Latest Mid-Hants Railway e-letters, with same-day photos and videos, including mainline steam train action
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From:
David Stonor
Sent: 29 November 2006 00:07 Subject: 71000 at Ropley Tony Nice atmospheric picture of 71000 at Ropley on Sunday evening on the website. Here's a more conventional one I took on Sunday morning with the loco still simmering gently as it cooled down. (Note lightly rusted buffers!) Regards
- David
We could have found them some Ensis Fluid to protect the buffers after polishing ... tw |
If only it were that simple, Bob.
Ours is a predominantly volunteer-run heritage railway and we don't know from day to day how many volunteers will be available.
We own only three of the steam locos on our line. The others are there because of our hard-earned reputation for top class maintenance and restorations; when owners bring their locos to MHR, they know they are well looked after and will be reliable. Knowledgeable visitors to MHR (including even the very young) note and appreciate our very professional operation.
Progress with improvements on our whole line depends on workforce availability and on the funds generated from visitors. The best we can do is plan to do things when money and volunteers are available.
I haven't the detailed knowledge to write for the website:
I'll copy this to our Chairman/MD, but he is absolutely up to his eyes all the time, as are most others at MHR: I can't imagine him finding the time to sit down and write an executive summary for publication!The history of the line (recorded elsewhere);
All our stock changes; and
Management priorities and plans (p.s. Mid Hants News briefs members of Mid Hants Railway Preservation Society about MHR projects)
If you've been following MHR over recent years you'll have seen lots of changes and we are all proud of our achievements. I try to inform about all can through the website, but it's just me doing it at home, fitting it in with other work and stuff.
Sorry! d:-) tw, 18/11/2006 22:51:24 GMT
From: Bob Richardson
Sent: 19 November 2006 08:49
Subject: Re: The Watercress line
Tony that was very kind of you to respond so fast - and helpful too. It would be good one day - but I won't hold my breath just yet!
All the best
BOB
| 3rd
September 2006: Alresford cattle dock
I think full marks are in order for all involved in recreating the livestock pens at Alresford. I know there are not many railways which have such an authentic and real feel to a place as the Mid Hants. Sorry it’s a bit dark. It was a bit late but just as the last of the sun would have come from behind the trees on platform 2 the clouds came over again! Pete Cutler |
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From: Ken Wilcock
Sent: 07 August 2006 13:38
Tony
Looking at Martin's pictures of Bittern I suggest that pics 1 & 2 are taken somewhere between Hull and Scarborough, one of the shots could be on outskirts of Hunmanby. Picture 3 is taken at York.
I don't recall Bittern having the badge during BR service. I have black & white photos of Bittern on York North MPD in the 60's before it was bought and renumbered "19" by Drury. Initially no 19 was based at Neville Hill mpd and later worked out of York.
Like Kingfisher, I think the plaque was of the feathered variety of bird!
Ken
From: Colin Janes (ARA)
Sent: 17 July 2006 14:53
Subject: RE: Building group transport
In response to Peter's e-mail, I should point out that it was a friendly remonstration. Perhaps the caption (in best Blakey imitation should read) "Oi!!!!! You can't park 'ere!!!!!!. I hate you Cutler!!!!" ;-)
Seriously though, what an incredible day. I have never seen the site so busy. There was hardly a moment went by when there was not a bus leaving the bus station and the number of questions about the bus services that me and my team mate Paul Harris had to field is beyond my capacity to contemplate. Match to that, the fact that we were there to keep the services moving and to time, it was the busiest we have ever been. Everybody who works on the rally, from our glorious leader Alan Fairbrother (Indeterminate age but obviously very old) right down to my daughter Shauna (Aged 9) did a fantastic job. No wonder we are one of the biggest and most successful rallies in the south if not the country.
Also extra special thanks should also go Alan's wife Ann who once again did us proud at the post rally barbeque. It's a great way to unwind after a long hot day (except for Ann).
Can I ask, if anybody has any pictures that they would like to be considered for the 2006 programme, please feel free to e-mail them to me at colin.janes@tube.tfl.gov.uk or pass them to me on a disc when I am on duty. I cant guarantee that they will be used, nor can I offer anything in return except the satisfaction of seeing your picture in print with your name underneath.
Right. Lets get started on next year.
Colin Janes
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julieandtony Sent: 17 July 2006 19:45 Subject: Bus Rally Hi Tony Here are a few photos taken yesterday |
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From: Stephen Hoadley
Sent: 11 July 2006 20:06
Subject: Bulleid foibles
Dear Tony
Lovely to see the photos of Tony Squires on Templecombe and Bodmin. Now, I promise I have put my anorak away for the summer, but comparing the two photos raises a question. The arrangement of the vacuum ejectors and steam brakes are different on each loco. Rather like Eric Morecambe’s efforts at piano playing, both arrangements are perfectly right, but not necessarily in the same order. Compare the position of the vacuum brake handles, Bodmin* on the left, Templecombe on the right, and with Templecombe, the steam brake seems to have been turned through 180 degrees. Anyone know why? To get the AWS in, possibly? And remember, you don’t have to be on a loco to travel on something Bulleid-inspired on the Watercress Line!
