Mid-Hants Railway Topical Correspondence Page

From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 28 December 2005 13:36
Hi Tony,

Compliments of the season.

Oh and the 24th Dec -

just to say what a delight it was to see and hear the 9F with six full carriages pounding away, with a crisp and LIVELY beat on it's way back up the bank from Ropley to Medstead. If Carlsberg ran a heritage railway, they'd probably do that all the time.

See you in the new year,

Rgds

From: Philip Hunt
Sent: 27 December 2005 19:50
Subject: Website...
I noted your change to a new server. I see now that all seems to be well. At first I had difficulty with getting some pages from your site, but now I can get everything I want. Thanks for your time as I know it is all voluntary. I access a number of preservation websites, and yours is the best. I particularly like the technical answers, they are often so well explained that the layman can understand. Coupled with the photo coverage in general I can see "what is what" and "why it works"! I am still digesting British Caprotti valve gear, and went onto the 71000 website to get more detail.
I hope to return to the UK in 3/4 years and hope to be able to see the Class 8 on your line!
Meanwhile best wishes for the New Year to you and all your volunteers.
Regards
Phil Hunt

Yes, Phil, our change of web-host was traumatic this end too! Thank you for your generous and encouraging comments on all our efforts. Our readers often think the expertise on these pages is mine(!), but in reality I have the Ropley (real) experts as my resource and they haven't yet lost patience with my questions. I hope you will be able to follow our work from your new base: there are exciting developments to come. ... tw

From: Lee and Nessa
Sent: 22 December 2005 22:19
Subject: The wonderful Santa Special
Dear Sir
Yesterday, Wednesday 21^st December, my son aged 5 and I were treated to a ride on your Santa Special.
I am writing to thank you for a wonderful experience. The effort put in by the Watercress Line volunteers made the experience truly special. I do believe it was the best ‘Santa experience’ my son has visited and I will be recommending it to all my friends.
Thank you for your work in making the events special and keeping those most majestic steam engines running.

Vanessa Stanley (Mrs)
Silverstone
Northants

From: Andrew Heald
Sent: 22 December 2005 15:28
Subject: Seasons Greetings!

Hi Tony

I'd just like to start by saying how great the website is and what a fantastic job you are all doing down there. Keep up the good work!

I've been following the progress of Bittern very closely for the past few years: my love affair with the A4's is in the blood as my father Phil was one of the four who bought Sir Nigel and started the A4 Preservation Society back in 64/65.

My father was very good friends with Geoff Drury and was with him when he bought Bittern and tells me that they rode the engine from York to Sheffield on a freight that day.

I believe the A4 Preservation Society also hired Bittern a few times, one such trip was Edinburgh to Doncaster: again my father was on the footplate and told me it was one hell of a run!

I'm sure we can find a few pictures of No. 19 around that time if you would be interested?

I'm very much looking forward to doing a turn on Gresley when she's back in service next year on the NYMR as it will be my first time riding an A4!!! I'm due to go up to Grosmont for a few days after Christmas so hopefully we'll be on a Black 5.

I was wondering if you or anybody would know where I can get hold of a BR type boiler suit/footplate clothing?

Many thanks

Hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year

Andi

Thank you for your encouraging words, Andi. A few good pics of Bittern in those days would be most welcome for this website.
I've had good footplate stuff from: John Beesley, 19 Swing Gate Lane, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2LJ (01442 866812 after 6pm) ... tw

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 21 December 2005 17:58
Subject: Captured in Time!

Hi Tony

If one picture sums up a bygone age of steam, then this must be it! A scene reminiscent of the famous days of the steam engine at London's Waterloo Station. The station building in the background has changed little over the years; a new frontage maybe a coat of paint, but the atmosphere remains the same: never to be forgotten.

Bert's Black 5 making a Xmas trip to Sherborne & Yeovil Jnc.on Tuesday 20th.

Regards

Horace

From: Mark Fry
Sent: 20 December 2005 15:50
Subject: 45231 on the mainline
Hi Tony
Here are a few recent pictures of 45231 that you might like to see:

Sat 26th Nov05, Red Post junction near Andover
Sat 10th Dec05, Budbrooke, between Warwick and Hatton
Sat 17th Dec05, between Dorking and Holmwood
Sat 17th Dec05, leaving Horsham

All are taken from my video footage. Your readers might like to know that I have made a number of DVDs which are available for the cost of production and postage, plus a donation to MHRPS. Details are on my web site.
I will start work on the 2005 Mainline Album in the New Year - no promises, but I hope it will be ready some time in February '06.
Cheers
Mark

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 19 December 2005 20:38
Subject: The Cathedrals Express en route to Chichester

Hi Tony

Great picture from Jon Bowers of 45231 between Leatherhead and Dorking on Saturday.
I know the spot well. Leatherhead was my hometown in the 60's. Thought you might like to see a shot taken just a few miles up the track showing the 'Black 5' entering Dorking station with the "Cathedrals Express".

