Latest
Mid-Hants Railway e-letters, same-day photos and videos from
our erudite regular readers
Latest Correspondence
Remember
to press
for the up-to-date page
BEWARE:
Any
e-mail you receive purporting to be FROM
(e.g.)
reservations@watercressline.co.uk
or tonywood@watercressline.co.uk
may
have an attachment carrying a mass-mailing worm to
harvest false 'from'
addresses from your
computer's address-book. Our
domain address works only for mail inward
to
MHR
Address
your e-letters to: tonywood@watercressline.co.uk
[Will not accept files > 5MB]
|
: Over the Alps Spring Gala Condemned 76017 Santa Specials RAT in The Observer
From: Martin Curtis
Sent: 03 January 2009 15:30
Subject: Photos
Hi Tony
A few shots I took today of the Std
5 and the DMMU.
For the lineside photos I do hold a valid PTS and I am a
volunteer on the railway.
A
perfect day for taking photos.
Enjoy
Regards
Martin Curtis
Station Staff, Ropley
From: Alex Penfold
Sent: 02 January 2009 15:36
Subject: Watercress Line
Tony
I was out taking some pictures today and I managed to get this shot with my iPhone.
It's not the best camera but the shot is quite atmospheric.
From: Henry O'Dwyer
Sent: 31 December 2008 15:59
Subject: Calendar 2009
Hi Tony
Decided to do one this year, so here's January.
Doing my head in missing all that nice light/weather there recently. Some very nice pictures on-site to. Just can't get away.
I was booked for a Wedding shoot on WOTL day, and the rest of my time
is being taken up by a Kumo - a BMW E36 328i race car.
Prepping and painting the shell inside and out and everything else. Silver over Purple eventually.
Anyway,
Happy New Year,
Rgds,
H
From: Tony Wood
To: Matt Allen
Sent: 30 December 2008 09:31
Subject: Seems others like the photo too
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/images/svdec08.jpg
Tony Wood
Webmaster
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 31 December 2008 11:21
Hi Tony
Excellent stuff, that’s an impressive amount of hits.
I had a call from “The Observer”
today, they’ve seen the pic on your website and have asked for a
copy. Looks like they want to use it in their magazine that comes
out on Sunday, something in the “Travel” section!
Have a great NY.
Regards,
Matt
Article today in The Observer on MHR's RAT but I didn't find Matt's Chawton Bank photo of #34007 there ... tw, 4th Jan 2009
From: David Allsop
Sent: 30 December 2008 13:46
Subject: MHR 28th December 2008
Tony
May I wish a happy and a prosperous New Year to you and all at the Mid Hants Railway.
I enclose some digital photos taken on Sunday 28th December 2008 when
Standard Class No 73096 and WC Class No 34007 Wadebridge were on the
service trains and as an added bonus the Thumper arrive at Medstead and
Four Marks Station while I was there.
Incidentally, the photo of 34007 Wadebridge running up through Chawton
Woods was the penultimate Alton to Alresford train of the 2008
season.
Regards
David Allsop
One Two Three
David Allsop holds an
MHR PTS Cert and is on the MHR Official Photographers list ...
tw
From: John Godfrey
Sent: 27 December 2008 18:09
Subject: Christmas Leave
Tony
Congratulations on a superb event today. I took my wife along for only
her second visit to the MHR and what a good choice! Superb atmosphere,
late running trains (enemy action!!) and even hot water rationing due
to boiler failure in the buffet coach! However that aside the day was
great and I have a few pictures of the scene at Alresford Station.
The event must have been good as my wife now wants to go to War on the Line next year!!
Congratulations once again.
John & Irina Godfrey
Hedge End
One Two Three Four Five Six
From: Colin Fuller
Sent: 30 December 2008
Dear Tony
I am so pleased that Christmas Leave
was such a success and much appreciated by the public and the
re-enactors. The messages of thanks make all the effort
worthwhile.
Once again people travelled from all over the country and abroad to be
at Alresford on the 27th. The entertainers alone started from Kent at
4.00 a.m.
I attach a picture of the Clover Girls performing their act in the Station Yard.
My thanks to all those who contributed to the event.
Colin
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 27 December 2008 12:35
Subject: MHR Boxing Day
Hi Tony
Hope you had a great Xmas.
The great weather was too much for me the resist yesterday afternoon - the light was as good as it gets.
Matt
From: The Deane Family
Sent: 24 December 2008 17:36
Subject: Santa Specials
Dear All
We have just returned from the 12.15 Santa Special
from Alresford today. It is our Little Girl's first Christmas (she is 7
months old) and as soon as we stepped on the platform she knew
something special was happening. All the staff couldn't do enough and
when Santa turned up well our Little Girl's smile said it all. Plus
Santa coming back for photo a with her made our day! The only
thing we were concerned about was that no one checked our tickets
anyone could have jumped on the train; surely this can't be good
practice?
A fantastic day out.
Happy Christmas and Happy New Year to all at the Watercress Line
Steve and Tara Deane
Checking tickets is not a problem, Steve: we just count the empty seats - if there were any - and don't inconvenience our passengers. ... tw
From: C & N Roberts
Sent: 23 December 2008 19:03
Subject: Santa Specials
Dear Tony
My wife and I have just returned from taking our two children on the Santa Special from Alresford this afternoon.
We
would both like to express our thanks to all the staff and volunteers
who made our afternoon so special. From the moment we were welcomed
onto the platform, the staff and volunteers went out of their way to
make sure we all enjoyed our trip. A special thank-you to Santa, who
gave the children some lovely presents, then returned for some
photographs, which we will treasure.
As we pulled into Alresford at
the end of the trip, our 2 year old son gave everyone a round of
applause........a super start to Christmas.
Thank you to the Watercress Line - it is more than a day out, it builds memories that we will treasure for many years!
Colin and Nicci Roberts
From: Tony Lamb
Sent: 22 December 2008 16:04
Subject: Xmas Lunch
Please forward this letter to the Chairman/CEO of the Watercress Line
Dear Sir
I booked a party of four for the Xmas Lunch on the Watercress Line on the 12th December 2008.
