MHR Autumn Steam Gala 2014.

When 1744 visited in 2011 it hauled one round trip over the line early each day with about 4/5 coaches and then shuttles for the rest of the days.

Maybe 1450 could haul one round trip on each day of the event.

 

Not quite, it did Alresford to Alton unaided on the Friday & Saturday, and came back Double Headed. and would've done the same on Sunday, except that when she was due to DH with the U - it couldn't be released because the points were clipped........ so she did solo Alton to Alresford as well....... I was at the 1st drop light, and the noise coming from the chimney (which was right next the coach).........

As for 1450+Autocoach. I think they will run to the tried & tested formula........ though it would be nice to see them go up to Medstead.......

 

I agree. Either early morning or late afternoon.

 

Oh yeah. I went on the Sunday trip behind her and waited at Alton so I could go behind 60163 and 4492 and remember the points problems at Alton.

Anyway I'm looking to go down on the Friday and Sunday this year. I've only ever had a slight glimpse of 1450 so will be nice to get a good look and ride behind her.

 

1744 was most impressive on her own. I travelled on the Saturday solo run and the sound from 1744 on the Ropley to Medstead section was superb. She put 70000 to shame at that Gala. The runs I had with the black Brit were disappointing. She suffered from priming on the section from Alton to Medstead.

 

It was exactly the same at SSS3. 1744 put on a heck of a show making an incredible noise and 70000 was rather tame.

 

You picked the wrong option!

She had one hell of a run at the bank, ignored the TSR and was flying with 5 on the hook, just as well on wet rail....... almost came to grief on the 1 in 45, but with the sanders going & the owner on the reg, we made it, as I said the noise she made was incredible. and the looks on the faces of those at Medstead were priceless as we emerged out of the cutting without the expected U Boat - they had probably been listen to our progress for a good 10 minutes or more!!

But we digress, that was then, this is about the now..........

 

Am I right in thinking the TSR at Butts Bridge only seems to come out for galas?

 

tsr?

 

I believe so - gives the crews a "test" & give those on board some decent sound effects as they work the engine up to line speed!

Just a bit of "fun" & does no harm as far as I can see.

 

Temporary Speed Restriction............. and you're on the footplate....... OK, diving a shovel, but PUR LEESE.........

 

She sounded great on the up journey as well if I remember correctly. Can't wait for this years event. Most of the locos I've yet to ride behind.

 

I reckon the one you want to be behind will be 4270............ should have more than enough wellie to put on a good show up the banks!

She were good at the GWSR gala earlier in the year. and we have a bit more of a bump than they do - and the lads looking after her are looking forward to coming.

 

I noticed this morning that the charters with 70013 have now been removed from the Timeline Events website - were the charters cancelled/postponed? SPECULATION ALERT! Does this mean that 70013 is staying at Southall/it's been asked to attend the MHR gala?!

I'll concede I only noticed the charters were missing from the site this morning, and don't know when they were removed.

James

 

J

They were there at the weekend.

 

70013 is currently withdrawn from service due to the lubricator problems encountered on Sunday. The 5305 folks are waiting for parts to sort her out. Her next ML trip (9th Oct) was cancelled last night as she will not be ready but they are hoping she will be sorted for the next one after that on the 16th. Don't know if this is the reason why the charters were suddenly removed from the Timeline site.

If the MHR have managed to bag her that would certainly be a great bonus to see the two surviving Brits together even though 70000 won't be in steam.

 

The first visiting loco has arrived at the MHR:
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/article.php/794/auto-tank-1450-arrives-for-steam-gala

 

Provisional Timetable too:
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/shopimages/products/extras/Autumn Gala No allocations 2014.pdf
No loco allocations (except the auto-tank).

 

I hope to god its smokebox first out of Alresford, otherwise there's going to be two rather angry photo charter organisers this weekend.......... never mind those attending the gala!

 

For some reason its been pulled.