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From: David Snow
Sent: 19 August 2007 22:44
Subject: A nice story
Tony
Whilst at Alton station on Monday selling tickets I got into conversation with a gent plus his young son having a slight foreign accent. I asked him where he came from and his answer was Slovakia. Apparently his son is mad keen on Thomas so a visit to a Day Out With Thomas event took priority over a beach holiday in Greece.
He resorted to the Internet looking for an event near a big airport and came up with the Mid Hants. He then found a B&B in Alton again using our website.
The two of them flew to Stansted, had a brief visit to London and then took the train to Alton.  They had all day Sunday and again Monday on the railway and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Jim Russell gave them a bird’s eye view of the line from the front of Daisy on Monday morning’s trip. The B&B owner did them proud by driving them to the station on Monday morning.
Come Tuesday they were back at Alton for a last farewell to Henry before taking the train back to London en route to the airport and home.
A good story of the MHR helping the UK export drive and local trade in Alton.
Regards
David
(MHR Volunteer)
From: Dave Morton
Sent: 17 August 2007 14:48
Subject: Thomas Day Out, 15th August 2007
Can you pass on my thanks to all the "Watercress" staff working yesterday: I thought that considerable planning and effort had gone into coping with so many visitors and an excellent job was made of it - including leaving the car park
The attached picture sums up the day: Can Pac in disguise arriving at Ropley from Alresford at 10.44
Well done 
Dave Morton
From: Anne Qua
Sent: 15 August 2007 08:54
Subject: Day Out With Thomas
Hi there
Just wanted to write and say that myself, my mum and my 3 year old daughter visited Thomas yesterday and had a wonderful day out despite the rain.  My daughter is still waving her flag and shouting "Thomas, Thomas" this morning.
This is our second visit to this event and I'm sure we'll be back again next year too!
A special thanks also to all the staff who are all so friendly and really help to make the day go well - you are all so dedicated to your roles.
Kind regards
Anne Qua
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 14 August 2007 13:16
Subject: Photo Exhibition
Hi Tony
Just to let you know I've currently got a photo exhibition running at Basingstoke Library (in the town centre).  The exhibition is solely on the Mid Hants and features pictures from my new book. It will be running up until 27 Aug - entry is free!
Regards
Matt
   
From: Tony Kerwood
Sent: 12 August 2007 10:46
Subject: Thomas and Friends
Hi Tony,
Didn't see you taking many photos from your lofty position under the green gazebo. From my vantage point in the Toad brake van I managed some different pics from previous years. Hope you can use these three.
It was a very good day. Having Thomas giving rides with a coach certainly took the pressure off Toad brake van rides and avoided disappointing visitors who had queued for a long time only to find the rides stopped for the arrival of 'big engine' trains.
Kindest regards
Tony
One   Two   Three
 
From: Maggie Webb
Sent: 11 August 2007 20:48
Subject: Thank you
Today our family, son, daughter-in-law, 2 year old grandson and ourselves, Nana and Brian, came to see Thomas and friends.
What a wonderful day we all had. When I saw all the cars I must admit I thought it would be a bit of a scramble, but the day unfolded and Milo so enjoyed his birthday treat. To see his little face light up every time he saw a choo choo will stay with me for a long time.
A big thank-you to everyone who made our day so enjoyable - the organisation is a credit to you all.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Maggie and Brian Webb
From: Peter Cutler
Sent: 12 August 2007 08:12
Subject: Bournemouth electrification
Hi Tony 
Can one of your 'readers' answer a query regarding a picture on the 40th Anniversary pages. 
As if losing steam from the Southern in summer 1967 wasn't bad enough the BR Board took another decision which upset a lot of people. They effectively demoted the Bournemouth line to a secondary route (along with the already decimated West of England line from Salisbury to Exeter.) To reinforce this move, the new express REP/TC stock introduced w.e.f. 10th July 1967 was in all-over blue for some time rather than the express livery of blue & grey on main lines.  
The poster shown towards the bottom of your anniversary section says it is Inter City.  
Can anyone explain how all that hung together? 
Thanks
Pete
From: Stewart Legg
Sent: 13 August 2007 16:48
Subject: S.R. 4REP E.M.U STOCK
Tony   
The first 11 REP units were painted in all over blue livery which was current at that time and applied to many earlier S.R. EMUs by then. It was decided after a short time of their running to repaint them into what was then standard Inter City colours (blue/grey). The last four sets built 1974/5 would have been delivered in the Inter City Scheme. The 4 VEPs, which also appeared on the Bournemouth line on the stopping services but were part of a much larger fleet of units, started to receive the Inter City livery at classified overhaul after 1971. 
Although advertised in literature and on posters as 'Inter City' and being in Inter City colours, units rarely carried this branding on the sides, only the BR crests, pretty much right up until Network Southeast days when adhesives advertising this brand were added. 
The REPs were impressive units turning in a good turn of speed hauling usually two 4TC sets from Bournemouth to the capital and the arrangements at Bournemouth for attaching and detaching the Weymouth portions were speedy and efficient in true Southern practice. A TC set with a 33/1 attached was also a fairly mean machine and could maintain Sprinter Unit timings when they deputised for them when the earlier classes of Sprinter proved troublesome. 
The REP lived on in the Class 442 Wessex Units until their recent demise with parts of them used in the updated units. As much as the REP was the last of the Mark 1 designed electric stock so the Wessex was the last true SR EMU for main line work and hopefully they will find new fans on the Southern service to which they are going. 
Hope that helps 
Stewart

