Mid Hants Railway Green Train steam excursions on the main line

Mainline Tours Reports and Letters

This shot of Canadian Pacific passing through Farnborough shows what preservation is all about  75 mph Photo 16th August 2001 © : Nigel Kendall

Photos and reports from our main line runs

(We regret that from the end of 2004 we are no longer running main line Daylight Railtours excursions)

From: Tony Storey
Sent: 19 December 2004 21:10
Subject: Duke of Gloucester
Hi Tony
Please find attached two shots of #71000 waiting for the green light at Chichester last night, prior to the return run of the Carol Concert Special. I've never seen the up platform so crowded - hence the need for 13 carriages !!
Best wishes
Tony Storey                    One    Two

From: Jon Bowers
Sent: 13 December 2004 17:54
Subject: 71000 today
Hi Tony
Thought you might like the attached from this afternoon, seen from the public side of the fence at a foot-crossing near Westcott on the climb to Gomshall
Regards
Jon
   Photo        Movie (860KB)

From: Matthew Allen
Sent: 10 December 2004 08:59
Subject: Lincoln trip photo's
Hi Tony
I've got some photos of the recent trip to Lincoln with 73096.
The first is at Lincoln complete with semaphores! The other is the loco simmering at King's X.
Matt Allen

From: John H. Bird
Sent: 05 December 2004 21:15
Subject: CATHEDRALS EXPRESS
Hi Tony
Thought you might like to use this pic of 73096 accelerating its 12 load past Foxton on the outskirts of Cambridge yesterday: it was delayed by a Sandite train preceding it, leading to much distant whistling, and then it got moving in hot pursuit. Suffice to say that the combined trains created a mile tail back in each direction at the crossing! Nice signal box and very helpful signalman keeping us updated with progress!
Best wishes
John H. Bird

From: David Pharro
Sent: 05 December 2004 12:38
Subject: Lincoln
Possibly the Standard 5 last main line run having arrived at King's Cross after a perfect run to Lincoln with Steam Dreams.
Maybe she will have some 'fill in' runs next year.
David Pharro

From: Andrew Dungate
Sent: 09 November 2004 07:36
Subject: 6/11/04
Tony
Thought that I should send this picture of the 12.00 down train on Saturday just after it arrived at Alresford. I think that the 5 had been out to be turned for the Cathedrals Express run. The two made quite some noise going up the bank to Medstead. It's hard to believe that '96 might only have 2 mainline runs left......
Andrew Dungate

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 09 November 2004 02:19
Subject: The Cathedrals Express, just west of Gillingham (Dorset)
Hi Tony
#73096 hauling the Cathedrals Express up the incline just West of Gillingham (Dorset), en route to Exeter on Sunday, November 7th.
This magnificent locomotive against the backdrop of the beautiful Dorset countryside, in all its autumn splendour, makes an unforgettable sight.
Regards
Roger Stronell

From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 08 November 2004 15:58
Subject: Hook on Sunday
Hello Tony
Well here she is again: 73096
It was dull and drizzly at Hook, but still a great sight.
Rgds
H.

From: David Pharro
Sent: 08 November 2004 10:27
Subject: Exeter run
An atmospheric b/w picture of 73906 during a water stop at Salisbury on Sunday night (7th Nov) when I and my family enjoyed a fantastic Cathedrals Express trip from Woking to Exeter
David Pharro

From: Andrew King
Sent: 07 November 2004 18:31
Subject: Cathedrals Express today at Overton
Hi there
I drove out to Overton this morning to watch the Green Train come through - it was bang on time at 10.13am. It was great to see so many people turn up to watch it showing that a steam train on the mainline is still something very much worth seeing.
The 5MT departed more or less on time in spectacular fashion with the Standard bark echoing away for a good 5 mins as it climbed the gradient out of the station. I hope to send on a small video clip of it shortly.
I took these pics while the engine was taking on water.
Regards
Andrew (in Reading)                     One   Two

From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 07 November 2004 14:28
Subject: Cathedrals Express and Members' Day
Tony
Here is the Green Train and the Standard steaming well through Brookwood at around 9:15 this morning on Cathedrals Express duty. A great shame that this pairing may not be seen much more on the main line. I'm only glad to be going on the Cambridge trip this coming Saturday.
I've also added a photo of the Ivatt, (with its other number), at Alresford after its Members' Day luncheon duty yesterday. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteer staff for myself, my wife and the couple who had lunch with us. We all agreed that it was a very enjoyable couple of hours, with good food, excellent service and a very pleasant atmosphere on board the Watercress Belle stock.
Regards
Ken Alexander

From: Des Shepherd
Sent: 07 November 2004 12:08
Subject: 73096 earlier today
Hi Tony
#73096 at Wimbledon earlier this morning (7 November 2004)

From: Tony Gillett
Sent: 07 November 2004 10:03
Subject: Photo of Green Train
Hi Tony
Photo taken today of the Green Train passing Surbiton at 08.45
Tony Gillett

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 10 October 2004 22:59
Subject: Gloucester Javelin
Hello Tony
We enjoyed a good day on the Gloucester Javelin, attached is log of the run. I have included a comparison of Sapperton Climbs with logs of 60009 last year from David Charlesworth (link from your pages) and 73096 on 28th March published by Mike Notley. Yesterday got off to a fast start out of Gloucester, but a signal check at Standish Junc took away the advantage. The second graph is a expanded version of the steepest bit of the climb. I would say yesterday's effort was going well, probably on line for a slightly better time than 28th March, but a serious slip robbed her of a great deal of momentum as it took a couple of goes to recover. Even so we gained over 12 minutes on the schedule between Gloucester and Swindon: without the signal check it would have been 14.
Movie (2MB by Michael);   two   pictures   at Gloucester and one at Guildford in the dark.
By the way I was very impressed with the speed of the run-round at Guildford; obviously they are practised at the manoeuvre.
Best regards
Nigel & Michael
PS: Great idea selling bacon sandwiches for breakfast!

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 14 September 2004 22:04
Subject: 73096 at Cranmore
Hello Tony
Did you send the wrong engine to the East Somerset today?
I see they sent it back: guess they were expecting #41312.
Best regards
Nigel & Michael
PS: I did get a shot of 73096 climbing along the branch steeply graded climb towards Wanstrow but despite what it said on Steam Dreams web site the diesel was on the front not the rear - pity.

