Mid Hants Spring Steam Gala

---

From: David Creasey Sent: 14 March 2009 21:59 Subject: MHR Gala Day 2 - #73096 fails Tony I don't know if you were there but here are a few pic's of #73096's return and the failure of the first rescuing diesel. I'd like to say what a fabulous job MHR people quickly did to save the situation !  David C     Traction motor fire. Not uncommon with 33s, I'm told. That one will need rewinding  ... tw
	Six photos (14th March 2009): David Creasey*          Photos of the damage to #73096 left-hand cylinder     Correspondence received on this subject
Photo (14th March 2009): Nik Tippen*

---

Note:
In the above movies you can see and hear locos with 4, 6 and 8 chuffs* per revolution of the driving wheels - makes MHR a unique UK railway;
Std4 #76017 and West Country #34105 (still in 34102 disguise) have been drawn out of the headshunt to make room for shuttle trains and loco changes (and to let our visitors see them);  and
Ivatt #41312 is working a four-day extension to its 10-year boiler ticket before heavy general overhaul.   (* Technical term)

---

Movie showing preparations at Ropley MPD for 2009 Spring Steam Gala:   (6MB, 12th March 2009): Tony Wood*  
Morning scene as locos are lit with a warming fire whilst cleaning proceeds.
After the dissolve, it's afternoon and raining. The yard looks very atmospheric with swirling smoke and a few safety valves feathering.

---

	Photos (12th March 2009): Henry O'Dwyer*

---

11th March 2009:
Photos (Ropley, 11th March 2009): David Warwick*

   
   

---

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 27 March 2009 10:21
Tony 
Nobody mentioned Lord Nelson's (running through Medstead on Friday 13th) quartered buffers. I can see how you do the first three quarters but how do you do the last one without messing up the others?
Does anybody know what the code letter "A" stands for? On GW locos it was the shed code. 
As I'm in one of his pics of Met No.1 here's one of Henry probably just after he took it. 
Regards 
David Charlesworth

---

From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 19 March 2009 21:07

Pics from Friday 13th

Rgds,
H

---

From: Jonathan Holmes
Sent: 19 March 2009 15:11
Subject: RE: Mid Hants Gala
Hi Tony
My images from the Gala on 14th March are here
Yours 
Jonathan

---

From: Nick Bartlett
Sent: 19 March 2009 10:47
Subject: Lymington Flyer
Dear Tony
Please find enclosed photos of #41312 taken at the Gala on Saturday 14th March.
I am a Driver for SWT at Bournemouth and regularly work the Lymington Branch with the Heritage Slam Door Stock.
The Lymington Flyer Headboard was made by Malcolm Ellis, who works at Parkstone Ticket Office.
#41312 was the last steam loco to work on the Lymington Branch. If you go to Lymington Town station there is a Heritage display showing the history of the line, including a large photo of #41312's last train.
2008 was the 150th Anniversary of the Lymington Branch and it would have been nice to have #41312 visit. As the engine could not come to us we brought the headboard to the loco.
If you would like to add any of the enclosed photos to the Mid Hants website, please feel free!
Cheers
Nick Bartlett

---

 

From: Mike Wells
Sent: 21 March 2009 16:17
Subject: Std 5 etc
Hello Tony
I haven't emailed you lately but I'm still an avid watcher of the MHR web site - keep up the excellent work. 
I was so surprised to see that the Standard 5 failed. One of the guys there once described the S15 (#30506) as being as near to 'perpetual motion' as was possible in a steam engine (while I was clearing out compacted ash and clinker from inside its smokebox if I remember rightly) but I think #73096 had been getting the same reputation recently. I do hope that you publish the findings of the investigation as I am intrigued to know what went wrong. 
Best Regards
Mike Wells
USA