From: Philip Hunt
Sent: 06 August 2007 03:05
Subject: 60019...
Have just watched the short video clip of Bittern from your site. What a magnificent sight she makes, the five Bulleid coaches she was hauling looked as though they had all recently been repainted.
The loco doesn't look at all out of place miles from her old stomping ground, and I'll bet she has no trouble "over the Alps" either!
I hope to make a visit in about two years from now, and hope that No19 will still be around. I also hope to see 71000 DoG in steam, is she likely to be at MHR in the summer of 2009?
Once again well done to all the staff and volunteeers at MHR, and thanks for your excellent web-site Tony. Without doubt it is one of the best railway sites I visit.
Regards
Phil Hunt
From: Tony Wood
Sent: 06 August 2007 07:49
".. one of .."  Phil?
d:-)
Tony Wood
From: Philip Hunt
Sent: 06 August 2007 23:56
Subject: Ok then...
It is THE BEST!
The other site I visit is Swanage Railway which was my old stomping ground. Your site is superior because of your ability to answer technical questions etc.
When I visited MHR in April 2005 on my first trip back to UK in 42 years, it was my first time on the MHR even though I lived at Guildford from 1957 to 1963 when I emigrated.
My mother (90 this year) still lives in Guildford, and I found it a good base to explore the UK with my Britrail Pass. I did 57 different trains in 15 days from Dunblane to St Erth and from Bristol to Rye (for RHDR) and many places in between. I also went Waterloo to Paris to visit a cousin I hadn't seen for 42 years. On my next trip I'll get a 30 day consecutive pass and really get travelling!
Regards
Phil Hunt
I haven't heard anything about plans for #71000 to visit MHR but it is always possible for stabling and servicing for main line runs.
There's only one Bulleid coach in our current fleet - it rides very well, as you might expect from all those experiments Oliver Bulleid did.
Duncan will be pleased you commented on his paintwork on the carriages; Roger, Bernard and others have made the insides look really good too   ... tw
From: Philip Hunt
Sent: 27 August 2007 00:24
Yes those lovely repainted coaches were MK 1's, I think the Swanage Railway
has quite a lot of Bullieds!
It is now time for your railway to push for re-connection near Winchester. I
have heard it said it would be impossible.
No such word as can't in the world of preservation.
You could make money out of diversions when the main line is closed for
engineering.
Any comment? Has the board ever discussed it? Has the idea been raised in
the last year?
Regards
Phil Hunt
WAIROA
New Zealand
From: Antonio Edson Laurindo dos Santos
Sent: 01 August 2007 02:50
Subject: Good notice from Brasil ( About Ramsomes)
Hi,
You don't know me, but as I visited your page on the net, about Ransomes & Rapier, I had to write for you.
Here in Brasil, the old Sorocabana Railway had one Steam Crane Ransomes, built in 1928, to runs in the metre gauge line. This crane was working till 1999, but when the railway decided to remove from Botucatu City to the city of Santos, near the harbour, the crew that worked the crane refused to change the city, because all the workers were near retirement, and the crane was stored at Sorocaba City for 3 years. Two years ago, the "Associação Brasileira de Preservação Ferroviária" (the Brazilian Railway Preservation Society) could get the old crane and now the crane is in working order again (some parts had been stolen) and preserved at Carlos Gomes Station. It needs to be painted and we want do do it soon.
Here in our society, we have 2 steam compound 4-6-0 locomotives for metre gauge, built by The Beyer & Peacock Company, but on our another branch line we have one Sharp Stewart 0-6-0 ST built in 1867. The society have almost 50 steam, electric and diesel locomotives, plus almost 200 cars and wagons as rolling stock, but not all of this near Campinas City, where I live.
Thank you for your attention.
Antonio Edson Laurindo dos Santos
Thank you Antonio. I have shown your e-mail to the owners of our 45-ton steam crane.
(If only my Portuguese were anywhere near as good as your English I would reply to you in your language!)   ... tw

From: Matthew Hurst
Sent: 31 July 2007 07:44
Subject: Interesting picture of Barry Scrapyard
Tony
I found a link for this photo taken at Dai Woodhams scrapyard in March 1973 showing 35005 Canadian Pacific and 5MT 73096 together. 30+ years later and they are together again.  What a difference they are now compared to this shot?
Regards
Matthew Hurst

From: Ian Scott
Sent: 28 July 2007 21:00
Subject: Bittern
Thought you might like the picture of Alastair in the firebox of Bittern on 27th July.
Incidentally, Mike, Greg, Jeremy and I cleaned it that day.
Ian Scott
From: Roy Bishop
Sent: 27 July 2007 15:14
Subject: Visit Sunday 8th July
Hi Tony
My apologies for not sending this email earlier but better late than never I guess.
As a young teenager I did a couple of years fairly intense train-spotting, as did many of my friends. A bunch of us got around the country quite a bit in that time until sport, girls and rock 'n' roll took precedence! I suspect none of us has lost our love of steam though.
I well remember the bike rides from Newbury to Basingstoke and the thrill of being on the platform when a Merchant Navy class literally thundered through.Regular trips to Kings Cross are also remembered with great nostalgia. The wheel slip of the A4s as they attempted to get a grip was a sight to behold.
I have visited the MHR a couple of times in the past year and had made a mental note of the 40th Anniversary event and then completely forgot about it. However, completely by chance (or was it subliminal forces at work) I dropped in to Ropley late afternoon on Sunday 8th July in the hope of some photographs. I quickly realised my original oversight but as most of the crowds had left and the locomotives were returning to the shed I couldn't believe my luck and set about capturing as much of the atmosphere as possible.
 
Bittern was a wonderful sight and together with the Bulleids brought all those memories flooding back. My two favourite locomotives in one place 47 years on. Magic!
I still have my 1960 copy of the ABC British Railways Locomotives which now has a line underneath Bittern which I never did see in the sixties.
I'm sure you have received many photographs taken over that weekend but I'm attaching a few of my own anyway which attempt to depict things in a slightly different style. I hope you can use them.
Many congratulations and a very big thank you to all the volunteers who make the MHR and others like it such an evocative experience for us old timers and such an exciting one for the youngsters.
Kind regards
Roy Bishop

One   Two   Three   Four   Five
 
From: Bev Pease
Sent: 25 July 2007 14:39
Subject: Railways are one of the Great Inventions of Mankind
Hi Tony 
I'm a life member of the Railway.  I'm not active any more.  But I've included on my site, A TIMELINE FOR THE PLANET, a page on the history of the railways. 
Obviously I'm biased.  It was my great-great grandfather who gave George Stephenson his big chance.  But to me, the harnessing of steam and the railways are one of the Great Inventions of Mankind -- up there with writing and the wheel.  And my page is partly designed to reflect this. 
I'm hoping that you might be interested in providing a link to it, or in adapting it for inclusion on your site.
Your comments on netiquette successfully put me off attaching the page, and unfortunately I'm not into tinyurl yet - its address is; www.bevpease.force9.co.uk/p.Steam.htm *  Being a recent development, 'Steam' is down at the bottom of the list.   *NB: New URL (Jan 08) ... tw
I do hope you like it 
Bev Pease
I do, Bev.  Thank you   ... tw
From: Philip Harding
Sent: 24 July 2007 21:04
Subject: CanPac's cleaning today  -  video
Tony
I'm glad that the condition of Can Pac was noticed - however the truth must out:
As is usual on this crew, when the time came for the cleaning to be done the driver unfortunately found lots of important driverly things to do, and the fireman needed to make lots of black smoke. Consequently the thing was cleaned by Matt (cleaner on the loco), ably assisted by Ranger Mark.
Thanks to them for a grand job.
I did clean a gauge glass though....
Phil
From: HAZEL LAVINGTON
Sent: 23 July 2007 20:08
To: Watercress Line Information
Subject: A Little Note to Say Thank You.
Dear Everyone at the Watercress Line 
Just a little note to say Thank You very much for a really enjoyable day on the line yesterday, Sunday 22nd July.
My husband booked two tickets back in January for Sunday Lunch on the Countryman Pullman Car No 351 and we had a truly enjoyable and pleasurable day. 
We arrived at Alresford Station at just before 11.00 so that we could have a trip to the sheds at Ropley and return back to Alresford before our lunch train was due to depart.  However the sheds got forgotten in the excitement of seeing the very gorgeous Bittern in glorious steam.  Needless to say this meant that we altered our original plans and enjoyed a whole run to Alton and back.  The Ticket Collector pulled our legs that we might just not make it back to Alresford for our lunch!  However as we had cunningly spotted Bodmin being steamed up in Ropley we knew if something did go wrong then it would have been Bodmin sent to rescue us! 
The trip on Bittern was simply great, she obviously is really itching to get on the mainline.  The Driver just loved tooting the whistle and showing off to people watching the train along the route.  It has been  great to see such a beautiful machine slowly restored to full glory again over the past few years.  A great deal of time and hard work has gone into getting her back to her former glory and splendour so the whole team of volunteers who have done all the hard work deserve a BIG THANK YOU. 
Fortunately we didn't need to be rescued by Bodmin and Bittern made it safely back to Alresford with time to spare.   
Lunch was a delightful, pleasant, relaxing experience. The Staff were all very helpful and friendly and they even coped with my non-lamb lunch.  Some companies don't pass on messages about food preferences to the staff on duty that day but your team of volunteers did you proud. It was wonderful to be given the choice of Roast Chicken or the Salmon Fillet that I chose as a option, especially as the train had already left the station, so congratulations to the chef on creating a great delicious meal on the move. Needless to say we are looking forward to doing this trip again in 2008!  We await the new timetable in anticipation! 
Once again Thanks to everyone on the team yesterday, keep up the excellent work!  It's a pity that sometimes staff being paid to do a job can't demonstrate the same interpersonal skills as all your team of volunteers did yesterday. 
Hazel and Graham Lavington
From: Alan Daniel
Sent: 22 July 2007 13:11
Subject: Bittern
Hi Tony 
Thought you might be interested in this shot of Bittern arriving at Ropley, taken looking through the country end windows of Ropley 'B' signalbox
Photo was taken yesterday 21st July and Bittern was working the 1543 ex Alresford 
Alan Daniel
MHR Signalman
From: Keith Brown
Sent: 23 July 2007 21:43
Subject:   .wmv for Mac
Tony - we spoke at the AGM about the difficulty which Mac users can have in viewing .wmv video clips on the MHR website.
I've found that the "Flip4Mac" wmv tools for Quicktime work well with OS10.4.
These can be downloaded from www.flip4mac.com. The basic viewer plugin is free (this isn't very obvious on the website) but you have to pay for the other tools in the package if you want them. Excellent PDF documentation is included.
KB
Thank you Keith. Let's hope they don't all catch up with web-movies at the same time and overload the servers!  d:-)   ... tw
 
