Diesel traction at Mid Hants Railway has a surprisingly large following

Diesel Corner

W55003 near Wanders Curve                             Photo (24th June 2009): David Warwick

 

Latest Photo-reports on MHR Diesel Gala  (29th - 31st May 2009):    
 
One    Two    Three    Four    Five    Six    Seven    Eight

   

May 2009 Diesel Gala: Report

Tim Beere took these photos at the Diesel Gala, 29th - 31st May 2009   Class 56  #56 098	Class 73 electro-diesel
Class 37 cab	Jim Russell in Thumper
Class 37
	Class 117 DMMU at Medstead & Four Marks station     Summit of The Alps: Boyneswood Bridge from the cab of the Class 37       Photos (2009 Diesel Gala): Tim Beere

From: Matt Hurst
Sent: 31 May 2009 21:12
Subject: Diesel Gala Photos
Tony 
A quick note to say well done with another great event.  I attended on Friday with my son of 20 months (well you've got to get them interested early although with him it's not too hard) and we had a great day.  My only criticism was the lack of pre-notification of the loco diagramming. The full timetable with diagrams at the Swanage gala earlier this month was published a few days prior to the event allowing visitors to plan their day. It would have been much appreciated not just by me but others I met who attended on Friday so if this could be taken into consideration for future events it would make a great day even better. Apart from this and the late running we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.   
I see that the line had problems with trespassing again and I do hope that these unwelcome visitors do not prevent a repeat gala next year.  
Latest photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/salisburyasc 
Mid Hants Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/salisburyasc/sets/72157605558035170/ 
Once again, well done and thanks. 
Regards
Matt

From: Tony R
Sent: 31 May 2009 16:39
 
just like to say a big thank you for the diesel gala on sat may 30th 09.i traveled up from lymington in hampshire on the friday and stayed with a friend had all day saturday on your railway and was not disapointed.i injoyed every min from 10 am right the way through to 15.45 wheb i arrived back at alton .even when the first train broke down at four markes-medsetad did not ruin my day as i got some great pics of the first train up from ropley.had a cracking time got some great photos and video footage witch i will send on to you so your welcome to use .i spent nearly £40 on the sat but it was worth every penny .once again thank you and i look forward your next event .thanks.tony r

MHR Diesel Gala (29th - 31st May 2009)

Photos (29th - 31st May 2009): James Paice

20th May 2009:

Photo (Alresford, 20th May 2009): Sue Clements

19th May 2009:

From: Jim Russell Sent: 16 May 2009 09:59 Subject: Hampshire Unit Hi Tony Last Wednesday the Hampshire Unit successfully passed it’s last hurdle to regain its passenger carrying certificate: it passed an ‘A’ Exam – which focuses on door locks and door safety – and has now been assessed as Fit to Run for the Diesel Gala. Barring a failure it will be appearing at the Gala – residual tasks being mainly to undertake a heavy clean and apply the transfers. Following the Gala there is still more work to undertake than one can shake a stick at – but we have a great team on the job so it will all get done in time. Regards Jimbo
18th April 2009: Hi Tony  The Hampshire Unit in the Alresford cattle dock, where it has spent the week allowing us to do external repairs James Paice Hampshire Unit Refurb Group
Photos (18th April 2009): James Paice*

5th April 2009: Current state of work on the Hampshire Unit (aka 'Thumper')     Photos (5th April 2009): James Paice
Movie:    A walk around Ropley yard:  locos in sunshine; arrival from Medstead of the Thumper on test; and Ropley duty signalman Clive Jackson letting it into the yard.    (15.4 MB, 2nd April 2009): Tony Wood

3rd March 2009:   Driving an 08  Movie (3.9MB, 3rd March 2009): Tony Wood
 
26th February 2009:  Bob Allen steam cleaning an engine on the 'Bubblecar' for odd bits of maintenance   Movie (2.3MB, 26th February 2009): Tony Wood