Movie (at Dilton Marsh, 14th September 2004, 4.5MB)

From: Andrew Dungate
Sent: 07 September 2004 17:45
Subject: Emailing PIC
Tony
Picture of 73096 taking water at Headcorn with the Spitfire, 5/9/04.
She was worked quite hard; the amount of coal left at Faversham after the two shuttles said it all! Was that the first case of two different types of 73's double heading?
Andrew Dungate

Details

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 05 September 2004 19:28
Subject: TV/OSM
Hello Tony
Thanks to those who have written nice words about Michael's videos. He has read the comments and was initially rather surprised, then really rather chuffed. He is now keen to re-double his efforts so having planned a quiet day at home this Sunday, I was dragged to Whiteball to see 5051 and then Honiton to see TVO/SM (well I didn't put up that much resistance). Phill: as for Aldershot, well I am afraid we live rather a long way away, near Bath (OK not Alaska!) but trains tend to leave Alton rather early to pass through Aldershot and with a 2.5 hour drive before... perhaps one of the many people closer to the MHR can oblige. That said we are booked on the Gloucester Javelin tour in October so maybe we can get a few shots as head through Aldershot.
Attached are my picture and the video Michael got of TV/OSM between the trees (2.5MB).
Best regards to all
Nigel, Michael and Philip

From: Phill Brentor
Sent: 03 September 2004 08:22
Subject: Movies, photos and Aldershot
Hi Tony
May I, through your correspondence page, take this opportunity to thank all the people who supply movies and photos of the various main line trips by Mid Hants locos. It is wonderful that I can sit at home in Alaska and still get a bit of the experience of 73096 et al working at speed, or pounding hard up a steep piece of the big railway! The video, and sound, of the 5 blasting up the hill at Upton Scudamore is nothing less than magnificent. (A little aside to Michael Wilson, "Michael, You are the boss!!") I do look at them with longing, as I am seeing them through others' eyes, but it is better than not seeing them at all.
And now a request if I may. Some may recall (from a letter I wrote a short while back concerning the Thumper) that I used to live in Aldershot, and catch the train every day from there to Guildford. I have never seen any pictures, or videos of our (can I say our?) trains passing through Aldershot, which they have to do on a very regular basis. I used to live near Eggars Hill, and always saw the electrics heading for the station on the track that parallels the road. Before I was interested in steam, I used to imagine being covered in smoke as a steam train passed underneath me on Bridge Road, or the station footbridge.
Hmmmm, just a thought for Nigel. How about taking young Michael to Aldershot, to be Eyes and Ears for me!! His first commission? His wages would be my eternal thanks. Not worth much, but something!!
Thanks again to all of you, and keep up the good work.
Regards
Phill Brentor

                                      (back)

From: Taw
Sent: 01 September 2004 16:10
Subject: I've got two nameplates!
Here I am, puffing along (us engines are getting a little old these days) up the incline into Clapham Junction - gosh! long time since I last saw the station in the rush hour - when along comes a gentleman and fixes another name plate on my nose (anyway I'm ticklish);  if I have anymore I'll become top-heavy. Never mind, those photographers along the way won't mind..
Those nice fellas down at Watercress have been taking very good care of me while I'm on holiday 'down south', feeding me and tucking me up in bed. I've met my old chum Bodmin in the sidings, we go back to the Waterloo days, a lot to talk about.
Well that's it, off I must go and earn my coal...see you at the GALA!
Best
TAW (with a little help from Horace Ward)            One     Two     Three

From: Robin Hughes Sent: 01 September 2004 11:07 Subject: TV/OStM at high speed!!! Tony Syd snapped Taw Valley / Ottery St Mary near to time approaching Basing. I was busy mouth-watering! She must have been at near max speed allowed as she whizzed past her support Crompton And the movie   (Robin Hughes, 1st September 2004, 4.3MB) ("That Air pump still makes a change in her exhaust note")

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 28 August 2004 18:50
Subject: Down in Staines!
Hello Tony,
Yes I know, I'm a black & white man, but I do venture sometimes into the sticks with the Nikon, like here last Thursday, August 26th, with Standard 5 pulling into Staines station, on it's way to Bath & Bristol, to pick up passengers ... although the couples on the platform were not sure: "Have we the right carriage number, dear?" ... better hurry up the whistle is about to blow. Ah!, the romance of steam.
Best Wishes
Horace               One   Two
 

From: ROBIN HUGHES
Sent: 28 August 2004 23:15
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Taw Valley/Ottery St Mary
Hi Tony
Quick Pic of TV/OSM waiting for single line into Alton today at Bentley.
Queer noises around our Locos recently, what with strange chime whistles and now a West Country that sounds like an M7. That Air pump is really weird!!!!
Feel free to use photo by my beloved Syd Hughes...
regards
Robin Hughes

From: Charles Allen
Sent: 28 August 2004 21:00
Subject: 34027/45
I am glad to hear that 34027 / 34045 arrived as planned. As cleaner at Bridgnorth this morning I rolled in just before 7am and helped finish the odd jobs before it left at 8am. Hope you all enjoy another play with one of our Pacifics and I hope it does well on the mainline tours.
I see it will be running with the Riviera Trains set on one of the excursions as your set is in use on the same day. It will benefit the photographers as it went with the BR(W) liveried support coach so should all match up.
Charles

From: Matthew Allen Sent: 03 September 2004 14:29 Subject: Picture at Eastleigh Hi Tony #34045 at Eastleigh on Weds night was very impressive indeed.

.

#34045 this morning at 10.25 leaving Eastleigh on a Sunny South Special   Photo (right, 1st September 2004): Anonymous contribution Between Weymouth and Dorchester  Photo (1st September 2004): Des Shepherd

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 12 May 2004 22:50
Subject: 73096 on BDW Cathedrals Express
Hello Tony
73096 made a noisy ascent up the 1:70 to Upton Scudamore, a fine tribute to BDW
Picture attached and movie (12th May 2004, 3MB) by my son Michael (age 6)
Best regards
Nigel Wilson

Poignant movie: the mournful whistle marks the point where Bryan's ashes were placed on the fire, just as he had asked  ... tw

From: Malcolm Wilton-Jones
Sent: 12 May 2004 16:27
Subject: 73096 this morning
... at Reading West
Malcolm

From: Ken Alexander Sent: 12 May 2004 12:12 Subject: BRYAN DUDLEY-WARD Memorial Train Tony 73096 passing through Sunningdale this morning with the BRYAN DUDLEY-WARD Memorial Train It was nice to see so many people on it. He will be truly missed Ken Alexander

From: Kev Potts
Sent: 01 May 2004 11:18
Subject: Cathedrals @ Salisbury
Tony
A couple of shots taken 28th April 2004 at Salisbury at the last minute. The “Right Away” is a favourite; managed to avoid any of the crowd! Have seen 73096 on a few occasions now and she always seems to put up a good show
Regards
Kev Potts               One        Two

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 29 April 2004 17:54
Subject: 73096 yesterday
Hello Tony
A bit slow in sending this but I saw 73096 not far after Gillingham, climbing towards Semley in very miserable weather yesterday. She was a little late as she had obviously been waiting for a service train that passed in the opposite direction only a few minutes before exhaust was seen, presumably as she started out on the single line section. At that point my camera battery went flat with no notice so only got a couple of poor photos. Attached is a video clip* compressed into .wmv format.
After she passed I could hear the loco for a full four minutes afterwards, I think all the way to the top of the climb, she whistled and speed sounded like it started to increase then she was gone. A bright spot on such a miserable day.
Best regards
Nigel

*2.7MB

From: Henry O'Dwyer Sent: 28 April 2004 17:13 Subject: Richmond today Hi Tony Here she is crossing the Thames at Richmond on her way to Twickenham Not keen on the placement of the headboard though Regards H.

