Mid-Hants Railway correspondence
If you followed an anchor link and are surprised
that nothing relevant is here, try "Previous
Correspondence", using the same anchor link.
Letters and photos of our
mainline runs often get transferred
here when they are no longer latest
news ... tw
From: Terry Jeffery
Sent: 28 August 2004 12:18
Subject: videos/pics
Hi
Just wanted to express my appreciation to those people who send videos and
pictures of the various main line excursions. It gives those of us who cannot
get to see these things at least a flavour of the event. In particular the
young lad, Michael, whose contributions I always look forward to. Could someone
also please answer the flash of flame question, as I
too am intrigued.
Thanks for a wonderful website.
Regards
Terry Jeffery
Footplate crews have to beware of bridges and tunnels affecting the draught of the fire. Normal practice is for the driver or fireman to open the blower and ensure the firedoors are closed to prevent blowback.
The 'black book' says: "If this air steam is interrupted, e.g. by closing the regulator, without opening the blower sufficiently, the combustible gases which are still being produced will be trapped in the firebox ... Combustion may cease momentarily, and the gases then reignite from the firebed; this would produce an explosive blowback with very rapid flame propagation and possibly more serious results, due to flames entering the cab" ... "Low tunnels and bridges may momentarily arrest the normal direction of the air-gas stream", and "Always open the blower before closing the regulator, and also when approaching low tunnels, deep cuttings or bridges, especially when using hard coal or briquettes".
( I recall the irresponsibility of a film crew in a helicopter who injured a crew by overflying the chimney of a steam loco, despite explicit instructions to the contrary. )
I reckon what we see in the video is the result of our loco crew acting prudently.
Thank you for your encouraging words, Terry. Much appreciated. .. twFrom: Chris Mulholland
Sent: 02 September 2004 23:04
Subject: Flash of Flame
Hi
I have just seen that my video clip generated a couple of emails. Having watched and been on numerous steam trips over the years the flash is something I have seen regularly as the loco passes under bridges. I always assumed, rightly or wrongly, that it was just a reflection from the firebox through the cab roof vent or cab windows on the steam from the chimney as it is trapped under the bridge thus not blown as high as it would unrestricted (is it practical to have to turn on the blower for every small overbridge?). Watching a train at night this glow reflecting on the exhaust steam is seen as a steady flicker which raises another question. I was always under the impression that it was good practice to leave the firebox doors closed as much as possible, hence the steam operated doors fitted to the original Merchant Navy's, if so why does it seem that the doors are left open / partially open most of the time now? I hope somebody can help answer that as it has always intrigued me!
Also in response to Stephen Gardiner, my partner is from Vancouver Island so I know what you mean with regards to the lack of steam operation in Canada. I was lucky enough to do the Hudson trip to Squamish from Vancouver before that finished though.
Regards
Chris Mulholland
From: Adrian Pallant
Sent: 27 August 2004 23:2
Hello Tony
Another fabulous run by the Standard 5 on Thursday. Even the 40 mph slack
at Crofton didn't hinder her climb up Savernake.
Great to hear the Brit chime whistle wailing as she blasted through Basingstoke
station on the evening return.
This engine never disappoints.
Regards
Adrian
From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 26 August 2004 20:48
Subject: 73096 at Upton Scudamore
Hello Tony
I report the following dialogue from my Boys (Michael age 7 and Philip 4):
Dad: "What did you think?"
Michael: "Great chuffing but a pity about the whistle"
Philip: "Dad, when is 73096 going to have his proper whistle back?"
Michael: "Why did she have an A4 whistle anyway?"
and later watching the video:
Michael: "Philip, I don't think that's actually an A4 whistle"
Ummm...
Video as usual by Michael
(3MB)
Nigel
From: Tim Gray
Sent: 24 August 2004 20:51
Subject: 73096 @ Bickley
Hi Tony
Just a short (991KB) video of 73096 making
a slow journey through Bickley this evening.
Regards
Tim Gray
From: Mike Wells
Sent: 21 August 2004 12:35
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Video
Hi Tony,
I was looking at the latest letters etc on the site and I watched the video
of "73096 @ Beaulieu Rd Station". As she rushes under the bridge there is
a quite distinct flash of flame from her chimney - I managed to
freeze-frame it to make sure I wasn't imagining
it. Is that some strange effect caused by the sudden
change in air-flow or something?
