From: Phil Kitchen
Sent: 08 March 2004 12:08
Subject: Cathedrals Express Video 28th Feb 04
Hi Tony
Thought you might like this video my Dad (Kevin Kitchen) shot of
73096 passing Byfleet and New Haw (and a
Desiro) last weekend. Making excellent progress it seems!
Sorry it's taken a while, I have just come back from a trip to France, sampling
1800+ km of SNCF!
Regards
Phil Kitchen
Movie (1.6MB,
28 February 2004): Kevin Kitchen
From: Tim James
Sent: 04 February 2004 22:02
Subject: Class 27 007
Hello Tony
I notice that 27 007 has been included in the line up for the
Diesel Gala in May. As team leader in charge of
the restoration of this loco I have to inform you that unfortunately it is
doubtful that the engine will be ready to haul trains. Progress has been
steady and we hope to have the engine rebuilt by then so it may well be running
but not taking power. The 71A loco group prides itself on its overhaul work
and it would be foolish as well as operationally stupid to allow the loco
out before all systems have been tested and proven. I hope to compile an
update on progress for the website shortly
Yours sincerely
Tim James
Photos (4th April
2004) @ Diesel Corner
From: Christopher Jones
Sent: 19 January 2004 19:27
Subject: SWT Commuter Trains to Ropley Parkway
Correspondence archived
From: Pete Mason
Sent: 08 January 2004 12:42
Subject: RE: 35006's Cab
Tony
I've just seen your website up-date, and
I thought you might want to see what happened
next!
Best wishes
Pete
From: Keith Brown
Sent: 07 January 2004 20:19
Subject: Maunsell rhymes with 'cancel'
"Pronounced 'Mansell' by the Maunsell family, I learned
today."
HAV Bulleid, in his biography of his father, writes (à propos
the press release announcing Bulleid's appointment as Southern CME in 1937)
"I wish they had included a guide to pronunciation. Maunsell rhymes with
'cancel' and Bulleid rhymes with 'succeed'" ('Bulleid of the Southern', Ian
Allan, 1977, page 46). Maunsell was an Irishman, of course.
I have been ploughing a lonely furrow on this point for years!
Keith Brown
From: Roger Hardingham
Sent: 05 January 2004 22:22
Subject: Tangmere
Dear Tony
Just thought I would say thanks for mentioning our tour with Tangmere
on 6th December on the MHR web site. We had a wonderful day out and hope
that all those who travelled enjoyed their day too.
As a matter of interest, I am still very much a volunteer, as I am chairman
of the Urie Locomotive Society and very much involved in getting #30506
back into a steamable condition again.
Great web site and a Happy New Year to all my friends and colleagues at the
MHR
Roger Hardingham
From: Chris Davison
Sent: 23 December 2003 08:21
Subject: 73096
Hi Again
Saw the photo's of 73096 by Horace and thought you may like
this one as well, taken on the
Cathedrals Express trip 18/12/03, accelerating away from the water
stop at Fleet
Enjoy
Chris Davison
From: Ben Zehetmayr *
Sent: 21 December 2003 14:43
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Ely Cathedral
I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone for yesterdays great main line run
for two reasons. Firstly, we booked my parents on it for their fast approaching
30th wedding anniversary and they thoroughly enjoyed it, even got two small
cakes congratulating them (nice touch!).
Also it was my first trip with the support crew. It really was an amazing
day an I’d like to say a great big thank you to Bob Allen who showed this
new crewman what its all about. Can't wait for the next season.
The two of the three pictures are of the 5MT taken by me before departure
from Victoria, and the last is of Ely Cathedral taken by my Mum.
Cheers
Ben Z
*Ben is a Ropley Loco Shed volunteer ...tw
From: Tony Gillett
Sent: 20 December 2003 17:39
Subject: Ely Trip Photos
Hi Tony
Photos of the Standard 5 in the rain at London Victoria today
Tony Gillett
From:
Horace
Ward
Sent: 19 December 2003 14:15
Subject: Standard 5 awaits!
Hello Tony
Passing through Victoria Station, London yesterday, spotted Standard 5 standing
on Platform 2 awaiting to pull out to Winchester. Looked like everyone having
hot soups all around before boarding, and the young girl talking to the driver
looked like something out of Siberia you sometimes see in those old grainy
b/w movies, with 73096 straight from Dr.Zhivago. How the British winter light
plays tricks. Roll on summer!