Sent: 24 July 2007 05:17
I recently found the Flip4Mac plug-in that Keith talks about on the Microsoft website where it is a bit more obvious that its a free 
download than the Flip4mac site itself.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=915D874D-D747-4180-A400-5F06B1B5E559&displaylang=en
I find it far easier to view .wmv files this way than in Windows Media Player 9 for Mac OS X.
Regards
Phil Kitchen
From: Dave Oxnard
Sent: 22 July 2007 12:15
Subject: pics
Hello Tony 
Here are some pics I found today from your line: the guy in one of them is my good friend Pat from London. I think that it is 1999, but could be 2000 too, just not sure. The pic of the tender with the three period logos on it is a favorite of mine as it shows the logos from Southern to late BR, all three are there...very unusual to see that..
The rest are standard stuff, taken with a Canon RT 35mm film camera: I use digital now of course. The US loco was further up the line and the guys driving it should be able to say when that was.
Hope you have a good day mate, and the weather stays dry: its very wet here at the moment; we had 10mm of rain last night.
All the best 
Dave
NL
One   Two   Three   Four

From: Stephen Leek
Sent: 21 July 2007 18:20
Subject: Bittern
Tony 
I took this shot of Bittern taking water at Ropley this afternoon
Stephen

From: Michael Pearson
Sent: 21 July 2007 10:14
Subject: 20th July 2007
Tony
Bittern was in charge of a Wine & Dine special charter yesterday, with Dave Wiseman on the regulator and yours truly as the guard. 
Mike
 
Photos (20th July 2007): Mike Pearson

From: Dave Oxnard
Sent: 19 July 2007 22:27
Subject: Bittern
Great movies Tony..!!
Really good stuff... love the noises from the shed crew ... thats just what I feel like too.
Bittern looks truly fantastic and in Brunswick Green too, a great choice for most of us who spotted this loco back in the 1950's up in Newcastle. She was a big favorite with all of us, and it is amazing the wonderful work you all have done to restore her to even more glory than in the old days; absolutely fantastic!!
Bittern meant much more to me than SNG ever did as I saw her many times in Geordieland when a lad and I can't ever remember ever seeing SNG in those days.
Its a real treat to see her back and looking so beautiful, probably better than she did when outshopped at Doncaster when built.
I am converting one of my model A4s to Bittern to mimic the real thing. 
Thanks Tony, wonderful stuff.
Long live steam..!! Remember thats when we had a working railway..
Dave
NL
From: Dave Oxnard
Sent: 21 July 2007 11:19
Hi Tony 
Bittern looks very shiny these days, could you tell me if it has been painted with gloss paint or varnished after the paint job was done. My 00 model is nearly done but is finished in matt colour.
All the best 
Dave
Brush-painted. Lots of coats with rubbing down between. Final undercoat is a mix of undercoat and gloss for extra hardness; this is then flatted ready for a top coat of gloss, brush-painted. No varnish except over the cab-side numbers transfers and the BR logo on the tender.  ... tw, 21 July 2007 12:41
From: Colin Chambers
Sent: 18 July 2007 09:50
Subject: End of SR Steam
Tony
Excellent page on the website.
Looks like we made a lot of people very happy - I have never received so much positive correspondence.
Only one thing missing, did anybody get a photo of "35008" on the breakdown train?  I'd like a copy if possible.
Regards
Colin Chambers
Managing Director
Mid Hants Railway plc 'Watercress Line'  (part-owner of DS1580 ... tw)
Haven't seen one yet, Colin, but I'll look out for one. I could publish a request for such a photo if you want?  ... tw      Oh go on then   ... CC
From: Matt Hurst
Sent: 20 July 2007 14:53
Subject: 35008 Breakdown train
As requested
Regards
Matt
From: Mark Fry
Sent: 20 July 2007 15:34
Hi Tony,
Re Colin's request for photos of CP and the heavy crane, there's a good one at the back of the current Railway Herald (Issue 91) taken by Brian Morrison. 
Cheers
Mark
From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 20 July 2007 21:46
A little bit off the Mamiya
H
This thread is now closed.  Thank you all, including those whose mail does not appear here  ... tw
From: Lorenzo Bizzi
Sent: 17 July 2007 22:08
Subject: Thanks for the fantastic trip.
Dear volunteers of Watercress Line 
I travelled on your railway on the 5th of July on a steam train (Service 1) and I'm saying it was marvellous.
I appreciated not only the train but the care you dedicate to stations too. Visiting them seems like going back in time to fifty (or more) years ago. (Me too)
I'm a member of a club doing in Italy the same things you do there, but not as well organized as the Watercress Line. Moreover, Italian railway rules don't allow our club to restore or use old stations. Unfortunately, my videocamera isn't so good for photos. 
Yours sincerely
Lorenzo Bizzi  
Figline Valdarno (Italy)
From: Mark Civil  
Sent: 13 July 2007 14:46
Subject: Early Days photo
Dear Tony
I am one of the current owners of the Bagnall 2842  040 in some of the Andy Crespin early days photos. It is currently at Foxfield Light Railway undergoing heavy repair.
I would be interested in any other photos that exist of this loco -  mark2842ATfsmail.net
I visited MHR in 2004 when Network Rail was testing stoneblower 80213, but no one on site seemed to remember the loco.
Many Thanks
Mark Civil

