Steam World (January 2007-on)
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The Editors of this magazine, which does not set out to be profound, have been highly successful in capturing material both from professional locomotive engineers (who very sadly are a shrinking breed), from senior railway managers, and from people like Andrew Dow who enjoyed priviledged access to railways at an early age. The magazine neither provides volume numbers nor consecutive pagination. and this makes it slightly more difficult to cite, and this has inhibited progress in providing fuller coverage. This is a pity as some of its content is of lasting value, although that based on shed bashing is usually trivial and will not be abstracted in depth. Amongst the greatest gems are the long series by R.H.N. Hardy which have extended from the Great Central to Great Eastern sections of the LNER and onto the Southern Region. Over the years Philip Atkins has also provided much food for thought. Thus the entries are highly selective.
Back issues: recent copies (that is last few months) are available from Tower Publishing Services Ltd., Tower House, Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, LE16 9EF. (Tel: 01858 438871). A limited number of earlier Issues are available from the Editorial address in Peterborough by calling 01733 555123 or by making requests in writing.
Issue 235 January 2007
Single-wheelers: a brief age of perfection? Comment by Mel
Holley. 4-5.
Built around wonderful colour image of the Blue Belle heading
towards the Bluebell Railway at East Croydon on 15 September 1963 hauled
by preserved CR 4-2-2 No. 123 and T9 4-4-0 No. 120 (Geoff Rixon):
see also Colin Gifford's mono moment taken at same time
p. 36.. Comment centres mainly upon that remarkable period when historical
locomotives wandered around the network before it became Notwork Rail; also
a hymn to the beauty of the single.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
Too much leaking steam made hard work for footplate crews.
Photographs of 35020 Bibby LIne barely visible as it departs
Southampton Central in 1962 shrouded in steam (P.H. Green) and 46205
Princess Victoria on up Merseyside Express approaching Rugeley
on Christmas Eve 1956 with steam escaping from inside cylinders (Roger Shenton)
who also sent photo. of works plate of No. 55051 as seen in 1954.
'Terrier' Waddon lands in Canada.
Colour photograph taken on 6 September 1963 at Cunard Docks, Montreal of
Waddon about to touch Canadian rails.
And now two Riddles '9F' at Brymbo...
Brian Taylor photograph of 92135 and former Crosti-type No. 92029
on 18 June 1966
Where are they now?
Black & white photographs taken at King's Cross on 2 June 1962
of the Aberdeen Flyer prior to departure behind 60022 Mallard
(including photograph of photographers)
KESR stations under refurbishment.
Biddenden and High Halden. Col. illus. Rob Colpus.
Staveley shed's steam age survivor.
Davin Darwin col. photograph of water intake at Ringwood Park Lake
which served shed.
A return to Hemyock... Bryan Hicks. 8-10.
Colour photo-feature based on 5 September 1963: No. 1421 with milk
tank wagons and single former LNER non-corridor brake. Pictures include ones
taken at Tiverton Junction, at Uffculme, and of a mixed train.
Hunt, John. 1,2,3... heave! [9F haulage/bankage of
Tyne Dock to Consett iron ore trains]. 13-21.
Mixture of words and wonderful black & white and colour photographs
of last of these workings (colour photo of 92064 climbing from Tyne Dock
with ships on Tyne and huge pylon is superb). The 9Fs were modified with
air compressors to work the hopper doors which discharged the iron ore at
Consett (a description of the regulations relating to this highly specialised
traffic is given in Backtrack, 2007,
21, 15). See also letters from Keith
Stafford and M.K. Gandy in Issue 237 page
21.
Dow, Andrew. Winter, 1947. 22-3.
LNER O7 WD 2-8-0 still fitted its air compressor pump on coal train
in snow possibly south of York in 1947.
Grayer, Jeffery. Twilight of the [Southern Region]
'L1s'. 24-8.
Largely displaced by Phase 1 of the Kent Coast electrification in
1959 some were transferred to Nine Elms and used to a limited extent on Waterloo
to Basingstoke trains; and some worked on the Reading to Redhill and Redhill
to Tonbridge services. The South Eastern Limited double-headed by
L1 No. 31786 and D1 31749 is seen passing Falconwood (not on Dartford
Loop as stated, but on Bexleyheath line) on 11 June 1961 (Derek Cross:
b&w).
Platform. 30-1.
Cashmore's: a fascinating story. David Ravenhill.
See Issue 232: writer worked for firm in its print room: firm began
by cutting up ships near Sharpness in the 1930s and progressed to steam
locomotives, diesel locomotives and railway rolling stock.
South Western modifications explained. Arthur Nicholls.
Notes on the Maunsell modifications made to Drummond T14 class; the
locomotives equipped for oil-firing (and fitted with electric lighting),
and how to distinguish between K10 and T9 types.
Travelling by train from RAF Cardington. D.W. Green.
In 1960 marched to station and sent to Bridgnorth on special
train.
How good would a Caprotti 'Bulleid' have been? B.J. Davis.
Note that Bulleid briefly considered Caprotti valve gear for Merchant
Navy class.
Gifford, Colin (phot.). Mono moments ...coal.
32-9.
Centre spread: 8F 48158 surrounded by sixteen ton coal wagons at Brighouse
on 20 May 1967; on page 36 there is a partial view of CR
123 at East Croydon on 15 September 1961 (see also editorial
comment on singles and Geoff Rixon colour photo on page 4 taken at same
time); page 38: murky looking water stated in caption to
be Leeds & Liverpool Canal was River Brun (Nigel
Hopwood Issue 238 page 25).
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 25. 40-5.
Mainly Clacton services from Liverpool Street, including use of Britannia
class on speeded up services. Mentions David Lubbock who had started at Melton
Constable in March 1945 as a 14 year old cleaner and was son of locomotive
fitter at the works: eldest of 14 children and born in Briston.
Dow, Andrew, That reminds me... 46-7.
Extraordinary juxtaposition of text (Sutton-on-Sea) and its idyllic
rural charm in the early post-War period (1947) with a picture of the teaming
hord of day-trippers at Blackpool Central in 1937. The half crown tip given
by Andrew's father to convey the family trunk to their holiday bungalow was
probably the same as the cost of the excursionist's fares!
Ward, P. 'Earls' of the Great Western. 48-50.
Only 3204 Earl of Dartmouth taken by W.A. Camwell at Stafford
Road on 29 August 1936 is an earl as such: remainder are 90XX in BR days,
including 9012 and 9005 arriving at Barmouth in 1953; also 9004 passing Llandanwg
Halt; and 9017 piloting 43XX on Talyllyn Railway Special..
'Streaks' in Scotland. 53-5.
Colour photo-feature: A4 class in their final days: 60024
Kingfisher at Bridge of Dun on 26 August 1966 (Terry Hussey); and
same locomotive at Larbert on same day and same photographer (caption refers
to "three-hour express", but these did not stop at either location!):
see also letter from Eric Oates in Issue 237 page 21
which suggests an earlier date; and from M.J. Harris
in Issue 240 page 24. 60019 Bittern at Perth in March 1966 (James
D. Cameron); 60031 Golden Plover at Galashiels with up special in
April 1965 (G. Devine).
Boyd, Peter. Manchester fireman. Part 4. 56-60.
Experience of fireman's training school at Trafford Park shed, engine
disposal, and first firing trips.
Great shot! Roy Hobbs. 64-5.
A slightly diverted Woking to Waterloo mystery tour crossing Bursledon
Bridge on 20 March 1966 hauled by double chimney standard Class 4. The cabin
cruiser Shauna is also worthy of a good oggle. Perhaps photographer
arranged it all: wonderful picture (pity about the passenger's
Waterloo).
46230 City of Chester arrived at Euston. Geoff
Rixon. front cover
Green Stanier Pacific being photographed by someone else and being
looked at by two smart gentlemen, one of whom looks like John van Riemsdijk.
The train was formed of LMS stock and one of the Coronation Scot vehicles
is visible behind, Driver very interested in all the photographic activity
as he leans from cab: surely this picture has a story.
Packing a punch: Maunsell's three-cylinder 'U1' 2-6-0s. Comment
by Mel Holley. 4-5.
Built around magnificent colour photograph of No. 31895 on southbound
parcels train at Redhill in December 1962 taken by Roy Hobbs. One of series
built at Eastleigh in 1931. See also letter in Issue
238 page 22 from John Skinner who enjoyed thrilling run through Farningham
Road dip at nearly 80 and cites other runs by Nock..
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
A rare fatal accident on the Great Central's London extension.
John Reddish photograph taken in 1949 near Stanford-on-Soar north
of Loughborough of derailed O4 2-8-0 No. 3836 with N2 No. 9550 and breakdown
crane attendance. Firreman was killed in accident. See responses fired from
Canon John Greaves and from Colin
Major (could not have been 3836 as reboilered as O4/8) and from
Bill Taylor (Issue 238 page 25).
Showing the way to a lost station in Bradford.
David Gowing recent photograph of direction notice to former Bradford
Exchnage terminus, before it was terminated.
A 'Britannia' on the SR's Western section.
No. 70004, formerly William Shakespeare, on banana special passing
Winchester Junction on 17 August 1966: Photograph from Robin Russell: notes
describe all of locomotive's activities on Western section at that time.
See also letter from Robert Cartwright (238-23)
on firing No. 70002 on 18 May 1966..
I think I've drunk enough at Hartlepool...
Tender of WD being over-filled: photo by Ken Mumford
'Mystery' carriage is identified.
See No. 230 (Ken
Taylor): Ken Hartley states error in Vintage Carriage
Trust register (now corrected)
Boyd, Peter. Manchester fireman. Part 5. 8-13.
Difficulties of obtaining firing turns: one turn which should have
passed Rudyard Lake ended at Stockport as regular fireman managed to catch
train. Col. illus. of 76089 at "Furness Vale" with train for "Buxton" was
according to Norman Burkitt (Issue 238 p. 23) was
at New Mills South Junction on the Midland line on a Manchester Central to
Chinley/Sheffield train which was shunted at Chinley to connect with other
services. Writer had been a station inspector at Chinley.
White, Robin (phot.). Pounding up Parkstone [bank].
14-16.
Colour photo-feature: Merchant Navy No. 35026 Lamport & Holt
Line descends bank with Weymouth train in August 1964; West Country 34039
Boscastle at foot of climb with train off Somerset & Dorset line
in July 1962; 34040 Crewkerne with Waterloo express climbing bank
in April 1961; class 4 2-6-0 No. 76005 on up local passenger in June 1967;
34097 Holsworthy at Bournemouth Central in July 1963, and Q1 No. 33008
climbing bank tender first with freight mainly of coal. (All Pacifics in
rebuilt forms). See also letter from Leslie Sandler
(Issue 240 page 24) who argues that gangers did not deliberately set
fire to vegetation..
Platform. 19-23.
It was far from glamorous on the GWR. R.T.
Crump.
See No. 231 for article by Derek Brock on difficult
working conditions on GWR: hot bedduig at Wolverhampton; hard work on turns
from Reading: Bob Crump authored a series of articles on his experiences
in Great Western Railway Journal, beginning in
No. 38 on page 345 at Pontypool Road,
before advancing to the squalour of the Midlands
(Issue No. 39 page 405)
Hampshire, Dorset and the 'M7s'. John Lakey.
See Issue 234 page
8: suggests train formation of Swanage push & pull
was incomplete.
The day a 'Brit' came calling at Speke shed. Clive Boardman.
70018 Flying Dutchman in autumn 1956: at that time prototype Deltic
was housed there.
How did the 'WD' gain its wounds? Allan Parker.
20
See Andrew Dow column (233 page
46): suggests like following letter that locomotive had
been struck by another locomotive. Response from Dow
in Issue 237 page 19..
How did the 'WD' gain its wounds? Dave Cousins
See Andrew Dow column (233 page
46) with picture of failed WD: suggests that damage was
caused through involvement in low apeed collision from rear. Response
from Dow in Issue 237 page 19...
How did the 'WD' gain its wounds? Colin
Long
See Andrew Dow column (233 page
46): passenger on down South Wales express which was delayed
in Severn Tunnel through a broken connecting rod on the locomotive: heard
ballast being thrown up onto carriage side. Letter from
Pete Berry (Issue 240 page 27) asks how engine crews coped with failed
locomotives in the Severn Tunnel..
Some raised numbers were stolen. Alan
Williams.
See Issue 234 page 6 for picture of
45552 Silver Jubilee and two extant numerals presumably
off locomotive 45552 when it carried chromium-plated numerals see illus.
p. 26 Rowledge and Reed The
Stanier 4-6-0s of the LMS). See also letter
and illus (b&w) from Paul Leavens in Issue 241 page 22 which show
locomotive crossing Goring troughs on 6 October 1963 and at Willesden on
4 July 1964: Letter from John Hyde (Issue. 244 page
28) shows how raised numbers were missing from fireman's side and remained
on driver's side by 7 July 1963.
Coins for luck, thrown into the Forth. Kevin
Jones
See Andrew Dow (234 p. 30)
for first class memories, and herein for personal memories
of Cock o' the North, of coins being tossed out of carriage window
for luck and how school pals in Edinburgh really believed that trains ran
along top of girders
When, [where] and what was going on? Barrie
Micklethwaite
Group photographs of staff and six six-coupled contractors' locomotives
in craggy settting. See letters in Issue 241 page 22
from Gordon Richards and from Bill Taylor who
state that these were used on 'Kinder Tramway' a temporary railway laid for
the construction of Kinder Reservoir, above Hayfield, used between 1902 and
1911..
Changeover at Tebay. Peter Singlehurst. 21
See feature in Issue 234 page 26 on
Stainmore route via Tebay: describes four hour trans-Pennine journey
from Durham to Morecambe for Illuminations and its equally slow return on
11 September 1954.
Picture puzzle in Manchester. John Raines.
Mossley not Moseley
My all-time 'cop'. Jim Clark.
Illustration (taken by Ken Hayson) of No. 2400 City of Newcastle
at Hitchin, and mention of how Raven Pacific had failed at Hitchin
on 17 May 1936. See also letter from veteran East Coast
observer John Aylard on page 24 of Issue 238.
Fortrose, rather than Dornoch. Stuart
Wild.
See Issue 233 page
6/7: shed illustrated at Fortrose, not Dornoch
More information for 'Laira calling'. F.
Northcott.
See Issue 234 page 15: 5032 Usk
Castle had arrived on Cornishman and would then pilot a milk train
as far as Newton Abbot.
Torpantau, quiet? Not when trains were around! D.V.
Poole. 22
See Editorial for Number
233: writer's uncle was signalman at Pentre Rhiw halfway
down the seven-mile bank and its runaway siding, problems of manual token
exchange, and of trains going too fast
Torpantau, quiet? Not when trains were around! Roy
Price.
See Editorial for Number
233: seven mile bank perched precariously on steep
hillside.
Torpantau, quiet? Not when trains were around! Ken
Mumford. 23.
See Editorial for Number
233: extant tunnel, wanders through it and fence to arrest
such, and how bank looked in 2004.
Snell, John. Cambrian memories. Part 1. 24-8.
Author's black & white photographs: BR class 4 4-6-0 No. 75020
descending from Talerddig with Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth stopping train in
August 1954; 9024 asssisting 2251 0-6-0 climbing to Talerddig with eastbound
express in August 1954; Nos. 9021 and 9001 double-head army special at Llanbedr
in summer of 1951; 2251 No. 3202 at Abertafol Halt with Barmouth to Birmingham
train in August 1954; 9016 near Criccieth on Pwllheli to Machynlleth local
passenger train in August 1954. Text mainly decribes the Great Westernization
of former Cambrian Railways: doubling of track, replacement of some bridges
and introduction of 90XX and Manor classes, and latterly 43XX.
Harrod, Peter. Stainmore farewell. 30-1.
J21 No. 65033 especially painted for RCTS three-coach special over
Stainmore on 7 May 1960: three black & white photographs, plus extensive
notes on working which included Tebay to Penrith via Shap.
Gifford, Colin (phot.). Mono mements ... in the country.
32-9.
H class No. 31521 near Groombridge on pull & push working to Tunbridge
Wells West on 14 April 1962. Class 5 44957 and B1 61342 skirt Glen Orchy
with heavy train from Fort William & Mallaig for King's Cross
(See letter from Tony Roques on page 24 of Issue 238).
See also letter from David Birchall in Issue 237 page
19 concerning this photographer's books.
Percival, David. Chiltern Green revisited. 40-6.
Double heading still tolerated in spring and summer Saturdays of
1959.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 26. 48-51.
Encounter with broken crank axle (on a J39) (illustrated): breakdown
on Belstead bank was cleared very quickly by making locomotive moveable and
ensuring that damage to permanent way was repaired. Parkeston Quay shed:
Vincent Massingberd; Fred Hulme and Dennis Barratt are mentioned as having
been in charge. Comment on C12: were comfortable to work on, although tall
men could hit head on roof (No. 4016 illustrated at Parkeston Quay; N2 class
tolerated: J15 class and jimmies fitted to enhance steaming.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me... 56-7.
A wealth of information which is now available online about patents.
Unfortunately, although some of Dow's searches have been successful, notably
for John George Robinson, another
for W.A. Stanier failed, although
seven patents are available. He fails to make it clear that the files are
available in pdf format through espacenet (a European Union venture) with
a "gateway" from the British Patent Office, and that the online records are
currently limited to those after 1895: thus most of
Webb's patents have to be sought
via printed indexes which are available in major libraries in major cities
(Plymouth and Aberdeen, for instance), but not in pre-industrial East Anglia.
The illustration shows a photograph of Robinson's anti-telescoping device
following a heavy shunt. Andrew gets a long blast
on the whistle from Fred Rich, Walter Blanchard and Kevin Jones in Issue
238 page 22/3. See also letter from Alan Wild
(Issue 239 page 23) which suggests that many engineers obviated patents
(Bulleid and Lemaitre and Gresley and Kylchap are mentioned) and mentions
holders of GWR ATC patents: Jacobs, Insell, Newton and Bowden.
See also letter from David Alexander in Issue 240 page
25.
Did we get any water? 58-60.
Superb Colour-Rail photo-feature of mainly how not to remove the scoop
from water troughs: A3 60061 Pretty Polly with tender shrouded
in water as northbound express emerges from Langley troughs (B.J.H. Stevens);
unrebuilt Patriot No. 45518 Bradshaw on up Mancunian on
Castlethorpe troughs showing how it should have been done (but it was presumably
running very slowly), August 1958 (Trevor Owen); 6004 King George III
pouring water off tender at Goring with up express in November 1961 (Trevor
Owen); K3 No. 61856 on Clegg Hall troughs with train (Bradford to Blackpool
excursion) completely shrouded in water; A4 60022 Mallard followed
by huge wall of water leaving Langley troughs (B.J.H. Stevens); 6026
King John (who was not a good man) drowning his pasengers on down
Cornish Riviera Express at Westbury in September 1957 (B.J. Swain),
and red 46243 City of Lancaster making a minor splash at Hademore
on up Royal Scot in 1959 (M.G. Paine): letter
from Paul Irving in Issue 240 page 24 states that last was Whitmore not
Hademore. . All taken on sunny days, and many would seem to have been in
droughts! See also letter from J.E. Burns (238 p. 24)
who observed a rainbow as water was taken, Alan
Taylor (Issue 241 page 19) sent photograph of No. 46243 being scrapped
at Ince and regretted that Duchess class had not been sent to Southern Region,
but tenders carried insufficient water. .
Reviews. 66
Glasgow Central - Central Glasgow. Dugald Cameron.
Strathwood.
Well received
The power of the Counties. Laurence Waters. OPC/Ian Allan.
The Hawksworth 4-6-0s
An illustrated history of Eastleigh Locomotive Works. Colin
Boocock and Peter Stanton. OPC/Ian Allan
Both authors were former Eastleigh apprentices, and much of book is
devoted to later period.
The GWR handbook. David Wragg. Sutton.
Some reservations, but well written.
34090 Sir Eustace Missenden (probably without nameplate) leaving Wsterloo
on 3 June 1967. Andrew Smith. front cover
Steam shrouded rear view..
Windows into the past: Comment by Mel Holley. 4-5.
Built around colour photograph of No. 41303 at Lymington Town on 16
May 1964 taken by Roy Hobbs. Comment on loss of printed national railway
timetable: compared with 1947 there are currently far more train services,
but the journey time is only three minutes quicker..
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
What are the origins of these Great Northern locomotive boilers?
Dave Glossop photograph taken on 15 May 1966 of former locomotive
boilers in use as stationary boilers at Doncaster Works: one may have been
a former D2.
Do you remember Caledonian Railway 123's 'Royal Journey'.
Photograph of No. 123 with "Royal Train Pilot" headboard at Nottingham
London Road (Low Level) station with exhibition train probably to celebrate
Coronation in 1953. Quotes from contemporary Railway Magazine reports
on tour itinerary.
Don't forget the signals.
Photographs from Brian Hoyland of former signals in vicinity of Northolt
Junction: gantry spanning four tracks with splitting distants looking towards
London (colour illus. taken in 1960), and down Master Cutler hauled
by 60108 Gay Crusader on 23 August 1954 passing onto Joint Line at
Northolt Junction. See also comment from John Holmes
in Issue 239 page 23. And further comment from
Brian Holyland in Issue 241 page 19.
A humble survivor.
W.G. Harris submitted colour photograph of extant platelayer's cabin
near Penmaenpool: cabin was constructed of old sleepers.
Snell, John. Cambrian memories. Part 2. 8-13.
Colour photo-feature: good captions, no text: Standard 2-6-4T with
six corridors leaving Llanbrynmair with Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury train (double
page); 82003 with single coach Machynlleth to Newtown school train leaving
Talerddig station in August 1964; Class 4 4-6-0 No. 75009 with three corridors
near Barmouth Junction; 45XX (green) with eight corridor coaches crossing
Barming Bridge heading north in 1960; class 4 No. 46421 near Llwyngwril with
Pwllheli to Machynlleth train looking over cliffs and out to sea in August
1965; No. 7827 Lydham Manor and preserved 2-6-2T No. 4555 on Talyllyn
Railway Preservation Society special leaving Towyn in September 1964; Manor
on Birmingham to Pwllheli train near Gogarth on Dovey estuary; and double
chimney Class 4 4-6-0 No. 75004 crossing lightly constructed former swing
bridge near Dovey Junction.
Wilson, Frederick. 'Schools' out in force! 14-16.
Bank Holiday Saturday 1955 when 29 different members of class seen
in service as observed from lineside on the Chatham East Loop near Petts
Wood.
Platform. 19-21.
Crossing the boundaries at Saltash. John Power
See illustration in No. 233 page
40: boundary of Saltash Borough Council extended to eastern
bank of Tamar: thus most of Royal Albert Bridge is in Cornwall.
Hurlford: its 'Moguls' and 'Blocks'. Wallace
McNair.
See feature in Issue 231 beginning page 8: writer notes that 77XXX
class Moguls were first new locomotives sent to Hurlford since arrival of
Fowler 2Ps. Writer's grandfather was a driver at Hurlford until retirement
in 1947. He had lived in railway-owned houses known as The Blocks. These
had been built by the GSWR, but became derelict when the mpd closed in
1966.
A proper glimpse. David Birchall.
See Colin Gifford series: Mono moments (latest in
236 page 32). Writer notes the apparent rarity of photographer's books:
Decline of steam (Ian Allan, 1965: Ottley 10431); And Gone Forever
(Oxford Publishing, 1994: Ottley 15865), and Each a glimpse (Ian
Allan, 1970: Ottley 10203).
Damaged WD a mystery. Andrew Dow.
Original "That reminds me" in Issue
233 page 46: reaction to correspondence from
Allan Parker and Dave Cousins
in Issue 236 page 20: writer empasises force required to shear
crankpin,
What is that vertical smokebox pipe on a Maunsell 'L1'
class 4-4-0? John Jones. 20
Reply with illustration from R.H.N. Hardy: pipe carried exhaust steam
from blast pipe to exhaust steam injector. At time photograph taken of No.
31754 exhaust steam injector was probably still capable of working. Also
notes that exhaust steam injectors of F pattern (as fitted to K3 class and
GNR Atlantics) was more reliable than H type fitted to LNER Pacifics and
V2 class which mainly ran on live steam unless newly ex-works. Picture shows
son James and himself at Stewarts Lane in 1957.
Any pictures of Euston's turntable? Les Hall.
Writer, as a passed cleaner at Camden, used to clean and prepare
locomotives, Jubilees or rebuilt Patriots, and presumably turn them, ready
for return journeys, typically to Birmingham. Writer would like to see pictures
of turntable located in north western corner of station:
provided by Martin Welch in Issue 239 page 26..
GWR did much more than 'just tinker' with engines.
David Fuller.
See letter from Frank Gee in Issue
No. 230 page 24 who dared to castigate GWR locomotive
design: letter falsely implies that 14XX and Kings continued Churchward's
design philosophy and is incorrect to claim that Kings encapsulated
standardization. Letter also makes doubtful assertions against Gresley and
Stanier designs: 14XX for hauling ECML expresses?? Boocock replied forcefully
in Issue 239 page 25
It is a non-corridor tender on the 'A4'. Eric
Oates. 21
See Issue 235 page 53: suggests
that date is incorrect as on 24 August 1966 60024 Kingfisher was fitted
with non-corridor tender off 60034 Lord Faringdon when it was withdrawn,
whereas photographs show A4 with earlier ex-A1 type corridor tender.
See also late photograph of Kingfisher on page
24 of Issue 240 (M.J. Harris).
Article reminded me of days at Consett. Keith
Stafford.
See Issue 235 page 13: memories
of 9F class on iron ore workings: father had been fireman at Consett during
WW2, but working under blackout screens led to asthma and need to leave railway
work.
Article reminded me of days at Consett. M.K.
Gandy.
See Issue 235 page 13: noted
that one of 9Fs illustrated lacked a cylinder cover, but Editor notes that
would not have affected performance. Ian Smith and
S.G. Allsopp Issue 239 page 27 corrected terminology
used in this letter: cylinder cover cladding.
The Greygoose years. Frank Greygoose (phot.). 22-5.
Black & white photographs taken by former LNER/Eastern Region
official photographer at King's Cross (except for one as noted): preserved
No. 4472 Flying Scotsman departing on 1 May 1968 to celebrate 40th
anniversary of first "non-stop"; A4 No. 60029 Woodcock at head of
Flying Scotsman on 27 August 1948 climbing Holloway bank; B1 No. 61139
at head of Butlins Express for Skegness leaving on 7 June 1958; L1
No. 67770 departing with parcels train; A1 60146 Peregrine departing
with express and A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley (very dirty) awaiting
departure.
Dow, Andrew. A machine before its time. 26-32.
In 1930 the LNER acquired a Morris Tracklayer: this tracklaying machine
had been developed from a machine invented by Arthur Bretland of the Midland
Great Western Railway in Ireland. The machine laid track panels. This extensive
account, with references to contemporary literature is based on photographic
and cinematic images held by Fastline. Part 2: Issue 238
page 26.
Coal by rail to Stella. 34-5.
Aerial photograph taken in late morning of 16 November 1956 of Stella
South Power Station and Stella North Power Station: former shows vast coal
stack fed from wagon unloading unit. Further picture
and informatiion in Issue 239 page 25. See also
letter from John Clayson (Issue 239 page 25) who describes how ash used
to be shipped out to sea and dumped. See also feature on this area by Stan
Hall in Issues Nos. 230 (page 17) and
231 (page 44)
Krause, Ian. Four seasons: a 1967 diary. 36-42.
Frenetic activity to capture some of the last remaining steam workings
on film and to meet some of the other photographers active at that time.
Includes an encounter with W.J.V. Anderson to persuade him to contribute
his work to Steam in Scotland, publshed by Roundhouse; meetings of the Locomotive
Club of Great Britain at the Express Tavern public house at Kew Bridge with
Mike Pope, Chris Gammell, John Blythe, John Snell and Dusty Durrant in connection
with work for Steam. Long car journeys to odd corners, motoring prior to
speed limits, and encounters with muck spreaders whilst trespassing. Black
& white illus.:Class 4 No. 43121 with special for Alston having just
crossed South Tyne viaduct on 27 March (all 1967 not repeated); the pub;
J27 No. 65833 at Ryhope Grange Junction with empty coal hoppers; Class 4
4-6-0 No. 75033 at Aberystwyth on 4 March being prepared to work last
Cambrian Coast Express; Stanier class 5 on freight overtaking muck
spreader near Hellifield (hellish field?) on 11 March; 4079 Pendennis
Castle climbing past Gresford Colliery with Ian Allan special on 4 March,
and dismal Croes Newydd shed on same day: see letter
from Dave Glossop (Issue 241 p. 19) who queried date stated.
Reviews. 43
Lost railways. Countryside Books.
Northumberland, Wiltshire and Staffordshire all share same format,
but different authors: considered to be good value by MH.