I am writing to express how delightful the experience turned out to be.
Every single aspect of the event had been carefully thought out and
executed by your people, making it a most memorable occasion.
The cuisine was excellent, the food was piping hot and delicious. It
was served flawlessly by the most attentive of staff. The dining
carriage was dressed to the highest standard making for a most
comfortable ride and meal. The stations along the route were equally
well presented and added to the occasion.
All in all, I cannot think of a more pleasurable experience that I or my party have had for many years.
Please be sure to commend all your people for a job well done, they certainly deserve it!
Yours Sincerely
Tony Lamb
Managing Director
Smart Electronic Technologies Ltd
North Street
Winkfield
From: Gavin & Elaine
Sent: 16 December 2008 17:26
Subject: Bittern pic
Hi Tony
Here in Perth, many people remember Bittern pounding the rails
between Glasgow and Aberdeen in the last days of her BR service. I have
to say that I am not old enough to be one of them!
The railscot.co.uk website is building an enormous archive of railway photos and today's "new additions" feature one of Bittern leaving Perth with the Aberdeen - Glasgow Buchanan Street service. It can be seen here: http://ccgi.ewanbeth.force9.co.uk/cgi-bin/images/imagecomplete.php?id=21779.
Sadly, the direct line between Perth and Aberdeen is no more, sharing the same fate as Buchanan Street station.
Your contemporary Bittern gallery shows that at least one element of that era is still alive and well though!
Cheers
Gavin
From: Peter Cutler
Sent: 15 December 2008 20:55
Subject: Matt Allen
Tony
I expect someone else has pointed this out to Matt but in case it has
passed him by, his panned shot of CanPac which accompanied the article
about the Mid Hants in November 2008 'Railway Magazine' is described by
a letter writer in that publication’s current (January) issue as
‘the most beautiful railway shot I’ve ever seen’.
Pete
Pete is a MHR volunteer; Matt is a PTS-holding MHR official photographer ... tw
There was an amusing aside from John Sowerby about this in the MPD mess room. He was rostered on the footplate
on this run, was about to use the pep pipe and had called "Feet up" -
as is customary.
More 'characteristic' would be Duncan's position in the header photo here ... tw
From: John Sowerby
Sent: 21 December 2008 22:29
Tony
A slight correction to what was
said about the person sitting on the side of the cab of CP: I'm the
person sitting there (the cleaner), Neil, (the fireman) was the one who
had just shouted 'Feet!', so I had quickly sat up there to avoid
getting a boot-full (it's better than standing on the shovelling plate
and banging one's head on the roof), and the driver, Nigel, almost had
his feet on the reverser.
John
From: John Digby
Sent: 08 December 2008 16:22
Subject: 2008 Santa Specials
Dear Tony
After
seeing pictures on the website, I saw that there were no pictures of
34007 on the Alton Santa Specials. I later found out from David Warwick
that several Santa Specials have been cancelled due to low bookings.
Would you be able to confirm that this is true? I myself am booked onto
the Alresford Santa Special on 24th December with my family. I was
under the impression that they had to increase capacity on trains to 7
coaches.
Regards
John Digby
To: Watercress Line Reservations
Sent: 10 December 2008 10:59
I don’t know about this: may I leave it to you to reply from HQ, please Rod? ..tw
From: Watercress Line Reservations
Sent: 10 December 2008 13:15
Hi John
Traditionally bookings are always low on the first weekend we operate
the Santa Specials and heaviest on the last weekend before Christmas.
If trains run with only a few passengers on them they lack the
atmosphere that is generated when the carriage is full.
We therefore took a conscious decision early on to cancel the trains
from Alton on the first weekend and to concentrate all bookings at the
Alresford end. The option was to reinstate the Alton services if
bookings required it. As it happened, by the middle of last week all
seats had been sold on the Alresford services and these were the ones
we operated.
Due to the heavy demand on 20th, 21st and 24th December, we added an
extra (7th) coach last Wednesday and by Monday this week, all the
additional seats had been sold.
Regards
Rod Wicks
Reservations Team
Watercress Line
Our Santa Specials have run at 99.5% capacity this year
From: Craig Nobbs
Sent: 08 December 2008 14:06
Subject: RAT
Dear Tony
I would be most grateful if you could pass on my thanks to all
concerned for a splendid evening on Saturday's RAT. Our group had a
great pre-Christmas jolly, enjoying some excellent ales and it was all
made possible by the efforts of the on-board team; they do an
outstanding job time and again.
As for atmosphere, I have to say how ethereal a gently simmering
Bullied looked in the freezing cold by gaslight at Alresford station.
Sorry, but no photo could do it justice!
Finally, may I wish you all the compliments of the Season.
Best wishes
Craig Nobbs
Thank you Craig ... tw
From: Sue and Doug Adams
Sent: 06 December 2008 21:04
Subject: TODAY'S SANTA SPECIAL
To:- The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Watercress Line
We have just returned from taking two granddaughters on the 1:50
Santa's Special from Alresford today. A magical event, for
which many thanks must go to the few people we did see and the many in
the background who we did not, who make not only events like this but
the very railway's existence possible.
A heartfelt Thank You
Sue and Doug Adams
From: Chris Searle
Sent: 06 December 2008 15:56
Subject: First Santa Specials of the year
Hello Tony
I made a visit down this morning in the excellent lighting conditions to catch my favourite loco in action on Santa Special duty
Kind Regards
Chris Searle
P.S. All the pictures were taken on the right side of the fence and not on any farmland
From: Colin Chambers
Sent: 01 December 2008 12:35
Subject: Spring Gala
MET 1 and Beattie Well tank - both from Quainton Road - confirmed for Spring Gala
Regards
Colin Chambers
Managing Director
Mid Hants Railway Ltd 'Watercress Line'
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 01 December 2008 17:35
Hi Tony
A couple more pics you might find useful ! One Two
Matt
From: Paul Bardill
Sent: 27 November 2008 17:06
Subject: 76017
Hello
I was wondering if you might be able to help me out at all. A few years
ago you ran an event (possibly a steam gala) where 76017, your Standard
4MT, was dragged around as a condemned locomotive in a sort of 'scrap
train'.
