Mid Hants Railway

[Nestor]

Hi all

Does anyone have contact details for the Diesel Engine Shed
at the Mid Hants!

I've been told it's location is Four Marks as well as Ropley!!!!!!!!

I purely just wish to join the preservation side of Diesel Loco (not
play trains).

Thanks

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Hi nocopj,

The diesels are generally stabled at Ropley. However, the Thumper is kept at Alresford. There are no engines kept at Medstead & Four Marks or Alton.

The details of how to join are here: http://www.watercressline.co.uk/Volunteering

Speak to our volunteers. On a day when services are running you can come and speak to numerous volunteers in pretty much all of our departments.
Email us. You can contact the MHR through our Enquiries page and we will be more than happy to send you more information, or forward your email to the head of a specific department.
Phone Us. Contact us on 01962 733810 and we can arrange an invitation to our next Volunteers’ Day.

I'd suggest emailing, or phoning, attending one of the Volunteer's days and getting your name down for something.

Any more questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Nestor]

Been down both routes!
Suggest you go in person to the Engine Shed, all other depts
are catered for........is the reply on these occaisions!

I can understand that (perhaps) most volunteers want to
drive a loco, hence the difficulty in contacting the Diesel
dept, but I'm looking for engineering work experience.

Is it protocol to turn up "ad hoc" at Ropley on any partiqular
day?

Better still can a member of Diesel dept contact me via PM.

Thanks

 

[Crapper]

You'll find that the Mid Hants are not exactly diesel friendly. Your best bet is to turn up on a weekend and try to find someone working on a diesel if you are looking to get involved. Generally, the vast majority of the staff and volunteers running the railway look upon diesel enthusiasts with contempt, which is why the very successful diesel gala's now take place at Swanage instead.

 

[AlexS]

Most railways have independent diesel groups rather than being run by the railway itself - so finding out who they are is your best bet!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

You'll find that the Mid Hants are not exactly diesel friendly. Your best bet is to turn up on a weekend and try to find someone working on a diesel if you are looking to get involved. Generally, the vast majority of the staff and volunteers running the railway look upon diesel enthusiasts with contempt, which is why the very successful diesel gala's now take place at Swanage instead.

Most volunteers are supportive of diesels, and would like to see them used more. Most believe there is a place for both steam and diesel on the railway. The diesel gala's did not move to the Swanage; they just stopped running them on the MH as a result of various incidents. Whilst it is true to say some members of the management do not like diesels, they do not have sole control.

nocopj - are you interested in locos or units? If it's units PM me, and I'll put you in touch with someone.

 

[Nestor]

Hi again

The 'type' of traction is not really important, other than
it's a Diesel 'platform'.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[yummy125]

Contact Jim Russell, Chairman, Mid Hants Railway Ltd to help look after "Hammy", their 205 unit / other diesel's.

I help'd re-paint the outside etc / clean the inside when I worked there a few years ago.

Had cab rides when the railway did Diesel Gala's & when the Hastings Unit did the Railtour from Waterloo to Alton.

 

[Crapper]

Most volunteers are supportive of diesels, and would like to see them used more. Most believe there is a place for both steam and diesel on the railway. The diesel gala's did not move to the Swanage; they just stopped running them on the MH as a result of various incidents. Whilst it is true to say some members of the management do not like diesels, they do not have sole control.

nocopj - are you interested in locos or units? If it's units PM me, and I'll put you in touch with someone.

I'd like to take your comments at face value, but sadly experience dictates otherwise. It's strange that the Mad Hants killed the goose that layed the golden egg due to "various incidents" (the diesel galas brought in almost as much revenue as Thomas events, the biggest earner for the railway), whilst Swanage has had none. I was a volunteer driver at the Mad Hants, and can say that certain pilotmen were openly hostile towards us 'parafin can types', an attitude than continued right through to the ticket office at Ropley a couple of years ago when i last visited with my young daughter. That was your last attempt at a diesel gala, and an unmitigated disaster financially. Wonder why?

 

[GearJammer]

an attitude than continued right through to the ticket office at Ropley a couple of years ago when i last visited with my young daughter.

Yes i was up at Ropley a few years back when they had two 9F's up there, i live local so my usual practise was to go to gala weekends on the Saterday to do photography and then go again Sunday to ride the trains, get the best of both worlds, on this occasion i parked at Ropley walked up to the station and was stopped by a women at the station entrance and was told it was no entry unless i bought a ticket to travel, i explained i did'nt want to travel and she said no ticket no entry, so i thought fcuk em, walked back down the hill got in the car and went home, my visits to the Mid-Hants have been very few and far between ever since.
To be frank, the attitude of some of there staff stinks!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Could you enlighten me as to incidences where the attitude of some staff has "stunk" please GJ?

 

[43021HST]

Most volunteers are supportive of diesels, and would like to see them used more. Most believe there is a place for both steam and diesel on the railway.

I've met some very militant steam nutters in my time at Ropley, just need to free up some time to go to the thumper group. They seem to be much friendlier compared to some Ropley staff.