Working steam: Collett Castles & Kings. Roy Hobbs. Ian
Allan. MH
Ninety colour photographs; mainly by R.C. Riley and Trevor Owen.
Presentation and reproduction is good.
British railway pictorial: railways of Hampshire. Anthony W.
Burges. Ian Allan. MH
Criticism of smallness of some illustrations.
Dalton-in-Furness: Mediaevt capitalal to mining community.
Rock Battye. Cumbrian Railways Association. MH
"wonderfully produced book, nicely laid out... excellent value for
money"
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 44-5.
Stanhope Baker photograph of A4 No. 4487 Sea Eagle in paint
shop at Doncaster Works on 21 March 1937 with rear view of Quicksilver.
Sea Eagle was in briefly applied livery of apple green with boiler stripes
and vertical division of black smokebox. Quicksilver was in silver grey livery
which showed the corridor tender to great advantage. Neither Andrew nor KPJ
likes A4s with vertical stripes (KPJ wonders why the Kremlin did not enforce
such vandalism on Southern Pacifics). Andrew also comments on the former
generous provision for visits to railway workshops and sad end to such
generosity. S.G. Allsopp (Issue 240 page 26) takes
issue with caption's description of screw coupling on corridorf tender.
.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 27. 46-50.
J15 class 0-6-0s and their antics during loading and unloading of
train ferries at Harwich (one of these amazing locomotives is still in service
on North Norfolk Railway). Only one illus. is of J15: No. 65458 with scorched
smokebox hauling eight coaches on 18 April 1955; B17 No. 2822 Alnwick
Castle hauling Flushing Continetal round curve off main line at
Manningtree with eight bogies including three Pullmans in 1938 (G.R. Grigs);
N2 No. 69552 running into Mistley with four non-corridors, and B17 No. 2823
Lambton Castle at Liverpool Street with down Flushing Continental
in 1933.
Two Stars, an Earl and a God... 53-4.
Colour photo-feature of Britannia class: 70028 Royal Star on
up Welsh Dragon in snow and brilliant sunshine near Hullavington in
1956 (locomotive with handrails on smoke deflectors) (P.M. Alexander); 70044
Earl Haig at Willesden mpd on 26 October 1963 (Geoff Rixon); 70025
Western Star at Abergele with westbound fast freight in June 1963
(Geoff Rixon); 70015 Apollo approaching Brackley with Nottingham o
Marlebone train on 18 August 1962 (John Dagley-Morris)
Boyd, Peter. Manchester fireman. Part 6. 56-60.
Moved to Willesden in 1956, but National Service caught up with him
and that was the end of his railway career. See also
letter and photographs from Terry Carroll in Issue 243 page 20 (of Fowler
2-6-4T No. 2350 and how it was used as banker and pilot for Royal
Train).
Improved format: daring and successful use of photographs spread across two pages
A fine tradition. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Editorial on railtours which probably achieved their finest days in
the 1950s and early 1960s. Roy Hobbs superb colour double page spread of
34051 Winston Churchill approaching Salisbury having hauled the SLS
chartered train from Birmingham via Reading on 23 May 1965.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
'Fairly fresh' from overhaul – 'L1' 4-4-0 No. 31756, at Groombridge.
Paul Leavens colour photograph of locomotive with four coaches on
09.00 Brighton to Tonbridge on 17 October 1959.
Another GCR railway 'monument' is removed – the 'birdcage bridge' at
Rugby.
During the Christmas 2006 closure of the marginally useful railway
the Great Central bridge at Rugby was taken down by road-mounted giant crane
and cut up. Black & white photograph from Roger Shenton shows 45688
Polyphemus passing under it on 27 July 1954 (pity that it had not
been a Christmas day express with roast turkey in the dining
car).
Farewell Chris Gammell.
The death of Chris Gammell, author and photographer, on 9 February
2007.
Another look at a 'Brit' on the SR's Western Division.
C. Deamer colour photograph of 70004 without nameplates on 17.23 Waterloo
to Southampton Docks on 16 August 1966.
Just one of those days...
Michael Mensing black & white photograph taken on 9 December 1961
at Birmingham Snow Hill of train of tank wagons hauled by No. 2856 had stalled
on gradient and was being rescued by tender-first 7912 Little Linford
Hall.
Butcher, David. Is that you Butcher? 8-12.
On Saturday 5 October 1963 B12/3 No. 61572 which had been out of service
for nearly two years worked the Midland & Great Northern Railway Society's
Wandering 1500 railtour from Broad Street via Finsbury Park to Hitchin (this
Part) and managed the climb to Potters Bar with the steam pressure falling,
but with the locomotive continuing to go well and responding to the "little
and often" firing technique and keeping the Westinghouse brake running. Had
originally appeared in Great Eastern J.,
but here it is accompanied by superb Colour Rail photographs of special at
Broad Street, Dalston Junction, just north of Potters Bar station (where
text and photograph blend), and inside Willesden depot on following day (Geoff
Rixon). Exciting finish in Issue 239 page 8 et
seq. T.C. Woodward visible in opening photograph?
see letter in Issue 243 page 20.
Cope, Derek. One of the best!: Warwickshire Railway Society's 'Waverley'
railtour. 14-17.
Class 5 45134 Birmingham to Leeds; 45697 Achilles thence to
Carlisle; A2 60528 Tudor Minstrel thence to Edinburgh; A4 60034 Lord
Faringdon to York and V2 60886 back to Birmingham on 11 December 1965.
Good colour pictures of Achilles at Hellifield taken by author and participant
and of Tudor Minstrel climbing to Whitrope by Bob Clarke. Improved
format greatly adds to impact of this photograph.
Platform 22-
Patent Office website fails to reveal all... the
victorians were much more inventive after all, it seems...
Letters from Fred Rich, Walter Blanchard and Kevin P. Jones in response
to Andrew Dow in Issue 236 page 56. The first notes
the limitations of the esp@cenet database, the problem of abandoned patents
(according to Rich, Webb abandoned 19) and that British Patents are now held
at the National Archive at Kew. Blanchard notes that Daniel Gooch (Diaries
Nonsuch edition) had fairly strong ideas about patents, and the difficulties
in tracing patents taken out prior to 1895 (or whensoever esp@cenet sparks
into existence. See also letter from David Alexander
in Issue 240 page 25..
I agree: 'U1s' really did 'pack a punch'. John
Skinner.
See Editorial in Issue 236 In
1957 U1 31905 attained 78 mile/h in the dip at Farningham Road whilst working
the 20.35 Victoria to Ramsgate, and notes how Nock (Southern steam) recorded
80 mile/h at both Cuxton and in the dip
I worked 'Brit' during its SW section 'detour'.
Robert Cartwright. 23
See Issue 236 page 6: on 18
May 1966 fired No. 70002 on run from Nine Elms to Basingstoke light engine,
but limited to 30 mile/h due to broken spring on trailing truck. Loved sounding
whistle!
Picture was taken at New Mills in Derbyshire.
Norman Burkitt.
See Issue 236 page 8: Col. illus.
of 76089 at "Furness Vale" with train for "Buxton" was at New Mills South
Junction on the Midland line on a Manchester Central to Chinley/Sheffield
train which was shunted at Chinley to connect with other services. Writer
had been a station inspector at Chinley.
Thanks Colin for your Mono Moments. Roger Derwent
Had been able to obtain a copy of Each a glimpse and acknowledged
quality of this photographer's work.
Raven 'Pacific' was indeed a rare find at Hitchin in
1936. John Aylard. 24
See letter from Jim Clark in Issue 236 page
21: at that time there was a once a week summer working
in which an A2 was scheduled to arrive at King's Cross at 16.10 on Friday
and depart on the 13.05 Norseman on the Saturday non-stop to Newcastle with
passengers for the Bergen Line sailing for Oslo.
Water, water, everwhere... J.E. Burns
See colour photo-feature on page of Issue 236 page
56: in August 1939 writer observed a circular rainbow
at Penmaenmawr as express approached after picking up water: KPJ: see also
frontispiece in Hamilton Ellis's The
engines that passed wherein No. 3414 Sir Edward Elgar is shown
picking up water with rainbow.
The West Highland line in 1961 - perfectly recaptured.
Tony Roques.
See Colin Gifford feature in Issue 236 beginning
page 32 (36/7): train illustrated was the 16.40
(summer only) Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street restaurant car express
with through coach from Mallaig to Edinburgh and through coaches including
two sleeping cars for King's Cross and obervation car at rear.
Torpantau picture shows change... R. John Wilcox.
25
See Issue 233 page
4: Senior Scouts with knives and in shorts and standing
on running lines (and presumably near steam boiler which could explode),
etc: ode to the nanny state.
Crash scene raises identity questions. John
Greaves
See illustration in Issue 236 page
6: argues that locomotive could not have been No. 3836
as had been rebuilt as an O4/8: might have been No. 3832.
Crash scene raises identity questions. Colin
Major.
See illustration in Issue 236 page
6: argues that locomotive could not have been No. 3836
as had been rebuilt as an O4/8
Crash scene raises identity questions. Bill
Taylor.
See illustration in Issue 236 page
6: notes that N2 No. 69552 came off rails at Mansfield
Central and that class was returned to King's Cross from Colwick.
It's a river, not a canal, in Burnley. Nigel
Hopwood.
See illustration on page 38 in Issue 235: River
Brun
Dow, Andrew. A machine before its time. Part 2.
26-32.
Part 1 see previous Issue page 26: The machine
was put in store at Gosforth during WW2, but was restored for further service
after the War under the direction of Arthur Dean, the Eastern Region's Chief
Engineer, although the ballast handling part was superceded by a ballast
sledge designed by Norman Macleod. It was lso strengthened to enable it to
handle flat bottom rail with concrete sleepers and received further strengthening
in 1960. It was employed on laying new track on the Pilmoor to Alne quadrupling
and in the new Tyne Yard. Dow notes the strenth of innovation on the LNER/Eastern
Region.
Great shot: Classw 5 arriving Burnley Central with policeman
observing. Eric Bentley. 34-5
Black & white: was it a football excursion? See
letter from Steve Smith in Issue 250 page 21: excursion to Burnley on
4 February 1967 for Manchester United supporters.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 28. 36-41.
Anecdote about how he got the better of a surly fireman when a B1
(No. 61045) was substituted for a Britannia (with the connivance of Bill
Harvey at Norwich) on a Norwich to Liverpool Street working (boarded at Ipswich)
and the Author showed how the 4-6-0 should be fired as far as Colchester
and then passed the shovel over to the fireman and took the driving over
from Driver Cyril Yelverton as far as Shenfield and made the fireman sweat.
The late start from Ipswich was more than recovered. Also more sorrowful
adecdotes about ASLEF's 1955 strike.
A master at work. J.E. Wilkinson (phot.). 42-5.
Black & white photographs: unrebuilt Royal Scot 46137 The Prince
of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire) climbing Shap and banked by
a 4F 0-6-0 with fourteen on on 3 July 1954 (one can almost imagine the hollow
throaty roar from the exhaust): 46204 Princess Louise on northbound
Royal Scot on 14 September 1959 with sanders working hard near Scout
Green; 72001 Clan Cameron coasting down to Tebay with 14.15 Liverpool
to Glasgow "express" on 18 July 1959; Super D 49252 wheezes through Lancaster
on down freight on 4 August 1954; 70049 Solway Firth on 16.15 Manchester
Victoria to Glasgow Central on 28 May 1960.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 44-5.
2-6-4T No. 803 River Itchen near Guildford:
comment on tendency of River class
to roll, on the poor nature of Southern Railway's track: its use of shingle
rather than granite as ballast and its probable lack of transition curves
(latter not mentioned by Holcroft
in his Locomotive adventure)
Snow Hill's goods... E.D. Bruton and Michael Mensing. (phots.).
Black & white: 6979 Bryngwyn Hall heads south towards Snow Hill
station on 13 September 1933 (EB); 2832 heads coke train northbound along
Platform 5 on 2 April 1957 (MM); 9774 on short permanent way train on 5 May
1966 (MM); 7810 Draycott Manor with class H freight on 13 September 1953
(EB) and 6674 on 15 February 1958 (MM)
'M7s': on and off tour. 53-5.
Colour photo-feature.
Snell, John. Cambrian memories.
Colour photographs: 75014 on up mixed freight near Cummins Coch in
August 1965; and exactly same train nearing Talerddig allegedly one
year earlier!; tresppass notice; 75014 with freight including six gunpowder
vans passing Towyn Wharf in June 1964 (note track with concrete pad sleepers
with steel tie bars); 7807 Compton Manor with Machynlleth to Shrewsbury
freight climibing to Talerddig with freight in August 1964 and Llanbrynmair
Signalbox. ;
Reviews. 66
Lost lines: Ireland. Nigel Welbourn. Ian Allan. MH
"nicely rounded view"
Locomotives in detail Volume 6. Maunsell 4-4-0
Schools class. Peter Swift. Ian Allan. MH
"this volume is not as poor as some in the series" "Yet again this
series fails to live up to what it promises tthe reader"
Locomotive headboards: the complete story. Dave Peel. Sutton.
MH
Mel considers that claim to be definitive is justified.
The power of the Austerities. Gavin Morrison. Ian Allan.
MH
Well received
A last farewell. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Editorial on the LSWR/Southern Railway lines in North Devon and in
Cornwall, including mention of the Atlantic Coast Express (ACE) and a railtour
which included the closed Halwill Junction to Torrington line on 2 March
1965: the Exmoor Ranger hauled by Ivatt 2-6-2Ts 41206 and 41291 with Roy
Hobbs colour photograph of tour at Halwill Junction.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
The Western Region makes its mark at Selly Oak. Roger Shenton
Black & white photographs of Western Region flat-roofed signal
box as replacement for Midland structure with 43425 passing box with short
freight on 13 January 1958 and Jubilee 45654 Hood at Halesowen Junction passing
new lower GWR signals on 20 January 1958.
Accommodation on the platform.
Hummanby station (illustrated) with bed & breakfast provided by
david & Karen Hubbard.
GWR 'King' 4-6-0 at Stourbridge — surely not!
6020 King Henry IV at Didcot with 84F: stourbridge Junction
shedcode plate.
A shed and a house. Christopher Mitchell
Postcard of George Stephenson's birthplace in Wylam: a National Trust
property
Butcher, David. Is that you Butcher? 8-14.
Previous part in Issue No. 238 page 8. On Saturday
5 October 1963 B12/3 No. 61572 which had been out of service for nearly two
years worked the Midland & Great Northern Railway Society's Wandering
1500 railtour from Broad Street via Finsbury Park to Hitchin: from there
(this part) it wandered to Bedford, Northampton, over the SMJR line via Towcester
to Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington, to Rugby (where it was serviced), followed
by a sprint to Bletchley and eventually reached Broad Street two hours late.
The author was reunited with the pride of the North Norfolk Railway at Weybourne
on 5 October 2003. Illustrations of the train passing Blakesley, near Gayton
Sidings, near Ettrington, near Towcester, passing Welyn North and near Dalston
Junction (mainly in colour from Colour-Rail) and at Sheringham on 5 October
2003. Butcher emphasises the unique nature of this locomotive: the sole
inside-cylinder 4-6-0 to have been preserved.
Hornby, Frank. SECR survivors! 18-22.
Only 31 LCDR locomotives survived into British Railways ownership,
but rather more SER locomotives survived (notably the O1 class 0-6-0s: 31061
photographed at Tenterden), and many SECR types, some of which formed the
basis for Southern Railway standards.
Platform. 23-
Fantastic memories to savour GW/GC Joint signalling gantry.
John Holmes.
See original picture in Call Attention (Issue
237) and comment upon it
Little incentive to apply for railway patents. Alan
Wild.
See Dow That reminds me (Issue 236 page 36)
and earlier correspondence: writer records that patents were issued
to individuals (but could be assigned to companies KPJ) and that Royalty
payments could cause problems, both for the inventor and to make companies
reluctant to make such payments. Wild notes how Bulleid obviated payments
to Lemaitre, and how Gresley intended to exploit the Kylchap exhaust system
once the patent lapsed. Wild also notes the names of the patentees for the
GWR ATC system: notably Insell and
Jacobs.
LNWR Super D 0-8-0s on the West London line at Kensington
Olympia. Christopher Tanous.
Coal in by rail, ash out by boat at Stella Power Station.
John Clayson. 25
See another picture in Issue 237 page
34: this picture shows wharves from which ash sent by
boat for dumping at sea (eventually forbidden). One of the boats was the
Bobby Shafto: see www.portoftyne.co.uk/sitepage.aspx?id=99
Boocock rejects 'bigoted' slur. Colin Boocock
See letter by David Fuller (Issue 237 page 20)
and article by Boocock (Issue 228 page 44):
Features admired by Boocock:
Churchward's advanced designs for their time and standardisation
good pre-1939 performance of Castle class doing what they were designed to do
Chapelon's holistic and innovative design development of the steam locomotive as a whole (ditto Dante Porter)
Gresley's adaption of lessons learned from Chapelon in his Pacifics
Bulleid's pushing further at the boundaries of locomotive engineering, even maybe going a little too far
He does not admire railways that failed to take commercial advantage of engineering developments with quick pay-back times that would have raised their profits (GWR in later years and, less so, BR after nationalisation. The following are then listed:
Finally argues that GWR would not have remained profitable as the
Western Region had to be subjected to massive cut-backs and that the Southern
was in a much healthier financial state. David Fuller
(letter Issue 242 page 22) responded by arguing that Swindon tolerances
on axleboxes were closer and that this lessened the need for manganese liners
or roller bearings. Electric light was regarded as dangerous at Swindon.
Geoff Langley (242 page 22) argues that GWR paid
dividends (KPJ via creative accounting), noted work on ATC and draughting
and that double-chimney Kings were as good as A1s and Bulleid Pacifics
Euston's turntable was vital to prevent congestion
at the terminus. Martin Welch. 26
Les Hall (issue 237 page 20)
asked for photograph of turntable at Euston: photograph taken in about 1956
with Jubilee class 45734 Meteor with The Midlander headboard
and 45741 Leinster and 80XXX 2-6-4T.
The very sad sight of an 'A4s' very last movements...
Peter Robinson.
60024 at North Blythe on 26 Novemeber 1966: see also letter from
David Gowing (Issue 241 page 20) who noted that
plaques still in place.
Derailment at speed luckily avoided. Ian Pow. 27
Traveller on 14.35 Edinburgh to Newcastle which suffered a broken connecting
rod at Christon Bank, fotunately whilst travelling slowly.
Just one word... Ian Smith.
See feature on 9Fs at Consett (Issue 235 page
13) and letter from M.K. Gandy (237
page 21): the cladding to the cylinder cover was missing: a cosmetic
failure.
Just one word... S.G. Allsopp.
See feature on 9Fs at Consett (Issue 235 page
13) and letter from M.K. Gandy (237
page 21):The cladding to the cylinder cover was missing: The loss of
a cylinder cover could be heard from over a mile away: cites an incident
with an 8F near Derby
'Odd' Scottish milepost explained. R.H.
Smillie.
See Issue No XXX: distance cited is from Carlisle Citadel to Ardrossan Montgomery
Pier via Lanarkshire & Ayrshire Railway.
Allcock, William. Pounding the GC. 29-33.
Author was at Royal Naval College Greenwich when a visit was made
to an establishment in Aylesbury and he encountered the up Master Cutler
hauled by a B1 rushing under the footbridge as it stormed into the climb
towards Dutchlands. His first trip on an express occurred on the 16.50 South
Yorkshireman on 1 March 1952 hauled by 60102 Sir Frederick Banbury
which syncopated its way north via Amersham and reached Leicester in time
to catch the 19.02 semi-slow return to Marylebone: he is not complimentary
about the dining car's steak & kidney pie. In March 1953 he made the
entire journey from Manchester London Road to Marylebone by taking a Cleethorpes
train to Sheffield and caught the up South Yorkshireman from there
where B1 No. 61160 had to work to work its twelve coaches through to Leicester
where V2 No. 60836 took over and with speed well into the eighties made up
much of the lost time by Aylesbury. Like O.S. Nock Allcock also sampled the
Newspaper flyer which left Marylebone at 01.45 and ran to Nottingham Arkwright
Street riding on the footplate of B1 61187.
Batten, Reg. The run-down years. 36-41.
The 1945-55 decade: illustrated by author's own photographs:
one of photographs (N7 No. 2618 is subject of letter
from Peter Davis in Issue 245 page 20) as not two quad-art sets, but
one quin-art set plus sundry other carriages..
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 42-7.
An extended feature to attack the malign influence of all British
governments on railways which have never understood railways and their complex
nature, needs and opportunities and their own limited tenures and even more
restricted horizons. It is remarkable how ordinary railwaymen have adapted
to a succession of misguided governance from Gladstone to wee Macgregor with
his wee driving gloves and boasts of his knowledge of big rat run routes
through the Home Counties. Letters from David Waskett,
Ian McCart, Max Birchenough,
Peter Davis, Peter
Butterfield and Huw Edwards in Issue 241 on
pp. 20-1: one is from Ireland, the remainder from England, none from Scotland
(where devolution has brought limited hope), but how long will that great
Nation wish to be 400 miles from the European railway's high-speed
network in London?:
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 29. 48-50.
Mainly the final years of steam on the Great Eastern and his final
footplate journey (before preservation) on a Britannia. Notes how to the
amazement of French enginemen British footplate crews were able to assess
speed without the use of speedometers (but then all motorists are supposed
to be able to perform in this way)..
Snell, John. Cambrian memories. Part 4. 52-6.
Colour photographs: 7819 Hintom Manor on Cambrian Coast Express at
Llanbrynmair in August 1964; 78006 between Penrhyndeudraeth and Talsanau
on Pwllheli to Machynlleth train in June 1960; 7820 Dinmore Manor with three
coaches climbing to Taleddig; 7827 Lydham Manor with preserved 2-6-2T 4555
on Talyllyn Preservation Society special at Penmaenpool in September 1964;
5507 at Minfford with Pwllheli to Machynlleth train.
'Duchess' 4-6-2s on shed... Geoff Rixon. 59-61.
Colour-photo feature: all in red except first: 46224 Princess
Alexandra (green) at Carlisle Kingmoor in September 1962; 46247 City
of Liverpool (with red nameplate) also at Carlisle Kingmoor in September
1962; 46245 City of London inside Willesden shed on 14 September 1963
and also at Camden; and another view of 46247 at Carlisle Kingmoor.
Peter Davis (letter Issue 242 page 21) corrects
caption: there were 24 streamlined locomotives..
Reviews. Mike Holley. 65-6.
Lost railways of Leicestershire & Rutland. Geoffrey
Kinascott.
Lost railways of Berkshire. Rupert Matthews. Countryside
Books.
In case of latter so few lost that recourse is made to loss of grandure
formerly evident on Henley branch. MH considers photographic standard to
be "adequate".
Railway milestones and millstones. Stanley Hall. Ian
Allan.
"author's reasoning is cogently argued. "Recommended".
Rail Guide. Middleton Press.
monthly
LMS Journal. Nos. 16 & 17. Bob Essery. Wild Swan.
Southern pull-push stock. Mike King. Ian Allan.
"well-written text"
Great Southern Railways. Donal Murray. Ian Allan.
Archibald Sturrock. Tony Vernon. Tempus
"illuminating insight"; useful appendixes
BR coaching stock in colour since 1960. Robert Hendry. Ian
Allan
two colour pictures per page plus extensive captions
Bowing out with style and passion. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Editorial on the end of steam on th Southern Region including a railtour
Steam Again to the West Country on 15 October 1966 which involved
two rebuilt Merchant Navy class Pacifics: 35023 Holland-Afrika Line
and 35026 Lamport & Holt Line (Colour-Rail illus. of this locomotive
at Exeter Central) and an eight-coach train which involved a circuit: Waterloo
to Westbury when 102 mile/h was achieved under the command of Bert Hooker
at Andover. From Westbury the train worked back to Salisbury via Taunton
and Exeter. See also letter and photos from Keith Widdowson
(Issue 242 page 19)
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
A welcome East Coast rescue by 'B1' 4-6-0s.
John Clayson photograph of 61250 A. Harold Bibby assisting
Deltic D9000 Royal Scots Grey at Grantham on 27 June 1963, and two
photographs from Tim Hailes of 61174 which had failed at Hitchin being assisted
towards King's Cross by 61272 in King's Cross with an up express.
Farewell 'Ken Groundwater...
Early death (age 57) of Tyneside photographer (includes
portrait).
Another station to stay at.
Dent: self-ccatering accommodation
Why and when was this photograph taken?
One of the two 4CC Atlantics probably No. 731 suspended from crane
at Gateshead Works with workmen and their leaders in front.
Dennis Lorriman (Issue 241 page 19) does not give
reason, but argues that compound system employed was an improved version
of that used on Midland compounds..
Krause, Ian. Four seasons: a 1967 diary. 8-14.
Covers the period April to June and notes the frustrations of taking
photographs in poor weather when tired. Failure of accountancy examinations
and opted for course in photography. Colour illustrations of some of the
successes: 70005 John Milton climbinng Shap with a freight banked
by BR 2-6-4T on 21 April 1967 (captured in evening sunlight); Woodhorn Colliery
RSH 0-6-0T No. 39 with miners' carriages on train for Ashington on
10 June; and Jubilee 45562 Alberta crossing River Blythe on Ashington
Flyer (railtour) on 10 June. see also letter from
Christopher Tanous in Issue 242 page 19..
Martin, Kirk. Waterloo sunset. 16-17.
Evening of 28 September 1966: essay-type appreciation.
Poynter, Bob. Saturday spectacular! 19-23.
26 August 1950: observations of Western and Southern Region traffic
at Exeter St Davids. concluded in Issue 241 page
28..
Platform. 24-
More on the 'A4' tender swaps at Aberdeen Ferryhill...
M.J. Harris.
Further to previous letter from Eric Oates (Issue
237 page 21) and original feature in Issue 235 page
53: photograph shows 60024 Kingfisher with non-corridor tender
in Ferryhill shed on 10 September 1966. See also further
letters from Eric Oates and Dave Tulip in Isue
243 page 21'..
Whitmore, not Hadmore. Paul Irving.
Feature on water troughs (page 58 et seq
in Issue 236) shows 46243 troughing at Whitmore, not as
stated
Gangers never burned lineside vegetation. Leslie
Sandler.
Objected to caption in Issue 236 (page 21 et
seq) on Parkstone Bank: gangers were not preparing to burn vegetation:
this led to a vociferous response in Issue 242 pp. 20-1
from Stephen Spark and many others who noted how lineside vegetation
used to be burned and that this saved the civil engineering works from being
destroyed by trees leading to leaves on the line and bustitution.
Further letter from Jim Clark in Issue 243 page 19
who observed controlled burning near Hadley Wood in 1950s. Further
response including from from Southern Hemisphere on page 26 of Issue 247:
Tony Watson (fire spread at Headingly) and
Vaughan Pugh....
Mr Thorley gave me my first 'drive'. George
Glover.
Writer was a diagram clerk at Derby and encountered Thorley whilst
off-duty spotting: Thorley gave him a footplate trip on a Midland
0-6-0
Do patents really prove inventiveness? David Alexander.
25
See earlier feature by Andrew Dow in Issue 236 page
58 and response from Kevin Jones and others
in Issue 238 page 22: writer adds that John G. Robinson did not earn
much from his 45 patents, also notes the many attempts to avoid Royalty payments
on the Schmidt superheater patents.
Swindon's 'Halls' are very under-rated. Peter Chatman.
7928 Wolf Hall (illus. repeated) noted the mechanical lubricator
fitted only to the last twenty Modified Halls.
What a response – is there more? Keith Speller. 26.
Rebuilt West Country Pacifics 34046 Braunton and 34048
Lynton (illus. from R.A. Panting) on Royal Train from Weymouth at
Poole on 29 April 1959: writer is involved in restoration of former on
WSR.
Emergency and normal screw couplings are different. S.G.
Allsopp
See Andrew Dow's That reminds me in Issue 237 page
44: writer distinguishes between emergency and normal
screw couplings: the former were fitted to the A4 class with corridor tenders
and to most LNER coaches as these were fitted with buckeye automatic couplers
and the screw couplings were only used in the event of a failure in the buckeyes.
They were painted red.
How did crews cope in the Tunnel? Pete Berry. 27.
See Colin Long's letter (Issue 236 page 20) on
being stuck in Severn Tunnel: asks how footplate crews coped with engine
failures in the Tunnel. See Issue No. 243 page 19 for responses from
Peter Davis; Owen Edgington;
Derek Fleming and Colin J.
Churcher.