1st February 2009:

10th January 2009:

W55003 at the Alresford Outer Home                                                                  Photo (10th January 2009): David Warwick *

	1st January 2009: Class 117 DMMU
Class 122 DMMU      Photos (1st January 2009): David Warwick	Class 117 DMMU

28th December 2008:
Photos (28th December 2008): David Warwick

From: Lee Marlow Sent: 23 November 2008 21:18 Subject: Class 27 start-up Hello Tony The Class 27 group have asked me to send you my photo of the Class 27 starting up for the first time on Sunday 23rd November. This is the first time the loco has been started up in over seven years so this is a big step forward.  Lee Marlow

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21st October 2008:     Movie:   The two 08 shunters in afternoon sunlight at Ropley  (1½MB, 21st October 2008): Tony Wood

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30th September 2008:    Governor has been overhauled and replaced on the Class 11 #12049. This has cured its 'hunting' and stalling problem           Photo (30th September 2008): Tony Wood

 

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	#33053 and #33208 at Ropley double-head an up afternoon service train on 20th September 2008 (linked photo is same day in morning light.)   #33053 also hauled a through goods train in the afternoon   Photos (20th September 2008): Russell Burgess       Movie:   Alresford, 20th September 2008 (12MB, .mov format): Nic Greene

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Up train (d/h Class 33) passing Alresford down outer home           Photo (20th Sept 2008): David Warwick

 

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     Photo ( #33053 with Breakdown Train, Alresford, 13 Sept 2008): James Taviner

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Jim Russell driving the DMMU
Photo (July 2008): John Childs

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31st August 2008:   Work continues on DEMU #205025 at Alresford platform 2 between showers and service train movements         Photo (31st August 2008): David Warwick

 

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5th August 2008:     Class 11 shunter #12049 is in the wheeldrop shed at present - fettling continues
Bob Preston was re-skinning its cab roof frame in the main shed   Movie (7.4MB, 5th August 2008)   Photos and movie (5th August 2008):  Tony Wood

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From: David Charlesworth
Sent: 05 August 2008 23:05
Last Saturday (2nd Aug) saw the Class 33 (or as some remember it: 'BRCW Type 3') special runs.
At Medstead D6593 (#33208) and #33053 (D6571) are ready to return to Alresford.
On the second run the pair, D6593 leading, runs round the train at Medstead. Meanwhile Dirty Diesel took the opportunity to practise shunting Thomas' trucks in and out of the sidings at Alresford ready for next week (9th - 17th August).
Regards
David Charlesworth

Letters Page        

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29th July 2008:  The roof was lifted from Class 45 #45132  ...
... then the turbo unit and the generator were removed and the generator was sent away for repair
Photos (29th July 2008):  Tony Wood

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29th July 2008:   Masked for lining (22nd July) and the finished Class 117 DMMU car (29th July 2008)
3rd July 2008:   Duncan Richardson undercoating the door edges of the second powercar of the Class 117  DMMU; the trailer car and the other powercar are repainted and in service.  This was the unit which appeared with mesh over the windows in the film: "Children of Men" starring Clive Owen and Michael Caine   Scene in 'Children of Men' with this powercar Photos (July 2008): Tony Wood

 

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15th July 2008:   

Shunting the Class 11 shunter into the wheeldrop shed with 33053      Movie (5.2MB, 15th July 2008)
 
 
Duncan putting gloss coat on DMU powercar    Movie (1.2MB, 15th July 2008)

    

8th July 2008:   Bob Preston was making repairs to various covers on the Class 11 #12049   Movie (1.4MB): Bob drills a new battery box hinge
	Where the new ball race was fittted to the generator spindle of #12049 (view from the right hand side, just ahead of the cab) Photos and movies (8th July 2008): Tony Wood

