MHR Spring Gala 23-25 March 2012

As we hurtle rapidly towards March, I thought it about time that we had a thread for this years event!

Does anybody know if the Gala is to have a theme like last year or for that matter what the visiting engines are possibly going to be,or how many, as to date there is absolutely no info on this on the MHR website!

Also is all the home fleet going to be in action, or are there likely to be a few absentee's ie will the 9F have departed for the Bluebell and will the Black five be back from it's 'nationwide' tour? (I'm assuming that Nellie will be back from the ELR and not off elsewhere).

 

Looking under the special even't page there is now an update avalible. All home fleet loco are listed for the event with visiting locos to be announced.
850 Lord Nelson
34007 Wadebridge
92212
45379
31806

Great Spring Steam Gala 2012 | Watercress Line

 

I wonder if the outline of the loco on the Special Events page gives a clue to one of the visitors? Another Black 5 perhaps?

 

I doubt it - more to do with 45379 returning to traffic and being the MHR's own engine!

Still I do hope that the guest line up is something to draw in the crowds........

I'm looking forward to it, but depending on the guest line up depends on whether I do one or all three days ( money's tight at the mo, and I quite fancy doing SSSIII along with the Fab Four at Barrow Hill - which makes for an expense few weeks!)

 

Going by the last few galas I'm sure the MHR will come up trumps with visiting locos.

 

Hopefully this will please people!

M7 No.53 for Great Spring Steam Gala! | Watercress Line

Thanks

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

 

That is news of the most excellent kind!

Do we detect a Southern theme developing (which would be quite fitting) for the Gala?.............................

 

Do we really need a theme for a gala? From a marketing perspective, unless there is something specific to commemorate or acknowledge, I would suggest 'theming' such events is a risky business given the nature of steam; loan agreements, conflicting events, availability and last minute changes. Pulling together a fantastic collection of engines that people want to see and ride behind is the overall aim, any theme outside of my earlier comment is really a bonus. Given the strength of our resident fleet, it's going to have a Southern flavour, the M7 icing on the cake.

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

 

I would agree with that. Advertsing a theme for no good reason restricts which visiting locos are available, all the more so when one of the "themed" locos becomes unavailable and you have to go searching for a replacement.

Of course, since you've got a Bulleid Pacific and a BR Standard, why not call it an S&D Gala? Everybody else does.

 

Nope it was just a thought!!!!!!!

Couldn't agree more!

Cant wait to see what other 'rabbits' are pulled from the hat!

 

I'm sure those MHR volunteers with long memories will remember 53's last visit there. All I can say is that she's going so well these days, for a class 2 people will be surprised at her capabilities.

 

Well it has certainly pleased my Father and I as this is one of the loco's we were hoping for!

 

Well 30053 hasnt run on the Mid Hants in Southern Livery so thats a first its also never run on the MHR facing out of Alton however it depends on whats planned for it .
M7s usualy faced out of Alton in normal service.
Here is a link to pictures taken on previous visits M7s on the Mid Hants Railway - Linesidephotos by David Warwick | SmugMug

 

I feel another trip to Hampshire coming on. Never ridden behind 53 before. I didn't see her when she visited the Bluebell in 1994/95 or the Spa Valley last year (mainly because I was at the MHR) and she wasn't in steam both times I've been to Swanage.

Is 925 likely to be ready in time because that would be another reason for me to go (as would 31806 which I didn't get a solo run on during the Autumn Gala even after 3 days there). Mind you nif not there's always the Autumn Gala to see her in action because again a Schools is something I've yet to experience in steam.

 

I wonder if she will be allowed to run over the complete line or will she only work Alresford to Ropley shuttles. Which usually happens with smaller locos at steam galas? Also quoting the MHR web site the word guests locos is used. Is there going to be another announcement made regarding more visiting locos or will 30925 be completed in time?

What other loco or locos would you like to see to complement the M7 30053

 

Hi Dave,

Great photos has usual and nice to see your photo of 45379 in Steam Railway from Xmas time.

 

I cannot believe that I will not be able to attend this springs gala. Truely gutted as I have a real fondness for 53!

If the next announcements are 30925 and 30120 I will certainly be too grouchy to console!!!

 

I would have thought something akin to the N2's diagrams at the Autumn gala, a few shuttles and piloting duties - though I doubt she would be allowed to go solo.

 

If that's what is planned for 53, we'll cancel the visit!

 

Who knows, lets wait and see..............................................