MHR Spring Gala 23-25 March 2012

After experiencing the M7 at the GCR yesterday, I for one can't wait to see how she performs up the banks at the end of March - she's certainly got some Oomph!!!! :thumb:

 

She's due out of traffic at the end of September 2012 and, as was mentioned earlier, has the funds behind her for a "fast track" overhaul. How fast that is of course depends on how much work is required once stripped down. On the plus side her fowler tender has already been overhauled and is ready to run, so thats a big chunk already ticked off the list.

The mogul has done a fair bit of travelling, KWVR, NYMR, Llangollen and a few others in the fairly recent future. Its remained at the valley recently as it is a key member of our working fleet and will be truly missed. Very capable loco and I hope to see it back in service (in LMS black, eek!) 2013/2014

 

In terms of "foreign" engines on Southern lines, I'd love to see an LNER B1 visiting this part of the world.

 

Now wouldn't that be nice! :thumb:

 

So would I and they have been seen on Southern metals in BR days. Might have to be the Autumn gala as 1306 and 61264 aren't ready for service yet.

 

Yes, B1 no.61313 was declared a failure and had to be shedded at Eastbourne in 1964. My Dad took some photos of her together with Black 5 no.44862 on 25/6/1964, a real rarity LNER & LMS together on a Southern Region shed.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gQCWFZ4QoDDQHYQGYPUUzdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aofnO_COOB85DRjnEWBafdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jnoff9Js07ejbq_Pdv91eNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gsi3KRIzXVghVR7SZs54_9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

 

Had no idea the B1's made it to Sussex. I thought they were mainly seen in areas like Bournemouth.

 

I have a book somewhere showing a photo of it being run in after repairs hauling a service train on the Redhill to Reading line at some point in 1964.

 

There's more information on 61313 at Eastbourne and other B1's that were shedded at Stewarts Lane in 1953 on this website - Visitors to the Southern

 

The mogul has done a fair bit of travelling, KWVR, NYMR, Llangollen and a few others in the fairly recent future. Its remained at the valley recently as it is a key member of our working fleet and will be truly missed. Very capable loco and I hope to see it back in service (in LMS black, eek!) 2013/2014

I don't recall it ever having visited the NYMR, although I'd certainly like it to!

 

Thats my mistake. The visit to the NYMR was intended for 2009, i assume for a spring/autumn gala but was cancelled, can't remember why off the top of my head. Shame, she would have made a right racket going out of grosmont too! Maybe she will be seen in the moors in a few years time.

 

Any idea if another guest loco is being sorted. The line usually brings in more than one engine for both its gala's doesn't?. Not fussed if there isn't as 53 is a loco i'm looking forward to seeing.

I've found out that we are having a shut down at work on the 23rd and the 26th handily so I'll be able to do all 3 days again

 

I was thinking the same thing, but was going to wait until the weekend to mention it - just in case something is announced on Friday ( as they are up their eyes with Postman pat at the moment!)

I can't see it being just one guest for the gala, but you never know Lol!

Thinking back to this time last year, we already knew the proposed guest line up and the timetable...................

 

There hasn't been any talk about another loco visiting for the gala. I'm looking forward to seeing 30053 at the MHR.

 

That's a shame, one guest plus the home fleet (to me) doesn't make it much of a gala, after all it's the guest loco's that make it!

Unless one or two others turn up ( I don't care how big or where from) then I may or may not pay a visit.................... at the moment I really am undecided ( don't get me wrong - I do enjoy the galas, but there's only so many pic's of the home fleet you can take, and i have a lot!)

 

I have pretty much the same thing except with the Bluebell in that I have so many photos of each operational loco after spending a lot of 2010 there for the 50th Anniversary.

A shame it seems there doesn't appear to be another guest turning up but there's always the Autumn Gala for more to turn up.

 

If they are planning a 'mega' autumn gala, then as I have already said - they'd better move it back away from the present w/e that clashes with Swanage, or it could be financial suicide!!!!!!!

Having said that it is the guest engines that draw the crowds both of last years galas proved that, so if it is only one loco for the up and coming Spring shindig, people may think twice about it, as I've said already - I am as I've already had 'fun' with the M7 at the GCR, and am committed to a weekend away for the Fab Four at BH, and SSSIII hotels and train tickets already bought, so from a purely financial point of view fingers crossed they get something else in that might just tempt not just me, but others as well!

 

Maybe await and see policy is needed before condemning the spring gala. There could be a good reason for not having a mega gala this time and you can’t keep having mega galas and why should they move the autumn gala for? Why would it be financial suicide for the MHR? Have you ever thought or considered that the MHR management have considered all possible dates and are fully aware of other steam galas and the impact this would have on visitor numbers.

 

Are you looking for a Directorship LEE?

Regards
Chris:

 

If one is asked one can always make one self available.

TTFN