MHR Autumn steam gala (Somerset & Dorset weekend)

Warm? A bit breezy like the 117 and even then it takes a while for the heaters to kick in. Still, if you do get an enclosed cab with 34007, nice to get a 33 on the rear end to compensate for lack of rear sanders.

 

The Mid Hants Railway put on some very good steam galas, however I myself always find

no matter what time of the day if you are trying to take a video of Ropley yard area there is

always a class 33 diesel ticking over which drowns the sound of the steam in some shots.

I can understand it being there on possible standby but surely not turned on all day.

Mike M. (70c)

 

Close the windows then.....

Give me a nice 33 over a MN/BB/WC.....nice dry warm cab, clear view, cooker, comfortable seats and when finished and berthed loco hit the off button and straight to the pub.....None of this disposing of fire, coaling up, ash pan cleaning etc.....

 

Don't forget the following weekend will be the Mix traction gala.

 

.
Its more the case there is no reason why it should work them unless others fall by the wayside. The Winterisation of locos is most important so not all locos will be avaliable. No need to have 5 servicable locos over the winter period.
However we shall see.

 

Lee I have uploaded some more pictures most are 35mm so not the best , 31806 .506 and 30120 done so far.

 

No 88 facing out of Alresford as is 92212 and 73096 . Black 5 and 34007 out of Alton .U Class tender now in main shed along with 30499s .For assessment I presume . Frames of 76017 now in front of 31806 so another few months before she runs even with a replacement tender.
Weds am visit.

 

Will give them both a miss, too many diesels, orange jackets all over the platforms, no lineside

like it used to be. Not what I choose to pay for these days.

Off to see Bittern and the South Devon Rly.

Mike M. (70c)

 

Thank you for your views Mike.

Regards
Chris

 

Is there any alternative parking available this weekend? either in or around Alresford, I would imagine the car park next to the station gets full quite quickly

 

Hi Dave,

Nice photos

Cheers Lee

 

I think the field at Ropley maybe open.

 

There may be an overflow car park at Perrins School . Thats also used at busy times depends if the raiway has arranged its use. However the field at Ropley will be in use as usual.
Glad you like the shots Lee . Trouble is theres another 1000 645s to do .!!
David

 

Tonight S&D 7F and 9F parked next to each other on roads one and three. Still waiting to see which way round USA tank will arrive back on the MHR.

 

Hi Dave,

With all the photos you have taken over the years on the MHR. Maybe it's about time you done a book? You must have a great collection of photos from the old days on the MHR.


Lee

Ps look forward in seeing more of your 35mm slides.

 

View attachment 1680 Lee I dont think the quality is good enough untill I went Medium Format . However thanks for the thought . Heres 31806 with trusty 196 Errol Lonsdale before she was steamed but complete . I dont know the exact date .

 

The timetable on the MHR web site now has loco allocations added. Not sure whether this is just today's roster or if it will be the same for all three days. Wadebridge and 45379 are booked to double-head the 1542 from Alton, while 88 and 73096 double-head the 1600 from Alresford - the double headers will pass at Ropley at about 1610. Wadebridge and 73096 work the goods trains.

Although I can understand keeping the "star" locos for passenger turns, I'll be slightly disappointed if 88 doen't get to haul the goods train at least once over the weekend. Unless someone can organise a quick charter before she goes home??

 

I understand that the roster is the same every day. Also, the shuttle is not running yet as 30075 hasn't arrived back from the Dartmoor Railway.

 

30075 is now back at Ropley. Great to see the Freight train out with 18 wagons on and nice to see S&D 7F with the slurp and burp coaches.

 

Just a few photos from today a shame the sun stayed at home.