MHR Diesel Gala April 26th-28th 2013

I've copied this from WNXX forum tonight. Looks like a good selection of locos for this gala.

 

Not hard to work out locos then. Convoy from East Lancs it seems.

 

Hoping 12049 might run with a little trip freight, something I've mentioned to "the powers that be" before! Not thrilled about the o8's running up and dpwn the Alresford headshunt, it makes my dining room far too noisy! Nice to see a Deltic again though.

 

Certainly hope not! A rod running around on a freight is suicide in diesel gala terms, and with many involved clearly making a big effort to distance themselves from certain events in the past, it'd be a shame to let something like that put people off again... With my photographer hat on, yes, it'd be very nice to see, but freights and diesel galas just don't mix, sadly! Possibly the GCR could get away with it as it wouldn't noticeably reduce paths for passenger trains, but anywhere else?

 

I know any such working would be limited to 15 mph - but Alresford Ropley 9often used as a "shuttle" path wouldn't be too bad! What is the objection to "rods" btw? Not being a diesel fan I wan't aware of this particular "no no"!

 

Its more a case of it taking up possible passenger paths (for example, if it was used Alresford-Ropley, a passenger shuttle would probably be more popular) and taking away possible mileage by running a freight than anything against using Jocko's. For a lot of enthusiasts, getting mileage behind a particular 'rod' is rare enough; let alone if you're cutting that potential mileage by using it on a freight working over the gala.

 

The organisers have already said no freight trains haven't they? The last MHR gala I went to they used one of the shunters on an Alresford - Ropley one coach shuttle. Even London commuter services weren't that packed! Must've been 100 people crammed into that BCK.

 

Ahh I see...fair enough!

 

Except the deltic isn't 16 or 22.........

 

Sorry Steve I hear there won't be a freight train running at the gala. There isn't a market in running freight trains at diesel galas. It's all about riding behind your favourite class of loco. So anyone reading this thread I can tell you the MHR WON'T be using the freight train at the gala.

 

Yes, it was only an idle thought. I am very ignorant regarding diesel galas as I have never been to one, although I have seen and heard a few of the Mid Hants visitors over the years from my bathroom or back bedroom.

 

Good idea for a 60s gala though? It'd even fit in well as part of a smaller steam gala, though I suspect it might be every bit as welcome there as during a diesel gala!

 

The Mid-hants had a Mixed Traffic mini gala a few years back, trouble is we haven't any green diesels at the moment to fit in with a 60's theme, except 12049

 

12049 on a trip working, thumper on full lines, 33053 when it's back (alright, TOPS numbers, but give or take! Could always do some magnetic transfers for the weekend?), plus the black 5 and WC, sounds pretty much spot on for a 60s gala to me!

 

Remember 33208 is due to return sometime so that would fit in rather nicely!

 

More information is being leaked out on WNXX web site again about the gala. So I've copied the post to this thread for people that don't read WNXX

 

Good line up. It'll be nice to the 33109 back on MHR metals again. Can we presume that it will be working with the 4VEP in Push Pull mode? What a pity the gates couldn't be opened at Alton and the VEP given a run to London and back!

Looking forward to it already.

 

Reading WNXX today 37901 will now be visiting the MHR diesel gala in place of 37324 or 37418. This will now give us 37901 and 905 for the gala.

 

Should make for some interesting (if not quite noisy) sounds!

It's all shaping up to be a good show with the possibility of a night photo shoot at Ropley on the Friday and evening running on the Saturday as well. It really does sound like the MHR has listened to what the diesel enthusiasts want. I sure hope it works out as I for one miss the Trainspotters Ball galas from years ago.

Diesel Gala « Mid-Hants Railway 'Watercress Line'

 

I'm planning of spending two days at the gala this year. I intend to drive around with the camera on the Friday and travel on the Saturday. Just looking for some assistance regarding photo locations.

I've noted and found the footpath from The Shrave at Medstead but I'm also interested in the footcrossing which I think is called North Street near Bishops Sutton. I have no idea how to get to it though. Is it park at North street and the footpath starts there or do I need to park on the upside in Northside Lane? I know where the crossing is on the railway but have no idea where it comes and goes to. Can anyone help please?

Thanks in advance.