Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

Seen running into Ropley during 73096 period in BR black.

 

Ironically, I'd guess that the return of 73096 puts 34058 even further down the overhaul queue, so the rasp of a rebuilt Light Pacific may be a way off. Mind you, with 35005 and 34105 on the way back, the Bulleid fan won't have too much to complain about at the MHR.

 

I hope they don’t sell 45379. I think a black five looks far better than a BR Standard 5 can ever look.

I wonder if it would be worth selling the tender chassis from 73096 to another group/railway and building a new tender and chassis.

 

Why would they sell the black 5? if the standard 5 is seen as being the ideal engine, why shouldn't a black 5 also be?

 

Martin,

I never said it should be for sale. You haven’t read the quote from OldChap that I’ve quoted in my post. So I’ve posted his post again for you.

 

Personally I don't much care for Black 5's so if the MHR flogged 45379 on and replace it with 73096 I wouldn't disapprove in the slightest.

As for 73096 (as I said in a previous post) my idle musings would like to see an authentic tender back behind the engine, the existing LMS chassis would be better utilized behind, for example tenderless Black5 44901 and the BR1G style tank sold off to one of the numerous 9f's owners (92245, 92219, 92214, 92207, 92134) that are currently without anything to run behind behind their engines.

The MHR (or groups at the MHR) has sold tender tanks to other parties before (most recently 35005's but prior to that 34105's, 34067's) and does, if 34007 is the benchmark, seem to want to get as accurate/historical as possible as that locos albeit still unfinished tender has had the tender wheels changed from BR Cl.40 diesel wheel sets to newly cast original style BFB ones.

That said I wholeheartedly agree that there are more pressing issues than what tender could/should be made/sold/etc for 73096. More land is the key for the MHR, procurement of additional space would open up the opportunity for carriage storage shed, engine house etc.

Anyway back to 73096, its a positive result for the MHR and what ever problems it causes in the overhaul queue rota or tender aspect or where to store it or <rolls eyes> what colour to paint it then they are all good problems to have!

 

The Standard Five in lined black as 73080 and 73096.

 

A great set of photos. I see the first photo is taken from Brick Klin lane which hasn’t been possibly to photograph from for some years now.

 

Indeed, a classic location that would require a huge amount of work to open up again. But don't look at me, that would require a bit more than a strimmer.

 

very nice photos, has anyone got any of the engine in first the experimental green and later the dark green . which livery do people think suits the engine best poll anyone?

 

I must say Ropley yard looks far more photo photogenic with out all those lamp posts that are now dotted around the yard. Plus nice to see a night shot taken with a long exposure rather than winding up the osi. Winding up the osi seems to be a lazy way to take night photos in my opinion.

 

Do you know when it gained the darker green livery?

 

yes on its second overhaul

 

My memory needs a bit of prompting these days. Does anybody know the date it returned to traffic after the second overhaul?

 

not 100 per cent sure, but the standard day return railtour was its first mainline working post its second overhaul.

 

If you're talking about what was billed as "The Inaugural Run" Alton - Salisbury, that was on 15th February 1998. I believe that was "Daylight Limited Railtours" first railtour.

 

I would certainly prefer lined black! I never saw the loco in this livery (not sure why since I've been a member with regular visits for a few years now!) To me, the dark green never looked authentic somehow!

 

Somewhat of a necessity though if you haven't got a tripod.

 

Here's a blast from the past.
73096 on a main line railtour at Hounslow station in 2003.