---

From: Richard Smith
Sent: 18 March 2009 22:42
Subject: Spring Steam Gala 2009
Hello Tony,
I felt I must write after my most enjoyable visit to your Spring Steam Gala on Friday 13th March 2009. I have a slide show on the Flickr website of a few photos I took on the day. The slide show pics are in reverse order of the time of day they were taken, therefore better appreciated if viewed backwards.
I was on the 16.13 Alresford to Alton train pulled by BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 #73096. I am no expert on the different sounds and beats of a steam engine but I did think #73096 sounded terrific as she pulled us to Alton. Therefore, by your superb website, I was most saddened to hear about her fate less than twenty four hours later. My photo slide show includes what I think is a great picture of #73096 in all her glory waiting to leave Alresford. Here's hoping she is soon back on track, (no pun intended) to giving a lot more people enjoyment and pleasure. Being on this train enabled me to return to Alresford on the 16.55 from Alton pulled by #850 Lord Nelson. I was surprised that most of the visitors had left by then. They missed a chance that I enjoyed of getting superb pictures of Lord Nelson in the fading light from the footbridge at Alresford.
Best regards
Richard Smith
(Plymouth)

---

From: Donna Redding
Sent: 18 March 2009 17:38
Subject: Spring Steam Gala 2009
My very first steam gala had it all. It was a shock that the Std5 failed (a very, very reliable loco), was so sad it brought a tear to my eye and I was quite upset.  I hope it won't be long before the engineers work on him and it is back in action soon - hopefully before my birthday in September, which I will be there for. 
I eventually got a ride behind ALL of the locos. I was very pleased everyone worked SO hard to get some sort of service on in the end. Owing to not feeling 100% on the day I nearly went home, the bus we were promised never arrived, then a member of staff told us the line was clear again and I ended up with a long trip behind the Nelson in the end! 
God bless everyone. I even went round the loco yard too. Was nice to see Swanage in the yard as well. I would like to contribute to the funding of the restoration of the three Bulleid locos you had there - I know Bodmin is owned but this would be a dream to see it back in action on the Mid Hants. 
Take care.  
Donna Redding

---

From: Stephen Newell
Sent: 18 March 2009 01:02
Subject: Spring Gala, Saturday 14th March 2009
Hi Tony 
As it happens I was on the first train from Alresford, which also turned out to be the last train hauled by the Standard 5 for some time. I'm not one to sit in my seat when travelling by steam train and had my head out the window when she failed. I was on the fireman's side so missed the actual failure but it was obvious as soon as it happened as the crisp four beats per rev dropped right off and I got a face full of cylinder insulation!! The regulator was shut immediately and she was bought to rest pretty quickly in a controlled manner, which was good work on the driver's part considering the shock of the situation. The crew were quick to act, with the fireman carrying out the train protection procedures. Up until the failure she was going so well and tackling the bank in fine style; there was no hint of irregularities in the beats right up until the moment it happened. Attached is a shot of the fireman, driver and Ropley crew assessing the damage and starting to remove the rods. The passengers and coaching stock were towed back to Ropley, leaving the 5 on the bank. She was later recovered by the diesel. It was definitely a unique Gala as you were able to offer locos with 2, 4, 6 and 8 beats per rev on the Saturday!!  
Despite all this the railway carried on and did a great job, although the timetable was dispensed with for the day no-one complained; the staff did a good job of letting people know what time trains were running to and it worked well. A cracking example of spontaneous improvisation!  
The highlight of the day was double-heading behind Bittern and Wadebridge out of Alton - an unexpected treat - that was quite a sight and sound! 
I hope it's not too long before the Standard is back in action; it was a popular and reliable engine on the line. I suppose that perhaps one good thing to come out of the cylinder failure is you now have a new flower pot for the up platform at Ropley!! 
Regards,
Steve Newell
  

---

From: Tom Connor
Sent: 17 March 2009 23:54
Subject: Spring Steam Gala
Dear Tony 
I had a fantastic time at the railway on Sunday, sad news about the Std 5, but I'd never have known there had been any problems were it not for reading about it on the website. Photos taken on the day
Tom 

