Mid-Hants Railway correspondence

Previous 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

Address your e-letters to: tonywood@watercressline.co.uk

From: Matthew Allen
Sent: 16 February 2005 14:20
Subject: Super hot off the press!
Hi Tony
I've got some shots of the Black 5 on the 13:00 from Alresford today. Was dreadfully dull and grey but she still made an impressive sight
Regards
Matt

One Two Three

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 07 February 2005 01:00
Subject: A Most Interesting Sunday Afternoon
Hi Tony
There was certainly plenty to see on the Watercress Line this afternoon:
Resident Locos -
- Bodmin ascending from Alton to Medstead on the 13.50hrs service to Alresford
- #41312 (and #73096) being shunted to a new position at Ropley yard
- #73096 looking extremely handsome at Ropley yard
Guest Locos -
- Black 5 #45231, visiting from the Great Central Railway, resting at Alresford
- A close-up of the magnificent Black 5 #45231
- The unmistakable silhouette of Jinty #47493 just arrived by road from the Spa Valley Railway
I was wondering if either of the guest locos will be seen in action on your regular services, or will we have to wait for the Spring Steam Gala for that pleasure?
Regards
Roger

From: Steve Wright
Sent: 04 February 2005 02:03
Subject: Website troubles
Hi Tony
I have recently experienced a bit of trouble with some links on the website. I check the main MHR quite often. When I clicked on the link about 08 through the gate, I was presented with the page about Mid Hants P-Way and the last article posted was of November 2004 At first I thought judging by the title, the topic had been deleted as the 08 unofficially went through the gate or something. Then I click the link about "What is this" regarding the odd looking P-way machine and was again presented with the P-way page. Can you shed any light on this at all?
Many thanks
ps. I enjoyed the video of the Black 5 being unloaded from the road transporter at Alresford

From: Tony Wood
Sent: 04 February 2005 11:59
To: Steve Wright
Subject: RE: Website troubles
You need to press F5 on your computer pretty often, Steve, to be sure you have the latest page. Our site is updated several times a day if I am at home. Your computer prefers to show you the webpage it holds in its cache rather than what is currently on our site: a Microsoft special feature! d:-(
Best regards
Tony Wood
Webmaster

From: Phill Brentor
Sent: 11 February 2005 03:45
Subject: Steve Wright's confusion
Dear Tony
I have just read Steve Wright's letter regarding links.
I think there has been a bit of confusion, and the links are taking Steve to where he should be, but he is not seeing what he expected to see. When I first saw the bit about "Going through the Gate", I was also confused at where the link took me, as I at first expected to see pics of the 08 going through the gate to the main line at Alton. Hence Steve's remark of "the topic had been deleted as the 08 unofficially went through the gate or something". The last thing I expected to see was pics of M+FM! Did not even know there was a "gate" at Medstead. It was only when I read the text that I realised what was going on. As to the P-way machine, not quite so sure how that confusion arose, can only think that Steve was expecting to see a similar pic to the one at the link, with an explanation by it, not a close up showing part of the machine, and not all of it!
Your explanation may be correct: however, because I was dumb enough to make the same mistake, I think my one may be closer!!
Regards
Phill

Webmaster writes : I was being a bit naughty about the gate, I confess; I was trying to arouse curiosity with that link, and it was aimed mainly at those directly involved with MHR. I did enjoy watching one of the MHR managers exclaim, on seeing the headline: "Through the gate! What's that all about!?", and smugly thought: "It worked!" But I agree it would have been a bit obscure for those who don't know MHR intimately. Sorry.
From all this, you will have gleaned that I write on the website with a specific reader in mind each time, sometimes at item level but also more broadly to that page's target readership:

1. The Loco Shed pages are for the intelligent, knowledgeable enthusiasts who visit Ropley if and when they can to follow our progress and who like to follow our solutions to engineering problems in some detail;
2. The Latest News pages are for browsers who like our trains but are not as interested in the nuts and bolts: the nostalgic view, perhaps;
3. This Letters page allows all our browsers to compare notes: it's the web equivalent of the informal chat amongst cognoscenti at the end of a station platform. I am very proud of the standard of correspondence (and especially the photos and movies!) sent in; and
4. Our Main Index page is for those who are looking to MHR to solve their immediate problem: Mum wanting to keep the kids amused in school holidays or treat grandparents; TV companies seeking a location - that sort of thing. We all mostly Google straight to a relevant webpage nowadays so it's less vital, but the Index is the page that's linked from MHR publicity and from other websites.