Cheers
Roger

From: Jon Bowers
Sent: 17 December 2005 17:31
Subject: 45231 today
Hi Tony
Thought you might like this pic of the '5' between Leatherhead and Dorking this morning.
http://morebloodytrains.fotopic.net/p23943476.html
Regards
Jon

From: Holger Boschke
Sent: 14 December 2005 12:59
Subject: SPIEGEL ONLINE - Nostalgie-Trip: Großbritannien unter Dampf

Dieser Artikel wurde Ihnen geschickt von Holger Boschke

Bitte beachten Sie:
SPIEGEL ONLINE hat die Identität des Absenders nicht überprüft
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Nostalgie-Trip: Großbritannien unter Dampf
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dampfloks mit rauchenden Schloten, holprige Bahngleise und
historische Bahnhöfe - Großbritannien ist das Mutterland der
Eisenbahnen und Reiseziel erste Klasse für Eisenbahnfans. Sie können
auf kleinen Strecken wie der Watercressline viel entdecken.
Den vollständigen Artikel erreichen Sie im Internet
Zum Thema

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 13 December 2005 20:34
Subject: 45231 on the Cathedrals at Basingstoke tonight

Hi Tony

Just got back from seeing #45231 depart Basingstoke on the CE from Salisbury. She looked great as usual.

10/10 for the SWT staff: very helpful with platform passes and even announced for the photographers which platform it was going to be on!

Regards

Matt

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 13 December 2005 14:09
Subject: RE: Olympia today!
Hi Tony
I was on Waterloo station this morning looking for pictures around Bert's black beauty, and a gentleman came up to me and said "Are you Horace, Horace Ward? I do admire the pictures you take that appear on the Watercressline; always seem to get people in the picture and it makes it much more interesting. Look forward to the next lot"...so there!
Spotted me with the Graphic of course... Someone said about the guy looking under Black 5 and the steam around his head: reminded him of "Oh,Mr.Porter" with Will Hay.
Horace

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 12 December 2005 20:15
Subject: 45231 - Cathedrals Express - Video Clips

Hi Tony

A couple of videos that you might like to check out showing 45231 in charge of Saturday's Cathedrals Express (Alton to Stratford-upon-Avon) as it snakes its way through the London suburbs. Plenty of voluminous exhaust !!!

#45231 hurtles through Feltham station in the freezing cold morning (10th December 2005, 1MB)

#45231 makes an impressive restart after a red light at South Ruislip (video taken from Ruislip Gardens tube station) (10th December 2005, 1.6MB)

Regards - Roger

From: Kenneth Westcar
Sent: 10 December 2005 19:01
Subject: Hello from Canada
Hello, Tony
I thought I would update you on events at the St. Thomas Central Railway. We had a pretty good season until July when our 0-6-0 lost an axle bearing on its return from Ridgetown. We limped it home and started repairs but then found that the museum building where it is housed was declared unsafe by the building inspector. We still have access but have to sign a waiver. In the autumn we received many requests to run the train but CN Rail could not confirm access to their (unused) tracks so we called off the balance of the season. Recently we had notice from CN that all tracks in the area would be lifted except for one that connects to the Canada Southern route. This gave us some hope of running several local Christmas trains but CN have now put the Canada Southern up for abandonment and are no longer maintaining the grade crossing signals.
Our committee is now pondering our fate including the possibility of moving to Niagara Falls to tap into the summer tourist market. One of our benefactors owns track there and feels there is a good revenue stream available. However, we all live about 75miles away from the Falls so it would be difficult to be certain of a trained crew. Other options being considered are selling the train as a static heritage tourist attraction or donating pieces of it to a museum. Unless something really unexpected happens it is doubtful it will run with fare paying passengers in the foreseeable future.
Dixie and I are heading back to the UK for Christmas and, if we have a spare day available, we will forsake the turkey leftovers and head down to Alton. It seems that we will have to return to the UK for our heritage rail “fixes” unless we go over to Michigan and travel with the Berkshire locomotive they used as a model for the Polar Express movie.
In any event we’ll stay in touch and please accept our best wishes for a successful and prosperous 2006 season.
Best wishes
Dixie and Ken

Ken came to MHR to research UK heritage railway preservation, and reveals how other countries' railways too have problems in their early history ... tw

From: Nigel Tipping
Sent: 10 December 2005 17:31
Subject: Black Five at Ashford Middlesex
Hi Tony
The Black Five sounded great coming up into Ashford this morning
Kindest regards
Nigel Tipping

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 10 December 2005 16:49
Subject: Olympia today!

Hi Tony

A little light relief at London's Olympia station this morning when Bert's Black Five came to a standstill to take on water during its journey to Stratford-upon-Avon. Very cold conditions and the early morning sun added to these few amusing pictures.