3rd July 2008: Visiting Class 33 #33053 at Bighton bridge, Ropley
The Class 11 'Day' shunter #12049 has had a new generator bearing (a big ball race) and is getting some minor repairs and a repaint. It had its first use in a while (movie 2MB) and shunted the steam crane for the Thomas lift today. Photo and movie (3rd July 2008): Tony Wood

10th June 2008:
Duncan prepares a DMMU powercar for repaint	Mike Cross prepares the 'Day Aggregates' (Class 11) shunter for repairs to tinworm damage and a repaint whilst we wait for a new generator bearing    Photos (10th June 2008):  Tony Wood

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Class 122 W55003 1143 dep Alresford                                                                       Photo (1st July 2008): David Warwick

15th March 2008:   Filter housing and airbox for the Class 45 ('Peak') #45132   Roger Bray tells me that most of the generator bolts have been freed and he is nearly ready to call in the 45-ton steam crane to lift it onto a lorry to go for assessment and repair. Damaged windings have to be replaced and the whole armature put into a vacuum chamber with shellac, then brought to atmospheric pressure so that shellac insulation fills all the spaces between windings.   He's been saving up for ages for this and would welcome contributions to get the old girl running again soon.     Photo (15th March 2008): Tony Wood

   


Two photos (17th February 2008): David Warwick
   

 

9th February 2008:  Electro-Diesel Railtrip London (Victoria) to Alresford was hauled by two Class 73 electro-diesels (with assistance at MHR over 3 miles of 1:60 from our Class 33)     Movie:  Excursion at Medstead & Four Marks on the return leg (1.6MB, 9th February 2008): Henry O'Dwyer
Also,  freshly-painted DMMU at Butts Junction           Three photos (9th February 2008): David Warwick

 

   

2nd February 2008:  Commemoration Event: Thirty-five years since MHR was closed Movie (1.1MB, 2nd February 2008): Henry O'Dwyer Thumper at Medstead & Four Marks	Photo (2nd February 2008): Henry O'Dwyer
Two photos (2nd February 2008): Dave Warwick
Two photos (Ropley, 2nd February 2008): Russell Burgess
From: Russell WS Burgess Sent: 02 February 2008 22:13 Subject: Mid Hants 35th Closure (Sat) I know some of the images are usually off limits to the public, but were captured while I was going to and from D22 (45132) or at least working on her air intake box (which got stripped and painted with one overly thick coat of red oxide!). I hope these are of interest. Russell WS Burgess, A.k.a. Wessex Electric Nutter Peak worker on Saturdays, College student the rest of the week. P.s. What was the 2,150hp worth of power? (1,550hp + 300hp + 300hp) I bet the DMMU went off like a rocket, with that much power!
Photo (Ropley, 2nd February 2008): Russell Burgess
DEMU demonstration run (M4M to Alresford) between service trains	Photo (2nd February 2008): Bob Ellison

28th January 2008:  

Movie:  (5.6MB, 28th January 2008: Tony Wood) - Class 33 #33208 with ECS from Alton stops briefly at Ropley for token to Alresford passing the Up loop containing A4 #60019 Bittern; #31625 as James; #1 Thomas; Ivatt #41312 in steam for safety valve setting and test run after maintenance; and #35005 Canadian Pacific. Info

   

From: David Warwick Sent: 20 December 2007 09:09 Subject: 1125 Tony Managed by sheer good luck to get Jim Russell out with the Thumper on a warm up test Run on Wednesday 19th December 2007. David

29th September 2007:   David Edwards continues his sterling work on the window mouldings to the Thumper. The photo shows one of the completed ones with new mouldings recovered from Eastleigh. So far David's expertise with these and the door mouldings have saved this project many thousands of pounds: cost to the railway so far?  Nothing. Report and photo (29th September 2007): Chris Willis

7th September 2007:    
 
Jim started Thumper #205025 for the first time in nearly two years and ran it up and down the headshunt at Ropley before returning it to Alresford
     

6th May 2007:       Wheels for the MHRPS 'Thumper' DEMU have returned from re-tyring     Photo (6th May 2007):  David Charlesworth   Tyres had been machined too wide (these are not for a power bogie, so are narrower) and had to be returned for correction. They came back to Ropley on 22nd August 2007.