... tw

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 02 February 2005 15:20
Subject: You'll be glad to hear the Watercress Line website looks 0K on the Blackberry!
--------------------------
Sent from my Blackberry Wireless Handheld

Thanks Matt. On EuroStar* again? d:-) ... tw

*EuroStar service connects Continental Europe with MHR (change at Waterloo)

From: David Pharro
Sent: 01 February 2005 21:48
Subject: Photo 30.01.05
Bodmin developing a good head of steam leaving Medstead on Sunday morning the 30th with the first train of the day to Alton.
David Pharro

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 23 January 2005 21:43
Subject: Wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies
Hi Tony
I don't know whether you were on the footplate today*, but what a day it was: wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies.
For those folks who are not too familiar with your line I would just say this: as a grand finale to your day out, catch the last train from Alton to Alresford at 1550hrs. Don't forget the sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from those hot smuts emitted from Bodmin's chimney. Regardless of the icy temperature, stick your head out of the window. As the mighty Pacific storms up the bank from Alton to Medstead the spectacle of that voluminous smoke and steam swirling skywards and backlit by the golden sunset is breathtaking, believe me. Sadly I don't have a camera technically capable of capturing the splendour.
But, here are one or two I took earlier -

- Bodmin ascending the Alps (Alresford to Alton)
-   Bodmin ascending the Alps (Alton to Alresford)
-   The kids watch intrigued as Bodmin couples up at Alresford
-   Bodmin at Alton station, about to leave on the 1550hrs service to Alresford

Regards
Roger

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 23 January 2005 20:57
Subject: Photos Today
Hi Tony
I took advantage of the decent weather today to find some new vantage points
I've attached a couple of the best
Thanks
Matt Allen
One Two Three

From: Jeff Wadsworth
Sent: 21 January 2005 20:50
Subject: your website
Hi
I'm new to the internet. Your website is stunning.
I've visited your actual location twice to date and am looking forward to seeing you at least twice again this year.
Keep up the good work and many thanks for all the magnificent preservation and re-enactment events you provide.
Jeff Wadsworth
Wiltshire

From: Matthew Allen
Sent: 13 January 2005 08:36
Subject: More Pics
Hi Tony
I called in at Ropley last night as was lucky enough to find both 71000 and 34016 in the Station just as the sun was going down.
Regards
Matt
One Two Three

From: Pierre Sambastian
Sent: 12 January 2005 14:35
Subject: How a Steam Engine Works
Hi Tony
I'm from South Australia. Just writing to say that I'm really impressed by your website: http://www.watercressline.co.uk/tw/pages/howworks.htm
I completed studies in mechanical engineering at uni and just having a casual look into the workings of a steam engine, I pleasantly stumbled onto yours.
Thanks
Pierre

Thank you, Pierre ... tw

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 09 January 2005 22:27
Subject: weekends 2005
Tony
This year the Railway is operating all weekends from 1st January to the end of October.
On New Year's Day, Friends of King Alfred Buses held their Annual Running Day in Winchester. Two ex- Alder Valley Leyland Nationals, AV127 in poppy red (pictured at Alresford) and AV251 in green ran between Alresford, New Cheriton and Winchester. Two ex- Aldershot and District Dennis Loline III's, AD503 and AD506 also worked the old Aldershot to Winchester Route 14 between Alresford and Winchester. AD506 is based at the Medstead Depot and was one of the vehicles used in the Vintage Bus Service from Medstead to Chawton last summer. [This year only May to September will be operated because of a certain blue engine being busy at the beginning of April].
Today, Sunday 9th January, a few intrepid families braved dismal weather to see Bodmin and the Bubble DMU working the service trains, here seen at Ropley with Rod Wicks exchanging tokens with Bodmin's crew.
Regards
David Charlesworth

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 04 January 2005 13:39
Subject: A Belated Happy New Year To You All
Hi Tony
May I take this opportunity of wishing you and everyone involved with the Watercress Line a belated Happy New Year.
I hope that you are not getting tired of receiving my photos of the highly photogenic 73096 in action. Anyway I couldn't resist a another visit to your line yesterday (Sunday, January 3rd) and I've attached a couple of shots that I hope you will like.