(a)Steam must be coming from somewhere around here?

(b)Stop talking - I'm cold: get me out of here.

Best Wishes

Horace

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 05 December 2005 19:44
Subject: As Promised - Santa Special Photos

Hi Tony

On Sunday (December 4th) the weather was just perfect and the Santa Specials were looking nothing short of spectacular. Here are just a few of the photos that I took. Hope you like them. Perhaps you would like to choose your favourites.

#73096 ascends the Alps, first Santa Special of the day from Alresford (close-up)

#73096 ascends the Alps, first Santa Special of the day from Alresford (medium distance shot)

#34016 ascends the Alps, morning Santa Special from Ropley to Alton

#73096 makes a start from Ropley, heading for Medstead, with a mid-afternoon service

#73096 storming away from Ropley with a late afternoon service (close-up)

#73096 storming away from Ropley with a late afternoon service (medium distance shot)

Looking forward to my next visit - Roger

From: Paul Dawson-Plincke
Sent: 04 December 2005 20:29
Subject: Photos
Hi
Much enjoyed the website, it’s nice to see care taken over it and a lot of behind the scenes stuff.
As a paying punter I took some photos today you might be interested in whilst we were on the Santa Special. We were on a late 3pm train so the sun was setting when I was taking some. Hope you enjoy them.
Paul

One Two Three Four

From: Dave Clarke
Sent: 29 November 2005 14:05
To: 'tonywood@watercressline.co.uk'
Subject: 60009 and Barrow Hill
Hi Tony
Photos from the trip to Barrow Hill last week. It was good to see a large number of linesiders despite the late running of the train, however the cold weather and clear skies should have produced some excellent photographs and made the wait worthwhile!
Best regards
Dave Clarke

One Two

From: Lesley Tripp
Sent: 28 November 2005 21:38
Subject: 000 gauge trains set
Tony
Hope you are well. I wonder if you can help us at all. My husband has got the 000 gauge trains set and needs the bands that go between the motor and the wheels. I wondered if you knew anyone in the train interest that could possibly know where we can get some from. Have tried the internet and all I have got is 00 gauge train sets!!
Any help is much appreciated.
Regards
Lesley Tripp
(Jim Doel daughter and Julie's sister!!)

I don't know, Lesley. We'll ask the others. They're sure to know ... tw

From: Warwick Falconer
Sent: 29 November 2005 13:27

Hi Tony

I saw the letter about OOO gauge. That gauge is virtually extinct now and was the forerunner of N gauge. OOO scale track gauge = 9.5mm N scale track gauge = 9mm

N is very popular so parts for an N gauge model may fit on an OOO gauge model. Lesley could try www.walthers.com who are probably the biggest distributor of model trains in the world, they are however US based. Otherwise search the net for N gauge parts and hope they fit. Hope this helps

This Yahoo group my also be able to help Lesley. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lonestar_bumper_book_online/

Cheers

Warwick

From: Keith Brown
Sent: 29 November 2005 22:04
Tony - these will be the neoprene drive bands for Lone Star Treble-O-Lectric locomotives of fond memory. (I never graduated from the push-along variety myself.)
Lone Star is long gone, but a Google search turns up the info that one Martin Doubleday (tel. 01245 251618) produces drive bands at £2.00 per set of 4.
I can't vouch for the accuracy of this but it may be worth a try.
Keith Brown

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 28 November 2005 14:07
Subject: From a bridge near Winchfield, etc.

Hi Tony

I see that you have some great shots of Saturday's Cathedrals Express online already. Many thanks to Nigel Wilson and Matt Allen for those. And I enjoyed young Michael Wilson's video of the train at speed by the riverside near Bradford-upon-Avon. Who cares about the shaky hand and the fact that the loco disappears behind the trees. As you might say, it certainly captures the drama of the occasion and that's what matters. Nice work!

Anyway I 've attached a couple of my own shots to help complete the story: #45231 accelerates away from Winchfield after a water-stop Several minutes early just west of Bath Spa, heading for Bristol Hope you like them.

