Old Pix Brought to the Fore

September 2009 selection of shed and works shots

Mon Sep 21 2009

Monday 21 September 2009: Steam and diesel locomotive images from most parts of mainland U.K. covering the period 1930's to 1960's.

Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

NS150 in 1989 part 3 - afterwards

Wed Aug 19 2009

Wednesday 19 August 2009: NS 150 ended on August 6th, 1989. This collection mops up images taken after the event plus a few steam tram images taken in Rotterdam during the same summer.

Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

NS150 in 1989 part 2 - out and about

Thu Aug 20 2009

Thursday 20 August 2009: The railtours to and from Utrecht, other sundry locomotive movements plus the return home for some of the engines that took part in the event.

SNCF 141 R 420 railtour
July 6th 1989 gave us the only out-and-back trip with the magnificent French Mikado when she hauled theRijnmond Expres from Utrecht to Utrecht via Rotterdam Noord. Here we see her leaving Woerden on the outward leg her journey." /> SNCF 141 R 420 railtour
July 6th 1989 gave us the only out-and-back trip with the magnificent French Mikado when she hauled theRijnmond Expres from Utrecht to Utrecht via Rotterdam Noord. Here we see her passing an unrecalled location but I'm pretty sure it's on the approach to Schiedam from Den Haag (HS) via Delft." /> SNCF 141 R 420 railtour
July 6th 1989 gave us the only out-and-back trip with the magnificent French Mikado when she hauled theRijnmond Expres from Utrecht to Utrecht via Rotterdam Noord. Here we see her passing an unrecalled location but I'm pretty sure it's on the approach to Schiedam from Den Haag (HS) via Delft." /> SNCF 141 R 420 railtour
July 6th 1989 gave us the only out-and-back trip with the magnificent French Mikado when she hauled theRijnmond Expres from Utrecht to Utrecht via Rotterdam Noord. Here we see her on the final leg of that journey, an easy one with only the four coaches in tow, passing an unrecalled location but I'm pretty sure it's Breudijk near Harmelen." /> SNCF 141 R 420 railtour
July 6th 1989 gave us the only out-and-back trip with the magnificent French Mikado when she hauled theRijnmond Expres from Utrecht to Utrecht via Rotterdam Noord. Here we see her on the final leg of that journey, an easy one with only the four coaches in tow, passing an unrecalled location but I'm pretty sure it's Breudijk near Harmelen." /> NS 3737 railtour
The weekend of 24/25th June was first weekend of NS150 activity on the main line and we should, in theory at least, have been inundated with movements in and out of Utrecht but circumstances conspired to restrict that activity somewhat. On the Saturday we started with 27000 Elektra from Hoek van Holland and then the Belgian streamlined atlantic 12 004 came in via Roosendaal. SBB 2-10-0 2978 should have arrived via the Betuwe Lijn but broke down earlier in her journey. The Sunday, 25th June, started with NS 4-cylinder 4-6-0 3737 settig off on her first major task with a return trip to Leeuwaarden and she's depicted here majestically swooping past Soestduined station. Alas, she failed later in the day and subsequently required substantial repairs but she lived on nonetheless despite NS's stance that she absolutely wouldn't be allowed back on steam specials. Later on the Sunday there was another flurry of activity described in the captions of other images in this set." /> NS 3737 railtour
With no notes to refer to all I can state with certainty is that this is NS3737 taken at Maarn during a photo stop. With reasonable certainty I believe that is is the Veluwe IJssel expres that ran on July 27th from Utrecht to Deventer and return." /> NS 3737 railtour
With no notes to refer to all I can state with certainty is that this is NS3737 but which trip it was eludes me although I think that it, too, was the Veluwe IJssel expres that ran on July 27th from Utrecht to Deventer and return. What i do recall with absolute certainty is the my ex-wife and 7 years old daughter had a long wait at this location and picked the most glorious blackberries (right by the lineside) that I've ever eaten. We were so impressed that we walked to the nearby village to cadge some bags from the local baker so that we could take masses of them home to make bramble jam!On a more sombre note, just look at that scorched smokebox door." /> NS 3737 railtour
July 31st and with only about a week to go to the end of the NS150 event saw a most unusual occurrence with two steam engines in the same place at the same time beyond the confines of Utrecht and the use of double-headed traction. At what I recall as Zutphen NS 3737 is slowly departing with the Achterhoek Expres to Winterswijk whilst the SBB 2-10-0 no. 2978 is preparing to head in the direction of the works at Zwolle but more on that in another caption. " /> NS 3737 railtour
July 31st and NS 3737 is slowly departin from Zutphen with the Achterhoek Expres to Winterswijk." /> NS 3737 railtour
July 31st and NS 3737 is panned whilst heading the Achterhoek Expres on the approach to Amersfoort." /> NS 3737 railtour
Occasionally a planned shot comes off as is the case here. It was July 31st and NS 3737 is seen here on the approach to Amersfoort whilst heading the Achterhoek Expres and I was delighted to stop it, photographically speaking, at precisely the point where 3737 was framed by catenary supports together with the newly AEgon-liveried koploper by way of a then and now contrast." /> SNCB 12 004 railtour
The Belgian atlantic 12 004 visited Utrecht twice on trips starting from Antwerp. This was the first of them on Saturday 24th June and she bears the headboard Katreine which is a mystery for me as all four of the steam outings from Antwerp to Utrecht and return were officially called West Brabant Expres. This shot was taken of the A15 snelweg overbridge which was about 100 metres behind the camera." /> SNCB 12 004 railtour
The Belgian atlantic 12 004 visited Utrecht twice on trips starting from Antwerp. This was the second of them on Saturday 22nd July and she bears the headboard Pierement which is a mystery for me as all four of the steam outings from Antwerp to Utrecht and return were officially called West Brabant Expres. This shot was taken not far north of Geldermalsen." /> SNCB 12 004 railtour
The Belgian atlantic 12 004 visited Utrecht twice on trips starting from Antwerp. All those steamy visits by Belgian locos followed the same format with the steamer arriving at Utrecht around midday on the Saturday with the French electric loco CC7107 taking over for the next leg via Rotterdam to Roodendaal and then a Belgian electric loco taking the stock home. The Sunday trip was simply the reverse of the Saturday one. This was the first of the return trips on Sunday 25th June taken near to Culembourg probably by the roadside of Lekdijk." /> SNCB 12 004 railtour
The Belgian atlantic 12 004 visited Utrecht twice on trips starting from Antwerp. All those steamy visits by Belgian locos followed the same format with the steamer arriving at Utrecht around midday on the Saturday with the French electric loco CC7107 taking over for the next leg via Rotterdam to Roodendaal and then a Belgian electric loco taking the stock home. The Sunday trip was simply the reverse of the Saturday one. This was the first of the return trips on Sunday 25th June taken near to Culembourg probably by the roadside of Lekdijk." /> BR 27000 railtour
British railways class EM2 Co-Co electric loco 27000 Elektra was the first of the railtours on June 24th, the first Saturday of NS150, to attract the attention of photographers. This was the first of four Britannia Expres tours that started at Hoek van Holland, 27000's old stamping ground, and followed a variable circular route around the Netherlands with a lengthy stopover in Utrecht so that the participants could soak up the exhibition and loco parades. here we see 27000 humming past Oranje Plassen just on the western edge of Maassluis shortly after leaving Hoek. For the benefit of viewers who don't know the locality, 27000 is on a substantial dyke alongside Nieuwe Waterweg and the 'building' behind her is actually a passing maritime vessel.
It was generally reckoned that the star of the entire event was this loco that performed faultlessly throughout and travelled vast distances." /> SNCB 29 013 railtour
The From Antwerp to Utrecht and back ran on alternate weekends behind 12 004 alternating with Canadian-built SNCB 2-8-0 29013 but her first attempt on July 8th was marred by failure on the way to Utrecht. This picture, then, was taken during her second and successful outing on August 5th and is seen here moving at a fair clip between Geldermalsen and Culemborg." /> DR 03 1010 railtour
Deutsche Reichsbaan pacific 03 1010 came all the way from Halle in what was than East Germany to Utrecht under her own steam and with quite a load on the drawbar. Two further coaches were added at oldenzaal for the benefit of Dutch enthusiasts. I went out to just east of Deventer to photograph the ensemble knowing full well that there was a scheduled stop at Deventer and that there wouldn't be any smoke effects on such a hot and still evening but the plan was to hotfoot it to Soestduinen for a passing shot. I came second by a good ten minutes despite bowling along at about 100 mph (160 km/p.h.) for much of the way." /> DR 03 1010 railtour
Deutsche Reichsbaan pacific 03 1010 came all the way from Halle in what was than East Germany to Utrecht under her own steam and with quite a load on the drawbar. Two further coaches were added at oldenzaal for the benefit of Dutch enthusiasts. I went out to just east of Deventer to photograph the ensemble knowing full well that there was a scheduled stop at Deventer and that there wouldn't be any smoke effects on such a hot and still evening but the plan was to hotfoot it to Soestduinen for a passing shot. I came second by a good ten minutes despite bowling along at about 100 mph (160 km/p.h.) for much of the way." /> DR 03 1010 railtour
20th July and 03 1010 is seen simmering at Den Haag HS whilst in charge of the Rijnmond Expres which was the circular tour (rondrit) Utrecht - Gouda - Den Haag - Rotterdam Noord - Gouda - Utrecht." /> DR 03 1010 railtour
20th July and 03 1010 is depicted during a photo run past in the carriage sidings at Rotterdam Noord whilst in charge of the Rijnmond Expres." /> DR 03 1010 railtour
20th July and 03 1010 is depicted during a photo run past in the carriage sidings at Rotterdam Noord whilst in charge of the Rijnmond Expres." /> DR 03 1010 railtour
20th July and 03 1010 is depicted during a photo run past in the carriage sidings at Rotterdam Noord whilst in charge of the Rijnmond Expres." /> DR 03 1010 railtour
I'm not absolutely sure which railtour this was but I suspect that it was the Oude Lijn Expres on July 11th seen here with DR 03 1010 speeding towards the level crossing at Lisse." /> DR 03 1010 railtour
Although I'm not absolutely sure which railtour this was it seems to me that the only possibility is the Limburg Expres on July 9th seen here with DR 03 1010 approaching the N323 overbridge near Echteld on the outward journey." /> PKP PT47 112 railtour
The elegant and immaculate Polish 2-8-2 PT47 112 powers the Limburg Expres eastwards near Echteld on July 30th. " /> DB 41 105 & 41 360 railtour
The N323 overbridge near Echteld became a favourite photo spot for me and this was the first time I used it. This was taken during that frenetic first weekend of NS150 and features double-headed DB Baureihe class 2-8-2's 41 105 owned by the Stoom Stichting Nederland which was attached as the pilot engine at Venlo and DB Museum example 41 360 which had brought the six coach special from Cologne. If I remember rightly there was a speed restriction of 20 km/ph over a small bridge a short distance before the overbridge and then a short but sharp climb to this spot hence the apperarance of great activity." /> DB 41 105 & 41 360 railtour
The N323 overbridge near Echteld became a favourite photo spot for me and this was the first time I used it. This was taken during that frenetic first weekend of NS150 and features double-headed DB Baureihe class 2-8-2's 41 105 owned by the Stoom Stichting Nederland which was attached as the pilot engine at Venlo and DB Museum example 41 360 which had brought the six coach special from Cologne. If I remember rightly there was a speed restriction of 20 km/ph over a small bridge a short distance before the overbridge and then a short but sharp climb to this spot hence the apperarance of great activity." /> DB 41 105 & 41 360 railtour
The N323 overbridge near Echteld became a favourite photo spot for me and this was the first time I used it. This was taken during that frenetic first weekend of NS150 and features double-headed DB Baureihe class 2-8-2's 41 105 owned by the Stoom Stichting Nederland which was attached as the pilot engine at Venlo and DB Museum example 41 360 which had brought the six coach special from Cologne. If I remember rightly there was a speed restriction of 20 km/ph over a small bridge a short distance before the overbridge and then a short but sharp climb to this spot hence the apperarance of great activity." /> DB 41 105 & 41 360 railtour
The N323 overbridge near Echteld became a favourite photo spot for me and this was the first time I used it. This was taken during that frenetic first weekend of NS150 and features double-headed DB Baureihe class 2-8-2's 41 105 owned by the Stoom Stichting Nederland which was attached as the pilot engine at Venlo and DB Museum example 41 360 which had brought the six coach special from Cologne. If I remember rightly there was a speed restriction of 20 km/ph over a small bridge a short distance before the overbridge and then a short but sharp climb to this spot hence the apperarance of great activity." /> DB 41 105 railtour
The SSN owned DB 2-8-2 41 105 saw a great deal of main line work during the NS 150 event and here we see her on July 2nd heading the West-Betuwe Expres somewhat gingerly into Woerden station early on in the trip. " /> DB 41 105 railtour
The SSN owned DB 2-8-2 41 105 saw a great deal of main line work during the NS 150 event and here we see her on July 2nd heading the West-Betuwe Expres somewhat gingerly into Woerden station early on in the trip. " /> DB 41 105 railtour
The SSN owned DB 2-8-2 no. 41 105 saw a great deal of main line work during the NS 150 event and here we see her on July 2nd bringing the West-Betuwe Expres into Utrecht station in fading light with the engine's lights glowing in the gloaming." /> DB 41 105 railtour
The SSN owned DB 2-8-2 no. 41 105 saw a great deal of main line work during the NS 150 event and here we see her on July 2nd having deposited the stock from the West-Betuwe Expres next to Utrecht station and is now heading for the shed some distance to the north of the station." /> DB 41 360 railtour
The special from Cologne on Sunday June 25th July had been double-headed for the Dutch leg to Utrecht but the return working was handled by the DB Museum's 41 360 on her own. In fading light we see her approaching Culemborg." /> DB 41 360 railtour
The special from Cologne on Sunday June 25th July had been double-headed for the Dutch leg to Utrecht but the return working was handled by the DB Museum's 41 360 on her own. In fading light we see her approaching Culemborg." /> CSD 498 022 railtour
The last round trip behind steam from Utrecht was on August 3rd and featured the blue liveried Czechoslovakian 4-8-2 no. 498 022. The trouble was that the trip didn't follow the advertised route for the outward leg which meant that most linesiders, including myself and companions, missed it entirely. However, the last leg was as advertised albeit running very much behind schedule and so the mythical Plan B was implemented. I have no record of where this was taken despite the fact that Nico Spilt did once tell me. All is not lost as it was the only occasion on which I met the redoubtable Egbert van Werkhoven and so, if he's still around, perhaps he could inform me of the location." /> CSD 498 022 railtour
The last round trip behind steam from Utrecht was on August 3rd and featured the blue liveried Czechoslovakian 4-8-2 no. 498 022. The trouble was that the trip didn't follow the advertised route for the outward leg which meant that most linesiders, including myself and companions, missed it entirely. However, the last leg was as advertised albeit running very much behind schedule and so the mythical Plan B was implemented. I have no record of where this was taken despite the fact that Nico Spilt did once tell me. All is not lost as it was the only occasion on which I met the redoubtable Egbert van Werkhoven and so, if he's still around, perhaps he could inform me of the location." /> CSD 498 022 railtour
The last round trip behind steam from Utrecht was on August 3rd and featured the blue liveried Czechoslovakian 4-8-2 no. 498 022. The trouble was that the trip didn't follow the advertised route for the outward leg which meant that most linesiders, including myself and companions, missed it entirely. However, the last leg was as advertised albeit running very much behind schedule and so the mythical Plan B was implemented. I have no record of where this was taken despite the fact that Nico Spilt did once tell me." /> OBB 52 3879 railtour
There were only three steam loco failures during the entire six week event as I recall and and OBB Kriegslok 2-10-0 52 3879 was one of the unfortunate ones whilst hauling the West-Betuwe Expres on July 23rd. This was earlier in the day when she looked and sounded to be in fine fettle. I don't have a note of the location unfortunately but it's a level crossing not far south of Gouda as I recall." /> PKP PT47 112 railtour
The elegant and immaculate Polish 2-8-2 PT47 112 powers the Limburg Expres eastwards near Echteld on July 30th. " /> PKP PT47 112 railtour
" /> PKP PT47 112 railtour
" /> SBB 2978 day out
The Swiss 2-10-0 had worked tirelessly (pardon the pun) in the loco parades where she'd been an ever present virtually from the start but the result of all those games for the benefit of the general public was uneven tyre wear and she couldn't be sent home in that condition. The decision was taken to have the tyres reprofiled at the Zwolle workshops which meant that if one was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time then two steam l;ocos would be seen together which is what happened at Zutphen on July 31st. The patient wait for a yellow multiple unit ti enter the picture was eventually rewarded as seen here." /> SBB 2978 day out
The Swiss 2-10-0 had worked tirelessly (pardon the pun) in the loco parades where she'd been an ever present virtually from the start but the result of all those games for the benefit of the general public was uneven tyre wear and she couldn't be sent home in that condition. The decision was taken to have the tyres reprofiled at the Zwolle workshops. Here we see her during a long pause at Zutphen on July 31st when 3737 also passed though as shown in another image in this set. The patient wait for a yellow multiple unit to fill the foreground and balance the image was eventually rewarded as seen here." /> SBB 2978 day out
The Swiss 2-10-0 had worked tirelessly (pardon the pun) in the loco parades where she'd been an ever present virtually from the start but the result of all those games for the benefit of the general public was uneven tyre wear and she couldn't be sent home in that condition. The decision was taken to have the tyres reprofiled at the Zwolle workshops. Here we see her during a long pause at Zutphen with much discussion going on by the off-side cylinder on July 31st when 3737 also passed though as shown in another image in this set." /> SBB 2978 day out
The Swiss 2-10-0 had worked tirelessly (pardon the pun) in the loco parades where she'd been an ever present virtually from the start but the result of all those games for the benefit of the general public was uneven tyre wear and she couldn't be sent home in that condition. The decision was taken to have the tyres reprofiled at the Zwolle workshops. Here we see her departing from Zutphen en route for Zwolle on July 31st." /> SBB 2978 day out
The Swiss 2-10-0 had worked tirelessly (pardon the pun) in the loco parades where she'd been an ever present virtually from the start but the result of all those games for the benefit of the general public was uneven tyre wear and she couldn't be sent home in that condition. The decision was taken to have the tyres reprofiled at the Zwolle workshops. Here we see her departing from Zutphen en route for Zwolle on July 31st." /> SBB 2978 day out
The Swiss 2-10-0 had worked tirelessly (pardon the pun) in the loco parades where she'd been an ever present virtually from the start but the result of all those games for the benefit of the general public was uneven tyre wear and she couldn't be sent home in that condition. The decision was taken to have the tyres reprofiled at the Zwolle workshops. Here we see her departing from Zutphen en route for Zwolle on July 31st." />

Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

NS150 in 1989 part 1 - the start

Fri Aug 21 2009

Friday 21 August 2009: When this collection was uploaded it was 20 years since the Dutch railways NS150 took place based in Utrecht. This set covers Bello's journey thereto, loco cavalcades and parades as well as a brief look at static exhibits and turning the engines.
Documentation
The book called NS 150 een kleurrijk jubileum compiled by Martin can Oostrom was published in April 1990 with ISBN 90-71513-04-1. There'll be more about the cover photo when I publish Part 2 of my NS collection.
The brochure Treinen door de Tijd (Trains through Time) was produced by NS and was a substantial undertaking that was well worth acquiring at the time. I had a press pass which enabled me to collect as many as I wanted gratis but they've nearly all gone now I'm sorry to say.
The indoor exhibition area housed amongst the exhibits an Edmondson card ticket printing machine from which two examples, front and back, are shown here." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here in full flight at Wijdewormer on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here in full flight at Wijdewormer on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here in full flight at Wijdewormer on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here in full flight at Wijdewormer on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here slowing for a planned stop at Abcoude on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here in a panned shot slowing for a planned stop at Abcoude on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here during a planned stop at Abcoude on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here during a planned stop at Abcoude on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Before the event
The SHM's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello played a major role in NS150 if only because of her reliable and constant availability during the event. She was also one of the few steam participants to make her own way in steam to and from the event complete with fare paying passengers.
We see her here during a planned stop at Abcoude on the journey from Hoorn to Utrecht on Saturday June 17th 1989." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The only occasion on which attending locomotives faced north in the display area. SNCF Mikado 141R 420 and SBB S5/6 2-10-0 2978." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The only occasion on which attending locomotives faced north in the display area. SNCF Mikado 141R 420 and SBB S5/6 2-10-0 2978." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The only occasion on which attending locomotives faced north in the display area. SNCF Mikado 141R 420." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The only occasion on which attending locomotives faced north in the display area. SNCF Mikado 141R 420." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The only occasion on which attending locomotives faced north in the display area. NS 4-6-0 3737 was one that faced the south with SBB S5/6 2-10-0 2978 lurking in the background." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The only occasion on which attending locomotives faced north in the display area. SBB S5/6 four cylinder compund 2-10-0 2978." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The only occasion on which attending locomotives faced north in the display area. SBB S5/6 four cylinder compund 2-10-0 2978." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The British contribution to NS150 (4468 Mallard had been requested but was refused by the NRM) was GWR Churchward 4-4-0 3440 City of Truro." /> Royal Opening Day on June 21st 1989
The British contribution to NS150 (4468 Mallard had been requested but was refused by the NRM) was GWR Churchward 4-4-0 3440 City of Truro." /> Het festivalterrein
The festivalterrein played host to a circle of track which housed the replica of 2-2-2 De Arend that was built back in 1939 for the NS centenary event. The shot was taken during the press indution seminar and this plus the accompanying image were the only two I took as my trusty Canon AE1 seized up completely and I had to but a temporary replacement. Not a good start!" /> Het festivalterrein
The festivalterrein played host to a circle of track which housed the replica of 2-2-2 De Arend that was built back in 1939 for the NS centenary event. The shot was taken during the press indution seminar and this plus the accompanying image were the only two I took as my trusty Canon AE1 seized up completely and I had to but a temporary replacement. Not a good start!" /> Het festivalterrein
Another British attendee was the replica of Pen-y-darren which trundled up and down a short stretch of track to one side of the main exhibition area." /> Rolling stock exhibition
Between Utrecht Central station and the Holiday Inn was an exhibition of rolling stock that I didn't take much trouble to record on film which was daft as I had both free entry and Fuji slide film. However, for what it's worth here we see BR's contribution in the form of a Clydesdale 156 Sprinter DMU flanked by NS railcar no. 3104. 27000 Elektra lurks in the background." /> Rolling stock exhibition
Between Utrecht Central station and the Holiday Inn was an exhibition of rolling stock that I didn't take much trouble to record on film which was daft as I had both free entry and Fuji slide film. However, for what it's worth here we see A favourite stalwart of many railway enthusiasts in the form of Deutsche Bundesbahn V200 diesel 007." /> Pendeldienst (shuttle service)
Throughout the event NS provided a shuttle service between Utrecht CS (as seen here) and the NS museum at Maliebaan. The intention was to use this splendid restoration piece (MAT '24) but this was only time I actually saw it as a 2-car hondekop was what I saw on all other occasions. The quaint nickname coined for this type of stock is blokkendoos which, literally translated into English means box of bricks." /> Pendeldienst (shuttle service)
Throughout the event NS provided a shuttle service between Utrecht CS (as seen here) and the NS museum at Maliebaan. The intention was to use this splendid restoration piece (MAT '24) but this was only time I actually saw it as a 2-car hondekop was what I saw on all other occasions. The quaint nickname coined for this type of stock is blokkendoos which, literally translated into English means box of bricks." /> The shed or locloods
I didn't attempt to gain access to the temporary but excellent facility that had been set up to service the steam engines during the event and so my photographic efforts are limited to just two shots taken from the window of a passing train. This is the Swiss 2-10-0 2978 taken on July 2nd 1989." /> The shed or locloods
I didn't attempt to gain access to the temporary but excellent facility that had been set up to service the steam engines during the event and so my photographic efforts are limited to just two shots taken from the window of a passing train. This is the our old friend 7742 Bello taken on July 2nd 1989." /> The steam cavalcades
The six days per week steam loco parades were held in the PTT area to the south of Utrecht Central station but the engine shed was considerably to the north of the station which resulted in daily cavalcades between the two points.
The leading loco whenever I saw a cavalcade was always the smallest and slowest in the group and to my knowldege this was the only time that a large wheeled engine led the ensemble. It had been raining before this cavalcade with 3440 City of Truro passed the camera in rather poor light but I don't have a record of the date although it was a Saturday." /> The steam cavalcades
The six days per week steam loco parades were held in the PTT area to the south of Utrecht Central station but the engine shed was considerably to the north of the station which resulted in daily cavalcades between the two points.
This is the Swisss SBB 2-10-0 2978 in the middle of a cavalcade." /> The steam cavalcades
Almost all the cavalcade pictures were taken from the platforms ends at Utrech Central station but I tried to find a different angle which turned out to be not all that successful partly because of the dire weather conditions at the start of the NS150 event with a cloud of smog across virtually the whole country which meant that most pictures had a brown colour cast. This shot of NS 4-6-0 3737 was taken just north of the station and depicts the cavalcade returning to the shed after the official opening as I recall." /> The steam cavalcades
The six days per week steam loco parades were held in the PTT area to the south of Utrecht Central station but the engine shed was considerably to the north of the station which resulted in daily cavalcades between the two points.
In the middle of this cavalcade ios the streamlined Belgian atlantic 12004 which visited Utrecht twice during the event." /> The steam cavalcades
Almost all the cavalcade pictures were taken from the platforms ends at Utrech Central station but I tried to find a different angle which turned out to be not all that successful partly because of the dire weather conditions at the start of the NS150 event with a cloud of smog across virtually the whole country which meant that most pictures had a brown colour cast. This shot of 23 023 was taken just north of the station and depicts the cavalcade returning to the shed after the official opening as I recall." /> The steam cavalcades
The six days per week steam loco parades were held in the PTT area to the south of Utrecht Central station but the engine shed was considerably to the north of the station which resulted in daily cavalcades between the two points.
Second engine in this cavalcade is the SSN's Baureihe 23 prairie loco 23023 which was one of only two locos that took part in every single loco parade during the event." /> The steam cavalcades
The six days per week steam loco parades were held in the PTT area to the south of Utrecht Central station but the engine shed was considerably to the north of the station which resulted in daily cavalcades between the two points.
The SSN's Baureihe 41 mikado loco 41105." /> The steam cavalcades
The six days per week steam loco parades were held in the PTT area to the south of Utrecht Central station but the engine shed was considerably to the north of the station which resulted in daily cavalcades between the two points.
This 2-cylinder 4-8-2 no. 475 179 was built by Skoda for the Czech Republic's railways in 1948." /> The steam cavalcades
The six days per week steam loco parades were held in the PTT area to the south of Utrecht Central station but the engine shed was considerably to the north of the station which resulted in daily cavalcades between the two points.
The SSN's Austrian Kriegslok 523879 swoops majestically past the camera." /> The steam cavalcades
As mentioned in another caption the cavalcades were nearly always headed by one of the smallest engines and the SSN's fireless 0-4-0F no. 3 was favourite on the days when it took part in the parades. the difference in scale between it and its larger cousins is apparent in the context of NS 3737 behind her." /> The steam cavalcades
As mentioned in another caption the cavalcades were nearly always headed by one of the smallest engines and the SSN's fireless 0-4-0F no. 3 was favourite on the days when it took part in the parades. the difference in scale between it and its larger cousins is apparent in the context of 23 023 behind her." /> The steam cavalcades
The six days per week steam loco parades were held in the PTT area to the south of Utrecht Central station but the engine shed was considerably to the north of the station which resulted in daily cavalcades between the two points.
The visiting Polish 2-8-2 Pt47112 was always beautifully turned out as depicted here." /> The steam cavalcades
Not, strictly speaking, part of the cavalcade but the French replica of their first steam loco, the Marc Seguin still had to make its way from the shed to the parade area and back safely. As she was woefully slow that had to be accomplished apart from other locomotives and she took part in the event only at weekends. This was taken from a platform end almost certainly on July 4th 1989." /> The steam cavalcades
Not, strictly speaking, part of the cavalcade but the French replica of their first steam loco, the Marc Seguin still had to make its way from the shed to the parade area and back safely. As she was woefully slow that had to be accomplished apart from other locomotives and she took part in the event only at weekends. This was taken from a platform end almost certainly on July 4th 1989." /> The loco parades
Swisss 4-cylinder compound 2-10-0 2948." /> The loco parades
Nederlandse Spoorwegen 4-6-0 3737." /> The loco parades
Stoomtram Hoorn Medemblik's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello." /> The loco parades
Stoomtram Hoorn Medemblik's 0-6-0WT 7742 Bello." /> The loco parades
SNCB consolidation 29 013 during the final loco parade on August 6th 1989. She should have attended two weekends at Utrecht but had broken down en route during her first trip into The Netherlands." /> The loco parades
Czech republic mountain 2-cylinder class no. 475 179." /> The loco parades
Czech Republic 3-cylinder 4-8-2 no. 498 022 and Sbb 2978 await their turns in the parade." /> The loco parades
Czech Republic 3-cylinder 4-8-2 no. 498 022 was built by Skoda in 1947." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

June 2009 mixture of all sorts on the railways front

Mon Jun 22 2009

Monday 22 June 2009: Pick 'n' mix collection that includes miniature, light and narrow gauge railways as well as the usual wide ranging standard gauge subjects.
Miniature Railway
B u t w h e r e ? Almost certainly photographed before WW2." /> Miniature Railway
This shot of a miniature streamlined Stanier pacific was taken on a visit to Bournemouth in 1951 but where exactly was this railway situated?
Ron Fisher points out that it was situated at Christchurch and he has this superb colour image in his own web gallery to confirm it. My recollection dating from 1956 is that the loco was on the red/gold livery at that time but I could be mistaken in that regard." /> Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
A pre-war shot of 1925-built Davey Paxman pacific Green Goddess." /> Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Dr. Syn enters New Romney station in 1979." /> Whittingham Hospital Railway
Overwhelming response to my plea for help with a description for this superb shot has elicited the following: the locomotive is WHR #1 an 1888-built Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST with works no. 304 at work (or possibly posed for the photographer) at what Hugh Madgin believes to be Grimsargh rather than the terminus at Whittingham Hospital near Preston. The only further information I have regarding No. 1 is that she was withdrawn shortly after WW2 to be replaced eventually by the better known ex-LBSCR D1 0-4-2T.
For many viewers of this picture (including myself) the carriages are arguably of greater interest than the engine with the one behind the loco's bunker being identified as ex-NLR (North London railway) and Hugh Madgin has since suggested that the barely visible second carriage is of L&Y origin.
The negative, as ever, arrived undocumented and the neg's size (6cm x 4.5cm) suggests post-war but that isn't definitive." /> Whittingham Hospital Railway
Overwhelming response to my plea for help with a description for this superb shot has elicited the following: the locomotive is WHR #1 an 1888-built Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST with works no. 304 at work (or possibly posed for the photographer) at what Hugh Madgin believes to be Grimsargh rather than the terminus at Whittingham Hospital near Preston. The only further information I have regarding No. 1 is that she was withdrawn shortly after WW2 to be replaced eventually by the better known ex-LBSCR D1 0-4-2T.
For many viewers of this picture (including myself) the carriages are arguably of greater interest than the engine with this one being identified as ex-NLR (North London railway).
The negative, as ever, arrived undocumented but the neg's size (6cm x 4.5cm) suggests post-war but that isn't definitive." /> Ashover Light Railway
Bridget was a Baldwin 4-6-0T with works no. 44737 built in 1917 in America. When this shot was taken is a bit of a mystery. It seems that the wooden backsheet was fitted to Bridget in 1942 but 3 years later she was out of use, although not officially withdrawn from service until 1947 according to Ken Plant in his Oakwood Press book. It�s unlikely that this picture was taken in wartime and so the year is narrowed down to 1945 � 1947. However, I still suspect that this shot was taken on the occasion of the Birmingham Locomotive Club's visit to the line on August 24th, 1947 and it was after that date that Bridget was reduced to scrap metal." /> Ashover Light Railway
The bulk of the negatives that come my way are undocumented and so it's rare that any is as unambiguous as this one with the clearly labelled bogie wagon as the central subject and the place name defined as Clay Cross and Egstow immediately behind it. I suspect that this shot was taken on the occasion of the Birmingham Locomotive Club's visit to the line on August 24th, 1947 and that the spruced up wagon has specially installed seating in it for the benefit of the visitors." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
We, the photographers, would go to great lengths to ensure that people were excluded from the foregrounds of our pictures but now I look upon this shot as something of a gem as the interloper makes the picture. The locos, seemingly in a racing start situation, are Stanier 8F's 48442 on the left (but actually static) and 48471 on the right." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48471 leaks steam from every joint during a spirited departure from Buxton." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48319 is depicted here at Great Rocks Junction taken looking north. The Junction signal box is just the other side of the bridge behind where I was standing.
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48744 is heading north pulling away from Chinley North Junction.
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48157 was the sickest sounding engine I can ever recalled hearing in action and she sounded as though she was working with only one cylinder operational. The location is facing towards New Mills at New Mills South Junction.
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48157 was the sickest sounding engine I can ever recalled hearing in action and she sounded as though she was working with only one cylinder operational. The location is facing towards New Mills at New Mills South Junction.
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48744 on the turntable at in Gowhole yard at New Mills.
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48744 running light in the area between Chinley station and Chinley North Junction probably having just passed under bridge 108 or 109..
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48327 heading south at Great Rocks Junction.
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48775 working hard at Great Rocks Junction passing the ICI South Works.
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48775 storms northwards through Peak Forest station.
Grateful thanks to Simon Grand for naming the location." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48744 leaves Buxton." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48471 leaves Buxton shed ready for her next turn." /> Last day of steam at Buxton 4/3/68
Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48442 shunts at Buxton." /> Steam at Victoria station
Undated view of the continental side of Victoria station with Ivatt Mickey Mouse 2-6-2T 41290 on empty stock duty and a Q1 lurking in the background. Now what was that doing there one wonders?" /> Metropolitan Railway Brill Branch
London Transport came into being in 1933 and the former Metropolitan Railway's Brill branch from Quainton Road closed on November 30th 1935 which dates this shot fairly accurately. The 4-4-0T locomotive No. 23 was a great survivor and is still with us today as part of the LT Museum's collection. Note the LNER advertising opportunity at the left of the picture. This would have been because the Brill branch formed part of the Met and Great central Joint Committee's small empire from 1899 onwards." /> London Transport 0-4-4T
Former Metropolitan Railway 0-4-4T L44 on an Ian Allan Railway World special. I know nothing about this jolly and it isn't mentioned on the sixbellsjunction web site either and so any relevant background information would be appreciated." /> London Transport Bo-Bo electric loco
Former Metropolitan Railway Bo-Bo electric loco no. 13 Dick Whittington prepares for departure from Rickmansworth to Baker Street in 1961 which saw the end of most loco hauled trains on this route." /> Fairburn 2-6-4T at Rickmansworth
No. 42250 was based at Neasden BR shed at the time that this picture was taken in 1961. She's brought the train of LT stock south from Aylesbury and will uncouple here allowing the LT Bo-Bo electric loco in the previous shot to take over haulage duties for the remainder of the journey to London." /> Southern Electric
Headcode 4 indicates a non-stop express from Victoria to Brighton seen here in the form of the classic 6-PUL/6-Pan combination as the train speeds past the southern end of the magnificent Ouse Valley viaduct between Balcombe and Haywards Heath. The leading unit is 6-PUL no. 3018 with Pullman car May in the consist. The shot isn't dated but the BR crest on the coach side is the later one." /> Bulleid diesel locomotive
Bulleid 1-Co-Co-1 diesel electric 10202 at Euston station on an unspecified date. " /> GWR diesel railcar
W17 was a genuine Flying Banana and was built in 1935 during Collett's tenure as CME at Swindon although the vehicle was pure AEC with a Park Royal body. W17 was one of two that entered service as specially bodied vehicles purely for parcels service and is depicted here at Paddington in April 1952 still wearing, despite appearances, GWR brown and cream livery." /> GWR diesel railcar
Collett diesel multiple unit dating from 1942 with W35 nearer the camera at Oxford. The livery is the blood and custard applied by BR to main line stock of the period." /> Gresley namesake in full flight
The erstwhile station at Forteviot in the last days of August 1964 is the location for this side lit shot of A4 pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley on a northbound Glasgow to Aberdeen 3 hour express." /> Bulleid pacific 34019
On September 5th 1965 the Warwickshire Railway Society sponsored a railtour with an unusual selection of motive power from Birmingham to Weymouth and return. The first leg, to Banbury, was hauled by Peppercorn A1 60145 Saint Mungo as far as Banbury where 7029 Clun Castle took over for the next leg as far as Basingstoke. Standard 5MT 4-6-0 73085 stepped in for the short trip as far as Eastleigh where Bulleid West Country 34019 Bideford coupled up for the final outward leg to Weymouth. This shot features the beautifully turned out 34019 waiting to back into Eastleigh station." /> BR Clan on the Western
The last years of British main line steam saw some creative uses of motive power and this Home Counties Railway Society sponsored trip from Paddington to Swindon works on December 8th 1963 was a good example. The sole motive power for the tour was BR Clan pacific 72006 Clan Mackenzie and she (or should that be he?) is depicted here on the down main line at Iver in Buckinghamshire." /> Dovey Junction under water - again
The date of this picture isn't recorded but it was taken circa 1954. The loco in the background, to be shown sometime in the future in this gallery complete with Cambrian Coast express headboard, is BR Standard 2MT mogul 78006 in distinctly careworn condition." /> Kennington Junction
Believed to have been taken in 1953, this is Collett prairie tank 6152 hauling a Princes Risborough bound train of red liveried compartment stock past the impressive signal box." /> Ian Allan Great Western High Speed Railtour
It's May 9th 1964 and masses of material has been written about this tour and the misfortune that befell Castle 4079 Pendennis Castle that day. Here we see here getting into her stride as she passes the camera at Westbourne Park." /> The last steam hauled Golden Arrow
Bulleid rebuilt West country pacific 34100 Appledore is seen here storming away from Dover Marine with the very last steam hauled Golden Arrow in 1961 but would someone be so kind as to tell me what the date of that occasion was please? The inaugural electric hauled Arrow was apparently on June 12th 1961 which suggests that this image was taken on the 11th." /> An unusual locomotive combination
Princes Risborough plays host to this unusual combination of a Collett 2251 class 0-6-0T and Gresley V2 60879." /> BR Standard 4MT 75075
Almost the end of steam on the Southern and we see BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 no. 75075 heading a semi-fast on the down slow line near Hook in the last days of June 1967." /> Gresley B17 61620
Undated view of Gresley B17/4 4-6-0 61620 Clumber at the south end of cambridge station." /> D40 at Elgin
Great North of Scotland Railway D40 4-4-0 62264 was a Neilson Reid product withdrawn from BR service at Keith mpd in March 1957 but fortuitously snapped here at Elgin in April 1952." /> Monmouth Troy
Collett 6400 class 0-6-0PT 6417 is seen here at Monmouth (Troy) on what was probably the last day of services at that station which was January 5th, 1959. 6417 dated from 1934 and was an 86J Aberdare engine when this shot was taken. She moved to 86A Newport Ebbw Junction in April 1958 and was withdrawn from that shed in June 1959. Perhaps of greater interest is that superb coach behind the loco's bunker." /> Nameplate
Gresley B17 'footballer' nameplate Middlesbrough as affixed to 61655 and photographed at Cambridge circa 1950." /> Nameplate
BR Standard 7MT Britannia pacific's nameplate Morning Star snapped inside Monument Lane mpd on July 24th 1961." /> Nameplate
City of Coventry affixed to the boiler of Stanier pacific 46240." /> Nameplate
Bulleid Merchant Navy 35026 plate Lamport & Holt Line ." /> Nameplate
Bulleid Battle of Britain pacific 34061's nameplate 73 Squadron." /> Nameplate
Bulleid Battle of Britain pacific 34059's nameplate Sir Archibald Sinclair." /> Nameplate
Bulleid West Country pacific 34040's nameplate Crewkerne." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Industrial railways in the south of England

