From: Clive Fairchild
Sent: 18 May 2004 10:48
Subject: Our Thumper
Tony
Attached are two images of 205025 going through Carshalton Beeches at 1040
this morning. It didn't 'arf smell of diesel!!
Clive
From: Lee Osborne
Sent: 15 May 2004 22:24
Subject: Thumper on the Mid-Hants!
I'm very excited to hear that 205 025 has found
a home at the Mid-Hants. I love the Thumpers, and it's great that
the line will now have a truly authentic DMU on it. I can't wait to sample
it thrashing up the bank from Alton!
I don't know if any decisions have been made on livery yet, but I'd like
to put in a request - please don't paint it green! Just about every preserved
unit in the country ends up green - I for one would love to see it either
in blue and grey, which is now well and truly a heritage livery, or plain
blue, as the final BR trains on the line were painted.
Lee
From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 12 May 2004 22:50
Subject: #73096 on BDW Cathedrals Express
Hello Tony
#73096 made a noisy ascent up the 1:70 to Upton Scudamore, a fine tribute
to BDW
Picture attached and
movie
(12th May 2004, 3MB) by
my son Michael (age 6)
Best regards
Nigel Wilson
From: Malcolm Wilton-Jones
Sent: 12 May 2004 16:27
Subject: 73096 this morning
... at Reading West
Malcolm
 |
From: Ken Alexander Sent: 12 May 2004 12:12 Subject: BRYAN DUDLEY-WARD Memorial Train Tony 73096 passing through Sunningdale this morning with the BRYAN DUDLEY-WARD Memorial Train
It was nice to see so many people on it. He will be truly missed |
From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 02 May 2004 22:39
Subject: M4M buses
Tony
The warm spring day brought many visitors to the Watercress Line, many of
them enjoying the free bus services on their second day of the season.
It is hoped that each month two different buses from the working collection
will be used. Today saw Aldershot & District Dennis Lance K4 No.220
and Brighton Corporation Leyland PD2 No.23 in action.
A&D 220 represented an authentic operator with authentic route number
shuttling between Medstead and Alton
a. both bus and train are ready to depart for
Alton
b. outside Medstead
c. at Alton
d. Brighton No.23 was somewhat off route
at Selbourne. [this is Duncan Richardson's bus, seen as Bulgie at
Thomas events]
Regards
David Charlesworth
From: Martin
Sent: 28 April 2004 15:14
Subject: Bittern
Tony
Anyway the lads working on the A4 might like to know there's a nice colour
picture of a real live bittern on the front
cover of the RSPB summer magazine which I've just received. Tell them
to make sure they get the colours right!
Actually I've yet to see a live bittern. They are pretty rare birds in Britain,
mainly found as winter visitors. One place which is said to be a good spot
to see them is the special bittern watch point in the Lee Valley Country
Park near Waltham Abbey in Essex. The only time I went there I didn't see
one!
However I managed to see the A4 version quite a few times. 60019 was a Gateshead
(52A) engine and like the rest of the Gateshead A4s it wasn't the most common
'Streak' in the London area. The last 2 A4's I needed to complete the class
were both based at Gateshead. 52A locos worked mainly on the overnight sleepers
in both directions which meant on arrival in London they spent most of the
day on Kings Cross shed. Then in the mid-1950s a relief train to the 10.00
Flying Scotsman appeared in the timetable, this left KX at 10.10 and was
wo rked by a Gateshead A4 which had worked in on an up overnight sleeper.
After that it was only a matter of time before the ones I needed, 60023 Golden
Eagle and then last of all was 60002 Sir Murrough Wilson, turned up.
Martin
From: satochu
Sent: 28 April 2004 10:09
Subject: The report of a visit
Hello Tony
Do you remember me?
I am Takehiko
Satoh of Japan who visited (three of us) in April, last year
The Thomas the tank engine event of your railways was visited only
by only me this year because, my wife has become pregnant now. By such reason,
wife and son postponed travel this year.
Therefore, many souvenirs to a family were purchased this year in your railway's
shop. When she recovers her strength after the delivery, we will visit (4
of us) in the summer of next year.
I visited this year on the final day of the event.
Several photographs are appended. To freedom!