I was wondering if you had a picture of this at all? I've been
searching the internet but currently haven't found anything.
Many thanks
Paul Bardill
Yes, Paul; we ran a gala
(in 1997, IIRC) commemorating the end of SR steam and had 76017 and other locos
marked as 'condemned' and towed 'to the scrapyard' by diesels. I recall that it was all so realistic it brought tears to the eyes of many enthusiasts present. The event was held before my involvement with MHR website.
I don't have any photos from then but we'll ask the others here ... tw
From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 29 November 2008
In answer to Paul Bardill's question there is a photo of 76017 in
Mid-Hants News no.93 Summer 1997 edition by Charlotte Candler.
From: Tony Storey
Sent: 29 November 2008 22:25
Dear Tony
Having looked through my slides from the "End of Steam" event in July
1997, I have found a couple of 76017 worth scanning, although they're
not wonderful.
Tony Storey
Thank you both ... tw
From: Paul Bardill
Sent: 01 December 2008 15:47
Thanks ever so much for all your help!
Paul
From: David Wright
Sent: 27 November 2008 21:08
Subject: Steel bending
Dear Sir
Just for your information, I have just had a set of hot bent steam pipes made in this country
for two locomotives, so it is possible to do the work in the UK, it
just takes a bit of time to sort. In the end, I had three
suppliers, all quoting....the pipes I had made were around 6" diameter
as well.....
By the way, congratulations on a superb website from the locoshed point
of view. I am watching what you are doing with your austerity
boiler very carefully ready for when I commence the work on my own
austerity boiler!!
Regards
David Wright
From: Henry ODwyer
Sent: 24 November 2008 21:47
To: Tony Wood
Subject: December 2008 calendar
Hi Tony
Well here's December.
I've had fun digging out some older pictures and it's been a interesting exercise.
Positive comments and feedback have been received both here and at the rly, all much appreciated thank you.
Rgds to all,
H.
From: Martin Taylor
Sent: 26 November 2008 19:52
Subject: Calendar Pages
Hi Tony
Just a short note that I hope you can pass on to Henry for his fabulous
pages that make up the calendar for the year – fantastic work and
a great deal of effort has gone into doing these.
Lets hope he finds the inspiration for next year as well
Kind Regards
Martin
From: Mark White
Sent: 23 November 2008 16:44
Subject: New Poster Boards At Ropley
Tony
Here is a picture of one of our new poster boards at Ropley, complete
with replica British Railways signage and reproduction closure
notice.
Regards
Mark
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 20 November 2008 14:00
Subject: 850 Lord Nelson
Hi Tony
The last time LORD NELSON (besides
standing in Trafalgar Square) was seen in London, we have to look back
to 2007. Here pictured at Victoria awaiting a departure to Canterbury
in May of that year: One Two Three Four
Also from the same month, the B/W pictures show his Lordship making a stop at Staines on the way to Bath/Bristol. Five Six
B/Ws with a Rollei; Nikon for the colour; shot on film.
Regards
Horace
We’re looking forward to
having Lord Nelson at MHR: I think we’ll be the only line with
locos giving 4, 6 and 8 chuffs per revolution! ... tw
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 19 November 2008 20:05
Subject: Nelson
Hi Tony
Thought this pic might come in useful!
Thanks
Matt
From: Graham Bone
Sent: 17 November 2008 10:15
Subject: A great evening out
Dear Sir
The group in the attached photo would like to thank all of the staff involved in Saturday's Dining Train for making a perfect evening for us all. The staff were outstanding, the food was outstanding and the atmosphere was great.
We are booking another trip in the Summer followed by Christmas 2009 - who knows what our theme will be!
Please pass on our thanks to all concerned.
Regards
Graham Bone
Mustang Engineering Ltd
From: Robin Higgs
Sent: 11 November 2008 00:41
Subject: Sponsored Walk
As Society President, I
would like to give my most sincere thanks to all of you who, in
decidedly inclement weather, took part in the Society`s Sponsored Walk
on Saturday 8th of November 2008. That it turned out to be the success
it was, is down to you, the participants.
With 219 walkers, it is likely that the total raised, when all the
money is in, will see, with Gift Aid, in the order of £5.5k
being put towards the restoration of the Standard 4, an amazing amount which I believe breaks
all previous records.
It was a magnificent effort by everyone concerned; walking along a
railway line is very different and not the easiest of things to do. But
I know from the comments made on arrival at Alresford, how interesting
many people found it. I also saw how much pleasure, from the youngsters
who took part, to people like Eric Pavey at 92 years young, was to be
derived from contributing to the railway which is so much a part
of our lives.
My thanks to you all.
Robin Higgs OBE
From: Jeremy de Souza
Sent: 09 November 2008 21:47
Subject: Thanks for the excellent Over
the Alps event
Well done for the event - my first time but certainly not my last!
Please find attached a link
to my pictures. If you are interested in
any for your use I am very happy to make them freely available.
Regards
Jeremy de
Souza
Thank
you Jeremy. Excellent photos! ... tw
From: Mike Bechley
Sent: 09 November 2008 16:33
Subject: Sponsored Walk, 8 November 2008
Dear Tony
It was a pleasant surprise to see so many turn out for the annual walk
- please could you publish the results on the website in due course?
Whilst one of my favourite engines, 34016 Bodmin, has moved since I was
last able to visit the line, can I assume that she is destined to
remain out of service for some time? I would assume that funds do not
reach to restoring it to former glory and Mid-Hants running?
Mike Bechley
Life Member
I
expect our fund raiser par excellence, Derek
Seaton, will in due course
publish details of funds raised on the walk, probably in the MHRPS
magazine: Mid Hants News (sent free to MHRPS members.)
