A Thunderous Move to the MHR Diesel Gala
A few years ago — or even at the start of this year — riding behind a Class 50 diesel on a stock move wasn’t something I’d have ever put on my to-do list. But when my friend, The Phantom Basher, asked if I fancied joining him for a run, I couldn’t say no. The chance to see a Class 50 roaring through its natural habitat was too good to miss — and there was even a nice surprise waiting for us too.
On top of that, day two had us heading to the Mid-Hants for their annual diesel gala. With two Hydraulics and a Peak joining the home fleet, it promised to be a fantastic — if slightly warm — day out.
Day One (Thursday 10 July) — Getting up at 4 AM to chase mainline moves isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a steam loco channel, but sometimes you’ve got to break the mould. We’d already sampled a few of these mainline big cats before, but this time I had the chance to tick off a winner: 68009 Titan. The chance for some Big Cat thrash — if you haven’t done it yet, do it! It is worth it!
Class 68s No68009 “Titan” and No68015 “Kev Helmer” stand at London Marylebone.
Camera Settings: Focal Length: 46mm, Shutter: 1/200, Aperture: f8, ISO:110
It’s always nice to photograph something a bit different in the summer — especially since the warm weather tends to steal the dramatic exhaust from a steam locomotive. That’s where diesels and diesel galas step in to save the day.
With the Class 68s snapped at London Marylebone and Princes Risborough, it was time to catch a freight run and get my first look at 50008 Thunderer as she rolled into platform 3 before reversing into platform 2. But first, a Class 60 was due to pass through on an HS2 freight, and by then Princes Risborough was packed with veg all hoping to catch a glimpse.
Class 60, No60028 operates a spoils train to a HS2 site
Picture credit: The Phantom Basher
Taken on: iPhone 13
With Thunderer now in the platform, we all got to see this majestic locomotive up close. Ironically the last time I had see Thunderer was just across the way in the platform 4 at Princes Risborough on the Chinnor preserved line for a diesel gala back in 2022. We had the chance of a quick photo before setting off on the appropriately named 1Z50.
Class 50 50008 “Thunderer” sits at Princes Risborough platform 2 with 1Z50
Camera Settings: Focal Length: 29mm, Shutter: 1/500, Aperture: f8, ISO:140
The route of 1Z50 was as follows:
First big track win:
We kicked things off with a massive winner — the freight-only Neasden Curve, running from Neasden South Junction to Neasden Junction. From there, we stayed on freight-only metals all the way to Acton Wells Junction, then briefly joined the North London Line through Acton Central. Best part? The whole stretch still runs under good old semaphore signalling — a real throwback and fantastic to see!
Second big track win:
At South Acton, we branched off the North London Line via South Acton Junction, taking the freight-only link across to Old Kew Junction before joining the top end of the Richmond Loop.
From there, it was suburban cruising through Middlesex via Hounslow Junction and Feltham Junction, then on through Feltham and Staines to Ascot. At Ascot, we took the direct line to Ash Vale and Aldershot, then continued to Alton and the Mid-Hants, with a stop at Bentley.
Highlights here? The Alton link and boundary gate are rare enough, but the entire stretch from Ascot west to the Mid-Hants is a true gem for loco-hauled passenger trains these days — not something you see every day!
Two express powerhouses meet at Ropley with 50008 “Thunderer” having completed 1Z50 and moved the 4TC stock to MHR for the diesel gala and 35005 “Canadian Pacific” operating the timetable at the MHR.
Camera Settings: Focal Length: 62mm, Shutter: 1/400, Aperture: f6.3, ISO:140
The final surprise: When we arrived at Ropley — our last stop — we got an unexpected bonus: some steam action! A quick check of the MHR roster showed Canadian Pacific was running. Seeing this Southern Region powerhouse in action alongside a mighty diesel was a real treat. Watching it charge up the Alps, with that unmistakable three-cylinder chatter and classic Bulleid whistle, was the perfect way to round off a brilliant day.
Day Two (Friday 11 July) — For the second day of our diesel adventure, we headed back to Ropley for some classic diesel action. The stars of the day were the Class 46 Peak, Class 52 Western, and Class 42 Warship. I love arriving early for an MHR gala — the sun comes up fast and swings round quickly, so if you want those perfect shots from the bridge by the carriage restoration viewing gallery looking out of the locomotive yard, you’ve got to move fast!
Memories of Laira - With two 50s on shed and a Western, the depot welcomes a cross-country visitor in the form of a Class 46, whilst some artist licence is taken with a platform where a Warship operates a service train.
Camera Settings: Focal Length: 70mm, Shutter: 1/125, Aperture: f22, ISO:360
This day was all about enjoying time behind these fantastic locos rather than chasing photos — though, of course, I had to grab a quick snap or two. Just like the previous weekend, my main focus was the Class 52, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to savour the Class 42 too — you don’t see these wonderful locos around here often, so you have to make the most of it.
One shot I really wanted but had to let go was the curve into Ropley from Alresford at sunset. With one last run planned later in the afternoon, it just wasn’t going to happen this time — maybe next time, or on a charter in the future.
A Western steam (I mean diesel) locomotive pulls off shed - D1015 “Western Champion” prepares for her first service of the gala weekend.
Camera Settings: Focal Length: 43mm, Shutter: 1/250, Aperture: f8, ISO:125
Still, it was great to catch the Class 52 on shed and watch the Class 42 thunder through Ropley on the afternoon express. But when it came to the ride itself, the real star was the Peak. Two cracking runs up the Alps behind her — especially that final run with the sun setting and a farmer out in his field on the way to Medstead and Four Marks — made for a perfect end to a brilliant few days.
Thank you once again for tuning in to this diesel adventure. Hope you’ll join us again soon — next up, we’ll be capturing some Agfa/black and white shots at the Southern at War event on the Bluebell Railway. See you then! And have a great weekend!