From: Martin Macqueen
Sent: 10 July 2007 22:08
Subject: 40th Anniversary gala
Hello Tony 
Sorry this is a little late! I would like you to pass on my extreme thanks to all concerned on what was a fantastic event. The authenticity of the loco's was superb, faultless running and brilliantly organised. The freight and breakdown train was also much appreciated.
I used to be a working volunteer and had my induction the same day as you, unfortunately living 50 miles away, getting married and work commitments took their toll!
Please say hello to Keith Loughlin who I used to fire for. I really miss not being involved and Sunday has really made me determined to make the effort to come back more often. The line is really looking superb and is a credit to all who put in so much effort for everyone to enjoy.
Again please pass my best wishes to all involved, it was the best day out I have had at a steam line for ages. 
Very Best Regards 
Martin Macqueen 
Didcot
From: Andrew Padfield
Sent: 10 July 2007 10:08
Subject: Saturday 7th July
Dear Tony
Though I'm not a dyed in the wool Southern aficionado I must congratulate everyone concerned on such a fabulous day. The organisation could not be faulted and I spent the greater part of the day by the railings at Ropley loco depot happily watching the action unfold before me. Visitors had clearly travelled from far and wide and much pleasure was gained from overhearing conversations in accents from Cornwall to Lancashire, fiercely debating the merits of their various favourite locos, from L & Y Pugs to GWR Granges!
I have visited the MHR many times, and the thing that always strikes me is the friendliness and helpfulness of all the staff, both paid and volunteer.
Regards
Andrew Padfield 
 
 MORE LETTERS & PHOTOS from  40th Anniversary (End of SR Steam) EVENT
 
From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 08 July 2007 20:12
Subject: #60019 Saturday Alton
Hi Tony 
Just the one for now. #19 with her 2nd train to Alton. 
It's the digital shot just before the Mamiya shot, which I will not see until next week. (Hope I've got it right) 
Full marks to everyone involved at the railway for putting on a bl**dy good show. 
What a turn out as well, haven't seen numbers like that for several years.
You've got the formula now, so re-number a few locos, dirty them up, and outshop a fresh A4 every year; hey presto. 
Rgds 
H
From: Michael Pearson
Sent: 07 July 2007 14:59
Subject: 40th Anniversary
Tony
The "crew" (and you will know what I mean!!) wait for the off  from the guard with the first train of the day in the up  direction at Ropley.
Mike
From: Andy Crespin
Sent: 06 July 2007 23:47
Subject: Dirty locos
Hi Tony 
Re Dave's pics of the nameless loco's at Ropley......Evocative ! 
Andy
From: Robin HAWKINS
Sent: 04 July 2007 13:01
Tony 
What a fantastic job you have made of the Watercress web site. Congratulations to you. 
Best Wishes 
Robin Hawkins
I’m basking here in your kind comments, Robin !  Thank you for your encouragement.  
Very few people even scratch the surface of all the stuff we have on our Topsy of a website. There are currently 8222 files in 59 folders, a total of over 1200 MB.
Even with a really fast connection, it would take quite a while to see it all, so I hope you were able readily to find what interests you.
(I have to use Google as an index to find stuff on it)   ... tw
From: Martin Beckett
Sent: 04 July 2007 12:25
Subject: Arthur Blake
The news of Arthur's passing was very sad.  He was a marvellous man, dedicated to the Railway and a friend an example to everyone who knew him.
I had the good fortune to work with Arthur during my time on station duties, and later when on joining the TTIs it was often my pleasure to find Arthur as my guard.
One other memory of Arthur (I think it must have been in one of the D-Day anniversary years but I can't remember which one) was of him telling us how he watched the great waves of planes passing overhead on their way to Normandy to support the Allied landings. "We could tell there was something big on" - was Arthur's comment.
Not for nothing was he known to us as 'King Arthur'.  We shall miss you.
Martin Beckett
From: Phil Scott
Sent: 03 July 2007 11:54
Subject: Stock list on MHR website?
Hi 
I was browsing the MHR website today. Is there a stock list, particularly for wagons and coaches, as I could not find one?
If there is not a stock list, is this something you intend to add at a later date? 
Many thanks 
Phil Scott
There is no stock list on the website and no current plan to add one, Phil.
Stock is owned, loaned, borrowed, repaired and maintained by a variety of people and consortia.
Even if we found someone to research and compile such a list it would soon be out of date, neglected and criticised.
A decidedly thankless task   ... tw
p.s.  I now  learn that MHR has a Stock List which it sells from our HQ in Alresford at 50p. It was last updated in June 2007 but omissions are apparent  ... tw
From: "maaate"
Sent: 03 July 2007 11:10 (to MHR HQ)
To whom it may concern, I have just seen a photograph in this month's Railway Magazine of Bittern and was lost for words - she looked absolutely spectacular.
I turned the page and just said: "WOW !"
Having seen the restoration progress from passing trains, I was amazed at how fantastic she looks, a real credit to everyone involved.
Well done !
From: David Allsop
Sent: 02 July 2007 09:30
Subject: Ropley Motive Power Depot
Tony
The enclosed digital photograph was taken on the evening of Tuesday 26th June 2007.
What a line up of locomotives; how many other preserved railways can say they have three working Bulleid Pacifics?
Steam railways cannot get much better than this, a tribute to the Mid Hants Railway's hard work and dedication.
Regards
David Allsop
From: Peter Cutler
Sent: 03 July 2007 21:27
Fantastic shot of David Allsop's. 
Could we get the Loco Dept to pull Swanage up into the middle road and get David to re-take the photo? 
That would be brilliant 
Pete Cutler
No  ... tw    d:-)

From: Andy Crespin
Sent: 02 July 2007 09:24
Subject: 40th Anniversary
Hi Tony 
This coming weekend, is yet another day that I 'should' be at Ropley, but sadly can't be. Is it really 40 years since the end of Southern Steam ? I remember it so well. The dirty worn out loco's, with all plates removed or stolen, and knowing that come July 10th I would have to find a new hobby, as Southampton Central would never be the same again ! 
So much has changed since those far off days. Most, not for the better. At least through those early pioneer preservationists, we can see once again, Bulleid Pacifics at work. Of course, there are many other steam locos that have been saved, but to us BR(S) fans, it has to be the Bulleids, Standards and the little USA tanks that flew the flag for the last of steam in our neck of the woods. 
As I write this, miles away from UK, it is July 2nd, and on this day 40 years ago I watched Clan Line and Orient Line haul the last two BR specials through Southampton. Steam had a week to go, until on Sunday 9th the last steam passenger train headed for Waterloo behind 35030.............. 
It's a pity you can't make 34016 into 34021, (which worked the last steam Boat Train out of the docks) and 35005 into 35030 (without plates of course) for the weekend.
I am hoping that Ron Neal will be putting my 'Farewell Southern Steam' headboard on a suitable loco. 
Anyway, I just thought I would let you know that I will be thinking about what is happening, and to wish you all well. 
Cheers,
Andy
(in New Zealand)

