Mid Hants Railway Operational Matters

And is the ownership of 34105 even clear? I seem to remember that there were some strange goings on around ownership back in the eighties. I thought that the issues had been resolved legally - hence work started on getting Swanage back in steam. But presumably the ownership issues have reared their ugly head again. It's all a bit of a mess.

 

Yes things have certainly changed since the optimism shown, in this earlier thread. The press release linked on the 3rd post down seemed to suggest that a settlement had been concluded.
https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/34105-76017.19374/

 

Are these locos owned by individuals or a limited company? If the former, I'm just wondering what their liabilities would be in the event of an incident if they are hired out?

 

hopefully they will have a suitable indemnity clause in the hire agreement.

 

All a bit academic now anyway. 76017 seemingly now under new ownership and not returning to the MHR. 34105 very unlikely to be steamed again until the ownership mess is sorted out.

 

So 76017 is a Mid Hants engine no more then?
Where's it going now?
You know this will mean the Mid Hants will only have two engines (506 and 41312), unless Can Pac can swoop in and save the day, that I highly doubt.

 

they will have 53808 until next November, when that engines ticket is up, can pac won't be ready until late 2023, 499, possibly 2024, 75078 about the same time as can pac, possibly late 2023/ early 2024,
What comes next, at the moment, its hard to say, 850 and 925 have to wait for an new loan agreement from NRM. so possibly 73096, or if there is a concerted fund raising campaign, either 80150, or 34058 but my money is on 80150, assuming enough money can be raised Why? because its the engine the MHR will need,because its about the right size, never been steamed before, and will be more economic to use than either a black 5, or standard 5.

 

No official announcements yet, but that is the way things are looking.

 

Don't forget 53808 which has a boiler ticket extension until late next year and provided it stays healthy, but yes things are a bit tight on the motive power front at the MHR at the moment.

I thought 75078 was already in service at the K&WVR.

 

Think he meant 75079

 

It won't be 80150, as even if all the funding were available, it's not a quick fix and although 80150 supporters are plentiful, I'm not aware of any on the current WLHRT Board. Which is a shame really; if you asked the membership to pay for a restoration, they'd more than likely give you all the money for that one.

 

Chnaging the subject, it's that time of year again

Engine of Light by Stephen Morley, on Flickr

 

Interestingly that move, presumably 76017, is no longer shown.

 

Given their state of completeness both 73096 and 45379 will likely come ahead of 80150. The former needs some serious boiler work, the latter, well some mods to horn clips might be all that is required....though time will tell. 925 and 850 are both good candidates as well. That's 2024 to 2034 taken care of before getting to 80150, and by that time 35005 and 75079 and 41312 will all need attention. Besides that 53808 is a contender as well perhaps.

I personally feel that 80150 will only be seen in steam if there is sufficient money for it to "jump the queue" somehow with work contracted out. It needs so much more work than all the above

Truth is there are too many engines and not enough display/storage on site

 

I agree that 80150 needs a sponsor with deep pockets, rather as "Wadebridge" has gained, although the latter is a known quantity with much less work neeed than Bolso, alas. I hope I won't upset @Widge saying this. An off-site restoration is a good option. In the meantime, looking forward to 75079 in a year or two.

 

I think more than @Widge would be upset .....but if it meant progress on bringing 80150 back to steam I could be cajoled into supporting an off site restoration .....We do have a large building here in Canada ! ...just saying ..lol .....well an A4 did the trip

 

Combination of several Bluebell factors I believe, but none of them specifically related to 76017.

Tom

 

Has there been any adverse reactions between the Bluebell and MHR, over this situation, it must be very awkward for both organisations, in this regard, up to now, there has always been cordial relations between the two organisations, i would hope that the relationship hasn't been soured, it must have put a strain on things, you generally don't loan out an engine, for it to not come back, I suspect they might be relieved once 76017 disappears beyond the gate at East Grinstead. if only to be able to not be an unwilling party of what to many people leaves a very sour taste in the mouth.

 

Do you have a link to that study? I'd be very interested to read it

 

looking at https://www.bluebell-railway.com/giants-of-steam/
"Visiting Locomotives
We are pleased to announce that we will be joined by Standard 5mt No.73156 from the Great Central Railway and Standard 4MT Mogul No.76017 from the Mid Hants Railway. These two very popular locomotives are a welcome addition to our gala fleet and we look forward to seeing them in action on our railway!"
So the Bluebell railway expect 76017 to return to the Mid Hants Railway!