From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 28 April 2004 15:12
Subject: #73096
Tony
Yet another good run by the Standard 5 on Cathedrals Express duty today
This is 73096 right on time, just after 12 o'clock, steaming along at Pirbright Junction.
Regards
Ken Alexander
Camberley

From: Des Shepherd Sent: 07 April 2004 19:14 Subject: 73096 this morning atWandsworth Road Tony Attached, a picture of 73096 with the Canterbury train today Regards Des

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 07 April 2004 15:51
Subject: Standard 5 off to Kent!
Hello Tony
Today's trip to Canterbury started with a packed platform at Victoria Station, London, with a quick inspection by a member of the trippers, and a brush down on the front of Standard 5 before departure at 11.50am to Sunny Kent.
All in a day's work....pictured with a Speed Graphic
Regards
Horace
One   Two   Three   Four

From: Ian Bowskill
Sent: 30 March 2004 10:00
Subject: 73096 on Sunday
Hi Tony
Attached is a shot of  73096 approaching Sapperton Tunnel  on Sunday.
Please feel free to use it in your website if you wish.
Rgds
Ian

From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 29 March 2004 16:10
Subject: The 5
Hi Tony
Here she is at Taplow on a dull Sunday morning
Rgds
H.

From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 28 March 2004 10:46
Subject: 73096 Cathedrals Express
Tony
Despite losing that hour's sleep, I made the effort to see 73096 on Cathedrals Express duty.  Got this shot at Tunnel Hill  just before 8 o'clock on a rather overcast morning.
Regards
Ken Alexander

From: Bill Allen
Sent: 28 March 2004 12:37
Subject: Cathedrals Express March 28th
Tony
73096 enjoyed being given it's head as it raced through Lower Basildon this morning with a clear road some 3 minutes early.
Regards
Bill Allen
Newbury

Thank you James.  Much appreciated   ... tw

28th February 2004:  73096 at Bincombe on the climb out of Weymouth   Photo (28th February 2004): Des Shepherd
Mark Fry caught fireglow in his shot at Sherborne (28 Feb 04) MHR main line railtours details updated March 2004
	28th February 2004:   This morning's Cathedrals Express ...... reported by David Charlesworth Dave Salmon, photographer and ex-footplateman, talks to the crew of 73096     More pics (all taken this morning, 28th February 2004): From Tony Gillett :  One   Two   Three   Four And from James Mayl :  One  Two

From: Clive Hanley
Sent: 11 November 2003 23:54
Subject: 29th October 2003 - 73096 on the Cathedrals Express to Warwick & Stratford-upon-Avon
Tony
Thought I'd send you my photos of the trip in late October
I hopped on the train at Warwick and thoroughly enjoyed 73096 making light work of the climb up Hatton bank towards Hatton station and then the junction onto the single track branch through my home village of Claverdon. The train arrived at Warwick over an hour late after an apparent radio (!!!) fault at Banbury but the sun just came out before it arrived. After the passengers had alighted the engine had to shunt the carriages back out of Stratford station platform 1 then bring them back into platform 2, then she disappeared all the way back to the Hatton triangle to turn. By the time she arrived back after the 20 mile solo excursion the light was fading fast.
Hope you can use them
Regards
Clive Hanley

One   Two   Three

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 02 November 2003 19:56
Tony
'The Daylight Countryman' departure was delayed this morning because the Class 37 due to tow the train to Woking from Alton was unable to create vacuum and was left behind. Many thanks to Network Rail for organising the run-rounds at Woking, especially on a morning with a special timetable for engineering works, and making the trip possible about an hour behind schedule.
Attached two pics of this rare event at Woking; one this morning, the other this evening with the 1937 signal box in the background.
Apart from the delay the trip went very nicely with 61mph reached up the long hill to Litchfield Tunnel and a final sprint at 75mph after Farnborough.
Rgds
David Charlesworth

From: Tony Kerwood
Subject: Cathedrals Express
Tony
Thought you may like to see the Standard 5 starting the climb of Saunderton Bank (nr Princes Risborough, Bucks), with the 1Z96 'Cathedrals Express' from London Victoria to Stratford on Avon, Wednesday 29th October 2003
Tony Kerwood

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 25 October 2003 22:51
Subject: 60009 & 73096
Hello Tony
Attached are some photo's from today's run. First 60009 at Appleford (just north of Didcot). At this point she was almost 45 mins late but some of this was recoved in the watering so we almost missed her North of Oxford. On the way to Worcester we managed to catch her at Moreton in Marsh (photo 2). We had fun chasing her in the car around Evesham bypass! Three pictures of 73096 taking water at Worcs, passing through the station and departing for home.
Best regards
Nigel, Michael and Philip Wilson

One   Two   Three   Four   Five

And here's a photo of the two locos from David Charlesworth

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 15 October 2003 23:30
Subject: CathEx
Tony
Malcolm Wilton-Jones might have seen No.9 on time at Virginia Water, but she was quarter of an hour down at Woking (pic), and over half an hour down this evening.
I've had a squint at Nigel Wilson's log and compared it with mine. At least my speeds by rail joints are not inconsistent with his GPS. One hazard of the timing sheets given is that they often have errors. Trying to fill in some of the gaps by reading off OS maps shows the distance at Cambridge to Ely to have gained an extra mile compared to the return journey. Btw you say No.9 had a broken spring replaced. Somewhere on the way back from Norwich, probably before Cambridge, there was a very bad rail joint where the coach bogie suspension felt to have bottomed. The disappointing speeds seem to be due to many permanent and temporary speed limits; one allowed 60mph for emu's but only 45 for everything else.
Rgds
David Charlesworth

From: Malcolm Wilton Jones
Sent: 15 October 2003 16:02
Subject: 60009 this morning
Hi Tony
I do not have time to update my website yet so here is a pic of 60009 passing Virginia Water this morning which you may use if you wish. It was running close to time which is more than could be said of most of the other down trains this morning. It was even ahead of the service it should have followed down to Chertsey.
Regards
Malcolm

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 15 October 2003 15:51
Subject: Signals at Green!
Wednesday,October 15th
Hello Tony
Standing Room Only: huge crowds flock around A4 60009 "Union of South Africa" in the early morning autumn sunlight at London's Waterloo Station for its trip to Yeovil. As the train pulls away we hear that distinct whistle echo around the station as it slowly moves into the distance, saying goodbye to it's many well-wishers left on the platform. Pictures on a Speed Graphic
Regards
Horace Ward

One   Two   Three

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 13 October 2003 23:21
To: Tony Wood (E-mail)
Subject: 60009 to Norwich
Dear Tony
First let me say I only found your web site a few months ago and I think it's one of the best* preserved railways sites around, thanks.
I travelled on my first Cathedrals Express on Saturday on 60009's run to Norwich with my two train mad sons Michael (age 6) and Philip (age 3, how do they do such a good imitation of a Chime Whistle at that age???) and even my wife. We were very impressed with a well organised trip. Thanks to the Steam Dreams team and MHR.
Attached are my log of the run (note two sheets in the .xls file outward and return) and also three photo's: morning arrival at King +, having arrived at Norwich and return arrival at Kings +.
Despite the excellent organisation we were disappointed how the train were forced continually to slow through platforms. A4's worked regularly running in turns to Cambridge so surely the loading gauge shouldn't be a problem? We trundled up the "new line" via Hertford North at 30mph. No wonder we lost time on the schedule. The whole thing was summed up by having been turned fast line on the run back to Kings Cross at Brookmans Park, No. 9 was opened up with wonderful acceleration up hill only to have the brakes promptly applied to pass Potters Bar at 30mph. How often have A4's passed Potters Bar without hitting anything!! Can anybody explain this? Are Network Rail moving the rails closer to the platform edge?
Best regards,
Nigel Wilson