Mike
Sent: 23 August 2004 10:47
To: 'C. P. Rogers'
Subject: RE: Bodmin
Hello Colin
Last week I went through our Loco Shed Latest News webpage and removed ephemera, including most stuff about Steam Dreams operations (which I regard as their business, not directly that of Mid Hants Railway, and hence of interest only fleetingly to our browsers. You will know that we provide locos, support crews and coaching stock under contract to that organisation for their Cathedrals Express and Seaside Special trips. I do include photos and movies of their main line runs, because our browsers seem very interested in these.)
Last week at MHR, Bodmin was hauling service trains. I recollect that there was some doubt about a Bodmin driving axle bearing, and that investigation and possible remetalling (not a long job) was to be delayed until the 9F was re-wheeled.
We are rather proud of our reliability record (it can't be far from top of the league?) and this IMHO is because Loco Shed staff never take chances with what they allow out, particularly onto the main line. Failures could put UK main line steam excursions at risk.
I'm sorry you were disappointed at the non-appearance of Bodmin, but please do remember that ours is a voluntary organisation dependent day by day on staff availability for the rate of progress in the Shed.
Our Thomas event brings in much-needed revenue, but uses very many volunteers. Each of these has a private life (job, family, marriage, etc.) into which the railway fits, so marriage maintenance is a strong concern for most of us (e.g. my return yesterday from Paris where we celebrated my wife's birthday.)
At least in the case of the Watercress Line, and contrary to mindless articles in the red-top tabloids, steam railway enthusiasts do have a life.
Best regards
Tony Wood
Webmaster
From: Chris Mulholland
Sent: 18 August 2004 22:12
Subject: 73096 @ Beaulieu Rd Station
Hi
Please feel free to use this video clip
(4.2MB) taken this evening (18/8/04) of 73096
@ Beaulieu Rd Station between Brockenhurst and Totton.
No sound I am afraid because it was shot using the company digital camera,
lucky I had it on me but a crying shame because the noise was superb.
Regards
Chris Mulholland
From: Phil Harding
Sent: 18 August 2004 19:26
Subject: 73096
Tony
Please find attached a not brilliant photo of
73096 on today's S.S.E. to Weymouth.
It was flying, must have been 75mph plus, running about 25 late. Interestingly,
I took it at Otterbourne Water Works just north of Eastleigh (on the trackbed
of what used to be the coal siding for the works when we had 4 beam engines
and 2 massive triple expansion engines). They used to trip the train up the
slow line and back into the works utilising a ground frame. Judging from
pictures I've seen of the engine house it was a real cathedral of steam,
complete with stained glass windows.
Regards
Phil
From: Chris Smith
Sent: 17 August 2004 15:15
To: Tony Wood
Tony
On Saturday 14th August, members of the Urie Locomotive Society (based
at the Mid Hants) had a conducted tour of the former LSWR works at Eastleigh.
Their President, Bob Urie (Grandson of R W Urie, designer of the society's
two S15 class locomotives) attended and was interested to see the Works that
his grandfather had a hand in building in 1910 whilst he was working under
Dugald Drummond. The tour finished with the chance to inspect the progress
being made on No.850 "Lord Nelson" being restored by the
Eastleigh Railway Preservation
Society.
Group photo by the Steam Hammer in the Blacksmith's shop. Bob Urie is far left.
Regards
Chris
| From: David Charlesworth Sent: 01 August 2004 21:16 To: Tony Wood Subject: Sun 1 Aug Tony Pic shows the two buses in use for the free services today. The green bus is a 1965 Dennis Loline III, ex Aldershot and District No.506, the other a 1964 AEC Regent V, ex Southampton Corporation No. 361. 506 conked out on its way back from Alton, fortunately stopping not far from Medstead, so that the passengers were able to push it to the bus stop opposite Station Approach. "I've never pushed a bus before", said one of the party after arriving by foot. In the picture it has recovered, but the bonnet is up for more attention Rgds David Charlesworth |
 |
From: John H. Bird
Sent: 22 July 2004 16:38
Subject: Sunny South Express
Dear Tony
I had a very enjoyable trip between Woking and Eastleigh with a steady 65-67
on the level to Basingstoke with eleven on and a lively sprint down through
Winchester with whistle screaming and a full 75mph or so!
Well done crew and loco dept.