From: Andrew Harvey
Sent: 01 July 2007 23:18
Subject: Bittern at MHR
Hello Tony
I was just wondering, is Bittern going to be permanently based at the MHR, or is her owner taking her somewhere else?
And will she be running at the MHR Autumn Steam Gala?
Thank you
Andrew Harvey, Worcester Park 
Under our contract with its owner, Bittern stays at MHR for several years, with main line excursion duties also diagrammed. I have no information about its base after that. It is expected to be in service at MHR from next weekend (7th - 8th July 2007), demonstrating how a decent A4 hauling a heavy train copes disdainfully with 1:60 gradients. It will of course star in our 2007 Autumn Gala  ... tw
Sent: 02 July 2007 10:14
No it won’t; the Schools will star
Regards
Colin Chambers
Managing Director
From: Keith Brown
Sent: 01 July 2007 21:56
Subject: Mike Pearson's carriage page
Tony
May I add my 2p-worth in praise of the guys who are doing up the carriage interiors? 
Recently outshopped vehicles have been very good indeed and the standard of finish seems to get better and better.
Keith Brown
Keith is Medstead & Four Marks stationmaster  ... tw

From: Keith Brown
Sent: 01 July 2007 21:10
Subject: Medstead & Four Marks: Sunday 1st July - Morris Day
Medstead & Four Marks on a damp Sunday 1st July, with Southampton Corporation AEC Regent 5 on service.
Later (and slightly less damp) the Wickham Morris performed on the platform.
The first dance is called "Duck and Dive", apparently.
Keith Brown
 
From: Colin Ember
Sent: 01 July 2007 20:08
Subject: Steam on a Dull Wet Day
Hi Tony
Wonder whether this will be ok for the web, taken on War On The Line Weekend, camera in one hand brollie in the other.
All the best
Colin
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 30 June 2007 19:35
Subject: Terminus and Mid Hants
Dear Tony
With the 40th Anniversary of the End of Steam on the Southern coming up next weekend (July 7-8th) what more proof of the existence of steam passing over the Mid Hants metals from Waterloo Station than this still from the 1961 documentary: "TERMINUS". 
It was director JOHN SCHLESINGER's debut as a film maker. The short (33mins) film went on to win many awards for the day in the life of Waterloo Station. 
During the film the manually-operated mainline destination board clearly shows: ROPLEY, MEDSTEAD, ALRESFORD and ITCHEN ABBAS on the way to Winchester as stopping points. 
Dr.Beeching's cuts were still another 12 years away. 
"Terminus" is evidence of a bygone age of steam seen at the famous station over 45 years ago. 
My best wishes
Horace
 
p.s. The film can be purchased on DVD through BFI
From: Martin Taylor
Sent: 01 July 2007 17:31
In relation to the letter by Horace about the short film Terminus, you can actually watch this free online
Hope this is of interest to some
Keep up the great work Tony with the website
Regards
Martin
Thank you Martin. Much appreciated  ... tw
From: Dave Warwick
Sent: 29 June 2007 07:02
Subject: From Thursday
Tony
Here are two shots taken Thursday of #73096 and the Mechanical Thing!  Where's the THUMPER? !!  However, it photographs well.
Given up on Bittern; I'll get it sometime this year
  :-P
David
More than a fair share of misfortune with the Thumper: first the replacement wheelset we bought did not fit; now the original wheels have new tyres which are too wide and these are currently being machined.
Whilst the A4 is in the wheeldrop shed it has no fire.
A warming fire is lit on the day before steam is raised because boilers suffer thermal stress if heated or cooled too rapidly. Raising steam does not necessarily mean it will run  ... tw
From: Paul Harrington
Sent: 26 June 2007 21:54
Hi Tony
Just a word of encouragement to say thanks and keep going with the loco shed info as I visit the site every day and even small titbits of info give the feeling of being in touch with what is going on.
Every day off I have I visit the MPD to see always something going on. Sometimes mundane, sometimes odd, sometimes something unique, but always something interesting. But for more days off..... 
Anyway, please don't feel that info you have may be too trivial. It all makes good reading and good publicity.
Thanks Tony
Regards
Harry
From: Matthew Myatt
Sent: 17 June 2007 00:54
Hi Tony
Is the A4 still with you guys, if so what days is it available for viewing?
I have twin 8 year old autistic boys who are just mad about A4's but have never seen a real one.
Would love to bring them up as this would be something they would never forget.
Best Wishes
Matthew S Myatt (MRPS) (MBFP)
17th June 2007
Hi Matt 
If you or Nick are at Ropley on Saturday, could you look out for these people please?
Autistics are fascinated by systems such as railways or architecture, but often can't relate to other people at all. Explain stuff to them carefully; they are usually pretty intelligent so it will be understood, but you'd never know it from their reactions. People who don't understand autism tend to dismiss them as a dead loss, which is a pity  ... tw
Sent: 26 June 2007 14:38
Dear Tony
Can I just extend to you and your team at MHR a massive thank you for all the help given to me and the boys on Saturday. We were given unrestricted access to the A4 that was in the wheeldrop shed, and the guy who showed us around was so good with the boys, I only wish I could remember his name, a true credit to you all.
I am writing copy for publication and have attached a picture from the day, saving the A4 shots for the papers.
Best Wishes
Matthew S Myatt (MRPS) (MBFP)
From: Matthew Myatt
Sent: 13 July 2007 03:40
Please find attached Newspaper Report about Eastleigh Artists
Matthew
From: B Collins
Sent: 25 June 2007 12:40
Subject: Thank you
I want to send a big thank you to all those who put in the hard work organising, running and participating in War on the Line this weekend.  We had a lovely time despite the weather.  It was a shame but understandable that some displays were reduced/stopped by the wet.  I was particularly looking forward to the Home Front displays at Medstead and Four Marks, didn't see any sign of them and was told that they had been abandoned completely due to the rain.  All credit then to those who hung on in there under trying conditions, it was much appreciated! 
Regards 
Bridget