Shot 4006 : 73096 on the 11.00hrs stopping service from Alresford to Alton pictured about 3/4 mile out of Alresford station. Yes, I was on the right side of the fence when I took this one!
Shot 4019 : The dark silhouette of 73096 ascending "The Alps" from Ropley on the 15.00hrs stopping service from Alresford to Alton.

Oh, and by the way, quite a few of us were wondering if there are any plans to fire up "The Duke" before the next scheduled excursion on February 12th. Or maybe this is a trade secret?
Regards
Roger

Thanks Roger. AFAIK the Duke is scheduled to go 'Oop North' on 17th January for planned maintenance and a prior commitment at East Lancs Rly.
Happy New Year ... tw

From: Kenneth Grubb
Sent: 03 January 2005 13:54
Subject: 71000 on MHR web site
Tony
I am responsible for the sales for 71000 and would like to thank you for your excellent coverage of the Duke visiting your railway.
The speed at which you update the site is to be admired. Thanks again for your excellent site
Regards
Ken Grubb

Thank you for your encouragement, Ken. Some of the photos of Duke of Gloucester sent in for our website are (IMHO) awesomely good.
Enthusiasts worldwide find everything we do at MHR so interesting that mine is the easy bit ... tw

From: William Jones
Sent: 31 December 2004 08:35
Subject: Mid-Hants visit
Hello Tony
I would like to wish you and all Mid-Hants staff and visitors a Happy New Year.
After visiting the railway on Tues. 28th Dec., I was very pleased to see so many fellow visitors. During a walk around the shed it was really good to see a volunteer taking time to explain the workings of a steam locomotive to some fascinated children. Perhaps one day they will be the volunteers of the future.
Please keep up the good work with the Mid-Hants website. It is something you should be very proud of.
William Jones

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 28 December 2004 20:03
Subject: Latest Visit to the Watercress Line
Hi Tony
And there was I, always complaining that the sun never shone in Mid-Hampshire when, ironically, the lack of strong sunshine on the afternoon of December 27th actually enabled me to obtain a series of rather dramatic backlit shots of the 73096 ascending "The Alps" from the Ropley direction on the 13.10hrs stopping service to Alton. I have attached one shot out of the series.
I was pleased to see 'The Duke' taking a well earned rest at Ropley yard.
Happy New Year to you and your colleagues on the Watercress Line
Roger Stronell

From: Stephen Gardiner
Sent: 24 December 2004 19:01
Subject: Railways & Snow - Christmas Greetings
Tony
I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to yourself, all the MHR volunteers & Members, and all who read the website.
And, while I'm at it, settle the score on what a railway should look like in snow, not the first few flakes you were getting at Medstead earlier (but less than Phill in Alaska!!!) Attached are 4 shots from Georgetown Ontario taken today after the 25cm of snow and freezing rain yesterday, one CN Freight, one Goderich and Exeter freight (coming in from the snowbelt), and a very full VIA Rail train taking people home from Toronto for the holidays. The station building in the photo is an original 1830's Grand Trunk stone station, still in use today, though unfortunately the interior has been completely changed.
Take care, and Merry Christmas to all
Stephen Gardiner
Georgetown, Ontario, Canada One Two Three Four

From: Ben Zehetmayr
Sent: 21 December 2004 23:29
Subject: Ely 2004
Just got back from a trip to Ely. Arrived half an hour early! Sun was a bit low and in the wrong place but the results were interesting. Hope this wasn't the last one!
Cheers
BZ One Two Three Four

From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 20 December 2004 22:24
Subject: Who's that with The Duke?
Hi Tony
Hope all's well
Bit late in the day for these, but thought I'd send anyway: One Two Three Four
Nice to see a picture of me and The Duke on the w/site.
Have a good Christmas and New Year
Rgds
H.

