Mid Hants Railway - Great Spring Steam Gala 2013

The MHR website has just been updated with details of the next spring steam gala, on the 1st - 3rd March 2013. There is a nightshoot on the first two nights of the gala. Guest locomotives are 30120 and 3717. All resident locomotives will be in use with exception to 92212, which I imagine is away at the Bluebell.

The only thing could be 30120, which, by the sounds of things, will probably face Alresford. Reading the line 'Resplendent in BR Black, the Maunsell designed 'U-Boat' will make a fine couple with our visiting T9 superstar.' in the 31806 section, I'm not holding out much hope that it turns up facing Alton.

More details at: The Great Spring Steam Gala | 2013 | Watercress Line

If this gala is like the autumn one this year, this will be quite something!

James at SVN

 

Can't wait, and glad it doesn't clash with the SVR gala this year. City of Truro and the T9 should certainly draw more crowds than the 2012 spring gala.

 

Don't forget 31806 goes to the Churnet Valley in Feb, so hopefully it will come back facing Alton.

 

Yes, it doesn't clash with the SVR gala but both clash with the WSR second weekend. This year the SVR moved its SSG from its tradition spot of the first weekend of March citing engineering issues. Now there's no doubt the engineering issues were real enough in 2012 but they can't be valid for 2013, so why has the change been made permanent? Two big and one smaller galas on the same weekend is not sensible and the newcomer is surely at fault here.

If the SVR moved back to the first weekend in March I for one would go as I have always done for at least ten years. I can't be in two places at once and the B&B for the WSR has already been booked, so no visit to the SVR again in 2013.

Regards

 

Very tempted to make my 1st ever visit to the MHR now. Have to start looking at B&B's. Anyone from the MHR know of any good places to stay?

 

I don't know how good it is, but there is a Travel lodge at Four Marks, so it'll be inexpensive and convienient for Medstead station.
There are plenty of other hotels / B&Bs around though.

 

I have used it, and it is not bad.

There is also a very good cafe called "Rumours" that is to the left as you go under the bridge towards Station Approach

I hope that helps?

Best regards
Chris:

 

I can't find this event listed on the MHR web site apart from using the web link provided on this thread why!

With any luck the MHR web site will be updated SOON with all the events for next year.

 

Good visitors and fingers crossed things work out after the Autumn cancellations (although it was a great event and 5322 was a great addition). Not had a chance to see 30120 in steam yet (although I've seen it hundreds of times in the shed at Sheffield Park) and would be good to get another run behind 3717 (last time was a quick trip at Railfest and before that her visit to the Bluebell in 2006).

 

Let's hope 30120 and 3717 are both facing smoke box out of Alresford. Unless 850 or 925 could be turned around before the gala. For my money I would like to see 30850 facing out of Alresford for a change. Being that Lord Nelson has never faced in that direction before. I wonder if the MHR would consider running a RAT on Saturday night for this event? May help to bring in a few more customers to help boost the takings over the gala weekend.

 

RATs tend to start in February, so you never know. Worth sending an email to ask? 2013 RAT dates haven't been published yet.

 

Both? I'm not sure which other gala you are referring to?

 

I misread post #2 and so answered a post that doesn't exist! The SVR and WSR galas do clash with the SVR moving from its traditional spot of the first weekend of March to the last: the MHR gala is on the first weekend of March.

Depending on the line-up I might just go to the MHR, but the WSR is very much a permanent fixture in my calendar for March and October all the more so now they have 'chimney first' galas.

Thanks for pointing out the error,

Regards

 

Looking on the MHR web site tonight. The MHR Spring gala has been add to the events page. But for some reason only 30120 has been confirmed. The second loco is still to be confirmed. Will this be 3440 City of Truro?

The Great Spring Steam Gala | 2013 | Watercress Line

 

Perhaps they could be after another 4-4-0? The D49 246 Morayshire perhaps?

 

Or Sir Lamiel?

 

I do hope not! I'm totally gutted that I can't catch up with the T9 but to lose the Arthur as well?

Still hoping for the Maunsell Mania in October.

 

I see 31806 has been dropped from the locomotive list. I assume it won't be back from the CVR in time?

James at SVN

 

That's a pity. looking forward to seeing that double head with the T9 Bit of a disappointing line up then