As
yet no decision has been made as to whether to overhaul #34016; the
hire contract expires in 2014. It can be seen in the loco yard at
Ropley. You can follow the restorations and repairs through
the loco shed pages of
our website: we have quite a few locos currently
under repair (e.g. #31806, #10, #75079, #45379, #92212, #828, #30506,
#30499) and a waiting list of restorations and planned heavy general
overhauls of further locos to follow on. We’d welcome further
help,
especially from those with engineering skills ...
tw
From:
Henry ODwyer
Sent: 27 October 2008 20:23
Subject: 2008 calendar
Hi Tony
Here's November for
the collection.
One more to go.
Rgds,
H
From: Colin Fuller
Sent: 26 October 2008 12:08
Subject: Music Video
Dear Tony
You may remember I sent you a picture a
few weeks ago
concerning the making of a promotion video and someone else sent a
photo of the couple, Claire Rutter and Stephen Gadd (husband and
wife).
The video
is now out on YouTube - I think you will
enjoy both the music and the video.
The Railway part is in sepia colour and given it was shot on a working
day with engines arriving in the yard and a coach leaving all by road I
think they have done well.
Colin
From:
Will Paine
Sent: 24 October 2008 00:36
Subject: Saturday 18th October 2008
Dear Tony
#60019 Bittern
passing Ropley on Down Watercress Belle
and
#34007 Wadebridge on Up
RAT
taking water at Ropley
That they are black and white was purely by chance: I had had trouble
setting the "noise reduction" facility on my digital camera with the
intention of taking some time exposures and had managed to set it to
black and white in the meantime!
However, I thought that the shot of "Bittern" was in the right
direction for my future efforts.
I book up the Real Ale Train three times a year.
I also find an evening at points along the line fascinating when both
the RAT and Watercress Belle are running.
Kindest regards
Will Paine
From: Pat Holley
Sent: 20 October 2008 22:45
Subject: Bittern Experience
- 17th October 2008
Hello Tony
Having seen A4's on the East Coast Main Line from when I was 10 (1957)
until 16 I never thought I would ever get the chance to ride on the
footplate let alone sit in the left hand seat of one. Bittern
was not as common as most A4's locos seen through Hornsey so it was a
great experience to spend the day on her.
We were welcomed and looked after by Adrian - our guard for the day and
a great job he did - full of info about the railway and the various
procedures and safety checks we needed to observe during our visit. Our
Driver Ron & Fireman Greg took us through the basic operation
of Bittern before we split into the crews.
Our constant questions to Ron & Greg must have driven them mad
but
they were very patient and showed us all the skills needed to
get
the best out of a large locomotive on a preserved railway.
The power of Bittern is immense - she was smooth
when running
and very comfortable to ride on; a great credit to those who toiled
many hours on her restoration.
All too soon we made our last return trip and took our final photos.
I want to thank all those who made this possible as it will provide me
with many great memories for the rest of my life. The bonus was that my
wife enjoyed it too!! A great day!! Thanks again
Pat Holley
From: Martin Beckett
Sent: 19 October 2008 10:20
Subject: 'Strong Country' signs
Hi Tony
I saw the two new signs at Alton
and Alresford
for the first time yesterday. They really are excellent and brought
back memories of the early 1950s. The pictures look good - any chance
of prints from them being reproduced for sale in MHR shops?
But I wonder why the engine's tender seems to be overflowing after
picking up water - no watertroughs on the SR of course. Either that or
there's a major steam heat leak between the loco and its train!
I can remember seeing MNs in that early BR blue livery, and they looked
good. It must have been at Waterloo in 1949 I think because at least
one of those I saw was from the last batch that were built and its
nameplates were covered up pending the naming ceremony.
Strongs the brewers were based in Romsey I believe. I remember seeing
their Strong Country signs on a journey out of Waterloo. One sign in
particular was located near a junction where a line diverged off to the
left and it said something like "You're going to the Strong Country".
Can anyone say where that one might have been? For what it's worth, and
I'm open to correction, I wonder if it might have been either near
Hampton Court Junction where the Guildford New Line diverges or at
Pirbright Junction. As you travelled further West the wording
on
the signs changed slightly to something like that used on those on the
new MHR examples.
Martin
Alton
From:
Richard
Kirwin
Sent: 19 October 2008
16:21
Subject: the Strong Country....
Hello Tony
Just noticed the correspondence on the magnificent-looking
“Strong Country” advertising boards on the website.
I
found this after a quick search on the web, it may be of
interest to some.
I was unable to access the online catalogue however, due to technical
problems with the site.
HTIOI*
Richard Kirwin
* Hope This Is of Interest
From: Richard W Poynter
Sent: 16 October 2008 19:47
Subject: Driving "Bittern"
Dear Tony
When
I saw that a drive on "Bittern" was up for grabs
last February, I just
knew there was no way I could resist. As a dedicated "trainspotter" of
the fifties, with an uncle who drove for the LNER - and as a 52B Heaton
man, he almost certainly would have driven this loco many
times - it
just had to be.
Two years ago to the day on Oct 13th I drove and
fired "Bodmin" which was a memorable day then but
this year I travelled
the 110 miles to Alresford to achieve one of my life-long ambitions -
to drive a Gresley A4.
Words cannot describe what this meant to me and to be allowed to drive
it 20 miles was a bonus.
Many
thanks to Bob and John in the cab and Bert the guard who made this day
so good and also the kind lady for the Shepherds Pie!
I hope Uncle
Jack would have been proud of me: he always said he knew exactly where
he was between Newcastle and Grantham by listening.
I am very impressed by the Watercress Line and I will certainly come
again and recommend it to others.
Yours sincerely
Richard W Poynter
From: Roberto Meli
Sent: 13 October 2008 06:33
Subject: Aggiornamento Sito
Ciao
Ti comunico l'aggiornamento
del sito Treni e Cartoline Sicilia
Buona visione.