Sawford, Eric. Great Eastern stalwarts. 28-32
J15 class: duties in their final years as described in text and b&w
photographs: 65454 with Westinhouse and vacuum brake and stovepipe chimney
at Stratford on 7 July 1955; 65451 being tuned at Mildenhall on 31 May 1956;
65390 near Godmanchester with Kettering to Cambridge passenger train on 5
July 1954; 65474 on freight at Huntigdon Easton 16 Match 1954; 65420 on bridge
at Godmanchester on 31 August 1961 (when line was being lifted); 65474 on
Huntingdon shed on 7 February 1955; 65475 at Huntingdon East with Kettering
to Cambridge passenger train on 28 April 1954 and 65420 at Huntigdon East
on 14 June 1956.
Jubilee No. 45716 Swiftsure passing Elvanfoot with up freight on 7
July 1960. David Anderson (phot.). 34-5.
Black & white "Great Shot"
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 30.
36-41.
Pen portrait of Charlie Lock, Storekeeper (Special Class) in charge
of Stratford District Stores (also photographic portrait); anecdote about
Stan Hinbest, an apprentice fitter, sent to work inside tasnk of N7 to assist
in fixing bolts and nuts holding reversing wheel in place, including wetness
and darkness of location and banging on tank sides by other apprentices.
Illus.: J15 65424 with tender cab (known as 'covered wagon') on Colchester
shed in October 1956; 65470 on Braintree branch and L1 No. 67729 at Liverpool
Street on 12 February 1957 (caption states that very good engines on outer
sububurban work"). According to G. King (242 page 19)
writer asked for lyrics to song the Covered Wagon: Mel (its that sort of
name) quotes the lot and notes that Jimmy Kennedy wrote them.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 42-3.
Adventures with preserved Stirling single No. 1 on 24 August 1938: on railtour
to Cambridge: illus. show arrival back at King's Cross and taking the curve
at Shepreth (taken from train consisting of GNR six wheelers). Text also
mentions 96 mile/h attained by preserved 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley on
WCML in 1967.
Stewart, Bob. The final eight months [of steam traction].
44-7.
As observed in Liverpool area where steam freight mixed with high
voltage electrification. David Robinson (letter in Issue
244 page 29) adds considerably to this feature in what amounts to extended
captions
Cooper, Peter. Maunsell twilight. 48-50.
Classes N and N1, U and U1 and S15
Grayer, Jeffery. The ultimate steam branch. 52-6.
Lymington during its final months of steam prior to
electrification.
Padd-King-ton. [King class at Paddington]. Geoff Rixon
(phot.). 60-1
Wonderful colour photographs: 6019 King Henry V on 19 August
1962; 6021 King Richard II in AAugust 1962 and 6007 King William
III in June 1962. Last photograph see also letter from
Christopher Tanous in Issue 242 page 19..
Reviews. Mel Holley. 65-6
The Red Dragon... and other old friends. Leuan Daniel and others.
LDR Publications.
"excellent record" of railway activity at Swansea.
The Leader Project: fiasco or triumph?
Kevin Robertson. OPC
author argues that was not a complete
disaster. Book originally published
1988
F.W. Webb. J.E. Chacksffield. Oakwood
well received
Shed bashing with the Beatles. Phil Mathison. Dead Good.
Based on Hull. No illustrations
Life in a railway factory.Alfred Wiliams. Sutton
Swindon Works: orginally published in 1915.
The Jubilee 4-6-0s. Ray Towsin. RCTS.
well received
The Manchester & Milford Railway. J.S. Holden. Oakwood.
orifginally published in 1979: "wealth of information"
Gresley's mighty 'Moguls'. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Editorial coupled with Geoff Rixon colour photograph of K3 No. 61957
at Colwick mpd shortly being withdrawn on 25 August 1962. Notes that the
K3s were considerably larger and more powerful than other British 2-6-0s.
There were other three-cylinder 2-6-0s on the Sputhern, but these had smaller
boilers. Under Thompson one K3 was rebuilt with two B1-type cylinders, and
a further ten were intended to be rebuilt as K5s in 1949, but this did not
take place, Editorial cllaims that rebuilt locomotive rode better,
consumed less fuel and was easier to maintain. The proposal to build a super
version of he class as a 2-6-4-4 (that is a 2-6-0 with an articulated tender)
is also mentioned..
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
Two near misses.
In terms of preservation: No. 58110 (a Kirtley outside-frame 0-6-0)
at Derby on 11 June 1951. Neville Stead stated that should have been preserved.
Geoff Rixon submitted double exposure transparency of former HR 4-4-0 No.
54398 Ben Alder in Dawsholm shed taken in September 1963.
See also letter from Barry Eagles in Issue 245 page
19. Preserved Glen is also visible, but Ben was eventually scrapped.
Well known, but actually rarely photographed.
Peter Hay black & white photograph of No. 7217 exiting Western
portal of Severn Tunnel on 30 May 1962. Photographer was a friend of Severn
Tunnel Junction Shedmaster and provided safe access to location.
Water, water everywhere.
Photograph (black & white) taken by John Raines of No. 44697 with
self-weighing tender on parcels train picking up water from Lostock troughs
in August 1960.
Cylinder 'blow-out' proved fatal for 'MN'.
Paul Leavens photograph of damaged cylinder from 35010 which had suffered
a cylinder blow-out and total failure on 7 September 1966 at Hersham whilst
working a Basingstoke to Waterloo service. The accident was probably caused
by priming. Further cylinder failure recorded by Fred
Rich due to poor workmanship at Derby: see letter in Issue 251 page
19..
A Riddles '9F' 2-10-0 to the rescue... of a DMU!
On 22 April 1958 92078 hauled failed DMU on 13.54 Kettering to Leicester
working: colour transparency supplied by Terry Hussey.
Herbert, Ron. SR steam: the end. 8-12.
Travelled from Morecambe on 7 July 1967 to experience end of steam
on Southern. Following arrival at St Pancras (route had been via Leeds),
travelled from Waterloo to Bournemouth where bed & breakfasted next to
engine shed. On following day travelled down to Weymouth and thence back
to Waterloo, and from Euston back to Morecambe.
Grayer, Jeffery. From Weymouth to Wadebridge. 15-18.
Displacement of 0298 class Beattie 2-4-0WTs on Wenford Bridge workings
by 1366 class 0-6-0PTs from Weymouth Quay. All, except for two, colour illus.:
1367 at Wadebridge on 27 July 1967; 30587 at Pencarrow in April 1961 (David
Hepburne-Scott); 1369 at Boscarne Junction with Plymouth Railway Circle railtour
on 19 September 1964; 1367 on Weymoth Quay on 17 July 1958 (b&w); 30587
inside Wadebridge shed on 22 August 1962 (b&w); 30587 crossing level
crossing at Helland on 5 April 1961; 1369 at Dunmere on 30 June 1963.
Platform. 19-
A Southern transfer would have been good news. Alan
Taylor.
Inspired by colour photograph of 46243 in feature
in Issue 236 page 58 writer submitted photo of same locomotive at Central
Wagon Co. at Ince being scrapped. Suggests that had Duchess class been sent
to Southern they might have been scrapped at Barry; also implies that only
the low water capacity of the Stanier Pacifics hindered this
move?
Pannier date query. Dave Glossop.
See Issue 237 page 36 et seq: queries
date of photograph taken at Crose Newydd: August 1965, not March 1967: Ian
Krause agreed
'4CC' compound at Gateshead Works. Dennis
Lorriman.
See Issue 240 page 7: shows one of the two
4CC Atlantics probably No. 731 suspended from crane at Gateshead Works with
workmen and their leaders in front. Letter writer does not give reason, but
argues that compound system employed was an improved version of that
used on Midland compounds..
When signals at Northolt stuck. Brian Holyland.
See photograph in Issue 237 page
6: Photograph was taken in October 1960 by writer. During
the severe winter of 1962/3 the signals frequently stuck and trains were
delayed by frost heaving. Sometimes the Master Cutler and the 18.10
ex-Paddington for Birkenhead both ran in two portions which caused four trains
to pass in twelve minutes.
Andrew Dow was right: we have inherited the railways we deserve.
20-1.
Letters from David Waskett (who mentions the
cowboys of road haulage), Ian McCart (the fotmer dedication
of railwaymen), Max Birchenough (payment of GWR
dividends from capital reserves during the 1930s), Peter
Davis (criticism of Brunel's broad gauge yet commends Japanese Hohaido
lines!), Peter Butterfield (reconsiders the true
nature of road and rail freight competition between the two Wars) and
Huw Edwards (who queries the capital investment in
Britain's railways as quoted by Dow and suggests a lower figure) in response
to Andrew Dow's trenchent criticism of the British Government's
utter and criminal neglect and evil tinkering in the railway system in England
in Issue 239 page 42
'A4' Kingfisher and its plaques. David
Gowing.
See letter in Issue 239 page 26 from Peter
Robinson: writer notes that plaques presented by HMS
Kingfisher on 21 October 1954 were still in place and wonders whether they
were scrapped with locomotive.
Bolts from the blue on the Forth! Tony Headon.
See Andrew Dow's That reminds me in
Issue 234 page 30 on National Treasure being allowed to
crumble under Tory administration
'Jubilee' numerals. Paul Leavens. 22
See letter from Allan Williams in Issue 236 page
20 which sugests that special raised numbers on 45552
Silver Jubilee had been stolen: photographer shows that still in situ on
locomotive at Willeden on 4 July 1964 and are just visible when locomotive
was passing over Goring troughs on 6 October 1963: incidentally the
numerals were non-standard in type face as well as being raised.
Mystery photo was in Derbyshire. Gordon
Richards.
See Issue 236 page 20 letter from Barry
Micklethwaite: 'Kinder Tramway' a temporary railway laid
for the construction of Kinder Reservoir, above Hayfield, used between 1902
and 1911..
Mystery photo was in Derbyshire. Bill Taylor.
See Issue 236 page 20 letter from Barry
Micklethwaite: temporary railway laid for the construction of Kinder
Reservoir:
Ballantyne, Hugh. Bucolic byways. 24-6.
Black & white photo-feature: Adams 4-4-2T No. 30584 at Lyme Regis
with single coach on 3 July 1956; M7 0-4-4T No. 30479 fitted with snowplough
at Alresford on 3 September 1955 (did they expect an immediate fall of snow
on the Hampshire Alps so early in the year prior to global warming?); O2
No. 30225 crossing Calstock Viaduct on 4 August 1960; M7 30109 at Kingsley
Halt with Bentley to Bordon train on 3 September 1955; 30125 near Lymington
Junction with train from Lymington Pier on 4 June 1960.
Poynter, Bob. Saturday spectacular! 28-33.
Began in Issue 240 page 19: 26 August 1950:
observations of Western and Southern Region traffic at Exeter St
Davids.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 31. 36-9.
The "wonderful 1949 'Shenfield' DC electric trains with their great
power" (their acceleration was more like that of a trolleybus, KPJ) and the
unofficial signing on and off at "convenient" non-official locations to which
management sometimes turned a Nelsonian eye. Characters introduced include
Les Thorn, who became Hardy's diesel assistant at Stratford. Roy Vincent
photograph of B12/3 No. 61576 with RCTS special headboard prepared for railtour
from Liverpool Street to Welwyn Garden City via line which joined GER at
Hertford to Hertford North with Les Thorn and Hardy in party at front.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 40-1.
Non-colour illus. of plum and spilt milk (alias LNWR) liveried Southern
Region stock as hauled by Lord Nelson 30861 Lord Anson. Caption states
locomotive in malachite green, but KPJ thinks more likely to have been strange
very light green most memorably used on rebuilt Patriot Sir Frederick
Harrison. KPJ remembers the sour comments made about this livery in the
press, even in the Manchester area! Support for this view from
Charles Long and from Albin Reed (page 19). Critical
letters on "maroon" from Chris Foren and from
Richard Hall in Issue 243 page 21
Esau, Mike. Faster than witches. 42-5.
Black & white images of rebuilt Bulleid Pacifics at speed
Hodgkinson, Jack. Rose Grove revisited. 46-50.
Photographs taken on 7 March 1968, plus one of Class 2 2-6-0 No. 6418
taken on 18 July 1948, and as cookery programmes say one taken earlier in
year with a light dusting of snow.
Banks, Steve. Rescued, but only just! 52-6.
An accident led to all but twenty of photographer's colour slides
being lost: eight reproduced: see also letter in Issue
243 page 19 from author who incorrectly ascribed Fairburn tank locomotives
to Fowler:
Inverness panorama. L. Nicolson (phot). 58-61.
Excellent colour photo-feature including two shots taken from above:
first (double spread facing north-west on 20 April 1957 shows CR 0-4-4T No.
55236 shunting carriages (including Thompson buffet car, some carmine &
cream liveried vehicles, horse boxes and far into the Northern Highlands;
another vista taken in September 1958 shows the famous semi-roundhouse with
its entrance gate; a non-panoramic view shows class 5 No. 44925 and entrance
arch on 20 April 1957 and another panoramic vista shows two class 5s with
express arriving from eastern direction, much steam and snow on the mountains
on 20 April 1957: this last printed back-to-front (see
Issue 243 page 7 for letter from David Coombs and states that date was
incorrect).
Reviews. all MH except first: JB. 65-6.
The Midland & South West Junction Railway. Xpress.
Highly detailed examination of train working during 1950s.
The Ulster Transport Authority in colour. Derek Young. Colourpoint.
All colour album: trains and buses.
From Crewe to Euston. Rod Steele. Sutton
Black & white album with "passable quality pictures" based on
posrcards.
Steam railways explained. Stan Yorke. Countryside Books.
Copiusly illustrated introduction, written by retired
engineer
Rex Conway's steam album. Sutton.
Mainly from 1950s and 60s, but some from much earlier: captions criticised
for their brevity
The Great Western & Great Central Joint Railway. Stanley
C. Jenkins. Oakwood.
Recommended: new edition of book first published 1978.
1962 WCML full route booklet. Chris Coates. Author.
Based on sightings
Shap steam twilight. Tom Heavyside. Cololourpoint.
Steam destination Bournemouth. Tom Heavyside. Cololourpoint.
Black & white albums with "lengthy and very informative captions"
and very good reproduction.
Decisions of the day. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Observations on the chaotic nature of investment by, or forced
upon, British Railways, and in particular the influence of the 1955 Modernisation
Plan. Notes the failure to apply double chimneys to the V2 class; larger
superheaters and double chimneys to the Castle class. and in the case of
the latter to maintain the locomotives in traffic long enough to justify
the outlay. The absurd over-provision of GWR pannier tanks, and later the
Class 14 diesel hydraulics for which no work existed. The 9F class is also
cited. Also mentions Thornaby MPD and investment in marshalling yards, and
compares investment to Soviet plans for tractor production. Illus. 9F 92084
at Willesden mpd on 6 October 1963 (Geoff Rixon).
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
Early British Railways liveries on display at Merylebone
in 1948.
45292 painted in LNWR livery with "BRITISH RAILWAYS" on tender and
plum & spilt milk liveried stock in background on 6 April. Credited to
Roy Vincent. Submitted Andrew Dow. See also letter from
Rob Short (Issue 245 page 19) who sent photo of later from number plate
with BR rather than LMS lettering..
Information sought for new book.
Nigel Hrris and Steve Cramp are researching Mountsorrel Granite Company
had links from its quarries to the GCR at Swithland and to the MR via a bridge
over the River Soar (illustrated) at Barrow-on-Soar.
Success or failure? You decide!
Gentle plug for Kevin Robertson's The
Leader Project (latest version reviewed
in Issue 240 page 65) with cover painting by Craig Tiley; also illus.
of 32039 Hartland Point as deformed with sleeve valves.
Midland alive in Burton.
Restored Midland Railway Grains Warehouses (No. 2) at Burton-upn-Trent
(submitted Peter Roulston).
A wall and a track are silent reminders.
St James Car Park Doncaster still contains remains of trackwork and
wall of former goods shed (two illus. submitted Simon Tacey).
Cooper, Peter. Fortifying the 'Castles'. 8-12.
Swindon's double-chimney conversions of the 'Castle' class: the first
was No. 7018 Drysllwyn Castle in May 1956 and this was followed by
4090 Dorchester Castle which also received a four-row superheater
By December 1961 sixty-six locomotives received double chimneys, by which
time diesel hydraulics were being delivered in quantity. The writer questions
the expenditure (but it could be argued that this could be justified in improving
overall performance which more nearly matched that of the diesel hydraulics,
KPJ). Illus.: 7029 Clun Castle at Princes Risborough on 11 June 1965
on last steam-hauled 16.15 Paddington to Banbury semi-fast; 7022 Hereford
Castle on 18.10 Goodrington to Plymouth passing Aller Junction in July
1960 (Peter Gray); 4090 Dorchester Castle on down Torbay Express
at Torquay in April 1959 (M.G. Paine); 5073 Blenheim at
Cardiff Canton in September 1962 (A.A. Jarvis) and 7030 Cranbrook Castle
at Reading with down special at Swindon on 23 October 1959 (P.J. Hughes).
All Colour-Rail: most locomotives in shining condition, only Blenheim
was exception.
Marlow's farewell. Nick Nicholson. 15-17.
Colour photo-feature to mark the 45th anniversary of the end of steam
on the branch. No. 1421 with its single autocar photographed on 8 July 1962
at Marlow and on journey to Bourne End. Service often known as Marlow
Donkey. Also June 1957 view of Loudwater station and signal box.
Platform. 19-
I really was there! Keith Widdowson.
Response to Issue 240 which recorded
end of steam on Southern Region with two photographs taken by writer: 35008
Orient Line at Waterloo on 28 September 1966, and 70004 William
Shakespeare on 16 August 1966 with 17.23 for Southampton Docks.
Wagon lyrics come rolling along... G. King.
Evidently (KPJ failed to notice) Richard Hardy (240
page 36) wished for the lyrics to the Covered wagon (a
sort of early artic) and Mel provides the lot and notes that Jimmy Kennedy
wrote them.
Collett's GWR 'Kings' at Paddinton. Christopher
Tanous.
See photo-feature on page 60 in Issue
240: No. 6007 was backing onto its train (he, like
Keith Widdowson, above, was there). He also notes that he was working for
Ian Allan at time and knew Ian Krause and Colin Gifford
(see Issue 240 page 8.
Lineside grass burning was an everyday part of
vegetation control. Stephen Spark.
See letter from Leslie Sandler (Issue 240) page
24: lineside vegetation used to be burned and that this
saved the civil engineering works from being destroyed by trees leading to
leaves on the Guildford New Line.
Lineside grass burning was an everyday part of vegetation
control. Graham Cox.
See letter from Leslie Sandler (Issue 240) page
24: lineside vegetation was still being burned at Leamington
Spa during 1980s to prevent lineside fires from the sparks caused by cat
iron brake blocks on diesel locomotives.
Lineside grass burning was an everyday part
of vegetation control. John Kane.
See letter from Leslie Sandler (Issue 240) page
24: lineside burning between Woodgrange Park and Barking
(anyone seen it on Docklands Light Railway?
Lineside grass burning was an everyday part
of vegetation control. Owen Edgington.
See letter from Leslie Sandler (Issue 240) page
24: observations by fireman (footplate
type!)
Lineside grass burning was an everyday part
of vegetation control. Peter Davis
See letter from Leslie Sandler (Issue 240) page
24: burning near Stoke Gifford on Western Region.
Royal meeting between 60054 and 62662 did take place - at Leicester Central.
D.N. Wignall
The two LNER Prince of Wales locomotives (A3 and D11) did meet
at Leicester, but writer provides no solid evidence or date
J17 No. 8218 leaving Ctomer. John P. Wilson
Up pick up goods on 27 May 1939: presumably Cromer High.
Stanier 'Duchess' 4-6-2s on shed. Peter Davis.
21.
See Issue 239 page 59: corrects caption: there
were 24 streamlined locomotives
Up or down how did it work? Harold Floyd.
Up towards London: except Midland Railway; where up was towards Derby
(unless towards St Pancras where up!). Andy Lawton (letter
in Issue 245 page 22) says that it was complicated for signalman at Droylsden
where up was towards Manchester (ex-LYR) whereas at nearby Fairfield (ex-GCR)
down was towards Manchester
Swindon's standards were higher across the board. David
Fuller. 22
See letter by Colin Boocock (a trained Mechanical
Engineer) in Issue 239 page 25; arguing that Swindon
tolerances on axleboxes were closer and that this lessened the need for manganese
liners or roller bearings. The GWR treated all its locomotive water. Electric
light was not specified by British Railways.
Swindon's standards were higher across the board. Geoff
Langley
See letter by Colin Boocock (a trained Mechanical
Engineer) in Issue 239 page 25; argues that GWR paid dividends
(KPJ via creative accounting), noted work on ATC and draughting and that
double-chimney Kings were as good as A1s and Bulleid Pacifics.
See also letter from Chris Hicks in Issue No. 246.
Langley returns to the battle in Issue No. 250 page
22.
Pre-Group van supported cinema coach. R. Goad
See Issue 234 page 7 where Alan
Chandler requested further information: herewith LSWR
horsebox? converted into generator van and painted in BR blue/grey livery
with cinema coach on 17.40 Workington to Huddersfield mail train on 31 May
1967. See also vehicles at Waterloo on 13 June 1967
(Issue 244 page 27) see especially
letter from Brian Angel in Issue 246 page 15.
Balgonie picture details added. S.M. Adair.
See Issue 235 page 32: J37 No. 64569 was hauling coal for the paper
mills of Tullis Russell and Fettykil.
Thorman, George. A day in the grice of...
24-9.
18 hours of obseravtions made at Hartburn Junction, Stockton on 11
June 1951: 164 trains, all tabulated. Class J26 was most numerous. Large
number of NER locomotives; many Gresley (notably V1 and V3 on local trains).
Some larger locomotives: V2 and A3. Illus.: G5 67267 at Sunderland on 2 May
1953; V2 60802 on train for Liverpool at Stockton station in 1956; Q6 63360
at Middlesbrough in September 1959; A1 60151 Midlothian (still in
LNER green) at Gateshead shed; B16/1 No. 61465 at Hartburn
Junction. See also letter from Peter Clark (Issue 247
page 26) who remembers through coach workings from King's Cross via West
Hartlepool which in 1951/2 were routed via Darlington and that three coaches
might be hauled by a V2 class locomotive..
Stead, Neville. Another 'wandering 'B12'... 30-3.
No. 61577 was used to work a Lincoln to Driffield special for members
of the Institution of Water Engineers on 14 May 1959. This failed at the
end of the outward journey with a hot-box and was taken to Hull Dairycoates
for repair. The return working was hauled by B1 61377 which started back
from Bridlington. All aspects of the adventure are illustrated.
Great shot: BR '4MT' 2-6-4T No. 80130 departs from Glasgow Central for Hamilton
in 1956. John P. Wilson. 34-5.
On 19 May 1956 passing Paisleys Ltd
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 32. 36-9.
Royal visit by Her Majesty the Queen to Stratford Diesel Maintence
Depot on 15 February 1962. Even then the Poles supplied the polish. The
illustrations of the visit include Her Majesty talking to Norman Micklethwaite,
the Shedmaster with Harold Few, the Traffic Manager, Beeching, and the Eastern
Region General Manager J.R. Hammond also in picture; a group including
HMQ, RHNH and Driver Instructor Charlie Munday (Willie Thorpe is also in
picture). There is also a portrait of Driver Jack Searle, the Royal Train
driver, and a general picture of J15 No. 65453 taken on 1 September 1957
outside the Jubilee shed (locomotive fitted with trip cock gear for working
over LTE lines to Epping (freight) and Loughton (excursions)).
See also letter from Mike Eveling (245 page 20)who
heard the whistles and hooters sounded during the Royal visit from his classroom.
Ken D'Ath (letter in Issue 245 page 21) responded
to picture of Driver Searle by noting that his son Steve was a Traction Trainee
under Searle who showed him a picture he had taken of Steve whilst he was
observing the nameplate on 4472 Fyling Scotsman at King's
Cross...
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 40-1.
Photograph taken on 9 May 1948 by Frank Box at Christchrch Road,
Winchester of permanent way men adjusting fishplates and checking keys. Later
much of this work was mechanized. See also Issue 245
page 19 letter from Dave Walker who notes that two types of chair are
visible: the S1 standard type designed for steel keeps and the LSWR type
designed for wooden keys; also notes length of 45 ft rail still in
service..
Skelton, Peter. Flying past Battledown... 42-5.
Rebuilt Bulleid Pacifics on, or under, or in vicinity of flyover where
Salisbury and Southampton routes diverge: black & white photos. taken
on Saturday 27 February 1965 of rebuilt Pacifics and with one exception on
expresses: 34009 Lyme Regis with train for Weymouth; 35019 French
Line CGT from Salisbury; 34095 Brentor with 40 ton ballast hoppers
presumably to Meldon Quarry; 34052 Lord Dowding from Salisbury; 34050
Royal Observer Corps on up express
Chapman, Michael. North from Preston. 47-50.
Black & white photographs taken in 1962: 46160 Queen Victoria's
Rifleman with class 5 assisting waiting departure from Lancaster on down
Lakes Express; 70025 Western Star near shap summit on down
express; 45296 on Dillicar troughs with up freight; Tebay shed with
Fowler/Stanier 2-6-4Ts Nos. 42424, 42396 and 42403; 45512 Bunsen near
Oxenholme on excursion train; 2-6-4T banker at rear of freight on way to
Shap Summit; 46124 London Scottish on empty car flats near
Brock.
Martin, Kirk, The real end of BR steam. 53-6.
Author was a fireman on the coal-fired Wingfield Castle (Hull
to New Holland Pier paddle steamer ferry) in 1970s. Article includes colour
photographs of Wingfield Castle at New Holland Pier, and pictures
of station at Pier and firing plus history of other Humber ferries:
Tattershall Castle; Lincoln Castle and Killingholme;
also brief experiment with hovercraft in 1968. Steven
Beasley (letter Issue 245 page 22) demonstrated a small tractor on one
of the ferries..
Snell, John. Cambrian memories. Part 5. 58-60.
Colour illus.: 45XX entering short tunnel on approach to Barmouth
station; 7827 Lydham Manor at Llwyngwril & Tonfanau with Pwllheli
to Birmingham train in August 1965; Standard class 4 2-6-0 and Manor on 1
in 54 Talerddig bank.
Reviews. 65-6.
Patterns of steam. Shane McCarthy. Author (in Australia).
Magnificent photographic collection reproduced to very high standards:
www.patternsofsteam.com
Final years of Isle of Wight steam. Tony Molyneaux and Kevin
Robertson. Ian Allan.
Colour photo-album
The LNER class B1 locomotive boiler. Alan J. Haigh. Author
Written by Chief Mechanical Engineer of E. Green & Son of
Wakefield.
Smoke amidst the drumlins. Anthony Burges.
Cavan & Leitrim narrow gauge
CIÉ 1955 to 1962. Jack Patience. Colourpoint
Excellent captions.
The grand experiment. Stuart Hylton. Ian Allan
Covers history of railways during period 1820-45.
The North Eastern Railway's two palaces of business. Bill Fawcett.
Friends of the National Railway Musuem.
The well-known offices at York, and perhaps less well-known ones in
Westminster. Sponsored by GNER.
The Ventnor West branch line. Peter A. Harding. Author.
Updated version: excellent value at £3.50.
Crossing the line - trespassing on railway weirdness. Paul
Screeton. Heart of Albion.
Myths and supernatural
London's fascinating approaches [from Harrow towards Willesden]. Mel Holley.
4-5.
Editorial on how Geoff Rixon found photographic joy at Willesden
(see speacil feature: Wonderful Willesden p. 54-)..
Illus. Class 5 No. 45111 based at Willesden mpd (1A) passing Harrow &
Wealdstone on up fitted freight in June 1962. (Geoff Rixon).
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
It's all about steam age atmosphere... even in 1974!
Picture taken by E.N. Kneale in February 1974 of train being given
'right away' at Bangor station shrouded in steam from steam heating and from
Type 4 diesel locomotive.
Another terminal failure...
Damaged cylinder (from water carry-over) of 46101 Royal Scots
Grey photographed by Geoff Rixon at Willesden mpd in September 1963:
locomotive was sent for scrap
What a flippin' nuisance.
See Issue 241: picture on page 58 et seq
back-to-front picture on page 61: David Coombs also claims date was
incorrect.
A first and last visit to the north west by an 'O4'.
(illus. page 3 by Ron Herbert)
The train had arrived at Skipton with its original motive power where
the traincrew controller arranged for it to work on to Heysham to enable
Ron Herbert of Preston Control to photograph it on its departure from
Lancaster.
A remarkable survivor at Carlisle Citadel.
Colour photograph of Maryport and Carlisle Railway goods and coal
depot lettering on brickwork still extant in April 2007 (submitted by Roy
Bell).
Topping, Brian. Pigs can fly! 8-14.