Fri Jun 5 2009

Friday 5 June 2009: Industrial steam, diesel and electric locomotives plus some archaic wagons. Systems included here are Beckton, Bowaters, Croydon gas works and generating stations plus an Express Dairy diesel shunter.
Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-4-2ST Leader built by Kerr Stuart in 1905 with works no. 926." /> Bowaters Paper Mills
Monarch was delivered to Bowaters at Sittingbourne in 1953 (Coronation year and hence the name) and is a Bagnall 0-4-4-0T which was never, in that environment, any kind of a success and was rarely used in service. She was sold to a member of the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway in 1966 and proved to be even less suitable there than at her previous home. Mike Morant collection." /> British Portland Cement at Greenhithe
This overhead electric integral hopper wagon was the brainchild of the British Portland Cement Man. Co. Johnson's Branch at Greenhithe." /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
Tucked away out of sight at Croydon 'A' generating station was this steeple cab 0-4-0 electric loco. Bob Darvill of the Industrial Railway Society kindly supplied the following data: This electric loco was built by English Electric, Preston in 1925 - EE 692, but didn't survive the closure of the power station and was scrapped in April 1974. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. Photographed in the fading evening light is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842, was built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'A'
It isn't widely known that Croydon's industrial base was served not by just the well-known 'B' generating station but also by an 'A' station only walking distance away but on the other side of the line that's now the Tramlink. This is Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2 which carries works No. 2842 built in 1946 and withdrawn from service in 1972. She's currently in the process of restoration at the Foxfield railway. " /> Croydon Generating Station 'B'
Not sure which loco this is. When the nearby 'B' station's diseasels wouldn't start due to wintry conditions steam would be rolled out yet again to cope and this shot was taken in weak winter light as late as 1970 although the date isn't recorded." /> Express Dairy near Sutton
The picture was taken from the window of a passing EMU whilst travelling towards Sutton from Wimbledon.
I bow my head in shame with this one as I've been given chapter and verse on this loco in the past but no longer have the notes. However, Simon Harding has written to say that it is the Express Dairy bottling plant's Ruston & Hornsby 48DS at Merton." /> Beckton Gas Works
Beckton 0-4-0T No. 39. I have no supporting data on the Beckton fleet unfortunately." /> Beckton Gas Works
Beckton 0-4-0ST No. 3 was a Peckett product that saw service there from 1937 - 1959." /> Beckton Gas Works
Beckton 0-4-0T No. 4. I have no supporting data on the Beckton fleet unfortunately." /> Beckton Gas Works
Beckton 0-4-0ST No. 38. I have no supporting data on the Beckton fleet unfortunately." /> Beckton Gas Works
Beckton 0-4-0T No. 29. I have no supporting data on the Beckton fleet unfortunately." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Alpha built by W. G. Bagnall in 1932 with works no. 2472." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Conqueror built by W. G. Bagnall in 1922 with works no. 2192." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Conqueror built by W. G. Bagnall in 1922 with works no. 2192." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Conqueror built by W. G. Bagnall in 1922 with works no. 2192." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-4-2ST Excelsior built by Kerr Stuart in 1908 with works no. 1908." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
Although most enthusiasts are aware of the narrow gauge system because of its survival as the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway far fewer realise that Bowaters also operated on the standard gauge. Here we see a portrait of the recently withdrawn Bagnall 0-4-0ST works no. 2542 Jubilee which survives to this day." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
Although most enthusiasts are aware of the narrow gauge system because of its survival as the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway far fewer realise that Bowaters also operated on the standard gauge. The two recently withdrawn locos shown here are Bagnall 0-4-0ST Jubilee at the rear and SECR Wainwright 'P' class 0-6-0T Pioneer. Both survive to this day." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-4-2ST Premier built by Kerr Stuart in 1905 with works no. 886." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-4-2ST Premier built by Kerr Stuart in 1905 with works no. 886." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Superb built by W. G. Bagnall in 1922 with works no. 2624." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Superior built by Kerr Stuart in 1920 with works no. 4043." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Triumph built by W. G. Bagnall in 1934 with works no. 2511." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
0-6-2T Triumph built by W. G. Bagnall in 1934 with works no. 2511." /> Bowaters Paper Mills 25/4/68
2-4-0FUnique built by W. G. Bagnall in 1924 with works no. 2366." /> Croydon Gas Works
Lined up with unobstructed view on an unrecalled date were the three recently withdrawn gas works locomotives alongside Waddon Marsh Halt. The foremost of the locos is 1920 built Kerr Stuart 0-4-0ST Moss bay with works no. 4127 which started life with the Moss Bay Haematite Iron & Steel Co Ltd at Workington in Cumbria hence the loco's name. What I don't know is when the loco moved all that distance from one less than salubrious working environment to another some 300 miles away.
Moss bay survives to this day as a static exhibit at the Foxfield railway." /> Croydon Gas Works
Lined up with unobstructed view on an unrecalled date were the three recently withdrawn gas works locomotives alongside Waddon Marsh Halt. Joyce is a 1927 built sentinel with four cylinders, a vertical boiler and gear drive. This loco is now preserved." /> Croydon Gas Works
Lined up with unobstructed view on an unrecalled date were the three recently withdrawn gas works locomotives alongside Waddon Marsh Halt. The leading loco is Moss Bay which has been described elsewhere. Next in line is Joyce a 1927 built sentinel with four cylinders, a vertical boiler and gear drive whilst the loco bringing up the rear is the 1922 built Avonside 0-4-0ST Elizabeth which had originated at the Lower Sydenham Gas works. Apparently all these locos survive to the present day. Electricity generation station 'B' looms in the background behind the A23 road bridge and the ersatwhile line towards Wimbledon is seen disappearing into the distance on the right." /> Croydon Gas Works
1922 built Avonside 0-4-0ST Elizabeth had originated at the Lower Sydenham Gas works but is depicted here following withdrawal from service at Croydon's gas works." /> Croydon Gas Works
Viewed from the rear are Joyce the 1927 built vertical-boilered sentinel and Moss Bay a 0-4-0ST." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Pre-1951 archive material from Dutch Railways (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)

Sun Jan 11 2009

Sunday 11 January 2009: Pre-1951 archive material from Dutch Railways (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
A nice infrastructure picture from the days of Dutch steam with one of the massive 4-8-4T's of the 63xx class reversing off the turntable at Heerlen shed
NL001" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Signal box 'T' next to the engine shed (locloods) environment at Heerlen.
NL002" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Nico Spilt: Most probably Valkenburg. The train is leaving for Heerlen or Simpelveld. Compare with this image on the stationsweb site. Electrification is in progress. The catenary in Limburg came into use in May 1949. The A and E signs denote a temporary speed limit. The first sign would be a L (langzaam, slow down), then A (aanvang, start), then E (eind, end). Between A and E the train should proceed slowly. Dutch railwaymen say LAE = louter armoe en ellende (just poorness and tragedy).
NL003" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Partially erected catenary somewhere in Limburg.
NL004" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Klimmen Ransdaal station looks as if it's just been renovated. Sorry about the missing chimneys but they are missing from the adjacent negative as well.
This shot was taken whilst electrification of the line was being undertaken and Nico Spilt points out the the platform levels were raised by using pre-formed concrete blocks as can be seen at the left of the picture.
NL005" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
This might well be Schin op Geul, seen from a train to Heerlen looking towards Maastricht. Compare with this image on Wichor Bramer's splendid stationsweb site. the construction of the catenary is in evidence which is a nice slice of pictorial railway history.
NL006" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
An overbridge, not common in the Netherlands, built in 1914 and sited at Klimmen-Ransdaal witn a semaphore signal juxta-positioned making for a good old and new contrast.
NL007" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
I'm not normally a fan of this kind of shot but this has genuine historical interest. Taken somewehere between Heerlen and Maastricht the engine is an Austerity tender loco whilst the semaphore signal is a standard Dutch style of home upper quadrant. Nico Spilt adds that the distant semaphores arms don't have rounded ends.
NL008" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Maastricht station with a signal in the foreground which, Nico informs me, is a shunting signal. When the black cross is turned away from the tracks then shunting is permitted and so, logically, once turned through 90 degrees shunting must cease. This type of signal was known as a rouwbrief becuase of its resemblance to envelopes that contained letters of condolence.
NL009" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
A general view of Maastricht station and the adjacent yards.
NL010" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
A general view of Maastricht station and the adjacent yards.
NL011" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Taken from the window of a passing train, this is Arnhem Berg yard (my thanks to Chris Hay for identifying the location). Visible but individually unidentifiable are a 3900 class 4-6-0, a 3700 4-6-0 and what is probably an 7700 0-6-0WT.
NL012" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
The signal box just to the eastern side of the station at Valkenburg. Thank you to Arend van Raalten for identifying this location for me.
NL013" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Maastricht station with a signal in the foreground which, Nico informs me, is a semaphore seen from the back, with electromotor.
NL014" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Semaphore signal post and arms at Heerlen. Hans Tiemersma points out that the office block in the background was the home of Oranje Nassau mijnen. The entire area used to be (in)famous for its coal mining industry and many locomotive classes in the Dutch steam fleet were designed specifically for use in that environment.
NL015" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Semaphore signal post and arms at Maastricht.
NL016" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
A 1948 view of a Limburgse station building with no identifiable markings taken from a departing train.
Many responses to the above enigmatic description. It's Valkenburg station, opened in 1853, which is now the oldest station building in The Netherlands still being used for its original purpose.
NL017" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Voerendaal station snapped from a train window.
NL018" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
The featured engine is one of the beautifully balanced 4-6-4T's from the 6000 series of which 26 were built by Beyer Peacock between 1913 and 1916 for the SS (Staatspoor) but identifying this engine was problematic until Kees Wielemaker stepped into the breech and cleared up my muddled thinking definitively. There is only the top part of the numerals visible on the buffer beam and the right-hand numeral can be only a 3 or a 7. Kees points out that 6007 saw no service after the war ended and this locomotive has short side tanks which means that it must be in the series 6001 thru' 6006 which leaves 6003 as the only candidate. 6003 was probably stationed at Heerlen when this picture was taken and so that is the most likely location for this shot.
NL019" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
This type of 4-4-2T loco is widely regarded as the most successful of the HSM's (Hollandsche IJzeren Spoorweg Maatschappij) fleet. Fifty five of them were built by Sharp, Stewart & Co. Of Glasgow between 1898 and 1905. The depicted loco, no. 5501, was the very first and survived everything that was thrown at it until the end came for her in 1952.
NL020" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Thank you to Nico Spilt and Dick Krommerijn for informing me that this shot was taken at Maastricht which is partially a terminus. Despite appearances this monster of a locomotive is a tank engine with the 4-8-4T wheel arrangement. 6309 was built by Henschel in 1930 primarily for the haulage of the heavy coal traffic in Limburg but they also found their way into passenger service as depicted here. This class of loco was the heaviest tank engine in the world when it entered service and that accolade was only slightly supseded about five years later by a German type.
Dick van Aggelenhas kindly provided a link to this wonderful image of a pair of 6300's taken at Aerdenhout near Haarlem in 1957.
NL021" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Most of the notes regarding the image of 6309 also apply to this shot of NS 4-8-4T no. 6322 but she was from the second series built in 1931 by Schwartzkopff of Berlin. Of note in this picture is the enormous rear end of these locos. 6322 had a strange history which isn't gone into here but the good news is that her massive cylinder block forms part of the National Collection in the museum at Utrecht and no. 6317 is preserved at the same location in her entirety. Both are depicted on Nico Spilt's web site. Scroll down to view them.
NL022" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
A backlit and unidentifiable NS 63xx 4-8-4T probably at Heerlen mpd.
NL023" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
In the works but where? Maastricht or Heerlen? 8724 was the penultimate loco of this class of 0-6-0T's built by Schwartzkopff (Berlin) in 1922 and their primary function was that of yard goat. Fifteeen more were built in two batches by Werkspoor in Amsterdam. This engine survived until 1954.
NL024" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
If I saw this in a British environment then I would describe it as a steam coaling crane. This was taken at Maastricht.
NL025" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Doing what it was designed to do. Austerity 0-6-0ST 8802 shunts the yards at Maastricht. 27 of these locos ended up in NS service and they were highly regarded by their crews.
NL026" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Not as sharp as one would like to see but any previously unpublished image of a WD 2-8-0 in Europe is always welcome. This is 4301 disfigured by that hideous extension to its chimney.
NL027" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
WD Austerity 2-10-0 50?5 (the other digit is unclear) at what is almost certainly locloods Heerlen. Note the Westinghouse brake pump attached to the smokebox and the fact that the tender bears the number 4379 from one of the 2-8-0 locomotives. Jan Waszink tells me that such tender swaps were commonplace between the Austerity locos.
This class of loco didn't achieve the relative longevity of its smaller siblings as the last example was withdrawn from service in 1952 some five years before the last 2-8-0 was scrapped. However, three examples are still with us today with one in the spoorwegmuseum at Utrecht. Strangely, there is only one survivor from the vast numbers of the 2-8-0 version to have survived into the heritage era. That example, Vulcan No 5200 built 1945, was repatriated from Sweden of all places and today is at home on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway operating under the spurious fleet number 90733.
NL028" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
WD Austerity 0-6-0ST 8802 seen again at Maastricht.
NL029" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
WD Austerity 0-6-0ST 8802 seen again at Maastricht.
NL030" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
A wonderful view of an unidentified 6000 class 4-6-4T departing from Maastricht with 6-wheeled coaches to the fore.
NL031" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Either Heerlen, the more likely, or Maastricht. This rare shot shows clerestory compartment coach BC30667 apparently being aired. It's a nice little time capsule as the seating is visible with the wooden slatted variety in the 3rd class compartments and something a tad softer in the 2nd class. To British eyes the cramped looking contraption tacked on to the end seems rather odd but was commonplace in Europe at the time and was accomodation for a brakesman.
NL032 " /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
A rolling stock close-up that's also a small piece of history with the 'No smokinh' plaque evident on the panel of a 3rd class compartment.
NL033" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Rather antiquated coaches for both 2nd and 3rd class passengers at Maastricht. Both coaches seem to have lavatory facilities which suggests they are, at least in part, corridor stock.
NL034" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
I'm not sure if this shot should be included a Dutch collection as the vehicle is Belgian although the location is Maastricht. It's probable that the vehicle is a guards van.
NL035" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image 1948
Another close-up of detail on vintage rolling stock. Nico Spilt: This is the international RIC code denoting that the carriage is allowed to run in Belgium (B), parts of Germany (DR*) and FI* (?? perhaps part of France??).
NL036" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image circa 1950
Front view of NS DE5 unit at Ommen. The train is on its way from Zwolle to Emmen.
NL037" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive image circa 1950
NS DE5 unit at Ommen. The train is on its way from Zwolle to Emmen. The left building belongs to N.V. Salland, today Connexxion (bus company).
NL038" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive circa 1950
What a shame that the central subject of this image, the engine itself, isn't quite sharp as it's an otherwise super photo. The engine is one of a a series of outside framed 4-4-0's built by Beyer Peacock between 1901 and 1905 and bears a remarkable resemblance to contemporary Dean locomotives built for the GWR in England. The loco's precise identity isn't known but Arend van Raalten opines that the location is almost certainly Ommen (see my images of the DE5 unit) and the train is entering the station from the direction of Emmen.
NL039" /> Dutch - Nederlandse Spoorwegen - Railway archive circa 1950
This is the same type of NS loco as features in the previous image but at least the first two digits of its number, '17', are clearly visible. This engine type survived in NS service for much longer than might be expected with the last ones being withdrawn from service in 1957 less than a year before the official end of steam on Dutch railways. But hang on! One of this class bucked the trend and actually survived in service as a steam heater for quite some time after the end of steam.
Arend van Raalten opines that the location is Mari�nberg which is between Zwolle and Emmen at the end of the line coming from Almelo.
NL040" />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Southern steam, diesel, electric & rolling stock