Roberto Meli
From: Henry ODwyer
Sent: 13 October 2008 08:26
Subject: Sunday 12th
Hi Tony
A few movie links:
http://www.imagestar.co.uk/images/images_steam/mhr_movies/2008_1012-ROPLEY-M4M-0005.WMV
http://www.imagestar.co.uk/images/images_steam/mhr_movies/2008_1012-ROPLEY-M4M-0006.WMV
http://www.imagestar.co.uk/images/images_steam/mhr_movies/2008_1012-ROPLEY-M4M-0010.WMV
The last one (0010) has a good feel about it.
Had a good day with the Mamiya RB, and finally have enough E6 to send
off.
Rgds
H
From: George Bailey
Sent: 12 October 2008 12:47
Subject: Frome - Radstock Rail Link
Dear Friend / Colleague
We now have only two weeks to save the land required for this link for
use as a proper connection to the national network. If you feel
strongly about ‘green’ transport or regeneration of
the
small rural town of Radstock, please go to www.northsomersetrailway.com/
and sign the petition.
Yours sincerely
George Bailey
North Somerset Railway, North Somerset Heritage Trust
From: David Allsop
Sent: 06 October 2008 18:38
Subject: #41312 Charter
Tony
I attended a well organised photo
charter run by Matt and Warwick
in September using Ivatt Class #41312 on a short goods and enclose
two photos taken at Ropley station after the charter had finished when
the freight ran between normal service trains: One
Two
David
Allsop
The
goods train is growing rather well on the fertile slopes of Medstead
& Four Marks, David ... tw
From:
Colin Chambers
Sent: 07 October 2008 16:12
Actually it's mostly growing on the fertile banks of the River Wey at
Alton
Regards
Colin Chambers
Managing Director
Mid Hants Railway
From: Ben Salter
Sent: 06 October 2008 14:14
Subject: Wadebridge at WSR
Please feel free to use any of these pictures of Wadebridge's
recent visit to the WSR
on your site: One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Just a little credit to Ben Salter would be appreciated.
Regards
B J Salter
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 04 October 2008 17:55
Subject: Latest Railway
Magazine
Hi Tony
Not sure if you've seen the latest copy of "The Railway Magazine" but
there's an excellent six-page article by Cliff Thomas on the Mid
Hants.
I am slightly biased as it features some of my pictures!
Good to see the MHR getting some good coverage.
Regards
Matt
From: Peter Cutler
Sent: 02 October 2008 18:47
Subject: Lottery award
In case no one else has done it I would like to say thank you to David
Snow and his team for getting the Railway its third substantial Lottery
award.
And clearly we need to say thank you also to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Money for things other than the Olympic Stadium must be very tight for
them and to be given such a large amount shows what a great piece of
heritage we must have at the Mid Hants.
The first two awards improved the appearance of bits of their
respective locations. But this one will transform the whole of Ropley
and, by providing for engineering work presently done outside in other
locations, will hopefully tidy up the other sites as well.
Fantastic.
Pete Cutler
From: Margaret Marston
Sent: 02 October 2008 17:13
Subject: Shaftesbury
Camera Group
Dear Tony
Every year Shaftesbury Camera Group organise a Star
Night and this year as it features Colin
Garratt, a well known Steam Train Photographer.
We thought your members may be interested.
Margaret Marston
Programme Secretary
From: Ken Alexander
Sent: 27 September 2008 18:47
Subject: The Mid Hants Explorer
Tony
Thought you would like to see this photo of Nunney Castle
going through North Camp this evening heading the Mid Hants
Explorer
Regards
Ken Alexander
From: Andy Netherwood
Sent: 27 September 2008 10:49
Subject: Black Five #45379: boiler steam test at Crewe
Hi Tony
Thought you would want some pics I took at L&NWR Heritage Ltd.
Crewe. on Friday 26th September 2008. They had steamed our boiler No
X9455 earlier that week and our visit on the Friday tied in with the
North West Area boiler inspector from Allianz to witness the steam test
after completion of all the repair work. The hydraulic test was
completed some two weeks earlier.
First
pictures of boiler X9455 in steam since July 1964
(235lb/in2 on the gauge)
I didn't think to get a picture but after we had approved the test and
were cleaning up, the younger boilersmiths had gathered round the
firehole door and suddenly produced cooking oil, bacon and sausages
with bread rolls and, using the firing shovel, started cooking their
lunch!
Another first since the early 60's.
Hope their of interest,
Andy
From: Craig Nobbs
Sent: 26 September 2008 16:14
Subject: Saturday 20th
Dear Tony
After Mass at Alton
Abbey last Saturday, I decided to catch the train home. I was
delighted to see the Castle
& Hall at Medstead & Four Marks; excellent
compensation for not being able to make the Big Four Gala.
Best wishes
Craig Nobbs
From: Henry ODwyer
Sent: 24 September 2008 10:45
Subject: October
Hi Tony,
Well here's the October
Calendar
Rgds
H
From: Tim Ward
Sent: 23 September 2008 21:03
Subject: Driving and Firing Experience
Hello Tony
Thanks
to the great generosity of my friends and family, I was able to have an
Introductory Footplate Experience
at MHR on 11th September.
Would
you please pass on my grateful thanks to everyone who made my day so
special, not least the crew Doug and Graham who were friendly, patient
and a great pleasure to work with. Having the
opportunity to drive a
steam locomotive was truly unforgettable, and the friendly staff at
Alresford made sure everything went perfectly.
Best regards to all at MHR
Tim Ward
 |
From: Matt Allen
Sent: 22 September 2008 21:15
Subject: Goods train photo-charter on 21st September 2008
Hi Tony
As you probably saw from Dave Warwick's photo, I and Warwick Falconer
ran a photo-charter at the MHR on Sunday morning.
Again we were very lucky and blessed with great light and a little
mist, showing off the Ivatt
and the BR-era goods at its very best.
The second
photo is a take on
"Gorillas in the mist"! It was rather surreal waiting for the
sun
to come up with twenty other mad photographers.