Right, I’m off to watch Fred Dibnah.
Regards
Stephen
*Photo: Chris Cornell
Engines 34091 to 34110 were built with vacuum ejectors of the opposite hand to locos 34001 to 34090. Additionally, the steam brake attachment was mounted on a separate bracket as opposed to the earlier engines where it was mounted on the right-hand side of the ejector. There was a considerable relocation of cab fittings on fitting of AWS, principally the blower valve, oil bath pressure gauges and reverser lubricator, on the un-rebuilt locomotives. Details of these variations can be seen on the drawing held in the NRM archives. Unfortunately copyright considerations mean these cannot be reproduced here.
Steve Humby
Ropley MPD
From:R A Dawes
Sent: 12 July 2006 22:19
Subject: RE: Video Clip of 71000
Hello Tony
71000 with the up Cathedrals Express, Monxton, Andover Sunday 9 July 2006 6.9MB
This is an (admittedly poor) attempt by me to emulate O. Winston Link's technique of building up the atmosphere by recording all the ambient sounds which eventually culminate in a crescendo of sound as the train bursts on the scene. As in the CD 'The Fading Giant'. Anyway, it was a magically still evening, no doubt because of the World Cup Final. I'm sure those who have strained their eyes and ears to the distant horizon for our way of getting 'kicks' will understand.
Apologies for my asthmatic wheezing, unfortunately there is no external mic connector on my little JVC Everio MG30. I will get the hang of the zoom switch eventually, and yes, I do need a better mini-tripod. In retrospect, I should have let the sound fade to ambient again at the end but I think you get the idea. The original file size was 70Mb for rather less than 2 minutes as it was!
For those with no sound, no patience, or those who just want the action, I suggest scrolling forward to the 1.20 mark.
All the best
Dickie Dawes
From: Roger Stronell
Sent: 14 July 2006 13:42
Subject: 71000 Video
Hi Tony
I just took a look at your letters page and noticed a fair amount of interest in the activities of No. 71000, 'Duke of Gloucester'. So, the attached video (837KB) may be of interest. It's short and sweet. It shows 'The Duke' racing through the Wiltshire countryside between Wilton and Tisbury with the outgoing Exeter-bound 'Cathedrals Express' on Sunday, 9th July 2006.
I understand that 'The Duke' will be hauling normal service trains on your line on the weekend of the 22nd & 23rd July. Unmissable!
Cheers - Roger Stronell
| From: David Charlesworth Sent: 03 July 2006 20:16 Subject: Vintage buses Tony This Sunday the Vintage Bus Service from Medstead was an all Bristol affair. Peter Pribik's Bristol KSW6B ex Thames Valley No. 748 operated for the first time since inaugurating the current series of services in April 2004. It was joined by debutante Bristol MW6G ex Red & White No. UC758. Both vehicles have been visitors in recent years to Alton Bus Rally. Regards David Charlesworth |
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| One | Two | Three | Four | Hear |
Thank you Jim. I've always thought too few people take advantage of the free spectacle our railway provides; perhaps your e-mail will spark off a rush! Most of MHR's business (and new volunteers) results from people who have visited MHR just to look and to soak up the atmosphere, then want more involvement. Your photo with evening sunlight reflected off the loco boiler shows how fortunate we are with the line's location and orientation; it's a photographers' and painters' paradise, don't you think? ... tw
11 June 2006 16:21
Thanks for this. I was astonished I had the station to myself. There is a magical nature about Medstead that I have really fallen for. I first saw it under snow when my son came to work on his bus (excuse the sacrilege; at least it is public transport) at the bus depot down the hill, and fell in love with the place: the way the line disappears into such a deep and dark cutting...... When I have ridden on the Real Ale Train I was convinced there were spectators but perhaps not. I did feel guilty as I left that I had not paid the railway any money for the evening's enjoyment. There was no means by which I might do this. My conscience is partially cleared in the knowledge that I do ride most visits, and did have a footplate experience ride in 2003. That's why if you can use my photos in any publicity I am more than happy. The signalman at Medstead last evening said he once drove 73096 in BR days. If there is any way this photo can get to him in some shape or form..........?
Keep up the excellent work. When I retire I shall seriously consider voluntary work upon the railway.