Regards
Horace
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 10 December 2003 08:38
Subject: RE: Bodmin's Back!
I was presented for my birthday with a wonderful black & white (had to
be) picture book of pre-war photography entitled 'STREAMLINED STEAM, Britain's
1930's luxury expresses' by A.J.Mullay, and on Page 117 (full page) is
a picture of BITTERN standing in Aberdeen station in April 1966. Nice
picture! A collectors item.
Horace
From: Chris Davison
Sent: 10 December 2003 09:22
Subject: 34016
Hi Tony
Caught this piccy on 9/Dec/03 as Bodmin
was approaching Woking, a fine sight I'm sure you'll agree.
Anyway, though you may like to use it on your website, hope it's ok.
Many thanks
Chris D
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 09 December 2003 16:11
Subject: Bodmins Back!
Hello Tony
Good to see our friend 34016 BODMIN back on track!
Caught in the winter sunlight at Waterloo station today, a fully laden train
off on the Christmas Carol Special to Salisbury packed to the luggage racks
with good cheer...
BODMIN pulled away from the capital, glistening in the morning light off
to another destination at the start of the Christmas season.
Good Cheer!
Best Wishes
Horace
From: Stephen Newell
Sent: 15 November 2003 22:07
To: Tony Wood
Subject: Sponsored Walk
Dear Tony and the Watercress squad
Thank you all for a great (yet tiring) day. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I would especially like to thank all the station staff who provided the drinks,
like a steam engine, we would have run dry without them! I took some line
side pictures, as normally I don't get the chance! 73096 was simmering in
the yard for tonight's RAT, and there is one shot of Medstead station, and
another of the 'Over the Alps's summit bridge, you can just see the descent.
The weather was especially good too which helped a lot, and my pictures represent
this. Medstead station was a lovely sight to see, because a 4½ mile
trek up 300 feet hill is exasperating, and it was nice to see civilisation
again!
I hope we all helped to raise a large amount for the Black 5, and thank you
all again!
Stephen Newell
(Walker)
From: Clive Hanley
Sent: 11 November 2003 23:54
Subject: 29th October 2003 - 73096 on the Cathedrals Express to Warwick &
Stratford-upon-Avon
Tony
Thought I'd send you my photos of the trip in late October
I hopped on the train at Warwick and thoroughly enjoyed 73096 making light
work of the climb up Hatton bank towards Hatton station and then the junction
onto the single track branch through my home village of Claverdon. The train
arrived at Warwick over an hour late after an apparent radio (!!!) fault
at Banbury but the sun just came out before it arrived. After the passengers
had alighted the engine had to shunt the carriages back out of Stratford
station platform 1 then bring them back into platform 2, then she disappeared
all the way back to the Hatton triangle to turn. By the time she arrived
back after the 20 mile solo excursion the light was fading fast.
Hope you can use them
Regards
Clive Hanley
From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 02 November 2003 19:56
Tony
'The Daylight Countryman' departure was delayed this morning because the
Class 37 due to tow the train to Woking from Alton was unable to create vacuum
and was left behind. Many thanks to Network Rail for organising the run-rounds
at Woking, especially on a morning with a special timetable for engineering
works, and making the trip possible about an hour behind schedule.
Attached two pics of this rare event at Woking; one
this morning, the other
this evening with the 1937 signal box in
the background.
Apart from the delay the trip went very nicely with 61mph reached up the
long hill to Litchfield Tunnel and a final sprint at 75mph after Farnborough.
Rgds
David Charlesworth
From: Tony Kerwood
Subject: Cathedrals Express
Tony
Thought you may like to see the Standard 5
starting the climb of Saunderton Bank (nr Princes Risborough, Bucks),
with the 1Z96 'Cathedrals Express' from London Victoria to Stratford on Avon,
Wednesday 29th October 2003
Tony Kerwood
From: Stephen Hoadley
Sent: 26 October 2003 20:46
Subject: Today's pics
Tony
Had a wonderful afternoon on the Railway today. But, my goodness me, winter
is coming! Herewith some snaps that capture something of the atmosphere conjured
up by steam and cold weather. Talking of conjuring up, all the Railway’s
young visitors seemed to be having a good time today. And I hope (to my former
French teacher, Dr John Sowerby) that
those deft swings of the shovel filled the back corners nicely! Sorry I
didn’t get the chance to chat with him; by the time I had sped back to Ropley
he had booked off.
