n September 1993, The Railway Magazine reported on a successful Mid-Hants Railway gala marking 20 years of operation. The event featured visiting locomotives, intensive services and progress on projects across the railway.
A capacity gala
OVER the weekend of 3/4 July, the Mid-Hants Railway held a very successful gala event to celebrate 20 years of operation. On both days all trains were filled to capacity with standing room only.
Canadian Pacific visits the ‘Alps’
Star of the show was Bulleid ‘Merchant Navy’ class No. 35005 Canadian Pacific on a visit from the Great Central Railway. The performance over the stiff gradients on the line, known as the ‘Alps’, for the largest engine entertained by the railway, had been exemplary. Fine performances were turned in by the other steam locomotives in action, S15 4-6-0 No. 30506, Bulleid ‘West Country’ No. 34105 Swanage and BR Standard class 4 No. 76017. The restoration of BR Standard class 5 No. 73096, which has taken on the identity of No. 73080 Merlin, was not completed in time so its passenger debut was deferred. However, the engine was on display outside the shed, with external painting appearing to be the outstanding task.
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New operating options at Alton
At Alton, the new loop outside the station approach had just been completed and approved for use, which now allows the railway the flexible option of a four-train operation on a 30min frequency. Even Network SouthEast joined in, providing a vintage EMU service to Guildford.
An unusual visitor
An unusual visitor traversed the line in the form of BR class 33 No. 33 109 named Captain Bill Smith RNR at Kensington Olympia on its way from Bedford with a special train. The class 33 ran a partial double-headed turn with visiting class 73 No. E6003 Sir Herbert Walker.
Financial progress
The financial burdens, it seems, are well and truly behind this popular line and it was pleasing for Chief Executive James Freeman to be able to record in his annual report a trading surplus and small overall profit for 1992. Events such as this gala and other similar ones have continued to further help the fortunes of a line that was beset with financial problems less than two years ago and nearly closed.
Investment in the railway
Capital expenditure is being channelled into many projects which include a new footbridge at Alresford, restoration of Southern Railway N class 4-6-0 No. 31874 and also in improved catering facilities. In a recent statement, Mr Freeman said that a great deal had been achieved during the last year which has been as a result of the commitment of staff and volunteers.
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