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 11 October 2003 17:06
Subject: A4 at Kings Cross
Saturday October 11th
Hello Tony
Just a few more pictures at today's Kings Cross turn out: the trip to Norwich by A4 60009 "Union of South Africa" was one of the biggest turn-outs the engine has encountered, the platform packed to capacity and all paying passengers; not a spare seat in the house. Before departing 009 makes a backdrop for another family snap and a reminder of a famous steam engine for the album. Pictures: Speed Graphic.
Regards
Horace Ward

One   Two   Three   Four

I really like the period look of these photos, Horace. They tell a story, and you got them in same day. Bet you developed them in 'Press Contrast'! ... tw
The pictures are on Ilford DELTA 100 iso 120 and processed in Jessops developer Econotal 2...great stuff. The neg size is ... 3¼" x 2¼" on a roll film back so I can only get 8 shots on the Speed Graphic. I could shoot separate sheet film, but frankly it's too time-consuming, Tony. I don't know if you have handled a Graphic; you have to have your wits about you: rangefinder for focusing, set the speed/aperture, cock the shutter, move the film on - all manually, and you haven't taken a picture yet. The negs go through the scanner via the computer ... Horace Ward

From: Henry O'Dwyer Sent: 07 October 2003 10:59 To: Tony Wood Subject: 60009 at Winchfield. H.

From: Des Shepherd
Sent: Sunday, October 05, 2003 4:52 PM
Subject: Fw: Today's steam run
Had an enjoyable day with my 4 year old daughter (her first main line steam trip). She made plenty of friends with the buffet staff!
Attached is a picture of 60009 at Guildford as it ran round the train.
Des Shepherd

The following thread is now closed .. tw

From: Stewart Legg
Sent: 11 October 2003 21:55
Subject: Information regarding Special Trains

Dear Tony
My laptop has just recovered from a nasty illness (the on/off button broke!!) so I have not visited the site for a couple of weeks, however on my return I was a little surprised at the tone of the note from Mr. Betts regarding his visit to Havant station.
With my professional hat on, it is correct to say that staff rarely receive any notification about Steam Dreams or Daylight trips coming to them but then there is nothing wrong in that because, as it stated, these trains are not ordinary passenger trains and only those staff interested in steam trains will actually be interested in them. Network Rail signalboxes are provided with details of the special workings and back in BR days these details were printed for all to see in the weekly 'P' book which detailed specials and engineering works.
Station staff answer honestly when asked if they know about steam specials-in most cases they don't. From SWTs point of view, it probably doesn't know much about these trains either other than if it causes a delay somewhere.
No TOC is going to spend money on seeking or publicising information about a third parties steam operations unless there is something in it for them. Interested parties from outside are, I am afraid, expected to conduct their own enquiries as to what and when is coming with the operating company concerned, in this case, as I understand it, Steam Dreams.
Sadly, whilst some colleagues of mine at SWT share my interest in steam locos, others don't and those who are undecided are not pushed towards the yes camp by mindless morons who get on the track to photograph the locos. Only this week one driver was telling me about a near miss he had with several photographers whilst driving a fast up from Portsmouth to Waterloo near Haslemere on the day when 60009 was going to Portsmouth Harbour.
He was driving an 8 car which was slowing for the Haslemere stop when he came across several people near the track who were apparently waiting to photograph 60009. On arrival at Haslemere he contacted the Signalman to advise of the circumstances, I do not know if the police were called or not. Suffice to say this driver was not very complimentary about steam engines or their followers!!
I have spent all day today instructing Station Staff on the new class 450 Desiro at Portsmouth and Southsea and only 2 'spotters' turned up to photograph her. Perhaps they should be photographing the CEPS/GIGS and VEPS instead whilst they are still here.
Thanks Tony, interesting site as usual
Stewart Legg
Chief Operating Inspector
Ropley

......................

From: Russ Betts
Sent: 07 October 2003 02:03
Subject: Re: Daylight Rail Tours
Hello Tony
Thank you for your prompt reply; very much appreciated, even though not a lot of good at this point in time.
Thank you also for the web-link, which I have now included in my 'Favourites' file, for future reference.
As it just so happens, I have experienced your time-keeping at the Watercress Line, on several occasions; twice on Morris Days as well, when I was with Sarum Morrisback in the mid-' 90's.
Since I wrote yesterday, I have also explored your website and found it very interesting, in particular all the information about the various re-builds; namely 'Bittern' and 'Bodmin'. Also the Gresley Preservation Society's website. I' ve been a Gresley fan ever since I got my first Hornby-Double-O train set in 1951, the 'Sir Nigel Gresley' engine and coach set, which I still have. It doesn't see the light of day much these days as I have never married, due to ill-health, and therefore have no off-spring. Shame!!!
I had originally come across 'Bodmin'back in the late ' 80's when it was in the possession of the Plym Valley Railway at the Coy-pool depot in Plymouth. They were supposedly going to restore her, along with re-opening the line to Yelverton; Tavistock and Princetown.
As far as I can tell, nothing ever came of their plans, which doesn't surprise me in the least as those West-Country types are full of great ideas which never seem to get off the drawing board. I should know, as I lived in Plymouth for 21 years. Strange people!
I eventually left Plymouth in 1995 following years of terminal frustration at never being able to achieve anything. Too many negative people, always ready to put you down for trying something but never having the gumption to try things for themselves. The old saying was..." The Pilgrim Fathers never sailed to America, they're still alive and kicking and living in Plymouth". 'Nuff of that, it always depresses me!
Again, many thanks for your reply.
Keep Steaming
Russ

......................

From: Andrew Dungate
Sent: 06 October 2003 19:28
Subject: Daylight Countryman
Tony
I've just been reading the E-mails on the website and would just like to say that I was on the train yesterday and had a wonderful time. The Mid-Hants had everything correct even down to the weather! This was the 3rd tour I've been on with Daylight this year and probably the best. A big thank-you to all envolved in organising the tour. I've tried to enclose a picture of 60009 running round at Guildford (1st time I've tried this)
Thanks
Andrew Dungate

...........................