Ivatt Class 4 2-6-0: development of design which shared much of the
boiler design of the later 2-6-4Ts, but had to have smaller bore cylinders
to meet the requirements of the Civil Engineer. Thus a highr working pressure
had to be useed. The locomotives were fitted with self-cleaning smokeboxes,
rocker grates, hopper ashpans and double chimneys. The locomotives initially
steamed badly and steaming tests were conducted between Crewe and Holyhead
with No. 43027 and modifications were made to the size of the choke on the
blastpipes. The locomotive was returned to Horwich and fitted with a single
chimney, initially one of the class 5 type and subsequently with that for
a type 4 2-6-4T. Further tests were conducted at and from Swindon with a
Darlington-built locomotive fitted with a stovepipe chimney which was capable
of rapid modification. The Swindon tests had shown that the locomotive was
mechanically rough, but the writer claims that this was not so in ordinary
service (KPJ what would Swindon have made of a 4F 0-6-0?). Locomotives of
this class were constructed at Darlington, Doncaster and at Horwich. With
further minor modifications it was built as a standrd class. The colour illus.
are remarkable for showing several locomotives with modified tenders for
working on the MGNJR system, albeit after it had closed to passenger traffic
(these are marked with an "M"): 43109 at Boston shed on 14 July 1963 (M:
Geoff Rixon) see also letters from R. Epton and
George Bishop in Issue 252 page 21; 43012 hauling
coal hoppers at Seghill, Northumberland on 23 March 1967 (Colour-Rail); up
express parcels train departs Peterborough North on 2 March 1963 (M Colour-Rail);
43000 at Cambois with coal hoppers on 23 March 1967 (Colour Rail); 43146
on New England shed on 28 July 1963 (M, also electric warning flashes, Geoff
Rixon). B&w illus (official) cab view and No. 3000 with double chimney
and LMS lettering. See also letter from Peter Davis
in Issue 245 page 20 who added to the information on draughting problems
with this class and noted that J.W. Caldwell, the Chief Locomotive
Draughtsman was responsible for most of the design innovations.
Picture special: Woodford Halse Yard. Geoff Rixon (phot.). 17.
42082 (shunting) and 92032 clanking past on a cold day in October
1964.
Platform. 19-21.
How did locomotive crews cope in the Severn Tunnel? Peter
Davis.
See letter from Pete Berry Issue 240 page
27: emphasised that bankers in Severn Tunnel were attached
to front of train
How did locomotive crews cope in the Severn Tunnel?
Owen Edgington.
See letter from Pete Berry Issue 240 page
27: enginemen were stoic: built up a hot fire to minimize
smoke and covered faces with wet cloth
How did locomotive crews cope in the Severn Tunnel? Derek
Fleming.
See letter from Pete Berry Issue 240 page
27: former fireman: noted that tunnel fitted with extractor
fans. If necessary possible to lie on cab floor and lift plate between engine
and tender.
How did locomotive crews cope in the Severn Tunnel?
Colin J. Churcher.
See letter from Pete Berry Issue 240 page
27: personal experience of assisting Warship diesel hydraulic
through tunnel
Letter was 'arrogant'. Jack Clark.
See letter from Leslie Sandler in Issue 240 page
24: writer lived next door to ganger for permanent way
gang who maintained cuttings near Hadley Wood: the gangs employed carefully
controlled burning. Also notes how men used to jack and pack track between
trains.
Sorry! I meant Fairburn, not Fowler... Steve
Banks.
See feature by letter writer in Issue 241 page
52-6: Fairburn not Fowler 2-6-4Ts.
Fowler No. '2350' was a good 'un at Euston! Terry
Carroll. 20.
See Issue 237 page 56: photographs
of Fireman Carroll and Driver Harry Edgley and Fowler 2-6-4T No. 42350 which
was used to bank Royal Train on 23 October 1962.
Is that you Butcher? T.C. Woodward.
See Issue 238 page 8: writer claimed to be visible
in opening picture.
What happened to Paddington's 'KGV' model? Mike
Hill.
Model of King George V formerly at Paddigton: where now?.
Suggestions given in Issue 245 page 20 by Christopher
Tanous who gives some indication of gauge, and of error in crank setting
on model; John Edgington who indicates that it should
be in NRM and Peter Davis who stated that it was
moved to Temple Meads where it replaced a model of Iron Duke built by E.W.
Twining which went to Science Museum?
What was 'B1' doing? Andy Walker.
61215 William Henton Carver on WCML on short freight seen near
Norton Bridge in 1959/60.
Kingfisher – everybody's favourite? Eric
Oates. 21
See letter in Issue 240 page 24 by M.J.
Harris: plaques, but not backing plates were removed prior
to scrapping at North Blyth in 1967.
Kingfisher – everybody's favourite?
Dave Tulip.
See letter in Issue 240 page 24 by M.J.
Harris: tender as scapped was No. 5640, originally fitted
to 60103.
Crimson, maroon and plum. Chris Foren.
See Andrew Dow (Issue 241 page
40): argues that colour used by British Railways in 1949
for rolling stock was crimson not maroon. Also observes that plum and spilt
milk was only used on pre-nationalization rolling stock.
Crimson, maroon and plum. Richard Hall.
See Andrew Dow (Issue 241 page
40): argues (correctly KPJ) that colour used for BR rolling
stock from 1949 until 1956 was described as "carmine"
Krause, Ian. Four seasons: a 1967 diary. Part 3: July-September.
22-9.
More Colin Gifford type photographs of dreary decline of steam, and
adventures of capturing the same: mainly poor accommodation. Also encounters
with his contemporaries, such as Paul Riley.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 33. 30-3.
Ian Allen photograph of J69 No. 68638 and B1 61119 taken from Stratford's
coaling plant; another view of coaling plant again by Dr Ian Allen, and photo
of Norman McKillop with Auithor and Driver Ray Docking and second man Reg
Rowe and Chief Inspector Percy Howard on type 31 diesel electric
Great shot! climbing to Slochd Summit with locomotive coal
for Inverness? W.J.V. Anderson. (phot.). 34-5.
Black & white illus of Pickersgill 4-4-0 No. 54482 assisting class
5 No. 44924 with about 24 standard 16 ton mineral wagons climbing towards
Slocht Summit in August 1959. See also letter from John
Pearse (Issue 249 page 18) who suspects that vehicles were minfits (KPJ:
fact that train assisted at front rather than at rear probably confirms this;
KPJ also wonders how much coal was consumed in working locomotive coal to
Inverness). See also letter from Roger Johnson (251
p. 22) who asks why trains were banked to Drumochter, but piloted to
Slochd (KPJ: suspects double track on former, single track on latter: special
arrangements had to be made for banking to Raven Rock on single track Kyle
line)..
Alcock, William. Strangers in South Devon. 36-42.
Authot/photographer had great good fortune to be statioed at the Royal
Naval Engineering College in Plymouth at the time of the Locomotive Exchanges
in 1948 and was able to take some photographs of the "foreign" motive power
as well as travel on some of the trials trains betwen Plymouth and Newton
Abbot, Newton Abbot and Plymouth, and from Plymouth to Bristol in the case
of the tests of the mixed traffic classes. Unlike C.J. Allen he was not impressed
by the way in which A4 60033 Seagull had climbed Hemerdon from a PW
slowing at the foot, as he made several ascents behind Kings suffering from
the same slowing (notably by 6001 King Edward VII on 11 December 1948
hauling 385 tons in a fierce gale). Alcock had oberved the westbound journey
of 60033 when 50 mile/h was achieved at Wrangaton summit. He also observed
both 46236 City of Bradford and 46162 Queen's Westminster
Rifleman on this stretch: the latter performed extremely well (it must
have been a dry day). Going east all the test trains were hampered by lax
operation and were very late into Exeter, but from there to Bristol
the two 4-6-0 mixed traffic classes (5 and B1) performed well (the class
5 made a rousing climb to Whiteball). It was the West Country which went
like a rocket from Exeter to Bristol and reached Whiteball in 22 minutes
19 seconds with 475 tons. Very fast climbs of both Hemerdon and from Totnes
to Dainton were recorded by Alcock behind 21C126 Yes Tor with light
trains: on the latter 61 mile/h was achieved halfway up the bank (this was
on an "ordinary" train). The b&w photos: 46236 approaching Newton Abbot
on 18 May 1948 with 13.30 from Padington; Castle 5071 Spitfire at
foot of Hemerdon on 13.35 Plymouth to Wolverhampton (non trial train in 1948);
21C108 Padstow ascending Hemerdon on 14.40 Plymouth to Exeter stopping
train in June 1948 (steam from safety valves, gentle exhaust: must have been
a wonderful sight and sound); 4298 banking freight on Hemerdon; two Castles
on 13.55 Plymouth to Paddington (one of which was 4090 Dorchester Castle
in June 1948; 46162 at Plymouth North Road on 27 May 19448; 60033 at Newton
Abbot on 6 May 1948; 46236 at Plymouth on 20 May 1948 (probably only photograph
of locomotive taken there at that time).
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 44-5.
Photograph taken on 27 May 1937 by Frank Box of Driver Langridge and
Fireman Hughes beside Schools class 4-4-0 No. 929 Malvern behind which
luggage is being loaded into a full brake van at London Waterloo: comment
notes that such luggage now clutters passenger accommodation even on GNER
where the driving van trailers remain empty.
Sprinks, Neil. An enthusiast's year, 1953. Part 1.
46-50.
Author's earlier adventures for 1956
see No. 233 page 40. The writer, then aged 22, took 650 photographs in
the year 1856, made three week-long trips to Ireland, two short visits
to northern France and participated in nine railtours. He even took pictures
during the Christmas holiday. He begins by noting that the great events of
that year for Southern Region-based enthusiats were the divertions caused
by the East Coast floods which damaged the railway between Birchington and
Herne Bay and led to divertions via Canterbury (photographs of diverted trains
not included amongst the illustrations), and the other was the temporary
withdrawal of the Bulleid Pacifics which led to the loan of locomotives from
other regions: B1 No. 61329 is illustrated at Bickley on 08.35 Victoria to
Ramsgate on 22 May 1953 and polished V2 No. 60896 is seen passing Vauxhall
on up Bournemouth Belle on 24 April. One of the railtour events not
illustrated was the Plant Centenarian hauled by large and small preserved
Ivatt Atlantics. Railtours illustrated included the Northern Rubber
Special hauled by D11 Director No. 62666 Zeebrugge at Windsor
on 6 June; 0-4-0ST No. 47000 at Sheep Pasture Top (Cronford & High Peak)
on 27 June (Stephenson & Manchester Locomotive Societies); C13 4-4-2T
at Delamere on RCTS railtour on 17 October; PDSWJR 0-6-2T No. 30757 Earl
of Mount Edgcumbe at Eastleigh on RCTS railtour on 17 May and ex-MSWJR
2-4-0 No. 1336 at Gloucester Central on Gloucestershire Railway Society special
to Andover Junction on 9 May.
Keys, Peter. A lonely vigil. 52-3.
The job of the fogmen who used to be called out in fog and snow to
place detonators on the rail to warn drivers of adverse signals. The men
were usually permanent way workers and were provided with a small hut and
a brazier and a hand lamp to signal to drivers. The writer mentions that
some fogman had to have instructions in Italian in the Bedford and Peterborough
areas. The atmospheric illustration is clearly not in fog (it was difficult
to photograph) but appears to a LNWR station with an overall roof which according
to writers on page 21 of Issue 245 was Birmingham New Street LNWR side
(John Edgington who states was probably first published
in British Journal of Photography Almanack in 1930s) and
N.H. Willoughby who criticised cropping and so is
republished without (image from National Museum of Film and Photography,
Bradford).
Wonderful Willesden. Geoff Rixon (phot.). 54-6.
Colour photo-feature: Stanier 2-6-4T No. 42604 shunts sleeping cars
on 24 April 1960; clean Class 5 4-6-0 No. 45037 arrives at Willesden Junction
with a special in June 1960; up Caledonian hauled by 46234 Duchess
of Abersorn passes through Willesden Junction in June 1960; clean Stanier
Class 5 2-6-0 No. 42967 on Willesden mpd on 26 April 1963; and 46232 Duchess
of Montrose on 13.12 Euston to Glasgow Central passing Willesden Junction
on 20 August 1960.
A Southern calling. Part 1.Bryan Hicks (phot.). 58-61.
Colour photo-feature: only one locomotive still had a nameplate visible,
therefore only numbers given: rebuilt West Country 34013 at Bournemouth Central
on 08.46 semi-fast for Waterloo on 17 June 1967; Merchant Navy 35023 passes
Oakley station on up Exeter to Waterloo special which was travelling at 82
mile/h when photographed on 15 October 1966; 2-6-4T No. 80146 approaching
Beaulieu Road with three-coach down local on 10 June 1967; class 2 2-6-2|T
No. 82028 waiting to depart Lymington Pier for Brockenhurst on 8 September
1964 (steam ferry also visible); MN 35028 Clan Line simmers at Waterloo buffer
stops on 31 December 1966; and U class 2-6-0 No. 31619 approaching Worting
Junction with empty mineral wagons on 12 June 1964..
Reviews. all Mel Holley. 65-6.
An illustrated history of the Festiniog Railway. Peter Johnson.
Ian Allan.
"excellent history": photos of good quality (some colour)
London main line war damage. B.W.L. Brookbank.
Capital.
WW2: "researchers for many years to come will be very grateful for
its contents"; much tabulated information
The power of the Merchant Navies. Gavin Morrison. Ian Allan.
"high quality images"
Steam trails: Cotswolds and South Midlands. Michael Clemens.
Ian Allan.
125 monochrome and colour photographs: work of author and his father
who lived in Pershore
Narrow gauge rolling stock: an Irish railway pictorial. Desmond
Coakham. Ian Allan. 66
Included a 30 pp introduction; 96 black & white photographs plus
scale drawings and tabulated stock lists.
Brunell's timber bridges and viduacts. Brian Lewis. Ian
Allan.
"scholarly work"; recommended
Wartime on the railways. David Wragg. Sutton.
WW2: "well-written"
Locomotives in detail. 8. Maunsell 4-6-0 Lord Nelson
class. Peter Swift. Ian Allan.
"'rough and ready'. It could have been so much better
No. 45543 Home Guard in what appears to be battleship grey outside Carnforth mpd in 1962 (Geoff Rixon). 3.
Any colour you like. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Editorial on Riddles' black livery policy and on dull Brunswick green
which ill-suited Duchesses, Jubilees and A4s. Argues that lined black suited
most locomotives (but KPJ not streamliners). Illus. Duchess Pacific
No. 46240 City of Coventry (red) at Willesden mpd in March 1964 (Roy
Hobbs).
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
Two more 'last day' memories... Bob Stewart
Photographs (black & white) taken near Basingstoke on 8 July 1967:
Merchant Navy No. 35023 running at high speed on down express and class 3
2-6-2T No. 82029 on three coach set on same day at same location.
The covered wagon keeps rolling.
Former fireman Nigel Glithro's photographs of 78 rpm record of
Rolling along, covered wagon mentioned by Dick Hardy. Glithro had
met Hardy in May 2006.
Hillmorton signalbox remembered. Derek Smith
Photographs (black & white) taken in September 1964 of signal
box just prior to closure and of Duchess No. 46235 City of Birmingham
approaching the box with a parcels train on 23 May 1964
Proud of its roots. Peter Roulston
Colour illus. of village sign at Woodhall Spa which features steam
locomotive and train. Further village signs see Issue
246 page 7..
Chatman, Peter. Friday night, Saturday morning... Part 1. 9-12.
Trip (by car to Scotland) in late April/May 1966 when colour photographs
were taken on Shap (Class 5 No. 44937 passing Shap Wells with northbound
freight on 30 April); engine sheds were visited (No. 70016 in Carlisle Upperby
shed on 1 May, and No. 92060 at Tyne Dock on 30 April) and steam haulage
was sampled between Glasgow and Aberdeen (where A4 No. 60019 Bittern
is seen on 2 May, having arrived from Glasgow). Also J27 0-6-0 No. 65855
at Blyth Crossing at 06.30 on 30 April.
Coombs, L.E.E. Pull, push, turn and stamp. 15-21.
The evolution of the locomotive cab with poorly located and designed
controls. "The handles and levers of the primary control, the regulator,
came in various shapes and directions of movement." The location and
movement of the regulator was dictated by the location of the throttle valve
which was high up on the boiler. The actual cab was often designed on a hit
and miss basis and in the case of the L&YR Atlantics the initial adoption
of the cab used for the earlier 4-4-0s led to the sides being dangerously
low. Some railways provided side doors, others did not. Some tank engines
lacked backs. The Great Western and Great Northern Railways adopted right-hand
drive, but in the case of the latter there was a shift towards left hand
drive following the formation of the LNER and pressure from former NBR drivers,
notably Toram Beg (Norman McKillop). The controls of the Great Central types
were especially ill-esigned and were not assisted by being right-hand drive,
although most signals were located to be seen from the left-hand side of
the cab.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 34.
22-6..
Reminiscences of his early days at South Lynn (M&GN) and his
relationship with the footplate crews, and how he obtained K2 class to enable
the shed to participate in Yarmouth workings: the K2 class were very rough
and not popular with the crews. Illus. (with long captions): Johnson GER
4-4-0 No. 305 at Liverpool Street as station pilot prior to 1898 (the caption
notes that some of these Johnson 4-4-0s may have worked into St Pancras on
trains from King's Lynn!); long-travel N7 No. 69722 propelling a saloon
from Stratford Carriage Sidings: Driver George Marler who was in charge of
brand new Type 4 D200 on the special press trip to Norwich; and K3 No. 61810
(R.C. Riley) where caption gives an appreciation of the K3 class: this led
to a letter from Alan Mitchell in Issue 248 page 21
which gave a further appreciation of the K3 type..
Platform. 27-9.
Little and large. John Scrace.
Illustrations of cinema coach (based on LNWR sleeping car with six
wheel bogies) and generator van based on six-wheel carriage: both in corporate
British Rail blue and grey livery at Waterloo station on 13 June 1967:
see also photos and letter from R. Goad (August issue)
and see especially letter from Brian Angel in Issue
246 page 15.
Driver seriously injured on Swiftsure. Arthur
Reid. 28
Letter from 302 Buchanan Street Glasgow from R.F. Harvey, Motive Power
Superintendent, signed by E.D. Trask, AMPS, Scottish Region to Arthur Reid
who was fireman on 45716 Swiftsure when his driver (George Slessor)
received a serios head injury from the Mail exchange apparatus at Stonehaven
on 22 June 1949 whilst working the 15.30 Up Postal from Aberdeen. Young Arthur
promptly stopped the train at Dunottar signal box to seek
assistance.
Never under-estimate a 'J15'. G.J. Hett.
Photograph of J15 No. 7539 leaving Ingeane Siding with long Parkeston
to London freight on 15 July 1929.
Jubilee's numerals had gone by 1963. John
Hyde
45552 Silver Jubilee retained its raised numerals on driver's
side, but had lost them on fireman's side by 7 July 1963: correspondence
originated in by Alan Williams in Issue 236 page
20.
More detail on Liverpool photos. David Rodinson.
29
See feature in Issue 240 page 44: adds detail
about Stanley signalbox, the Bootle branch, Tuebrook, Walton, Anfield
Granges galore! Hugh Ballantyne (phot.). 30-3.
Black & white photo-feature: 6813 Eastbury Grange piloting
6991 Acton Burnell Hall climbing to Dainton with Bristol to Plymouth
train on 3 August 1960; 6820 Kingstone Grange at Bath Green Park
on 28 June 1959 with return Bournemouth to Ledbury excursion; 6845 Paviland
Grange passing Saltash with down freight on 2 May 1959 (Royal Albert
Bridge in background); ex-Works 6850 Cleeve Grange at Bathampton on
Swindon to Bristol running-in turn on 19 August 1958; 6813 Eastbury Grange
approaching Teignmouth on Kingswaer to Exeter local on 3 August 1960;
6811 Cranbourne Grange between King's Sutton and Aynho with Banbury
to Oxford local on 15 April 1963.
Great shot! Eric Bentley (phot.). 34-5.
Rose Grove shed, on the outskirts of Burnley. See
also letter from Ken Woods in Issue 247 page 27 who notes that power
station visible was that at Padiham. Contemporary view
taken at same location by George Pollard see Issue 248 page 7..
Dow, Andrew. The Fastline Files. 36-8.
Demolition by explosion of an East Coast Main Line Bridge at Beningbrough,
near York on 23 October 1960. See also letter from Ian
McCart (248 p. 20) who wonders what happened to the signalbox..
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 42-3.
Photograph of 60081 Shotover taken at Neville Hill, Leeds,
leads to comment on the track ("secondhand" bullhead rail with fishplated
joints, some of which had been Thermit welded with some spring steel keys.
Ron Longbottom (Issue 247 page 26) wrote to note
that Shotover had been carefully prpared for this photograph.
Alan Fowler (Issue 246 page 15) pondered on comments
on track forces and considered that braking forces were much greater than
forces applied by vehicles accelrating or in constant running, and also noted
crreep..
Sprinks, Neil. An enthusiast's year, 1953. Part 2.
44-50.
Noted two of the Robinson L3 2-6-4Ts in the Wendover area and a B16/3
on a \Brackley to Marylebone passenger working, and two of the Great Central's
A3s 60102 Sir Frederick Banbury and 60103 Flying Scotsman passing
Woodford Halse. Walked the disused stretch of line between Verney Junction
and Quainton Road and some of the East Kent Railway. Travelled on the Leicester
Belgrave Road to Melton Mowbray line; the Bembridge branch on the Isle of
Wight; the Kent & East Sussex Railway and observed traffic to a Scout
Jamboree held at Tonbridge. Illus.: LBSCR K class 2-6-0 No. 32346 on 15.28
Haywards Heath to London Bridge trainat Upper Warlingham on 25April 1953;
WD No. 90507 on northbound freight north of Calvert on 22 April; E class
4-4-0 No. 31166 on 15.00 Sheerness-on-Sea to Sittingbourne on 26 July; ex-LNWR
2-4-2T No. 46666 at Uppingham on Seaton branch single push & pull? unit
on 31 October; O1 class 0-6-0 No. 31065 at High Haldon Road on 10.55 Headcorn
to Tenterden Town train on 30 December; No. 1442 still in GWR green on 14.40
Oxford to Princes Risborough at latter on 14 March; O2 0-4-4T W14
Fishbourne at Bembridge on turntable on 4 April; 60102 Sir Frederick
Banbury on down South Yorkshireman leaving Aylesbury on 6 May; C13 No.
67418 with Metropolitan push & pull set on 25 December leaving Chesham
for Chalfont & Latimer (date is correct: trains used to run on
Christmas Day as well as at the weekends).
On shed... Roy Vincent (phot.). 52-5.
Colour photo-feature of superb (note the depth of colour in some of
them which shows Brunswick green could loook good on Swindon locomotives):
2-8-0 No. 4706 in dirty unlined black at Plymouth Laira in July 1961; No.
5036 Lyonshall Castle with double chimney at same time and date; nameplate
of Castle No. 5062 Earl of Shaftsbury (Swindon, 16 June 1957); No.
5058 Earl of Clancarty shining in the sun at Laira in July 1961; nameplate
of Abergavenny Castle (No. 5013) at Carmarthen on 17 April 1955; 43XX
No. 4358 at Swindon on 16 June 1957 (the finish is shown to perfection in
the low angle light); No. 5024 Carew Castle at Newton Abbot in April
1956: God's Wonderful Railway See also letter
from Peter Davis (248-20) concerning "Swindon paint shop" mentioned in
caption.
A Southern calling. Bryan Hicks (phot.). 57-61.
Colour photo-feature; clean unrebuilt West Country No. 34002 Salisbury
entering Templecombe station with express for Waterloo (shows all that was
wrong with Brunswick green); green standard clas 3 2-6-2T No. 82001 arrives
at Newton Poppleford with Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth Junction train (note
camping coaches formed of former LSWR vehicles); Class 4 4-6-0 No. 75068
on train of perishables being banked awsay from Weymouth near Upwey &
Broadwey Halt on 21 June 1967; rebuilt West Country No. 34021 Dartmoor on
up Union Castle Express on 12 June 1964; scruffy rebuilt 34037 Clovelly on
down Bournemouth Belle on 15 October 1966; Class 4 4-6-0 No. 75068 on up
semi-fast near Beailieu Road on 10 June 1967; remainder nameless rebuilt
Pacifics: No. 34036 approacing Micheldever on 29 May 1967 and 34004 at
Bournemouth Central on 16 June 1967. See also letter
from Peter Davis (248-20) concerning picture of 82001: this was taken
on 6 September just before replacement of steam by DMUs..
Reviews. Mel Holley. 65-6.
The Jersey Eastern Railway. Peter Paye.
Oakwood.
Originally published by John Masters in 1999: "an excellent
book".
Flying Scotsman. Andrew Roden. Aurum.
"Written in bright, fresh and lively style": appears to concentrate
on preserved locomotive.
Battle for the north. Charles McKean. Granta.
History of the Forth and Tay bridges: "meticulously
researched".
Rails to Poole Harbour. Colin Stone. Oakwood.
"excellent book"
Lawson Billinton. Klaus Marx. Oakwood.
"Recommended", but Mel really must write one hundred lines for failing
to spell Billinton correctly: he adds a "g"
Brunel. Jonathan Falconer. Ian Allan.
Originated in 1995 as What's left of Brunel: biography and guide to
where it is possible to view remains: such as the Royal Albert
bridge.
Somerset & Dorset. Colin G. Maggs. Ian Allan.
"well-rounded study"
The Coniston Railway. Robert Weston. Oakwood.
"A 'traditional' history" of a line constructed to convey copper ore,
but became a tourist line under the management of the Furness
Railway.
The Wye Valley Railway and the Coleford branch. B.M. Handley
and R. Dingwall. Oakwood.
Beautifully written review which captures some of the magic associated
with the railway which served Tintern Abbey: evidently excursions used to
be run (carrying up to 1300 people) to observe the Harvest Moon through the
rose window: KPJ recently revisited the wonderful ruins on a wet September
day: on an earlier visit arrival was by streamlined railcar and departure
was by bicycle in April 1955
No. 46229 Duchess of Hamilton (red) light engine at Shrewsbury on 25 August 1962 (Peter Gater). 3.
What's your favourite?. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Editorial accompanied by James Cameron colour photo. of A4 No. 60019
Bittern at Perth in March 1966. Argues that Brian Morrison's Power
of the A4s has sold over 20,000 copies and may be a best-seller. Unwisely
critical of V2 whistle and liked the sound of Jubilees hard at work. KPJ
favours sight, sound and chime whistles of A4s, but also likes the atmospheric
whistles fitted to Bulleid Pacifics which he can still hear when the wind
is in the right dirsction!
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
The day Barrow Road's cleaners polished an LYR 'pug'...
Dave Gough picture (b&w) of No. 51218 which he remembered cleaning
0-4-0ST when on turntable before being sent to Swansea instead of a Jubilee
4-6-0 which should have been cleaned.
Pre-grouping delights to savour.
Reproduction in colour of Hamilton Ellis painting for carriage panel
of Furness Railway steam railmotor or railcar, and note on retro-rebuild
of Furness Railway 0-4-0 No. 20 used on Lakeside Railway.
Wecome back to a steam railway 'Footballer'
Richard Tuplin colour illus of GB Railfreight 66725 as named
Sunderland and nameplate from No. 61654 Sunderland on display
at naming ceremony of former by Niall Quinn
Another steam age survivor...
Base of water tower and station (dating from 1846) at Filey (David
Gowing colour photographs)
Wells, G.D. Night Mail porter. 8-12.
Temporary night Post Office Mail porter at Grantham station in 1953.
Involved very intensive work lifting sacks of Mail out oof vans and onto
barrows for loading inro trains for Nottingham, Lincoln and Boston. The job
did not enable him to see much of the steam motive power. Christmas traffic
was not as bad as might be feared as greetings cards are light.
Hadwin, Alex. Coping in Woodhead. 14-16.
Writer started work at Gorton locomotive depot in 1944 and worked
there until 1955: some of the time was spent as a fireman working through
Woodhead Tunnel (3 miles long, not as stated see letter
from Kevin Jones in Issue 248 page 21). Footplate crews covered their
faces with wet handerchiefs to stop the fumes getting into their lungs. Eastbound
freights could take half an hour to battle up the gradient in the single
track bores. Mentions a run back by the overnight (01.35 from Manchester)
newspaper train in 1945 or 1946 which was being hauled by a B17 and which
had slipped violently leading the crew unable to detect the direction of
travel. Illus.: O2 2-8-0 No. 63972 exits old tunnel at Dunford Bridge on
12 June 1954; O4 No. 63683 passing Dunford Bridge station with westbound
coal train c1953 (both Kenneth Field).
Platform. 19-
I think you'll find...! Charles Long
See colour photograph of Lord Nelson class No. 30861
on page 40 of Issue 241: suggests that locomotive is painted
in experimental acidic green presumably applied to discredit attractive green
liveries and also comment on experimental plum and spilt milk and chocolate
and cream carriage liveries. See also response from
Andrew Dow in Issue 247 page 27 who argues that crimson, rather than
carmine, was the "correct term" for blood & custard livery: KPJ knows
that plum & spilt mik was deprecated in official circles, but carmine??