John H. Bird
At Totton © John H Bird
From: Martin Taylor
Sent: 21 July 2004 21:32
Subject: Sunny South Special 21-07-04
Tony
This evening's Sunny South Spl at Eastleigh
on its water stop
Martin
From: Ken Grinstead
Sent: 18 July 2004 19:04
Subject: Bus Rally Day
Tony
Very much enjoyed the day; take your pick:-
One
Two
Three
Four
Ken
From: Andrew Jones
Sent: 16 July 2004 10:08
Subject: Emailing pic
Hi Tony
Here's a photo of the Collett Goods taken
on Sunday 11th July
Cheers
Andrew Jones
From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 14 July 2004 20:11
Subject: 73096 (Cathedrals Express to Bristol, 14th July 2004)
Hello Tony
A super climb to Upton Scudamore
Nigel
From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 14 July 2004 14:57
Subject: 73096
Hello Tony
73096 drifts through Freshford
Nigel
From: James Mayl
Sent: Sat 10/07/2004 12:57
Subject: Sunny South Express
Tony
Video (5MB) taken yesterday of
73096 working hard just south of Worting
Junction. The video was taken from a fenced crossing, and we
were wearing full hi-vis gear/adhering to PTS guidelines.
Hope you like it!
Regards
James Mayl
From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 04 July 2004 22:05
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Morris Day
Tony
'More than Just a Train Ride'
On a rather dull damp Sunday there were Morris cars on display, Morris dancing
demonstrations, vintage buses running from Medstead, the Collett 0-6-0 in
service and the Hampshire unit shuttling between Alresford and Medstead.
a. One of the Morris cars at Ropley with
the Standard 5 No.73096 being serviced in the background.
b. One of the vintage buses outside Medstead
station with the Hampshire DEMU unit, sometimes known as Hampshire Hog,
but mostly on the Mid-Hants as the "Thumper", about to return to Alresford.
c. MG saloon on display at Ropley.
d. One of the Morris cars at Alresford.
e. The pair of ex-Eastbourne buses
in service from Medstead today. The one on the left operated to Selborne.
It also ran on the 4th of April. The other is a Medstead garage resident
out for the first time this year on the Alton - Medstead route. The next
free bus rides will be in conjunction with the Alton Bus Rally in two weeks,
18th July. After that the next Chawton and Selborne service will be on 1st
August
Regards
David Charlesworth
| "Excuse me, is this the right train to Canterbury, and will we be in
time for lunch?"
Photo (Victoria station, 30th June 2004) and caption: Horace Ward |
 |
From: Martin
Sent: 30 June 2004 15:33
Subject: GWR 3205
Hi Tony
I never expected to see this loco working on the MHR. It makes a very pleasant
surprise as I can claim a slight connection with its preservation.
Back in the 1960s, at the very least it must have been 40 years ago, it was
possible to buy GWR cabside numberplates from Swindon after locos were withdrawn.
When I wrote in they offered me one of 3205's cabside plates for the princely
sum of (I think) thirty shillings or thereabouts. That's £1.50 in today's
money for a brass number plate. The price even included delivery by rail
to your nearest station. Cast iron number plates were even cheaper: I later
bought a 72XX tank cabside plate for £1. Unbelieveable but true.
Although I don't remember where 3205 was withdrawn from it was certainly
not a Barry engine, none of that class went to Woodhams.
This must have been before the preservation scheme got going, otherwise the
plates would probably have stayed with the loco until it was purchased instead
of being sent to Swindon. A year or two later when I heard that the loco
had been saved I got in touch with the 3205 preservation scheme and donated
my cabside plate to help their restoration project. It seemed better that
the plate should be in its rightful place rather than in my home. I duly
delivered the plate to one of their officials in Bristol, a Mr Rouse possibly,
but I may be wrong about the name. At about that time 3205 itself was kept
at the Didcot GWS depot I think.
That final batch of 32XX 0-6-0s must have been just about the very last of
the wheel arrangement ever built in Britain. In my early spotting days at
Princes Risborough in 1948/49 they were so new that they weren't even listed
in our Ian Allan Western Region ABC's! We had to write them in by hand until
the next ABC edition came out.
Anyway 3205 seems a fine little engine, just about the right size for our
line and so yet again it deserves the comment "I wish we had one of those".
