Latest Mid Hants Railway e-letters, with same-day photos and videos, including mainline steam train action

Previous Correspondence

If you followed an anchor link and are surprised that nothing relevant is here, follow "Earlier Letters" links at the foot of page, 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

Remember to press F5 for the up-to-date page

From: Kyoichi Oda (MHR Japanese Correspondent)
Sent: Sat 17/09/2005 13:09
Hello Tony
I got another e-mail from Japanese who sent this photo. They visited our Thomas this summer again and were really satisfied.
They asked how to contact the staff working at First Aid (St.John's) because their son was cured after some pricks of leaf affected his arm, so they want to thank the staff.
Kyoichi

We'll forward the e-mail and photo to our stalwart St John's people, Kyoichi ... tw

From: Vera Quartermain
Sent: 16 September 2005 10:06
Subject: Introductory Driving Course
Dear Tony
Just a line to thank you for the wonderful day we had yesterday. Our Introductory Driving Experience was a Ruby Wedding present from our son and what a gift it was. From the time we arrived at 8.45 right through the thoroughly enjoyable morning with our driver and fireman (sorry I am dreadful with names), to returning from a ride on the service train on the last round trip of the day (after having a lovely cottage pie lunch in the Buffet) it was a day we will never forget.
The driving experience was brilliant, made even better by having the Standard 5. She is a really lovely engine and we much admired her performance on main line trips so to have the opportunity to drive and fire her was a dream come true.
A big thank you to everyone.
Regards
Vera and Rodney Quartermain

From: John Dodge
Sent: 12 September 2005 19:29
Subject: Sherwood Forester

Hi Tony
The attached photo shows #45231 Sherwood Forester hauling the Shepherd Neame Hop Pickers train across the Kingsferry Bridge on the Isle of Sheppey on Sunday 4th September 2005. In the background is the new Swale Crossing under construction.
We were at Alresford on Thursday 8th September 2005 and watched with great interest Canadian Pacific being loaded for her weekend away before our steam-hauled run to Alton with Bodmin
John Dodge

From:   Mark Ziemba
Sent:   08 September 2005 20:10
Subject:  A Stupid Question
Hi Tony
Now that Bittern is on its wheels, when the time comes to put on the connecting rods, how do you get the big lugs (technical term !) on the wheels to line up ??
Best regards
Mark Ziemba

Hello Mark
Bittern wheels: we have rollers to lift and rotate one axle ... tw

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 04 September 2005 14:52
Subject: Bert's Beauty at London Bridge

Sunday:2.45pm
Hello Tony,
Bags of excitement at London's famous station today,Sept 4th. for a rare sight of a steam train: Bert Hitchen's "THE SHERWOOD FORESTER" heading the Faversham Hop Festival, "The Spitfire" excursion...and not forgetting the official photo call on the platform before they leave.
An early morning run to the Garden of England, reminiscent of the Kent Hop Pickers' heyday of the 1920-30's.Pictured on an early Speed Graphic camera.
Kind Regards
Horace
One Two

From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 31 August 2005 21:03
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Sunday
Hi Tony
Something slightly different from Northside Lane last Sunday afternoon

From: Matthew Allen,
Sent: 31 August 2005 09:04
Subject: 73096 climbing Medstead bank
Hi Tony
Made the most of the weather on Sunday, although looking at the picture,
could it be the early 60's??
Thanks
Matt
p.s.
The attached of the 9F were taken yesterday, is great to see her back in action again. One Two
Thanks
Matt

From: Peter Wilson
Sent: 01 September 2005 08:57
Subject: Mid Hants in Kent.
Hi Tony,
Three pics showing 45231 hauling the Cathedrals Express from Canterbury to London Victoria.
The pics are taken as the train heads towards Reculver on the North Kent Coast.
I understand that the train made excellent progress, as usual and arrived at Vic 2 mins to the good.
Best regards
Peter W. One Two Three

From: Richard Gillatt
Sent: 29 August 2005 20:22
Subject: BUS RALLY - 17 AUGUST 2005

Hi Tony

I am now back in South Africa.

I want to thank you and the team for a wonderful day. I spent the morning photographing the buses and then the afternoon riding and photographing the trains.

Being a bus and train fan this day to me was the ultimate.

I have some terrific photos and video to remind me of a day in that I did not know in which direction to turn. There was always something to see and do.

Also bought a superb DVD - Over The Alps - to see scenes of your line that I could not get.

I must compliment your team on the excellent condition of your locos - it looked as if they had just come out the box.

Sorry I could not get to meet you but I did chat to a couple of the chaps on duty at the stations. All very friendly and helpful.

May Mid Hants Railway go from strength to strength.