Very best wishes
Jim
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From: David
Charlesworth Sent: 30 April 2006 21:42 Subject: Trojan/ Class 5 Tony The Trojan Owners' Club visited Alresford today. Class 5's pass at Medstead, Bert's machine superbly turned out as usual. The main line was closed between Farnborough and Basingstoke for engineering work today. Once upon a time Bournemouth and Southampton trains would have been diverted via Alton and 'over the Alps'. This picture doesn't really represent those days because the engines are running tender first*, the Standard 5 is carrying the specific headcode Waterloo and Southampton via Alton and two full length main line trains couldn't pass on the Mid Hants. Regards David Charlesworth *The alternate crossovers at Ropley has them
smokebox-first, David ... tw
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Richard Cobbold Sent: 01 May 2006 20:37 Subject: SWT diversions Tony Reading David Charlesworth's letter on the website - you may or may not be interested to know that one of SWT's rail replacement bus routes for this weekend was Alton to Winchester. Which rather vindicates Dr Beeching doesn't it? :) Richard From: Stewart Legg Sent: 02 May 2006 19:52 Subject: Engineering Works Dear Tony In regard to the points raised by several of your correspondents concerning the Engineering works last weekend on the main line, I too was struck by the thought that pre closure, the MHR would have been used. However, if it had remained open, it would have to have been electrified to have been of any help to today's railway. Whilst the Class 442 units still have buckeyes and fittings, SWT does not have any Class 33/1 push pull locomotives to get them over non-electrified route. The Class 444/450 'Desiro' stock is more of a problem as it is not designed to be moved in that fashion that the old 400 class units could be. It has to be wondered whether the railway has actually improved any when you look back (in my case with much affection) on the operational flexibility we enjoyed in BR days. Last weekend the Waterloo-Weymouth fast services were going round via Havant, this route now being all electric. I can remember this occurring in the mid 80s prior to the Havant-St Denys part being electrified, the train running to Havant being a 4REP/8TC then having a 33/1 hung on to tow the lot to Southampton Central. If we ever get our 33/1 back from Crewe perhaps we can offer it out to SWT if they need it!! It should be mentioned that Virgin West Coast 'Pendelino' units can be push/pull used with specially converted Class 47 (Brush Type 4 in old money) and are indeed tripped from Crewe to Holyhead in this fashion so if the imagination is there it is still possible to have the flexibilty. Stewart Legg Chief Operating Inspector From: Keith Brown Sent: 03 May 2006 20:26 Subject: Engineering works / SWT diversions Here's how it should be done! In an atmospheric scene which could (almost) be recreated today, BR Class 5 #73169 and Bulleid #34077 '603 Squadron' haul the 09.33 Waterloo-Bournemouth through Medstead & Four Marks on 1 May 1966. There is another picture of this train approaching Butts Junction, by Chris Small, on page 14 of Michael Welch's excellent new colour album 'Over the Alps'. This particular image is taken from a slide in the collection of one of our volunteers at Medstead & Four Marks, but the original photograper is unknown. Perhaps he (or she) will identify himself if he sees this. Keith Brown |
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Hello Dave
I'm happy that you like our website, but surprised that you think the website figures are exaggerated. The way they are presented is www-standard these days and is just copied-and-pasted web-host stats.
As you found, in the header of http://www.watercressline.co.uk/laststat.htm there is detailed explanation of 'hits', etc. There are also two links to a third party website with far clearer and more authoritative explanations.
I do my best to achieve total transparency. Precise figures for this month to five o'clock this morning (BST) are attached for you. We shall probably exceed 3.7 million hits this month, and there will have been well over 50,000 different visitors to our website (compare with the circulation of the most popular steam railway magazines of about 35,000 a month, IIRC.) I feel this is a reason for celebration rather than envy.
The success is not mine, it is MHR's for sustaining interest worldwide. I am just the messenger here, offering a window onto what's happening at the Watercress Line. I reckon you put your finger on it when you mentioned 'content'; that - and frequent updates - seems to be what our manifestly eager audience wants.
d:-) ... tw
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From:
Rory Edwards Sent: 26 February 2006 20:15 Subject: Pictures of 30075 being prepared for trip to MHR Tony The Gangers and Adult Supervisors were busy today getting the "Yankee-Tank" ready for her trip down to the MHR tomorrow and I thought you might like a few pictures of it Regards Rory Two Three Thanks Rory ... tw MHR Spring Steam Gala flyer (pdf format, 2.3MB) |
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From:
Roger
Stronell Sent: 06 February 2006 18:55 Subject: Never a dull moment - 92212 In Action |
| Hi Tony Never a dull moment on the Watercress Line. I have attached a video* of 92212 storming up the bank from Ropley, heading for Medstead & Four Marks with the 1300hr service from Alresford to Alton on Saturday, 4th February 2006. I have also attached a photo taken at a foot crossing about a mile west of Ropley showing 92212 with the 1300hr service from Alresford to Alton on Sunday, 5th February 2006. Hope you like them Regards Roger * 1.1MB I do, Roger ... tw d:-) |
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