---

From: Russell Eldred
Sent: 17 March 2009 13:14
Subject: Standard 5 failure at the Gala
Hi Tony
I read the comments about the failure of the Std5 with interest. I arrived at Ropley with my son just after the Std5 had failed. Initially I think everyone assumed that the problem with this normally reliable engine would be minor - these things happen - the MHR is a running railway and not a museum after all. Before the platform staff could be informed what the problem was and what was going to happen, I guess the engineering guys from Ropley had to find out what had gone wrong and what could be done to get it all moving again. In a reasonably short amount of time there was talk of a plan to use a bus service between Ropley and Medstead (luxury of having a working bus museum half way up the line I presume). I don’t think that this was instigated; as the plan to clear the line emerged I guess it was deemed as not necessary. To me it showed someone was thinking about a contingency plan in the event of the line being blocked for a significant amount of time, considering what happened it was a real possibility.**
The guard on the train I was sitting on went up and down the train giving everyone updates about what was happening as best he could – but until the guys up on the Std5 knew what was happening there was inevitably a period where nobody knew what the plan was going to be. Trains were terminated at Ropley and sent back to Alresford which led to some interesting unplanned top and tailing which kept things running.
When the Std5 was brought back to Ropley I think everyone was shocked at the damage*. A number of people then commented (and I agree) that considering what had to be done to move the loco out of the way ensuring that safety was top of the list and without creating more damage to the loco or track a good job was done. Imagine the pressure on the guys as 100’s if not 1000’s of “experts” analysed every action they took whilst videoing it ! – no pressure then.☺ That’s not to mention all the H&S  Exec people who would have had something to say if it had all gone wrong and a derailment had ensued.
I regularly travel on the “big boys' railway” and have experienced far worst delays and communication caused by failed trains than on Saturday – well done to guys at Ropley, I say.
As for the price of the ticket, £18 is a lot of money, but at £190/ton how many tickets have to be sold just to coal up the loco’s for the day before ANYTHING else ?
Isn’t it interesting how two people in the same place can have such differing views on the same event.
Anyway that’s just my view – everyone entitled to theirs !
Keep up the good work Tony
Russell Eldred
p.s. Feel free to correct my typo’s if you have the time ☺ 

* Photos (17th March) of the damage in detail

**From: Ian Davey
Sent: 25 March 2009 17:26 
It was decided to call out Alder Valley Travel to provide an emergency bus service as they have a contract with MHR. By the time the obstruction had cleared the bus was at Farnham and it was turned around to go back to its base. I made the call as I had the owner's number on my mobile but with the authority of the Duty Manager. The bus garage at Medstead was not involved. 
Bit picky but it clarifies what was happening behind the scenes. I believe the train that had the Std5 on it arrived at Alton only 2 hours late: not bad, considering.
Ian

---

From: Richard Hawkins
Sent: 17 March 2009 14:33
Subject: Saturday of Spring Steam Gala
Tony
Your correspondent who voiced his complaint over the treatment he received on Saturday 14th March at the Spring Gala is evident testament to the fact that education is a wonderful thing. Fortunately, we still live in a society where freedom of speech is enjoyed and in which constructive criticism ought to be welcomed rather than scorned. Criticism, when justified, helps to obviate complacency. Unjustified, or unfocused, criticism merely causes resentment.
It is almost axiomatic that in heritage railway preservation and operation things do not always go according to plan. The important thing is what occurs in consequence of a major failure or accident. In such an eventuality the most obvious, but oft ignored, requirement is to have one person in charge and for all those involved to take his or her instructions from that single person. Ignore that basic requirement and instructions, or would-be solutions, are passed around with the regularity with which some countries change prime ministers. Another unfortunate consequence of failures, accidents or other unplanned happenings is that some members of staff, especially those who interface directly with our visitors, might actually be thought guilty of exacerbating matters by the answers given to the most well-meaning of questions. Whether such criticism is justified depends, in most cases, on the way the question is framed and also how the answer is received.
I was not on the Railway on Saturday 14th so I only know what I have read on the web-site about what befell the Standard 5. I was however privileged (not a word I use lightly) to be Alresford “main line” (as distinct from shuttle) guard on Friday 13th; a day on which traditionally things can go awry. And although the timetable was not maintained spot-on, the day went exceedingly well. I heard not one word of complaint and many of words of encouragement.
Regards
Richard