21st March 2007:   Finished trailer car of the DMMU
This photo doesn't really do the paint job justice.   When the coach was shunted outside, I remarked to Duncan how good it looked.   "It's the dog's" - he said.   Agreed.       Photos (21st March 2007):  Tony Wood

13th March 2007:     Duncan lining a trailer car of the DMMU         Movie of this scene (3.2 MB, 13th March 2007)     Photo and movie (13th March 2007):  Tony Wood

DMU and driver Jim Russell.              Photos (Medstead & Four Marks, 17th February 2007):  Henry O'Dwyer

21 January 2007: This weekend DMU W51405 (country end), seen here with the 14.43 service ex Alresford at Medstead and Four Marks, was re-united with it's other half W51363 (London end) Report and photo (21st January2007): David Charlesworth

14th January 2007: Today the two DMU power cars not in the shed both suffered an engine failure so the following odd combination was running. The headcode 91 is for a fast Bournemouth train. Later in the day other headcodes were seen: 62 semi-fast Basingstoke, BE (don't know) and 83 slow Portsmouth.   Report and photo (14th January 2007): David Charlesworth

10th January 2007:   Bob Allen assesses the repairs needed to the bogie of the DMMU following a minor derailment.     Photo (19th January 2007): Tony Wood

23rd November 2006:   Engine in place in DMMU W51363 over the wheeldrop pit   Bob Allen was putting in the remaining mounting bolts in the afternoon, but there's still a bit to do     Photo (23rd November 2006): Tony Wood

21st November 2006:       An engine was replaced in L721 DMMU W51363
	Photos (21st November 2006): Henry O'Dwyer

13th June 2006:   Whilst on the Class 117 DMU yesterday, I took this pic from the signal box window of the last trains of the day crossing at Medstead & Four Marks.       Photo (13th June 2006): Richard Bentley

1st March 2006:     Progress with the Class 27     Photo (Ropley, 1st March 2006): Tony Wood

11th January 2006:   It doesn't always all go right ...
	Two steam cranes in the yard to replace some wheels on the DEMU 'Hampshire Unit' #205025 - 45-ton to hold up the heavy generator end, and the 10-ton to lift the bogie from its wheels.             All very interesting to watch, but frustratingly ...
	... "They're the wrong axles; the bearings are a different size, and the wheels are the wrong diameter" - Jim Lawrence tells Colin Chambers (MHRplc Chairman and MD) who was driving the smaller crane   "We'll have to put the old ones back in"   (Movie  2.1MB  11 Jan 06)         Four photos and a movie (all 11th January 2006): Tony Wood

27th December 2005: Roger Thornton and the Bubblecar Photo (27th December 2005): Daniel Hillebrandt

24th December 2005     Hampshire Unit at Alresford Photo (24th December 2005): Chris Cornell

From: David Charlesworth Sent: 07 August 2005 23:01 Subject: Director at work Tony The Hampshire Unit is now complete on the southern, Portsmouth, side in the special shade of "MHR pink" (as described at the AGM). Jim is adding the black bits at the London, motor, end. Regards David Charlesworth

. About 120 vintage buses, 60 cars and 20 commercial vehicles entered for our Bus Rally on 17th July 2005 There were  FREE connecting bus services but some visitors arrived in grand style on Hastings Diesels   DEMU excursion  from Hastings, Tunbridge Wells & London to Alresford & Alton Photo (17th July 2005): Matt Allen and ...   Returning through M4M  Photo (M4M, 17th July 2005): David Stonor  Evening departure to Hastings   Photo (Alton, 17th July 2005): Alec McCloskey   M4M   Photo (17th July 2005): Richard Gillatt (from South Africa) HD Report           See also