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 18 December 2004 19:51
Subject: Bodmin Ascending The Alps
Hi Tony
I thought you might like to see this shot that I took today of Bodmin ascending the Alps in spectacular style on a Santa Special.
Forever praying for a sunshiny day
Roger Stronell

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 14 December 2004 12:57
Subject: Waiting for the OFF!
Tony
Waiting for the big OFF at Victoria station, the DUKE OF GLOUCESTER making it's way down to Alton to meet up with old friend, BODMIN for the Winchester trip, on December 13th. Pictured on a Speed Graphic.
Horace

One Two Three

From: Stephen Hoadley
Sent: 04 December 2004 18:40
Subject: Tonight at Ropley
Tony
Miserable conditions, but atmospheric.
Regards
Stephen Hoadley

From: Mike Wells (in USA)
Sent: 04 December 2004 12:33
Subject: Snow?
Hello Tony
It's been a while since I E-mailed you, but I can assure you I am still a dedicated web-site follower! I just watched the video of the footplate of the Std 5 at speed - fantastic. What incredible machines steam locomotives are... Keep up the good work on the site; I love watching the loco restoration progressing. And when the mainline tours run via Bradford-on-Avon, remind the drivers to whistle for my Dad who lives at the railway crossing at Claverton (on the way to Bath from Bradford). He always reports back to me when he sees Mid-Hants stuff go past.
And on the subject of snow - even those of us who don't live in Alaska know a thing or two about snow. Here's a picture taken here this time last year - day 2 of a 34 inch snowstorm.
>:-o
Mike

From: Ray Sully
Sent: 03 December 2004 20:25
To: Tony Wood
Subject: pics
Hi
One of Ropley in mist today, 3rd Dec 2004
Ray

Bradford - on - Avon, Saturday 27 November 2004 , 13.00hrs

Photo: Steve Walters

From: Clive Holliday
Sent: 26 November 2004 17:50
Subject: Tree felling at Alresford Carriage sidings
Tony
My brother and I have been tree felling at Alresford carriage sidings this week with Peter Marchant, a Tree Surgeon who specialises in climbing.
Please see attached pics.
Clive Holliday

One Two Three Four Five Six

From: Phill Brentor
Sent: 22 November 2004 01:30
Subject: M4M
Snow? You call that SNOW?
Regards
Phill
Phill lives in Alaska d:-) ..tw

From: Stephen Newell
Sent: 09 November 2004 19:17
Subject: 73096
Hi Tony
I thought I would send you a picture of the Standard 5 on the Cathedrals on Sunday, at Worting Junction, after a 20 minute signal stop. It was a miserable grey old day, but it made 73096's smoke linger!
Cheers
Stephen Newell

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 29 October 2004 11:44
Subject: Wizard Week
Hi Tony
Spent a most enjoyable day on your line on Tuesday. "Wizard Week" is certainly a resounding success for kids and "adults" alike. And on Tuesday the sun actually showed its face - unbelievable! I've attached 3 photos which might interest/amuse you -
2134 - 92212 letting off steam in spectacular style
2150 - 92212 on the "Wizard Express" chucking out some glorious black smoke *
2151 - Getting into the spirit of the occasion
Also in a lighter mood is this shot - taken a couple of weeks ago. The controller, who may well be a familiar face to you, spontaneously took on the rôle of quizmaster. As you can see, the kids (and adults) are entranced by this amazing phenomenon.
I will be uploading some more Wizard Week shots at the weekend. I must say that the countryside in all its autumn splendour forms a perfect backdrop for the railway. If you want to use any of my shots, including those at my own site, no problem.
Roger

* It wasn't me! d:-) ... tw

Roger has sent more pics from his Wizard Week visit to MHR: One Two Three

David Snow (MHRplc Chairman) writes about the sale of the main line set

From: Michael Pearson
Sent: 20 October 2004 12:25
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Web Site
Tony
Sorry to be critical but do you think the photo of a green hand signal when people are on the track immediately ahead gives the impression of safe working?
Regards
Mike P.