One
Two
Three
We wait for next summer to pleasure
Regards
Takehiko Satoh
Tokyo Japan
From: Christopher Searle
Sent: 27 April 2004 19:41
Subject: MHR in Radio Times
Hello Tony
I don't know whether you know already but the railway has an excellent piece
of PR in the new issue of the Radio Times (1-7 May edition) out today.
Alan Titchmarsh has a column praising various rural aspects of the UK. This
edition he "gets misty-eyed about the golden age of the train...." His
main topic is the Wensleydale Railway revival but he does comment on the
attraction of steam locomotives. The gardener from Yorkshire now resident
in Hampshire (near the railway I hear) comments: "I still get a thrill out
of seeing the steam trains of The Watercress Line, which run from
Alton to Alresford through some of the county's prettiest scenery". Henry
O'Dwyer's latest picture excellently
illustrates this comment. Alan also picks the MHR as one of his top seven
railway routes in the country alongside the S & C. Praise indeed! I thought
you might like to know about the article. I was pleased to see a general
interest magazine praising railways for a change!
Also it's nice to see all that hard work going on in the "Top Link" shed
of the South. The "Streak" and the "Space Ship" (9F) should go a treat after
getting the Ropley treatment. I have great admiration for the work that goes
on in what is now a very busy department. The railway MPD never really gets
the credit it deserves in the monthly "comics" but hopefully with two big
loco's entering the main line fray soon and two already in action you should
get more coming your way.
Finally my parents heard a loco out on the main line today at lunch time,
whistling through Aldershot. My father couldn't work out whether it was 34016
or 73096. Could you put his mind at rest? Anyway he said it made a pleasant
change from the noisy horns on the new Desiro's !
Regards
Chris Searle
Yes Chris, #73096 went to Guildford today to turn ready for tomorrow's
excursion ... tw
(Added 21st April 2004)
March 30, 2004
Greetings and Hello
Early on Friday, March 12th my flight from San Francisco glided into London
Heathrow. It was the start of a `transport weekend' of trains and planes
in England and Wales.
It was cold and windy, with bits of snow falling to the tarmac. After the
Heathrow Express and a Tube ride I boarded a
modern Southwest Trains EMU and whisked from Waterloo to Alton.
I dropped off my pack at the guest house and made my way back to the station.
I purchased my Mid Hants ticket and crossed the footbridge.
I spent all day Friday riding and watching the many steam trains operating
for the Branch Line Weekend. From beginning to
end your entire staff was gracious, helpful and most enthusiastic. The trains
were beautiful, the stations historic. In spite of the rain everyone was
having fun.
Everything you do in support of the Mid-Hants Railroad was greatly appreciated.
Coming from far away I was not sure what to expect. I got a wonderful day,
one that I will remember for a long time.
Thanks ever so much for sharing your special place with me.
Warmest Regards and Best Wishes
Rick Barnes
San Bruno, CA
USA
Mid-1980s photo of my hometown railroad. Caltrain operates loco hauled trains with five bi-level cars between San Francisco and San Jose.
This letter arrived by post, and we now have the
writer's OK to show it to you here. Thank you , Rick ..
tw
From: Denise Martin
Sent: 20 April 2004 21:02
Subject: accommodation
Dear Webmaster
We run a small B&B in East Tisted near Alton. We have had several visitors
stay with us, from around the world, who have enjoyed a day at the Watercress
Line. We mention you on our website and wondered if we could be included
on yours.
Look forward to hearing from you
Denise Martin
www.flossiesbnb.co.uk
Happy to oblige .. tw
From: Kenneth Westcar
Sent: 21 April 2004 01:53
Subject: Visit on April 10th
Tony, we have just arrived back in Canada after sampling 73096 for a second
time on the Cathedrals Express programme and enjoying a half day with you
and Thomas. I am the volunteer publicity representative for the Southern
Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society and we operate a heritage 0-6-0 steam
locomotive and coach consist around southern Ontario during the summer months.
I just wish more of our members could witness the achievements of MHR. The
photographs I took do not tell the full story but I’m hoping you will see
a few more maple leaf patches as my fellow members visit you and see what
is possible with hard work and enthusiasm. If you want to check it out our
web site is: www.steam-train.org
Ken Westcar
Woodstock, ON
Canada
From: Carolyne Drummie
Sent: 19 April 2004 15:53
Subject: Thomas the Tank Engine
Dear all
We came to your Thomas Day on the 17th April, and what a fantastic
time we had. Both our Children, (Oakley 3yrs and Willow 1 3/4) are avid fans
and were delighted, the looks on their faces were absolutely magic. We often
come for a Train ride at the weekends and the stations are always well maintained
and clean and a real credit to you all.