Regards
Roger

From: Kyoichi Oda (MHR Japanese Representative, MHRPS Hon Life Member)
Sent: 28 November 2005 04:22
Subject: Lecture at IRSJ
Hello Tony,
The lecture, "The present situation and operation of British preservation railway", at the meeting of International Railway Society of Japan www.h5.dion.ne.jp/~irsj/ was held yesterday and was well received.
I was glad to have more opportunities for introducing the inside story of Preservation railway in the UK for Japanese enthusiasts.
Many thanks again for those who helped me in gathering material.
Your friend
Kyoichi

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 27 November 2005 12:02
Subject: Pics

Hi Tony
I currently have two photo exhibitions running at libraries in Hampshire until Christmas. Both feature the MHR heavily, as well as MHR-based locos on the main line. Some of the pictures have featured in the Mid Hants News and other railway magazines. They are at Eastleigh library in the Shopping Centre, and also Tadley library (just north of Basingstoke) which is on Mulfords Hill, next to Sainsbury's. Entry is free.
Most of the pictures exhibited are 10x8's although the Tadley exhibition is larger so I have some bigger prints, even a 20x28". Each exhibition is approx 20 pictures and of course they're all steam! Expect to see pictures like this and this
Matt

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 26 November 2005 15:21
Subject: 60009 / D9009 at Barrow Hill
Hello Tony
I see you have some pictures of the Barrow Hill trip on the letters page. It was an interesting day to say the least! As Ken says it was dark at Barrow Hill but I managed to get the attached photo of two generations of East Coast express power both No.9! 60009 and D9009 thanks to a appropriately-located fence post. I didn't take the tripod on the train because I thought it would be daylight at Barrow Hill: I guess I should have known better! Anyway well done to Barrow Hill for setting up the opportunity for this shot.
We stayed overnight at Alton after the trip so it was a pity MHR wasn't running as it was a glorious Sunday morning. Thanks to the staff at The Swan Hotel in Alton who made us drinks and toast when we arrived back at 00:30 following the delayed run-back.
Best regards
Nigel Michael & Philip

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 26 November 2005 14:57
Subject: 45231
Hello Tony
#45231 was spot on time passing our home town of Bradford on Avon. Seen here with the River Avon in the foreground. I've left Michael's video (2.3MB) pretty much un-edited as although 45231 goes behind the trees, the loco working at medium speed sounded wonderful; it was even better in real life!
Nigel Michael & Philip

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 26 November 2005 12:31
Subject: Black 5 Today

Hi Tony

I managed to catch the MHR based Black 5 at the classis location of Battledown flyover this morning. Looked fantastic, was a little chilly waiting for it though!

Thanks,

Matt

Two photos are here of the Black Five on its way to Bristol, and it hasn't even got there yet! TYVM David and Matt ... tw

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 26 November 2005 11:35
Subject: Shiny Black 5

#45231 "Sherwood Forester" rolls into Woking right time with the "Cathedrals Express" to Bath and Bristol this morning.

From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 20 November 2005 19:12
Subject: No 9

Tony

A couple of shots of No 9 on Saturday on what turned out to be a long long day, having left Aldershot at 8:20 and getting back just on midnight. No. 9 is seen at the second water stop at Kettering. By the time we got to Barrow hill at 4:15 the light had gone, but at least we got a good look in the Round House. Although we were only given an hour there, a delay with the Peak Class 45 diesel meant I got a shot of No.9 on the turntable.

Regards

Ken Alexander

From: Richard Kirwin
Sent: 21 November 2005 17:43
Subject: No 9 at Barrow Hill
In Ken Alexander's shot of 60009 on the turntable, the yellow end of a diesel can be seen. This is 25067, which as D5217 was resident at the Mid Hants some years ago. It saw some intensive use on the Alton extension I recall, due to problems with the newly laid track. It certainly earned it's keep back then!
It was a nice surprise to see it on Saturday: the last time I saw it would've been at Ropley!
Regards
Richard

From: Rob Forster
Sent: 20 November 2005 18:48
Subject: 19th November photos

Tony

I've attached a few photos of Bodmin / CP waiting to perform on Sat night just as the sun was setting.

One Two Three

From: Bernard Munns
Sent: 19 November 2005 13:09
Subject: 60009 this morning

Hello Tony

Thought you might like to see this pic of No9 arriving at Alton this morning.

Cheers

Bernie

From: Phil Marsh
Sent: 17 November 2005 09:16
Subject: Jean pix from yesterday

Tony

What a great day it was yesterday. Yet again everybody welcomed me and told me not to leave it so long before my next visit. The place (Ropley) was alive with activity and a contented atmosphere.

I've attached 4 low res pix of my visit mainly of Jean Velecky - Stanier's niece.

I'll be back in a few weeks again for the Railway Mag and may interview you as part of it ...

Best wishes to all

Marshy
Phil was formerly MHRplc Chairman

Webmaster removing brake rigging from Douglas

Jean Velecky meets Colin Chambers (MHRplc CEO)

Jean with Robin Higgs OBE (MHRPS President) and Derek Seaton (45379 Appeal Organiser)

Bubbles shows Jean around the footplate of 45231

From: Peter Cutler
Sent: 16 November 2005 21:49
Subject: MHR Autumn Steam Gala 2005

Hello Tony

Have only just received these from Tim Smith, a member of the Building Department's Tuesday night gang. He wanted to email them, but on a dial up he was losing the will to live.