Thank you Mike. I knew someone would ask the question. d:-)

Loco crews were warned of the work to re-align points rodding by an Operations Dept Notice displayed at the crews' signing-in point. Because normal interlocking etc., was inoperative, hand-signalling was substituted. The flagman in the photo replaces the starter signal, and has no responsibilities regarding the men working on the track. The S&T gang were protected both by a lookout (just out of shot), and by the routine requirement on the loco driver both to whistle before moving off, and also to ensure (with help from his fireman) that any workers on or about the line ahead had acknowledged this warning, and moved to their place of safety. The PICOW was Pat Butler : IMHO the gang could not have been in safer hands ...tw
PICOW = Person In Charge Of Work
IMHO = in my humble opinion

From: Colin Chambers, Financial Director MHR
Sent: 14 October 2004 18:24
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Galas 2005
Tony
The NRM have today agreed to loan us City of Truro for our Spring Gala, 11/13 March 2005, and Green Arrow for our Autumn Gala 23/25 Sept 2005.
We have already agreed a return visit for Collett 0-6-0 3205 for the Spring Gala and also have arranged for a Jinty.
The plan for the Autumn Gala is to run Green Arrow with Bittern if all goes well
Regards
Colin

From: Ben Zehetmayr
Sent: 10 October 2004 21:25
Subject: Barrow Hill
I've just got back from Barrow Hill where a member of our cast is playing a new role beside Duke of Gloucester, Britannia and others. Thought I would send a few pictures. Not a very good disguise!
BZ

One Two Three Four

From: Stephen Hoadley
Sent: 09 October 2004 19:07
Subject: Today at MHR
Tony
I arrived at Alresford this afternoon and a Pathfinder railtour turned up. Judging by the accents on the platform, it had evidently come from Yorkshire via Birmingham!
Regards
Stephen Hoadley One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Diesel Corner

From: Chris Cornell
Sent: 09 October 2004 16:19
Subject: Pathfinder Tour
Tony
Here are some pictures I took today of the late running The Alton Observer
The train was formed of class 60 #60 001, 10 Mk2’s still in their Virgin livery and two Class 50’s including our old friend Hood.
Whilst berthed in the sidings at Alresford, their toilet water tanks were refilled by Alresford Traincare team.
Cheers
Chris One Two Three and just before departure from Alresford Diesel Corner

From: Christopher Searle
Sent: 28 September 2004 21:43
Subject: Avonmouth Adventurer 25th Sept
Hello Tony
Here are a couple of pictures from Saturday's eventful Daylight Railtours excursion to Bristol Temple Meads, Avonmouth and Severn Beach.
#73096 dutifully entertained the passengers once again. Passing Didcot with the regulator fully open (after a signal check) on both the outward and return journeys was an experience! What a show the Great Western Society must have had as the Std 5 stormed through! Awesome!
However, #73096 didn't enjoy the waiting around later when the points failed near Avonmouth and the crew struggled with a clinkered fire.
After a shortened break at Bristol though, #73096 was back to her best, thanks to the sterling efforts of the MHR support crew.
The return run was a lively affair and everyone enjoyed the 70+mph dash between Wantage Road and Reading.
#73096 is pictured after arriving at Bristol and later waiting to run round at Guildford.
Looking forward to the next run to Newport.
Kind Regards
Chris Searle

P.S. #73096 is becoming something of a regular at Bristol TM. She went last week with the Cathedrals Express from Poole, she went again of course on Saturday and she's going again tomorrow (29th) with another "C.E". At this rate you'll have to alternate the shed code!

From: Matt & Nick (AKA The Gremlins)
Sent: 25 September 2004 21:27
Subject: Mike Burke
Hi Tony
Thought you might like this pic of Mike on Bodmin
Matt & Nick (aka The Gremlins)

From: James Perry
Sent: 23 September 2004 14:42
Subject: 73096
Dear Tony
Quite by chance yesterday, as I drove West out of Bath at around 17:00, I saw the Green Train headed by 73096 running at high speed in the Avon valley between Keynsham and Bath. My view-point gave a clear view of about a mile through the picturesque Avon valley. It was truly a beautiful and evocative sight and sound, with a classical trail of clean white exhaust which no photography can adequately record. The usual fare of HST's and diesel units cannot even get close to this effect.
My thoughts passed to the Mid Hants loco shed staff who work so hard to keep the carriages, 73096, Bodmin, etc., in top working order despite the wear and tear of main line duty. I enjoyed many happy days assisting in the shed, before I had to move away from the area.
Hopefully one-day time and family will permit me to return, but until then please pass on must best wishes to all loco shed staff.
Best Regards
James Perry