Martin
Sadly, few genuine plates remain fitted on locos nowadays in view of their value ... tw
From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 27 June 2004 09:28
Subject: The Somerset Express
Tony
Had a great day on The Somerset
Express yesterday with many spirited high speed runs. Apart from
trying to keep my camera dry when taking this photo at Bishops Lydeard, and
the WSR long delay at Stogumber, it was another well organised Daylight Railtour.
At least the weather was fine by Minehead. Glad to see it was very well
supported, and I'm sure everybody went home well satisfied after a long and
enjoyable day.
Regards
Ken Alexander
From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 26 June 2004 23:05
Subject: Somerset Express, 26th June 2004
Hello Tony
Had a nice day following 73096 despite the terrible weather.
73096 seemed to have made light work of the climb from Frome. In the afternoon,
following a pleasant lunch and ride on the East Somerset Railway,
she was about 20 mins early at Castle Cary and allowed to run on non-stop
so as the normal car park was due to Glastonbury Festival so we heard her
pass as we got out the car!
Movie by Michael (now aged 7). Sequence is passing Westbury at speed; near
the former Strap Lane Halt (1:100 ish); turning at Westbury and leaving Westbury
in the evening. We are training Philip (3) but he's still more miss than
hit. He has lots of lovely pictures of bits of engines, coaches etc.
Best regards
Nigel, Michael & Philip Wilson
Movie
(5MB)
From: Jim Russell
Sent: 24 June 2004 17:27
To: Tony Wood
Subject: WAR ON THE LINE PICCIE
Driver Mike Burke with that "I want to go
home" look in his eyes scans the horizon and hopes that he can return
to his depôt before the next enemy air raid comes in.
Driver Burke was held at a station loop whilst a troop train (cunningly disguised
as a Real Ale Train) was worked towards London.
Jimbo
From: Ian Huxstep-Evans
Sent: 21 June 2004 18:42
Subject: War on the Line 2004
Hi Tony
Once again very impressed and enjoyed this years war on the line event.
Brought the family along this year and we were dressed in St John Ambulance
and nurse, together with 3 school
girls and 3 spivs. Everyone wanted to take our photos - we felt like celebrities.
All had a great day out and extremely good value for money.
Regards
Ian Huxstep-Evans
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 20 June 2004 17:26
Subject: War on the Line
Hello Tony
Some black & white pictures taken with the 1940's Speed Graphic
of your event "War on the Line" on Saturday, June 19th 2004.
Great Day Out, including the lady selling corned beef sandwiches, which made
everyone's day...
Nostalgia for many people & a delight for many others as well...to everyone,
three cheers, and that includes the engine drivers & staff through the
line.
Regards
Horace
From: Richard Johns
Sent: 19 June 2004 22:22
Subject: War on the Line 2004 Saturday
19th June 2004
I had a great day, well done to all involved. Last year I attended expecting
the only people to be dressed 1940’s to be staff and actors. I left feeling
a bit too modern, so this year I did my bit and went for it (it’s marvellous
what you can find in charity shops). For those who were there I was the spiv
with the tashe, although there were some references to a famous Belgian
detective. I have never been photographed so much in all my life, and could
have made a fortune had I gone all the way and turned up with trinkets to
sell. I had someone shout “Got any nylons luv” from the first train of the
day. I must have been convincing because two of the MP’s searched me, one
being convinced that I was the spy he had to arrest on one of the trains.
The fact that I had an advance ticket (different to those sold on the day)
only stretched his suspicions further.
The thing that made the day more involved was the different attractions at
each station. Regrettably this did little to help my waistline as I tucked
into the cake stall at Alton, then the NAAFI van at Four Marks (where I was
also invited to tuck into the evacuees picnic). The military display and
cameos at Ropley could have made the whole days entertainment, but the cream
of the day for me was the fashion show at Alresford. Not the usual type of
fashion show, but a brief glimpse at history with period music and an excellent
commentary setting the scene as things were during the final part of the
war. The commentator even sounded like the voice from Pathe news reels.
Now, after managing to avoid conscription into the Royal Navy at Four Marks
for the second year running, how do I disguise myself for next year?
Richard Johns
From: Stephen Palmer
Sent: 14 June 2004 21:41
Subject: DMU trip
Just a quick e-mail to say how much we enjoyed the trip on the DMU recently,
we hoped to go on one of the steam trains, but because of the alternate timetable
we decided to go on the DMU, it was a really nice trip in both directions
and the views through the front/rear were smashing.
