Spring Update...

After our first blog of the year “It may be wet but there's still plenty to do...” a few weeks ago , we have had a lot going on, and as ever we're still busy doing bits and bobs.

 

So what have we been up to? As usual we were at the Solent Model Railway Group Show at Fleming Park in Eastleigh over the weekend of Saturday 22^nd & Sunday 23^rd February, providing the free shuttle bus between the show and Eastleigh Railway Station and Southampton Airport Parkway Station. As it always is, it was a good weekend and around 300 passenger journeys were made. 1 – JOW 499E was used for the shuttle and since then it has had its ‘PAY AS YOU ENTER’ and ‘NO ENTRY’ signs applied to the exterior and work has also been carried on the interior where it's had a interior mirror and a sun visor fitted. There are still many jobs on the Swift to do but slowly they're getting done.

289 – E289 HRV, which is now owned by members of the Trust, successfully passed its M.O.T on Friday 7^th March at I M Services in Romsey. An M.O.T station that comes very highly recommended. For the time being 289 will stay in its green livery which it gained whilst at Xelabus.  The cab has had a lick of paint to tidy it up and the number destination blind, which is a Flip-Dot on 289, has been fixed and is now working for the first time in many years. Over time it’s hoped that the seat frames can be painted. We will of course keep you updated.

On Sunday 16^th March, 289 went on a member’s trip to the Swanage Railway which was holding a London & South Western Railway Event. A great day was had by all after what has been a wet winter; it was nice to have a day out in the sun.

133 – TTR 167H which has been off the road for a few months is slowly being put back together after its front offside spring needed to be repaired due to cracks in one of the leaves. It’s hoped 133 will be back on the road soon and ready for the coming show and rally season.