Thank you James. See you soon, then ? d:-) ...tw

From: David Pharro
Sent: 23 September 2004 10:34
Subject: BUS RALLY
This image of Bodmin leaving Ropley during the Bus Rally has just been found on my camera.
Hope you can use it as there are not many images of Bodmin this year.
David Pharro

Thank you David. BTW, that's Driver Dave Pallett in the pic ...tw

From: David Chappell
Sent: 21 September 2004 11:18
Subject: GALA
Hi Tony
Hope you like them, feel free to use them as you feel fit
Regards
David

One Two Three Four Five Six

From: Barrie Scales
Sent: 21 September 2004 10:07
Subject: Grand Day Out
Hi
Grand Day at the Gala on Sunday. Took this very evocative shot of the Bulleids simmering away
Thanks
Barrie Scales

From: Jon Bowers
Sent: 21 September 2004 08:07
Subject: Steam Gala
Hello Tony
Just a quick note to say how very impressed we (several PW volunteers from the Bluebell) were with your gala, and the railway in general during our visit on Saturday.
We had already made an 'exchange visit' between the two departments last September, when your chaps had been given a tour of our Northern Extension etc., and we had walked MHR from Medstead down to Alresford. So this time we enjoyed a pleasant walk down the bank to Alton in the company of some of your gang. The relationship between the two departments has already paid great dividends through the provision of a set of Wickham Trolley drawings for ourselves, and I'm sure it will develop further in the future.
Two highlights of the walk stick in my mind! Firstly, the 9F restarting on the 1 in 60 in the cutting about ¼ mile short of the summit, after it had been stopped in order to return a component of No.5637 (the first of two that we found lying in the track!) to Ropley. Despite being a good few feet out of the way against the side of the cutting, it felt a lot closer as 92212 struggled to get going again with an awesome display of power and the 'music' as the train accelerated away from us was also very impressive!
The second highlight had to be the morning double-headed pairing of the two Bulleids, which we saw at the top of the long straight up from the Butts. Despite watching them all the way up the straight, it wasn't until they got quite close that we realised quite how fast they were going, and how loud the noise was! Superb!
Fortunately, the rain held off until we were almost at Alton, where we got the train (behind No.34016) through to Alresford for lunch. While we were there, we also took the opportunity to take a look at the Thumper currently the subject of much debate on the Bluebell, and while some of our gang loved it, others were not so impressed . :-)
A tour round the sheds and sidings at Ropley was suddenly interrupted by "what time is the last train back to Medstead?" !!! Anyhow, we duly caught this, and arrived in time to see Taw Valley, sorry, Ottery St. Mary, departing for Ropley just as the sun came out again!
So, this rounded off what was (for the second year running) a very enjoyable gala day at the MHR. And again, everyone we met was cheerful and friendly, and always happy to stop for a chat! It's always nice to see behind the scenes at another railway, and so thanks to all, especially your PW volunteers, for laying on such an enjoyable, professional and memorable day. I can only hope that they enjoy their return visit to as much as we did Saturday!
Best regards
Jon Bowers
PW Department, Bluebell Railway
Ps. A few more pictures from the weekend

From: Chris Smith
Sent: 21 September 2004 07:43
I enclose two images I took of our engine on Friday 17th September at the Mid-Hants Railway's Gala.
The first shows 34045 Ottery St. Mary (Taw Valley in disguise) waiting in the down platform at Ropley prior to running light to Alresford ready for it's first train of the day. The second shows the same engine at Alton, after fitting of the Bournemouth Belle headboard, a train which was occasionally diverted over the Mid-Hants line in steam days.
Regards
Chris Smith

p.s. Last Friday I had the pleasure of a firing turn on 34045 Ottery St. Mary. I resurrected the old fire and threw a "few" shovelfuls in to establish a new fire, then disappeared underneath to help my mate with the oiling. At 8:00 it blew off, and at 8:05, 8:10, 8:15 etc. etc. until after about 10 blowoffs it finally settled down. Unfortunately we were not due off until 9:30, oops. Fortunately, Frank Boait, the MHR's Mechanical Foreman, had the answer, which I am seen using in the attached picture. It worked a treat and we didn't blow off for the rest of the day. Chris Smith, Fireman