We would like to say a big thank you for all the time and effort that was
made by all the volunteers in helping make the day a truly wonderful experience
and we can honestly say it was one of the best days out we have had as a
family and very reasonable too.
Well done and look forward to the next day out with Thomas.
Kind regards
Carolyne, David, Oakley & Willow Drummie
p.s. Oakley would like to know when his favourite James will
be running, as he was quite upset that he was being repaired in the engine
shed, thanks
Hello Oakley
We have sent away a boiler to be repaired for James, but this is a big job, so you may have another birthday before it's finished... tw
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 17 April 2004 11:29
Subject: April 7th.at Victoria
Saturday:11.20am
Good Morning, Tony
Promised pictures for the files of your engine and carriages (Ah!, those
green S.R.carriages) standing at Victoria Station on April 7th. As you can
see by the clock, a little late leaving; departure was scheduled at 11.50
am, but what's another 5 minutes to admire the view of rare sighting in London.
Regards
Horace
From: Stephen Brind
Sent: 15 April 2004 13:00
Subject: EASTER SUNDAY AT ROPLEY
Hi there Tony
Just wanted to say what a fab time the family had at the recent event in
Ropley.
It was very well put together with plenty to see and do. The weather was
great so made the most of the sunshine.
Once again many thanks to all involved, and see you again next year.
Best Regards
Steve, Jenny, Chloe and Michael Brind;
Mick and Chris Watson
(From Sandhurst)
From: Mark Grafton
Sent: 04 April 2004 20:56
Subject: A4/HST Hybrid
Dear Tony
A very good picture of Bittern on 1st
of April: it took me about two minutes to figure out what was being said
in the text
Regards
Mark
d:-) ... tw
From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 04 April 2004 17:59
Subject: New Vintage Bus Service
Tony
Here are 3 pics of the 1st day of the new vintage
bus service:
a. The red Thames Valley is ready
to depart from M4M for Alton via Chawton for Jane Austen's House
the blue/yellow Eastbourne bus calls at Selbourne for
Gilbert White's
house;
b. At Alton;
c. Jane Austen's house in
the background at Chawton;
and
d. This is just for the black
carriage end fans
rgds
David Charlesworth
From: Keith BrownSent: 05 April 2004 22:57 Subject: Medstead & Four Marks: multimodal transport hub! Some pictures from our first day of bus trips to and from Medstead & Four Marks yesterday (Sunday 4 April) A rather fine ex-Eastbourne Brake-bodied AEC Regent is shown at the station, operating somewhat out of area on the Petersfield - Liss – Selborne – Chawton – Medstead & Four Marks route Peter Pribik’s ex-Thames Valley Dennis Loline (with a side gangway and unusual staggered seating on the top deck) is seen on the Medstead & Four Marks – Chawton – Alton route at Chawton (by Jane Austen’s House) and outside the Station Café, Alton Our next trips operate on Sunday 2 May Photos by Keith Brown And at Selborne (Photo: Terry Chase) |
From: Chris Jones
Sent: 04 April 2004 18:52
Subject: Butts Junction Track Diagram
I was wondering if anyone knows where it would be possible to obtain a full
track diagram of Butts Junction when it was a three way affair?
Many thanks to anyone who can help
Chris Jones
|
From: Jim Russell Sent: 05 April 2004 00:25 To: Cjones ...... Cc: Tony Wood Subject: BUTTS Jct. DIAGRAM Hi Chris Having seen your letter on the Railway's web site I wondered if the attached would be of any use to you Regards Jim Russell District Inspector
|
From: Phill Brentor
Sent: 02 April 2004 12:24
Subject: Oh Ha Ha
Yep....Bittern looks good as an
IC125.......not fooled here
Try again next year
Phill
From: Iain Kernaghan
Sent: 29 March 2004 17:55
Subject: Cathedrals Express 28 03 2004
Hi
I planned to meet up with a friend in Reading station yesterday, and thanks
to the internet found out about 73096 working the day before. I've no idea
who ran the tour, but saw MHR on the stock so guess you had some involvement.
