Mid Hants Spring gala

Sorry your wrong. There are people that stay over night at Ropley and there is always a night crew on when a gala is on.

 

For once, im glad im wrong. Thanks for that.

 

Does anyone know which day Tornado is coming down to the MHR next week? There are still not any timings on the UK steam info site and the move is getting near. I was hoping to get a picture of her passing through my local station (Aldershot).

 

Sorry Matt - I too don't know! This was in discussion today whilst I was waiting for 70013 to come through. Here is the latest I can find http://www.uksteam.info/tours/lem10.htm - So not sure whether this is a movement they want to let on about or not? Also are the crews at the Midhants going to be manning her, or are they sending their own crews with her?

 

Hi everyone,

Update on the gala from the MHR web site and a timetable


http://www.watercressline.co.uk/mhralp/files/ssg_tndo_pr.pdf

This info is off the gala time table http://www.watercressline.co.uk/mhralp/files/ssg_rev_tt.pdf


Please note the 12.01, 13.31, 15.01 and 16.31 arrivals at Alton, Tornado will detach and join the stock already in Platform 3 departing at 11.55, 13.25,
14.55, 16.25. There will not be an opportunity to change trains.
The times stated are plan of record at time of going to print and may change on the day. Please listen for announcements at the stations.
All subject to availability.

 

Maybe I'm being a bit dense here but how can 60163 be detached from the 12:01 arrival at Alton and be attached to the 11:55 departure? Do you have a big Tardis or will the train be held outside Alton while all this swapping of locos takes place?

 

I only took this information off the time table and posted it on to this page. I would think that train will go in to the Meon loop and 60163 will be detached from the train. There will be a rake of stock waiting in platform 3 which 60163 will back on to which will be the 11:55 departure. Then the stock in the loop will be pulled in to Alton station by another loco.

Time table
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/mhralp/files/ssg_rev_tt.pdf

 

Thanks for the heads up on this.
I remember they pulled the same trick a few years ago when Union of South Africa visited. It's such a horrible attitude towards fare payers, making it impossible to get a round trip behind the loco you've paid good money to ride behind! I'm not prepared to be treated like this, so will be keeping clear of the MHR that weekend.

 

You can get one round trip in be hide 60163 if you join the train at Alton because the loco will be turned around at Alresford with the coaching stock in Alresfod station. This time table only stops you from doing complete round trips all day be hind 60163 and also stops people from hogging seats for the intension of only riding be hind 60163. This allows more people to ride be hind 60163. This must be a good idea for all the railways customers

Ps You aren’t the only person that would like to ride be hind 60163 at the MHR.

 

Bob deeth told me that at the last gala they tried to keep things simple, and for a gala which is likely to be absolute chaos, they are not going simple.

 

Looking at that timetable, Tornado doesn't stop for more than 10 minutes at any time. Are the crew therefore expected to go all day without a water stop? I know it's got a big tender but that's still some challenge!

 

Bob Deeth should retire.

Chris

 

Locos normally take water at Ropley in the up direction. All trains are timed to stand there for 5 minutes - not long, but enough for a quick top up on each trip.

 

For what reason?

 

I don't see why you see this as some sort of trick. It's clearly intended to maximize the the mileage that Tornado can cover on each of the three days. I think the MHR deserve credit for that, not yet more criticism. If you wish to make a round trip behind Tornado you just need to start from Alton.

 

Well said spanner.

 

Times are now on TRUST
Tuesday 02/03/10
00 40 am Battersea loop
Hern Hill 00 50
wimbledon 01 12
Woking 01 34
Guildford 01 43 / 01 59
Alton 02 40

 

Indeed yes well said spanner, it,s about time that you joined this forum.

Regards
Chris

 

I feel that the comment about Bob Deeth was a bit personal from you chris. I can see what you're saying, but he does a great job
and if he wants and can what he does, then good for him and the railway.

 

You are right , I apologise and take back my comment.

Regards
Chris