From: Stephen Gardiner
Sent: 20 September 2004 18:41
Subject: Greetings from a Canadian Visitor
Tony
Here are five shots from the Gala on Friday when I visited.
My thanks to you for taking the time to chat with me in the afternoon, and to all who made the Gala a great time for me and no doubt a great success for all involved.
Attached are photos of Taw Valley/Ottery St Mary making a steamy departure before starting services from Ropley, the Collett 0-6-2 running around at Alresford, Bodmin coming into Alresford, the 9F making a token exchange at Ropley on their express run, and the 9F's crew.
Regards
Stephen Gardiner
Georgetown, Ontario, Canada

Nice to have met you, Stephen. Good pics, but the 9F crew don't look happy bunnies, do they! d:-) ... tw

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 20 September 2004 18:58
Subject: Steam Gala 2004
Hi Tony
Thanks for a wonderful steam gala last weekend. I spent all Sunday on your line and it didn't rain! It was marvellous to see 92212 in action. The last occasion for me was at Derby in 1956/66 right at the end of the steam era.
I was wondering if you could give me details of the 0-6-0 tender loco that was working on the Alresford to Ropley shuttle. I am not familiar with this loco.
By the way, do you accept photos from people like myself for inclusion on your site? If so are there any size restrictions? I have a batch from last Sunday, some of which are waiting to be uploaded to my site. All I need now is that missing data regarding the mystery 0-6-0.
Keep up the good work
Roger

Hello Roger. The 0-6-0 is a J94 Austerity, converted to the tender engine 'Douglas' as part of our 'Thomas' set. You can find details of the conversion on our website.
Have a look at the reports on the event and you will see that we have many contributors to our website. Our main line runs in particular are tracked, photographed and filmed very regularly, and the results are often on this webpage before our train even reaches its destination. We are all rather pleased about that, to judge from the statistics.
If you decide to send pics, first please check that you are not duplicating stuff already on the website, select your best pics, preferably those with some human interest. (Rail enthusiasts often try to exclude people from their photos!) If you get it to me quickly enough to be newsworthy, I am more tolerant regarding photo quality. Pic sizes less than 500KB are best, particularly if you are sending more than a couple. I usually edit, crop, etc., those which I use. Rgds ... tw

From: Nicky
Sent: 19 September 2004 18:39
Subject: Thomas the Tank Engine
Hi
We came to your steam gala today and had a thoroughly good time; it was nice to see so many extra engines about without any (ok just 2) diesels to be seen!
However, my 3 year-old son was most distressed to find Thomas in pieces… (or to quote my son: “with his lid off”). Matthew is most anxious to know when Thomas will be repaired and working again.
As my son and I am sure many other toddlers will have found this sight upsetting, perhaps he should have been kept from view or to at least have a notice by him telling the children what was happening so their parents could explain and avoid any potential upset. This is not a criticism, just an observation from a parent of a young child.
Matthew looks forward to hearing from you regarding Thomas’s repairs, and as regular visitors, we will be coming back to the Watercress Line for the Santa Specials.
Many thanks
Nicky Hatherly

Hello Nicky
We have been explaining on the website and to loco yard visitors for some time now that Thomas is to have a new firebox, and that youngsters: "... will have another birthday before he is all back together again".
Have a look here and you'll see that this work continues through the Gala weekend.
We reckon that the best thing about our railway is that children can understand the realities of running a railway, just as Rev Awdry did. Children who visit our loco yard certainly ask questions showing they know that as Thomas is a real engine, he needs repairs and maintenance just like a car or a washing machine. This doesn't seem to detract one iota from their love of our little blue engine, though they always ask where his face has gone*.
(*If his face is on, we have to pay royalties to HIT Entertainment - the successors to Britt Allcroft's company)
I hope you are able to reconcile any little misunderstandings, and will encourage Matthew to follow progress with the work through our website.
Best wishes
Tony Wood

Hello Tony
Thanks for your prompt reply to my e-mail. We will explain to Matthew about the repairs to Thomas and hope that he will be on the road (sorry rails) again soon. We will follow the repairs on the web site with interest and look forward to seeing him soon.
Kind regards
Nicky Hatherly

