Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

Some cross posting here. See also the Gala thread. I thought the operating was particularly good. Yes a very good day

 

Here's my footage from the Spring Steam Gala on Saturday. I hope you enjoy it.

 

I was also at the Mid-Hants on Saturday and a splendid day it was too. Full credit to the staff and volunteers that worked so hard to make it all happen.

I've made a start on editing the video footage that I took, and Part One, shot at Alton, is now on YouTube. I hope you approve:



TTFN,

Ron.

 

A report from the 'holes in the roof' gang atop the hill, yesterday - yours truly was everywhere else but Medstead, for a change!

It was one of those days with lots of work, but no real visible sign of progress - ie, lots of small jobs that needed doing before major steps forward can be taken & visible progress shown on the Gunpowder Van.......

Expoy putty was used on the holes in the roof & this has, so far, proved to be the solution, so the roof is now ready for painting properly inside & out, bar mods to the south side rain lip over the door......

Dummy heads have been installed in rivet holes where they have nothing to grip on to.

The frames for doors #1&2 have had further fettling & the problematic welding from last week resolved & finished.

Door #4 has now been stripped in preparation to being bought back to life.

 

My efforts from Sunday. Was a great day out for a steam fix and although the sun was hidden for most of the day the rain managed to hold off. Big credit to the Mid Hants for making it happen.

 

Was on the wagon stall at Medstead yesterday, but we finished just after three which gave me a chance to dash out and take a couple of shots.

 

Fantastic four days. To everyone who came, thanks for joining us in having fun...safely.

If you didn't join us, hope you can come soon.

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Running was impressively to time- was there more than 10 minutes dropped on any of the four days? 41312 proving an impressive Thunderbird when slight glitches occurred with other locos (none serious, thankfully) Happy visitors, Happy staff, even the drivers!

The Sun shines on the Righteous... by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

I couldn't make it this weekend. How long are the GWR visitors staying for? Not long I guess.

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MHR was just on ITV at 20.00 on Alan Titchmarsh "Spring into Summer".

 

It was a pleasure to be there - thanks for laying on a great gala

 

The 3 train (excluding the shuttle) timetable seems to work well. While the 4 train timetable used in the past is also good it doesn't allow much recovery time and leads to those frustrating waits in the loop outside Alton for the train in the station to depart. I wonder though whether when Covid restrictions are finally lifted, the 3 train model will provide enough capacity?

 

Just going to watch on+1- AT is a Mid Hants Patron, he came to the Scotsman event only just over a year ago-before COVID!

 

What a fantastic day out.

Everything ran to plan until 5526 needed a breather just short of the summit on the 4.15 from Alton. It only resulted in a small delay of around 10-15 minutes which was all but made up at Ropley on the last train of the day.

I must praise the bravery of the Mid Hants to revert back to a ‘Pre-Covid’ format gala especially after the success of their Autumn Gala. The doubts raised by some around the safety of reverting to such a format were from my experience today unfounded.

Many thanks to all involved.

 

5526 leaves later this week. 4612 is around for a little while. Watch this space!

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My video from yesterday, had a great day many thanks to everyone involved in putting on the event. Some photos to follow over next few days...

 

Trains seems relatively busy an Sat/Sun but noticeably more people walking round Ropley Saturday compared to Sunday, wonder if it was the threat of rain?

With 50027 being in the shed for a bit of maintenance (head gasket change and a bit of bogie painting), it was great to have a chat with lots of people asking about the loco with many looking forward to the next time she's out!

 

A big thank you to Dave & Steve (both of this parish) for the invitation to come and observe the Freight Plandampf photo charter yesterday. I enjoyed myself immensely, learned some useful stuff, and even managed a photo or two along the way...

 

Good to see you again Stu!

Glad you enjoyed your time with us - just remember, you & Tim need to book & pay for two rooms at the Premier Inn for us when we attend your 1st charter.

Hopefully, this will result in building a good relationship between the MHR & NVR & the two wagon groups.......