Fri Jan 9 2009

Friday 9 January 2009: Southern steam, diesel, electric & rolling stock
Southern Steam
It's Bisley on the branch from Brookwood which closed in July 1952 for public services. In peacetime services were run for only a week each July for the National Rifle Association's Annual Meeting. Stroudley D1 0-4-2T 2220 was used for the last meeting (July 1939) before WW2 and was allocated to Guildford shed at the time. The train is a P&P set converted from half a LSWR bogie block set.
2220 entered service on the LBSCR in 1886 and was originally numbered 353 with the name Keymer applied. Withdrawal came in 1946." /> Southern Electric
The bitter winter of 1962/3 had barely begun when this shot was taken from King's Lane bridge near Sutton the day after the first major fall of snow. Indeed, it was still snowing when the picture was taken. This pair of 4-SUB units with headcode 84 has come from Epsom Downs and just left Sutton en route for West Croydon and Victoria via Norbury.." /> Southern Steam
This shot of B1 class 4-4-0 no. 1448, originally built by Stirling but rebuilt into this form by Wainwright, was allegedly taken on 12/2/39 but, as has become the case all too often, I have serious doubts about that date's validity as it's clear that the contrast between light and shade is indicative of any season other than the winter. 1448 was built by Neilson Reid for the South Eastern railway in 1898 and just about survived into BR ownership being withdrawn from Reading South shed in 1949. The location could well be Blackfriars or thereabouts as the headcode suggests a working between Holborn and Ramsgate and the third rail is in evidence." /> Southern Steam
First of all I apologise for the anti-aliasing evident in this image.
The date and location supplied as background documentation are 12/2/39 and Chatham shed although the latter is disputable unfortunately. However, Mick Waters tells me that this is Gillingham loco from his memories of his father being a driver there. This Maunsell lined black liveried 'J' class 0-6-4T no. 1595 was a Wainwright creation for the SECR in 1913 and she survived into BR days being withdrawn from Ashford shed in 1951 the last of the class to go." /> Southern Steam
Although R1 0-4-4T 1706 had been introduced as a LCDR Kirtley design in 1891 this example, seen here in Maunsell lined black livery, was built under the auspices of the SECR in 1900 and was withdrawn from Tonbridge shed in 1952. Mick Waters again: R1 1706 in Gillingham Loco with stock for Farningham Rd to Gravesend West service." /> It's obviously not a purely SR subject and might upset the Southern purists but I think it is of considerable interest. Collett Castle class 4-6-0 5076 Gladiator is seen here at Birmingham (Snow Hill) on July 23rd, 1961 but just look at what's behind the tender. The excursion label on the smokebox door and the rake of Maunsell green liveried stock suggests an excursion of some sort and please note the short-trousered embryo steam enthusiast keenly eyeing the locomotive.
Chris Knowles-Thomas has kindly sent me details of the Maunsell set immediately behind 5076's tender as perusal of the original scan identifies the second digit of the set number to be a '4' ..... The set number is 449 which comprised Maunsell R1 8ft 6in wide stock. The stock numbers are brake seconds 4067/8 and composites 5169/70. There is insufficient definition to determine which end of the set is nearest the loco unfortunately." /> Southern Steam
Three different designs of 4-wheeled brake vans are immediately behind the tender of Adams 0395 class 0-6-0 no. 440 when she was photographed at Feltham on May 12th, 1938. This engine had a long career being buiolt by Neilson & Co. in 1883 and lasting 67 years until withdrawal from Guildford shed in December 1950." /> Southern Steam
This is a wonderfully evocative image for all Bluebell Railway enthusiasts. The occasion was the BRPS sponsored 'Bluebell Special' railtour on July 12th 1959 which is seen here at, obviously, Horsted Keynes where a large area of track has already been disposed of. The featured loco is ex-paintshop Billinton C2X 0-6-0 32535 which is about to proceed via Ardingly to Haywards Heath and then via Lewes to Tonbridge. 32535 had been built by Vulcan Foundry in 1900 and was withdrawn from service at 75E Three Bridges in February 1962." /> Southern Steam
Simmering in the carriage sidings at Clapham Junction circa February 1948 is Wainwright H class 0-4-4T 1544 with the full British Railways legend emblazoned on the unlined tank side. There appears to be some sort of prefix letter or number which Chris Knowles-Thomas points out is 'S'. S1544 wore this livery and number from 2/48 until 4/51 when she acquired her BR number 31544 and was then lined out together with the BR crest. This example was a Wainwright SECR design and was built in 1904 with the prospect of a 59 year lifespan in prospect as she finally bade farewell from 75E Three Bridges mpd in 1963." /> Southern Steam
With a fully loaded bunker Urie H16 4-6-2T 520 eases away from the coaling tower at Feltham mpd on a bitterly cold day in February 1948. Built in 1922, 520 became 30520 under BR ownership and was withdrawn from this, her home shed, in 1962." /> Southern Steam
This is one of life's oddities. Urie H16 class 4-6-2T no. 30517, photographed here at Motspur Park on December 2nd 1962, had been officially withdrawn from service the previous month but had been kept in good shape in order to work the Chessington South leg of the RCTS/SLS South West Suburban railtour not only on this day but also the rerun a fortnight later." /> Southern Electric
Not quite what it seems to be. This is the north end of Sutton station on a spring Sunday in 1971 when engineering works between Sutton and Mitcham Junction necessitated the closure of that section of the line. The Victoria to Epsom service was therefore split with a bus service filling the gap. Bulleid 4-SUB is in the process of reversing from the up main line on to the down one in order to start a trip to Epsom. The framing with the signal gantry and the signal box being just visible turn this shot into something of a period piece." /> Southern Steam
A classic view of USA 0-6-0T 30068 working in Southampton docks circa 1956/7. She was built by Vulcan Foundry in 1943 and entered service as WD #1971 in 1943 subsequently, in 1947, becoming SR 68. Her career came to an end at 70D Eastleigh in 1964." /> Southern Steam
USA 0-6-0T 30072's contribution to the SCTS Four Counties railtour on October 9th 1966 was a very small one as she hauled the train only from Merton Park to Wimbledon. She's seen here parked in the Merton Abbey branch platform at Merton Park, originally called Lower Merton, prior to a storming departure through the Autumnal mist. 30072 lasted until the end of steam in July 1967 and was withdrawn from Eastleigh shed but she was firmly in place at Guildford shed only a month previously." /> Isle of Wight Steam
Adams O2 0-4-4T W18 Ningwood resplendent in ex-works condition leaves Ryde Pier Head station. W18 started out as LSWR no. 220 in 1892, moved to the island in 1930 and was withdrawn from stock in 1965." /> Southern Steam
Truth be told I didn't actually know when or where this shot of Adams O2 class 0-4-4T 30199 was taken but Peter Raw informs me that: it's Exmouth with the station and engine shed behind the camera. The box controlled the junction to Exeter and the spur off to Sidmouth Junction on the right. All that remains is a single line to Exeter controlled from Exeter power box.
30199 was a product of Nine Elms works in 1891 to the design of Adams and she worked until her withdrawal from 71A Eastleigh shed in December 1962 being one of the massive cull of pre-grouping engines during that auspicious month. That was the real end of SR steam for me personally rather than July 1967." /> Southern Steam
Most of the notes pertaining to the previous shot featuring 30199 apply to this one of class member 30225 which is seen here at Bere Alston circa 1960/61." /> Southern Steam
The RCTS sponsored North Somerset railtour ran on 28/4/57 and started from Waterloo with Urie N15 class 4-6-0 30453 King Arthur as the motive power as far as Reading General which is where she's depicted here. The next leg, to Bristol TM was hauled by 3440 City of Truro. 30453 was a Salisbury engine from nationalisation until her withdrawal from 72B in July 1961." /> Southern Steam
Beattie well tanks 30585 & 30587 were the main contributors to the RCTS/SLS sponsored South West Suburban railtour on December 2nd 1962 and its repeat a fortnight later. Here we see them running past Raynes Park signalbox on their way from Waterloo to Hampton Court on the first of those tours. They returned to Wimbledon and took a deserved break whilst 30517 went to Chessington and back after which they tackled the Shepperton branch." /> Southern Steam
December 16th 1962 saw the repeat of the RCTS/SLS sponsored South West Suburban railtour from a fortnight previously. The itinerary was the same but a major variation was that the Beattie well tanks 30585/7 ran in bunker to bunker formation." /> Southern Steam
One of the many S&D railtours of 1965/6 was this untitled RCTS one that ran on January 2nd, 1966. Maunsell U class mogul 31639 piloted Bulleid original pacific 34015 Exmouth from broadstone to Bath Green Park and the train is seen here during a stop at Evercreech Junction. This was the only leg of the tour with which either loco was involved which must have meant that much light engine would have been needed. 31639 was a 70C Guildford engine whilst 34015 hailed from 72B Salisbury." /> Southern Steam
Maunsell U class mogul 31638 is, thanks to the Maunsell Locomotive Society's noble efforts, still with us today as a worjing engine on the Bluebell Railway. Here we see her departing from Feltham wih a lengthy goods train although it seems that all the open wagons are devoid of contents." /> Southern Steam
There's a small element of selfishness in showing you this shot although it stands on its own as being a nice portrait of activity at a Southern country station. The problem is that I have no idea which station so do you? Alan Goodwin has suggested that it could be Ash which is confirmed by Peter Smart. The loco is Maunsell U class mogul 31828 but there isn't a single item of identifiable station furniture in sight. We can see third rail, an abandoned bay on the left and an abandoned brick building on the right all of which might serve to approximately date the picture." /> Southern Steam
Drummond M7 0-4-4T was a pull-push fitted loco that spent a great deal of its 63 year long career based at Bournemouth which is where we see her here. Nearly all Bournemouth shots taken at the western end of the Central station are taken from either the extensive down platform or looking towards the trainshed from the up platform but this one gives us a good view of the unusual signalbox arrangement." /> Southern Steam
Trying to locate this vista in my memory bank completely threw me and it fell to Ian Bull to kindly set me straight. The locomotive is Drummonf M7 0-4-4T 30038 with Kingston power station in the background. The negative dates from 1952/3." /> Southern Steam
Urie S15 4-6-0 30498 dated from 1920 and is seen here at her home shed of Feltham whence she was withdrawn in 1963." /> Southern Steam
Feltham shed plays host to Maunsell S15 class 4-6-0 no. 845 on May 12th 1938. The livery of this 1936 built loco seems to be in lined black livery. She was withdrawn from revenue earning service at 83D Exmouth Junction in July 1963." /> Southern Steam
Maunsell's Lord Nelson class of 4-6-0's generally photoraphed well and this shot of 30862Lord Collingwood at Surbiton proves the point. This is an undated view that probably depicts an up boat train from Southampton." /> Southern Steam
Gary Thornton of sixbellsjunction fame says that this is the earliest railtour image he has on his site and I have to say that buying it cheaply on Ebay was due to a piece of good fortune as the loco was described as a Drummond 700 class. It turned out that the loco is Wainwright 'C' class 0-6-0 31716 seen here departing from Kensington (Olympia) or Addison Road as I prefer to call it. The LT tracks to Earls Court can be seen on the left. The tour was sponsored jointly by the RCTS and SLS to run from kensington to Ludgate Hill and thence to Victoria via Norwood Junction on April 15th, 1950 and just look at that rolling stock which was worth the price on its own.
Interestingly, I recently scanned some 35mm railway negs I've had for a couple of years and that had hitherto puzzled me as to what they were about but it turns out that they are shots of the same train at Ludgate Hill." /> Southern Steam
A bitterly cold day in February 1948 sees Bulleid Q1 0-6-0 C13 moving around the shed environs at Feltham mpd." /> Southern Steam
This image, believe it or not, is cropped from a half-frame 35mm negative and was taken at Battledown flyover with Bulleid Q1 0-6-0 33004 heading southwards and a substantial goods train hung on the drawbar." /> Southern Steam
Bulleid pacific enthusiasts nearly always like to see shots of the original pacifics before they were rebuilt and this splendid image should keep quite a few in a happy state for a while. 34044 Woolacombe is the featured engine and is in that intermediate livery with horizontal yellow bands on the casing/tender and the full British Railways legend on the latter. 34044 was bult at Brighton works, entered service in 1946 and was allocated to Exmouth Junction. Rebuilding came in 1960 but she didn't quite see the end of SR steam being withdrawn some two months before that momentous date." /> Southern Steam
The first Bulleid pacific to be withdrawn was this one, 34043 Combe Martin, caught on camera at Basingstoke in 1953 bt which time she a 71B Bournemouth engine. September 1963 saw her withdrawal from that same shed." /> Southern Steam
The derby Day royal train for 1963 is shown here drifting majestically around the tight curve at Smitham station. The immaculate rebuilt Bulleid Battle of Britain pacific in charge of this prestigious train is 34088 213 Squadron which was evidently virtually ex-works but I seem to recall that the finishing touches were applied by the shed staff at Redhill shed. By this time the turntable had long ago been removed from tattenham Corner and so the the ecs return working was hauled by 34088 tender first a shot of which I took as it ambled through Kingswood & Burgh Heath station. The Derby winner that day was Relko ridden by Yves Saint-Martin." /> Southern Steam
An unusual shot of a Bulleid pacific on a goods working in the London area. This became more and more common as steam neared its finale but this shot shows a rebuilt example, not quite identifiable, with a visible nameplate which suggests that it was taken at hersham at least a year before the end of steam." /> Southern Steam
Bulleid 1-Co-Co-1 diesel 10202 prepares to depart from Waterloo in April 1953. I've always thought that these three locos looked smarter in black dresses than in the later lined green." /> Southern Steam
The occasion and the train seem to be pretty obvious but there's a small mystery for us to ponder in this shot of the rear of the Golden Arrow being banked by a pair of Wainwright 0-6-0T's at Folkestone. John Isherwood has pointed out that the Long Wheel base flats were used to convey luggage containers and were a feature of the Golden Arrow consist at one time.
The Pullman car Minerva has a bit of a history and she survives to this day as part of the VSOE set. She was built in 1927 as a kitchen car by BRC&W. Following post-war refurbishment she emerged from Preston Park Pullman works and became an integral part of the Devon Belle from 1948 until the demise of that train�s Plymouth portion in 1950 at which point Minerva again went through Preston Park works to emerge as a Guard First Parlour car with reshaped end windows in the body sides which became square as opposed to the original oval shape in order to match those of seven new Pullmans built for the Festival set. Following a spell as part of the Festival of Britain train in 1951 she was integrated into the Golden Arrow set and was retired in 1966." /> Southern Steam
This a less than obvious location for a Maunsell 'L' class 4-4-0 but 31768 was actually a Nine Elms based engine at the time. Here we see her as she prepares to leave Salisbury on 14th August 1960 for a high speed run to Waterloo with the six coach load allocated to the RCTS sponsored Greyhound railtour." /> Southern Steam
By way of an odd copincidence 31768 (see previous image) was also one of the engines used for this Ramblers Association sponsored jolly to the Kent & East Sussex Railway on October 18th, 1959. Here we see the Lancing works shunter, Stroudley A1 DS680, on the train at Tenterden. The train was top-and-tailed with KESR regular A1X 32670 at the other end. Those RA jollies were quite incredible and I rode on many of them. I'd dearly love to write a history of them but they weren't generally mentioned in the monthly railway journals until long after the events. They were primarily intended for ramblers but the organisers (I think 'Cam' Camwell organised those in the Midlands and North) were astute inrecognising the merit of guaranteeing the revenue by making the trains available to 'us' with the added value of unusual motive power and track bashes. The major stumbling block to a history is that these trains were advertised only in one Croydon weekly newspaper and that entire archive was lost to fire many moons ago." /> Southern Steam
A 1953 visit to the KESR elicited this shot of Stroudley A1X Terrier tank no. 32655 at what is probably Rolvenden. This loco, dating from 1875, is still with us today on the Bluebell Railway." /> Southern Steam
A 1953 visit to the KESR elicited this shot of Wainwright O1 rebuild of the Stirling O class 0-6-0 no. 31065 at what is probably Rolvenden. This loco, dating from 1896, is still with us today on the Bluebell Railway." /> Southern Steam
32329 was one of a class of only seven N15X 4-6-0's and was named Stephenson after the famous locomotive engineer. They originated as LBSCR L class 4-6-4T's by Billinton but were substantially rebuilt in the mid-thirties to compare essentially with the King Arthurs but they never managed to live up to that hype with the result that, despite their large driving wheels, they were rarely seen on anything other than secondary duties. 32329 is seen here passing through Vauxhall station in the mid-fifties." /> Southern Steam
This handsome 0-6-0 was Beattie's first design for the LSWR and was a member of the 302 class. No. 338 was built in 1876 and withdrawn in 1924." /> Southern Steam
Quality pictures of Maunsell Schools class 4-4-0 30937 Epsom are as rare as hen's teeth and so I was delighted to acquire this one of her taken at ramsgate in 1961shortly before steam disappeared from Kent." /> Southern Steam
Drummond T9 4-4-0 no. 310 in Southern livery and with a SECR birdcage set behind the tender at what looks to me to be Clapham cutting. 30310 was built in 1901 at Nine Elms and was retired in 1959 from 71B Bournemouth shed." /> Southern Steam
One of Adams' many graceful outside cylinder 4-4-0's was X2 class 586 depicted here at Bournemouth shed in 1939. She was built in 1891 at Nine Elms and was withdrawn from Salisbury shed in 1942." /> Southern Steam
1010 is a Patrick Stirling 0-6-0T design that originated on the SER in 1890 but was partially rebuilt by Wainwright in 1913. The hybrid resulted in the original Stirling round-topped cab being retained but the domed boiler replacing the original. However, the need for smaller dimensions was necessitated by the loading gauge through Tyler tunnel on the Canterbury to Whitstable branch and so the chimney and dome had to be truncated as seen here. (3)1010 survived until 1959.
I didn't know the location until Richard Bourne kindly sent me these invaluable notes: I'm pretty sure this R1 is standing in the up side sidings at Canterbury West. The building in the background looks like the then goods shed. This building still stands and now, nicely restored, houses a flourishing Farmer's Market and restaurant called, unsurprisingly, The Goods Shed). A couple of the sidings still exist, albeit very overgrown, behind the Up platform. And the impressive iron gates to the former goods yard, nicely repainted, form a boundary between the station approach and the market's car park.
John Woolley has sent me the following anecdote from his childhood: My Grandfather , Edward Lowe, was the Driver of the modified R1's (to get them through the Tyler Hill tunnel) on the Canterbury West to Whitstable Harbour branch line. His engine was usualy 31010. I once waited for him at a footpath crossing (aged 5) and was taken for a day trip to the harbour and back to Canterbury where I was hidden from view whilst he handed over the key of the line!" /> Southern Steam
Although this engine can't be positively identified there is sufficient visible evidence to suggest that it is 2390 a LBSCR D3 0-4-4T designed by Billinton and that entered service in 1894. The loco has Southern on its tank side and there's a pair of pre-grouping compartment coaches behind the bunker. There's much of interest in the picture not least because its a finely balanced image of a steam engine working hard in as rural environment. The location has been identified as Beeding (the cement works in the left background) near Steyning on the Shoreham to Horsham line in West Sussex. Also of note and brought about by the camera angle are the distinctly wonky running plate of 2390 and the characteristic bowed appearance of the coaches. 2390 waswithdrawn from 75C Brighton shed in September 1955." /> Southern Stock
The following text has been ripped off from the SEmG page as written by Peter Richards to whom go my grateful thanks:
The Shunter's Truck was a small wagon designed to be permanently coupled to a shunting locomotive and used for storing tools and etc., and for the shunter to ride on. Some railways had purpose-built vehicles but the one shown in the above photograph was one of two, numbers 61322 and 61323, which were converted from old Adams tender frames in 1931." /> Southern Steam
On January 3rd 1965 the LCGB's Maunsell Commemorative railtour traversed the line from Winbledon to Tooting Goods via Meron Park with U class 31639 leading and Q class 0-6-0 30545 trailing on the outward trek. After the train had returned to Wimbledon 30545 proceeded as a light engine movement to Staines in order to be inposition for her next involvement in the tour which took her from that point to Reading South. here we see her as she passes under the footbridge close to Wimbledon 'C' box. 30545 had entered service in 1939 and was the last of the class to be withdrawn in May 1965." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