Thanks
Stephen Palmer
From: Richard Cobbold
Sent: 07 June 2004 15:19
Subject: volunteering & website
Hi Tony
Firstly, I'd like to say how very true it is that
volunteering improves your quality
of life (as claimed in a feature that I saw on
the website), as I've been much happier since I first turned up.
Many thanks
Richard
From: Andy Buxton
Sent: 05 June 2004 17:00
Subject: DMU Cab Ride - 05/06/2004
Dear Tony
I was delighted to learn yesterday that as a surprise present for a "significant"
birthday, a cab ride in the DMU 55003 had been arranged for today. I'd be
grateful if you could thank Ian for a great trip, which was an ambition
fulfilled.
I've attached a couple of photos that I think prove that the view is that
bit more special from the cab. Once again, many many thanks for this wonderful
experience.
Kind regards
Andy
From: Phill Brentor
Sent: 31 May 2004 11:58
Subject: Thumpers
Dear Tony
I recently replied to an E-mail from you regarding the first trip on the
MHR of the “new” DEMU 'Hampshire Unit' #205025
in which I implied that “I could not see what the fuss was about, it’s not
as if it was a new steamer”.
After thinking about it, I feel I may have sadly maligned the old lady.
My fond feelings about the Thumpers can best be described in this
scenario.
See the country station. November, 6.00 pm, a few low wattage platform lamps
only add to the gloom. See the man, his gabardine coat collar turned up in
a desperate attempt to repel the wind and the rain. The rain, a fine drizzle,
which has been biding it’s time since February’s last snow; it’s only purpose
in time to undermine every endeavor to foil its ability to creep, unstoppably
into every crack and crevice in the man’s light woolen armor. Alone, the
man waits for the train that will carry him to shelter.
Around the corner comes the Thumper, ten minutes late as usual. There
is no glory here. No theatre, no billowing clouds of smoke, no scent of oil
and hot water. This is just the dirty, unsightly, utilitarian diesel.
But it will take him home.
The Thumper is a small piece of dusty comfort in otherwise harsh world.
Inside the DEMU it is warm. Hard to open windows stay closed and shut out
the weather and the darkness. The drone of the diesel engine hypnotizes the
mind, and closes down thoughts. The man can relax and forget the trials of
the day.
When the man arrives at his home station he alights from the train, closes
the door, the familiar double click of the catch proving the door is fastened
tight. The warmth of the train has warmed his bones, and on the short walk
to the car the wind seems to blow a little lighter, the rain less chilling.
He turns as the note of the diesel engine rises, catching his attention.
He watches as the train starts to move and slides swiftly along the platform
and into the night. As he reaches his car, the familiar drumming of the
DEMU’s engine fills his ears. He knows that the train’s noise is being caught
on the wind, echoing over the countryside, until the train is miles away.
In his minds eye he compares the steam engine to a shire horse, huge, regal,
and powerful, the Thumper is the unassuming pit pony, the humble servant
emotionlessly going about its business.
But the Thumper brought him home.
Circa 1970 I commuted from Aldershot to Guildford every weekday, and on my
return home I regularly waited with friends for them to catch the connection
to Farnham. The electric train would arrive, and the announcement made on
the platform public address, “Farnham, Bentley and Alton, train now on platform
3”. I never knew that the line continued from Alton to Winchester, and that
a Diesel would take me to such unknown places as Ropley, Alresford and Itchen
Abbas. As far as the announcer was concerned there was no “Change at Alton
for Winchester train”. The line may as well not have existed. It is to my
eternal sadness that I never travelled on a Thumper over the Alps
in the last days of British Railways ownership. I did not travel on
the line until I came to see the “little steam engines” that I had heard
of on the Watercress line. It was there that trains took on a whole new meaning
for me. The mighty “Bodmin” was the “little engine” that arrived at Alresford
that fateful Sunday, and from that moment I was hooked! I eventually worked
for B.R. and my experience of the “Hampshires” was as a guard on the Basingstoke
to Reading line, over the Netley line before electrification, and on the
Southampton, Romsey and Salisbury route via Redbridge. I have a few stories
to tell of those times. You will know that Sholing and Woolston stations
are within spitting distance of each other and it takes just about 30 seconds
to run from one to the next. Early one morning I was the guard on Portsmouth
to Southampton train after a bad night with one of my children. I had had
to get up early anyway to take the train to Portsmouth, and was now on my
return trip. We pulled into Sholing, stopped, and waited for the passengers
to get on and off, I rung the bell twice, watched as we left Sholing and
sat down in my chair. The next thing I know, the driver is shaking me and
telling me to wake up! I had gone straight into a deep sleep and we had been
sitting in Woolston station for about 10 minutes! Eastleigh box was wondering
why we had been just sitting at Woolston, The passengers were wondering why
they were going to be late for work, and the guard was blissfully in the
land of nod. As you can imagine, I had a bit of a job explaining that one
away!
