Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

Yes that functionality has been retained. It has operated in push pull mode on the Swanage Railway during its previous visits there.

Just a shame about it’s livery!

 

At least it's no longer in fake teak!

As you say though, yes that particular TC can work push pull; I've written stock workings and diagrams including that function several times!

 

True, vast improvement on the vinyl wrap teak! And before too long a blue & grey TC to look forward to at Swanage.

 

Pardon, Pat?? no you don't hang them up side down, you just get out the hydraulic rivet gun, Contribute , or else, it was a very riveting experience,
So, whats this special guest, I wonder if the GBRF 73's are based near me, if they are then can bring the big thumper with them.

 

Thats got to be a never done at an public event before, in the past the yard would have been closed to all except those working on the boiler lift, well done, The new format, of differing services is a good idea for the present, as it gives a variety of options, AN rover, with unlimited travel will have to wait though, until all restrictions have been lifted, as its going to be hard to allocate seats, peoples safety has to be paramount at the moment, and only when its safe to do so, can total freedom of travel be allowed back, I attended the October steam gala, and that worked well, with locos changing trains, so people didn't have to chase locos, because at one point, your train would be hauled by what ever was in traffic that day, and having the option of a long break at Ropley, where most of the activities were, made sence,

 

On the friends of MHR Facebook site there is a video just been released of the boiler lift of Kilmersdon using the 45 ton steam crane, Hopefully this will be the start of its overhaul Some good news to show the loyal members that all isnt doom and gloom, that clearly the trust in its new home with the support of their new host, is moving forward, lets hope that its the start of a bright new chapter,
Will the S&DJR coach be moving to Ropley at some point, as this along with the Brighton coaches, currently in store, could after restoration form a nice little vintage rake, for the Alresford - Ropley Shuttles eventually,

 

Not sure if this is the same one, but found on YouTube anyway:

 

I can't speak for the Railway, but, i would imagine the boiler would be lifted for work to done on it, when it can be accommodated in the boiler shop, it depends on whats needed, for instance, if it just needs retubing, a few stays, then suitably skilled members of the railway, could do that, if it needs more work, then, the specialist engineers will be the ones who will do it. subject to space being availible, and a time slot, Hopefully this will be an overhaul where everyone, no matter what group they are will muck in, and hopefully the next time you see a picture of Kilmersdon at the head of some wagons, or maybe some 4 wheeler coaches,it will be in steam, if the one in best condition at Eastleigh can be brought into the carriage works and restoration started again as a joint project to assemble a vintage rake using the hayling coaches, and the S&DJR coaches, the MHR will by then have a small stud of engines suitable , Dave, Kilmesdon, and the Austerity tender conversion,

 

Austerity tender conversion left a good few years ago and is currently visiting the Spa Valley (usually based at the East Lancs.)

 

now that would be impressive sight to see.

 

its been reported that it is returning i did read for 2 years,

 

Any comments from Honiton yet?

 

Give him time..........
Ray.

 

It’s going to the Spa Valley for two years, not the Mid Hants.

 

Sorry, yes your right,
It was on the MHR Friends page, that it's coming south, I didn't realise it was a link to the Spa Valley, I thought the post was referring to the MHR.
Just goes to show, I must be going senile in my old age, Now where did I put my teeth,

 

Just watched Kilmersdon's boiler lift. Fantastic to see the steam crane being used. Authentic technology, Well done MHR

 

would be great to see Douglas back at the MHR for a gala...

 

So, after last weeks break, yesterday found six like minded souls atop the hill!

After the usual brew & catch up, we set to on various tasks on the GPV like men possessed...... working in covid bubbles of two - one pair charged with continuing work on the doors & frames, the second with making the bodysides more presentable, ie, filling in cavities that detract from the apperance, as well as bringing in the country end roof lips to make them more roof like & uniform rather than looking a mess!

The final pairing definitely drew the short straw...... charged with bringing the internal walls up to 1st gloss...... all fine & dandy, except everyone else was on the outside banging & crashing, sanding & drilling, whilst you are trying to work - never mind being slowly cooked as the heat from the sun transformed it into an oven - no wonder I had a raging thirst when I finally got home, the 1st two beers evaporated!!!!!

Still, it was an excellent day all round, with visible signs of progress.

It was also great to see all the trains that passed us full of happy smiling families enjoying their day out with Thomas down at Ropley.

A couple of pics of aforesaid trains - not the best of light to be photting in.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51211983717/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51212913778/in/dateposted-public/

After sanding down the various splashes & giving the walls a light scratch, it was decided it would be easier & quicker to give the whole lot a coat of undercoat to eliminate any shadow or grinning!



The ends of the roof being pulled in & secured with hidden screws & some of the bodyside repairs, after filling & sanding, oxiding & undercoating - next step - 50;50!



All internal walls bought up to 1st gloss - albeit with a sponge roller - the final coat will be applied by brush to give a better finish.

 

This is a good video of kilmerson. The old man on the crane is looking like having great fun lifting it out. They should have more old coaches to run with it yes and also my idea of a wagon to get in could go on the same train in a mixed gods train. I hope they have decided to keep kilmersdon blue when it gets put back together. They should get this done as quick as possible as they will find it a good engine

 

Looking on Steve Morley Flickr photo site today. I see Steve has made a visit to the Bluebell Railway on a photo charter. One of the photos he’s taken of 88151 has been doctored to 88150.

Nice photo Steve
https://www.flickr.com/photos/arleimages/51210495110/