He & I were at Ropley on the Saturday of the Gala, early, tidying up the remains of the house porch (Keith H...I won't tell anyone!) when the following appeared. Firstly the two 9Fs; then Can Pac joined 92203 and Bodmin joined 92212. I think the tail lamp came off before they left.

Pete Cutler

One

Two

Three

See also

From: Chris Hall
Sent: 12 November 2005 16:26
Subject: interesting link

Tony

I knew this article had been written but not where it was published. Features a well known railway in Hampshire! You might like to do something with it.

http://www-wsp.adckrone.com/UK/pdf/18Railway.pdf MHR Telecoms

From: Alresford Train Care
Sent: 10 November 2005 06:58
Subject: Jack the Station dog

Tony

It is with regret that I must inform you that Jack was put to sleep on Tuesday. People have been lovely about it, many realise just how much he meant to me.

Paul Hamilton

More about Jack

From: Tony Woodman
Sent: 09 November 2005 18:55
Subject: Members Day Nov 6th

Tony

Just a quick note to say how much my family enjoyed our afternoon on the Mid Hants on Sunday*, despite the appalling weather. The Station, Train and shop staff were all very friendly and helpful.

Attached is my first attempt at sending photos - taken at the turn around at Alton with my Fuji S304

Regards

Tony Woodman
* MHR Members & Shareholders' Day

From: Chris Cornell
Sent: 05 November 2005 16:35
Subject: Filming for Granada

On Wednesday 2nd November the WH Smith's Bookstall at Alresford was used as a film prop for Granada TV starring Jenny Agutter & Roy Marsden.
It was for a programme called: "Romancing the Rails"

From: Keith Brown
Sent: 02 November 2005 21:43
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Loco shed
Tony - very interested, as ever, to see what's going on in the shed. There is evidently another Mark 1 coach in for painting. Do you know which is it, please?
KB

2/11/05 10:11 pm
#3906, I think. Eastleigh-built TSO (originally TTO) Black ends, too, I saw today. d:-)
Tony Wood

From: Keith Brown
Sent: 03 November 2005 09:50
Ah - that's the one which went away for bodywork repairs and repainting, which has been sitting outside the shed waiting for the interior to be re-assembled. (Some of the windows got broken while it was in storage at M+4M and the weather got in.)
Not only is that one Eastleigh-built, but it is an early-model open in substantially original condition (unlike its sister 3738, which has had the window frames replaced). A historic vehicle in its own right and well worth saving.
KB

Keith is Medstead & Four Marks Stationmaster

From: Keith Lawrence
Sent: 01 November 2005 14:59
Subject: Attached Files
Hi Tony Sorry these are a bit late, the interesting thing is the train had to stop at Ash Vale due to the wrong route being set up! Thats what caused a six minute delay whilst the crew sorted it out with control.
45231 running into Ash Vale
Waiting for the correct route setting.
Departure!
Regards
Keith Lawrence

From: John Wickham
Sent: 31 October 2005 11:21
Subject: "Bert's Polished Beauty"
Hi Tony,
Many thanks for the interesting "Latest Correspondence" page on your Website. I note that comments have been made about a lack of photographs of the "Cathedrals Express" taken in Kent. So here is a pic of the immaculate (and, as usual, punctual) 45231 at Tutt Hill, with the 26th October train, the branch to Waterloo is on the left, and the M20 motorway hidden behind the train.
Thanks again
John Wickham
Ramsgate, Kent

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 27 October 2005 20:55
Subject: "Bert's polished beauty"

Tony

Horace Ward referred to No.45231 as "Bert's polished beauty". To give some idea of the superb finish on this engine you can see the quartering on the buffers in the first picture as she runs into Woking past the old(er) signal box with yesterday's Cathedrals Express. Peter Wilson complained in July that there were not many pictures of these trains in Kent, but also provided some later in September. It's difficult to take pictures of the train you are on but here's a picture showing coal being loaded below the Canterbury West signal box.

Regards

David Charlesworth

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 26 October 2005 19:26
Subject: "Is it a train?"

Hi Tony

"Is it a train?" asked a baffled passenger waiting on Feltham station this morning as a massive billowing cloud of steam appeared on the horizon.
Sure enough it was 'Black 5' No. 45231, "The Sherwood Forester" in charge of today's Canterbury-bound "Cathedrals Express" heading for Clapham Junction via Staines, Feltham and the Brentford loop. I was lucky enough to get a couple of shots:

45231 passing through Feltham

45231 arriving at Clapham Junction

Regards
Roger Stronell

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 26 October 2005 14:09
Subject: The old meets the new!

Hi Tony

Bert's polished beauty, Black 5, passes the modern 450 'Desiro' multiple units on it's trip with the Cathedral Express to Canterbury on it's up journey via the Hounslow/Brentford loop.