From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 22 June 2007 23:05
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Hurricane; Father's Day
Tony 
If you see something like this tomorrow (Saturday, 23rd June) it's one of ours!   
Also two pictures from Father's Day last Sunday (17th June): a busy scene at Medstead and Four Marks with a down Southampton via Alton train passing the diverted up Bournemouth Belle - well almost- and classic headgear seen at Alton 
Regards 
David Charlesworth
From: Dave Clarke
Sent: 21 June 2007 21:18
Subject: Repton
Hi Tony
I think the Maunsell Society may take issue with your claim that Repton was fastest Schools class loco. Their website includes a section which reads:
"Stowe" performed with distinction on the Waterloo - Weymouth expresses. It holds the highest speed authenticated for the class - 95 mph - which was
attained near Wool under the hand of Driver Guy on a four-coach train from Dorchester to Wareham, the 15 miles taking no more than 13¼ minutes.
Best regards
Dave Clarke
The two rival claims are not actually contradictory   ... tw 
To: The Managing Director
The Watercress Line
19th June 2007
Dear Sir,
My wife and family visited the line for the first time on Sunday and we just wanted to write and say thank you for such a brilliant day!
We are members of the Bluebell Railway and it was nice to visit another line and compare differences.
From the first point of contact your staff and volunteers were most helpful, polite and informative - something which they can be proud of - it really makes a difference to the day. In particular the guard who played my son some cracking English folk tunes on his accordion was very impressive! We noticed the same courtesy throughout the day towards others and would be grateful if you can pass on our thanks to those involved.
And as for the trains! What a treat to see the Bulleids running and the wonderful restoration of 60019 Bittern: even my long-suffering wife was impressed. My boy nearly jumped out of his skin to see 'James' in the yard too!
Something else which struck me was the way the line has 'just enough' stock and does not seem to be crammed full of rotting and unlikely-to-be-restored hulks as some lines are. It seems from first impressions that the line carries enough to run trains and have some to be getting on with without overcrowding. Similarly the line itself seems very contained, tidy and contented with what it's got. Is this a deliberate policy or did I miss large sidings somewhere??!
Altogether a great father's day treat and we will certainly visit again in the future. Well done to all and thank you again.
Regards
Dave Humphries
From: Colin Charman
Sent: 24 June 2007 21:43
As one of the volunteers on duty on the days of Dave Humphries' and Louisa Richards' visits, I'd just like to say how much I appreciate the recognition for ALL of the volunteers that helped make their visits so enjoyable. It's the way that everyone pulls together that makes it so rewarding to be a volunteer on our railway. 
I should add that the accordion-playing guard was actually a Ticket Inspector - the Guards take their responsibility for safety very seriously and stay focussed on their job; the Ticket Inspectors are privileged to be able to spend time with our visitors.
We do have an accordion-playing guard and a concertina-playing signalman too (but not whilst on duty!) 
To answer Dave's question: We do have quite extensive carriage sidings, but as its War-on-the-Line today I'm afraid I couldn't possibly reveal their location due to the threat of "adverse enemy action".  
Regards,
Colin Charman
Ticket Inspector and occasional Melodion player
From: Keith Homewood
Sent: 18 June 2007 21:41 
We had a super day on Saturday with a great bunch (9) Rangers at Ropley. Work included cleaning out the 'tunnel' of Bittern's tender, disposing of No1 (Thomas) and weeding along the track in the sidings and removing rubbish, oiling up axle boxes, lubricators and my right leg(!!!) ready for moving locos and rolling stock down at the boiler shed end. And there was the time it started to rain. Whilst I sat under the running boards the Rangers went on a whistle-stop tour from Waterloo to Alton on the footplate of 'James'. Not a bad run - nice and smooth - with all the sound effects too!!! 
At lunchtime they brought life into the Manor again with all their chat and goings-on and of course the obligatory dirty fingers and noses. In some cases just two beady eyes sparkling out from very dirty faces. At least they all looked clean at the end of the day when they descended on Wadebridge for the last train to Alton. 
Thought you might like these two photos of some of them with Bittern. 
Our next work party is on Saturday 30th June. 
Keith, Ranger Manager
From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 19 June 2007 19:46
Hi Tony
Came down on Sunday to see Bittern. She looks magnificent and everybody concerned must feel realy proud.
Also had my first run behind Wadebridge and she sounded great climbing up from Alton.
Here are a few of the shots I took.
Cheers
Ken

One   Two   Three   Four   Five   Six   Seven
From: Richard Hay
Sent: 17 June 2007 13:17
Subject: Lineside Photography
Dear Mr Wood 
A short note to request clarification of the requirements for lineside photography INSIDE the railway fence.   
My understanding was that the MHR had banned lineside passes due to the perceived risk of photographers being injured whilst inside the railway boundary and the railway being accountable. 
Is this still the case or are passes now available again?  I ask as I have been very frustrated with frequent photographs both on this website, the MHR News and within the preservation press that are obviously taken from inside the fence.  Do the people who take these photos hold passes, are they members of track gangs who are there by default or tresspassers?  Whilst the track gangs have done tremendous amount of work clearing long stretches of the lineside of vegetation some shots (such as the famous shot to the east of Alresford cutting) are only obtainable by getting inside the fence. 
I look forward to hearing from you 
Best regards 
Richard Hay  
The ban continues on photography within the railway’s boundaries as set out on our website.  NO PASSES ARE ISSUED. 
MHR has approved a very few officially appointed photographers with current MHR Personal Track Safety Certificates. Some members of staff (with PTS Certs) take photos whilst on duty lineside.   Some of the best photographs taken ‘East of Alresford’ have been taken from outside MHR property.  Your webmaster is careful to exclude from the website any photographs taken in breach of the rules.  Thank you for giving the opportunity to once again clarify this matter   ... tw, 17 June 2007 17:14
From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 15 June 2007 14:01
Subject: Another slide show
Hi Tony 
Yet another slide show  - pleased with this one
Rgds 
H. 
Roll on War on the Line
From: Louisa Richards
Sent: 15 June 2007 13:04
Subject: Thank you!
Dear All 
We had such a lovely day out on The Watercress Line yesterday and I wanted to write and say thank you very much and to send you a couple of our photos!
The lovely ticket inspector was especially helpful and friendly - thank you! (And Matthew was really pleased to see Thomas!)
We'll be back again soon.
With kind regards 
Louisa Richards 
(and also Matthew (4) and Isabella (18m), and their Great Grandmother!)
 
One    Two    Three    Four
From: Cathryn Bennett
Sent: 11 June 2007 16:41
Subject: Video !!  
Hi Tony 
Have just seen the better quality video on the website, great stuff indeed!!  Really moving to see this loco "alive" once more after her very long lay off and lengthy restoration. Congratulations to all who have worked on her - you have every reason to be VERY proud of this "new" A4 !!
Looking forward to seeing you all again very soon 
Best Wishes 
Cathryn Bennett
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 11 June 2007 12:37
Hi Tony
Interesting to see DW's comments about flying birds on the website.  What he doesn't know is I came over after work on Thurs/Fri on the "off-chance", I then spent from 11am 'til 8pm sat at Ropley on Saturday (inc a massive thunder storm) waiting for something to happen!
Taking the photos is the easy part, you need to put in plenty of hard work to be in the right place at the right time! 
Regards
Matt
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 11 June 2007 11:43
Subject: Feltham Yard
Hello Tony
Just received your excellent fully packed MID-HANTS NEWS  (MHR Preservation Society members' magazine)
Referring to the picture on Page 22, I can assure John that the picture of Robert Urie's S15 is certainly standing in Feltham Marshalling Yard. It had these very distinctive lampholder poles with the ladders running up the side and you can see the incline in the distance where shunting took place. Im sure it had more than one 'hump', the place was vast and there was constant clank from the wagons.  One part is now an industrial estate,the other a bird sanctuary. 
Lived all my life at Feltham and did we curse on the way to school in the latter 1940s if the level crossing gates were closed. That was the trouble living on the 'Southern' being so near the yard, goods trains galore besides normal traffic and the troop movements down to the West Country. 
"Not another Channel Packet" my school chums would say, waiting with our cycles, as the next Merchant Navy rumbled over the crossing, shaking our fists because we would be late for class. Happy days. 
Regards
Horace
From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 11 June 2007 09:35
Subject: 10-06-07
Hi Tony
Lovely stuff from DW again: I do like the Standard shot.
PTS recently refreshed to 2009.
Another little slide show at the usual place: observations around Ropley and Alresford
Helped clean the pit out yesterday, now there's a first!
Rgds 
H