 

[12CSVT]

Has 37905 been used on a passenger train since that 'diesel gala' in May 2009 ?

 

[Ferret]

Could you enlighten me as to incidences where the attitude of some staff has "stunk" please GJ?

I can offer the same experience as mentioned in this thread at Ropley. Went down to the diesel gala in 2009 with a mate, we nipped off a train to return to his car even speaking to the lady as we went past. When we'd both retrieved the items we were after from my mate's car, we then returned to the station only to be rudely accosted as we walked past her and admonished for not showing our tickets! I was a bit flabbergasted - and when coupled with the attitude shown during Gwotdatresspasser-gate, the impression given was that the MHR was not a friendly place!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

I'm a bit disappointed by the comments here really. I try, and I know my colleagues do, to be polite and courteous, although it sometimes can get a little trying when the WTT is slipping away, and passengers start accosting you, and going places where they shouldn't. I can't comment about what goes on at Ropley, as that's not my station, but certainly in Ferret's example that shouldn't have happened.
With regards to the publishing of trespassers photographs, this was as a result of many years of having them crawling about the line, and having to caution trains. Some of them also thought it would be a bright idea to stand in the 4ft with trains coming towards them. I don't agree with the company's actions there though. Our rule book says to obtain name and address and report to them for action, not take a photograph and publish it!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Has 37905 been used on a passenger train since that 'diesel gala' in May 2009 ?

Yes, it has, many times.

 

[Ferret]

With regards to the publishing of trespassers photographs, this was as a result of many years of having them crawling about the line, and having to caution trains. Some of them also thought it would be a bright idea to stand in the 4ft with trains coming towards them. I don't agree with the company's actions there though. Our rule book says to obtain name and address and report to them for action, not take a photograph and publish it!

Yes, that was a massive error as it produced a whole load of adverse publicity for the railway, with the WNXX thread that was created leading many to say they wouldn't visit the railway again!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Yes, that was a massive error as it produced a whole load of adverse publicity for the railway, with the WNXX thread that was created leading many to say they wouldn't visit the railway again!

I would imagine that those who said they would never visit again were either the trespassers or the trespassers mates. Either way, it was a mistake to do it.

 

[Ferret]

I would imagine that those who said they would never visit again were either the trespassers or the trespassers mates. Either way, it was a mistake to do it.

Not sure they were tbh! Many people like to take photographs....

There was also an element of people's perception of right and wrong too - I believe Gwot was at a foot crossing, which is something most pres lines and even NR will tolerate. It all came across as high-handed when it didn't need to be, and it probably contributed to the epic loss that was made over the weekend, and the lack of gala there since - meaning we've all lost out.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

There was also an element of people's perception of right and wrong too - I believe Gwot was at a foot crossing, which is something most pres lines and even NR will tolerate. It all came across as high-handed when it didn't need to be, and it probably contributed to the epic loss that was made over the weekend, and the lack of gala there since - meaning we've all lost out.

AFAIK we have two crossings, one is private and only for the farmer's use, and the other might be a footpath - I'm not sure. It would be nice to have another diesel gala, but unfortunately it's unlikely.

 

[Ferret]

AFAIK we have two crossings, one is private and only for the farmer's use, and the other might be a footpath - I'm not sure. It would be nice to have another diesel gala, but unfortunately it's unlikely.

I fotted from a foot crossing on the Sunday for an hour, it was within walking distance of Ropley if memory serves! Real shame there probably won't be another diesel gala at the line - but then at least we have Swanage which I always look forward to.

 

[yummy125]

This is what the MHR & others have to deal with on Gala days, this was taken by myself on the MHR getting a free cab ride in a Class 31.

 

[43021HST]

AFAIK we have two crossings, one is private and only for the farmer's use, and the other might be a footpath - I'm not sure. It would be nice to have another diesel gala, but unfortunately it's unlikely.

You have a one footpath crossing near Ropley, thats very popular with the lineside photters.

 

[Domeyhead]

Yes i was up at Ropley a few years back when they had two 9F's up there, i live local so my usual practise was to go to gala weekends on the Saterday to do photography and then go again Sunday to ride the trains, get the best of both worlds, on this occasion i parked at Ropley walked up to the station and was stopped by a women at the station entrance and was told it was no entry unless i bought a ticket to travel, i explained i did'nt want to travel and she said no ticket no entry, so i thought fcuk em, walked back down the hill got in the car and went home, my visits to the Mid-Hants have been very few and far between ever since.
To be frank, the attitude of some of there staff stinks!

What the hell do you expect? Have you ever tried walking in to Alton Towers and explaining you only want to look around? Or anywhere else for that matter? So do you think preserved railways should allow anyone to turn up and walk around whenever they please while paying nothing whatsoever towards the event? Jeez something stinks alright but it aint the staff.

 

[Ferret]

What the hell do you expect? Have you ever tried walking in to Alton Towers and explaining you only want to look around? Or anywhere else for that matter? So do you think preserved railways should allow anyone to turn up and walk around whenever they please while paying nothing whatsoever towards the event? Jeez something stinks alright but it aint the staff.