From: Robert W Bristow
Sent: 06 October 2003 17:23
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Daylight Countryman - 5th Oct
Hi Tony
A little disappointed with the e-mail from Russ Betts.
I was a volunteer on the train yesterday. We had a good run from Haslemere and arrived early at Havant Junction - about 5 mins. Scheduled time was 1244 and we were on the through line non stop.
The timings were posted on the UKSteam website on Friday. I know from Richard Foster that these are only confirmed a few days before each tour.
I don't understand why the Havant stationmaster would need to know about a train passing through his station. NetworkRail arrange the timings and pathing and don't involve South West Trains. The signalman presumably would only get it through his normal correspondence. The reporting number was 1Z96, whether this has any significance I don't know.
The tour was originally scheduled to run anti-clockwise, but due the requirements of the tour from Kings Cross next Saturday, it was required to return to Ropley chimney London-bound, so we went clockwise from Guildford to achieve this, saving money on a turning move later.
Onlookers taking photographs do not contribute towards the cost of a steam excursion. Even so there were plenty on the lineside throughout the tour.
The timings for the trip to Portsmouth were on Steam Dreams website and also UKSteam website.
There was no need for Russ's closing remarks about this being no way to run a railway. This is quite out of order and takes away any feeling of sympathy. Like the rest of us he needs to look for the information.
It was a very good tour enjoyed by all who travelled on it yesterday.
Regards
Bob Bristow

...............................................

From: Davey, Ian
Sent: 06 October 2003 13:14
Subject: Daylight Countryman 5th October
Tony
I was on the train yesterday and we passed Havant at 1239 (5 mins early).
It was a great day out, the first time I have paid to go on a main line steam tour. By the way – I have been a volunteer guard on MHR for about 10 years now so I suppose it was about time I experienced some faster running!
Ian Davey

.....................................................

From: Kevin Kitchen
Sent: 06 October 2003 11:56
Cc: Philip Kitchen
Subject: Cathedrals Express & Daylight Railtours
Good morning Tony
I have just read your exchange of E-MAILS with Russ Betts. Like you, I was sorry to hear that he was unable to see the A4 on 1st & 5th October. I certainly find it useful to go to - www.uksteam.info - & click on "this week" under the steam tours section. I managed to obtain the timing sheets for both the above in good time. That info might help Russ.
I went to Haslemere yesterday morning & it was good to see the A4 there for 15 miniutes or so. In fact it left about 3 minutes early, so I could not believe it when I read Russ's note that it was very late at Havant. SWT did have major problems though yesterday because of engineering works - their down trains were over an hour late, so there was nothing in front of the Countryman.
My son & I have enjoyed some good trips this year with DLRT & Cathedrals & look forward to more in future.
Best wishes
Kevin Kitchen (Philip's dad)

.........................................

From: Tony Wood
Sent: 06 October 2003 10:26
To: Russ Betts
Subject: RE: Daylight Rail Tours

Hello Russ
I'm sorry you had some wasted journeys. The Daylight Countryman is simply a jaunt on the main line for our customers taking Sunday lunch on a steam train; they normally are not too bothered where it goes, as long as the countryside passing the windows is pleasant. Station staff have no need to know about any train that does not stop at their station, other than the interest we all share in steam trains. For a volunteer-run railway, it would be logistically impossible to notify all stations concerned, and wasteful of our resources when the information is so readily available elsewhere.
At the foot of our main line trains webpage .... www.watercressline.co.uk/rtlist.htm ... is a link to a website providing completely up-to-date information gleaned direct from operations data on the main line.
Navigate to http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t03/t1005d.htm where you will see full details and timings for our run yesterday.
At http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs03.htm you will find details of all this year's planned steam services on the UK main lines.
This is where interested spectators get current information about main line operations, but because uksteam is not a website over which I have control, I am reluctant to highlight it too much on our website as this could be seen as rudely hi-jacking someone else's work.
The way The Watercress Line runs its railway has recently led to a UK broadsheet newspaper suggesting national benefit if we were to run the entire UK main line services. Our main line trains in particular are respected for a punctuality and reliability such that when we do have a problem, it makes big news. Recently we were asked by NetworkRail to take passengers (on our passing steam train) who were crowding a station at which they had been stranded by cancellations of their normal services; this was the first such operation by a steam train since the sixties.
The standard of our track maintenance at Mid-Hants Railway also regularly draws admiring comment from the knowledgeable.
We are by no means perfect, but those who have followed our fortunes over recent years will see how we have worked to improve, and with some success, I think.
I do hope you and your father get to see the awe-inspiring spectacle of one of our main line steam trains passing at speed sometime soon. As an appetiser, you could look at some of the web-movies linked from www.watercressline.co.uk/locoshed/movies.htm
Best regards
Tony Wood
Webmaster
www.watercressline.co.uk

-----Original Message-----
From: Russ Betts
Sent: 05 October 2003 22:40
Subject: Daylight Rail Tours

Dear Sir/Madam
Twice this week, Wednesday 1st and Sunday 5th October, my aged father and I, have ventured out, to see 60009 "Union of South Africa", a Gresley A4 Class loco, pull a Steam Special through Havant, en route to wherever.
On both occasions, I was given advance warning of these runs and checked the Watercress Line website, for details; which were more than somewhat sparse.
Having failed to ascertain the timings through Havant, I approached the Station Master at Havant, for more information, only to be told, that they had no information regarding these trains. ie. It was News to them!
For their part, they tried to obtain information from the Signal Box, only to be told that a Steam Train was due on Wednesday, but at what time and in which direction, he had no idea. This was at 3pm on Tuesday 30th September. As for the Sunday train, there was no information available.
Having missed the Wednesday train, I again approached Havant Station, for further info regarding today's Steam Train, only to be told, that it was due at Havant at about 2pm; supposedly on a circular route from Alton, via Eastleigh and Fareham, to Petersfield and Guildford. However, I was warned, that the information they had, was at best 'sketchy', as it has been for most of this year.
Today, I arrived at Havant Station, with my disabled father at 1.45 pm to be told that the train had arrived at 13.25 hrs en route from Guildford to Eastleigh, HAVING BEEN DUE IN AT 12.30! The Signalman informed me, that he had only received notification of it's expected arrival, when he came on duty at 11am.
From what I gather, information regarding Steam runnings has been none existent for much of the past 18 months; a fact which apparently doesn't please any of the station's staff, as like most people, they also appreciate seeing Steam Trains, especially when they stop, at Havant.
I don't know what is going on here, but not to put too fine a point on it THIS IS NO WAY TO RUN A RAILWAY.
I appreciate that Railtrack have not exactly been helpful about Steam running for the past few years, especially with regard to the problem of track-side fires, but that this information is not even reaching Station Managers in time for them to be able to act upon it, is nothing short of criminal.
People want to see Steam Trains, even if it means making the effort to be at their local vantage point, just to see whichever Locomotive it is puffing it's way past them. Kids Love Steam Trains....especially us Big Kids!!!
Please can you get your respective acts together and make sure that Stations on Steam routes get the info they need to be able to inform members of the public about times and dates of Steam runnings.
Yours expectantly
Russ Betts, Havant

From: David Beresford
Sent: 05 October 2003 17:22
Subject: DAYLIGHT COUNTRYMAN
Tony
Managed to catch 60009 and The Countryman returning this afternoon at the crossing just west of Blackwater station as attached picture. Look forward to seeing her stop at Blackwater station on the 19th.
Regards
David Beresford.
P.S. My Dad, Peter works in the Alresford shop, here's a picture of him on the Daylight Countryman in October 2002.