Matt
Sent: 24 September 2008 18:52
Pics from the photo-charter: One Two Three Four
You'll notice the new
lowfits have pride of place behind the loco.
Forgot to say in my earlier email, thanks to all the crew who made it
another great morning.
Matt
|
From: Horace Ward
Sent: 19 September 2008 18:53
Subject: The Gala revisited
Hi Tony
A wonderful 'sepia' picture of
#34007 by Henry.
A childhood reflection for me - seeing 'Spamcans' pulling
freight
out of Feltham Marshalling Yard just after the last war.
This might upset the purists but was part of getting the country back
on its feet in the post-war years; any engine on the Southern had to
withstand a few goods trains amongst its workings.
It was a time to knuckle under and the Southern had a great part to
play, not only winning the war effort, but continuing during peacetime
moving freight.
Horace
From: Rod Spratling
Sent: 16 September 2008 12:19
Subject: Steam Gala
We visited the Mid-Hants on Saturday for the Steam Gala – an
excellent day out and worth the journey just to ride behind
“Bittern”!
Although the timetable seemed to go out of the window fairly early on,
nobody seemed to mind and it was a great day for all with some unusual
pairings on some of the trains (e.g. #60019 being banked up from
Alresford by a Bulleid Pacific – not something you see every
day.) Nice to see the double-headers as well; the Castle and
Hall
combination was great.
Reading some of the correspondence on the website I note that all line
side photographers are supposed to have a pass and a PTS from the Mid
Hants. I have a PTS from the KESR (I am a signalman there)
– would this qualify me for a lineside pass for future events?
I attach a photo of my
favourite loco from the day
Well done to all concerned - a terrific steam gala event
Regards
Rod Spratling
Only working MHR volunteers holding a
current MHR PTS or under immediate
supervision by MHR staff
have legitimate access lineside at MHR. This includes a very few
volunteers approved as official MHR photographers. (Authorised line-siders are
identified by a
red asterisk on the Big Four Gala
report page) ... tw
Tony
We have always said
that if regular
volunteers who are PTS holders wish to take photographs then that is a
perk of the job. What we don't permit is a "volunteer" to do nothing
else but indulge themselves without doing any work in return. The
exceptions are the Nominated Official Photographers*.
(*Paul has sent me the full list ... tw)
P. Hawley
Bloke in charge
& official OAP
From: Linda Chen
Sent: 17 September 2008 09:24
Subject: Big Four Steam Gala
Hello Tony
I spent a wonderful day at your Gala on Saturday and enjoyed all the
train combinations and demonstrations you arranged. The
weather
was perfect and so welcome at an event this summer.
Please could you tell me the number of the diesel covered in the loco
shed. Also please could you confirm or otherwise that steam loco under
restoration in the shed is 31806. Thank you for any help you
can
provide and for a brilliant event.
Linda Chen
There
are five steam locos
currently being worked on in the sheds: #31806 (just inside the shed
door), #45379 (wheeldrop shed), #75079 (main shed), #10 (main shed and
boiler shop) and #92212 (boiler
shop.)
Also two diesels: Class 11 'Day' shunter #12049 in the wheeldrop shed and Class
27 D5353 in the main shed
... tw
From: Graham Scott
Sent: 16 September 2008 14:18
Subject: Steam Gala
Hello Tony
Just to say, my wife and I visited on the Friday (variable weather,
ay)...and it was good to see the line busy with large locos.
By way of comment, it would be excellent to see all the engines running
`nose first`, I`m sure most would prefer this. Would turntables be on
your priority list at all?
All the best.
Graham
Not
practicable on a line of
just 10 miles, Graham, especially with the rapid turn-round and loco
swaps we like to diagram.
We think use of turntables would slow things
down unacceptably ... tw, 16th Sept 2008
From: Mark
Radbourn
Sent: 16 September 2008 10:36
Subject: Steam Gala
Good Morning Tony
Enjoyed the Steam Gala on Friday. Shame about the rain that
spoiled the latter part of the day, but once again all the staff
&
volunteers at MHR should be congratulated for a superb event.
Long may you continue to provide us steam enthusiasts with such
entertainment. I particularly enjoyed seeing the two GWR
engines
Kinlet Hall and Nunney Castle as well of course Bittern. Any
idea
if a similar event is planned for 2009 and if so when?
Regards
Mark
We
normally run two steam galas each year, but because of the strange
Easter holidays ran an extra Thomas event
this year in place of one of the galas. Thomas does
bring in rather more revenue. No dates for 2009 galas as yet
... tw,
16th Sept 2008
From: Alan McRobert
Sent: 15 September 2008 20:13
Subject: Gala day
Dear Sirs
I
visited London at the weekend to attend the Proms in the Park on
Saturday and was able to tie this in with your gala weekend on
Sunday.
I was very impressed with the line-up of locos. In the 1950s
and early
60's my parents took me from Northern Ireland to Cornwall for summer
holidays and the visit of Nunney Castle and Kinlett
Hall
brought back very happy childhood memories of the West
Country. I
probably haven't seen a Castle Class since 1960. I remember a
Hall
piloting our Warship class over the Devon banks in 1960 and it was
great to travel behind the Hall over 'The Alps' and hear that wonderful
sound. The last time I visited your line was on Fathers' Day 1993 when
for the first time in my life I saw an unrebuilt West Country class: Swanage.
Sadly Wadebridge failed on Sunday but I have seen Swanage
in action. The BR Class 5 reminded me of a holiday in
Edinburgh in 1966. Bittern also looked
magnificent.
The
station staff were friendly, helpful and helped to make the visit that
bit more enjoyable. It was nice for a few hours to escape
from the
nastiness of the 21st Century and relive the more genteel nature of
1950's England and see the 'green and pleasant land' from a steam
hauled train.
I hope to visit your line again next year.
Yours faithfully
Alan McRobert
Wadebridge
suffered ingress of water into its sump (which the oil rapidly made
into 'mayonaise'!) We were working on it today. ...
tw, 16th Sept 2008
From: John Oates
Sent: 15 September 2008 11:20
Subject: Gala pics - 1940s couple
Tony
The "Big Four" Gala was superb and extremely well run -
congratulations to all at the Mid Hants.