Regards

Horace

From: Keith Lawrence
Sent: 26 October 2005 11:25

Hi Tony

I thought you might appreciate these shots of our locos performing on the Bluebell Railway last Sunday at Horsted Keynes

Keith Lawrence

One Two

From: S. Davis
Sent: 25 October 2005 19:49
Subject: Wizard Week
Hi Tony,
We visited the Watercress Line today (Wizard Week) and just want to say a big thank you to all involved in the obvious hard work setting it up. The children had a wonderful time and loved the Mr Wizard show at the end of the line. A truly lovely day was had by all. My son is still wandering around the house dressed in his dressing gown ready for bed but still with the wizard hat on and magic wand in hand!
Many thanks
Mrs S. Davis
Berkshire

From: G Denscombe
Sent: 24 October 2005 23:18
Subject: Video of 92212 (2.9MB)
Passing through Rothley with the Windcutter set. Feel free to use on MHR website.
George Denscombe :-)
4501 group owner

From: Warwick Falconer
Sent: 24 October 2005 16:58
Subject: Website updates
Hi Tony
Just wanted to say thanks for maintaining such a great website, it's always so up to date!!
I like the shot of 73096 leaving Ropley yesterday: is that the front end of 92212 on the left of the shot?
Went to Bluebell this last weekend for their Gala and was nice to hear "Mid Hants" being announced regularly on the Horstead Keynes public address whenever 41312 or 35005 arrived at the station.
Pity the weather is so grotty this week with the special event on but hopefully it improves :-)
Regards
Warwick

The loco on the pit would be 92212, being prepared for its boiler exam on 4th November.

All website compliments gratefully received. d:-) ... tw

From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 24 October 2005 13:51
Subject: Number 9

Tony

Number 9 on the Alton to Stratford Cathedrals Express passing through Virginia Water just after 8 on Saturday morning

Regards

Ken Alexander

From: Philip Smith
Sent: 24 October 2005 10:33
Subject: Bodmin's boiler
After enjoying such a fantastic evening aboard the Pullman dining train on 15th October (to celebrate our second wedding anniversary - we hope to join this train every anniversary {the 18th Oct.}) my wife, Carol, and myself have to thank everyone involved in the catering and the staff of The Watercress Line who tended to our
luxurious train. It was eventful, as always, with The Real Ale Train passing at intervals. I am also writing to ask if Bodmin, our illustrious locomotive, is in good health after the problems encountered with her boiler as the journey neared it's end and we had to eventually be rescued by Canadian Pacific. I hope so, as she is a fine locomotive and will hopefully continue in service for many years.
Thank you all for a wonderful evening, see you next year!
Philip Smith

Sorry about the delay to your train, Philip. There was no problem with the boiler, just an error of judgement at Alton over whether there was enough water in reserve for Bodmin to go downhill beyond Medstead & Four Marks: the train was not delayed at Alton to top up the tender with water. Locos leaving Alton smokebox-first need a high boiler-water level at the top of the 'Alps' because on the downhill section an uncovered firebox would be damaged.
When the error became apparent at M4M and the loco could not proceed, Plan B was devised and implemented ... tw

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 23 October 2005 21:20
Subject: A Wizard Day

No.9 cools down in the yard at Ropley after her outing to Warwick and Stratford on Saturday while Bodmin in the background brings The Wizard Express into the station. On board, despite the scary faces, John and Malcolm conjure up Wizard cups of tea in the Griddle car! The 08 shunter has been through the gate again - at Medstead. It had taken the Atlas down to Ropley where Wizard signal technician Pat Butler and his team were working in the Ropley signal box - the big ex-Netley one!

Regards

David Charlesworth

From: Stephen Leek
Sent: 23 October 2005 08:54
Subject: Ivatt Tank

Tony

I thought this picture of the Ivatt Tank at HK last night, and this shot of CanPac might be of interest.

Rgds

Stephen

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 22 October 2005 15:53
Subject: Stratford Trip for 60009

Hi Tony

An overcast day on October 22nd didn't stop the crowds at London's Kensington Olympia station doing a quick photo opportunity. #60009 UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA, heading the Cathedrals Express, took on water during a stopover on its early morning excursion from Alton to Stratford-upon-Avon via Beaconsfield.

Speed Graphic pictures. HP5 film.