From: Christopher Searle
Sent: 19 September 2004 16:55
Subject: Not Your Standard Steam Gala
Hello Tony
Here are a few pictures from the excellent gala on the Friday which might be of use. I came down with my father on Friday and Saturday, and we both enjoyed every minute. As usual the loco crews put on a good show and the rest of the railway staff were very friendly and welcoming. I spotted a certain webmaster roaming around the railway filming movie clips!
Nice to see the two Standards in good form. Was there a competition between the crews to see who could make the most noise ?!
The chime whistle on #73096 was used with enthusiasm as she barked up the grades. She's still my favourite!!
#92212 looked and sounded superb after another superb Ropley overhaul. She looked well at home with the hopper wagons.
The two Bulleids together require no comment, they always stir the emotions.
#5637 was a gutsy performer on Friday; my Father and I thought it was going to go straight through Medstead whilst waiting for it on the platform! I see it was kept in check by the other loco's on Saturday.
A big thank you to all involved with the event. It's a shame you didn't have control of the weather! We set off from a very sunny Aldershot on both days. Whilst at the railway the clouds rolled in and it got a bit damp in the afternoon at roughly the same time on Friday and Saturday! Oh well, it was very atmospheric!
Regards
Chris Searle

From: Bruce Barrett
Sent: 19 September 2004 09:45
Subject: Steam gala 18 September
Hi Tony
Another great day out - always something interesting going on. Shame about the failure of the Collett and the weather later on. There were some interesting workings, some of which were no doubt brought about by the failure of the Collett. I have attached some pictures, which you can use on your web site if you wish :
- The 9F arriving at Ropley with the hoppers and a single coach for passengers
- The 2 Bulleids running non-stop through Ropley
- The 9F looking absolutely immaculate arriving at Medstead
- The Ivatt and Collett tanks leaving Ropley on the first train of the day
- The Collett arriving back at Ropley following its failure
- The Ivatt propelling a train out of Alresford. Douglas was at the head of the train
Kind regards
Bruce Barrett

From: Jim Russell
Sent: 19 September 2004 00:25
Subject: The 9F
Hi Tony
I have been spending the three days of the Steam Gala acting as signalman at Alton. On Friday I was treated to my first look at the refurbished 9F 92212. Firstly it was rather uncanny as the engine drifted past the signalbox almost silently. Completely gone was the clanking of worn coupling rods and the only sound was the hiss of steam.
Another point that must be mentioned is the superb presentation of the locomotive. Hasn't Duncan Richardson really excelled himself here with the paint job applied to the locomotive?
I say "Well Done" to the Ropley team for yet another very high quality job. I hope the locomotive's owners are equally pleased with the finished product.
Regards
Jim Russell
(Jim is Chairman of MHR Preservation Society ... tw)

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 05 September 2004 22:10
Subject: M4M buses
Tony
The Eastbourne pair operated the Medstead bus services today. Eastbourne No.42 is seen outside the station waiting to go to Selborne. Later Eastbourne No.67 passes the end of Station Approach on the A31 in Four Marks. The Thumper was also in action, Jim Russell driving and Chris Cornell as Guard.

btw1 Jim explained the problem of not advertising the extra service. It can only run when they can find the crew and when the Countryman's path is spare.
btw2 Referring to Phill Brentor's e-mail, I suspect that one reason that there are not many pics of the Green Train running through Aldershot is that, despite the name Daylight Railtours, it is often dark in the morning and then dark again when it gets back in the evening. The ECS for the Cathedrals Express is always diesel hauled with the steamer trailing (e.g. my pic of the Purple Peril at Farnham December 2002). There is a pic by Nigel Kendall of CanPac and the Green Train between Aldershot and Farnham from June 2002 and one by Keith Lawrence at Aldershot in April 2002. Both the links are near the bottom of the Daylight Railtours page. I think there might be a pic somewhere on the website of the Ivatt on the Ascot shuttles from June 2002 near Aldershot and possibly one of the Standard 5*
Rgds
David

* You didn't think I was going to link them all, did you? ... tw d:-)

From: Ray Harrington
Sent: 25 August 2004 19:12
Subject: LSWR S15
Please find atached an old family photograph showing a LSWR Class 15 goods loco in about 1922.
My grandfather Gilbert Vail is second from right at the front. I presume the picture was taken at Nine Elms or Feltham.

Earlier letters

Letters about our main line runs are usually moved here after a while