This couple was having photographs taken at Alresford on 12th
September 2008 so (with permission from their photographer) I took
these
John Oates
From: Brian Gamlin
Sent: 15 September 2008 09:39
Subject: Big Four Weekend
What a fab day!! And what weather too!
A short note to say thank you to all at the MHR for the Fab day I had
with my parents at your Big Four Gala.
A joy to see and hear a Castle over the Alps and the footplate team on
the afternoon train (13:38 approx) having fun.
Regards
Brian Gamlin
From: Michael Fulton
Sent: 13 September 2008 09:55
Subject: Visit to Works and Yard on Friday 12 September 2008
Dear Tony
Many thanks for the very interesting and informative visit to the works
and yard yesterday which was the highlight of the day as far as I'm
concerned.
Having a great interest in mechanical matters, and professionally being
called upon to translate mainly engineering and other technical and
scientific documentation, it would have been good to have been able to
go into greater detail on some of the topics, particularly the motion,
but time is of course always a great limiter in this life.
I shall now allocate time to thoroughly study your excellent website
between translation jobs (none of which are on organic chemistry at the
moment).
Best wishes
Yours
Mike
Michael Fulton, BSc, PhD, FCIL, MITI
From: Nigel Box
Sent: 15 September 2008 12:02
Subject: Yesterday at the Gala
Hello Tony
Thanks to all at the MHR for an absolutely superb Steam Gala this
weekend and to you for the Shed Tours, which were excellent and much
enjoyed. What a great idea!
I know I was spotted taking the shot, but having our illustrious
webmaster “preaching
to the converted” on a Sunday morning was too good to miss.
I’m also sending a shot of the two Ivatt tanks
preparing to leave Alton on the last public service of Sunday. A great
note to end on!
Kind regards
Nigel Box
From: s.hymanattalk21.com
Sent: 15 September 2008 10:00
Subject: Steam Gala 13-09-08
Hi
I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic time our Wedding Party
had at the Steam Gala on Saturday 13th September.
It was a truly wonderful and memorable part of our special day!
Thank you to the Watercress team for reserving our seats on the train
and making us feel very welcome. Also for accommodating the requests of
our photographer for some shots of us on the engine. It will be an
experience we shall never forget.
Thank you so very much.
Out of interest if anyone happens to post any images or has any video
that includes our party - I would be happy to hear from them.
Thank you so much.
Warm Regards
Suzy & Chris
From: Don Benn
Sent: 15 September 2008 07:14
Subject: Gala weekend
We attended as usual, having bought our tickets on line the previous
week. This year we visited on the Friday owing to other
commitments at the weekend. It was great as usual and for me the star
of the show was Castle 5029 which appears to be a strong free-steaming
loco. One criticism though, and this has also applied to previous
years, and that's the lack of advance information on which locos are
allocated to which trains. Important for us is pre-planning our day to
ensure we travel behind locos which are either of interest or wanted
for haulage.
When we got to Ropley at 10 am we showed our tickets and enquired about
loco allocations in the temporary booking office and was told they had
'no idea'. I said somebody must have as the trains were already
running. Luckily we found a passenger on the first train who had a WTT
with locos shown. Why wasn't this given to us when we asked ?
Other than that and the gradual creep of late running as the day went
on we had a good day. Couple of fots attached One
Two
Three
Don and Tim Benn
Sorry about
the WTT, Don. Many people
came early and supplies dried up so further stocks were sent up from
Alresford HQ on the train arriving at about the time of your enquiry at
the Ropley booking office ... tw, 15 September 2008 07:50
From: John Butcher
Sent: 2008-09-14 19:38
To: (MHR wagon gangs
and proudly forwarded to webmaster by them)
I could say its all right for you guys standing around in the sunshine,
watching the trains and occasionally dabbing a bit of paint on while we
drive past, sweating, glued to the regulator, heaving coal ...
More seriously, thanks for doing a great job - I was proud to help haul
the mixed freight yesterday; it looked so good. I don't think some of
us realised till you lot got working how much difference freight stock
could make. If there is an award for the most difference made to the
appearance of the railway in the quickest time you should be up for it.
Its not all about locomotives, and I am biased!
John Butcher
(John is a
rostered MHR steam driver, and Chairman of Wadebridge (34007)
Locomotive Ltd)
... tw
From: Nigel Wilson
Sent: 13 September 2008 23:55
Subject: Big Four Gala
Hello Tony
We
would like to pass our thanks to everybody at MHR for a superb day at
the Big Four Gala. Excellent day. 4936/5029 was certainly the
highlight
for us. Philip was very happy that two GW engines seem to have survived
most of a MHR gala without significant problems!
As we've had problems with large files in the past I've uploaded some
video clips to YouTube: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uEE0n-dFLrc
Once again many thanks for a really excellent gala.
Best regards
Nigel and Philip Wilson
(Sadly no Michael, a football match this morning)
Thank
you Nigel - good to hear from you again ... tw
From: Edward J Dyer
Sent: 13 September 2008 20:46
Subject:
Big
Four Steam Gala
Evening Tony
I have just returned home from another enjoyable day at the Mid Hants
Railway.
Please find attached four images which I thought you might like to see.
I too noticed a lot of photographers on the lineside. I am sure some of
these have the relevant documentation to enable them to photograph from
their particular vantage point, but I am equally sure that most of them
do not!!!
I applaud your decision not to publish their photographs on your
website, and I believe most leading magazines have the same policy.
Their actions could spoil the enjoyment of future galas for the rest
of us.
Thanks once again for a great Gala!!
Edward J Dyer
From: David Allsop
Sent: 14 September 2008 21:20
Subject: Big Four Gala
Hi Tony
I
enclose a selection of photographs taken at various locations on both
Friday 12th and Saturday 13th September at your Big Four Gala.