DMU excursion Hastings - Alresford  17th July 2005

Class 11 0-6-0 shunter #12049

Diesel Gala - 13 - 15th May 2005:  Photos 

From: Jim Russell
Sent: 23 June 2005 23:11
Subject: RE: Thumper
Hi Tony
The 'Hampshire Unit' is currently stopped with a loose tyre so it won't be appearing for a while. We have several repair strategies in hand but we can't afford to take the wheels out yet and lose the mobility of the unit or we will lose the 'window' of the summer months to repaint it. So I'm afraid that it will be painting first followed by wheel set removal for repair.
This is not just a 'shifted' tyre, it's still moving, considerably!
Without the benefit of a crystal ball I would guess at three months minimum.
Regards
Jimbo

Diesel Gala 2005 photos 

Diesel Gala 2004 photos

Diesel Gala 2003 photos

Diesel Gala 2002 photos

From: Ian Davey
Sent: 21 March 2005 13:33
Subject: DEMU yesterday
Two short video clips taken with my mobile phone yesterday of DEMU at Medstead. Shunting from up platform to single line, then single line to down platform. This move took place after the 1204 down train had left the station.     One    Two    (about 500KB each)

22nd February 2005:  "New" trailer open with first class saloon and toilets which has made our Pressed Steel 117 DMU up to three cars. W59511 was delivered late Friday night 18th February 2005 and was inserted into the set with W51405 & W51363 and commenced test running on Saturday morning 19th February 2005 Report and two photos (19th February 2005): Robin Hughes

28th January 2005:   Ollie Batt sent his photo of the bubblecar at Ropley

2nd December 2004:   Fragonset Class 33 Meteor at Ropley Photo (2nd December 2004): Ian Kennerley

18th November 2004:     See also these photos from our 2004 Diesel Gala 

Andrew Cameron sent this photo of  S60124 of 1125, now MHR's 205025, under a body overhaul at Eastleigh,15th January 1984 From: Jim Russell Sent: 07 November 2004 21:28 Subject: THANK YOU FOR THE PHOTO Can you pass on to the person who sent you the photo of the 'Thumper' my thanks for taking the trouble of sending it to us. It all goes towards piecing the history of the unit and is very much appreciated. Regards Jimbo

Pathfinder tour  9th October 2004  toAlresford:   The Alton Observer    More Photos Photo right, and tail end, (9th October 2004): John H Bird

29th September 2004: The bubblecar has been repainted Photo (29th September 2004): Steve Walters

18th July 2004: From: Andrew Cameron Sent: 18 July 2004 23:17 Subject: Picture for the keepers of 205025 I unearthed this picture of 1125 at Romsey on 9th July 1983. I used to ride Thumpers between Romsey and Southampton, and remember that they smelled of carbolic. I was pleasantly reassured to find that the smell was still there when I recently rode in 205025 at the diesel weekend. Regards Andrew

16th June 2004:   Class 33 in Ropley loco yard on 7th April 2004 Photo (7th April 2004): Andy Netherwood

19th May 2004:   Our new DEMU 'Hampshire Unit' #205025 arrived yesterday. Clive Holliday and Stewart Legg pose with it at Alton Photo (18th May 2004):  Jim Russell
Photo (18th May 2004):  Stewart Legg
Clive Holliday drives 205025 from M4M towards Alton .mpg movie (with sound!)   (766KB, 18th May 2004, Jim Russell)

24th April 2004:  Class 73 in Ropley MPD Photo (24th April 2004): Ian Kennerley

4th April 2004:   Diesel gang work on the Class 27 to replace cylinder (wet) liners Photo and detail (4th April 2004): Tony Wood
Later, they were installing the pistons Photo and detail (4th April 2004): John Childs     Movie:  Class 27 engine strip (12th October 2003, 3.6MB)

27th March 2004:  At this evening's Volunteers' Meeting at Alresford,  Jim Russell  (MHRPS Chairman) reported :  "I am delighted to be able to announce that Porterbrook Leasing have agreed to make a 'Hampshire' Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) available for the MHRPS to purchase for a token sum. The unit #205025, a two car unit, will become available very shortly. Many will know that the Hampshire's provided the motive power on the Mid Hants line from November 1957 until closure in February 1973. The Board of MHRPS Ltd. would like to express their gratitude to Porterbrook Leasing for making this opportunity available to the Mid Hants Railway. As delivery details are 'firmed up' we will keep you up to date."