British Railways images

Wed Jan 7 2009

Wednesday 7 January 2009: Steam, diesel and electric rail transport with specifically BR connotations.
British Railways steam
Fairburn 2-6-4T 42198, built in 1948 and withdrawn from 10A Carnforth in August 1965, is depicted here near Largs." /> British Railways steam
Fairburn 2-6-4T 42196, built in 1948 and withdrawn from 56F Low Moor(Bradford) in May 1967, is depicted here at an unspecified location which Jim Mitchell believes is almost certainly Lochgreen Junction between Troon and Prestwick." /> British Railways steam
We'll never find out the date of this picture but perhaps someone recognises the location somewhere in Scotland. I love this shot of BR Standard 5MT 73008 because of its symmetry. 73008 was built at Deby in 1955 and was withdrawn from 61B Aberdeen Ferryhill shed in September 1965. " /> British Railways steam
Steam engines in the west of Scotland were generally maintained to a presentable external standard but this BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T is too grubby for identification as it storms away from Gourock." /> British Railways steam
This lovely shot os BR Standard Britannia pacific 70039 Sir Christopher Wren was taken in late evening sunshine at the end of August 1964 as it storms southwards into the erstwhile station at Forteviot. 70039 was a 12A Kingmoor engine built at Crewe in 1953 and withdrawn in September 1967. Perhaps a pundit has knowledge of the 1X45 excursion number chalked on the smokebox door." /> British Railways diesel
An unidentified BRCW Sulzer class 26 Bo-Bo diesel at Georgemas." /> British Railways diesel
An unidentified BRCW Sulzer class 26 Bo-Bo diesel at Thurso in June 1972." /> British Railways diesel
BRCW Sulzer class 26 Bo-Bo diesel 26023 at windswept Achnasheen in June 1978." /> British Railways diesel
BRCW Sulzer class 26 Bo-Bo diesel 26041 in wild Highland territory at Achnasheen in June 1978." /> British Railways steam
The delightful and uncommon sight taken in May 1951 of Peppercorn A1 pacific 60161 North British in BR blue livery backing thourh Pronces Street Gardens on the way to Waverley station. 60161 was new in 1949 and was withdrawn from 64A St.Margarets in October 1963. What a waste!" /> British Railways electric
The first 2-EPB electric units arrived not on the Southern as many believe but for use on the Tyneside electric services. as early as 1954 They were somewhat different in appearance from their later BR(S) counterparts with an obviously larger guard's compartment amongst several design differences. They all subsequently migrated to the Southern. Thius shot is slightly unsharp and was taken at Newcastle in stygian gloom on an unknown date." /> British Railways steam
This remarkably versatile design originated with Wilson Worsdell way back in 1898 on the North Eastern Railway. This example of the same J72 0-6-0T class, 69028, was built as late as 1951 at darlington and had a short career of only 13 years being withdrawn from 52A Gateshead shed in October 1964. The date of this shot is 1963/4 but the the location isn't known." /> British Railways steam
A visit to Stratford works in 1949 elicited this view of a B1's schizoid tender with both the new British Railways legend and LNER clearly evident with, apparently, little effort having been made to obliterate the latter." /> British Railways diesel
Deltic 55012 Crepello at Stevenage on the inaugural 07.45 Kings Cross - Edinburgh 'Silver Jubilee' Monday 8 June 1977.
Photo by Alan Vacani." /> British Railways steam
The German style smoke deflectors and Kylchap exhaust are the reasons why this shot of an old LNER design is included in a set of purely BR oriented images. The occasion was a Gresley Society special, the London - North Eastern Flyer, on May 2nd 1964 which did, indeed, fly as noted on the sixbells juntion web site which informs us that the depicted engine. Gresley A3 pacific 60106 Flying Fox, attained 95 mph on the descent of Stoke bank during the return journey. I was a passenger on this trip and I recall the buzz of anticipatation at the time as we started the climb from Grantham. The depicted scene shows 60106 taking on water at Peterborough North station during the outward leg to Doncaster from King's Cross and it places 60106 very near home as she was shedded at 34E New England at the time. After a distinguished career of 41 years she was withdrawn only seven months after this picture was taken." /> British Railways steam
York on August 19th 1963 and BR Standard 3MT mogul 77013 reverses past the photographer. 77013 had a short lifespan of only 12 years being built at Swindpn in 1954 and withdrawn from 55B Stourton mpd in March 1966." /> British Railways diesel
Class 47 diesel 47087 Cyclops in BR corporate blue livery at Banbury on May 22nd 1982." /> British Railways diesel
Dave Sallery has kindly e-mailed me to say that this was taken on the up line between Prestatyn and Talacre, just passing Gronant. The slide mount ststes merelt that it was taken in August 1984." /> British Railways steam
An undated view (circa 1961) of Riddles designed BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 73052 entering Shepton Mallet (Charlton Road) station on the good ol' Somerset & Dorset albeit firmly in BR(W) grasp by this time. The shot seems to have been taken from the lee of the superb stone built signal box that was sited almost on the platform. Nice to see all those cyclists across the way there. The train is a three coach local. 73052 was another loco with a short lifespan being built at Derby in 1954 and then withdrawn a paltry ten years later from 82F Bath Green Park shed in 1964." /> British Railways steam
This could well be the most interesting shot in this set of images and even failing that the caption could compensate. The occasion was the SCTS sponsored South Western Rambler railtour which ran on March 8th 1964 via a convoluted route from and to Waterloo and with unusal motive power. This - and the next shot - were given to me recently by a passenger on that train with both having been taken on the ubiquitous Brownie 127 camera warts and all. One had to be lucky with those cameras as the image quality varied considerably from lens to lens with this one displaying distinctly larger than usual lack of edge sharpness which has largely been cropped out. BR Standard Britannia pacific 70020 Mercury is seen here at the unlikely of Ludgershall station on former MSWJR metals but which had closed to passengers some three years before this picture was taken. 70020, a 1A Willesden based loco at the time, had worked through from Waterloo and I had photographed this train from the lineside at Barnes nearly three hours earlier. 70020 then hauled the train back as far as Salisbury where 9F 92209 took over but more of that anon. Mercury survived in service until her January 1967 withdrawal from 12A Kingmoor shed." /> British Railways steam
The SCTS sponsored South Western Rambler railtour which ran on March 8th 1964 had been hauled back to Salisbury from Ludgershall by Brit 70020. The train then retraced that stretch of track behind BR Standard 9F 92209 - 82F Bath Green Park shed based - as far as Templecombe where the stock was reversed up to Templecombe No. 2 Junction behind 0-6-0PT 4634. 92209 then ambled down the S&D to Hamworthy with the train but stopped en route at Blandford Forum for liquid refreshment as seen in this picture. There are several points to note in this shot. All collectables had been removed from the smokebox door and the unusual Blandford signal box can be seen peeping over the roofs of the rolling stock. 92209 survived until December 1965 at the same shed." /> British Railways steam
A BR-built modified Collett designed Hall class 4-6-0 sweeps around the curve at Hatton North junction in this undated view." /> British Railways steam
In retrospect it's incredible that we in Britain were still building new locos in 1950 that were essentially a Churchward design dating back to 1906 albeit enhanced somewhat by Collett. Seen here in superb external condition at Kemble is 1950-built Castle class 4-6-0 7035 Ogmore Castle." /> British Railways steam
If nothing else you get variety with my material!
It's Dovey Juncion station of course but the date is something of a mystery but is either early 1955 or late 1954. Floods there have always been commonplace but it's foruitous that my late brother, an accomplished photographer, was there to record quite a lot of activity on this occasion. This shot features Darlington-built Standard 2MT mogul 78006 in decidedly grubby condition sporting the Cambrian Coast Express headboard whilst taking a paddle in the lake provided by Mother Nature." /> British Railways steam
Hawksworth designed 0-6-0PT 8403 in ex-works condition at an unknown location although I suspect that it's 81A Old Oak Common shed. 8403 was very much a BR engine entering revenue earning service in September 1949 and being withdrawn a paltry 16 years later from 82E Bristol Barrow Road mpd." /> British Railways diesel
A Bulleid design but built in 1949 is this 1-Co-Co-1 diesel electric loco number 10201 photographed near Kenton but the date isn't known. However, the livery (seemingly ex-works) is BR passenger lined green with the later logo which suggests that it's 1957 or later. Mention is made in a web article that when this livery was first applied the roof was painted primrose yellow but there's no evidence of that here and so it must be a later repaint than that." /> British Railways diesel
This is the original experimental A.C.V./B.U.T. diesel mechanical railbus which by this time, 1955, had received lined green livery having originally been painted in an attractive two tone grey . Several viewers have pointed out that the unit is depicted at St. Albans Abbey station with the town gas works at the right hand side of the image and that the railbus was working on the route from Watford.
John Isherwood prompted me to investigate this subject which elicited coverage of the units' history in this web site.
Brian Easter has put some flesh on the bones regarding the locale: The signals at the end of the platform indicate two routes, the left hand arm for the line to Hatfield, closed in the 60s (note, I think it closed to passengers in 1951) and the right hand arm for Watford. This line is now electrified and a class 313 EMU now provides the service." /> British Railways steam
Gresley A3 pacific 60097 Humorist was a bit of an oddball in that she was the testbed for experiments with Kylchap exhaust, double chimney and smoke deflectors as far back as 1937. However, the condition in which she's depicted here is purely BR in origin as she was fitted with Peppercorn A2 style smoke deflectors in 1949 but it would be nearly a decade before many of the other A3's would be enhanced with double chimneys and a very different style of deflectors. This shot was taken at Carlisle canal shed in 1963 and one suspects that she had already reached the end of her operational days as she was officially withdrawn from 64A St. Margaret's in August of that year. " /> British Railways steam
This is more about the location than the stock. An unidentifiable BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0 awaits departure from Hope & Penyffordd station on the Chester - Denbigh line probably just prior to the ex-LNWR station's closure on 30/4/62." /> British Railways steam
Attributed to Fowler but with a liberal dose of Stanier on board Royal Scot class 4-6-0 46106 Gordon Highlander was unique within the class as it wore BR Standard style smoke deflectors (hence the image's inclusion in this BR set) instead of the usual contoured style. here we see her in an undated view traversing Dillicar water troughs. Note the Stanier and Gresley coaches within a consist of otherwise BR Mk I's." /> British Railways steam
Built at Swindon works as late as 1952, Ivatt Mickey Mouse mogul 46504 lasted until 1966 when she was withdrawn from 9D Newton Heath(Manchester) shed. There was no data with this negative but I think the location is Bristol (Barrow Road) mpd. Corrections welcomed. " /> British Railways steam
46421 was one of the Crewe-built Ivatt Mickey Mouse 2-6-0's, entered service in 1948 and was withdrawn from 2E Saltley(Birmingham) mpd in 1966. This shot features what seems to be a little photographed SLS railtour from 2/11/63 called Last Train on the Harborne Branch which was captured on film here at the rarely photographed location of Longbridge." /> British Railways steam
A Flying Pig!!! Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 43043 at Darlington in the early summer of 1960. 43043 was built at Horwich in 1949 and was withdrawn from 55E Normanton shed in 1967." /> British Railways steam
A foruitous find on Ebay and cheap as chips as well. Riddles Britannia pacific 70021 Morning Star was snapped at 21E (Monument Lane (Birmingham) on July 24th, 1961. As this was one of the BR(W) allocated Brits I was surprised to note that it doesn't have the Swindon style of modified smoke deflectors with handholds inset but perhaps it was transferred to to Midland Region prior to those enhancements. 70021 was built in 1951 at Crewe works and lasted until withdrawal from 12A Carlisle Kingmoor shed in December 1967." /> British Railways steam
Riddles Britannia pacific 70043 Lord Kitchener emanated from Crewe works in June 1953 and had a short lifespan of only 12 years being withdrawn from 5B Crewe South mpd in 1965. This undocumented view was taken in the middle of 1961 looking north at Great Barr with the signalbox just in shot and the Hamstead Colliery sidings dead ahead whilst the road overbridge is immediately behind the photographer.
Mike Barnsley adds that the loco would appear to be going north, away from Aston towards Walsall." /> British Railways steam
Riddles' smaller class of pacifics was the 72xxx Clan class of 6P's. Here we see a splendid portrait of 72005 Clan Macgregor at 12A Carlisle Kingmoor taken by the late Bill Potter. 72005 was bult in 1952 and withdrawn from 12A in May 1965." /> British Railways steam
Still with us into the geritage era is Riddles Standard 4MT 2-6-4T 80098 depicted here, according to the only note, west of Welshpool but undated. 80098 was built at Brighton in 1954 and had a tragically short revenue earning career being withdrawn from 6F Machynlleth shed in July 1965. The two Brake seconds are clearly of Stanier origin but the middle coach looks to me to be Hawksworth which would be an odd combination." /> British Railways steam
The best that can be said about this shot is that it exemplifies the look of power that the Standard 9F 2-10-0's engendered. 92051, depicted here about to pass Saltley carriage sidings on the way to Saltley shed, was built at Crewe works and entered service in September 1955 with withdrawl coming a paltry 12 years later from 12A Kingmoor in October 1967." /> British Railways steam
This grainy colour shot is included here becuase it was taken on London Transport metals at Rickmansworth which was, of course, also Great Central territory. The loco is unidentifiable but is a Standard 5MT 4-6-0 in execrable condition whilst the train was, if I remember rightly, the 1438 Marylebone to Nottingham service on one of the last Saturdays of steam on the GCR." /> British Railways diesel
Nearly all the colour material I own is reasonably well documented but this is an exception. Many viewers have pointed out that this was taken at Fishguard harbour whilst Rog Geach with the help of a very detailed scan of the number has concluded that the Brush Type 4 diesel loco is almost certainly Cardiff Canton's 47232. Other aspects of the image's contents suggest to him that the shot was taken during the Summer 1976 timetable period." /> British Railways steam
The LCGB sponsored A2 Commemorative Railtour ran on August 14th, 1966 and Peppercorn A2 60532 Blue Peter had tyravelled south from her home shed of 61B Aberdeen Ferryhill for the event. Here we see the special awaiting departure from Salisbury on the outward leg from Waterloo. I didn't see this trip myself as, ironically, I was on a Scottish holiday at the time." /> British Railways steam
Bulleid West Country pacific 34016 Bodmin is still with us today and is included in this BR set of images because of the rebuilding of members of this class into conventional locomotives in BR days. 34016 was built in Southern days, 1945, at Brighton works, was rebuilt in 1958 and withdrawn from 70D Eastleigh mpd in 1965. The other aspect of this shot which is pure BR is the name Man of Kent which plied its trade between Charing Cross and Dover from 1954 until electrification brought an end to the service. This shot was taken at London bridge station as 34016 neared the end of this particular journey. " /> British Railways diesel
This powerful shot of an HST was taken from public footpath near Chandler's Ford station on All Fools Day 1995. The train is heading southwards towards Eastleigh." /> British Railways electric
The bitter winter of 1962/3 had barely begun when this shot was taken from King's Lane bridge near Sutton the day after the first major fall of snow. Indeed, it was still snopwing when the picture was taken. This pair of 4-EPB's with headcode 06 has just left Sutton en route for West Croydon having dawdled along its circuitous route from Holborn Viaduct." /> British Railways steam
Bulleid light pacific 34089 602 Squadron is depicted here between Wallington and Carshalton beeches whilst in charge of the SCTS sponsored Surrey Rambler railtour on June 5th, 1966. 34089 was, in every sense, a BR engine as she was built in 1948 at Brighton and was one of the last to be rebuilt into the condition shown her in November 1960. She survived until the end of SR steam in July 1967." /> British Railways steam
Bulleid's Leader 0-6-6-0 36001 being shunted by the works' own Stroudley terrier DS377 outside Brighton works for the benefit of the attending photographers." /> British Railways steam
In my experience light engine workings through Wimbledon during evenings and weekends were thin on the ground but here we see just such a working in the form of Standard 3MT 2-6-2T 82028 which a Swindon product from 1954 and which was withdrawn from 70A Nine Elms shed in September 1966 the year that this shot was taken. Perhaps this was the last hurrah. Note the solitary tower block on the horizon and the extent of the goods yards in the background." /> British Railways steam
76063, a Standard 4MT mogul, had a tragically short working life having been built at Doncaster in 1956 and being withdrawn from 70D Eastleigh shed in April 1967. The image depicts an up fitted goods train taken in lowering light at Wimbledon 'C' box in 1966." /> British Railways steam
The LCGB sponsored 'Surrey Downsman' railtour ran on March 5th, 1967 and used four engines during its meanderings. The final - but not the only - leg was hauled by BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 75077 from London Bridge to Victoria via Denmark Hill where this shot was taken. 75077, note the home crafted smokebox number plate, was built at Swindon in 1955 and lasted until the end of SR steam in July 1967." /> British Railways steam
July 5th 1964 saw the running of the LCGB's 'Surrey Wanderer' railtour which was really an excuse for the swansong of the Drummond M7 class as 30053 was used for parts of the trip. However, arguably of equal interest was the unusual use of Standard 2MT mogul 78038 for other legs of the tour and here we see her just a few yards short of Waddon Marsh Halt on the leg from Wimbledon to West Croydon where she reversed and then hauled the participants to Epsom Downs and back. 78038 was a Darlington works product from 1954 and was withdrawn from 6D Shrewsbury mpd in August 1966 although I seem to remember that she was a Willesden engine when this shot was taken." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