From: Steve Wright
Sent: 01 October 2003 20:12
Subject: Picture of 60009
Hi Tony
Got very wet waiting for the Cathedrals express at Cosham, but it was worth it. Passed about right time {18:00}, here is a photo of it heading towards Fareham on its return leg.
Steve Wright

From: Brian Simmons
Sent: 01 October 2003 18:13
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Cathedrals Express
Hi Tony
Union of South Africa crossing Portscreek out of Portsmouth 1958hr today
Picture's a bit dull, raining quite hard. May be okay
Regards
Brian

From: John H Bird
Sent: 24 September 2003 00:45
Subject: 34016
Tony
Attached a record shot of  34016 at Charles Church Halt aka Epsom Downs  which must be one of the most extraordinary locations for a steam hauled railtour yet; the local residents must have been stunned (also see excellent website on the history of the Epsom Downs branch: www.wymann.info/EpsomDowns )
Best wishes
John H Bird

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 23 September 2003 17:52
Subject: Bodmin at London Bridge!
Hello Tony
These pictures are from Sunday's trip around the Surrey countryside for the North Downsman,pictured at London Bridge station,showing BODMIN on Sept 21st. Unfortunately, his nibs wasn't feeling too well and had to be withdrawn from service, but still drew huge crowds to the platform by sightseers. Must have been a long time since L.B.saw a steam train that once saw many travelling from Charing Cross to the Kent resorts. The pictures were taken with a Speed Graphic (circa 1947)
Best Regards

One   Two

From: Bill Allen, Newbury
Sent: 21 September 2003 11:22
Tony
Attached are two shots of 34016 on Sept 18th 2003
Photo 1  is aproaching Thatcham as power comes off for a double orange
Photo 2  shows 34016 leaving Newbury after a water stop at Newbury Racecourse
Regards
Bill Allen

From: Johnson, Mike
Sent: 15 September 2003 17:21
Subject: Wokingham Times Article
Tony
I was a passenger on Saturday's 'Severn Standard' and really enjoyed the trip, especially around my home area of Gloucester and the Golden Valley. I've got a great video of the climb up the 1 in 60 gradient towards Kemble with the wonderful 3 cylinder Kylchap exhaust echoing back off the hillsides.
Last week I contacted the Wokingham Times newspaper to say that a steam train was to pick up for the first time for years (well, since I went on the last Green Train from there, when the 'N' and 'Black 5' double-headed back from Crewe). They phoned me today and said they had taken several photos and asked for some background. I had a chat about the trip and suggested they contacted MHR for details. The article should appear in this week's issue - out on Thursday.
Mike Johnson

From: Philip Hunt
Sent: 14 September 2003 13:00
Subject: Severn Standard sets the standard
Dear Tony
What a great day on the main line yesterday! The steam ban due to fire risk was certainly lifted just in time!
Can I please congratulate everyone at the Mid Hants and Merlin Rail for such a superb railtour. The organisation was excellent and reflected, no doubt, the hours of painstaking effort behind the scenes. Many thanks to Richard Foster and all the Daylight Team.
The Five put in its customary energetic performance and made a wonderful pass through Didcot. The Golden Valley looked at its best and the climb to Sapperton on the return with No. 9 was a joy to behold. Many thanks also to the Bearded Knight (aka R Branson) for so reliably running a late train ( a Paignton bound service) enabling 60009 to get ahead at Abbotswood Junction (south of Worcester) and provide us lucky passengers with an unexpected 21 minutes photo stop at Cheltenham Spa. It would be very interesting to see a detailed log of the day - the A4 ran very hard between Didcot and Reading (I suspect it was inside even time from the Didcot passing time to a stop in Reading Station).
I look forward to seeing more pictures of this glorious day on our 1.5 million hits a month website.
Yours
Philip Hunt

From: Robert W Bristow
Sent: 13 September 2003 22:12
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Severn Standard
Tony
Had a good railtour today; pictures attached show:
73096 at Swindon;
60009 at Worcester immediately prior to departure;
60009 at Cheltenham Spa.
A number of passengers had GPS receivers which showed 60009 achieving 35.1 mph on the climb up Sapperton Bank (1 in 60) immediately prior to the tunnel.
A lot of complements to pass on to our 'webmaster', well done Tony.
Regards
Bob Bristow

  One   Two   Three

From: Charles Allen
Sent: 13 September 2003 19:15
Subject: The Severn Standard
Hi to the MHR
I work (a bit) on the SVR and went to see what was going on at Kidderminster this afternoon. After making tea for the crew and helping fill the A4's tender, a big green thing (73096) rolled in on the mainline. I have added 3 pictures of the events, one shows your engine on the transfer siding, the next shows it passing by Number 9 in the platform, while the other shows 60009 leaving on railtrack. I hope the Pacific will not let the green train and the MHR down (it should not do!) and I hope it comes back as well as we sent it. Have fun with it and you may get some more pictures of your engine over the next few weeks!
Charles
One    Two   Three

That Std 5 is one clever engine!  Visiting locos usually improve with a bit of Ropley TLC .. tw

From: Phil Kitchen
Sent: 23 August 2003 23:37
Subject: Weymouth Boat Train
Hi Tony
Just a note to say that myself and my father travelled on the train today, despite the steam ban and had a brilliant time!
When I saw Bodmin doing its test while performing my Porter duties at Ropley on Wednesday, I was extremely hyped up about this trip, and the staff on the train were brilliant today. The atmosphere was great on board and Weymouth was lovely.
The Cl 33 even did its best to get us everywhere on time, despite some awful pathings by Network Rail (behind every stopper possible!)
The Green Train certainly did the railway proud!
Phil Kitchen

Thanks Phil.  We were all disappointed that two of our best locos were confined to MHR for the day, especially after all the hard work to have Bodmin fit...tw

From: Hugh Topham
Sent: 20 August 2003 22:58
Subject: 73096
Saw 73096 today at East Malling Station as photo shows
Passed through at 12:58 on its way to Canterbury on a Cathedrals
Many Thanks
Hugh Topham

From: David Charlesworth
Subject: Daylight Countryman today
Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 18:05:19 -0000
Tony
Pic from this am at G'fd: The Daylight Countryman gets the road. (The 'A' over the signal shows the route via Ash to Reading. Main line via Woking gets 'M').
Some people have been very busy cleaning - the 5 looked splendid.
BTW is somebody keeping an eye on the 5's mileage?  It's often out twice a week and must be clocking up something remarkable by now.
rgds
David Charlesworth

MHR keeps a written record of the mileage of every loco and carriage, as part of the comprehensive maintenance records.  Clive reports (19th Aug 2003) 11802miles  .. tw

From: David Snow
Subject: 35005 Canadian Pacific
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2003 20:12:03 +0100
Tony
I can confirm that (contrary to what I understand has been said in some of the printed railway publications) no decision has been made yet about the future repair of 35005 Canadian Pacific. The matter remains under discussion between the MHR and loco owner Marcus Robertson; but no decisions are expected for some while yet
Regards
David Snow

David is Mid-Hants Railway plc Chairman  ... tw

From: James Mayl
Sent: 20 July 2003 13:43
Subject: Steam Passing
Tony
I have an exclusive on my website for you. A video of 4472 and 73096 passing on the mainline at Basingstoke, taken from 'The Cathedrals Express'. Whilst it is not quite the video/photo people are after, I think it is the closest we are going to get
www.ukrailpics.co.uk/railpics/passing/index.html  (6.3MB)
Regards
James Mayl

