MHR Autumn Steam Gala 6th-8th October 2023

Yes I remember that and many other occasions when ‘rockets’ could be seen in daylight

 

The 9:00 from Alresford with 7F has slipped to a stand in Medstead cutting, awaiting assistance from the rear.

 

Class 20 currently approaching rear of the train

 

7F was slipping a fair bit yesterday morning as well.

 

Left Medstead 45 down

 

Leaving Alton T&T 10:39 with the 20 on the front.

 

Yes it really struggled out of Ropley on the 0900 Alresford but was fine when it got past the signal at MP 56

 

401 passed on its booked schedule the 11:30 ex Ropley to Alton

 

Some shots from the gala, more at https://railwaygalleries.smugmug.com/MidHants/Autumn-Steam-Gala-October-2023/

 

Some pics from yesterday, linesiding with @Hampshire Unit !

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53242094402/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53243333839/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53243263518/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53242095087/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53242094542/in/dateposted-public/

 

For the avoidance of doubt 41312 wasn’t working all that hard. Just that if you get it set right the front end delivers a lot of noise, helped by it getting superheated which is pretty normal coming up Medstead Bank. Sounded nice from where I was stood too

 

72.was doing its share pushing this 13 total coaches/wagons train of over 200 tons and for me it was the best part of yesterday. We were in the last coach on the climb.

 

The only problem was knowing where I needed to stop to make sure your carriage was in the platform. Glad you enjoyed it!

 

Video now up

 

Enjoyed my few hours at the Gala on Sunday. Hadn't seen the Terrier or the Coal Tank in action before!

 

A few more shots from me of Saturdays events at this excellent Gala.
I forgot to say in my earlier post that I heard a lot of favourable comments on the trains about the event and I got talking to a guy who had come all the way from the Great Central area to travel behind Fenchurch even though the GCR Steam Gala was also on.

 

My first visit for a few decades, and it didn't disappoint. I enjoyed Fenchurch's energetic full line run on Friday, but mainly went to ride behind the 7F. She looked and sounded wonderful despite an early struggle on Saturday.

The staff at Medstead are to be commended for being both informative and affable whilst passengers on Saturday's double header awaited the reopening of the line. Unfortunate circumstances, but the late afternoon loco swap lead to a much appreciated bonus ride behind the 7F to catch the homeward train at Alton.

What I really noticed was how well kept the lineside is. Almost thought out with a landscapers eye to maximise the passenger experience. With some deep viewless cuttings, there seems to have been a real effort made to keep the long embankments clear, affording fine panoramas across the countryside. And in wooded areas one could look into mature stands, rather than onto scrubby dense undergrowth. There was even a gang working on lineside clearance whilst the gala took place around them! Another plus to the clear views...it meant easy spotting of the large number of Red Kites!

Hard to photograph, but a delight to ride, the 7F and 40+ Red Kites...2 sunny days at Mid Hants definitely well spent!

 

A short video of Fenchurch putting on some of her many fabulous displays during the gala. I hope you enjoy it

 

A final few from last weekend.......

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53253690515/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53253693030/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53253555159/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53253193476/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/53253552209/in/dateposted-public/

 

That engine is still some way from completion so there is no chance of it steaming in 2024.