Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

I don't suppose CanPac would be ready by then?

 

Just watched this weeks YouTube video. Great to see an update on 08377 and there’s also an update on what’s happening with 35005 boiler.

 

I'm am sure they can book a Bullied Light Pacific and renumber it 34050 'Royal Observer Corps'.

Although personally I would LOVE to see 2999 'Lady Of Legend'.

 

Wouldn't we all !

 

Might not able to handle The Alps but more chances of seeing it double headed with something, who knows? Maybe another royal engine?

All in all, 2999 and Queen Elizabeth II are both legendary ladies!

 

It managed the 1 in 49 on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

 

I though 5043 put the myths about GW locos 'not doing hills' firmly to bed a few years ago.

 

I know Great Westerners can climb hills and I know 2999 did the 1 in 49 at NYMR.

BUT from what I saw 2999 only handled 5 coaches at the event and 3 of them were LNER Teaks, which I think are lighter than BR MK 1's.

The thing that I wouldn't be so sure about is 2999 pulling 5 MK 1's up a 1 in 50 incline.

 

Do I detect slight sadistic inclinations towards locos there?

I recall tale of the exit from a sandpit somewhere which was alleged to be 1 in 5, with the same source critical of a Jubilee as only managing one loaded sand wagon. I should say, I wasn't convinced by the veracity of claim fifty years ago!

 

Could running tender first up the gradient, presumably without sanders, be a problem? Either way, I don't suppose having the Ivatt as a banker would upset too many people.

 

It could've been worse - marg, at leas yoghurt is cultured!!!

Anyway.......

A very wet day greeted the small number of the Saturday gang atop the hill yesterday....

No work was planned on the GPV as it was too wet & what is needed can be done as and when, though we did open it up to see how the home mixed paint had dried back, we're rather pleased with the shade of grey, as it really is only just a touch off being gunmetal grey! PLUS we were rather chuffed to discover upon opening the doors, that it was bone dry inside!

So, with the rain still coming down in buckets, but showing signs of easing off, some more tinkering with all the brake gear under the Wembley van was under taken.

Then it was time to go and give a few vehicles at either end of the line the once over...... so we took the opertunity to use the company transport, firstly down to Alresford, which meant we all got our 1st ride in the BY...... its bouncy, as the new dampers that were fitted still seem to be bedding in..... but we still enjoyed the ride!

Once down at Alresford, where 'Dave' or is it Linda? was in charge of the shuttle, it was down into the depths of the sidings to seek out a particular vehicle and give it a thorough going over...... once we'd done that, having taken copious notes and plenty of photo's it was back to the platform where lunch was taken before once again hitching a ride in the BY, and this time having 80151 working hard up the hill to Alton, where we repeated the process before hitching a lift behind 41312 back to base for a well needed brew & before you knew it, it was time to pack up!

Sorry, no pic's of what we got up to this week, as they aren't for public consumption.

So, just some observations from the day......

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51644836669/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51644833004/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51644834514/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51643351337/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/51645033095/in/dateposted-public/

 

To be honest, I've always been a bit of worrier, I was the same when 30120 visited in 2013 but it suprised me by pulling 5 MK 1's, so 2999 would probably do the same!

Although 41312 acting as a banker doesn't sound a bad idea OR even better, be it's train buddy and have those two double head all event!

 

I have had another idea for the gala that is a world first and that is that the royal train has not been got on before. If they could get it onto the railway for the gala then people could have the first ever have a tour on it. I don’t think the queen would be happy with giving rides but as a special occasion she should open it up and let people have a look inside. It will be a good way to celebrate and the best thing they could have for there royals gala

 

In your dreams.

 

I don't know how the weight of Mk 1s compares to pre-grouping carriages, but let's not forget that this sort of work is what the Saint's were designed for. I would be very surprised if 2999 cannot handle 5 Mk 1s with ease.

 

1915 Toplight Third no. 3930 is 28t 4cwt. A Mark 1 TSO is around 33 tons

2999 was handling more than the weight of five MK 1s up Eardington bank at the SVR gala

Patrick


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Was on the 7 coach set solo at times during the NYMR gala.

 

I thought it had taken 7 mk1s up the bank at the NYMR, but even a five coach load is creditable considering the curvature of the line, which markedly affects the rolling load, in places and is far less of an issue on the Mid Hants. Even their Ivatt tank seems to have no problems with 5-coach trains.

 

Far be it from me to be "that guy", but off-topic much?

 

Considering the posts before mine were about the Autumn Steam gala of this year, I don't think it's gone much off topic.

Besides it's just a bit of fun, idea bouncing.