1st October 2003:   A4 #60009 Union of South Africa hauls today's Cathedrals Express through Liss Photo (1st October 2003): James Mayl

From: Keith Duke
Subject: Eastbourne Belle
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2003 22:17:01 +0100
Hello Tony
Just been looking on your site as I was thinking of visiting some time in the next few weeks
I was out and about on Sunday watching "your" Class 5
Here are 3 shots - two from Brighton & one north of Wivelsfield picking up speed after Keymer Junction
All the best
Keith Duke
                            One   Two   Three

From: Chris Searle
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 19:29:39 GMT+01:00
Subject: Eastbourne Belle
Hello Tony
Just writing to say how much I enjoyed the run on Sunday. As always #73096 was in fine fettle, although she was "snorting" a bit on the steeper climbs, drain cocks blasting away. With the 37 on the rear she really had to work hard. The return run was awesome particularly on the last leg from Three Bridges to Redhill. I have never heard a steam loco work as hard as #73096 did on that section. To say that she roared along is a bit of an understatement!! On one of the station platforms onlookers covered their ears such was the crescendo that came from her exhaust! Superb! Magnificent engine!
Attached pic from Sunday may be of use on the site: #73096 at Robertsbridge during the water stop. I thought it was interesting that the MHR got steam back here before the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Hopefully they will get there soon!
Regards
Chris Searle

Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2003 20:24:22 GMT+01:00
Subject: Re: Eastbourne Belle
Hi Tony
Here's a recommendation you might like to put on the site. Fans of Std 5 #73096 should take a look at pages 16&17 of the August issue (No. 194) of STEAM WORLD Magazine out on July 18th. There is an excellent photo of her blasting out of Bristol in 1963 when she was still employed by BR. Pics of #73096 in BR service seem to be rare as I have only ever seen two and I have been looking for many years. I wonder if visitors to the site can come up with any pics?
Regards
Chris Searle

From: Jason Morgan
Subject: Steam
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 22:47:51 +0100
Hello Tony
Just thought you would like this pic of 73096 leaving Eastbourne today (13.07.03) with the Eastbourne Belle. What a grand turnout it was, really great to see such a good engine, and it was nice to see a steam loco hauling a train out of Eastbourne.
Cheers
Jason Morgan (Network Rail)

From: Michael Topham
Subject: Standard just Now!!
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2003 11:18:06 +0100
Dear Tony
Just this minute got back from seeing 73096 on the Eastbourne Belle at Tonbridge this morning. Could see the black smoky steam rising from Tonbridge station from the footbridge at where we watched it from. It stormed up the steep grade towards Tunbridge Wells making its load look light although 10 coaches and a Class 37 on the back makes it to around 13 up what we reckon is a 1/90 grade. She did pause before she entered the tunnel though for assistance, just making sure she would clear the tunnel, the 37 did its business in giving it a little push. 73096 looked stunning as ever and the crisp bark of the engine could be heard all over town. Hopefully the trip goes successfully and as I write this e-mail it will be shortly arriving at Eastbourne. I saw 73096 at Tonbridge at 10:27, ahead of schedule by 6 mins I think! Many thanks
Michael Topham    One   Two  

From: Mark Fry
Subject: That photograph ....
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2003 13:49:55 +0100
Hi Tony
Lovely photo of 4472 passing 73096 by Henry O'Dwyer. It's the one we all wanted. He really is a clever chap. You have to look very carefully to spot the join! It looks like he was on the high bridge just west of the M3, near Winchfield. If only...
By the way, where did they pass in the end? Given that 4472 was on time, and 73079 was about 10 minutes down, my guess is Worting Junction
Cheers
Mark

Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2003 14:11:55 +0100
From: Robert W Bristow
Subject: Cathedrals Express - 9th July
Tony
Some interesting comments over the web in respect to the Cathedrals Express Anniversary Run:-
"Not content with just passing 4472 at speed, 73096 has claimed more history today by forming the 1st steam hauled service train from Brockenhurst to Bomo since 1967. Due to the disruption at Waterloo there was a shortage of trains heading West so 1Z97 has been purloined to form the semi to Bomo stopping at New Milton, Christchurch & Bomo."
"Todays Cathedrals Express hauled by 73096 was apparently the first steam hauled train to climb Parkstone Bank without a banking engine assisting from the rear, since 1967."
Regards
Bob Bristow

9th July 2003:  From: Phil Marsh
Subject: 9th July pix from the Cathedrals Express trip
I had a great day out assisting on 9th July. The highlight was doing the fire in.............St Philips Marsh!
All the best
P.                              Servicing #73096:  One  Two

From: Henry O'Dwyer Subject: Sunday Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2003 21:45:31 +0100 Here's the 5 at Worting Jcn ( 60 mph plus I would say ) on her way out, but it could be anywhere + a couple of Julie* on the Ivatt. Got high hopes for some of the return journey, I'll finish that film on Wednesday Regards H ps - "5" shots were 250th @f4. 300mm. Fuji Velvia iso50      Three    Four Photos (6th July 2003): Henry O'Dwyer *Julie is a volunteer (Loco Shed, Traffic, etc.) rostered to footplate duties  ..  tw

From: Chris Searle
Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2003 11:04:06 GMT+01:00
Subject: Ghost train?
Hello Tony
I wonder if you can help me save my sanity? I live very near the Guildford - Alton line at Aldershot; I can see the line from my bedroom window. Last night as I dozed off at around 10pm I heard the distinctive beat of a 2 cylinder steam loco accelerating away towards Farnham. At first I thought I was dreaming as when looking out the window I could not see any steam in the twilight. Rubbing my eyes, the exhaust grew louder and was accompanied with several blasts on the whistle which sounded very much like my favourite engine #73096. I stood and listened for some time to the engine disappear into the stillness of the night, the mixture of the sound of the exhaust and whistle providing a spine-tingling experience. When I asked my family if they had heard it they said no. I think they thought I was hearing things. Please tell me I wasn't. Or was it a "Ghost Train?"
Regards
Chris Searle

No need to call the men in white coats just yet, Chris; #73096 went to Guildford last night to turn  .. tw

From: Hugh Topham
Subject: Cathedrals Express Victoria-Winchester return - Wednesday 25th June 2003
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2003 18:41:22 +0100
Hi Tony
A great day out with the Standard, expertly driven (except for one slip restarting on Redhill curve) by Brian Dudley-Ward and crew. Quite a few signals against us on the Reading-Guildford-Redhill section, but a flying run into Victoria saw us only 5 minutes down, and a great accelerating climb up Mersham Bank. Great day, looking forward to more on the Norwich, Worcester and Chichester runs later in the year.
Best Regards
Hugh Topham        Photo

From: Bruce Oliver
Subject: southsea - 26
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2003 22:25:25 +0100
Dear Tony
This was taken with rain coming down in stair-rods! It is therefore very probably of no artistic interest whatsoever.
The location is Windsor Road footbridge at Cosham, taken on 25 May 2003. I send it simply for the record.
I am sure you have already been supplied with many absolutely superb pictures, taken the same day - elsewhere
Regards
Bruce