---

From: Tony Davies
Sent: 16 March 2009 23:14
Subject: Saturday of spring steam gala
Dear Tony Wood 
All the messages on ur letters page seem 2 be very bias towards the railway. In the way of what a great job everybody done etc. It has to be said the crew on the standard must of done a great job striping part of it done in middle of no where in such a quick time. But after coming 2 ur gala in september 2008 and having such a great time i was very disappointed on saturday of the spring gala.  
Staff at alton station were not very helpful telling me 2 drive 2 ur other stations when id spent £18 on a ticket (very expensive may i add where another railway which will not be named runs longer distance threw lovely scenery during there galas there rover tickets are no more than £15) to be told that it wouldnt be a steam gala without a failure! Ive been 2 many a steam gala without failures so in my eyes not a very good thing 2 tell a punter.  
Then after driving 2 ropley and the line being cleared very effiently. No member of staff at ropley could tell me or anyone else 4 that matter what was going on or when the next train was coming in etc. Sorry to say it but i felt the railway collapsed under pressure.  
This is why im a member / volunteer of a steam railway which is over 2 - 3 hours away rather than one under 1 hour from my house. This letter will probably get ignored or when people read it they will get all cross and say if you can do a better job etc. But just think a minute im interested in railways and steam so i no things can go wrong without any warning i mean there old machines but the general public who may of been there on a day out for something different if they had gone threw the same as me then they may think this is no good not doing this again.  
Tony

---

From: David Nursaw
Sent: 16 March 2009 21:18
Subject: Gala 14/03/09
Hi 
Just wanted to express my thanks for an enjoyable day. In spite of a few problems it was great to see Ropley yard full of Bulleids and Standards
Well done.
Thanks again.
David Nursaw

---

From:Tony Thatcher
Sent: 16 March 2009 19:03
Subject: Spring Gala, Saturday
Dear Tony
Please pass on my sincere thanks to all who were working on the railway on Saturday. I arrived early and left late proud to be a member of MHRPS. 
Despite the unfortunate problems with the Standard and the Crompton I thought the railway dealt with adversity admirably.
Once the service recovered there were some great scenes of wonderful locomotives with everybody working so hard to make sure all visitors had a great time.
All were a great credit to MHRPS.  
Best regards
Tony Thatcher

---

From: Sean Tompsett
Sent: 15 March 2009 11:40
Subject: Thank you to The Watercress Line
Tony 
Just wanted to say a big 'Well Done' to all those at the railway for overcoming the failure of Standard 5 #73096.
We had got to Ropley just as it was just announced and were beginning to wonder whether we would get back to Alton later in the day, with the line being blocked!
Well done to all who got the line clear and kept the trains running.
Thanks must also go to the platform and ticket staff and the guards who kept us informed of what was going on in what must be very trying circumstances.  
I know that there were some disgruntled people around, but for myself and my 7 year old son it just added to the day.
We got to see and ride behind Lord Nelson, so we went away very happy.  
Well done to all, and thank you for a great day. 
My photo collection of our visit can be found here.
Many thanks 
Sean Tompsett

From what you write, Sean, you for one understand that we are running a real railway, not a theme park - that is the essence for true steam railway enthusiasts.
Stuff happens - it's how it's dealt with that sorts the men from the boys, IMHO    ... tw

---

 
 
 
From: Leslie Smith
Sent: 14 March 2009 10:03
Subject: Spring Gala
Tony
Yesterday I visited your excellent Spring Gala and had a very enjoyable day. I had many train rides and took a few pictures one of which one is attached: 30585 at Alresford.
Thank you
Les Smith
 
 
 

---

From: Chris Searle
Sent: 13 March 2009 22:02
Subject: A great Gala!
Hello Tony 
Just writing to say my Father and I had a great day today at the Spring Steam Gala although things didn't start well for us. We are not superstitious but we did start to think that Friday the 13th was having an effect on us!
Still, things changed and we had a much better afternoon. In the morning we rode on the trains and had a couple of great runs behind #34007 and #60019. We didn't manage #850 but there is always another time. It was nice to see #34102 Lapford making a surprise appearance in the yard (Swanage in disguise) along with #76017.
Thanks to all involved with the event. Attached are a selection of my pictures from today which might be of use on the website*.
Kind Regards 
Chris Searle 

---

 
 
 
 
 
From: Jessica Pearson
Sent: 13 March 2009 13:46
Subject: MHR Steam Gala
Tony
Hot off the press from this morning's visit to MHR Spring Steam Gala - Wadebridge awaits the off for the 1017 departure from Alton while Lord Nelson reverses into the loop to await the arrival of the stock for its first departure  of the day. 
Jessica