Best Regards

Horace

One Two Three Four Five

From: Paul Brankin
Sent: 22 October 2005 10:09
Subject: My first visit to the Watercress Line

Hi Tony

I enjoyed my first visit to the line on the weekend of 18/19 June this year. On the Sunday which was an extremely hot day, I found a spot on a crossing quite close to Alresford and took the attached photos. Hope you like them. Can't wait to return and find some more good spots for photography

Regards

Paul Brankin

One Two

From: David Pharro
Sent: 15 October 2005 17:44
Subject: the future of preservation
On our visit to the MHR on a really beautiful autumn day on 15th of October it was such a refreshing sight to see young people actively engaged in preservation. Here you see them just finishing the clearing of the smoke box and the coal store on the visiting Sherwood Forester - when you see sights like this the future of heritage railways is safe. I'm an employee of swt: it is a shame that the mindless vandalism on today's railways spoils the look of our excellent railway system, and to see youngsters employed in preservation (and enjoying themselves getting filthy as well) is a breath of fresh air.
So impressed was my 10 year old son, he wants to get involved when he is 12.
There is a future after all.
David Pharro

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 12 October 2005 22:22
Subject: Black 5 today

Hi Tony

Despite the poor weather, I got a couple of shots of your Black 5 today, she looked and sounded fantastic! What's happened to the whistle though? It was more of deep breath than a whistle!!

The first is approaching Basingstoke on the outward leg, the second stopping at Basingstoke.

Thanks

Matt

One Two

Wish it was our Black Five, Matt! ... tw

From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 12 October 2005 21:10
Subject: #45231
Hello Tony
45231 made a fine sight in the gathering gloom at Upton Scudamore this evening. Video by Michael. (4.3MB)
A couple of pictures as well, bit grainy which shows how dark it was!
Actually we were very lucky as by the time we were leaving it started to rain which quickly turned into a torrential down-pour on the way home.
Best regards
Nigel

From: Mike Snow
Sent: 11 October 2005 08:15
Subject: Windcutter trains

Tony

I have just attended an excellent GCR gala which featured the return of 92212 to that railway.

The highlight of the gala was undoubtedly the series of windcutter trains featuring the 9F.

Your visitors may be interested to see a clip of one of the performances showing this marvellous loco climbing out of Rothley with a substantial train (2MB)

For those who are interested there is a further clip at the GCR site, together with a clip of one of our famed TPO runs. These can be found by clicking 'More' on the menu bar and then 'News from the Line' on the next page.

Regards

Mike Snow

PS Any chance of us keeping her?

...no I thought not (sigh)...

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 08 October 2005 11:40
Subject: Ropley on telly!

Good Morning,Tony,

I noticed ROPLEY came up on TV last night, also shots from inside one of your carriages and 'War on the Line' scenes. I believe Winston Churchill used your line during the war.

Prof:Richard Holmes on BBC-2 "In The Footsteps of Churchill" was doing the journey. I believe you had a branch line going off the present one where he went during the time of Operation Overlord.

Fascinating.

Regards,

Horace

The branch line mentioned would be the Meon Valley Line, which ended at Gosport. ... tw

From: Chris Cornell
Sent: 07 October 2005 13:57
Subject: Filming
Hi Tony
The attached picture was taken on a June evening this year at Medstead.
The filming was for a documentary called When Britain Went Bananas, to be shown this Sunday, 9^th October 2005, at 8.05pm on BBC 4, as part of BBC Four’s Lost Decade season.
Cheers
Chris

From: Phil Kitchen
Sent: 03 October 2005 15:44
Subject: 35005 on her travels
Tony
Attached is a picture I took at Dunster of Canadian Pacific arriving with a train from Bishops Lydeard for Minehead on Saturday. After waking at 0445, and getting back to Surrey at 2330 a thoroughly good day was had, although unfortunately CP lost traction and could not get enough grip climbing Washford bank.
However I was re-assured by WSR regulars and staff that in those conditions (it was very damp), and with that climb and sharp curve many loco's with driving wheels CP's size struggle.
Phil K

Operator error, I reckon! d:-) ... tw

From: Phil Kitchen
Sent: 03 October 2005 16:12
I didn't add that they had to send their unique mogul 9351 as a rescue loco. I like your operator error comment though, as I heard someone muttering that Western drivers aren't used to the regulator on a Southern loco and that that could have been the main cause of the slipping.
PK

From: ANDREW CHALMERS-STEVENS
Sent: 03 October 2005 18:24
Subject: Re:35005 on her travels

Tony
I had a very enjoyable Sunday clocking up the miles behind 35005 Canadian Pacific on the WSR. On the first departure from Bishops Lydeard we had standard tank 80136 attached inside as (insurance!).

However after we had returned back to Bishops Lydeard, the next departure was handled by CP solo.

I would agree with the comments made by Phil Kitchen and yourself regarding CP: Western men don't know how to handle a decent Southern loco! Seriously, one of the restoration team working on Braunton was heard to say this too!

He also said the sooner Braunton is finished himself and some of his colleagues can give the copper capped followers a real contest week in and week out!

Attached are two photos:

1) CP watering up before the first departure of the day with 80136 in the background already attached to the stock.
2) A view of the front end of Braunton at Williton shed, showing a bit of progress in its rebuild.

Best regards Andrew Chalmers-Stevens

From: Stephen Leek
Sent: 01 October 2005 18:52
Subject: Victorian Extravaganza weekend

Tony

Florence Nightingale and a Victorian Doctor pose for the camera at Ropley.