.
I think you'll find...! Albin Reed.
See colour photograph of Lord Nelson class No. 30861
on page 40 of Issue 241: suggests that locomotive is painted
in experimental green livery and also comment on plum and spilt milk carriage
livery which went with it and on carmine and cream livery which replaced
it. See also response from Andrew Dow
in Issue 247 page 27 .
Differences in styles are clear... Rob Short.
See Roy Vincent photograph in Issue 242 page
6 of 45292 as exhibited at Marylebone in LNWR-style livery:
writer notes that smokebox numberplate used LMS numbering-style as compared
with later numberplate (illustrated) which used BR numbering
One small part of Ben Alder survives.
Barry Eagles.
See photograph of Ben
Alder preserved at Dawsholme shed (Issue 241
page 6): sadly only the Dübs builder's plate: also notes that M7
No. 30133 was kept at Eastleigh following withdrawal with a view to it donating
its boiler to 54398 Ben Alder
They may look similar, but rail chairs are very
different. Dave Walker.
See Andrew Dow That reminds me (Issue 242 page
40): notes that two types of chair are visible: the S1 standard type
designed for steel keeps and the LSWR type designed for wooden keys; also
notes length of 45 ft rail still in service (writer is track engineer on
Isle of Wight Steam Railway)..
Pigs can fly! Peter Davis. 20
See feature in Issue 243 page 8: Ivatt LMS class
4 2-6-0 with double chimneys: correction of draughting problems with this
class also noting that J.W.
Caldwell, the Chief Locomotive Draughtsman was responsible for most of
the design innovations
Model of 'King George V' at Paddington. Christopher
Tanous.
See letter from Mike Hill in Issue 243 page 20:
gives some indication of gauge, and of error in crank setting on
model;
Model of 'King George V' at Paddington. John
Edgington
See letter from Mike Hill in Issue 243 page 20:
indicates that model should be in NRM
Model of 'King George V' at Paddington. Peter
Davis.
See letter from Mike Hill in Issue 243 page 20:
states that model was moved to Temple Meads where it replaced a model of
Iron Duke built by E.W. Twining which went to Science
Museum?
Listen: it's the Queen at the shed! Mike Eveling
See Stratford forever (Issue 242 page 36) for
a Royal visit in 1962: heard the whistles and hooters sounded during the
Royal visit from his classroom..
Sorry, but it's a 'Quint', not a 'Quad'. Peter
Davis.
See Issue 239 page 36: No. 2618
was hauling a five coach articulated set plus assorted other carriages, not
two quadruple articulated sets.
Birmingham was 'unknown' location. John Edgington.
21
See feature in Issue 243 page 52: Birmingham
New Street LNWR side and probably first published in British Journal of
Photography Almanack in 1930s)
Birmingham was 'unknown' location. N.H.
Willoughby
See feature in Issue 243 page 52: criticised
cropping and so is republished without (image from National Museum of Film
and Photography, Bradford).
In for a quiet time with Hardy. Ken D'Ath.
See Stratford forever (Issue 242 page 36) response
to picture of Driver Searle noting that writer's son Steve was a Tractioin
Trainee under Searle who showed him a picture he had taken of Steve whilst
he was observing the nameplate on 4472 Fyling Scotsman at King's
Cross...
Up or down - how did it work? Andy Lawton. 22
See letter from Harold Floyd in Issue 242 page
21: it was complicated for signalman at Droylsden where up was towards
Manchester (ex-LYR) whereas at nearby Fairfield (ex-GCR) down was towards
Manchester
I was a demonstrator on the steamers. Steven
Beasley
See Issue 242 page 53 which described
the coal-fired ferries on the Humber crossing from Hull to New Holland Pier:
writer demonstrated a tractor which hauled trailers loaded with small tubs
of coal or passngers' luggage.
Dow, Andrew. The Fastline Files. Part 2: the replacement of Corbridge
Tunnel. 24-5.
Diversion of Newcastle to Carlisle line around Corbridge Tunnel: as
the tunnel was in poor state (although still extant) due to thhe sandy nature
of the soil.
Leavens, Paul. 'The Lane' [Stewarts Lane mpd] recalled.
Part 1. 26-33.
During the immediate Post-WW2 period the depot was home to several
antiques: 0-4-0ST No. 3458 Ironside, PDSWR 0-6-0T No. 756 A.S.
Harris which in turn were replaced by P class 0-6-0Ts. The I3 4-4-2Ts
were soon to be withdrawn in favour of LMS 2-6-4Ts built at Brighton. As
a young man the author applied at Stewarts Lane to train for footplate work,
but failed the eyesight test. Illus. No. 30458 Ironside at Eastleigh
in 1949; P class No. 31323 at Battersea on 2 June 1956; The Duke of Cornwall
(a licensed establishment); N15 No. 30792 Sir Hervis de Revel near
Beckenham with train for Ramsgate in April 1957; 70004 William Shakespeare
climbing towards Bickley with down Golden Arrow on 13 April 1957;
21C133 Chard at Bromley South with station foreman risking electrocution
to pass message to driver; E2 0-6-0T No. 32106 with extended side tanks at
Battersea in 1957. Part 2 see Issue 246 page
19.
Great shot! 14XX No. 144 at Gloucester Central on auto train for Chalford on 4 September 1964 (Paul Burchill). 34-5.
Hall, Stanley. Trainspotting in Wartime. Part 1.
36-40.
Bingley in June 1940 offered an extra hour of evening daylight through
double summertime. At that time the observation of 5XP Jubilees was favoured
and these performed on the few remaining Anglo-Scottish services, as well
as on regular slow stopping services. The 13.40 St Pamcras to Stranraer Harbour
Forces Leave train also usually featured a Jubilee and this came through
at about 20.00 hours. Royal Scots began to be seen: No. 6104 Scottish
Borderer, 6162 Queen's Westminster Rifleman and 6107 Argyll
and Sutherland Highlander were all seen. In 1942 rebuilt Jubilees Nos.
5735 Comet and 5736 Phoenix were allocated to Holbeck. During
the summer of 1941 he travelled with his companions to Leeds City and
subsequently to Carnforth and Hest Bank. KPJ: This must have been before
the "Is your journey really necessary?" campaign. Illus.: 2F 0-6-0 No. 3554
at Harpenden on 7 November 1936 (R.G. Jarvis); 4F No. 3999 with tender
cab at Skipton pre-WW2; Compounds No. 929 at Bingley at head of up express;
1065 approaching Marley Junction see
also letter Paul Beko on p. 21 of Issue 248 who
states that this was a left-hand drive locomotive; 5619 Nigeria at
Holbeck..
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me... 42-3.
Weeds on the line and eating into the mortar of retaining walls. In
part it was easier to keep the track free from weeds in steam days as the
acidic deposits dropped inhibited weed growth.ardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever!
Part 35. 44-50.
Nimble and versatile. 53-4.
Colour photo-feature: 45XX No. 4555 (unlined black) alsonside No.
7008 Swansea Castle at Plymouth Laira in April 1963 (Geoff Rixon); 14XX
propelling auto trailer on Bampton to Exeter service in March 1963 (T.B.
Owen); 56XX No. 5659 in clean green at Tyseley in June 1962 (Geoff Rixon);
and 15XX 0-6-0PT No. 1503 in lined black at Old Oak Common in March 1957
(K. Cooper).
Chatman, Peter. Friday night, Saturday morning... Part 2. 57-61.
Illus. (colour): 60019 Bittern taking on water at Perth on
1 May 1966 (note more steam escaping from adjacent diesel); 80111 on Beattock
shed on same day; J36 No. 65288 on Dunfermline shed on 3 May (note skips
on tramway for collecting ash); V2 No. 60919 on Dundee mpd on 3 May; inside
St Margaret's shed in Edinburgh with A2 60530 Sarajirao and 45228
on Perth mpd.
Reviews. Mel Holley. 65-6.
The Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith Railway. Robert Weston.
Oakwood.
"Another excellent (and reasonably priced) book from
Oakwood."
The Hadleigh branch. Peter Paye. Oakwood.
Opened from Bentley in 1847, closed to passenger traffic in 1932,
and to all traffic in 1965.
Servicing the North Eastern Railway's locomotives. John Teasdale.
NERA.
Includes chapters on water pumping, water softening, water troughs,
turntables and coaling: "fascinating qulaity book that throws light onto
a subject ignored for too long"
Saga by rail: Great Britain and the Isle of Man. James Boyd.
Oakwood.
Reminiscences of obscure railways back to the 1930s: "easy to dip
into"
Sussex engineman. Vol. 1. Hubert Hobden; edited Anthony Vent.
Buggleskelly Books.
Hobden joined LBSCR as a cleaner in 1913: covers period to
1935
On the footplate at Bushbury, 1947-1962. Keith Terry.
Oakwood.
Memoirs including assessments of locomotive types
encountered.
The Culm Valley Light Railway. Colin G. Maggs. Oakwood.
"copiously illustrated classic branch line history"
Line of Isle of Man Railway's locomotives in July 1971 (Brian Syddall). 3.
Bold statements. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Comment on former railway grandeur and corporate values: the use of
Gill Sans typography throughout the LNER and the contrast between the restored
St. Pancras (terminus of the European branch line for European high speed
trains) and the "dingy, windswept, concrete and glass barn with all the
architectural finesse of an air-raid shelter", home of the bus-inspired train
operating companies which serve such minor settlements as Nottingham and
Sheffield: see the 200th Issue of
Backtrack for article by Robert Emblin to show how the Conservative
Party failed to conserve and vandalized instead. Roy Vincent colour photo
of King's Cross mpd: see Call Attention (from Pete Berry)
in Issue 248 page 6.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
BR Standard '9F' 2-10-0s in convoy.
Photographs taken by Ian Simpson of No. 92218 hauling four condemned
9Fs through Preston towards Campbell's scrapyard in Airdrie on 1 March 1968,
and 8F No. 48056 hauling two further 9Fs northward on 29 February 1968 passing
Lightfoot Lane.
The last gasp of apple green.
Neville Stead photograph of J36 0-6-0 No. 65330 (with tender lettered
BRITISH RAILWAYS) in apple green at Leuchars Junction on 17 September 1948.
Farewell Roger Kidner,
of Oakwood.
Death on 14 September 2007 at age of 93. Obituary states that was
schoolmate of Michael Robbins (KPJ: which implies that Westminster School
really was the cradle of a certain type of railway enthusiasm). In 1984 he
sold the Oakwood Press to Jane Kennedy.
Great days – and a 70th anniversary of a great train.
Barry G. Price painting of northbound Coronation Scot picking
up water at Whitmore troughs in 1937.
Proud of their railway roots.
Leading from the photograph of village sign at
Woodhall Spa (Issue 244) colour photographs from Ron Wyatt
of village sign at Offord Cluny showing Mallard rushing past the church and
crossing the Ouse (led to letter from Philip Waite Issue
252 p. 21); from Ken Woods showing village sign of Coningsby with aircraft
overhead, and of frontage of Saltburn station, and of a railway sculpture
also in Saltburn.
Syddall, Brian. Troubled times on the Isle of Man. 8-12.
Record of several visits to the Isle of Man which commenced with a
disastrous visit during Easter 1962 when the railway system was closed for
the holiday. Includes a visit made during the period of the railway's ownership
by the Marquis of Ailsa who favoured a locomotive livery of spring green
rather than the traditional red. Includes a table of the locomotive stock,
all of which were constructed by Beyer Peacock. Illus. (all colour, all by
Brian Syddall): No. 8 Fenella in Douglas terminus on 10.25 to Ramsey
in July 1964; No. 16 Mannin standing in Peel station, and on shed
at Peel in July 1964 (although in very faded red livery, the dome was highly
polished); No. 13 Kissack in spring green livery outside Port Erin
shed in July 1971.
Platform. 15-
Direct comparisons are unfair. Chris Hicks.
See letter from Geoff Langley in Issue 242 page
22: comparison of GWR and Southern Railway dividends and
service provision. Geoff Langley returns to the fray
in Issue 250 page 22..
BR's show train was my home. Brian Angel.
See vehicles at Waterloo on 13 June 1967 (Issue
244 page 27 letter from John Scrace) and photos
and letter from R. Goad (August issue): letter writer describes his
involvement with the cinema coach in showiing British Transport's films in
32 locations to a total audience of 250,000. The cinema coach formed part
of a touring exhibition named The New Railways and one vehicle had part as
living accommodation for the writer.
When are track forces greatest? Alan
Fowler.
Dow's That reminds me (Issue 244 page 42) caused
writer to ponder on Dow's comments on track forces and considered that braking
forces were much greater than forces applied by vehicles accelerating or
in constant running, and also noted creep. Peter Davis
(Issue 250 p. 21) confirmed that braking forces were
greatest.
When Willesden's engines were clean. Paul
Leavens. 16
Both colour photographs taken on 4 August 1962 aand show rebuilt Patriot
No. 45530 Sir Frank Ree on down express leaving Kensal Green tunnel and Fowler
2-6-4T No. 42350 backing down to Euston: both locomotives in superb
condition
A scouting meeting? S. Niewiadomski.
Did Royal Scots 46168/9 The Girl Guide and The Boy Scout
meet at Colwyn Bay in 1959?
Leavens, Paul. 'The Lane' [Stewarts Lane mpd] recalled.
Part 2. 19-24
Previous part began in Issue 245 page
26 Author made many unofficial footplate journeys during
the last years of steam operation on the Eastern Division, and his observations
were that there was little to choose between the BR Class 5, BR Class 4 4-6-0s
and the Schools class, and that the N15 class was marginally superior. All
were draughty and rough (with the Schools class being notably so). The Bulleid
Pacifics (whether rebuilt or in original condition) gave far greater
acceleration, were far less draughty (which made firing difficult in summer),
and were far smoother riding. Illus.: No. 30793 Sir Ontzlake passing
Shortland Junction on Ramsgate express in May 1959; E1 4-4-0 No. 31019 on
Ramsgate to Victoria train near St. Mary Cray on 20 July 1957; Class 5 No.
73081 with train of carmine & cream stock passing Bromley South on 6
April 1957 with 09.30 Victoria to Ramsgate; U1 2-6-0 No. 31890 climbing Sole
Street bank with SO 12.50 Ramsgate to Charing Cross on 28 June 1958; rebuilt
Battle of Britain class 34052 Lord Dowding with Royal Train for Derby
Day on 3 June 1964; page 23 No. 30926
Repton on return Derby Day Royal Train photograph clearly shows
LNER Royal saloon sandwiched between Pullman vehicles; and D1 4-4-0 No. 31743
at Stewart's Lane in June 1956. See also letter from
Steve Derby (247 p. 27) who noted that the foremen at Stewarts Lane sometimes
responded to an honest direct approach.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 36. 26-9.
Reminiscences. How an extremely rough B17 No. 1651 was sent to Colwick
for the renewal of the trailing axleboxes and to be fitted with new springs.
How the system was adjusted to enable a J11 with insufficient mileage to
"gain mileage" thus enabling it to be sent to Gorton for overhaul. The J11
(No. 64438) is shown at Amersham on the 13.00 all-stations stopping train
to Marylebone. Driver Mac Rhodes on the footplate (illus.). Portrait of Ron
Alder, Headquarters Loco Inspector and Driver Hector Boot of Woodford with
45289 at Marylebone in 1966; Long travel valve N7 No. 2601 on Brentwood Bank
(W.A. Camwell): Hardy notes the problems encountered with the long travel
engines when run at high speed as the valve spindles were liable to
bend.
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell.
Part 1. Introductory. 30-3.
Maunsell's Irish origins, his superintendency of the locomotives
and rolling stock of the Great Southern & Western Railway, and his
appointment as Chief Mechanical Engineer of the South Eastern & Chatham
Railway where he was appointed to bring order to the locomotive stock following
the departure of Wainwright. His new appointments included two from Swindon:
G.H. Pearson, as Assistant Chief Mechanical Engineer, and Holcroft, plus
James Clayton as Chief Locomotive Draughtsman, who succedded Robert Surtees
who designed the D class 4-4-0s, and according to writer "took a keen interest
in boiler development". Letter from Jeremy Clements
and Michael McMahon (Issue 248 page 19) which corrects some of the data
quoted for Maunsell's 257 (0-6-0) and 341 (4-4-0) classes..
Great shot! 7819 Hinton Manor departing Dovey Junction with up Cambrian Coast Express on 2 November 1963 (Paul Burchill). 34-5.
Coombs, Leslie. The good, the bad and the ugly... 36-7.
Argues that the appearance of a locomotive is often a good clue to
its ability, but then rather spoils his case by concentrating on the mainly
visual: the height of the boiler, the position of the leading bogie, and
trailing truck in the case of Pacifics, and the contrast between the flowing
curves of the running plate adopted at Doncaster with the straight lines
adopted elsewhere. Chimney shape receives a lot of attention, as does
streamlining, and the mismatch of locomotives with their tenders (the Jubilees
being an especially unhappy example. The illustrations (black & white)
are interesting: A3 No. 2751 Humorist with stovepipe double chimney
and small smoke deflector plates at Grantham on up express in 1937 (T.G.
Hepburn); Smith/Johnson 3-cylinder compound No. 2635 with bogie tender at
Kentish Town on 16 April 1904; Aspinall Highflyer 4-4-2 No. 700 at Irlam
Carriage Sidings c1923; Jubilee No. 5553 Canada with Fowler tender
passing Rugby with up express freight on 23 September 1937 (T.G. Hepburn:
beautiful photograph, but too many rivets visible to be really beautiful?);
GCR 4-6-0 No. 4 Glenalmond at Guide Bridge c1921 (P.F. Cooke: caption notes
thrusting posture); LYR 4-6-0 No. 10464 at Manchester Victoria c1937 with
"sit down at back look" (T.G. Hepburn); SBB A 3/5 four-cylinder compound
4-6-0 No. 710; No. 111 The Great Bear (trailing truck in wrong place,
and KPJ needed an outside bearing); Paddlebox T14 No. 459 on 16 October 1912
(KPJ: very odd looking locomotive) and Castle No. 4016 Knight of the Golden
Fleece at Old Oak Common c1930 (C.R. Gordon Stuart). Lessons from all
that: cylinders, if seen, are best seen under the chimney as in A3, Jubilee
and Midland compound. Bigger tenders are better than small ones. Inside bearings
on tenders and trailing axles look wrong
Dow, Andrew. The Fastline Files. Part 3. 42-3.
Pontop Crossing with its signal box and "Crossing" abbreviated to
"XING". The former flat crossing has now gone. The fabrication of this former
crossing is clearly visible. See informative letter
from John Clayson in Issue page 248 page 19 for origin of name Pontop
Crossing..
Krause, Ian. Four seasons: a 1967 diary. Part 4:
October-December. 44-50.
Passion for photography of steam trains during their last few months
of operation: a few of the products are worthwhile, but few approached the
perfection of Treacy or H. Gordon Tidey. There are some comments on his
companions, notably Paul Riley and Colin T. Gifford. Also information about
the Continental Railway Circle and a great deal about the awful weather in
northern England, espcially on Shap. See also Issue
249 for letter from Phil Plumb who was a fellow studant at the Harrow
College of Photography and participant in Ford Anglia expeditions...
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 56-7.
Corporate identity achieved by the LNER through the application of
Gill Sans typeface. This was instigated by Cecil Dandridge, the advertising
manager of the LNER, who approached Eric Gill to design the clear, readable
typeface which is ideal for signage. It was adopted by British Railways,
but thrown out by the bus companies which now masquerade as "train companies"
and are not noted for their power to communicate. Illustrated by notice to
loco spotters and signage at York Station (fortunately the reader is spared
the colour)
Hall, Stanley. Trainspotting in Wartime. Part 2.
59-61.
Ignoring "Is your journey really necessay" Master Hall and his pals
wandered across the Central Division from Bingley across to Preston Junction
during the autumn half term of 1941 and abused paper to take notes of numbers
(KPJ remembers having to use slates and slate pencils for most of his school
work in the following couple of years: did any spotter use such green
materials?). Noted that few LNWR passenger tender engines remained
at work. Illus: MR 1282 class 2-4-0 No. 185 at Derby on 185 on 3 July 1933
(seen by Hall as No. 20185 at Crewe during WW2; MR 2-4-0 No. 20002 at Derby
on 30 January 1935 (seen by Hall at Nottingham in 1941 or 42; LYR 7F 0-8-0
No. 12921 at Lostock Hall on 15 August 1936 (this type, but not this locomotive)
worked through Bingley from Rose Grove via Colne).
Reviews. 65
Railroads across North America. Claude Wiatrowski. MBI Publishing.
MH
Mel gives this work a rave review for its combination of quality of
printing, excellence of illustrations (mainly colour) and competitive price.
There is even a "good index" and bibliography.
6024: a royal progress. Oakwood DVD. AmcF
Preserved No. 6024 King Edward I: visual quality and editing
very good, but lack of depth in presntation.
Southern steam, 1923-1970. Vol. 2. South East Film & Video
Archive. DVD. AmcF.
Includes Terriers on Hayling Island branch and Romney Hythe &
Dymchurch Railway. Well received.
Fastline Films: Plain Line. DVD. MH
Based on British Transport Films of the 1950s which aimed to instigate
good practice and safety in opertions involving permanent way.
City of Truro 102.3. Diagonal Entertainment. DVD. AmacF
Quality is superb
The power of the Granges. Laurence Waters. OPC/Ian Allan. MH
Cropping is criticised (includes a couple of missing chimneys): "This
is not a bad book"
Railway facts. Julian Holland. David & Charles. MH
"book is a diverse pot-pourri"
Forty years on.... Mel Holley. 4-5.
Comment on the rather dismal end of steam forty years ago accompanied
by hand-coloured Colin Gifford photograph of 8F No. 48224 passing
through snow-covered Northwich on 9 February 1968.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
Plenty of steam village name signs still survive...
Swillington, near Leeds, has village signs formed from wheels off
NCB locomotives: letter and photograph from Dave Scarlett.
Another steam age survivor.
British Railways Lowestoft Central sign thereat: photographs and notes
supplied by Tim Dodd.
I think you'll find that...
Two Colin Gifford colour photographs: class 5 No. 44806 shunts the
Bootle branch with hyperbolic-shaped cooling towers behind on 17 April 1968
(refers to photogrphs taken by Bob Stewart at same location on same day:
see June Issue) and BR type 4 2-6-4T No. 80143 crossing Battersea Railway
Bridge with 17.06 Olympia to Clapham Junction on 5 April 1967 (caption makes
the dreadful mistake of refering to "Lots Road" power station: it was Fulham
according to Jonathan Jarvis 250 p. 19):
response to Jeffrey Grayer's statement that Lymington was last branch line
service operated by steam: the Olympia service remained steam-worked until
July.
It's snow time! 8-11.
Colour-Rail winter photographs: snow-plough fitted D34 No. 62471 Glen
Falloch at Pan Bridge with Dunbar freight in February 1960 (C.J. Sanderson);
84005 at Olney on Bedford to Northampton line's last day of passenger service
in January 1962; No. 2261 on short freight near Patney in January 1962 (P.
Strong); No. 41300 at Run Common with Guildford to Horsham local during big
freeze of 1963 (John Spencer-Gilks); Caprotti class 5 No. 44753 climbing
Shap with a freight in February 1963; class 5 No. 45331 on short fitted freight
passes Duston sidings, Northampton in January 1963 (M. Chapman), and class
5 No. 44691 passing Piddington signalbox with concise freight in January
1962 (F.G. Cockman).
Unloved heroes [WD 2-8-0s in Scotland]. Roy Hobbs
(phot.). 13-15.
Colour photo-feature: 90515 with train of long welded rails near Bogside
on Alloa to Dunfermline line on 6 July 1965; two views of 90386 on 11 April
1966 when used on railtour, Scottish Rambler No. 5: at Stirling and near
the top of Cowlairs Bank (with diesel banker NBL Type 2? at rear) having
left Glasgow Queen Street; 90547 approaching Kincardine Power station from
Alloa direction with coal train on 28 May 1966; 90020 near Clackmannan with
coal train for Kincardine on 7 July 1965. See also letter
from S.R. Mills (Issue 249 p. 18) concerning WD duties which required
fast transits..
Simpson, Ian. North-Eastern steam finale.
17-25.
Photographs (black & white) taken during the final working of
steam on the Durham Coalfield, especially of the class J27 and Q6 former
North Eastern Railway locomotives: WD 2-8-0 No. 90677 hauling coal train
past Ryhope signalbox on 10 August 1967; Q6 0-8-0 passing Wearmouth with
coal train on 7 September 1967, and at Ryhope Grange, J27 No. 65882 at Wearmouth
on 31 August 1967; 63395 on shed at Sunderland South Dock on 7 September
1967; ganeral view of roundhouse on 3 September 1067; J27 No. 65885 passing
Ryhope signalbox on 29 June 1967; and 65894 hauling coal on clib to Silksworth
on 4 September 1967, and passing Ryhope signalbox on 8 September 1967.
See also letter from David C. Wilson (No. 249 p. 17)
See also letter from Tony Watson in Issue
249 p. 18 on Neville Hill Q6 class locomotives
..
Platform. 26-7.
Shotover picture was not a 'chance shot' it was carefully
planned. Ron Longbottom.
See Andrew Dow's That reminds me (Issue 244 page
42) for photograph: writer noted that locomotive had been
selected, cleaned and carefully positioned for photograph.
This letter led to a letter from Tony Watson in Issue
249 p. 18 who had worked with Ron Longbottom at Neville Hill on cleaning
A3s
Controlled burning went on into the 1970s. Tony
Watson
See letter in Issue 240 page 24 from Leslie Sandler:
disastrous results near Headingly station when fire-brigade had to protect
gradens near the line from flames which led to the disciplining of the ganger
Controlled burning went on into the 1970s. Vauchan
Pugh.
See letter in Issue 240 page 24 from Leslie
Sandler: notes that manual jacking and packing still practiced in
Queensland.
More on short-formation 'V2' trains. Peter Clark.
See obervations made at Hartburn Junction (Issue
242 page 24) remembers through coach workings from King's Cross for Durham
Coast route via West Hartlepool which in 1951/2 were routed via Darlington
and that the three coaches might be hauled by a V2 class
locomotive
Standard and experimental liveries. Andrew Dow.
See latters from verb sap Charles
Long and Albin Reed on page 19 of Issue 245
who dared to query Andrew Dow who argues that crimson, rather than carmine,
was the "correct term" for blood & custard livery: KPJ knows that plum
& spilt mik was deprecated in official circles, but carmine??.
Haresnape used carmine on page
34 of his Railway liveries
Power station was Padiham. Ken Woods.
See Great Shot on page 34 of Issue
244: power station was Padiham which was equipped with
at least one slag tap cyclone furnace.
Honesty was the best policy. Steve Derby.
See feature about Stewarts Lane mpd by Paul Leavens
(Part 2 Issue 246 page 19): notes that foremen would sometimes
permit visitors by an honest request.
Hall, Stanley. Trainspotting in Wartime. Part 3.
29-33.
Funded by his schoolboy earnings from being a tractor driver's assistant
young Hall fairly drove horses through the "Is your journey really necessary?"
campaign, travelling from Bingley to Crewe, and traversing the WCML between
Stafford (reached from Crewe free from charge) and Preston. A trip to Liverpool
both impressed him with the state of destruction by bombing, and the large
number of surviving LNWR types, including the 0-8-4Ts and 2-4-2Ts. The Precursor
survivors were eagerly sought. Attention then shifted to the Midland line
south of Leeds where travel past Toton had a particular fascination, and
to Derby (reached via Nottingham). He includes notes on both the former
L&YR and LNWR routes through the Pennines, including the Delph and Oldham
branches, and Manchester Victoria and Exchange stations where it is stated
that GWR locomotives could still be seen at the latter (KPJ was this really
possible during WW2). Illus.: superheated Precursor No. 25293 Levens (Kenneth
Field); class 2P 40690 pilots a class 5 on up Waverley passing Cudworth in
1950s (Kenneth Field); 4F No. 3888 between Hellifield and Bell Busk on return
excursion from Morecambe in 1930s; 8F No. 8159 with small snowplough on up
freight passing Bingley (Stanley Hall); No. 6170 British Legion at Crewe
in 1930s (Kenneth Field)
Great shot! Colin Gifford (phot.). 34-5.
8F crossing Weaver viaduct with semaphore signals controlling traffic
on Weaver Navigation below on 10 February 1968 (with snow).
Dow, Andrew. Derailment at Tollerton. 36-41.