Regards
Stephen Hoadley
From: Mr Wizard
Sent: 26 October 2003 00:49
Subject: Re: Wizard Week
Hello Tony
Here is a short report on today and 2 photos attached.
The first day of the Wizard week was well attended by many wizards and witches
of all ages.
The staff of the stations and trains got into the mood, wearing capes witches'
hats or even horns on their heads. Mr Wizard
performed his Haunted Castle Show helped by Earwig the Owl
and a small wizard The Great Wizzo and Auntie Mini Witch, all
searching for the hidden treasure.
The Fancy Dress Competition drew many
entrants in all age groups. The
Spookie Grotto was a good place
to visit before riding on the train to other mystery places.
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 11 October 2003 17:06
Subject: A4 at Kings Cross
Saturday October 11th
Hello Tony
Just a few more pictures at today's Kings Cross turn out: the trip to Norwich
by A4 60009 "Union of South Africa" was one of the biggest turn-outs
the engine has encountered, the platform packed to capacity and all paying
passengers; not a spare seat in the house. Before departing 009 makes a backdrop
for another family snap and a reminder of a famous steam engine for the album.
Pictures: Speed Graphic.
Regards
Horace Ward
I really like the period look of these photos, Horace. They tell a story, and you got them in same day. Bet you developed them in 'Press Contrast'! ... tw
The pictures are on Ilford DELTA 100 iso 120 and processed in Jessops developer Econotal 2...great stuff. The neg size is ... 3¼" x 2¼" on a roll film back so I can only get 8 shots on the Speed Graphic. I could shoot separate sheet film, but frankly it's too time-consuming, Tony. I don't know if you have handled a Graphic; you have to have your wits about you: rangefinder for focusing, set the speed/aperture, cock the shutter, move the film on - all manually, and you haven't taken a picture yet. The negs go through the scanner via the computer ... Horace Ward
From: Graham and Pat Cooke
Sent: 09 October 2003 20:58
Subject: a few pictures from a wonderful day on 3rd October
Thanks for helping to make it such a good day
from
Graham and Pat Cooke
[Graham took our Footplate Experience (Advanced) Course]
From: Phil Kitchen
Sent: 04 October 2003 04:15
Subject: Gala Pictures
Hi Tony
Just a mail to say how great the pictures of the Gala look, and how much
I regret not being able have experienced it either working the platform at
Ropley, or travelling with my dad behind the various locos on the trains.
I spent the summer on the platform staff at Ropley and enjoyed every minute,
and miss the place so much being here at uni in Sunderland, and cannot wait
to get back over the Christmas period.
The website is my only means of keeping up to date with all goings on, such
a shame to see Bodmin out of action so soon, but great to see 92
Squadron repaired, as when I was last on the platform it looked as she
was a doubt for the Gala! I hope to be able to get back for the Ivatt's last
main line runs and hope all is well at Ropley. Keep up the good work with
an excellent site!
Phil Kitchen
28th September 2003:
Ian Willcox sent these photos from the MHR Steam Gala this weekend
From: Chris Searle
Sent: 03 October 2003 19:46
Subject: The E4 and the A4
Hello Tony
Well done to the MHR for putting on an excellent gala. The best yet! I visited
on the Friday and enjoyed every minute. There was so much going on I had
trouble keeping up with the movements. Had some rousing runs behind the A4,
Std 4 and BoB but the highlight for me was the "doubleheader" with the Ivatt
and Class 33 on the last train out of Alton after No.9 was "taken sick".
41312 stormed up to M+4M. They must have heard her coming in Alresford!!
She showed the 33 what noises a proper railway engine should make! I felt
sorry for poor old Bodmin watching from the yard. At least she had Colin
Chambers entertaining her with the fascinating steam crane.
Attached is a pic of the E4 distracting members of Ropley MPD's elite team.
Perhaps they were not used to seeing such a small loco in the yard. Look
at the surroundings!
Also attached are two pic's of No.9 at her rather wet Winchfield water stop
on Wednesday's C.E. By the time she arrived there was a steady downpour and
I got a good soaking (as did many others who turned up to see her). But it
was well worth it! They might be of some use to you on the site.
Regards
Chris Searle
General opinion at Ropley MPD was that the E4 was the star of the show ...tw
From: Owen Chapman
Sent: 02 October 2003 13:35
Subject: MHR gala (all Saturday)
Tony
You have probably been inundated with photos from this weekend but I thought
I would send a clutch of mine anyway. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and
met some old linesider friends in the process.