Kind Regards

Dick Gillatt

From: Jessica Pearson
Sent: 26 August 2005 10:44
Subject: 73096 departure

Tony,

Thought you might like to consider another feminine photographic contribution for the web site: John & Ben on Thursday, with Ben on his first turn as a fireman

Regards,

Jessica Pearson

From: Dave Zehetmayr
Sent: 23 August 2005 21:01
Subject: 9F
This was the day after Thomas week on 22/8/05. I took this photo on my new phone (2.0 megapixel camera phone), and I thought it caught the day quite well … wet!
We stopped to take water at Ropley whilst waiting for the down train and I took the photo from the tender.
Dave Zehetmayr

From: Philip Hunt
Sent: 21 August 2005 23:50
Subject: Letters pages...
I enjoy reading your letters pages, and particularly like the fact that I can view (and print/download) current photos. I also like the odd video clip, although it sometimes takes a few minutes to load/buffer.
Being 12,000 miles away, but recently (15th March 05) visiting the line, it is now much more relevant. I never actually used the line in BR days even though I lived in Bournemouth, then Guildford.
And thanks to Roger Stronell in particular, he always happens to be in the right place etc!!
Nice to see #71000 which I missed whilst in UK. Hope to catch her next time.
Regards
Phil Hunt

From: Sarah Birch
Sent: 20 August 2005 20:12
Subject: Mainline trains- steam!
Hallo
I have been trying to find out for a long time WHEN your trains come along the Reading/Guildford line or the Reading/Waterloo line. Our garden backs on to the Guildford line at Wokingham, so I want to know when they come - steam ones only! The Network SouthEast staff are useless - they only can say: "It's not on our system" when the signalman must know.
Why is this not publicised for all to know?
I am quite willing to pay a subscription
Yours
Sarah and Nigel Birch

Hello Both
We at Mid Hants Railway no longer run our own steam trains on the main line, but we do 'stable' and service main line locos and stock used for Cathedrals Express and other main line excursions.
You can find details of routes, loco and timings of ALL UK main line steam excursions at: http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs05.htm#twk
Special excursions details issued to signalmen are quite sketchy, and only show enough detail for them to do their job, so I don't think Network SouthEast staff are fobbing you off.
Happy viewing. Enviable house location!

d:-) ... tw

From: John Busby
Sent: 19 August 2005 11:51
Subject: 41312 at the Bluebell
Tony
When I was at the Bluebell in June I took some photographs of 'our' Ivatt working the train taking spoil from Imberhorne cutting to the Ardingly spur and I wondered if you would be interested in having three or four for our website. I know that it is on a 'foreign' railway but it is after all 'our' engine and it is on the kind of work that will not be seen on the Mid Hants (unless we decide to tunnel under Itchen Abbas to reach Winchester Junction)
01 and 02 show arrival of the loaded train at Horsted Keynes 03 shows train arrived at Horsted Keynes - four wagons loaded. (I think that they intended to have more wagons but for the first few days could only muster four) 04 shows the train re-marshalled ready to be propelled down the Ardingly branch. In the distance is the service train arriving from Sheffield Park
Regards
John Busby
(MHRPS LP05947)

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 15 August 2005 14:42
Subject: Thomas
Hi Tony
Not meaning to swamp you with photos but I "accidentally" visited the Watercress Line on Sunday when a Thomas event was taking place. Therefore, "Serious steam train enthusiasts, look away now". Forget about enthusiasts. The kids were having the times of their lives and the turnout was absolutely massive. Photos as follows -
Thomas the tender engine
92212, AKA Thomas, coupling up
Sorry, not familiar with this magnificent machine, pictured in Alresford station car park
Anyway, nice to see 92212 back in action again.
Regards
Roger

From: Simon Howlett
Sent: 15 August 2005 10:46
Subject: Thomas - 14th August - Thanks
Hi
Thank you everyone for a cracking day out yesterday. Three generations of the Howlett family enjoyed ‘A Day Out with Thomas’ on Sunday. My little lad liked his ride on Toad (ably pulled by Thomas at Ropley) and during our run into Alresford my Dad was recounting his train-spotting days in the 1950’s and some of the engines he used to see on a daily basis around the Southern Railway region.
Of course, the line and the event would not be where it is without your dedicated staff / volunteers - we could clearly see the hard work behind the scenes, especially touring the engines on display at Ropley.
These are the events that the little ones (and dads) always remember. Someone went to Nursery today muttering ‘trains’ still wearing his ‘Thomas’ sticker!
Thanks again
Simon Howlett

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 12 August 2005 20:33
Subject: Last Sunday's buses (7th August)
Tony
The weather on Sunday was much better than last month with more people riding the free Medstead vintage bus service and good sales in the station Ticket Office. This month's pair was Eastbourne #42 and ex London Transport RTW 178, now No.11 of Stevenson's Bus Services, here at Medstead. #42 stands at Petersfield. #11 waits at Chawton outside Jane Austen's house.
What's big, black, shiny and goes 'tink tink tink tink'? #45231 The Sherwood Forester departs from Medstead.
"SMU" (steam multiple unit) in operation! The versatile DMU trailer twins #59510 and #59511 were used in the steam services with #34016 Bodmin at the front.
Regards
David Charlesworth