Queen Victoria and her Lady in Waiting at Ropley station today.

Rgds

Stephen

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 27 September 2005 21:24
Subject: CanPac

Tony

"CanPac" left Alresford today (for the Bluebell?). The low loader with the loco emerging from the station approach and followed by the tender along the main road towards Winchester.

Regards

David Charlesworth

CP has gone to West Somerset Railway for their Steam Gala, and I believe returns to MHR next week ... tw

From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 27 September 2005 19:53
Subject: Video Compilation

Hi again Tony

For your amusement, a compilation of 3 clips can be found here

The quality is a little ropey, not my best work that's for sure, but better than nothing I guess. To be honest I was really putting the priority on getting the best still shots that I could last weekend. Videos came second. Anyway, the compilation consists of -

"City of Truro" climbing out of Ropley towards Medstead on a gloomy Friday morning.

#92212 climbing from Alton to Medstead on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning.

"Bodmin" & "Black Prince" leaving Ropley for Alton on Sunday afternoon.

Cheers
Roger

From: Stuart Neale
Sent: 26 September 2005 18:40
Subject: Autumn Steam Gala

Tony

Having just spent three absolutely super days at the Gala, I thought I would send you a few of my photos from the event. The three days were so enjoyable, I am thinking of becoming a Life Member.

City of Truro in the yard at Ropley before the first service of the day.

Bodmin and Canadian Pacific doubleheading arriving at Ropley

9F 92212 arriving at Medstead & Four Marks I very nearly finished up with the token hoop around my neck getting this shot.

Thank you to all involved with running the event for all the hard work done to make the Gala such a success.

From: Phil Kitchen
Sent: 25 September 2005 20:21
Subject: Autumn Gala
Tony
Just a note to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed working on the platform at Ropley today for what seems to me to have been one of our best ever gala's (despite me almost not making it at all due to almost getting stuck in Belgium last night!). Despite some late running today, everything seemed to have run smoothly, with everyone I saw appearing to be enjoying themselves.
What thoroughly made the day for me was the amount of locomotives in service, no less than 7. It led to some very interesting pairings, the 5's, Bulleids, and 9F's and City of Truro put in some excellent perforamances too. But what summed it up for me was the sound of the two 9F's departing Ropley together.
I would just like to pass thanks and congratulations to all involved in running the weekend, and hope we can do so well in the future!
Keep up the good work
Phil Kitchen

P.S. Can I add how brilliant Horace Ward's photos of the event, my favourite being of City of Truro's arrival on the last Up service of the day at Ropley, and also the videos produced by Michael Wilson*. His contributions are always a superb account of events!
* with help from his brother Philip ... tw

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 25 September 2005 15:14
Subject: Steam Gala 2005

Hi Tony

The Autumn Steam Gala '05 brought in some fine crowds and a lot of young enthusiasts amongst them along with parents. Cameras at the ready capturing the thrill of the day.
A selection of my pictures taken with the Graphic show the Saturday's turn-out and give you a flavour:

1) Crowds attracted to "City of Truro" awaiting departure at Alresford station.

2) Changing the headboard of the "Black Prince".

3) Enththusiasts taking a look over #92212 during a stopover at Alton station.

4) A popular spot during the day: the Steam Crane at Ropley yard. Here a father and two sons watch a manoeuvre.

5) Once again fans young and old inspect "Black Prince" at Alton during a change around.

6) The last train of the day towards Alton, with the sun setting, enters Ropley station headed by "City of Truro".

7) "City of Truro" being uncoupled at Alresford station.

8) Catching steam in the true sense of the word for this young boy with engine #92212 standing in the station at Alton.

A great day out.

Regards
Horace

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 24 September 2005 22:16
Subject: Steam Gala

Hi Tony

I had a mad dash back from Devon this morning and managed to get half a day at the Gala: fingers crossed for some sun tomorrow as I'm there all day.
It looked to be a great gala, a really good show. A few shots from today: One Two Three

Thanks

Matt

PS My photo exhibtion at the Tadley library is going really well, I've had a few enquiries for details of the MHR from people who have seen my pictures!

From: Dave Mundy
Sent: 24 September 2005 20:51
Subject: Autumn Steam Gala
Hi Tony
We've just returned home from another excellent steam gala at the Watercress Line. It was nice to see City of Truro again, and great to see two 9f's in action.
I've attached a couple of photos I've taken today. Please feel free to use them if you wish.
Thanks to everyone for another great event.
Regards
Dave Mundy

One Two

From: David Pollard
Sent: 23 September 2005 20:40
Subject: Steam Gala

Hello Tony

Herewith four snaps taken today, 23 September, that may be of use.

Regards

David Pollard

One Two Three Four

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