Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

Could be any number of things coming together, planned or just coincidence, had the MHR, knew, would they have sent the engine to the bluebell, as the agreement between the old owners and MHR would have been invalid, if it had been known to them it had been sold, the hire was between the bluebell, and MHR, so my reading is that it was only once the engine was at the gala, possibly straight after, that the news broke. and that's why it's currently marooned at Sheffield Park, the Bluebell can't send it back, until the MHR, has gotten proof of who owns it, and what any new owner's intentions are, If the rumours are true, it's going to be up to the new owner, where it goes,

 

I still don't get it - the loco was hired by the Bluebell for the Giants of Steam event. Are they therefore not responsible for the transport of the loco to and from the Mid-Hants?
I guess the question is - who did they hire it from? The Mid-Hants or the owning group? I guess if it's the latter the owners could request that it is not returned until any dispute is settled.

On the surface it seems like the Bluebell are holding the engine hostage, but in reality they are probably just caught up in something which is not of their own making.

Anyway - it's all speculation and a typical National Preservation story. Everyone's heard something but no-one knows anything of if they do they won't say.

 

A truly messy situation thats been in the running for 20 odd years and a case study for crossing the Ts and dotting the lower case js rather than a serious of handshakes and conflicts of interest that seem like a good idea at the time.

 

What I get frustrated about is people posting. I’ve heard a rumour and don’t say what they heard. People need to remember MHR volunteers are reading this and don’t know what’s happening to 76017.

 

Probably better not to spread rumours which may or may not be true. However the general gist of the rumours is apparent from reading the recent posts on here.

 

Rumors are what this place does best. Just look at the largest thread on here for evidence of that.

 

I would not wish to speculate on the issues with the loco and as @35B has stated contracts, even well written ones can be strange things.
But you only have to look at the aviation or shipping industries to see that if you want to get your "asset" back then a writ get slapped on it at some foreign port or airport. (Russia excepted of course where they ignore it and register the aircraft as their own).

 

Roster now shows the same locos plus the 7F for Saturday so as we are now clear of Covid we intend to go. Does anybody kwon which train 925 will start on?

Thanks

 

Alresford, and 30925 is also on the Real Ale Train in the evening

 

That’s great thanks

 

See You Saturday Don

 

This weeks YouTube video is now available to watch. With a look around Ropley MPD. There’s also an interesting interview with two volunteers from the building department. Plus photos and video footage of 30925 over the last ten years.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-67wt3SpcRnyegwI7EhPRQ

 

Had a great time at the railway today. My first visit since March 2020 after several aborted attempts due to ill health over the last couple of years.

It was the Wizard week event today but I was visiting mainly to travel behind Cheltenham one last time and behind 53808 for the first time since she arrived at Ropley MPD. Glad to report both loco's were in fine form today. Had a cracking run up the bank behind the 7F on the delayed 12.00 departure from Alton. The crew made up the time. Later I travelled behind 30925 on the 2.35 from Alresford up to Medstead with Cheltenham roaring up the bank in fine style. She certainly doesn't sound or look like a loco at the end of her ticket. The weather was perfect this afternoon and I really enjoyed a stop over at a very quiet Medstead. The peace ended when 53808 could be heard hammering up the grade from Ropley in some style. Magic!

It was great to see all of the improvement work that has been carried out at Ropley and Alresford since I last visited. Also great to see the adults and kids really getting into the spirit of the Wizard event with many wearing costumes.

I will hopefully upload some pictures tomorrow after I have been through them.

Thank you to everyone involved today for an excellent day out which was just the tonic I needed after a couple of rough years.

Sent from my XQ-BT52 using Tapatalk

 

My loco for today

 

We have just passed you at Ropley

 

Here are some of my shots from a most enjoyable warm Autumn Day on the railway yesterday (28-10-22):

 

Nice shots. More cloud today and wet rails after early rain but a very good day. 925 cruising around with ease on 4 coaches and the 97 years old 7F working hard on 5 as usual. What a loco this is. Wizard weekend but not that busy though lots of witches thought not all in costume. Hope the MHR made some money for their efforts. Farewell 925. Pics to follow

 

Thanks Don. Looks like they swapped the allocations around today. 30925 was on the 5 coach set yesterday; 41312 and 53808 were on the two 4 coach sets. It was quiet on the trains yesterday until late afternoon when it was time to go home as all the people that had been at Ropley went back to Alton. There was quite a big crowd going through the gates at Alton when I went to catch my train home.