28th February 2004:   Fragonset Class 47 Hermes in Ropley station in late afternoon sunshine yesterday Photo (27th February 2004): Tony Wood
24th January 2004:  Movie: Bubblecar down service train today arrives Ropley  (24th January 2004, 763KB, Tony Wood) Carl In answer to your 'e' mail to Tony I can confirm that there are indeed two Class 73 locos on the MHR. They are presently located in the Meon loop but will be moving to Ropley in the near future. Regards Bob Allen General Manager (Technical) -----Original Message----- From: Carl Watson Sent: 21 January 2004 16:41 Subject: Class 73s at MHR Hi Tony I was wondering if you had any information on two Class 73 locos that I understand are at MHR. I had a look around a few days ago but couldn't see either of them. Is my information correct? Many thanks in advance Carl James Mayl sent this photo of the arrival of these Class 73 locos on MHR 12th October 2003:   The 71A Loco Group continued its overhaul and return to traffic of 27 007 by lifting out all six cylinder heads followed by pistons, then liners. The railway's steam crane DS414 was used, making light work of what would otherwise be a very difficult task. The removed parts were all found to be in fairly good condition and will now be fully cleaned, inspected for damage, then prepared for re-assembly. Once the engine is back together attention can turn to electrical cubicle repairs, contactor tip renewal, and some re-wiring, followed by bodywork repairs, then repaint. The group wishes to thank all staff who assisted in any way to complete the task. Tim James  Movie:  Class 27 diesel has engine strip at Ropley (12th October 2003, 3.6MB) Photos and movie (12th October 2003): Tony Wood

2nd July 2003:  Class 47 departs MHR this afternoon* to go to Wigan to be scrapped after acting as power source for Desiro units

* Photo (2nd June 2003): Chris Cornell

20th June 2003: See Latest News re #47773 Photo (19th June 2003): James Mayl
Diesel Gala The Trainspotters Ball was 16th - 18th May 2003   See Letters  Andy Ford's Page now has photos of 2003 Trainspotters Ball diesel event  Preserved Diesels website and links on their News page

Queen of Scots luxury dining train ran 17th May 2003, a charity train hauled by a heritage diesel loco on Mid-Hants Railway metals

12th March  2003:  D6525 aka #33109 at Alresford awaits collection by road for repairs Photo (12th March 2003): John Sanders
20th February 2003:   'Crompton' #33208 gets a wash and brush up at Alresford station today Photo (20th February 2003): Chris Cornell

6th January 2003:  Class 45 ('Peak') #45132 Roger Bray (owner) and David Silvey were taking measurements on the coupling between engine and generator (see workshop manual extracts, linked below).  The bearing inside the crankcase is only a thrust bearing (with an oil-seal) and the generator bearings also take the crankshaft loads at that end.  It's important that the coupling runs true! The teeth on the generator rotor are for the barring tool (to move the assembly manually). The big job is to remove the generator to find out what needs to be done.
Dwg: Measuring coupling deflection  Dwg: Armature support assembly
Photos (6th January 2003): Tony Wood

5th December 2002:   Deltic hauls Cathedrals Express from Alton to Liverpool Street #34016 Bodmin tailed, ready for a quick getaway from Liverpool Street for steam haul to Ely and back     Photos at Farnham (5th December 2002): David Charlesworth

Re-tyring  of  '08' #08288*    (Returned to service October 2002)      *Photo (4th December 2002: Tony Wood)

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