A 66 at Alresford?

[50Fan91]

Having had an excellent visit to the Mid Hants Railway today, I was speaking to one of the volunteers in the second-hand book shop and he mentioned that tomorrow, August 4th, a class 66 was running down from Alton to Alresford to be loaded on to a lorry. Said lorry would then take the 66 to a naming ceremony at RAF Odiham.

I was somewhat amazed when I heard this, as it seems an awful lot of effort to go to name a loco. Odiham isn't even particularly close to Alresford...? (I'm confusing myself now!)

He could give me no more details, not even an approximate time, and a cursory internet search does not reveal any movements or information relating to this event.

Does any one know any further details that they would be prepared to share?

 

[Peter Mugridge]

It's 66 723; I am given to understand that it arrives at Alton to access the Mid Hants in early afternoon.

 

[50Fan91]

Hmmm... Wasn't that the loco that was named "Chinook" in honour of RAF Odiham's helicopters in 2008..?

http://www.gbrailfreight.com/news_archive.php?&newsid=220

If it is indeed that loco, I can't see why it would be going back there again...

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Although, having said that, the loco was named at "Wellingborough depot in Northamptonshire" according to the article.

So maybe the loco is going to Odiham to be put on display..? Maybe?

 

[yummy125]

Wow, I live 5 mins away from Odiham, may have to make a visit today, Good idea having a "Washing Machine" on display for a few years

But it was tragic the working 50 was allowed to go static at "Steam", now it is it's former self trying to get a refurb & mainline clearance again.

 

[50Fan91]

Don't take my word as 'Gospel', yummy! I can't see any other reason why the loco would be going to Odiham, so make sure you have some more concrete information before you head off to visit!!

 

[73109]

Arrived today its off to Odiham for a Chinook event at the base next week , not sure if its going to be re named or anything

http://www.flickr.com/photos/73109/6008978571/in/photostream

 

[50Fan91]

Excellent photos, thanks very much for including the link, 73109!