5 June 1950: train following up Flying Scotsman was derailed
on a hot day on poor track due to buckling in the heat. The guard of the
Flying Scotsman noted a severe lurch and applied his brake stopping
the train to examine it, but failed to notice the severity of the damage
and the train proceeded to York where it was realised that the damage was
severe and the signalman at Alne was advised, but not in time to stop the
12.15 from Newcastle hauled by A1 class No. 60153 which derailed at 14.32.
Photographs from the Fastline Collection show the extent of the damage to
the Gresley rolling stock and the buckle in the track. The main lines were
reopened within 22 hours: during the blockage trains were diverted via
Knaresborough and Ripon (now if Ripon was in Scotland), but this was all
pre-bustitution. See also letter from Alan Fielding
in Issue 249 page 17. And further letters from Stan
Hall who criticises the Fielding letter, and from
Owen Edgington who stresses that safety is still paramount on the country's
disjointed railways (Issue 251 20).
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 36. 42-5.
Appointed shedmaster at Ipswich in April 1950: his empire extended
to bicycle repair, the lack of a coaling plant, a water sofener operated
by Billy Fulcher (who operated his own system of flexible working). Notes
that Vic Gilchrist was shedmaster between 1938 and 1946. Notes that J39 type
was powerful, handy and free-running, but tended to fall to bits at
speed..
Dow, Andrew. The Fastline Files. Part 4. 46-4.
Replacement of bridge over River Swale near Baldersby by LNER in 1935:
photograph taken by Jack Burton at night with the illumination provided by
flares.
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell.
Part 2. The SECR 4-4-0s. 48-52.
Interesting in that earlier writers have given the impression that
A.D. Jones, the Outdoor Superintendent and Maunsell were appointed at the
same time, whereas Clarke states that Jones was appointed in April 1913 and
assisted with Wainwright's removal prior to Maunsell's arrival in September
1913. Maunsell found that the design of the L class had reached an advanced
stage under Wainwright and Robert Surtees, but sent the drawings to W. Joynt
at Inchicore for his observations before construction by Beyer Peacock and
Borsig commenced. The rebuilding of the E class 4-4-0 No. 179 with 10 inch
piston valves and greatly improved boiler is regarded as a masterpiece, and
this led to ten further E class locomotives being converted to the E1 type
at Beyer Peacock in 1921 and twent D class being converted at Beyer Peacock
or Ashford into the slightly less puisant D1 class. The L1 design was based
upon the L class, but with some of the improvements worked into the E1 class,
but as finalised by the North British Locomotive Co. (NBL).
Next part (SECR 2-6-0s) see Issue 248 page 38.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 54-5.
Critical of plethora of retail outlets at today's train (bus at weekend)
stations, yet there is an absence of such facilties on a twenty four hour
basis, even at strategic locations, such as York.
Panniers on parade. 59-60.
Colour photo-feature: 57XX No. 3764 shunting at Newport (Mon) in 1962
(Geoff Rixon); 2021 class No. 2061 at Stafford Road shed, Wolverhampton in
September 1953 (K. Cooper); 94XX No. 8433 at Paddington station in October
1963 (Geoff Rixon); 1366 class No. 1370 at Weymouth Quay with a London-bound
boat train in August 1959 (J.H. Moss)
Reviews. (all Mel Holley). 65-6.
Railways of Britain: Norfolk and Suffolk. Colin and David McCarthy.
Ian Allan
Maps based on Michael Cobb's The railways of Britain: a historical
atlas with some modifications (notably addition of industrial railways),
but Holley suggests could have been improved by providing overlap with adjacent
areas (Essex/Cambs/Lincs). 60pp of historical sketch, photographs, gazetteer
and indexes.
The Mid-Antrim narrow gauge. E.M. Patterson. Colourpoint.
Reprint/new edition of
former Ballymena Lines.
Offshore on the Southern. Anthony Burgess. Colourpoint.
66 black & white photographs of railways on Isle of Wight mainly
taken by author.
St Pancras Station. Simon Bradley. Profile Books.
Author is an architectural historian
Lost railways of Lincolnshire. Alan Stennett. Countryside
"well-written"
West Coast sightings sheets. 1962: Preston surveys. Chris Coates.
Author
Time travel: using sound. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Comment on the death of Peter Handford at the age of 88: creator of
Transacord Records: see also appreciation by Nigel Harris
and Handford/Transacord page on this
website.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
A curious freight working by a 'Battle of Britain' at Wimbledon.
Reg Batten photograph of 21C152 Lord Dowding on train of milk
tankers. Argues that these locomotives designed for hauling "express passenger
trains" (KPJ they were mixed traffic locomotives) were rarely seen on freight
(KPJ but milk trains were not ordinary freight: the Western used Castles
for this work).
Why did this wagon survive?
See Issue 234 page 4 (December 2006)
for Roy Vincent colour photograph of King's Cross engine shed: sharp
eyed Pete Berry noted red private owner wagon still in use in July
1961
Permanent way and not so permanent way.
See Issue 244 page 34 for picture
of Rose Grove shed with Padiham power station in distance: now the setting
is deceptively sylvan as motorway is hidden by trees (George
Pollard).
Another steam age survivor.
Barrie Micklethwaite photograph of Brodsworth signal box relocated
to serve as an allotment shed at Cudworth (also shown in situ on original
Hull & Barnsley Railway location. See letter from
Peter Fitton on page 20 of Issue 252 who claims that signalbox came from
Spotbrough not Pickburn & Brodsworth. Also box from Upton was preserved
in a garden in the village..
Chatman, Peter. Hampshire, Dorset and Devon.
8-12.
Memories of a 1960 holiday spent by a sixteen year old in a touring
caravan hauled by a Humber Hawk: mainly a record of his number-gathering
activities at resorts like Exmouth Junction and near Lyndhurst Road on Saturday
6 August when King Arthurs were still in service. Illustrated with Colour-Rail
material (in colour), some of which was photographed before Master Chatman's
arrival on the scene: M7 No. 30045 at Seaton station on branch push &
pull set; panoramic view of Seaton and Rame Head with same locomotive as
previous departing in June 1958 (T.B. Owen); Adams 4-4-2T No. 30583 at Lyme
Regis in June 1960, and Lord Nelson 30860 Lord Hawke passing Lyndhurst
Road with Bournemouth to Birkenhead train formed of carmine & cream Southern
Region stock in July 1955. Ray Rendell (letter
250 19), a local lad who worked in the booking office at Axminster,
noticed a topographical error: the headland visible on page 10 was Beer Head
(I don't mind if you do sir), not Rame Head..
Smith, Les. How it all began. 14-17.
Master Smith was eight in 1957 when his corrupting friend Mel invited
him to go with him from South Shields to Newcastle Central where he was
introduced to the Gresley Pacifics and the terrifying behaviour of Ross pop
valves on 60038 Firdaussi. His initial impressions of streamlined
A4 No. 60014 Silver Link were far from politically correct ("it didn't
even have a proper chimney"). He liked the J72 station pilot until it also
blew off and made the wee lad jump. All in all it was very captivating and
many subsequent trips were made: the diesels were welcomed at first (perhaps
because they were less likely to blow off). He remembers many of the things
which have vanished: the bags of mail, the crates for pigeons and the machine
which was intended to produce metallic luggage labels: did anyone ever use
them for their true function?
Platform. 19-
How the north east's Pontop Crossing got its name. John
Clayson.
See Fastline feature by Andrew Dow on page 42 Issue
246: name originated with the Pontop & South Shields
Railway where it crossed the Brandling Junction Railway: cites Neil T. Sinclair
and Ian S. Carr's Railways of South Shields (1990)
Tracking down the correct details for Maunsell Locomotives.
Jeremy Clements and Michael McMahon.
See feature beginning page 30 (Issue 246)
concerning Maunsell's limited output of Irish designs:
classes 341 4-4-0 and 257 0-6-0 and corrects the data quoted: also notes
that Locomotives of the GSR, Ireland is scheduled to be published
in Autumn 2008.
Picture was taken of one of the last steam workings.
Peter Davis. 20
See Issue 244 for feature on page 57 picture
of 82001: this was taken on 6 September just before replacement of steam
by DMUs and Roy Vincent pictures on page 52 where
captionist refers to non-existent "Swindon paint shop"
What ever happened to Beningborough signalbox? Ian
McCart
See Issue 244 page 36 (bridge
demolition)
Gresley's 'K3' 2-6-0s were just right. Alan
Mitchell. 21
Response to Dick Hardy's contribution in Issue 244
page 22: the K3s (as experienced on Hull fish trains between Doncaster
and Leicester) were strong, steamed well and were not heavy on coal, but
tended to roll at high speed.
Where is the 'other' St Pancras clock. Chris Hilsden.
Wonders where the original St Pancras station clock allegedly
restored by Roland Hoggard is now located.
What were Ferryhill's locomotives? T.
Easter
Writer who lived near Ferryhill mpd in 1949-52 remembered seeing apple
green locomotives stored in shed. KPJ can remember the empty looking sheds
when passing along ECML According to RCTS
Locomotives of the LNER Part 10A there were 28 locomotives there
at the Grouping. See David Love letter in Issue 250
page 22 and letter from Colin Ryder in Issue No.
251 page 19 who gives details of locomotives stored there during WW2.
Letter from R. Denny in 252 p. 22 quotes G5 tank
engines stored thereat in July 1951 (from Railway Observer).
Tunnel lengths corrected. Kevin Jones
See Issue 245 page 14 where there
was a muddle on tunnel lengths: Woodhead was just over three miles long and
the foul smoke even reached into the first class compartments.
Left or right-hand srive compound? Paul
Beko.
See illus. on p. 39 lower (Issue 245):
writer claims left-hand drive Compound. Notes that No.
41079 of same batch was a right-hand drive locomotive and wonders why variation
in handedness. See letter from Jim Perkins (Issue 250
p. 20), an ex-apprentice fitter, who notes that by 1958 there were very
few right-hand drive compounds remaining in service..
Simpson. Ian. And then there were ten... 22-8.
Think that it was ten nights out of bed or it might have been only
ten passenger workings left: illus. typical late steam gloom: 43019 in Preston
station at night on 2 March 1968; 8F 48036 on freight at Northwich on 4 January;
48722 at Northwich on 28 February; 43033 at Preston on 1 February; 48722
crossing viaduct leaving Northwich; interior Moss Lane Junction signal box;
92091 passing Moss Lane Junction with train of tankers on 6 March and 48722
and 48293 on 28 February at Northwich.
Harris, Nigel. Farewell 'Mr Transacord' – Peter
Handford dies at 88. 30-3,
Harris had the great good fortune to know Peter Handford since 1992
and to learn from him how his hobby of recording steam trains from the lineside
and from the trains grew from his professional work as an Oscar-winning (Out
of Africa) sound recordist. He was married to the actress Helen Fraser
and had latterly lived in Suffolk. He was born in 1919 and started work at
Denham Studios in 1936. During WW2 he worked for the Crown Film Unit and
was involved in recording the D-Day landings. Handford's book Sounds of railways
and their recording is cited. There is a Handford page on the website as
KPJ enjoyed receiving complementary copies (via his father) of most of the
recordings made in Scotland. The illustrations are from Handford's own camera:
apart from a portrait taken by Colin Walker taken whilst Peter Handford was
recording the Aberdeen Flyer
in 1962. The Handford pictures are 8F No. 8221 passing studios at Elstree
postwar, but pre-nationalization; S160 2-8-0 on Milan to Rome express at
Civitaveccia and diesel electric No. 10000 approaching Elstree station. See
also letters from David Ford,
Peter R. Jackson, Jim
Perkins, Andrew Dow and Brian
Stephenson in Issue 250 page 20. In Issue 251 p. 211 there are further
letters from John N. Greaves,
John R. Skinner and Ian Stewart
Walker. The website includes a Handford
page.
Great shot! 48257 hauling Preston to Healey Mills freight round Farington
curve on 5 April 1968. Ian Simpson. 34-5
Black & white centre spread
Dow, Andrew. The Fastline Files. Part 5. The bridge at Bog Lane.
36-7.
Argues that Arthur Dean, Civil Engineer of the North Eastern Region,
paved the way for long subsequent electrification by raising bridges, when
the opportunity arose as at Bog Lane, Chester-le-Street.
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell.
Part 3. The 'Mogul' family – SECR. 38- 41.
Previous part (SECR 4-4-0s) see Issue 247 page
48: brief mention of the K class 2-6-4T No. 790 (illustrated
in original condition) and questions the reason for this design. Also the
emergence of the N class 2-6-0 No. 810 which shared many components in common
with the 2-6-4T. The K1 and N1 three-cylinder variants also mentioned.
The initial locomotives were Nos. 890 and No. 822 and these were fitted with
Holcroft's form of derived motion, but a later batch of five three-cylinder
N1 2-6-0s in 1930 were fitted with three sets of valve gear. The sources
of the design at Derby and Swindon are noted. The N class was used very widely
on the Southern, especially on service in Devon and Cornwall. The illustrations
of SECR No. 790, which clearly displays the tail rods which were originally
fitted and No. 822 with this its Holcroft valve gear are excellent, but where
are the photographs working as Southern Railway work horses?
Mitchell, Alan. A spare turn's surprise.
42-5.
Whilst a fireman at Doncaster in the Banbury link, which worked freight
onto the Great Central to Leicester he was asked to travel up to King's Cross
on the cushions with Driver Harry Jesson to fire a return working from King's
Cross to Mexborough. He had expected a typical ECML "big engine", but it
was B1 No. 61166. He was warned not to let the locomotive produce dark smoke
or blow off in the terminus, but he had an excellent fire ready to tackle
the climb out of London. The locomotive was fitted with a speedometer and
beyond Biggleswade they were doing 90 mile/h and the vibration was great.
He had no difficulty in picking up water in spite of not knowing the route.
They arrived back at Doncaster somewhat early.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 46-7.
Water: problems as in flooding, and as necessity for steam operation
via water cranes (one mid-way along platform at Darlington is illustrated)
(this is subject of letter from Colin Ryder in Issue
No. 251 page 19 which guives further information on watering fascilities
at Darlington) and water troughs. Also throw away reference to T. Henry Turner,
Chief Chemist of LNER, who commented upon Mallard's record run: "It was with
water of zero hardness in its boiler" (KPJ not in response to Spencer
paper)
Batten, Reg. My 'Claud Hamilton' years. 48-50.
Very brief history plus four black & white pictures by the 93
year old contributor: D16/3 No. 8821 near Shenfield with up train from Southend
during WW2; Royal Claud with burnished ring on smokeboc and still with Belpaire
firebox at Welwyn Garden City with up express from Cambridge in July 1937;
D16/3 No. 8799? near Shenfield during WW2, and No. 62568 working a train
from Norwich to Ipswich near Diss in 1950.
Phillips, Ken. 'Castles' and 'Kings' proceed with caution? 57-9.
Text is an examination of some of the locomotive performance logs
which were recorded by G.P. Antrobus and published in the Rly Mag via
C.J. Allen. Author is skeptical of some of the maxima quoted. Col. Illus.
6007 King William III in Whitnash cutting south of Leamington Spa
on up express in September 1935; 6012 King Edward VI with down express
near top of Saunderton bank with down express in May 1962..
'68: the countdown starts. Ron Herbert. 60-1
Colour photo-feature: 8F No. 48666 passinng St Walburge's Church,
Preston with coal train on 5 April 1968; 70013 Oliver Cromwell on
Lancastrian No. 2 Rail Tour passing Preston on 20 April, and 70013
on William Deacon's Bank Club excursion on 17 March at Carnforth.
Reviews. 65-6.
All in a dayu's work: life on the GWR. Tim Bryan. Ian Allan.
First published in 2004: paperback edition.
For the love of trains. Denis Dunstone. Ian Allan
History of railway and tram prservation.
Railways of Leicestershire and Rutland. David Webb. Ian
Allan.
Picture quality subject to some criticism
Railway rhymes. Peter Ashley (ed). Everyman Library.
Much better than title suggests: poetry anthology including First
Division poets like Seamus Heaney and T.S. Eliot, as well as by Larkin, Sassoon
and Betjeman
Crewe North. Alan Wilkinson. Ian Allan.
Photo album ("mixed bag") of train scenes near Crewe rather than 5A
(or was it B?)
Railways of Britain: Kent and Sussex. Colin and David McCarthy.
Ian Allan.
Colonel Cobb's Railway Atlas recycled
The withered arm. Michael Clemes. Ian
Allan.
Photo-album: mainly b&w: LSWR in West. See
also letter from John Gilroy in Issue 250 page 21..
A descriptive history of the steam engine. Robert Stuart.
Nonsuch
First published in 1824: this is not a facsimile reprint apart from
the 47 diagrams.
The Railway Observer 1948. CD.
Scanned Railway Observers for 1938, 1948, 1958 and 1968.
Fit for purpose, but elegant. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Brief biography of James Robb Scott: born in the Gorbals in 1882,
illegitimate son of a Glasgow architect. Articled to Leadbetter & Fairley
of Edinburgh around 1900. He then joined Belcher & Joass in London before
joining the LSWR in 1907 as chief architectural assistant where he was
responsible for the Victory Arch at the entrance to the reconstructed Waterloo
Station. Chief Architect to the Southern Railway and thus responsible for
a wide range of stations from a fairly traditional style at Ramsgate to Art
Deco at Wimbledon and on the Chessington branch. Tonbridge is illustrated
with No. 35028 Clan Line passing beneath on down boat train
in October 1958 (K.W. Wightman). Scott died in 1940.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
Oops, we're off the road...
Mike Morant submitted colour photograph of Isle of Wight O2 No, 22
Brading with trailing bogie derailed on crossing on Ryde Pier on 2
June 1965.
... and a 'Hall' in trouble.
Black & white photograph of No. 6963 Throwley Hall derailed
in trap points near Chester in 1953: Denis Lewis supplied picture: LNWR G2a
0-8-0 appears to be in attendance. Further information
in letter from Harry Rawlins in Issue 252 page 21 who states that derailment
was near Abergavenny...
What's behind a street name?
Photograph of "Great Western Road" sign in Kirkwall, Orkney submitted
by Peter Roulston (KPJ: more likely to be someone homesick for Great Western
Road, Glasgow?). See letter from Peter Delaney (252
p. 20) who gives true meaning of road name, which had nothing to do with
railways or Glasgow..
A lonely engine shed for one on the Rhymney Railway.
Sheds at Dowlais Cae Harris constructed of corrugated iron, and at
Dowlais Central constructed of brick by Brecon & Merthyr Railway with
0-6-0PT No. 9675 inside: both photgraphs taken on 20 April 1948.
The view from the car park in Mablethorpe.
Colour photograph submitted by Graham Kerry of railway gate still
extant in car park.
Bamber, Robin. Three Lancs lads go to North East. 8-12.
A shed bash in the North East reached from Preston via the A66 by
bicycle from Preston at Easter in 1956. About 400 miles were covered by bicycle,
but funds were sufficient to cover the last few miles back from Skipton by
train. Residences included those provided by the Salvation Army. Sheds visited
extended down the coast from Blyth to Scarborough.
Picture special [coalling BR class 5 No. 73092 at Bournemouth]. Terry Hussey
(phot.). 15.
Colour illus. of locomotive being coaled via cranes and skip on 8
July 1967.
Platform. 17-19.
Tollerton accident showed requirements of railway discipline.
Alan Fielding.
See feature by Andrew Dow (Issue 247 page 236)
which showed that failure to appreciate the serious nature
of an incident (a severe jolt) could lead to major consequences (a
derailment).This led to further letters from Stan Hall
who is highly critical and from Owen Edgington who
stresses that safety is still paramount on the country's disjointed railways
(Issue 251 20).
The problems of left and right hand drive.
Kevin P. Jones
Quote of Norman McKillop's concerning difficulties encountered with GCR-type
Directors on former NBR lines because of their right-hand drive: KPJ asks
if problems with Britannias on Western Region were mainly due to their left
hand drive. Responses from David Butcher and
from A. Mitchell in Issue 251 page 20..
Durham coast pilgrimage. David C.
Wilson
See photo-feature in Issue 247 (page
17): notes on similar visit to Durham coast to see final
steam activity in April 1967.
I was a rookie cleaner for Ronnie. Tony
Watson. 18
See Issue 247 p. 20 for letter from Ron
Longbottom: they had worked together on cleaning A3s housed
at Neville Hill mpd, Leeds: also comment on Q6 class based
at Neville Hill (see Ian Simpson photographs (247 page
17...)).
'WDs' on more than slow freight. S.R.
Mills.
See colour photo-feature in Issue 247 p.
13 where it was implied that WDs only used on slow freights:
there were Oxford Cowley to the Midlands workings of bocars (bogie car carriers)
which normally employed WDs in 1955/6 period, although once a 31XX 2-6-2T
was called upon to perform the duty
Worth a second look at Slochd. John
Pearse.
See photograph on pages 34/5 in Issue
243: letter writer wonders if vehicles forming coal trainm
were minfits (i.e. braked mineral wagons)
Reunited again after 40 years. Phil
Plumb. 19
See Issue 246 page 44 et seq:
letter writer was one of the participants in the Harrow
College of Photography expeditions by Ford Anglia to scenic locations like
Moor Row (photos of two Ivatt Class 4 2-6-0s climbing Moor Row bank and
impression of steam at Harrington Colliery).
Simpson, Ian. The magnificent ten. 20-6.
Last ten mpds operating steam locomotives in March/April 1968: 8F
No. 48448 with mineral empties climbing 1 in 100 near Hoghton station on
5 April; 8F No. 48476 on Parkside Colliery to Whitebirk coal train near Lostock
Hall on 8 March; class 5 No. 45025 on up Belfast Boat Express near Preston
on 5 April; class 5 No. 45436 leaving Preston with express for Blackpool
South on 6 March; class 5 No. 45025 having arrived at Manchester Victoria
with Belfast Boat Express on 17 March; 9F No. 92077 on Garston to Carnforth
coke train passing Preston on 17 April; 8F No. 48060 on fitted Heysham to
Garston freight near Farington on 8 March; class 5 No. 44735 crossing Entwistle
viaduct with Brewery Sidings to Burnley Central freight on 16 April; 8F No.
48167 near Bamber Bridge with coal empties on 8 March, and 9F No. 92054 climbs
towards Hoghton station on 19 April with empty minerals.
Sawford, Eric. GWR underdogs. 28-33.
Eric Sawford/Transport Treasury black & white photo-feature of
less standard Western Region locomotives. No. 4037 The South Wales
Borderers (Star rebuilt as Castle) at Plymouth Laira on 4 September 1956;
4900 Saint Martin (Saint rebuilt as prototype Hall) at Penzance on
4 September 1956; Dukedog No. 9015 at Oxford on 27 February 1955; 1101 class
0-4-0T No. 1105 shunting in Swansea East Dock on 30 August 1955; No. 4701
at Banbury on 27 March 1955; 1361 class 0-6-0ST No. 1361 at Plymouth Laira
on 4 September 1956; Powlesland & Mason standard Peckett 0-4-0ST at Swansea
East Dock on 30 August 1955; ROD class 2-8-0 No. 3012 at Oxford on 31 October
1954; 2251 0-6-0 No. 2201 (not as caption!) at "coaling plant" at Bristol
St. Phillip's Marsh on 31 August 1955; and ex-Rhymney Railway class R1 0-6-2T
No. 36 at Cardiff East Dock on 30 August 1955.
Great shot! [46240 City of Coventry roars through Tebay on northbound Royal
Scot]. J.E. Wilkinson. 34-5.
5 March 1954: blood & custard rolling stock; snow on ground; coke
wagons in sidings.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 38. 36-9.
Ipswich maintained the excellent LNER Great Eastern policy of fotplate
crews being allocated to their own engines and this led to clean cabs with
shining fittings. The Great Eastern men refered to their cabs as "hoods"
and liked the interior to be painted in bright colours. Anecdotes concerning
drivers Bert Orvis, Joe Skinner, Charlie Parr, Jim Calver, Bill Thurlow (Running
Foreman), Fred Thorpe, Ernie Payne (who had been commissioned in the Royal
Flying Corps during WW1) and Arthur Brooks (members of the LDC chaired by
the fiery Rupert Vereker). There
is also reference to the Witham Accident: see
for accident report. Further anecdote involved Bob Fenning and Percy
Southgate. Illus. of B17 Hinchingbrooke with boiler washout man Maury Smith
with his team of Jack Reed, Charlie Ransom and Pom Haggar. Also Ian C. Allen
photograpsh including one taken in early 1951 of Hardy with two of Allen's
medical pals Drs. Ede and Gonin adjacent Super Claud D16 No. 62590 still
with its Belpaire boiler (caption mentions Peterborough Spital shed:
according to Ray Townsin (252 p. 22) MGNJR stock
moved to Peterborough East in 1936..
Gammell, Chris. Sussex journey. 40-5.
Posthumous contribuation. The black & white photographs arer
indicative of the journeyings: H class No. 51350 at Grange Road on Three
Bridges to East Grinstead push & pull on 16 March 1958; 80011 at Newick
& Crailey on Bluebell line on 15 March 1958; Sheffield Park station;
80011 with nine coaches at West Hoathly on final day of "service"; 80154
at Horsted Keynes (remarkable that none of wanderers were fried on
third rail) about to depart with last up train, and 80145 departing Sheffield
Park. Text wanders slightly more widely: the protracted closure of the Bluebell
line; its earlier motive power included the I3, D3, U1 and H2 classes.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 46-7.
Demolition of Staithes viaduct: photo taken 16 May 1960. Viaduct had
been built by the Whitby, Redcar and Middlesbrough Union Railway in 1875.
It must have been an impressive train journey, now its is possible to make
the journey in an Arriva (well it was in summer 2007) bus which takes half
a day to complete the journey. See also recent photos
(251 p.6)
Hall, Stanley. Mail in midnight collision.
48-50.
Accident to Liverpool Lime Street to York mail at Broadheath on 18/19 January
1964. Train hauled by Jubilee class No. 45695 Minotaur ran into the
rear of a freight train which had been carelessly set back due to the fault
of the signalman and the primitive nature of the signalling. See also letters
in Issue 251 page 19 from Thomas Ayres who fired
the locomotive which took the Gorton breakdown crane to the accident, and
from Richard Strange who queries route and destination
of mail train involved in accident..
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell.
Part 4. The 'Mogul' family – SR. 53-6..
As is usual with descriptions of this species nothing is simple: 75%
of the illus. are of 2-6-4Ts, and the only 2-6-0 illustrated is a former
River class U No. 31798 at Ash Junction on 7 September 1949. The remaining
photographs are of K1 No. A890 River Frome at Bricklayers Arms in
July 1927; W class No. 1914 at Battersea on 21 April 1932 and A class No.
A797 River Mole near Merstham on Victoria to Eastbourne train on 27
August 1926. A table partly assists to show the origins of the 6ft driving
wheel Moguls and the 5ft 6in W class freight only 2-6-4Ts which absorbed
some of the off-cuts. The 2-6-0s were both two and three-cylinder types:
the W class were wholly three-cylinder. See also letter
from Bill Southgate (251 p. 21) who corrects the assertion that the U
class Nos. A610-29 were ordered as 2-6-0s.
Speed to the West. Colour-Rail. 58-61.
Colour photo-feature: No. 5014 Goodrich Castle leaving Paddington
on down Torbay Express on 26 August 1954; No. 1010 County of
Caernarvon pilots clean Castle leaving Newton Abbot on down express in
1958; Castle No. 5058 Earl of Clancarty on shed at Exeter; Castle
with 41XX piloting inside climbing to Dainton westward in 1959; 6014 King
Edward IV on down Cornish Riviera Limited at Newton Abbot on 4
May 1958 (L.F. Folkard); 6018 King Henry VI near Dainton with down
Cornish Riviera Limited on 5 May 1957.
Reviews. Mel Holley. 65-6.
Railways and rural life. Gary Boyd-Hope and Andrew Sargent.
English Heritage.
Sydney Walter Alfred Newton photographs of Great Central Railway's
London Extension taken whilst line was under construction. About 200 photographs
reproduced.
Devon railway stations. Mike Oakley. Dovecote
The 237 stations formerly in existence are described and illustrated:
"comprehensive work"
Wigan to Preston. Ray Farrell. Foxline.
Scenes from the past series No. 52
Birmingham footplateman: a job for life. Dennis Herbert.
Oakwood.
Tyseley: cleaner to driver
St John's Lewisham: restoring the traffic. Peter Tatlow.
Oakwood.
Major accident on 4 December 1957: "excellently detailed
account"
The Alnwick & Cornhill Railway. John Addyman and John Mallon.
North Eastern Railway Association.
"comprehensive survey"
Lost railways of Derbyshire, Devon, Somerset and Yorkshire. Countryside
Books.
"excellent"
Along lost lines. Paul Atterbury. David & Charles.
"coffee-table style"
Preserved J52/2 No. 1247 (in apple green GNR livery) near Salfords with Blue
Belle railtour on 1 April 192 (Roy Hobbs). 3.
See also pp. 52-7.