(Although
all photos were taken line side I was not trespassing as I have a
photographer's line side pass issue by the Mid Hants Railway*)
I have digitally altered some of the enclosed photographs to remove a
few of the passengers leaning out of the windows.
I hope you find the enclosed of interest.
David Allsop
Thank
you David.
I try very hard to avoid any PhotoShopped photos on our website
–
I think warts and all is FAR preferable - so I’ll need you to
identify the doctored ones please before I can use any at all.
I’ve had a few criticisms about MPD pictures with lamp
standards
spoiling the composition, but believe that our browsers NEED to see
things as they truly are. So don’t worry about there being
people
on (or leaning out of) our trains – that’s what
they are
for ... tw
* MHR issues lineside
passes only to approved photographers who have taken the MHR PTS
course, have passed the subsequent examinations and carry both MHR PTS
Certificate and appropriate MHR pass
Sent:
15 September 2008 14:32
Tony
Sorry, there were
only two of the
original photos submitted where I removed a few of the passengers
leaning out of the carriage windows.
I now
re-submit all of them to you unaltered just as they were
taken.
David Allsop
Thank you David; I like them much better like that!
... tw
From: Brendan Gibbs
Sent: 13 September 2008 21:41
Subject: Many Thanks
Dear Tony
Wow, what a very special day Friday was.
Two of Gods Wonderful Railway's finest in Kinlet Hall
and Nunney Castle.
I can remember rubbing some of the rust off of 5029 when I was a member
at Didcot in about 1983 or so. What a sight it was on Friday!!!! It
still hurts that it is not still in the GWS's ownership but that can be
set aside when it looks in such good shape.
Two Ivatts !!!! And double heading too.
An air-smoothed WC !!!! Shame about Bodmin
being retired just now but great to see an original spec WC in Steam on
the Mid Hants once more.
Just Fantastic.
But the highlight for me has to be the Engine Shop Tour hosted by your
goodself. I applaud your expert knowledge passed on to us "know
nothings" in such a very simple way. Thank you very much indeed for
your time spent hosting us. More power to your Acme Thunderer
!!!
*
I sincerely hope everything comes together over the next "Six Weeks" as
you promised to me on Friday morning.**
Please also pass on my thanks to your colleague in the Alresford signal
box who was equally diligent in seeing everything went smoothly whilst
explaining the principle behind tokens to my colleague very late on in
the day.
Cannot wait until the Spring Gala dates are announced. Any chance of a
privileged advanced notification?
With Best Regards
Brendan Gibbs
Well
thank you Brendan but
regarding the tours you give me far too much credit! I
suppose we
should explain for the benefit of those who can't attend our
Gala:
* I
threatened to blow it if members of the tour group straggled but didn't
need to!
** This refers to
the standard Ropley MPD answer to the question: "When will loco x be
back in service" ... tw
From: Chris Searle
Sent: 12 September 2008 19:56
Subject: Gala: first day pictures
Hello Tony
Glad to hear you liked the other pictures from Wednesday.
Here are some from today before the thunder storm and torrential rain
came in for the afternoon.
Highlight for me was the two Ivatts powering up the bank from Ropley.
Magic!
Regards
Chris Searle
It is
not often I show up on others' photos, but I was on the d/h Ivatts
train and saw you in the field ... and the farmer approaching on
his quadbike,
presumably to chase the photographers off ! MHR has
agreed
with neighbouring farmers not to publish in our website or magazine any
photos shot from their land.
I photographed several photographers in illegal places, including
lineside! ... tw
Reports of September (2008) Gala
From:
Chris Searle
Sent: 15 September 2008 12:46
Subject: You caught us!....... and some pictures from the right
locations
Hello Tony
I would like to give a response (which I hope you will put on the
website) to the comments you have made on the MHR letters page
regarding the pictures I took from the field between Medstead and
Ropley.
I gladly support you putting the letter and your response on the site
in the hope it will set an example to others in the future (though I
fear it will not). On this occasion my Father (he was there too) and I
were clearly in the wrong and consider our wrists slapped. We had gone
to this location from a nearby designated bridleway as we had assumed
there was a footpath across the field as we had seen so many people
walking there in the past. Consulting my OS map after getting your
e-mail I have found that this is not the case and there are not any
designated footpaths in the field or any of the surrounding ones. We
definitely won't be going back there again!
The farmer did not approach us on this occasion but we would gladly have left if he had and we would have explained
our misunderstanding.
We are against trespass, having seen so many stupid instances in the
past both on Heritage lines and the Main Line whilst on charter trains,
so we did feel bad when I got your e-mail.
On a happier note we both enjoyed the Gala, despite what Mother Nature
chucked at us on Friday!
I enjoyed the Western engines; the sounds from #4936 and #5029 were
very nice. It was certainly one of the best for the variety of workings
and definitely worth the ticket price. I very much look forward to the
next one. Attached are some shots from Saturday which were all taken
from legal locations and did not involve going into any fields!
(HERE)
KInd
Regards
Chris Searle
From: Jim Russell
Sent: 12 September 2008 11:35
Subject: MANAGING DIRECTOR
Hi all
Attached is the MHR preferred version of a Managing Director.
It should be noted that this version is also available with pink skin
tones!
It can never be said that Colin does not believe in the hands-on
approach.
Regards
Jimbo
From: Russell WS Burgess
Sent: 10 September 2008 22:24
Subject: Photos for site
Hi Tony
Looking at one of
your photos from the 9th Sept,
I thought these might interest you.
They were taken 3 days earlier and in the dark!
Regards
RWSB
Russell is a loco shed
volunteer mainly interested in diesels ... tw
From: Colin Fuller
Sent: 10 September 2008 18:10
Subject: Alresford today
Dear Tony
Much activity at Alresford today: locomotives arriving for the Gala and
one coach departing.
In addition, international soprano Claire Rutter and her son were
filming a promotional video for a forthcoming album also featuring
Claire's husband, international baritone Stephen Gadd.
Thank you both ... tw
From:
Will Paine