I hope more of the same is in the plans
Owen Chapman
From: James Mayl
Sent: 20 September 2003 15:05
Subject: Rail Grinder Leaving
Tony
Whilst not strictly Mid-Hants in it's purest, I attach a
photo of the Network Rail/HTT Rail
Grinder that has been on test with yourselves departing the Mid-Hants this
morning.
I was fully escorted to get the photo, and the 47 was not moving or authorised
to move any time whilst I was on the track.
Regards
James Mayl
The rail grinder was at MHR for commissioning, and to train technicians. During these processes our track was re-ground and re-profiled end-to-end.
Did the 47 have a flashing blue light, James? d:-) ... tw
From: Kevin Kitchen
Sent: 19 September 2003 01:08
Subject: Bodmin's BR Logo
Tony
The picture of the three Pacifics on the Latest
News page is excellent, with Union of South Africa, 92
Squadron and Bodmin all in the same shot!
However, after seeing Bodmin lately, I think it is a shame that her
British Railways logo on the tender has lost all it's colour on one
side, and is flaking off on the other.
I hope the Mid-Hants main line record was maintained yesterday, with
Bodmin's re-introduction to the main line on The Cathedrals
Express. Of couse, she will have a lot to live up to because of the Standard
5's amazing performances this year! (I hope they are looking after her at
Bridgnorth)
Regards
Kevin Kitchen
From: Paul Heinrich
Sent: 15 September 2003 21:58
To: tonywood@watercressline.co.uk
Subject: The Ivatt at Swanage
Tony
Three pictures of the Ivatt enjoying its weekend by the sea. By all accounts
it was a hit with the Swanage crews
Paul Heinrich
From: Keith Brown
Sent: 15 September 2003 20:32
Subject: 41312
Tony - shot of 41312 playing away at
Swanage this Sunday - a lovely day for a trip to the seaside!
KB
From: Rob Forster
Sent: 14 September 2003 21:43
To: Tony Wood
Subject: 34016 crew..
Tony
I'm sure you're being inundated with photos at the moment but as
Bodmin was moving forward to pass 92 Squadron and 60009
for a photo opportunity of the three locos together I snapped a shot
of Andy Jones and Keith Hoddy on
34016. Andy had a driving turn on the MHR having fired
60009 from Worcester on the mainline run.
Rob
From: Johnson, Mike
Sent: 15 September 2003 17:21
Subject: Wokingham Times Article
Tony
I was a passenger on Saturday's 'Severn Standard' and really enjoyed
the trip, especially around my home area of Gloucester and the Golden Valley.
I've got a great video of the climb up the 1 in 60 gradient towards Kemble
with the wonderful 3 cylinder Kylchap exhaust echoing back off the hillsides.
Last week I contacted the Wokingham Times newspaper to say
that a steam train was to pick up for the first time for years (well, since
I went on the last Green Train from there, when the 'N' and 'Black
5' double-headed back from Crewe). They phoned me today and said they had
taken several photos and asked for some background. I had a chat about the
trip and suggested they contacted MHR for details. The article should appear
in this week's issue - out on Thursday.
Mike Johnson
From: Ian Bowskill
Sent: 08 September 2003 10:02
Subject: 34081 @ MHR
Hi Tony
A couple of shots of #34081 working her first passenger train on the MHR
yesterday, Sunday 7th.
I'm sure you'll recognise the locations.
Rgds
Ian Bowskill. BBLS Chairman
www.92squadron.co.uk
From: Charles Burton
Sent: 04 September 2003 19:04
Subject: Another great day on the Watercress Line
Hi Tony
Just to say thank you for another fantastic day and giving us such
enjoyment
Please find attached photo
Best Wishes
Charles
From: M&M Morgan
Sent: 24 August 2003 13:10
Subject: Thomas and Friends
Hello Tony!
Well, I must say, the show you put on for Day Out on Sat. 8/15 was GREAT!
We had a WONDERFUL TIME! .......snip.......
(See Thomas Events: August 2003 reports
for the whole letter)
From: Michael Pearson
Sent: 21 August 2003 19:09
Subject: MHR Today
The Mid-Hants was invaded at Alton Station by the
girls from St Trinians for a photo session.
They will be in action at the Holybourne Theatre in September.
Bodmin was on one of the service trains today. The photo shows
it approaching Medstead with a train
for Alton and about to pass the Ivatt, which was headed for Alresford.