The' Austerities': a good buy?. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Brief survey of the Austerity type which includes the 8F, the WD 2-8-0s
and 2-10-0s (noting that many of these were acquired by the Dutch, but had
short liives), the 0-6-0STs (75 of which were acquired by the LNER to become
J94) and the powerful Bulleid Q class which lasted until the end of steam.
Illus. of Q1 class No. 33033 on freight near Sevenoaks on 31 May 1958 (K.W.
Wightman).
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
A shed for just on locomotive, but it's not for a
'Jinty'
Class 3F 0-6-0T No. 47539 outside Southwell shed in May 1954 (photo.:
Tony Hill). Contrtibutor Jim Perkins notes that appelation "Jinty" was not
used by railwaymen other than to describe the 0F 0-4-0T. The 3F shunters
were known as "Jockos": this stemmed from the first "A class" 0-6-0Ts being
supplied by Neilson (in 1874). No. 47539 was constructed by Beardmore in
1928. The note fails to mention that this locomotive had six coal rails above
the bunker. Also photograph by Bill Reed (1960) of No.1, a very small Bagnall
0-4-0ST outside Beeston Creosote Works in 1960. Further observations on Jinties
and Jockos from David Lowe, Owen
Edgington, and Bob Essery in Issue 252 page
20..
Peterborough's railway hotel saved from demolition.
Col. illus. of Great Northern Hotel, Peterborough, which had faced
demolition, but now appears to be safe: the fine Victorian building was designed
by Henry Goddard in 1849 and is owned by Peter Boizot.
Two more pictures from the 'black smoke' file. 7
Two black & white photographs by G.J.C. Reid: 4F No. 44257 running
light engine through Stonehaven in July 1960 and Stanier 2-6-4T No. 42558
heving emerged from Charing Cross Tunnel, Glasgow with wstbound replacement
steam service for Blue Train EMUs in June 1961. Both trains noteworthy for
the blackness of their exhausts.
A 'Claud' at Peterborough.
Col. illus. of sign at Peterborough, South Australia, which features
a Claud Hamilton class locomotive (submitted John Royle).
Fleming. D.J. Around the sheds. 8-11.
Bristol: St.Philip's Marsh (where writer worked); and briefer notes
on Bath Road and Barrow Road sheds. The last was a former LMS mpd, whilst
the other two were GWR.
1950s Tonbridge [engine shed]. Ken Wightman
(phot.). 15-17.
Colour photo-feature: H class No. 31523 departs with loacl train for
Maidstone West in October 1957; H class No. 31543 being coaled at Tonbridge
shed on 12 October 1957: see letter in Issue 254 p.
19 from Michael Macmillan who notes that the H class behind had brasswork
on leading splasher polished for which the cleaning foreman blew a gasket;
L class No. 31772 departs with a loacl train for Hastings formed of birdcage
set in faded carmine livery on 24 May 1958; V class 30931 King's Wimbledon
passses with up train from Hastings on 26 October 1957
Platform. 19-22.
Thank you Mr Hardy for your memories of the Chingford
'Jazz'. Don Wakefield.
Spurred by Richatd Hardy's series writer records his observation made
between 1946 and 1958 of the remarkably efficient anachronism which continued
to function long, long after its sell-by date, but KPJ (who observed the
fearful destruction on Thameside) is tempted to wonder was Britain really
on the winning side.
An Axminster lad remembers the '60s. Ray
Rendell.
See feature (248 8 et seq) written by visiting
car tourist: local noticed a topographical error: the headland visible on
page 10 was Beer Head (I don't mind if you do sir), not Rame
Head..
It's Fulham not Lots Road...! Jonathan Jarvis.
See 247 page 7: caption made the dreadful
mistake of refering to "Lots Road" power station: it was Fulham
Peter Handford and records... David Ford. 20.
See Issue 248 page 30 et seq: correct
definition of 78rpm records (made of shellac). These were not "extended play"
which were 7inch records which ran at 45rpm.
Peter Handford and records... Peter R. Jackson.
See Issue 248 page 30 et seq:writer obtained
records, including early LPs, by direct purchase from Peter Handford, before
sales were transferred to Argo Transacord.
Peter Handford and records... Jim Perkins
See Issue 248 page 30 et seq:Notes TR116
Sounds of the Sea and Ships where the sound of the triple expansion
engines on SS Claughton were reproduced
Peter Handford and records... Andrew Dow.
See Issue 248 page 30 et seq:earlier
attempt in 1992 to obtain the Transacord archive of tapes for the NRM.
Peter Handford and records... Brian Stephenson.
See Issue 248 page 30 et seq:spent a
week with him when recording and photographing German Pacifics near Hof.
Shed code confusion. Peter Davis.
Refers to crossword (not indexed)
Nottingham 16A – an apprentice fitter of 1958 recalls.
Jim Perkins.
See letter by Paul Beko (248 p. 21) by 1958
there were very few right-hand drive compounds remaining in service. Also
notes the working museum which they had to service: especially saddened by
lack of preserved Midland Railway 0-4-4T. Also plugs the current "expensive
privatised fiasco"..
'Mystery' special train identified. Steve Smith.
21.
See Issue 238 page 34: excursion to Burnley
on 4 February 1967 for Manchester United supporters.
When are the track forces greatest? – during braking.
Peter Davis.
See letter from Alan Fowler in Issue 246 page
15 which queried whether accelartion or braking created
greatest track forces.
Did Bulleids ever go through the washing plants? Thomas
Reeve.
Asks whether Bulleid Pacifics did ever go through carriage washing
plant as originally intended.
'Withered Arm' origins. John Gilroy.
See review of book by Michael Clemes in Issue
248 p. 66 which suggested that term "withered arm" dated
to the 1930s, but writer suggests was due to title of one of Thomas Hardy's
Wessex Tales.
History should be viewed in context. Geoff Langley.
22.
See earlier letter by same writer in Issue 242
(page 22) and response to this by Chris
Hicks in Issue 246 page 15. The strongest point in this somewhat convoluted
correspondence is that railway history needs to be viewed in the context
of other events at the time. In the 1920s and early 1930s the railways lost
much of their previous coal traffic and the common carrier obligation diminished
the profitability of general freight.
What was in Ferryhill shed? David Love.
See letter from T. Easter in Issue 248 p.
21: cites K. Hoole's
North Eastern locomotive sheds. Shed was used to store exhibits
from NRM during WW2 (notably Fletcher 2-4-0 No. 910 and SDR 0-6-0 No. 1275
and Stirling Single No.1. In 1951 surplus G5 0-4-4Ts Nos. 67242; 67272; 67294;
67318 and 67331 were in storage.
Heavyside, Tom. Chasing steam – '68 style [by
bicycle]. 24-9.
Black & white photographs of RCTS Lancastrian No. 2 Rail Tour
on 20 April 1968 captured leaving Morecambe behind 45156 Ayrshire
Yeomanry; arriving Morecambe behind 70013 Oliver Cromwell; and
at Preston behind same locomotive; 45342 and 45156 hauling special between
Engine Shed Junction, Lostock Hall and Farington Curve Junction, and at Bare
Lane; and 70013 at Preston. See letter from Bryan Hemingway
(Issue 252 p. 19) who gives more information on the complex itinerary
of this railtour. All photographs obtained by use of biccycle and minimum
use of service trains.
Dow, Andrew. The Fastline Files. Part 6, [breakdown crane use in civil engineering work]. 30-3.
Great shot! Jubileee 45642 Boscawen at Preston with Manchester to Glasgow exprerss in July 1957. Donald T. Greenwood (phot.). 34-5.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 39. 36-9.
The problems of the transition from steam to diesel traction on the
Eastern Region. Individuals involved included Colin Scutt, Chief Mechanical
& Electrical Engineer, Horace Rowley at Doncaster, and Colin Morris.
Hardy considered that the Bruish/Mirrlees locomotives were beautifully built
and relatively trouble-free. The English Electric men were splendid people
and their locomotives were "well-tried, rugged, splendid machines". Notes
a simple modification to Type 37 which moved a heat detector to a more suitable
position. He regards the Brush Sulzer Type 4 locomotives as a dreadful mistake
and vastly inferior to DP2 (which was reliable and fast). Illus.: long travel
valve N7 No. 69714 paiing Clapton Junction with a Liverpool Street to Hertford
East train in April 1955 (Roy E. Vincent); 90447 off the road in Stratford
mpd (R.C. Riley).
Simpson, Ian. 7N99 – a freight odyssey. 40-5.
Last booked steam freight working on British Railways: the 18.45 Preston
North Union yard to Healey Mills was regularly worked by 8F 2-8-0s. Engines
were scheduled to be changed at Rose Grove and often the trains were banked
between Gannow Junction and Copy Pit. The train was difficult to photograph
due to its late departure.
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell.
Part 4. The Eastleigh tradition. 46-50.
Urie designs: H15, N15 and S15 and their development uinder Maunsell.
Problems with the Eastleigh superheater and its replacement by the Maunsell
type. Names from King Arthur legends
Hobbs, Roy. Engines abroad. 52-7.
Colour photo-feature plus text by the photographer on "foreign locomotives"
working on the Southern Region. 8F No. 48544 at Haywards Heath on 4 June
1965 with twenty van Newcastle to Hove pigeon special (D.B. Clark); preserved
No. 4472 Flying Scotsman at Eastleigh mpd on 18 May 1963 (M7 No. 30251
behind: locomotive had arrived from Lincoln on Gainsborough Model Railway
Society special); A3 60112 St Simon arriving Weymouth on 25 August
1963 with Southern Counties Touring Society excursion; A4 No. 60024
Kingfisher passing Sidmouth Junction on 27 March 1966 on LCGB A4
Commerative Tour; Class 2 No. 78038 approaching Banstead station on 5
July 1964 on Surrey Wanderer excursion; 70000 Britannia passes
Ash Junction with LCGB Vectis railtour to Portsmouth on4 October 1964;
preserved K4 No. 3442 The Great Marquess near Haywards Heath heading
south on 12 March 1967; class 5 No. 45493 passing Itchen Abbas on 08.55
Bournemouth to Waterloo on 15 May 1966.; .
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me. 58-9.
McLaren diesel engine used to power emergency electrity generator
in Northallerton power signal box
Picture special [Redhill shed on 3 March 1963]. Geoff Rixon. 60.
Colour photograph which includes out-of-service Schools class 30930
in very sad condition
Reviews. Mel Holley. 65-6.
Steam in Ulster in the 1960s. Richard Whitford and Ian McLarnon
Sinclair. Colourpoint.
Black & white photographs by first-named author, "informative
extended captions" by second.
LNER wagons, Volume 2. Peter Tatlow. Wild Swan
North Eastern Area: includes snowploughs and breakdown mess and tool
vans.
Steam around Surrey and Sussex. Roy Hobbs. Ian Allan.
About ninety colour photographs by Hobbs and other
photographers.
abc combined volume 1964. Ian Allan
Facsimile reprint
Railway modelling: the realistic way. Iain Rice. Haynes.
Austerity Ulster, 1947-51. Norman Johnston. Colourpoint.
Ulster Transport Authority official photographs
4ft 8½ and all that: a sort of railway history. W. Mills.
Ian Allan
Facsimile reprint of 1964 book: "It's the sort of book that you will
either love or hate"
LMS Locomotive Profiles No. 10: the standard class
4 goods 0-6-0s. David Hunt and others. Wild Swan
"detailed, thoughtful and considered text" plus reproductions
of 17 original engineering drawings, including two fold out general
arrangement
Atlas of North American railroads. Bill Yenne. Voyageur.
Well received.
Jack the station cat and the midnight mice. Alan Cliff. Gwasg
Helygain.
After the horse was king. Mel Holley. 2-5.
Editorial comment on railway involvement in road transport. Cites
the Southern Railway's assistance in the creation of the Southern National
Omnibus Co. and its moiety, with the Great Western, in Devon General. Also
considers the development of the mechanical horse which had a high degree
of manoeuvrability in confined spaces.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
A double-headed 'wheeze' from a pair of classic pre-Group 0-8-0s.
LNWR Super D 0-8-0s Nos. 48895 and 49430 at Pleck Junction, Walsall
with a Water Orton to Wolverhampton freight on13 October 1964. (Roger
Shenton)
Staithes viaduct buttress still remains today
Two colour illus : one with buttress and Boulby Potash Mine behind
taken in 2006 (Peter Hack), and the other of portal to Sandsend Tunnel taken
in 2007 (Alan Woods). See Andrew Dow That reminds me (249
p. 46).
Dow, Andrew. What was wrong with 70047? 8-14.
The activities of the British Railways Naming Committee whose membership
included Derek Barrie, E.S. Cox and George Dow. Its benign or malign influence
first extended to the Peppersorn A1 Pacifics (where no particular problems
appear to have been encontered) and then stretched to cover the new 70XXX
Pacifics where the initial batch of sixty names was based upon William
Shakespeare and nine of his characters; Charles Dickens and nine of his
characters; John Bunyan and nine other authors; Oliver Cromwell and nine
other somewhat dubious British statesmen; Boadicea and nine other British
women and Geoffrey Chaucer and nine other poets. Only the characterizing
characters and several of the poets made any progress towards being cast
in bronze. Barrie subsequently submitted a further nine categories,
many of which failed to reach the smoke deflectors: the empire group; saints
group; national names ending in -ia (as in Anglia); dogs; birds; British
women; poets and playwrights; British heroes and classical names. The last
three clearly moved forward. The next problem was to agree a class name for
the 70XXX and the initial suggestion was Great Britain which fitted in well
with the Festival of Britain. On 23 August 1948 the Railway Executive indicated
that it wished the first locomotibve to be named Sir Cyril Hurcomb. Riddles
favoured the name Britannia for the class (the only problem was that an existing
locomotive carried this name (45700 of the Jubilee class), but it was suggested
that this should be renamed Amethyst (KPJ it would have been an ideal candidate
for conveying the Olympic torch). The production of further batches reignited
the problem and one solution envisaged a series of classical names beginning
with the letter "A" for the London Midland Region (George Dow used Brewer's
Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: Atalanta was an attractive possibility,
but came to nought). The final batch included the Firths for the Scottish
Region, but those for the LMR caused problems: again George Dow was involved
and also Freddie Harrison, the Regional CME and S.T. Clayton, the Motive
Power Superintendent. Many suggestions were rejected and these nearly included
the names of famous locomotive engineers, but these were rejected by the
British Transport Commission. Thus, the residue remained without names until
they were named on an adhoc basis which left No. 70047 without one.
Picture special [M7 No. 30053 at Three Bridges with train for East Grinstead in March 1963]. Geoff Rixon (phot.). 17.
Platform. 19-
How a BR class 4 came to grief. Fred
Rich.
Follows a request in Issue No. 241 page
7 for information on damage to cylinders. On 20 June 1956
No. 80019 failed between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge due to a wrecked
cylinder caused by the lack of a tab washer on the piston rod check nut.
The locomotive had been overhauled at Derby and the cause of the failure
was detected by the Tunbridge Wells fitter Dick Cripps.
Photograph.
Wartime store at Ferryhill. Colin Ryder.
See letter from T. Easter in Issue 248 p.
21: shed closed on 7 November 1938. Locomotives stored
there during WW2 included Fletcher 2-4-0 No. 910; Stockton & Darling
Railway 0-6-0 No. 1275 and Stirling 4-2-2 No. 1. These came from the York
Railway Museum in 1941 and were returned in 1947. In 1951 several G5 class
and one D20 class wre in storage. The building was demolished in 1954. Also
refers to Andrew Dow's That reminds me (Issue 248 page
46) gives further information on watering fascilities at
Darlington.
Broadheath: questions and answers. Thomas
Ayres.
See article in Issue 249 page 48:
fired the locomotive which took the Gorton breakdown crane to the
accident: route was via Ashbury's, Belle Vue, Reddish Junction, Stockport
Tiviot Dale and Northenden.
Broadheath: questions and answers. Richard
Strange
See article in Issue 249 page 48:
queries route and destination of mail train involved in accident:
destination was probably York, and route was probably via Warington Bank
Quay. Stan Hall responed that his information came from the Annual Report
of the Railway Inspectorate.
Lessons were always learned. Owen Edgington. 20.
Railway safety (see Andrew Dow's contribution on
accident at Tollerton (Issue 247 p. 36) is still of paramount significance
in Britain.
Lessons were always learned. Stan Hall.
Highly critical of letter from Alan Fielding
(Issue 249 p. 17) concerning railway safety which stemmed from Andrew
Dow's contribution on accident at Tollerton (Issue 247
p. 36)
As professional railwaymen, we just got on with the job.
David Butcher.
See plea from Kevin Jones (Issue 249 p. 17)
for response to driving position in cab (left vs right-hand):
experienced no difficulty, even with different braking systems as experienced
in working out of Liverpool Street: also notes that left hand drive could
refer to the position of the big end on a two cylinder engine and deprecates
the use of term "driving wheels" where "coupled wheels" should be used.
See also letter from Allen C. Baker in Issue 253 page
21 who discusses crank settings with the aid of a diagram.
As professional railwaymen, we just got on with the job.
A. Mitchell.
See plea from Kevin Jones (Issue 249 p. 17)
for response to driving position in cab (left vs right-hand):
experienced no difficulty with firing (firemen became
ambidextrous).
Order amended seven months after Sevenoaks. Bill
Southgate. 21.
See feature in Issue 249 p. 53 et seq:
corrects the assertion that the U class Nos. A610-29 were ordered as 2-6-0s:
they were ordered as 2-6-4Ts and names had been selected..
Peter Handford left a fine legacy of archive sound...
John N. Greaves.
See Issue 248 p. 30: note about
David Watkin who worked with Peter Handford on Out of Africa as a
cinematogrrapher, and had worked for Southern Railway and was one of the
Watkins who crop all over the
place on this website
Peter Handford left a fine legacy of archive
sound.. John B. Skinner.
See Issue 248 p. 30: response
to individual recordings notably how Sam Gingell on E1 No. 31019 drove
ferociously down to Farningham Road and up to Sole Street and further comment
on The Triumph of an A4
Pacific
Peter Handford left a fine legacy of archive sound. Ian
Stuart Walker.
See Issue 248 p. 30:
Why pilots and not bankers? Roger Johnson. 22.
See illus. of weekly coal train to Inverness depot
in Issue 243 page 34: why pilot for climb to Slochd, whereas
banked to Drumochter
Simpson, Ian. Farewells with 48115 and 45025. 24-31.
Mainly final steeam workings from Heaton Mersey shed which ended on
4 May 1968.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me... 32-3.
Notes on training (including that to be provided by Network Rail)
. When railways ran trains 24/7 there were pupilages and premium apprentices
and training was a part of the job aand career railwaymen were xepected to
move every couple of years.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 40. 36-9.
Locomotive Engineer and Traction Manager (Acting) at Lincoln in 1963
when he had to introduce the staff to the closure plans for the East Linconshire
line. Not surprisingly his chauffeur, Bill Boothright, features more dominantly
than journeys on the footplate. Includes illus. Ian Allen photograph of B1
No. 61311 which is subject of letters from Tony
Cornell and Mike Russell in Issue 253 page
20..
Banks, Steve. Station pilots. 40-1.
Comment on lamps and discs carried by locomotives performing pilot
duties at passenger stations: illustrated by J72 No. 500 at York in 1936
with buffet from tourist stock behind and M7 No. 30060 at Bournemouth West
on 14 July 1960: Steve Banks had further thoughts about
last photograph in Issue 253 page 22 suggesting that No. 30060 might
have been powering the Bournemouth West to Brockenhurst push & pull service
with tail light for inward service and white disc for outward service.
Alan Mitchell (Issue 253 p. 22) noted that on LMR
in 1954 station pilots showed four lights with the white lights displayed
next to the running line...
Dow, Andrew. The Fastline Files. Part 7. 42-5.
Wagons, including coke hoppers and iron ore hoppers and tipplers,
under repair at Tyne Dock and at Shildon in February 1961
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell.
Part 6: the 'Sea Dogs'. 46-50.
Rather superficial assessment of the Lord Nelson class, although does
note its reliability and the difficulties of firing the long difficultly
shaped grate which was exacerbated by the small size of the class. Bulleid's
significant modifications are noted, although the larger piston valves were
never fitted to all locomotives. See also letter from
Paul Blurton in Issue 254 page 20: who queries whether there was a link
with Hookham's work on four-cylinder locomotives..
Local duties [performed by Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2Ts]. Colour-Rail. 53-7.
Colour photo-feature: No. 41216 crosssing Calstock Viaduct with freight
on 1 August 1961; 41297 crossing viaduct near Peters Marland with single
coach on 10.38 ex-Halwill Junction on 2 August 1961; 41295 with two ex-GWR
auto trailers and freight vehicles on mixed train?? from Exmouth passing
Exmouth Junction on 24 August 1964; 41285 at Birdingbury between Leamington
Spa Avenue and Rugby Midland on 31 January 1959; 41302 with rolling stock
to form 13.00 Bere Alston to Callington; 41322 crossing Cannington Viaduct
with 10.52 Axminster to Lyme Regis on 17 August 1963, and 41223 at Four Oaks
with push & pull service for Birmingham New Street on 1 October
1955.
Hobbs, Roy. Engines abroad. Part 2. 58-60.
Manor and 43XX classes at work on Reading to Redhill line: 7813
Freshford Manor near Reigate with Swindon to Margate excursion ('The
Trip' holiday) on 4 July 1964; 7818 Granville Manor on Banbury to
Redhill freight passing through Reigate station in November 1963; No. 6379
at Reigate with 11.35 for Reading in December 1961 and No. 6319 in green
ex-Works condition at Reigate on 22 July 1961.
Reviews. all by Mel Holley. 65-6
The Shropshire & Montgomeryshire
Railway. Eric Tonks. Industrial Railway Society.
Excellently written review of work which was last revised in 1972:
Tonks was a very significant historian of industrial railways.
The Snailbeach District Railways.
Eric Tonks. Industrial Railways Society,
Excellently written review of reprint of book originally published
in 1974, plus some later material.
The essnetial guide to Austrian railways and tramways. Mervyn
Jones. Oakwood.
Mentions 172 locations
Railway oddities. Geoffrey Body. Tempus.
Miscellania: e.g. at a meeting of the Dumdrum Railway it was agreed
that the Chairman should be thrown out of the window and a note on Cambridge
station and the pantomine operations thereat..
Two decades of Scottish steam. Donald Peddie. Strathwood.
1948-63: black & white photo album
Branch lines from Brookwood. Peter A. Harding. Author
Includes the railways to, and at, Bisley Camp, as well as that to
Brookwood Necropolis. How does Peter Harding produce such excellent booklets
so chaeply?
The St. Andrews Railway. Andrew Hajducki, Michael Jodeluk and
Alan Simpson. Oakwood.
"traditional, very detailed history".
Castleman's Corkscrew, Vol. 1. B.L. Jackson. Oakwood.
"...exceptional value... Recommended.": the line ran a circuitous
route via Ringwood to Dorchester: Bournemouth was an
afterthought..
Edward Thompson of the LNER. Peter Grafton. Oakwood.
New edition of book orginally published in 1971 by Kestrel.
Spit and polish, or grime and glory? Mel Holley. 2-5.
Editorial comment on steam since the end of steam in 1968: including
1968 and all that at the NRM from 24 May, and the No. 60163 Tornado.
Geoff Rixon col. photo. of dfelpapidated Fairburn 2-6-4T No. 42063 on Green
Ayre shed with Lancaster, Morecambe & Heysham EMU in background in late
1963..
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
Three working Gresley LNER 'A4s' together again, side by side....
Preserved A4 class Nos. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, 60009 Union
of South Africa and 60019 Bittern at Grosmont, North Yorkshire
Moors Railway on 28 March wth V2 No. 4771 Green Arrow in
background.
Fastline Collection moves to the National Railway Musuem, York
200,000 images from LNER/BR Eastern & North Eastern Regions of
civil engineering structures.not wanted by Notwork Rail
Farewell, Paul Leavens, a long-time friend...
Death aged 74: colour photograph of two 8Fs (one being No. 48102,
leaving Clipstone colliery in 1965.
A date for your diary – Rail Art 2008 at the SVR
At the Severn Valley Railway Museum, Kidderminster: 23 August to 28
September. Col. illus. of painting by Philip D. Hawkins entited Morning
Rush of rebuilt West Country heading up towards sunrise through
Basingstoke.
Chapman, Michael. A grand day out [relief booking clerk at Daisyfield
Staion during Wakes Week]. 8-14.
Normally staff consisted of John, the porter, but a relief clerk was
sent out during the Annual Holiday Week to meet demand for exursions to Fleetwoot
and Douglas on the Isle of Man, Blackpool, Southport, Llandudno (and other
destinations on the North Wales Coast, none of which had printed tickets),
Morecambe (on the opposite platform), and Belle Vue (hauled by a WD 2-8-0).
Illustrated by Michael Chapman colour photographs of other trains: Class
5 No. 45156 passing through remains of Daisyfield Station with special
in 1968; Class 5 No. 45229 on Colne to Blackpool excursion on Great Harwood
Loop in 1963; Class 5 No. 45449 passing Great Harwood Junction with return
Blackppol to East Lancashire excursion in 1966; and No. 45373 with return
excursion viewed from Great Harwood Junction signalbox; Horwich 2-6-0 No.
42869 passing Whitebirk with Blackppol excursion in 1962; Class 5 passing
Cornholme on climb to Copy Pit probably with excursion to Blacpool in
1966.
Picture special: 45552 Silver Jubilee at Paddington on 6 October 1963.
Geoff Rixon (phot.). 17.
Col. illus. Home Counties Railway Society railtour.
Platform. 19.
More information about 1968 railtour from Lime Street.
Bryan Hemingway.
See feature in Issue 250 page
24: further details of a railtour which included Windermere,
Morecambe and Heysham in its itinerary and haulage by several locomotives
including named class 5 No. 45156 Ayrshire Yeomany and Britannia 70013
Oliver Cromwell.
What was a 'Jinty'? David Love. 20
See Issue 250 Call Attention information from
Jim Perkins concerning nickname used by enthusiasts for
3F 0-6-0T shunters.
What was a 'Jinty'? Owen Edgington
See Issue 250 Call Attention information from
Jim Perkins claims that Saltley footplate crews did call
3F 0-6-0T shunters 'Jinties'.
What was a 'Jinty'? Bob Essery
See Issue 250 Call Attention information from
Jim Perkins claims that Saltley footplate crews did
not call 3F 0-6-0T shunters 'Jinties' but used term Jocko for all
shunters. Considered that they were "good shunting engines, with rapid
acceleration, they could 'lift' a heavy train quite 'smartly', and had a
good brake, very important when shunting".
Do two H&B signalboxes survive? Peter
Fitton
See Barrie Micklethwaite photograph in Issue 248
page 7: present writer claims that signalbox came from Spotbrough not
Pickburn & Brodsworth. Also box from Upton was preserved in a garden
in the village thereat..
No railway connection in the Orkneys. Peter
Delaney.
See Issue 249 page 7 contribution from Peter
Roulson: Great Western Road in Kirkwall had no railway
connotation: it was merely a great road to the west of the town.
Boston shed crew identified. R. Epton.
21
See Issue 243 page 8 et seq: illus.
of No. 43109 (repeated herein): notes Driver Ben Eyre and type of coal supplied
at Boston. See also Issue No. 254 page 20 where Bobby
Charlton notes that fireman was passed cleaner Roy Green..
Boston shed crew identified. George
Bishop.
See Issue 243 page 8 et seq: notes
Driver Bert Eyre became Mayor of Boston in 1965 and coaling plant was supplied
by Henry Lees & Co. in 1935, the token catcher on the tender of 43109
and the use of Ivatt type 4s to haul DMUs which had frozen up in the svere
winter of 1962/3.
Derailment at Abergavenny in the 1950s. Henry
Rawlins.
See Issue 249 p. 6:
derailment was at end of loop at driver failed to observe
correct signals and was derailed at catch points. Locomotive re-railed by
Brecon Road breakdown gang with assistance of Newport Ebbw Junction crane:
photograph probably taken by LMS fireman Albert Lyons.
Waving at troop trains and the 'P1'. Philip
Waite.
See Issue 246 page 7
(village sign at Offord Cluny) where writer observed trains
during WW2 when on holiday from Doncaster: American troops would throw brochures
to the watchers and the P1 locomotives hauled huge trains.
Spital reference is misleading. Ray
Townsin. 22
See Issue 249 page 36 et seq:
caption to photograph of No. 62590 implied that in 1936
the MGNJR locomotives at Peterborough moved to Spital shed: they were moved
to Peterborough East (KPJ traces of which are still visible as the train
from March crawls past)
Engines in store at Durham's Ferryhill. R. Denny
See letter from T. Easter (Issue 248 p. 21)
according to Railway Observer in July 1951 G5
locomotives Nos. 67242; 67272; 67294; 67318 and 67331 were in store.