GWR steam locomotives plus an auto-coach

Sun Dec 28 2008

Sunday 28 December 2008: Captions will be added as and when time permits
GWR auto-coach
I know next to nothing about GWR rolling stock and so I don't know if this auto coach photographed at Greenford in April 1952 even qualifies as a GWR item.
Nick Gough: This is one of the post-war, Hawksworth designed auto trailers that were built in 1951. You can tell because the side windows have sliding ventilators. So, strictly speaking, it shouldn't be in this set of GWR images but it's generated a great deal of interest and so here, for the time being, it stays." /> GWR steam engine
Taken from a passing train window, Collett auto-fitted 0-4-2T 1452 of 1932 vintage waits in the bay at Churston with the connecting service to Brixham in August 1958." /> GWR steam engine
Collett auto-fitted 0-4-2T 1455 snapped at Monmouth (Troy) on what was probably the last day of services at that station which was January 5th, 1959. 1455's home shed at that time was 85C Hereford but she survived until May 1964 when she was withdrawn from 85B Gloucester Horton Road shed." /> GWR steam engine
A gem photographed at an unusual location. Ex-Cambrian Railway 0-6-0 no. 887 at Didcot mpd on March 3rd, 1938. The external condition suggests that she's in the process of running-in following a major overhaul at Swindon works. 887 was built in 1903 and served for 50 years being withdrawn from 89A Oswestry shed in April 1953." /> GWR steam engine
A chance sighting at Towyn (sic) at the end of August 1964 was Collett 2251 class 0-6-0 2268 running light. 2268 was built in 1930 and withdrawn from 6F Machynlleth shed in May 1965." /> GWR steam engine
An undated portrait of Collett 5700 class 0-6-0PT 4613 at Worcester Foregate. She was withdrawen from 85A Worcester in December 1964. Note the hirsute diseasel on the left." /> GWR steam engine
Collett 5700 class 0-6-0PT 4665 in a bay platform at Newbury sometime between 1958 and 1960. 4665 was allocated to 81D (Reading) at the time of this picture but was reallocated to 83E St Blazey in July 1960. That wasn't the end of her meanderings though as she was transferred to 84F Stourbridge Junction in September 1962 whence she was withdrawn in June 1965.
Of as much note as the pristine pannier tank is the lorry in BR service. I thought the latter was a Bedford (whoops!) but Laurie Webb has kindly e-mailed me that it is, in fact, an Austin." /> GWR steam engine
One of my personal favourite colour slides is this distant shot of Collett designed 5700 class 0-6-0PT 4698 dating from 1945 and photographed here at Fetter Hill on the Coleford branch on the 6th August 1965. 4698 was withdrawn from service at 85B Gloucester Horton Road shed in November of the same year.
W. Potter/Mike Morant collection" /> GWR steam engine
Collett designed 5700 class 0-6-0PT 4698 dating from 1945 is depicted here whilst shunting at Coleford Junction on August 3rd 1965. 4698 was withdrawn from service at 85B Gloucester Horton Road shed in November of the same year.
W. Potter/Mike Morant collection" /> GWR steam engine
Unusually for an otherwise undocumented negative I have a date for this one which is January 5th, 1958.The depicted engine is Collett designed 5700 class 0-6-0PT 9747 dating from 1935 shedded at 88D Merthyr at the time and that could well be where this shot was taken. 9747 was reallocated to 88J Aberdare in January 1963 but that seems to have been only for the purpose of immediate withdrawal from service." /> GWR steam engine
Yet another Collett 0-6-0PT but this time from the 6400 class. 6417 is seen here at Monmouth (Troy) on what was probably the last day of services at that station which was January 5th, 1959. 6417 dated from 1934 and was an 86J Aberdare engine when this shot was taken. She moved to 86A Newport Ebbw Junction in April 1958 and was withdrawn from that shed in June 1959." /> GWR steam engine
9702 was one of the Collett designed 0-6-0PT's with condensing apparatus fitted and she was based at 81A Old Oak Common shed for her entire working life from 1933 until 1962. This scene brings back personal memories as it was so commonplace and the Metropolitan stoxk in the background adds to the poignancy." /> GWR steam engine
A product not of Swindon but Hawthorne Leslie dating from 1920 and originally with the Taff Vale Railway but here we see 0-6-2T no. 383 in her Swindonised form with extended smokebox. I suspect that this shot was taken prior to 1957 at what was then her home shed of 88A Cardiff Cathays. Withdrawal came in August 1957." /> GWR steam engine
This is one of those frustrating undocumented negatives in which a station's running-in board is clearly visible but illegible because of the camera angle from which it has been photographed but Ken Robinson has come to the rescue by identifying it as Cwm Bargoed (near Dowlais) which is still rail connected. The train engine is Collett 5600 class 0-6-2T 5621 which was probably an 88D Merthyr based engine when this shot was taken. Built in 1925 she was withdrawn from 88D Rhymney mpd in June 1965." /> GWR steam engine
Seen here circa 1958 running light is Collett 5600 class 0-6-2T 6657 at the east end of Hatton station on the down main line from Warwick. The down goods line is to the right. 6657 was built in 1928 and withdrawn from 88B Radyr in June 1965.
My thanks go to Nick Gough for the detailed location data." /> MSWJR steam engine
What a shame that this engine didn't survive into the heritage era. Midland and South Western Junction 2-4-0 1335 was built by D�bs & Co for the MSWJR in 1894 and passed into GWR ownership with the grouping in 1923. She survived into BR ownership and was withdrawn from 81D Reading shed in 1952 by which time she had become something of a celebrity engine amongst we enthusiasts. This shot was taken much earlier in 1933 at Didcot shed." /> GWR steam engine
There's no point in being coy about it. I have no idea when or where this was taken.
Collett 5300 class mogul 5324 was built way back in 1917 and withdrawn from 84G Shrewsbury in September 1960." /> GWR steam engine
The south end of Leamington Spa station circa 1958 sees Collett 4300 class mogul 5337 probably backing out of the station judging by the direction of the drifting smoke. That looks like a SR 4-wheeled GUV behind the tender." /> GWR steam engine
Is Dovey Junction station in the Guiness Book of Records? It should be if it isn't already as it must be one of the most frequently flooded of stations.
It's 1955 and my late brother with wife in tow embarked on a transport photography expedition in Wales with the accent on his preferred interest which was buses. Every shot taken during that holiday (bar one of a Castle class) suggests that it never stopped raining. Although he rarely photted trains he excelled himself during what was probably a lengthy wet and windswept stop at Dovey Junction. Here we see a shunting manoeuvre involving BR Standard 2MT 2-6-0 78006 and dead-as-a-dodo Collett 4575 class prairie tank no. 5566. The water in this shot is shallow compared with that shown in other shots but note the railwayman giving policemanlike directions as his trousers are sensibly rolled up to above the water level. This is a wonderful historical record but it must have been grim to actually partake of the experience." /> GWR steam engine
This special train sponsored by the Stephenson Locomotive Society couldn't be more clearly defined as the headboard tells the story although, oddly, the trip isn't mentioned on the sixbellsjunction web site. The occasion, April 26th 1958, was the last train between Leominster and Bromyard hauled by Collett 4500 2-6-2T no. 4571. I don't know the location where this shot was taken however." /> GWR steam engine
Collett large prairie 4111 at Birmingham's Snow Hill station on July 24th, 1961. 4111 was built in 1936 and survived as an 84E Tyseley based engine until withdrawal in September 1965." /> GWR steam engine
Not much text needed here as Vale of Rheidol no. 9 Prince of Wales is still operational. This shot, one of my own, was taken on Agfa CT18 slide film at the end of August 1961 at Aberystwyth when it had a real station with real trains. Ahem." /> GWR steam engine
Collett prairie tank 6113 at her home shed of 85B Gloucester Horton Road on 16/10/65. Withdrawal came the following month.
W. Potter/Mike Morant collection" /> GWR steam engine
Collett 2-6-2T 6123 at Birmingham's Snow Hill station on July 23rd, 1961. These locos didn't usually travel great distances although they did, of course, dominate Paddington to Oxford services for decades. I mention that because this loco was allegedly based at 81F Oxford when the shot was taken. Withdrawal from that shed followed in April 1962." /> GWR steam engine
A purchased negative bought simply because it's a cracking shot of a GWR workhorse doing what it was designed to do. The location for this shot of an unidentifiable Collett 2800 class 2-8-0 is Woodborough allegedly taken in 1965 which is probably true as the smokebox numberplate has been removed although the visible cabside is still adorned with its number plate." /> GWR steam engine
Robinson's O4 ROD 2-8-0's worked all over the place and many were acquired by the GWR. This example, 3015, is depicted between April and October 1958 stored inside Llanelly's (sic) roundhouse." /> GWR steam engine
A March 1952 visit to Swindon works elicited this view of newly overhauled Churchward 4200 class 2-8-0T 4229. She was built in 1913 and was an 86B Newport Pill engine when this shot was taken. Withdrawal from 86A Newport Ebbw Junction came in March 1961." /> GWR steam engine
Dean Flower class 4-4-0 4158 Petunia at her home shed of Leamington Spa in 1926. 4158 entered service in 1908 and had a relatively short lifespan of only 21 years." /> GWR steam engine
This must have been taken shortly before the loco's withdrawal in March 1955. 9000 was a Collett combination of bits from the erstwhile Duke and Bulldog outside framed 4-4-0's and was cobbled together in 1936 but had a very short working life. This hanmdsome little machine is depicted in paddling mode at Dovey Junction on an unspecified date in 1955 but obviously March or earlier. Another shot in this sequence, not included this time around, shows 9000 backpedalling into ever-deepening waters and leaving a wake worthy of a sizeable ship." /> GWR steam engine
Last rites for the Hawksworth County classs of 4-6-0 on September 20th, 1964 as 1011 County of Chester takes part in the railtour dedicated to that event." /> GWR steam engine
The start of an eventful day for Collett Castle class 4-6-0 4079 Pendennis Castle. This was the first leg of the justifiably famous Ian Allan sponsored Great Western High Speed Railtour on May 9th 1964 which, indeed, it was but 4079 was worked so hard that she collapsed near Westbury following which she was temporarily retired pending preservation but it shouldn't be too long before she's back on our network again having travelled via Western Australia to get here." /> GWR steam engine
Collett Castle 4-6-0 4094 Dynevor Castle has just arrived at Swansea High Street with the Pembroke Coast Express in 1958. The shed code is 87E Landore but she was subsequently withdrawn from service at 87G Carmarthen in March 1962 after 36 years of distinguished service." /> GWR steam engine
This shot is possibly close to miraculous as it was taken in pouring rain with a Brownie 127 camera and features the fast moving South Wales Pullman in the charge of one of the early Castles as it roars through Reading in 1956." /> GWR steam engine
Folorn looking Collett Castle 5000 Launceston Castle in steam but tucked away in a bay platform somewhere. Stanlet C. Jenkins has kindly identified the location as Hereford Barrs Court. Oddly, the smokebox numberplate has gone awol but all the other collectables are in situ." /> GWR steam engine
Better times for Collett Castle 5000 Launceston Castle doing what she did best as she zips past West Drayton & Yiewsley signal box in 1962. 500 finally met her end from 2B Oxley mpd in October 1964." /> GWR steam engine
A lovely shot of a gleaming Collett Castle 4-6-0 exactly as one would like to see the class portrayed but this example isn't identifiable. Exeter St. David's in August 1958 and the shed code is 84?." /> GWR steam engine
One of the 1932 output of Collett Castle 4-6-0's, no. 5022 Wigmore Castle is depicted entering, not Newbury as I'd thought, but Princes Risborough on either June 24th or July 1st 1957 which latter was the last day for the Watlington branch. I went there on both of those dates." /> GWR steam engine
1938-built Collett Castle 4-6-0 5076 Gladiator is given the once-over by a very youthful train watcher at Birmingham's Snow Hill station on July 23rd, 1961. The engine was based at 81D Reading at the time and it would n't have been strange to see her here as the entire rake of stock on her tail is of Maunsell origin painted in BR(S) corporate green. THAT shot will be included in a Southern upload just to stir up the proverbial." /> GWR steam engine
One of my first attempts at using colour taken on the original Ektachrome film (E1 process) and with a Super Baldina 35mm bellows camera which, my first wife told me, is alive and well in Australia.
August 1958 at Newton Abbot and the common sight of a double-header departing for points west. the pilot engine is Collett Hall 4-6-0 4925 Eynsham Hall but the train engine isn't identifiable. What is odd, however, is that the Hall was based at 81C Southall at the time and one would have expected it to have journeyed no further west unless it had been attached throughout." /> GWR steam engine
The nameplate has gone and it's surprising to me that the smokebox number plate is still in place at this late stage in 6924's career. Collett hall class 4-6-0 6924, formerly Grantley Hall, was photographed at Gloucester Horton Road mpd on October 16th, 1965 which was the month in which she was withdrawn.
W. Potter/Mike Morant collection" /> GWR steam engine
Westbury station plays host to Collett Modified Hall class 4-6-0 no. 6930 Aldersley Hall on September 22nd, 1962. 6930 was based at 84E Tyseley at the time and was subsequently withdrawn from 2D Banbury in October 1965." /> GWR steam engine
6959 Peatling Hall is another Collett Modified Hall class 4-6-0 and it's in charge of a rake of, the rearmost carriage excepted, a rake of green liveried rolling stock. Chris Ralls believes that this was taken just to the south of Radley station and that the line on the left is the Abingdon branch. Intersting questions are begged by this picture. The train is evidently southbound but in my experience the daily inter-regionals comprised juust about any stock other than Southern." /> GWR steam engine
This obviously isn't one of those scrap line shots but it's evidently only a step or two away therefrom as 6963, the erstwhile Throwley Hall, departs from Reading General with the LCGB sponsored Wessex Downsman (No.2) railtour on May 2nd, 1965. To make matters worse, the Southern had turned out S15 30837 beautifully for the previous leg of the tour." /> GWR steam engine
Collett Modified Hall class 4-6-0 6991 Acton Burnell Hall at Old Oak Common mpd circa 1961." /> GWR steam engine
The last Collett King class 4-6-0 was withdrawn from service in December 1962 but 6018 King Henry VI was retained in usable condition for the 'Farewell to the Kings' railtour which ran on April 28th, 1963. The tour was snapped by your truly as it passed through Greenford station after which it took a sharp right turn and headed for an intermediate water stop next to Southall mpd." /> GWR steam engine
Collett King class 4-6-0 6022 King Edward III at Birmingham (Snow Hill) station on July 24th, 1961." /> GWR steam engine
Collett Grange class 4-6-0's 6837 Forthampton Grange and 6024 King Edward l at Laira on June 27th. 1960. 6024 we know all about but 6837 was a Laira engine at the time and ended her days at 88A Cardiff East Dock in July 1965.
W. Potter/Mike Morant collection" /> GWR steam engine
An unidentifiable Collett Manor class 4-6-0 moves purposefully into Longhope station, closed in 1964, on the line from Grange Court to Ross-on-Wye." /> GWR steam engine
The loco is Collett manor 7808 Cookham Manor photographed on the slow line in Sonning Cutting with six coaches in tow. The train, sponsored by the Great Western Society's London Area Group, had come from Birmingham via the GW & GC route and was run in conjuction with the group's open day at Taplow where 6106, 4079 and 3205 were present as well as some steam road vehicles. 7808 returned to Birmingham via Oxford. The event took place in September 1966 but the exact date isn't recalled and the train isn't mentioned on the sixbellsjunction web site at the time of writing (11/05/09)." /> GWR steam engine
Collett manor class 4-6-0 7826 Longworth Manor has evidently seen better days. The shot was taken in the summer of 1964 by my brother but he has no recollection of the location which I think could be on the Carmarthen - Aberystwyth line but I could be wildly wrong." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Longmoor Military Railway