Best regards
Mike Pearson
From: Jim Russell
Subject: HOT AND BOTHERED AT THOMAS
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2003 21:46:21 +0100
Hi Tony
Today (Wednesday) was the first day of the current 'Thomas' event where the
heat almost became bearable
We owe our people a huge vote of thanks for sticking with it, whatever part
they play. The loco crews, I have heard, measured 150°F* on the Class
5 footplate on Saturday - that is just not funny. I don't know how the crews
managed to stay on 'Thomas' with such a small cab. We should also spare a
thought for the Fat Controller who, with the temperature well over 30 degrees
C, refused to appear in other than a frock coat, waistcoat and top hat!
Working conditions for all were far from comfortable anywhere but still we
all smiled and got on with the job and ensured our customers had a good day
out despite the debilitating effects of the weather
Today, though, we nearly had a 'show stopper' as there was a huge fire on
the opposite side of Ropley village to the railway (no, we were not responsible).
There were well over 10 fire appliances in attendance at one stage I understand.
The Fire Service took so much water that the mains pressure failed at Ropley
station and we almost ran out of water to make tea!! Hot and sunny - no problem
to rufty tufty railway people who take that in their stride. But no tea!!
- completely unacceptable - even the Signalman nearly seized up through lack
of lubrication. Fortunately the water pressure was restored just before the
tea urn ran dry - that was a very close run thing indeed
A massive, massive thank you to all our team
Regards
Jim Russell
*Your webmaster was collared by Mike Pearson today at Ropley and asked to correct the bit in Jim's letter about "150°F" to "50°C" Mike said he was driving at the time, and it was his thermometer, so he should know! .. tw, 17th August 2003
Thomas Events: August 2003 reports
Subject: Bus rally event
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 12:37:26 +0100
Hi Tony
Thank you for a really enjoyable and well organised day out. Please convey
our thanks to the many people that helped to make it run so well. I will
look forward to coming next year!
Many thanks
Terry Wolf & Clive Harold
From: Charles Burton
Subject: Birthday treat
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 20:06:22 +0100
Tony
Just quick note to say how I enjoyed my first trip on the Watercress Line,
which made a man of 44 very happy.
regards
Charles Burton
p.s Engine 41312; used on our trip
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2003 9:44 PM
Subject: War on the Line 2003
Hi All
My wife and I would like to congratulate all those involved in this year's
War on the Line weekend. We both had such a wonderful time; what excellent
value for money. We had never been to anything like this before so wondering
what type of costume to wear was mind blowing, but being members of St John
Ambulance we managed to scrounge enough bits of uniform together to make
this possible. Not only were we asked many times if we were for real or just
acting we replied "we came for the pleasure but should an incident occur
we are here to help" and what should happen, a local person managed to trip
over a platform trolley and become one of our casualties. Fortunately it
was not too serious so we patched him up and he went on his way.
I have attached some photos you may like to add.
Regards
Ian
Mr. Ian Huxstep-Evans
From: Don Gilham
Subject: Any use ?
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 13:05:08 +0100
Hi Tony
I was lucky enough, on Saturday (the War on the Line weekend), to catch "bed
time" down at Ropley. These pictures (much reduced in size) were taken that
evening, would you like full res pictures to include on the website ?
Best wishes
Don
Thank you Don. This size will do just fine .. tw One Two Three
From: Cathryn Bennett
Subject: 92 Squadron
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2003 13:50:03 +0100
Hi Tony
Don't know if this is of any use to you or not, it is
92 Squadron taken when she was up at
NYMR as visiting loco and was failed with firebox cracks etc., and ended
up being repaired there. 2001, I think it was.
Anyway feel free to use it if you want to.
Cathryn
From: Chris Searle
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 20:48:39 GMT+01:00
Subject: 34081 visit
Hi Tony
I was delighted to see that #34081 92 Squadron is to visit
the MHR. I have only seen this loco in action once since it returned to traffic
and that was when the Green Train visited the NVR in April. It will
be great to see how the spamcan tackles the Alps, with nine on perhaps?
It will be interesting to compare it to 34105* Swanage. She used to
fly up the banks with a satisfying rasp!! Has anyone thought of lining up
34016, 34081, 34105 (or 34102) and 35005 at Ropley for a photo charter? Nine
Elms reborn!! That would bring in the enthusiasts.
Attached is a picture of 34081 at the head
of the GreenTrain posing with the MHR support coach at Wansford.
Perhaps you could use it as an appetiser on the website
Regards
Chris Searle
*talking of Swanage, is there any news yet about it's future?
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