Simpson, Ian. Taking to the hills. 24-31.
Photographing and tape-recording trains on the climb from Stansfield
Hall to Copy Pit which were banked by 8Fs, but one special coal train was
double-headed by 48410 and 48400 on 22 June 1968. He missed one freight hauled
by a single 8F and banked by two.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me... 32-3.
Station platforms: their heights (intermediate at Hammersmith); building
materials (stone most obvious omission), surfaces (textured blue brick, rubber
and rubberized surfaces are some not mentioned); staggered; numbering (with
King's Cross being out of step; and how about Manchester London Road's lettered
platforms on LNER side), ramps and so on until we reach the buffer stops.
Illus. No. 69571 as station pilot at Peterborough North on 14 June
1959.
Great shot [No. 7018 Drysllwyn Castle departs with
11.45 non-stop for Paddington]. G.F. Heiron. 34-5.
Locomotive fitted with double chimney. Correction to caption
see Issue 254 page 21 (which introduces another
error!): Drysllwyn Castle (i.e. 7018) is not preserved; date was post
May 1956.
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell. Part 7: 'piece
de resistance'. 36-9.
V or Schools class with ultimate in silly names: Eton at start
(shown at Charing Cross in 1930). Notes excellent performance on Eastern
and Western sections.
Fast, powerful and handsome [Peppercorn A1
Pacifics]. 40-5.
Black & white photo-feature: 60122 Curlew passing High
Dyke on up express on 29 August 1958 (T.G. Hepburn); 60138 Boswell
on shed post-1960; 60149 Amadis entering King's Cross; 60122
Curlew with rimless chimney on down Aberdonian at King's Cross
on 5 July 1952 (Brian Morrison and following); 60151 Midlothian on
down Heart of Midlothian leaving York on 21 May 1959; 60138 Boswell
passing Oakleigh Park on 28 February 1953 on up express.
Mitchell, Alan. My first 'A1' turn. 46-50.
Based at Doncaster, describes a debut Pacific firing turn on
60136 Alcazar on night time parcels train to Peterborough, returning
on a light fast express to Doncaster. Thanks to the careful building up of
the fire by an experienced fireman before he left to finish his duty on the
cushions a very fast climb was made to Stoke Summit. The driver was Charlie
Heaton.
WR 4-6-0s on parade. Geoff Rixon (phot. unless specified otherwise)
Colour-photo-feature: No. 6019 King Henry V waiting to leave
Plymouth North Road for Paddington in June 1959; No. 6918 Sandon Hall
(lined green) on Shrewsbury shed on 4 June 1963; No. 6009 King Charles
II on up Cambrian Coast Express at Paddiington on 19 August 1962;
Castle No. 5061 Earl of Birkenhead on up The Red Dragon enettering
Reading (B.J. Swain); Castle No. 5084 Reading Abbey passing Corsham
on down Merchant Venturer (train in chocolate & cream) (A. Sainty);
No. 6018 King Henry VI on SLS railtour departing Southall on 28 April
1963; No. 6860 Aberporth Grange (probably green: train chocolate
& cream) un up The Royal Duchy leaving Penzance in August 1959
(G.J. Jefferson).
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 41.
58-60.
Locomotive Engineer and Traction Manager (Acting) at Lincoln in 1964
when the Lincoln and New England Districts would cease to exist: sharp pen
portraits of two Eastern Region Board members: Philip Shirley and Fred Margetts..
In June 1964 he was appointed Divisional Manager at King's Cross.
Reviews. 65.
BR steam in action. Roger Siviter. Great Bear.
Photo album: mainly late 1960s.
Railways of Buchan. Keith Fenwick, Douglas Flett and Dick Jackson.
GNSRA.
Lost lines to Fraserburgh and Peterhead, including Cruden Bay Hotel
and St Combs branches: "this is an excellent history, written in a bright
lively style. An incredible amount of material has been put into a relatively
small publication... attractivel presentd (and priced)"
Whitehaven. Howard Quayle. Cumbrian Railways Association
"excellent book"
The greatest free show on earth. Mel Holley. 4-5.
Observation of trains at Dainton summit. Illustrated by R.C. Riley
colour transparency of No. 6875 Hindford Grange assisting Castle class
No. 5072 Hurricane enetering tunnel on 12.00 Penzance to Manchester
on 29 June 1957.
Call attention. 6-7.
A majestic Riddles BR 2-10-0 "9F" on the climb to Saunderton.
No. 92238 on freight at Bradenham c1964
Semaphores hang on at Rosyth.
Lattice post supported signal and signal cabin: submitted by James
Milne
And now for something completely different...
Interior of Crossness Pumping Station
New facility puts Museum in the picture
Fastline and Peter Handford records now searchable via Search Engine
at NRM
Beith: a substantial one-road shed.
6 July 1960.
Grayer, Jeffery. North by north west. 8-14.
Midland Region Rover: 20 June 1968
Platform. 19-.
Mystery picture conundrum solved. Tony Cornell. 20
See Dick Hardy feature (Issue 251 p. 36) for Dr
Ian Allen photograph of B1 No. 61311 (repeated here) on
a freight (photograph taken from an EMU): location was Bow Junction on down
electric line near Tom Thumb's bridge: date between 1956 and
1960.
Mystery picture conundrum solved. Mike Russell.
See Dick Hardy feature (Issue 251 p. 36) for Dr
Ian Allen photograph of B1 No. 61311: considers that figure walking across
track was too old to be fireman.
What's wrong with LMS drain cocks? Harold Floyd.
Leaking cylinder drain cocks appeared to characterise LMS
locomotives
Locomotive crank setting in British practice. Allan C.
Baker. 21.
See Issue 251 page 20 letter from David
Butcher: with an aid of a diagram writer explains the
difference between left-hand and right-hand crank lead: former was adopted
by LNWR and SECR, but majority of British locomotives were right-hand lead.
Also considers the difference between 180 degrees and "135 degrees" settings
for four-cylinder locomotives: latter adopted for North Staffordshire six-coupled
tank engine No. 23 built in 1922 and on Lord Nelson class.
Station pilots – mixed messages? Steve
Banks. 22.
See Issue No.. 251 page 40 for feature by letter
writer: suggests that No. 30060 might have been powering the Bournemouth
West to Brockenhurst push & pull service with tail light for inward service
and white disc for outward service.
Station pilots – mixed messages?
.Alan Mitchell
See Issue No.. 251 page 40: states that on LMR
in 1954 station pilots showed four lights with the white lights displayed
next to the running line.
Simpson, Ian. Down, but not quite out. 24-31.
Steam in July 1968.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me... 32-3.
Decline in the standard of signage on the privatized bus-ways: in
contrast illus. of Newcastle Central in 1956 shows former orderliness.
Great shot. Eric Bentley (phot.). 34-5.
WD No. 90651 on a coal train and Class 5 on an excursion at Rose
Grove.
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell.
Part 8: Shunt and trip. 36-9.
Z class three-cylinder 0-8-0T and Q class 0-6-0. Illus. include excellent
view of Q class No. 534 as new at Eastleigh in 1938 which clearly shows the
steam reverser. Also two good views of Z class: No. A950 on 9 June 1929 and
No. 951 taken in late 1930s. Also Q class No. 30543 as pilot to WC 34043
Coombe Martin approaching Radipole Halt on climb from Weymouth to
Dorchester.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 42. 40-3.
Recalls how author was interviewed at Marlborough by Col. Pullen-Thompson,
Careers Advisor to Public Schools and how he could not make up his mind whether
to go to LMS or LNER and was informed: "Don't know the LMS, boy, go on the
LNER, gentlemen at the top". He wrote to Gresley, but received a reply from
Edward Thompson. Also relates how he and Dick Lawrence travelled on the 15.30
from Sheffield to Manchester express hauled by flat-valve C1 Atlantic No.
3296. At Penistone they were invited onto the footplate by Driver Joe Oglesby
of Neepsend. Time was lost through single-line working near Dunford Bridge,
but this was made up with a fast run down to Guide Bridge. The return journey
through Woodhead Tunnel was made on the same locomotive. Illus.: Driver Oglesby
with C1 No. 4452 at York with Dick Hardy in March 1945; B17 No. 61600
Sandringham passing Bishopsgate, East London Junction with up express
c1957 (Roy Vincent); N7 No. 69702 working empty stock out of Liverpool Street
at same location as previous. See also Issue No. 256 page
44 for letter from Driver Oglesby's fireman..
Topping, Brian. The record breakers... 44-50.
Anniversary of No. 4468 Mallard's record breaking run of 3
July 1938: includes a reproduction of the graph which recorded the speed
and the gradient. A detailed account which notes that Gresley was not present
on the train. Also makes reference to the LMS speed record involving No.
6220 Coronation and its alleged speed of 114 mile/h based on the
speedometer on the locomotive as against 112.5 mile/h via several stop-watches.
Riddles was on the footplate of Coronation which approached Crewe platform
at an excessive speed. Topping notes that Edge represented Gresley on the
Mallard run which was nominally in connection with testing a Westinghouse
quick release vacuum brake mechanism. Norman Newsome (incorrectly quoted
as Newson) and Reg Stubley's observations on Gresley are noted in the
introduction. Topping also notes that other than the footplate crew (Driver
Joe Duddington and fireman Tommy Bray) Inspector (Sam) Jenkins was
also present: the well known photograph of the trio on arrival at Peterborough
is reproduced.
Carling, Dennis. Mallard's record: I was there.
52-4.
Editor claims this posthumous contribution as an "exclusive". On 3
July 1938 Carling was a Test Inspector at Darlington and was in the dynamometer
car when No. 4468 Mallard achieved 125 mile/h. Gresley was not on
the train, but was represented by D.R. Edge. Norman Newsome was also present
to monitor the braking performance.
Arthur, Richard. The autumn of Welsh steam. 57-60.
Description of a long trail of Welsh sheds and now long-closed railways
using a Welsh Rover during the period 23-30 September 1962. Only one of the
illus is by the author: a black & whiteshot of 57XX No. 4671 on the 16.05
New Tredegar to Newport on 29 September 1962. Colour illus.: 4134 at Fishguard
& Goodrich on 11.00 to Carmarthen in August 1959 (A. Morris) and Castle
No. 5062 Earl of Shaftsbury near St. Fagans on down express in August
1962 (A.A. Jarvis).
Reviews. 65
Mallard. Don Hale. Aurum.
"thoroughly rounded, comprehensive account, of Gresley's life and
work"
Southern steam, 1937-67. Vol. 3. West Sussex Record Office.
DVD
ten short films
Fastline Films. Vol. 3. DVD.
Made by British Transport Commission Film Unit in 1954.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
The Peppercorn 'A1' 4-6-2s were good, bbut not really
that good! Mel Holley
Considers a brief phot-feature of the A1 class which appeared in
Steam World No. 252 and the oft repeated claims
that the Class achieved very high mileages which stem back to
Freddie Harrison's Presidential Address
to the Institution of Locomotive Engineers: the data in which (it was
the Institution's policy not to challenge Presidential statements) were not
challenged at the time, but had been investigated in Steam World in
1999.
Spedmore & Fimber survivor. David Gowing.
Concrete ballast bin on former Malton & Driffield Junction Railway:
colour photograph.
The difference of a day. Alan Chandler.
Britannia No. 70019 Flying Dutchman on up relief at Atherstone
on 9 August 1964 in filthy condition, and as cleaned for working Royal
Household special from Euston to Ballater with clean red horebox at front
followed by four bogie vans
Not all British steam died in '68. Ian Simpson.
8F in use on Turkish Railways as TCDD No. 45156 (NBL 24646/1941) taking
water at Erzincan oon 28 March 1986 (note snow-covered moutains
behind).
Herbert, Ron. The last 12 months. 8-16.
Of steam as viewed from Preston Control Illus. (all colour by author,
unless otherwise credited): Carlisle Citadel with Class 5 No. 44911 on 11.05
Glasgow Central to Blackpool North, and No. 44802 waiting for Dundee to Blackpool
North on 5 August 1967; Class 5 No. 44964 crossing Bare Lane level crossing
with 18.28 Heysham Harbour to Liverpool Exchange on 5 August 1967; congested
road at Ais Gill on 11 August 1968 (Gavin Morrison); No. 45156 Ayrshire
Yeomanry at Morecambe Promenade on 20 April 1968; Nos. 75019 and 75027
pass Borwick station on railtour on 28 July 1968; 70013 Oliver Cromwell
on official last steam train at Ais Gill on 11 August 1968 (B. Jowett);
view from coaling tower at Rose Grove in July 1968 (Les Nixon); and 8F No.
48321 at Heaton Lodge Junction on 3 May 1968. .
Platform. 19.
In trouble for cleaning too well. Michael
Macmillan.
See photo-feature in Issue 250 page 15 et
seq: relates how burnished leading splasher on H class
being coaled at Tonbridge led to wrath of cleaning foreman. Also notes that
push & pull trains ran with the "pin out" that is the regulator was worked
by the fireman (the sole use of the compressed air was to work the whistle
on the driving trailer.
Are you interested in Cumbrian railways? John Sewell.
Note on Cumbrian Railways |Association.
Old friend at a 'ghost' steam shed. Pete Berry. 20
See Issue No. 250: No. 6873 Caradoc Grange fitted with 82A
Bristol Bath Road shed plate in spite of shed being closed for two years.
Was there a Hookham-Maunsell link? Paul
Blurton
See series on Maunsell locomotives relating to Lord
Nelson design (Issue 251 page 46): asks if there was a
link with Hookham. This letter did not appear to receive a response
so KPJ provides it (see letter in Issue
265 page 19): link between the North Staffordshire Railway four-cylinder
shunting locomotive and its 135° crank setting and the similar crank
setting on the Lord Nelson class. Holcroft's Locomotive Adventure page
119 provides the link via a paper which Holcroft had read before the Institution
of Locomotive Engineers in 1920 where he had pointed out the advantages of
this crank setting. Hookham had attended the meeting and contributed to the
discussion. Hence the connection.: Hookham's experimental four-cylinder 0-6-0T
for the North Staffordshire Railway was widely
described in the technical press at the
time and Phil Atkins showed the links between Hookham and Clayton (Maunsell's
designing genius) in Railways South
East
Now that fireman is identified! Bobby
Charlton.
See Issue 252 page 21 for letter from R. Epton
concerning footplate crew of No. 43109 (Class 4 known
as 'nut & bolters' at Boston)
Cromwell's Masonic links. Graham Lawrence.
21
Questions the significance of number 13 within No. 70013 and Oliver
Cromwell as a Masonic figure.
Points and crossings.
See Issue 252 pp. 34-5: Drysllwyn Castle
(i.e. 7018) is not preserved; date was post May 1956.
Herbert, Ron and Strange, Richard. What happened in 1968?
22-7.
The last official wheeze of steam and all was modern thereafter:
"box" page 25 shows late career of No. 70013 including
periods spent in storage: see also letter and photograph submitted by
R.N. Ptitchard in Issue 264 p.
15.
Salveson, Paul. Clandestine cleaners. 28-32.
Ar Bolton mpd..
Great shot. Gavin Morrison. 33-4.
No. 4081 Warwick Castle and Castle No. 5087 Tintern Abbey
on Carmarthen shed on 9 July 1962.
Simpson, Ian. The final curtain. 36-43.
Last ten days includes magnificent picture of St Walburge's Church
towering over a black 5
The full picture. K.L. Cook. 44-5.
F6 No. 67219 at Witham (where most Notional "Expresses" now appear
to expire) with 10.00 to Maldon.
Clarke, Jeremy. The locomotives of R.E.L. Maunsell.
Part 9: The other 'Woolworths' and others. 46-50.
Twelve of the Woolwich Arsenal sets of parts were acquired by the
Midland & Great Western Railway in Ireland and a further fifteen (of
which fourteen were assembled) were acquired by the Great Southern Railways.
These retained their snifting valves and their tail rods for far longer than
on thhe Southern. Six sets were used to construct the K class 2-6-4Ts for
the Metropolitan Railway. The E1R class, used as motive power in Devon and
Cornwall employed pony trucks and possibly other spare material for the bunkers
to convert Stroudley LBSCR 0-6-0Ts into light 0-6-2Ts. Other Maunsell design
work included an 0-4-2T which ran at Inchicore from 1914 to 1963, the
modification of the Drummond Paddlebox T14 4-6-0s and the conversion of the
LBSCR 4-6-4Ts into 4-6-0s. Proposed designs included a 2-6-2, a 2-6-2T, a
4-8-0 for Kent coal traffic and a massive 4-6-2+2-6-4 Garratt
As you saw it. 54-61.
Photo-feature (mainly black & white): Nos. 73050 and 45392 on
Patricroft shed on 6 April 1968 Tom Heavyside); No 48117 near Buxton on 3
February 1968 with snow-covered tres beneath viaduct glittering under a blue
sky (Les Nixon, colour); Carnforth contrajour on 28 November 1967 (John Hunt);
No. 48423 near Hoghton on esatbound coal empties on 18 April 1968 (Roger
Siviter); No. 44950 in Liverpool Exchange on 19 May 1968 (Bill Ashcroft:
colour); Ivatt 2-6-0 No. 43027 cylinder in April 1968? (Hugh Ballantyne:
colour); No. 70013 at Buxworh with a special on 5 June 1968 (Gavin Morrison);
No. 75027 with Grassington ballast train (Eddie Bobrowski)
Reviews. Mel Holley.
In the tracks of the 'ACE'. Jeffery Grayer. Noodle Books.
All-colour book which shows the decline and loss of services after
the end of steam, west of Salisbury: sounds as if only of interest to
cyclists.
Caledonian routes. Vol 4. Callander & Oban lines. DVD
or Video. Oakwood.
Restricted to section west of Crianlarich and Ballachulish
branch.
Return to Pwllheli. Derek Lowe. Foxline.
Black & white album: pictures "reproduced well"
Issue No. 255 (September 2008)
Railway staffs' professionalism: a ruling constant: comment. Mel Holley.
4-5
Illustrated with colour trannsparency from Roy Hobbs of Schools class
No. 30926 Repton at Ashford on 25 February 1962.
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
Chapman, Michael. A Scottish trilogy. 8-14.
Discovered the Waverley route through Peter Handford's Transacord
records which captured the syncopating exhaust ass they climbed to Shankend.
This led to the Author making a day trip from North Lancashire to Riccarton
Junction loaded with camera and tape recorder in an attempt to emulate Handford.
On arrival at Riccarton Junction there was a fear that he might be the auditor.
Prior to that he had travelled on an enthusist excursion over the route hauled
by A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. Later he travelled to Coupar Angus
in 1966 to capture the last A4s in service, and to the NCB colliery railway
at Waterside in Ayrshire. Colour illus.: A4 No. 60019 Bittern leaving
Gleneagles with an Aberdeen to Glasgow express in April 1966; unidentified
V2 on freight between Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay with Forth Bridge behind
in April 1966; A2 No. 60528 Tudor Minstrel passing Steele Road
with Altringham Railway Excursion Society's Waverley Special on 23 April
1966; Horwich Class 5 2-6-0 passing Hollybush in April 1966 with empties
for Waterside; WD 2-8-0 No. 90468 climbing Glenfarg Bank with up freight
in snow in April 1966; V2 No. 60970 takes water at Riccarton Junction in
March 1965; A4 No. 60019 Bittern climbing to Forth Bridge from
Inverkeithing with an excursion in April 1966; NCB 0-6-0T No. 11 leaves Dunaskin
on Waterside with loaded train of coal in October 1966; 0-6-0T No. 18 derailed
at Dunaskin in April 1966.
The full picture: LN No. 30862 Lord Collingwood. K. Wightmam (phot.).
16-17.
Colour illus.: leaving Basingstoke with down express.
Platform. 19-21.
Russell, Robin (phot.). Same-class double-headers. 22-5.
Hall, Stan. Fire! [in former LNER streamlined articulated coach on
14 July 1951]. 26-7.
Butcher, Tony (phot.). SR steam on shed. 28-32.
Black & white photo-feature.
Great shot! [A4 No. 60032 Gannet at King's Cross on down The Elizabethan on 13 June 1960]. John Aylard (phot.). 34-5.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 43.
36-41.
Appreciation of Great Central 4-6-0s: both four- and two-cylinder
types.. Technique of firing B7 No. 5461 on 09.10 Sheffield to Manchester:
in comparison very difficult journey on a K3 with boiler long overdue for
a washout which ran hydraulic and had to stop several times for boiler to
recover. Driver Bill Denman managaed to start a heavily loaded train of 14
or 15 coaches from Wakefield Westgate on the climb to Ardsley without slipping
with C1 No. 4433 which was blowing off at 155 psi in January 1943. Also firing
to Ted Hailstone on B4 No. 6101 with 12 carriages assisted by N1 on 12.45
Bradford Exchange to Wakefield via Dewsbury climbing 1 in 50/45 to Laisterdyke
and tearing down the bank to Batley. More recent footplate experiences in
1973 on preserved V2 No. 4771 Green Arrow which brought him into contact
with Bill Harvey and Pat Whitehouse. Driver Dennis Herbert, a former GWR
man handfled the V2 with great skill.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me... 42-3.
Chaloners Whin junction signalbox where East coast Main Line used
to diverge for Selby from the route from York to Knottingley and Leeds. Notes
signal gantry, separate nature of two lines south of York and the loss of
network concept through the loss of divertionary routes.
Heavyside, Tom. Tebay's last stand. 44-50.
Banking to Shap with Class 4 4-6-0s.
Litttle and large. 52-5.
Colour photo-feature: former GWR locomotives: No. 6967 Willesley
Hall ex-Works in Brunswick greern livery at Swindon on 5 April 1964 (Roy
Hobbs); 56XX Nos. 6655 and 5622 on Rhymney shed on 15 June 1963 (Colour Rail);
14XX No. 1421 at Tiverton Junction with Hemyock train on 9 September 1963;
No. 6019 King Henry V passing Kinkerswell in April 1962 (Peter
Gray).
Ballantyne, Hugh (phot.). 'Fives' in the North of Scotland. 59-63.
Black & white photo-feature:No. 45178 passing Glenogle crossing
loop with Oban to Glasgow train on 22 August 1960; No. 45319 shunting at
The Mound on 1 May 1957 (note restaurant car waiting to be picked up to return
to Inverness with gas tank); No. 44722 at Georgemas Junction with 10.40 Inverness
to Wick crossing 15.35 Wick to Inverness on 2 May 1957; No. 44798 arriving
Wick with 06.40 from Inverness on 2 May 1957; No. 45171 at Strathyre with
07.50 Glasgow to Oban train (note disused? tablet catcher): No. 45179 at
Kyle of Lochalsh with 17.40 to Dingwall on 3 May 1957.
Issue No. 256 (October 2008)
Call attention. Mel Holley. 6-7.
BR ‘Britannia’ 4-6-2 No, 70018 Flying Dutchman - yes, it’s
filthy again.
Colour illus. by John Clayson's father: at Nuneaton hauling up The
Lakes Express on on 20 August 1964.
Ghostland Postland… a lonely, lingering survivor!
Jeff Colpus: signal box situated on B1166 road: railway closed
1982.
Why was this 'K1/1' so far from home?
Geoff Parrish submitted photograph of No. 61997 MacCailin
Mor at Gorton on 17 November 1951 Brian
C. Bailey suggests had worked through to Manchester following repair
at Doncaster Works; other Doncaster repairs took the locomotive as far south
as King's Cross...
Who 'borrowed Stafford Road's pannier No. 6422?!
On 25 January 1961 pannier tank removed from Stafford Road and taken
to Droitwich
An 'A4' doing the job it was built for.
Geoff Parrish submitted photograph of A4 No. 60028 Walter K. Whigham
entering York from north with reversed headboard: led to correspondence
in Issue No. 260 from Peter Brumby and
Brian C. Bailey and magisterially from
David Percival in Issue 262.
Grayer, Jweffery, On borrowed time, 5-14.
Last years of the Didcot, Newbury & Southampton Railway. Col.
illus.: No. 76065 on train of oil tanks at Winchester Chesil in May 1957
(S.C. Townroe); No. 3440 City of Truro at Winchester Chesil in May
1957 (S.C. Townroe) ; W class 2-6-4T No. 31912 on train of oil tanks from
Fawley to Bromford Bridge near Eastleigh in 1962 (Alan Trickett).
The full picture. Geoff Rixon. 17.
Col. illus.: King Arthur No. 30451 Sir Lamorak passing Weybridge
with Waterloo to Basingstoke train in April 1962.
Platform. 20-1.
More on the Irish aspects of Maunsell's dozen Woolwich 'Moguls'... Jeremy
Clements and Michael McMahon,
Purchase of 12 kits of Woolwich Moguls by Midland Great Western Railway
shortly before company absorbed into Great Southern Railways. Last six assembled
at Inchicore with 6ft driving wheels. Problems: Inchicore economised by only
using a single flanged stay midway between top and bottom of frames which
led to frame cracks and rough riding. The cabs were constructed to the mainland
gauge and were narrow by Irish standards and the footplate men disliked this
feature. Exhaust clearance when using low grade fuel: smoke deflectors would
have helped. Only the pony truck and driving wheels of the 27th kit were
incorporated into the Class P1 2-6-2T No. 850.. In the late 1940s consideration
was given to fitting the Moguls with larger parallel boilers
Percival, David. New findings on the passenger '9Fs'. 22-6.
Andrew Forsyth’s notebooks assisted in establishing that 92184
worked 13.52 King’s Cross to Leeds on that day. Illus. 9F No, 92184
about to leave Grantham with 13.10 ex-Edinburgh on 16 August 1958 just prior
to locomotive attaining 90 mile/h.
Alcock, William. The third way. 28-35
The Midland route from London St Pancras to Glasgow St Enoch.
Dow, Andrew. That reminds me... 36-7.
Casting cylinders at Darlington Loocmotive Works.
Hardy, R.H.N. Stratford forever! Part 44. 44-50
Began with a letter from Joe Antcliff who had met Hardy when he was
about to begin his aapprenticeship at Doncaster and had been the fireman
to Driver Joe Oglesby on C1 No. 3296 when they took Hardy on the footplate
from Sheffild to Manchester and back via Woodhead (see
Issue 253 page 40). During WW2 Oglesby and Antcliff were working a train
with very poor coal and augmented their supplies from a coal train which
they stopped alongside. Tells how Reg Coote's mother insisted that he wdent
to work at Stewarts Lane following the collapse of their house through bomb
damage. He was sent home for two days whilst the staff raised £10 for
his mother. Later Coote became involved with the SE&CR Enginemen's Sick
Society as its Secretary. Driver Jack May was the Chairman. It had 5000 members
and was very busy at Christmas when members withdrew funds to purchase turkeys.
The hard work involved in taking down the big ends of inside cylinder
locomotives, such as the N7 class is described. Difficulties included working
within the limited confines of a pit and the poor illumination. The main
difficulty was extracting the 24 inch long, 2 inch diameter, big end bolts.
If they would not move following 15 or 16 hammer blows, they had to heated
up by burning paraffin soaked rags, or Fox wedges had to be used. Heavy items
such as the crosshead had to be handled within this limited space. Illus.:
F5 No. 67210 on North Woolwich to Palace Gates train at Copper Mills Junction
in April 1955: noted quintriple articulated set, and condensing gear and
steam cock on the locomotive — latter for supplying steam to water pump
at Buntingford; (Roy Vincent); Pip Appleby, Music Master at Doncaster
Grammar School with Driver Ted Hailstone with N1 No. 4569 at Halifax Old
station; Reg Coote (Cooty), Eric Cox, Teddy Champion and les Wood (former
Stewarts Lane firemen), Liverpool Street panorama with B1 No. 61283; B17
No. 61647 and a Britannia (Roy Vincent); Stan Hinbest with F5 in 1945 in
Jubilee shed (Ian Allan)..
Farrell, Ray. Picking up water at Brock. 19-23.
Black & white photographs taken by author during summer of 1963
at Brock water troughs whilst motorway was under construction using primitive
civil engineering equipment; also a brief history of the development of water
troughs from their invention by Ramsbottom and installation at Mochdre, and
eventually elsewhere by the LNWR, including in tunnel at Diggle (from 1877:
see letters from Alan Mitchell (Issue No.
260 page 16 who argued that troughs at Luddenden were partly in tunnel)
and Ray Farrell in Issue 262 page 16).
Illus.: No. 46225 Duchess of Gloucester heading suth with troop
train from Ayr on 22 June; badger carving on overbridge (from crest of Brockholes
family who resided at Claughton Hall; Class 5 No. 44884 on fitted freight
on 22 June; Class 5 No. 44670 on northbound freight on 22 June; Jubilee No.
45716 Swiftsure heading south light engine under "badger bridge" on
22 June; Stanier Class 4 2-6-4T No. 42594 heading southbound express on 21
June. Further information on water troughs:
see Issue 264 letter from Roger
Newman.
2009-07-01