Wed Dec 24 2008

Wednesday 24 December 2008: Images taken from 1949 up to the last months by which time it had become what was hoped would be a major heritage railway but that brilliant concept was scuppered by the local NIMBY population.
Longmoor Military Railway
J94 No. 196 'Errol Lonsdale' slurps a drink between open-day duties on 8/6/68" /> Longmoor Military Railway
Stanier 8F in WD blue livery at Longmoor Downs Platform
Built by NBL 24620/1940
LMSR No. 8246
Shipped to Persia 09/41 and renumbered 41.108
Transfered by rail to Egypt/Palestine 1944 and renumbered 70320
Named 'LT W O LENNOX VC' after a Crimean War hero whilst with Middle East Forces on Egyptian State Railway
Loco only (i.e. sans tender) returned to Derby for overhaul with replacement boiler in 1952
Renumbered 501 and sent to Longmoor with spare tender bought from BR
Sold to BR in 07/57 and renumbered 48774
withdrawn from BR service at Speke Jct.(8C) in May 1965.
Note that the WD, No. 600 I've been told based on further photographic evidence of the pair in tandem at an open day in 1955, has a Stanier tender.
Tony Walmsley has kindly sent me the following additional data regarding the WD 8F's: This loco was one of three 8Fs (48773/4/5) that were bought by BR from the WD and put into service at Polmadie shed in September 1957 for use on Ravenscraig iron ore trains. At the time they were the only 8Fs allocated to Scottish sheds. They then had a uncertain life in BR days. They were withdrawn in December 1962, but reinstated back to Polmadie in February 1963, then withdrawn again in July 1963. The London Midland decided that 3 x usable 8F's shouldn't go "begging" so they were reinstated to Kingmoor shed in November 1963. They were all reallocated a few times with 48774 withdrawn first as you note in 1965. The other two survived through to the end of steam with 48773 being one of the very last 8Fs in steam being subsequently preserved on the Severn Valley." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Longmoor hosted several preservation projects at the end of the 1960's and one of the best known is the housing of Bulleid pacific 34023 Blackmore Vale. She was steamed on occasions and we see her here reversing into the works/shed yard area on March 24th, 1968." /> Longmoor Military Railway
The LMR's Austerity 0-6-0ST 196 Errol Lonsdale is depicted on the approach to Liss Forest Road station from the Liss direction on June 8th, 1968. My thanks go to Les McWatt for pinpointing the location.
Dare I say it but the coaching stock is possibly of greater interest than the engine. Tom Burnham (SEmG) has pointed out that the bogie vehicle is the former LSWR invalid saloon and the rear coach is ex-LNWR 6-wheel district engineer's saloon both of which vehicles are KESR residents." /> Longmoor Military Railway
This sorry sight at the LMR's shed during a public open day on 30/4/66 1966 depicts WD 2-8-0 400 'Sir Guy Williams' with what looks like a firebox that's been opened like a can of beans.
One of the personnel based at Longmoor at that time, Lofty Ailwood, has stated that: this loco opened a crack between the washout plugs top rhs of boiler on a down passenger train at L.F.R. Her crew bailed out the fire, and opened the cladding to see the extent of the problem.
No. 400 was built by the North British Locomotive Company in 1943 with works no. 25205.
This slide has twice been featured in Railway Magazine." /> Longmoor Military Railway
A self-explanatory picture of Longmoor's own station name board at Liss around 1950" /> Longmoor Military Railway
This is arguably the Longmoor Military Railway's best known locomotive in the form of Riddles' WD 2-10-0 No. 600 'Gordon' unusually photographed in the LMR's platform at Liss during, probably, 1950." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Longmoor has long been famed for its eclectic supporting rolling stock and this classic example is a former SECR birdcage carrying the number 13582. Originally SECR BCL 1100 (Ashford 1910), declassified by the SR to BTL 3368 in 1924. To Longmoor 10/1943 as 13582 (together with 13583/84, SR 3-set 552), later renumbered 5311. To KESR No.61 9/1970 where under restoration." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Another of Longmoor's eclectic mix of rolling stock is this oddity which has a distinctly American look to it in my eyes. It's clearly labelled 'Breakdown train' and carries the stock number WD13666.
Out of left field comes a considerable text on this subject from John Stead who suggests this wagon may well be an ex-NER or at a pinch a former L&YR vehicle. But the jury's out at the moment though, so... any other suggestions?
Jack Slaughter contributes, The van is actually an ex-ROD mobile compressor van." /> Longmoor Military Railway
The famed and immaculate inspection saloon parked at Longmoor Downs on 30/4/66. Note the RCTS special train in the background." /> Longmoor Military Railway
A busy and sunny day at Longmoor's running shed on 30/4/66 sees WD 2-10-0 No. 600 'Gordon' centre stage with WD 0-6-0ST's 199, on the left and 195 just visible on the right whilst diesel shunter 8227 lurks at the right edge of the picture. One 'Lofty' Ailwood has written to me to say that he was the fireman on 195 on that occasion." /> Longmoor Military Railway
A busy scene at Longmoor's running shed on 30/4/66 with 102, 195, 600 and 400 in view." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Beautifully turned out WD 0-6-0ST No. 196 graces Longmoor Downs platform with her presence and even has the temerity to bathe publicly. Note the signal box and quaint ex-SECR stock in the background during the open day on 8/6/68.
Les McWatt writes: The chap in the foreground narrowly missing a shower is the driver Corporal 'Nobby' Clarke and the one on the tank top is the fireman Lance Corporal Frank Collinson. ...... and further ..... the Loco is carrying a red plate with two stars on it. This is to indicate that the train is carrying a Staff Officer, two stars denote a Major General. In this case the it was Major General E.H.G. Lonsdale ( after whom 196 was named) who had travelled to Longmoor to name David Shepherds 9F 92203 BLACK PRINCE." /> Longmoor Military Railway
June 8th 1968 was the day on which David Shepherd's 9F 92203 was named at Longmoor Downs. The name applied, carried to this day, is Black Prince but this shot taken 'twixt Liss and Longmoor before the naming ceremony sees the nameplate covered by a curtain.
'Lofty' Ailwood points out that the location is on the Longmoor side of Weavers Down with the sewage farm just visible through the trees on the left." /> Longmoor Military Railway
What a beauty! Well, the shot is even if the loco is something of a Cinderella. This unusual vista was take at Longmoor Downs platform on the military railway on 14th April, 1949 and depicts WD 2-10-0 Kitchener in what seems to be blue livery but still bearing its WD number of 73797. It subsequently acquired the number 601.
As ever, the LMR's internal rolling stock is a joy to behold." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Longmoor hosted both 34023 Blackmore Vale and 35028 Clan Line before the entire preservation package unravelled." /> Longmoor Military Railway
A 1966 open day elicited this view of the unusual combination of a blue liveried Austerity 0-6-0ST juxta-positioned with a Bulleid brake coach near Longmoor Downs platform." /> Longmoor Military Railway
n public day at the LMR on April 30th 1966 elicited this view of Riddles designed WD 2-10-0 AD601 'Kitchener' in a sorry state. The loco had been repainted and used in the film 'The Great St. Trinians Train Robbery' and although it still bore its WD number plates on the cab sides there was a spoof smokebox plate in situ which, from memory, was 90150. 'Kitchener' would never raise steam again. Apparently the shed staff, however hard they tried, couldn't remove that 'film' paint job and so the loco was consigned to history but not before being used in load trials for a Barclays diesel, as a rerailing task and finally as a demolition target in Weavers Down pit." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Probably taken on the same occasion as the shot of WD 73797 we see one of Longmoor's 350hp LMSR diesel shunters at Longmoor Downs Platform." /> Longmoor Military Railway
This is arguably the Longmoor Military Railway's best known locomotive in the form of Riddles' WD 2-10-0 No. 600 'Gordon' unusually photographed in the LMR's platform at Liss during, probably, 1950." /> Longmoor Military Railway
This is arguably the Longmoor Military Railway's best known locomotive in the form of Riddles' WD 2-10-0 No. 600 'Gordon' unusually photographed in the LMR's platform at Liss during, probably, 1950." /> Longmoor Military Railway
" /> Longmoor Military Railway
The history of this unique locomotive is a convoluted one and isn't going to be repeated here. Gazelle was always on display in immaculate condition as seen here in this public day view taken in the mid-fifties." /> Longmoor Military Railway
The history of this unique locomotive is a convoluted one and isn't going to be repeated here. Gazelle was always on display in immaculate condition as seen here in this public day view taken on 30/4/66." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Also stuffed and mounted was Woolmer an 0-6-0ST built by Avonside in 1910." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Austerity 0-6-0ST 195 in the shed yard on April 30th, 1966." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Austerity 0-6-0ST 196 provided brake van rides on April 30th, 1966." /> Longmoor Military Railway
The famed immacu;lately turned out WD 2-10-0 no. 600Gordon takes a train load of enthusiasts from Longmoor Downs platform to Bordon on 30/4/66 which was one of the two dates in that month when 600 graced BR metals from Woking to Liss.
Les McWatt adds the following location and background notes: I've been studying this photograph trying to ascertain its exact location and have come to the conclusion that it is not on LMR tracks but the BR Bentley to Bordon branch. The reason being that if you look at the track it is bullhead rail with chairs and keys whereas the LMR used 75lb. flat bottomed rail on base plates with dog spikes. Also, the chap in the driver's seat looks like a BR man and the chap on the right is the LMR driver, Staff Sergeant Tom Hughes, who would have been driving if it were on LMR metals." /> Longmoor Military Railway
7/4/68 became the stuff of legend when David Shepherd conspired to 'beat the ban' on steam using Southern metals which had been in place since July the previous year. Standards 75029 and 92203 made their journeys from Cricklewood to Liss independenly to the chagrin of most linesiders and here we see the latter backing from the picturesque girder bridge at Longmoor down towards Longmoor Downs platform. Note the Ruston Hornsby diesel shunter no. 8227 at the refuelling point." /> Longmoor Military Railway
92203, with a curtain obscuring the new nameplate, eases back from Longmoor towards Liss on June 8th 1968." /> Longmoor Military Railway
92203, with a curtain obscuring the new nameplate, eases back from Longmoor towards Liss on June 8th 1968." /> Longmoor Military Railway
June 8th 1968 again and by this time the great unveiling had taken place of David Shepherd's 9F 2-10-0 Black Prince which is seen here posed alongside the signal box at Longmoor Downs platform." /> Longmoor Military Railway
June 8th 1968 again and by this time the great unveiling had taken place of David Shepherd's 9F 2-10-0 Black Prince which is seen here having backed down from the main railway into the shed environs." /> Longmoor Military Railway
35028 Clan Line had been spruced up in time for the June 8th 1968 public day." /> Longmoor Military Railway
Also on display during that 8/6/68 public open day was Ivatt Mickey Mouse 2-6-2T 41298 which had been cosmetically restored but to this day hasn't been steamed. She later moved to the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre and has since, in November 2008, been transferred to the Isle of Wight Railway's headquarters at Haven Street where she has joined up with the other assets of the The Ivatt Trust." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