So you approve of Prison Guards on the front of the station then? Maybe the ELR should charge people to get onto the station at Bury on a Sunday afternoon and leave the Trackside pub empty for the afternoon?

 

[ralphchadkirk]

I have refrained from commenting about the pay for entry, because I don't know the policy. I will try to find out. Certainly normally people are allowed in without paying, but whether the same is for special events I don't know.

 

[GearJammer]

What the hell do you expect? Have you ever tried walking in to Alton Towers and explaining you only want to look around? Or anywhere else for that matter? So do you think preserved railways should allow anyone to turn up and walk around whenever they please while paying nothing whatsoever towards the event? Jeez something stinks alright but it aint the staff.

think you ought to reel ya neck in a read it again, i was told i could only access the station and depot site if i bought a ticket to travel, i did'nt want to travel that day, i wanted to travel the following day, if they sold a platform ticket, or a yard pass, i would have bought one, but im not paying for an all day rover ticket when i have no intention of traveling, i was there to photograph!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Platform tickets are certainly available on normal days, free, but with the request for a donation. I don't know whether these tickets are suspended for special days - I'm not commercial.

 

[Domeyhead]

think you ought to reel ya neck in a read it again, i was told i could only access the station and depot site if i bought a ticket to travel, i did'nt want to travel that day, i wanted to travel the following day, if they sold a platform ticket, or a yard pass, i would have bought one, but im not paying for an all day rover ticket when i have no intention of traveling, i was there to photograph!

Nope - I read it right and perhaps you ought to reel yer brain out instead and think things through a bit more. How many people would wander onto the railway with a vague promise to "come back tomorrow and buy a ticket" or "I bought one yesterday - honest!" - how are the railway going to operate that policy? What makes you think the same staff will even be on at the time you choose to show up? Why should they remember you? Why should they even believe you? How is it fair on the people who have paid their £15 that you can wander around freely with your camera having paid nothing? Like I said - try your "open access" policy at Beaulieu Motor Museum or anywhere else and see where it gets you. Try wandering onto WInchester NR station with your camera telling them "I only want to take a few photographs today - I'm travelling tomorrow" "Oh that's alright mate you carry on"
Jeez....

 

[Ferret]

Try wandering onto WInchester NR station with your camera telling them "I only want to take a few photographs today - I'm travelling tomorrow" "Oh that's alright mate you carry on"
Jeez....

Congratulations on such a flawed argument. Winchester barrier staff would indeed let you through the barriers to take a few photographs...Enthusiast Guidelines and all that....:roll:

 

[GearJammer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Domeyhead
Try wandering onto WInchester NR station with your camera telling them "I only want to take a few photographs today - I'm travelling tomorrow" "Oh that's alright mate you carry on"
Jeez....

Congratulations on such a flawed argument. Winchester barrier staff would indeed let you through the barriers to take a few photographs...Enthusiast Guidelines and all that....

Exactly, and they definetly would'nt make you buy an all line rover ticket just to go on the platform!

Nope - I read it right and perhaps you ought to reel yer brain out instead and think things through a bit more. How many people would wander onto the railway with a vague promise to "come back tomorrow and buy a ticket" or "I bought one yesterday - honest!" - how are the railway going to operate that policy? What makes you think the same staff will even be on at the time you choose to show up? Why should they remember you? Why should they even believe you? How is it fair on the people who have paid their £15 that you can wander around freely with your camera having paid nothing? Like I said - try your "open access" policy at Beaulieu Motor Museum or anywhere else and see where it gets you. Try wandering onto WInchester NR station with your camera telling them "I only want to take a few photographs today - I'm travelling tomorrow" "Oh that's alright mate you carry on"
Jeez....

Are you just stupid or are you only reading the parts that suit you? As far as im aware everyone else gets what im saying, let me try and spell it out a bit more simply for you, the Mid hants would only let me on the premises if i bought a ticket to TRAVEL, i did not want to travel, i wanted to stay at Ropley, if they had given me the option to buy a platform ticket to stay on the platform i would have brought one, but they did not give that option, they just FORCED people to either buy an all line rover ticket or go home without seeing nothing, i took the option of going back home, im not trying to get something for nothing but i will not be forced to part with my hard earn't cash for something i do not need!

Incidently, i do not expect them to remember me or anything like, i expect to be sold a suitable ticket for my requirements regardless as to wether its a special event or not, if it had'nt of been a special event i very much doubt i would have been there anyway, the Mid-Hants lost out with there attitude that day, if they had sold me a platform ticket then i would have paid happily for it, i would (as i usually do) leave money in the various collection boxes in the shed yard, and no doubt purchased something to eat and drink in the small shop, the following day i would have returned and purchased an all line rover ticket for the day and spent more money in Alresford shop and cafe, as i do on most of my visits, by the end of the weekend i would have had plenty of pictures and gifts from the Mid-Hants and riden behind the locos but due the person on the gate at Ropley forcing people into the office to buy a ticket they did not require...... and being quite blunt/rude about it i turned away got in my car and left........ and the Mid-Hants got absolutely no ££'s out of me at all!

Not really sure how i can make that any clearer.