I must say the departure from Reading was brilliant! Miles better than Nunney
Castle out of Victoria (which got a shove from a 47) Well done to the crew!
Iain
From: Mike Rowley
Sent: 29 March 2004 16:31
Subject: Wonderful Visit
Dear Tony and all the volunteers
Just a little note to say thank you so much for making me feel so welcome
during my visit on Sunday 28th March. It is so nice to be greeted with a
warm and friendly: "Good Morning"
Without doubt The Watercress Line is the most friendly of preserved lines
Mike Rowley
Cheshire
From: Philip Hunt
Sent: 20 March 2004 10:53
Subject: SOUTH WESTERN GALA - A Triumph for All Concerned
Dear Tony
Given all the other people who have written to you (more promptly than I)
it is difficult to add anything to the praise that has already been heaped
on this event. Having seen the Beattie on shed at Ropley on Wednesday 10
March I was determined to come over the weekend to ride on and film the services.
I came on the Saturday when we were treated at times to the most wonderful
lighting effects in between periods of cloud or worse. At one point at M
& 4M we were sheltering under the footbridge from a hailstorm and the
next moment the Prairie arrived smokebox first into a sunlit station - magic.
However, the greatest thanks must go to the organisers of this imaginative
event. This includes the other railways who loaned locos and the crews. But
the person who devised the ingenious timetable, with through trains and
self-contained shuttles adding so much variety to the day, really deserves
a gong. As another correspondent has said, I hope this formula can be repeated
again some time. Obviously for an event with largely a line up of main line
locos a different set up would probably be required. I have attended a similar
branch line event at a certain other railway in Sussex, which has a fine
reputation for the vintage scene, but I have to say that the Mid Hants last
weekend surpassed that.
Best wishes
Philip Hunt
Thank you Philip for your encouragement. Suggest you ride the line during our bluebell season to experience their scent blended with steam at Medstead Bank on a mild evening ...tw
From: Ian & Darren Francis
Sent: 19 March 2004 21:46
Subject: SOUTH WESTERN BRANCHLINE WEEKEND
Hi Tony
Just a short note to say how much we enjoyed the South Western Branchline
weekend, on Saturday 13 March. We based ourselves at Ropley, and think this
was the best place to be, with the non stop action of the through trains,
and branch line services. It was £30 well spent, and worth travelling
70 miles each way from Swanley in Kent.
Just out of interest when did the visiting engines return home?
Well Done, and Thank you
Ian & Darren Francis
The Prairie was last away and departed yesterday morning (18th March)
... tw
From: John H Bird
Sent: 15 March 2004 22:41
Subject: Victoriana at Alresford
Dear Tony
I know you have received many excellent pix already, but the sight of 250
years or so of Victorian engineering in an
authentic Victorian setting was certainly something worth talking about!
Best wishes
John H Bird
From: Colin Roberts
Sent: 12 March 2004 19:56
Subject: Branch Line Gala
Tony
Thank you to all involved in making the Branch Line
gala go so well today, from Dave Wiseman and a volcanic Bodmin
to the fascinating Beattie Well Tank and her crew from Cornwall.
Great atmosphere, loads to see and do, looking forward to another visit on
Sunday.
Colin Roberts
From: J.S. Feltham
Sent: 09 March 2004 14:16
To: Jim Russell
Subject: Harry Usmar
Hi Jim
Would you like to forward this photograph of
Harry on to whoever does the web site.
Harry had a passion for black and white movies and he followed this up by
becoming a film projectionist at a Portsmouth cinema. When colour films came
into vogue Harry's interest waned and he turned to his second interest -
radios. For a number of years he worked in a radio shop where he used his
knowledge and skills in mending them. He wasapparentlyquite an accomplished
radio engineer. He was called to do his stint of National Service and served
in the army on the Suez Canal zone. During the two years in Egypt he was
promoted to corporal. He returned to the projectionist job for a while and
then worked as a radio engineer again. His hobbies included photography and
painting. It was a great day for him when he joined the M-H.R. and became
an engine cleaner, after which he gradually worked his way up to driver.
Nineteen people attended the service including two from the locomotive department
and Thelma and myself.
Best regards,
John
(Harry died recently. He left the railway in the early
1980's)
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