - Seriously looking forward to seeing her in steam!

I think it would be fitting to have a 'southern' themed gala/event, but what other loco's do you think would be fitting?.........

As far as Peppa pig, other lines seem to hold successful event's, its something different to Thomas - so if it brings in the crowds, it can only be a good thing!

 

The Spring Gala sounds like it could be a really good Maunsell themed event if Cheltenham is finished in time. 31806 in BR lined black, Lord Nelson in SR Parsons Green livery and Cheltenham in SR Malachite Green livery. All you need then is an S15 in SR Olive Green livery and maybe try to get 30777 in and we'll have a superb lined up of Maunsell locos all displaying the various liveries they carried during their working life.

 

That is not a bad idea!

It would be nice to see different shades of green for a change,would certainly add a unique slant to the Gala! So the S15 from the Bluebell & Lamiel from the NRM (via Loughborough) - certainly wouldn't mind a run or two behind Lamiel.

 

30777 would be good as would an S15 and perhaps another Bulleid................

 

As built or rebuilt?....................

Braunton anybody?

 

How about letting the Autumn Gala happen before speculating on next spring.

Alternatively start a new topic Mid Hants. 2012 Spring Gala.

 

Not sure when 847 will be ready though but maybe 825 from the NYMR as that is in Olive Green as well. A Maunsell Gala would be great though.

Anyway my tickets for the Autumn Gala arrived this morning along with a copy of the draft timetable and an early start for me its seems on Friday and luckily 4492 is on the first train from Alton that day.

 

After the spring gala, I contacted the MHR with the following:

"An idea!

I'm positive that it hasn't passed you by that in 2013 it will be 90 years since the formation of the Southern Railway. With the increasing number of Southern locomotives now residing at the Mid Hants, could a Southern based Gala possibly on the cards? If so, may I recommend a couple of welcome visitors in the likes of M7 (30053) from the nearby Swanage Railway and T9 (30120) which was always a popular draw when based at the MHR. Add to these a Schools, Lord Nelson, U Boat, a possible S15 (if 506 or 828 are ready by then), a couple of Bullieds, a pseudo USA tank and one or two former locally based Standard 4's then that is a line up not to be missed!

The reply (which can be found on the RAILMAIL sectionof the MHR website reads:

"You are right, it hasn't escaped our notice! All we can say is, watch this space nearer the time."

I suspect that the Spring 2013 gala will be the one not to miss! Of course if a certain Arthur would also turn up then so much the better!

 

Yes, 2013 is certainly going to be devoted to all things Southern, I just hope that the MHR start their negotiations early enough to secure the desired loco's!

One I'd love to see (if it could be done) is a Spamcan in original livery and go faster stripes - anyone up for repainting Wadebridge?

Just a thought regarding the 35th celebrations next year, could the railway possibly be intending to focus things on long since departed loco's, by bringing some back for the Spring Gala and others for the Autumn Gala, thereby leaving 2013 for all things Southern?

 

What has left the railway that is readily available for a working return? Will 90775 be ready by then? Errol Lonsdale is now in Belgium. The RAT 25067 would be welcome as would the T9 but surely that would be better joining in at a Southern event although how about both?

 

'twas just a thought, though I'm sure what ever they do will turn out to be good!

Agree the t9 would be good, but best save that for the Southern celebrations.

Any way - back to this years Autumn gala, I'm seriously considering going down next weekend to have a 'less crowded' trip (or two) behind Tornado - before the bun fight at the gala weekend!

 

Looking on UK steam info today 60163 Tornado will move from Barrow Hill to Southall on Wednesday 19th Oct. Then moving from Southall to the MHR on Thursday 20th Oct. The move from Southall on will also include 60019 Bittern (Dominion of New Zealand). Still can’t find any times yet.

Anyone going out to photograph this move?

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/lem11.htm#oct