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 10 June 2007 11:13
Subject: Bittern by twilight
Hi Tony
Got some more pictures of Bittern yesterday, she went for a quick run up and down but not until it was nearly dark. So this is what a Bittern looks like at Twilight!
Regards
Matt
From: Peter Burkle
Sent: 09 June 2007 19:47
Subject: Changes to Website
Dear Tony 
I think it is a great step forward to be able to book tickets on-line, and well done on that score. 
However, I wonder if I am alone in missing the beautiful clarity and simplicity of the old layout, especially with regard to the RAT timetable and the Dining trains. I can appreciate that pre-booking is an essential, even to the RATs,  but we were given much more information before, and it is good to know when trains are running, even if they are fully booked! 
Thank you 
Peter Burkle 
Thank you for your comments, Peter. 
Our booking website is separate from the original site, is commercially run for MHR and is updated in its details directly by MHR Marketing and Reservations Depts. On-line booking works to different objectives and is intended to allow (e.g.) busy mums to complete transactions with the minimum number of ‘clicks’. They don’t have the luxury of being able to include anything relevant, nor the development period of our Topsy (“I just growed”) of a site.  I've forwarded your comments to them.
Maintaining the ‘old’ pages is not an option because they could never be synchronised satisfactorily. 
The good news is that the new system hit the ground running and is proving even more popular than we’d dared hope. Win some, lose some, I suppose.
  ...  tw, 10 June 2007 07:42
Dear Tony
Many thanks for your prompt reply and I do now see a bit more clearly  than I did last night!  By pressing the 'Book Now' I have all the information I need, so my apologies .... Peter, 10/06/2007 12:32

From: Phill Brentor
Sent: 08 June 2007 00:36
Subject: Bittern
Congrats to all....great to see her MOVE!! 
Phill
From: Dave Suart
Sent: 08 June 2007 00:08
Subject: Bittern
Hi Tony
You probably have a stack of these but here goes anyways.
Talk about Emotive power!
Dave

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 07 June 2007 19:20
Subject: First flight....
Hi Tony
I received a tip-off at work today so had to hastily make it to Ropley. Just caught 60019 returning from M4M after its long awaited first run. Some people must be very proud of the work they've put in
Regards
Matt

From: Andrew Moody
Sent: 07 June 2007 20:01
Subject: #60019 To Medstead
From Signalman Andy Moody.
 
Hi Tony 
Glad you were able to film #60019 moving  from the wheel drop road up the yard at 1428  the second trip was at 1538. 
Now, the big question is, Does anyone have footage or still photos of the light engine test run to Medstead and back this afternoon? 
I offered #60019 to Mike Ball at Medstead at 1623, Loco entered Ropley Medstead section at 1626 arriving Medstead at 1649, the crew stopping a couple of times to check for hot bearings, etc.
Mike Ball offered #60019 back to me at 1704, #60019 departed Medstead at 1714 and arrived Ropley at 1726 without problem.
That just about sums up what a marvellous job the lads at Ropley have done.
Best wishes.
Andy Moody 
P.S.  On the way home I passed 34007 in Alresford High Street.   
Yes, Andy: Bob Cartwright took some video on #60019 footplate on the run to Medstead - see Loco Shed page  ... tw

From: Craig Nobbs
Date: 29/05/2007 09:28:20
Subject: Ropley gates 
Dear Sir 
I visited the MHR yesterday (probably the foulest weather experienced at Ropley!), and the only decent photograph taken was the attached one of the LSWR/SR furnishings on the Ropley foot-crossing; feel free to use it on your web site. Details such as this often get overlooked, and probably attract little credit, but what a marvellous scene for the railway modeller; there isn't any 21st century clutter visible either! 
Full marks to the staff in the West Country Buffet at Alresford as well, who kept us warm with tea, coffee, cakes, and Itchen Valley ale! Will visit again soon. 
Best regards 
Craig Nobbs
Sent: 04 June 2007 11:22
Hi Tony 
I take it that the letter/photo was not up to scratch. For future reference, what are your criteria for submissions? 
Many thanks 
Craig Nobbs
Sent: 04 June 2007 12:11
Hello Craig
Please don’t be disappointed if your photo(s) are not published on our website. I do like the gates photo you sent, but haven’t yet found a place for it.
‘Criteria’ sounds a bit formal to me; I’m not exactly sure what my criteria are, to tell the truth! Friends locally or in other countries like to follow MHR’s progress, and I deliberately include some ‘this England’ pictures for all the ex-pats who regularly browse our website.
I do mentally sort photos into two categories: news and art. The standard for ‘news’ photos is simply something newsworthy (submitted very soon after it was taken) and of interest. Later submissions need a far higher standard to rate inclusion.
Of course I get a lot of photos sent in which are technically poor (shaken, badly-composed, degraded by editing) but can correct many faults here if the photo is worth it (getting uprights upright, cropping – that sort of thing).
Have a look at the photos we have on the website already and you’ll be able to pick out the better photographers’ work by their WOW factor. Recent pictures by Henry O’Dwyer, John H Bird, Horace Ward, Matt Allen, Cliff Thomas and Dave Warwick spring to mind    ... tw
From: Ian Coward
Sent: 11 June 2007 10:24
Subject: Ropley Crossing
Dear Tony 
Just a word of thanks on behalf of the Wednesday Gang to Craig Nobbs for his appreciation of our work at Ropley (29/05) and his excellent photo. You see work does get done between the tea breaks! 
Regards 
Ian Coward
From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 04 June 2007 21:51
Subject: Vintage Bus
Tony 
Ex Southampton AEC Regent 5 No.361 was running again this Sunday. Medstead resident ex Aldershot & District AEC Reliance No.370 operated the other service. It is seen at Jane Austen's house in Chawton and at Alton station with the SW Trains rail replacement bus in the background. While the main line through Basingstoke was closed, a replacement service ran to Alton with bus onward to Winchester.
Regards 
David Charlesworth

From: Clive Holliday
Sent: 03 June 2007 10:23
Subject: Last night's RAT 
Tony  
Don't know if you want to use these pics ?   
The Ivatt taken through the cab of the Class 5 with other locos in the background
   
Pete and I waiting for the road to leave Ropley with the RAT   
Clive
From: Phil Harding
Sent: 04 June 2007 17:14
Tony
I have to say that the pink bib and brace as modelled by Pete works really well with the knotted hanky. Sort of that 1950's housewife look....
Phil
From: Matt Bentley
Sent: 30 May 2007 23:01
I took my kids on the Mid Hants on Tuesday 29th May 2007 and as always they loved it.
The added bonus was their uncle was driving #73096. 
All  the Best
Matt Bentley

