Mid Hants Railway Autumn Gala featuring 'Bahamas'

Excellent Event ,10 out of 10.Two images from Sunday.

 

It would be really good if the MHR could pencil in another gala along the same lines for the spring. Even if it's only a home fleet event (maybe with 925 instead of Bahamas, or even a few steam locos mixed with a diesel or two?), it would be great to put it in the diary and know that it will be safely and efficiently run. It would be a really good way to help people through the long winter months - I for one would be counting down the weeks!

 

Let the dust settle first! I have a feeling there’s going to be a few phone calls to the GMs office from others wanting to pick brains etc but it’s good to hear so much positive feedback from what was a well supported and popular event.

 

The GM is considering a four day gala on a weekend when we will not all freeze!

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The GM is considering, or the volunteers have instructed the GM to consider...?

 

Can we have a Bulleid next time please.

 

I am.not sure that that will be possible....nor quite what the GM had in mind

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oh i was hoping that you were going to announce 35028 and 35018 for a merchant gala

 

I may be wrong, but think goods wagons.

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I doubt if you will get 35018

 

Is there any reason why? As far as I know there are no problems between WCRC and the MHR, If BIL just happened to be at Southall at the same time, inbetween rail tour duties, and the owners were not adverse to it visiting a couple of preserved lines during it's stay it could be a very good PR exercise if say it could visit MHR, Swanage etc, especially if it was in connection with end of steam galas

 

Yes but when was the last time anything West Coast visited a Heritage line? I can only think of 2 occasions in the last 6 years.

 

Back in 2014 West Coast sent three locomotives to the Mid Norfolk Railway for a Gala.
A couple of shots of them returning home:

 

For anyone that may have missed the weekend just gone, or wants a bit extra, Bahamas and the 7F are running on the Blue Timetable this weekend. Bahamas on the trains from Alresford and the 7F on the trains from Alton.

 

That was one of those occasions! Unfortunately I had a very unsympathetic boss at the time who didn’t appreciate time off at weekends for cranking. The other was BIL going to Wensleydale about 2 years ago.

 

Gets my vote.

 

Had a very enjoyable day Sunday, thought the timetable was incredibly well thought out it certainly felt like a traditional gala. The reduced numbers gave plenty space, certainly felt safe at all times, in fact the reduced numbers had the effect of almost a private show at times strange to have Medstead station platforms pretty much to myself Sunday morning for an hour or so! Perhaps this gives hope for more galas in 2021. My video is up will have a look at some photos over the next few days. Huge thanks to everyone involved for taking a chance in putting on the gala, I hope it works out to have been a success.

 

Spent a wonderful day at the railway on Saturday. Was good to finally meet @martin1656 and Shadow. I trust you had a good journey home.
As many have said, this was a very well organised and run event. At no time did I ever feel unsafe. There was no crowding even in the yard at Ropley, the announcements and one way systems were clear and concise and the constant cleaning of door handles at every station stop was reassuring that every "i" had been dotted and "t" crossed. If the sun had come out, the day would have been complete. Well done to all those involved involved in putting this event on in such different, difficult circumstances and well done to those who attended and followed the rules making it such a wonderful event.
Here are a few of the pictures I took on the day.

 

24 minutes of Stanier designed elegance in action during the Friday and Sunday of the gala. Enjoy!

 

My video and four photos from Sunday...many thanks to everyone who made this gala happen!