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 06 August 2005 21:18
Subject: A Day Well Spent
Hi Tony
Despite mediocre weather, today turned out to be a day well spent on the Watercress Line. And I thoroughly recommend the excellent real ale on sale in the buffet car. Enjoyed a return trip from Ropley to Alton behind Bodmin, followed by a return trip from Ropley to Alton behind #45231. And after that a quick photo session at one of my favourite vantage points. I have attached a couple of shots I think you'll like
- Bodmin on a bridge
- #45231, looking absolutely magnificent (as always)
Regards
Roger Stronell

The buffet car's real ale was a prelude to that evening's RAT train. The behind-the-RAT-bar view was of everyone having a very good evening .... tw

From: Mansell, Richard
Sent: 05 August 2005 16:40
Subject: The Duke at Northam
Tony
I made the trip up to the Mid Hants to see and be hauled by the Duke on Sunday and enjoyed the day very much (I can't recall not enjoying a day up there and I do go a few times a year!). I was very impressed by 71000 and the support crew I talked to.
Nice to see the Thumper at Alresford (bringing back not-too-distant memories of going to Portsmouth from Eastleigh!) and of course Bodmin - always a favourite!
As I was working in the area, I managed to take this photo at the Northam level crossing on August 3rd, with works' digital camera that I happened to have on me at the time
Regards
Ric Mansell

From: David
Sent: 04 August 2005 15:29
Subject: Thank you
Tony
Please thank all the staff at Watercress for the superb day I had visiting the steam railway. The drive from Stroud, Glos at first seemed a bit daunting, but it was worth the effort. I had a great day!
Once again, many thanks.Be back !!
Dave Elliott

From: Chris Smith
Sent: 03 August 2005 13:07
Subject: 71000
Tony
Please find enclosed pictures taken by my mate Paul W Smith (no relation) of the Duke going through Eastleigh and under Campbell Road bridge.
It looked great and was spot on time.
Regards
Smiffy One Two

Sadly, I heard #71000 had a front cylinder cover blown off later on this run, and hence is likely to be out of service for some time ... tw

Update after speaking with #71000 crew yesterday morning at Ropley, and checking today, 5th August 2005:
It was a lhs cylinder core plug that popped out. They were able to repair it very simply and DoG is now (5th August) serviceable and waiting at Yeovil for a 'path' to get it back under its own power to Ropley. Rather dramatic when it 'blew' as lots of insulation burst forth! Details
Sorry not to have updated sooner - I spent a happy yesterday firing Bodmin and didn't even turn my computer on when I got home ... tw d:-)

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 01 August 2005 19:00
Subject: Duke of Gloucester ascending the Alps - Video Clip (1.1MB)
Hi Tony
I hope this video clip is not too rough; when I took it I was still shaking a little having run from my parked car to a suitable vantage point; no time for setting up tripods and the like - just point, shoot and hope for the best. Anyway it wasn't raining and the light was good and the Duke was in good shape. Enough said.
Standard Class 8 Pacific No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester taking the gradient out of Ropley in its stride with the first train of the day from Alresford to Alton. (Saturday, 30th July 2005)
Roger Stronell

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 31 July 2005 21:08
Subject: Shots from Today
Hi Tony
I've attached a few shots from today. One Two
The weather wasn't great but it seemed to add to the atmosphere.
Was good to see the railway nice and busy.
Matt

From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 31 July 2005 19:14
Subject: Duke of Gloucester
Tony
Had an excellent day today at the Mid Hants. Here are just a few of the shots I took of the Duke:
Arriving at M+4M with the first run to Alton, leaving Ropley with the 1:15 to Alton and a close up of some of the loco's mechanics.
Regards
Ken Alexander

From: Stephen Leek
Sent: 31 July 2005 10:22
Subject: Duke of Gloucester
Tony
The Duke LE in the rain on Saturday 30th passing four photographers sheltering under Ropley Station canopy at the end of the day.
Rgds
Stephen

Sent: 26 July 2005 09:44
Subject: Gresley locos: middle big ends
Hi Tony
I think it might be of interest to many of us if you and your fellow experts at the Ropley Centre of Excellence could enlighten us on this subject.
The reason for my question is that, as you may have heard, V2 LNER # 4771 Green Arrow recently suffered a serious failure while running on the main line between Scarborough and York. I don't know the precise details but it was something involving a complete failure of the middle big end, and has caused rather expensive damage to the inside cylinder as well as to the big end itself.
I saw it stated in a newsgroup that the design and construction of the middle big end on Green Arrow is such that the inspections and tests needed to give warning of a likely failure cannot be carried out without major dismantling, and that it is not practicable to do this before every main line run.
What was more worrying was a statement that other Gresley 3-cyl engines also have the same design of middle big end as Green Arrow.
So while you have Bittern in the shed being reassembled, would it be possible for you to show us some pictures of what is involved here?
Thanks
Martin

See: Restoration of Bittern ... tw

Earlier letters

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

Current main line excursions

Publication should not be taken as MHR endorsement of the views expressed: we do like to stir things up a bit now and then!