A few years ago, a London to Reading southern electric ran far too fast into
the bay at Reading. I can’t remember if it hit the buffer stop, or hit another
train in the platform, but I do know it caused a bit of damage. I was on
a Basingstoke to Reading train that day, and when the damaged stock was being
taken into the shed at Reading, my train was stuck for about an hour outside
Reading West station. It was a bright sunny day and my driver was sitting
by the cab of the Thumper, on the ballast smoking a cigarette, under
the red light. After a while I decided that I had best see if we had any
passengers, and let them know what was going on. As you know a Thumper
has no corridor, and so I had to clamber up on to the running board, and
grab hold of something to support myself while I opened the door to get into
the passenger area. I twisted the door handle, and the door began to swing
out and open. It was only then that it occurred to me that what I was holding
on to by then to support myself was, you guessed it, the door handle. As
the door swung out so did I, and the next thing I knew I was sliding down
the side of the ballast having fallen off the train. The driver was looking
at me and laughing his head off. I tried to explain that I had meant to do
it, but for some reason he did not believe me.
Late one night I was taking the last train out of Reading for Basingstoke,
and a beautiful young lady came up to me and explained that she was scared
to travel alone, and could she ride with me it the van? I readily agreed,
and to this day I wonder what it was that made her feel safer with me than
anywhere else? Maybe I just look safe, or did I miss a golden opportunity.
I was a married man at the time, so I behaved like an impeccable gentleman,
but the memory lingers on!!
Regards
Phill
Alaska, USA
From: Phil Marsh
Sent: 30 May 2004 11:10
Subject: At Pen Mill, Yeovil, Wednesday
Cheers
P
From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 27 May 2004 14:27
Subject: Sunny South Special
Tony
Had the pleasure of going on the first Sunny South Special to Weymouth
yesterday. An exhilarating run there and back behind 73096 on a glorious
sunny day. Here is 73096 and crew on arrival
at Weymouth.
Regards
Ken Alexander
From: mwilton
Sent: 26 May 2004 14:57
Subject: 73096 heads for the Sunny South
Sunny South Special between Winchfield
and Hook this morning. You may use on your site if you wish.
Malcolm
From: Martin
Sent: 26 May 2004 12:25
Subject: Lineside photography
Tony, if anyone asks why MHR has withdrawn lineside
photo permits, this video clip from last weekend's diesel gala might
provide them with the answer. I found the link on the UK Railway newsgroup:
>It is with great regret I bring this video to everyones attention
>Idiots
at MHR diesel gala (Movie, 1.5MB)
>I did not notice it at the time of filming but when I watched my videos
>back I was astounded at what I saw....
It's a shame that genuine photographers have to suffer because of idiots
like those in that video. What about trying track marshals again, as was
done with some of the early enthusiasts events?
Martin
From: Ian MCDONALD
Sent: 24 May 2004 16:04
Subject: "Roaming the Riviera Route: the St. Ives Branch"
Tony
Please let me introduce myself. I am Ian McDonald, owner of W55003
aka Daisy aka the Bubble Car. I have written and published
a book as per the subject line above, copies of which are now being sold
in the Alresford book shop.
Christine has asked me to contact you with regards to putting an
advertising
flyer (2.6MB MS Publisher) on the web.
Thanks in anticipation
Ian McDonald
W55003 Group
From: Dan Davison
Sent: 23 May 2004 19:55
Subject: Sooty
Tony
Had a great time on Saturday 23rd, very
well organised and most enjoyable. Whilst looking out of the train on the
way from Alton I spotted a small headstone beside the track which I think
had the name "Sooty" on it. Can you tell me anything about it.
Dan Davison
One of MHR preservation's early-days volunteers had a dog, well known about the line. When he died, Sooty was buried at the Ropley down home signal. His grave is marked with a headstone to 'Sooty, the Railway Dog'. Since then, several volunteers' dogs have been buried about the railway, though none with a headstone, as far as I know. ...tw More
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