From: Keith Homewood
Sent: 29 May 2007 10:45
Subject: Photos
Hi Tony 
On Saturday we had a super day with our usual bunch of Rangers: Tom*, Ollie, Mat, Nick and Mark - where do they find the time and energy? 
The Rangers spent their time cleaning, polishing, mucking out the ash pit and 'discussing' (or was it arguing) which was the best railway company.
Was it Midland, GWR, LMS, Southern, L&SW etc? They know what I think !!!!! 
If any of our visitors aged 12 to 16+ want to become Rangers they can contact me via our Alresford HQ.
Best wishes
Keith
*Tom is Keith's son - see below (23rd May)       Rangers Newsletter (May 2007)
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 27 May 2007 17:23
Subject: MHR freight
Hi Tony
A very wet day with the freight today, but I don't give up easily!
Regards
Matt
One   Two   Three   Four

From: Matt Allen
Sent: 26 May 2007 17:43
Subject: Another day at the MHR!
Hi Tony
A few pics from today, 41312 had to deputise for 34007 this afternoon, so I got a rare shot of 41312 on a full length passenger train.
Regards
Matt
One   Two   Three

From:  Peter Searle
Sent: 25 May 2007 21:26
Subject: Bittern Pressure Test
Hello Tony
I have attached two pictures taken this afternoon of Bittern undergoing its pressure test at Ropley.You may like to use them on your web site.
Thank you
Peter Searle
One    Two

From: Horace Ward
Sent: 25 May 2007 20:35
Subject: Ready for flight!
Ah, just spotted pictures of BITTERN, nice photographs,Tony....and of course, congratulations to Andy & Keith and all the others who have dedicated themselves to this old timer from day one.
I'm sure already a fan base is forming for this famous 'bird' flying out of Ropley. Springwatch on the BBC should feature its early arrival in Hampshire...and in full plumage.
Regards
Horace
From: Tom Homewood
Sent: 23 May 2007 09:22
Subject: 35005 as 35008  
Hi Tony 
I have attached a picture of 'CP' as 35008 weathered up.
It also has the rangers who helped make her look like that, including me.
Thanks
Tom
Why?
From: Philip Harding
Sent: 23 May 2007 19:41
Lovely photo of CP + the Hobbits. Well done Tom. I think that the Rangers we've had for the last year or longer have been some of the most committed, funny and willing people we've had on the railway. They take everything us grumpy old chuck at them and still manage to have fun. Well done lads!
Phil
From:Ian Moules
Sent: 22 May 2007 12:26
Subject: Consett Iron Company
My Grandfather was an engine driver for Consett Iron Company between 1940 and 1970, approximately. When I was I child he always drew pictures of 'his' engine and called it 'A1'. I was excited to find the description below from a website on CIC which talks about three classes of engine A, B, and C. So it seems possible that there truly was an A1 engine.
Can anyone within your organisation or any of your readers help me to track down more information on these engines and whether any still exist?
For further background, my Grandfather lost a leg in an accident at the works when he fell under a train. It was before my time, as I only remember him with an artificial leg.
Many thanks in advance. We (myself and my 10-year old son) are regular visitors to the Line and would like to thank you for the pleasure your organisation brings.
Ian Moules
Southampton
EXTRACT from http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/DUR/Consett/Works5.html#a12
The locomotives and locomotive cranes are for convenience divided into classes, the locomotives into A B C, and the locomotive cranes into D and E, the entire number in use being forty-three. Of the locomotives, the A class, six in number, are the most powerful, having all six coupled wheels. Four of them have cylinders 16-in. diameter by 24-in. stroke, with wheels 3-ft. 11-in. diameter. The other two have cylinders 171/2-in. diameter by 25-in. stroke, with wheels 4-ft. 2-in. diameter. They are all inside cylinder tank engines, and were built by Kitson & Company, of Leeds. Each weighs about 36 tons, and they are chiefly used in working the traffic. between the collieries and the works, and hauling the ore to the blastfurnaces.

The B class are outside cylinder tank engines, weighing about 25 tons, with four coupled wheels 3-ft. 4-in. diameter, the cylinders being 12-in. diameter by 19-in. stroke. They are used principally about the mills for shunting purposes and delivering the steel and iron, &c., on to the North-Eastern Railway.
They have been built by various makers, namely, Black, Hawthorn, & Co., Gateshead; Robert Stephenson & Co., and Hawthorn, Leslie, & Co., Newcastle-on-Tyne; and John Harris, Darlington.

The C class, four in number, are tank engines of a similar design to the B class, having outside cylinders 9-in. diameter by 16-in. stroke, and four coupled wheels 2-ft. 10-in. diameter. They are used exclusively about the blast-furnaces, and were built by Black, Hawthorn, & Co. The D locomotive cranes include three types built respectively by Dubs & Company, Glasgow (four) ; Black, Hawthorn, & Co. (one); and T. Smith, of Rodley (three).
From: Stephen Hoadley
Sent: 22 May 2007 19:38
Mr Moules may like to have a look at www.ntsra.org.uk/stock.html, where he will find details of the CISC A Class locomotive No. 5 preserved by the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association. A fine old engine indeed. 
Regards 
Stephen Hoadley
From: Robin Silman
Sent: 20 May 2007 19:10
Subject: Emailing pic
Good Evening Tony
Have attached a pic of the yard this morning (Sun 20th) with Wadebridge and Std 5 being prepped and Bittern gently warming up
Regards
Robin Silman
From: Jenny H
Sent: 19 May 2007 17:46
Subject: photograph
Hi
I am a member of the Winchester Photographic Society. Last year I visited Ropley station and took a picture of one of your volunteers in action.
It has done well in our monthly competions at the club and received 14 out of 15 in inter-club competitions.
Be nice if you can use it but I would like to know who the chap is if anyone can place him, just to say thanks and offer a copy print.
Look forward to hearing from you
Regards
Jenny H

From: Andy Crespin
Sent: 20 May 2007 00:14
Subject: Bittern
Loco looks superb. Well done to all involved.
Umm, don't bitterns eat fish ? 
Andy
From: Phill Brentor
Sent: 20 May 2007 01:08
Subject: Bittern
Hi Tony
Great to see a fire in it's belly!!! 
Congrats to all who made it happen....I look forward to seeing it passing through Peterborough 
Regards 
Phill
From: R G Wedd
Sent: 13 May 2007 09:27
Subject: Thank you to all at Mid Hants
Hi Tony 
Can you please pass on a very big thank you to the crew on Canadian Pacific which hauled the 15.00 service on Saturday May 12th. I organised a footplate ride for my mother's birthday and after being welcomed by the friendly station staff and crew, she really loved her time riding on the engine and watching what goes on!!
We've just been talking about it again this morning and she's still smiling a day later which is great!!
Thanks once again for your fantastic website. Bittern's coming along nicely and the engineering team must be very proud. 
I look forward to the next time I visit the railway 
Cheers 
Rob Wedd
From: Matt Allen
Date: 2007/05/11 Fri PM 05:08:46 GMT
Subject: Bulleids