From: Stephen Newell
Subject: 73096 on Cathedrals Express
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 22:47:15 +0100
Hello Tony
Quick photo of todays run to Bath on the return leg, from a bridge in Oakley nr. Basingstoke.  The new arch obviously worked well!
Thanks
Stephen Newell

From: Hugh Topham
Subject: Cathedrals Express - Thursday 19th June 2003
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 18:51:23 +0100
Dear Tony
Two shots this morning at Virginia Water, Standard accelerating at ~45mph, sounded great as always. Will be travelling next week to Winchester.
Regards
Hugh Topham  

One  Two

Wednesday, 04 June 2003:  Standard tonight at Hildenborough before Sevenoaks Tunnel, just up the line. Cathedrals Express to Canterbury Return. She was barking up the bank approx 50mph and increasing: no whistle needed for the crossing - you could hear the bark miles away as it was so loud. Better than any modern day commuter horns.  Michael Topham

Gradients near Saunderton

From: Graham M.Smith
Subject: Daylight Countryman 25th May 2003
Date: Mon, 26 May 2003 13:33:36 +0100

Dear Tony
I would just like to thank the Mid-Hants and Daylight Railtours for a splendid day out. The friendliness and professionalism of your volunteers added to our enjoyment. The meal, its unhurried pace and surroundings were excellent. I had forgotten just how comfortable the MKII SO coaches are. Splendid run with 73096 making all the right inspiring sights, sounds and pace. Twenty-five mph on preserved lines is such a waste of potential.
Please can you convey my thanks to the driver Brian Dudley-Ward for the courtesy shown to Cameron, my five year old son. Cameron used to want to be an engine driver, now he thinks he is one.
Brian also expressed gratitude to the Mid-Hants for the superb condition of 73096 and the assistance of the support crew.
Kind regards
Graham M. Smith

Photo-montage of the Winchfield waterstop (evening of 21st May 2003) by Henry O'Dwyer

 Sun, 25 May 2003 17:41:45 +0100:   73096 storming past Ditcham TP Hut on the climb to Buriton Tunnel   (Photo and caption: Clive Holliday)

Evening of 21st May 2003:  Photo-montage of the Winchfield waterstop by Henry O'Dwyer    (See also Yeovil Railway website report)

30th April 2003: 73096 charging though West Ruislip  (Movie, 527KB, Mike Whitley)

See also: Heavy General Overhaul of #73096 at Mid-Hants Railway's Ropley Loco Shed - illustrated report

5th April 2003:  Nene Valley Rambler at Ash Vale Three photos (5th April 2003): Keith Lawrence

---

15th March 2003:   Cathedrals Express Photo (15th March 2003):  Henry O'Dwyer

8th March 2003:   Branch Liner  excursion at Petersfield this morning Photo (8th March 2003): James Mayl Also: "Storming through" Havant  Photo (8th March 2003): Bruce Oliver
Andy Netherwood took two pics at Southampton Central in the rain before it left for Andover    One    Two See also Ian's letter on our Letters page
... and here it's at Redbridge on its home run Two photos (8th March 2003): Andrew Cameron

12th December 2002:  Report and pic from Hugh Topham on today's Canterbury excursion

Earlier reports on our main line excursions

10th December 2002:  

Excursion to Salisbury, hauled by BR Class 5MT #73096

Photo (1235 10 Dec 02 near Old Basing): John Childs

Movie (same location)  648KB  (Tony Wood)

Photos: Earlier, ready to depart Waterloo (Hugh Topham)   again at Waterloo (Ian Kirby)   and  (on M W-J website) at Ascot, and Worting   and evening, back at Waterloo (Hugh Topham)

To: Tony Wood Subject: 73096 running again!!!! Date: Sun, 17 Nov 2002 11:53:07 -0000 Dear Tony Here is a picture of 73096 at Walbrough this morning at 9:44.46am.(17/11/02) She looked amazing and was barking away with the amazing standard bark. Michael Topham Also: Malcolm Wilton-Jones and Bob Bristow took these at Salisbury and Stephen Newell caught the return in twilight at Worting

14th November 2002:    

BR Standard Class 5MT #73096 took to the main line today for load trials and certification (Alton to Clapham Junction and return)

Photograph © Malcolm Wilton-Jones

Cathedrals Express was running a little late at Worting Junction at 1300 today (en route to Salisbury), due to a prior 'incident' on the line near there   Photo (18th September 2002) (Original 132KB): James Mayl

More reports: previous main line excursions

Photo Gallery:

Canadian Pacific and the Green Train (47KB), 18th September 2002   (Source: "http://steam_loco.tripod.com/S2002/" = Malcolm Wilton-Jones' site) 

Canadian Pacific at Winchester  - Photo (31st August 2002, 84KB): James Mayl  

Canadian Pacific at Earley on its way to Bath and Bristol ,22nd August 2002  (large pic 121KB  from  Malcolm Wilton-Jones)

Saturday 27th July - King Edward I #6024 hauls MHR Green Train to Minehead (Daylight Railtour) 
(Link is to website of Malcolm Wilton-Jones)

9th July 2002: CP at Farnborough (76 KB) © Nigel Kendall   

23rd June 2002:   Canadian Pacific and the Green Train (excursion return run between Aldershot and Farnham (115KB) © Nigel Kendall)

Ivatt shuttle to Ascot at Frimley on Sunday 9th June 2002 © Nigel Kendall

Pics of Canadian Pacific #35005 and of Ivatt 41312 on recent mainline excursions    (Grateful thanks to Malcolm Wilton-Jones, 6th June 2002) 

*** #35005 on the mainline near Weymouth, 18th May 2002    Photo (18th May 2002): Bruce Oliver  

Also:   .wmv  video of Canadian Pacific on the main line on 18th May 2002  ( 1348 KB, use Windows Media Player    Source ) 

E-mail received about Cathedrals Express run on 8th May 2002

Photos by Keith Lawrence April 2002 of Canadian Pacific at Aldershot on its way to Eastleigh for crew training runs,  and arriving at Eastleigh from Salisbury. 

The Cathedrals Express 14th and 18th April 2002  -  illustrated reports from David Charlesworth

Remember The March Hare ? Ivatt 2MT #41213  in Windsor and Eton Riverside station shortly after arrival. We nipped off for a river cruise and pub lunch  Photo and nostalgia: Malcolm Lawrence

   
   

The Cathedrals Express,  30th August 2000       Photo: Nigel Kendall Download  M-peg of Bodmin at speed near Basingstoke making up time. Video: Mike Wells

73096
   

The Amberley Rambler excursion- 0745 on 29th May 1999. Ex-BR Class Five #73096, off shed Ropley, ECS to Alton.  Drain cocks open to clear condensate from the cylinders.

Cocks were soon closed, and Geoff Bailey opened up a bit. Nice echoes under Bighton Hill Bridge.  More regulator.  He notches her up.  Full regulator.  Staff stand in the loco shed yard and listen to the bark of the exhaust until the whistle at Wanders Curve Crossing, nearly two miles up the line.  Tokens exchanged at Medstead & Four Marks.  Through the gate onto the main line at Alton, the first pickup point for the excursion.

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