LMSR and predecessors' steam locomotives

Mon Dec 22 2008

Monday 22 December 2008: Locomotives from the LMSR, LNWR, LYR, NSR, CR, LTSR, FR and HR.
LMSR steam locomotive
The lowering sun highlights Stanier Black '5' 4-6-0 44894 as she departs from Glasgow (Buchanan St.) in May 1966. The external condition of the engine belies the fact that this was a normal service train and one wonders what a 10A (Carnforth) based loco was doing there.
Robert Archibald suggests that 44894 is on a running-in turn after being outshppped from Cowlairs, still active in 1966, which would probably also explain the LNER style 'Carnforth' on the buffer beam." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Not much longer in service for Fowler Jinty 0-6-0T 47501 as it shunts at Willesden in the summer of 1964. Withdrawal symptoms loomed with September bringing her end." /> LMSR steam locomotive
High summer sun bathes Stanier Black '5' 4-6-0 44854 as she storms southwards with a fitted van train at Carpenders Park in June 1964." /> LMSR steam locomotive
The 1A plate on the smokebox door tells us that Fowler-tendered Stanier Jublee 4-6-0 45704 Leviathan was at home when photographed at Willesden mpd in the summer of 1964." /> LMSR steam locomotive
The end is nigh for Stanier Jubilee 4-6-0 45735 at Carlisle (Upperby) shed in late August 1964. Formerly named Comet, the only removable ID is the smokebox number plate. This engine was one of the two Jubilees, 45736 Phoenix was the other, that had been rebuilt in 1942 with larger boilers and smoke deflectors which resulted in their upgrading from 6P/5F to 7P." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Originally an L & Y design by Aspinall this 4F 0-6-0 52561 is clearly in a sorry state and was probably photographed at Horwich (Low Moor is another possibility) whilst awaiting the last rites in 1955." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Fowler 2P 4-4-0 40678 has seen better days as she awaits disposal at 21E Monument Lane (Birmingham) mpd on July 24th, 1961. Although the official withdrawal date is July of that year it's clear that she's been dumped here for some time following service based at Bescot shed." /> LMSR steam locomotive
It's unusual to come across 1950's colour negatives and when one does so they nearly always turn out to be diabolical to work with as was the case with this one which depicts smartly turned out Fowler 4P compound 4-4-0 41159 at Shrewsbury. 41159 was withdrawn from service at 41C (Millhouses, Sheffield) in April 1958 and this shot was probably taken quite close to that time." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Former Great Eastern (GER) metals won't have seen many Maunsell designed coaches let alone a blood and custard example such as this one. I was a very youthful participant on this tour which started from Blackfriars station behind Maunsell 'Black Motor' 30687 which hauled the train as far as Dudding Hill Junction via Brixton and Kew East Jct. where this loco, Fairburn 2-6-4T 42686, took over for the remainder of the trip which travelled to Broad Street via Harringey West, Palace Gates, Canning Town and Bromley Junction. Why the train had a lengthy stop 'wrong line' at Wood Street station isn't recalled." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Strictly speaking this picture shouldn't be included in this set as it's really a BR design emanating from Crewe Works in July 1948 and had a working life of only 15 years being withdrawn from service at 9A Longsight (Manchester) which was the home shed of Caprotti geared Black '5' 44747 when smapped at Crewe station on July 24th, 1961." /> LMSR steam locomotive
It's always a pleasure to acquire an original shot of one of these locos as they're rather thin on the ground and to get one in colour, just about, is a bonus. This image on E1 Ektachrome film was taken at Crewe on July 24th 1961 and depicts one of the unrebuilt Fowler Patriot 4-6-0'sa in the form of 45542 which didn't acquire a name following its nominal rebuild from withdrawn Claughton 4-6-0 back in 1933. 45542 was withdrawen from service at Nuneaton mpd (2B) eleven months after this shot was taken. The vehicle behind the tender is a Gresley teak bogie brake as far as I can make out." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Nicely lit by low summer sun, Stanier Jubilee class 4-6-0 45615 Malay States awaits departure from Manchester (Victoria) on July 23rd 1961. The shed code plate proclaims that home is 26A Newton Heath. Withdrawal came in December the following year by which time she had moved to Nuneaton mpd (17B)" /> LMSR steam locomotive
This little 0-6-0T is 47162 a Fowler designed dock tank dating from 1928 and built at Derby. The photo was taken in May 1951 at what I believe to be Leith which wouldn't be altogther surprising as her home shed was 64A St. Margarets in Edinburgh whence she was withdrawn in 1959." /> LMSR steam locomotive
A genuine Caley 'pug' in the form of Drummond designed 0-4-0ST 56032 seen ex-works during a visit to Crewe in August 1951. Designated 0F, this loco of the Caledonian Railway's 264 class was a Drummond design dating from 1900 and she dawdled around as a works shunter at Crewe, far from her origins, for most of the last 10 years of her working life up to 1960 when she finally succumbed to the cutter's torch." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Another shot taken on E1 Ektachrome film that this time features Midland Railway Johnson 2F 0-6-0 58174 on shed at 21E Monument Lane (Birmingham) mpd on July 24th, 1961. Withdrawal came the following December." /> LMSR steam locomotive
June 9th 1963 brought the rare sighting of a Stanier Duchess pacific at Doncaster shed whilst 46245 City of London was serviced during an out and back trip on the ECML from King's Cross organised by the Home Counties Railway Society." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Okay, so this shot leaves a lot to be desired in photographic terms but is included merely for its number. Fowler 4F 0-6-0 44444 drifts through what I believe is Great Barr station (on the other side of the road bridge) whilst hauling a Fowler 2P, 40936, and another 4F on their way to a scrapping facility which was probably Cashmore's at Great Bridge in 1961." /> LMSR steam locomotive
5/1/58 saw the demise of the LNWR's Abergavenny - Merthyr line and the Midland Area branch of the SLS organised a railtour to commemorate the event appropriately using two ex-LNWR locomotives. Here we see Webb 0-6-2T coal tank no. 58926 resplendent in winter sun light." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Fowler 4MT 2-6-4T 42358 drifts into Uttoxeter station in the late 1950's." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Hughes/Fowler 'Crab' 2-6-0 42857 at an as yet undetermined location.
Tony Walmsley opines (and he's probably right as the photographer was from the area stated): 42857 was shedded at Saltley for most of the 1950s and it made me wonder if this phto is taken near Washwood Heath on the MR route with the LNW Stetchford-Aston line passing over. The angle, the number of running lines and that it looks like there is an underslung girder bridge behind the loco between the two brick arches." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Popularly known as Super D this is 49117 a Bowen Cooke G2a 0-8-0 of LNWR origin stored in 1959 inside what I believe to be the roundhouse at Llanelly (sic) in 1959. 49117 was one of a huge number of pre-grouping locos that ended up being stored at Winsford whilst they awaited the inevitable fate in 1959/60." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Jonhson 3F 0-6-0 43374 at a location in the Midlands defined by Jon Stubley as being between Washwood Heath and Castle Bromwich deduced from the factory chimney that proclaims Rollason Wire as the owner. 43374 was withdrawn from service at Leicester (Midland) shed in July 1961 after about 70 years of valuable service." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Stanier 2-cylinder 4MT 2-6-4T 42482 is bathed in sunshine at Birmingham (New Street) station." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Stanier Jubilee 4-6-0 45716 Swiftsure at Carlisle Citadel station." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Built by Neilson-Reid this is Johnson designed 3F 0-6-0 43756 about to reverse out of the platform and past Hellifield mpd circa 1959." /> LMSR steam locomotive
The famous Caley single better known as No. 123 and still with us today albeit in a stuffed and mounted form. This shot was taken at perth in 1932 and shows 14010 in crimson lake livery." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Johnson designed but Neilson built Midland Railway 1502 class 2-4-0 20254 at her home shed of Kettering in the 1920's. 20254 was bult in 1880 and withdrawn in 1939." /> LMSR steam locomotive
An LNWR 'namer'. 25373 Ptarmigan was one of Bowen Cooke's functional LNWR George V class of 4-4-0's photographed at what I've been told is Rugby mpd (Edward Talbot spotted the GCR flyover in the right background) circa 1937. This loco survived WW2 and even just about achieved BR ownership being withdrawn in May 1948." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Allegedly ......... Pettigrew designed 3F 0-6-0 12509 originated with the Furness Railway and was built by NBL. I've no doubt that the loco type data is correct but I have doubts about the number" /> LMSR steam locomotive
A less than brilliant shot of a crane tank a type of loco which most steam enthusiasts find fascinating. The data I have is open to correction but here goes. Designed by Whale for the LNWR in 1895, 27217 was an 0-4-2CT built by Sharp Stewart and is depicted here at Crewe on July 9th, 1939. She survived until 1951 and was allotted no. 58865 but I know not if it was ever actually applied." /> LMSR steam locomotive
The age of this negative can be determined somewhat by the fact that the depicted engine, North Staffordshire Railway 159 class 0-6-0 8677, was withdrawn in 1936 and is seen at Crewe South shed on 9/8/36 probably after her withdrawal. Designated 2F by the LMS this class was a NSR homespun product that emanated from the drawing board of Longbottom at Stoke Works in 1900." /> LMSR steam locomotive
This original slide by the late Bill Potter shows Stanier pacific 46200 Princess Royal languishing at Carlisle (Upperby) shed some 8 months after her withdrawal from active service at which time she had allegedly been set aside for preservation by the powers that be. The nameplates had wisely been removed but surprisingly the number plate is still in situ and her valve gear is still complete. By the time I saw her shunted away into a corner of Upperby some 14 months later the latter had been removed, her smokebox plate was still there but she was doomed." /> LMSR steam locomotive
The Hornby Dublo model of this loco, Stanier pacific 46232 Duchess of Montrose was probably the most sought after of the Hornby range when I was a teenager and this shot is redolent of how we envisged her in service. She was one of the first three of the class to be withdrawn from service as early as December 1962 and is depicted here at Carlisle (Kingmoor) mpd in August 1961. What a magnificent sight!" /> LMSR steam locomotive
A nice shot of a Stanier Black '5' 4-6-0 awaiting departure with a boat train from Stranraer Harbour in 1964. 44995 was based at 67A Corkerhill shed and was withdrawn from there in November 1966.
Dave Thoms has added this invaluable background: 44995 was a long-time Dumfries engine from 1/56 to 5/66 thence to Corkerhill until withdrawal in 11/66. It is, I think, heading a Stranraer harbour to Dumfries train via Newton Stewart, with a Swindon built DMU on the Glasgow via Ayr service. Typically the Dumfries train is LMS design stock and so this it could well be the midday SO Stranraer to Newcastle.
The Sealink ferry in the background is the TSS Caledonian Princess which was three years old when this shot was taken. She operated on the Larne-Stranraer route and was built as a two-class vessel with accommodation for 400 1st class passengers and 1,000 in 2nd class. On her vehicle deck was space for 103 cars. She ended up being a nightclub at Gateshead on the Tyne and was sold to a Greek buyer as recently as July 2008." /> LMSR steam locomotive
A freezing and windswept Gow Holes sees Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48775 shunting during the final day of steam from Buxton shed. When the snow fell several days previously it was followed by bright sunshine but that last day, actual date not recalled unfortunately, the skies were leaden." /> LMSR steam locomotive
McIntosh Caledonian 0-4-4T 15210, still wears its LMS livery in this shot taken at Ballachulish on September 18th, 1939. 15210 gave 50 years of valuable service being built in 1911 and subsequently withdrawn from 64C Dalry Road (Edinburgh) shed in 1961." /> LMSR steam locomotive
My heart skipped a beat when I first saw this negative as I'm a big fan of Scottish pre-grouping locomotives. The featured engine is a former Highland Railway 4-6-0 14762 Clan Campbell at Oban as several viewers have kindly pointed out to me. 14762 was built in 1919 by Hawthorne Leslie to design from the office of Cumming. She was withdrawn from service in June 1947 and was cut up soon after." /> LMSR steam locomotive
A splendid shot of LNWR 0-6-0ST 27370 shunting amongst a smattering of snow on January 18th, 1940 but the location hasn't been specified. The loco was a Ramsbottom design dating back to 1877 and this example was withdrawn from service in 1940." /> LMSR steam locomotive
The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway had a knack for creating well balanced locomotives that were aesthetically pleasing and this Aspinall designed 2-4-2T is no exception. 10879 was a 3P/2F design dating from 1905 and this example was withdrawn from 23A Bank Hall shed in 1946." /> LMSR steam locomotive
The likelihood is that this pre-war shot was taken at Cambridge in the late thirties. The central character is Johnson 1P class 0-4-4T 1272 which was a product of Derby works as far back as 1876 and saw 72 years of service before the end came with retirement from Bedford shed in 1948." /> LMSR steam locomotive
One of Drummond's functional Caledonian designs was this 0-6-0T of class 29. Depicted is 16323 which was built in 1910 and survived into BR ownership until 1958 being withdrawn from Aberdeen (Ferryhill) shed in that year." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Caledonian Railway 3F 0-6-0 17704 was a P. Drummond design dating from 1907 and is depicted here at Inverness on March 21st, 1936. This example had seen only 39 years of service on withdrawal from service at 32C Forres in 1946." /> LMSR steam locomotive
This is a corker of a shot and happens to feature one of my own personal favourite British loco types. This is a Jones designed Highland Railway 4-6-0 popularly known as the Jones Goods type which was the first application of the 4-6-0 wheel arrangement in Britain despite the fact that the 'ten wheeler' had been in common usage in North America for a couple of decades. 17929 is depicted here on the turntable at Inverness mpd on March 21st, 1936 shortly before her departure from the scene" /> LMSR steam locomotive
All the LTSR's motive power was in tank engine form as exemplified here by this shot of Whitelegg 2P 4-4-2T 2095 on a typical passenger turn. 2095 dated from 1900 and crept into BR ownership being withdrawn from 16A Nottingham in 1949. Someone might recognise the location from the signal box in the background.
My apologies for the white diagonal stripe but this negative had been folded almost in half which doesn't work very well with film. I almost weep sometimes at the condition of some of the material that comes my way." /> LMSR steam locomotive
This sort of image does far more for me than plain-Jane loco portraits as it places so much in the context of the time. Where was it taken? Peter Tatlow has identified it as Inverness. The only identifiable loco is Stanier 5MT 5163, one of those built by Armstrong Whitworth, with snow plough fitted, The other engines appear to be a Caley 0-6-0 and a Caley 0-6-0T but neither has a legible number." /> LMSR steam locomotive
Aah, BOVRIL! Forgive the paraphrase. Stanier Jubilee 4-6-0 5563 entered service in August 1934 and was named Australiain 1936. She was withdrawn from service as BR 45563 at 8B Warrington(Dallam) in November 1965. This splendid shot was taken at Crewe, south end, looking east. Location and naming data supplied by Edward Talbot to whom go my grateful thanks." /> LMSR steam locomotive
No location known for this shot but I think it could be Camden shed. Fowler designed Royal Scot 4-6-0 6135 The East Lancashire Regiment looks as if it's having more than just a standard wash and brush up. If it is at Camden then it's worth pointing out that when I visited that shed in the mid-50's there were signs warnign crews about the production of unnecessary and unwarranted smoke. Note the Fowler compund 4-4-0 lurking in the background." /> LMSR steam locomotive
A rousing sight even if the pilot loco's front end isn't quite pin sharp. Fowler 2P 674 and a highly burnished but unidentifiable Fowler Royal Scot double-head what is almosy certainly a Scottish express but where? Crewe?" /> LMSR steam locomotive
A selection of LMS pre-grouping locos would look odd if there wasn't a shot of a Cauliflower amongst them and so we have one here. 8430 was a Webb designed 0-6-0 dating from 1897 and is depicted here just south of Cambridgeon February 5th, 1938. This would have been a train bound for Sandy, Bedford and probably right acrosss to Oxford." /> LMSR steam locomotive
A super portait of a ex-LNWR Super D. Bowen Cooke 0-8-0 9403 at Bletchley shed on June 3rd, 1938." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

LNER and predecessors' motive power

Wed Dec 10 2008

Wednesday 10 December 2008: A broad selection of Eastern, North Eastern and Scottish vintage photos featuring steam locos, tolling stock and one NER railcar.
Clipstone, firmly in Great Central territory, is the location for this shot of ex-GCR Robinson designed O4/3 2-8-0 No 63852 on March 15th, 1952. The engine was built in 1919 and worked until 1964 when it was withdrawn from Staveley mpd." /> There are, however, serious question marks regarding those notes as pointed out by Brian Green and Brian Easter and this is a somewhat lame attempt at sorting their contributions into some semblance of order.
Ipswich shed never had a K1 allocated to it is the first discrepancy but the less than sharp plate, when magnified at high definition, certainly looks as if it does, indeed, say 32B. As there is a lack of image clarity I would suggest that it is, in reality, 31B (March) which was the home shed for 62014 at that date. The next mystery is the working itself as 9/7/50 was a Sunday and it�s highly unlikely that the Harwich train ran on that day of the week. Also pointed out by my knowledgeable informants is that the head signals indicate a class B local passenger train whereas the Boat express would have displayed the class A express headlamp code.
The only reasonable conclusion that I can reach is that 62014 is standing in for a 31B B17 and is about to embark on the journey back to her home territory with a lesser train than a Harwich Boat express which she would very likely have never hauled in her working life in any case except as substitute motive power for a failed loco." /> This shot is taken from a colour 35mm negative of the period hence the poor quality. 62484 was withdrawn from service in 1961 at Hawick mpd." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Steam, diesel and gas turbine on shed or in works

Thu Sep 25 2008

Thursday 25 September 2008: Steam, diesel and gas turbine on shed or in works
Steam on Shed
34A King's Coss mpd, or Top Shed as it was commonly known, plays host to an array of East Coast pacifics as was usually the case and on this occasion Gresley A4 No. 60032 Gannet is the leader of the pack. The approximate date of this shot is April 1951 and the loco is in BR blue livery. Perhaps someone would be so kind as to confirm or otherwise that the livery and date are compatible." /> Steam on Shed
The jury will be forever out as to whether or not this loco is aesthetically pleasing. Personally, I found it to be ungainly. This is Thompson pacific 60501 Cock o' the North which was the 1943 rebuild from Gresley's handsome P2 class 2-8-2 of 1934 which bore the same name. The location is York mpd on July 16th, 1950.
The Cock may have had northern aspirations but he 'went south' in February 1960 and was dismantled at Doncaster in April of that year." /> Steam on Shed
Allegedly, some Gresley V2 prairies were having severe steaming problems in the early 1950's which was starnge as they are popularly known as being 'The Engines That Won The War' during which period they hauled prodigious loads with seeming ease. The reason for this apparent aberration aren't for discussion here though.
The proposed solution was to send 60845 to Swindon's test plant in May 1952 where she stayed for a year by which time the problem had been definitively sorted out under the auspices of the redoubtable S. O. Ell (I think).
Here we see 60845 on March 23rd, 1953 near the end of her residence at Swindon and in the unlikely company of a Collett tender whilst her own tender can be seen in the background. " /> Steam on Shed
An impromptu visit to Eastfield shed Glasgow on a balmy May evening in May 1966 provided this none too brilliant shot of Thompson B1 4-6-0 No. 61008 Kudu in use as the shed's stationary boiler." /> Steam on Shed
We're getting well into my own era of interest with this one and quite a few others in this set of images
Holden original condition B12 4-6-0 No. 8520 with ACFI water feed and in LNER apple green livery presents a handsome spectacle at Cambridge on May 20th, 1937. " /> Steam on Shed
A pre-war view at Eastfield shed, Glasgow of what I know as a 'Scotch Director'. No 6394 Lord James of Douglas entered service post-grouping in 1924 to a J. G. Robinson D11 design originating with the GCR. The loco immediately behind the D11/2 is Reid D34 4-4-0No. 9153 Glen Fruin." /> Steam on Shed
When Wilson Worsdell D20 4-4-0 No. 62341 was depicted here at her home shed of Selby on October 15th 1950 she had a shelf life of only five months as withdrawal came in March 1951. The shot is of especial interest as the tender appears to have been appropriated from a D49.
Also of interest in this picture is that carriage in the background. Has anybody useful data that I could add to this text please?" /> Steam on Shed
If there could ever be any doubt as to just how aesthetically pleasing a locomotive profile can be to the human eye then this delightful side view of Gresley/Holden D16/3 4-4-0 no. 62613 at March mpd shou;d dispel such thoughts. The slide was taken on April 10th, 1960 at her home shed and little did she know that her demise was but six months away." /> Steam on Shed
Wilson Worsdell of the North Eastern Railway cetainly knew how to create a feast for the human eye. Here we see an example of his 1910 design of C6 atlantic class in LNERl;ivery and bearing the no. 697. The loco was withdrawn in 1945 from Hull (Dairycoates) shed after a relatively short life of only 35 years.
I have no knowledge of the date or location of this shot but there might be a clue as to the latter as there's what seems to be an Ivatt 2-8-0 in the background which suggests that 697 might well towards the south of her home ground. " /> Steam on Shed
Holden drawing office created some sweetly designed locomotives and this class certainly fitted that picture. This shot of ex-GER F7 2-4-2T No. 8307 fits that image very well. The loco was built in 1909 at Stratford works and remained in service until 1943.
I should point out that, in my opinion only, this negative could well have been copied from a print." /> Steam on Shed
The ubiquitous workhorse of the Great Eastern was T. W. Worsdell's J15 class of 0-6-0 which lasted into the 1960's. This less than sharp and undated image is included because it depicts ex-works 65477 at Stratford attached to a very dirty oil carrying tender which,not all that legible here, has both LNER and BRITISH RAILWAYS visible on its side panel." /> Steam on Shed
Everybody seems to love a 'Toby' and I'm no exception. We normally expect to see them 'kilted' but the reality is probably that most weren't. This is Holden designed J70 0-6-0T No. 8224 at an unknown location but perhaps somebody recognises the distinctive backdrop. Mo. 8224 was built in 1921 at the GER's Stratford works and survived into BR ownership and was withdrawn from Ipswich shed in 1952.
Paul Goldsmith has kindly pinpointed the location as Colchester shed by the coal stage i.e. theColchester Station side of the shed building. The coal bank was altered in the early 1930s when a Mitchell light weight tub elevator was installed for coaling locos. A tram engine was allocated to Colchester to work the dock lines." /> Diesel on Shed
A nice portrait of the prototype DP1 DELTIC at 1B Willesden shed. DP1 was allocated to the Midland region from her introduction in 1955 and was allocated to Willesden from October '56 until January '59 after which she moved to the GN section of the Eastern region. I was privileged to ride behind Deltic in September '60 on a hair raising ride in a Gresley coach between Peterborough and Finsbury Park. The Stanier 8F in the background is No. 48666." /> Steam on Shed
Fowler 4P compund 4-4-0 No. 1144. Neither the date nor the location is known." /> Steam on Shed
Handsome and functional Stanier 2-Cyl 2-6-4T 42639 at darlington on May 2nd, 1964. the Gresley A3 in the background is 60045 Lemburg which was the stand-by engine on that and apparently most other days." /> Steam on Shed
45479 is one of the ubiquitous and ever popular Stanier Black 5's which was photographed by my brother on one of his 1964 jaunts. This shot is a good example of the way in which Scottish smpkebox number plates differed from their siblings to the south. The location is St Margaret's mpd in Edinburgh. The loco was withdrawn from service at Ardrossan in May 1964 according to my only reference source and this shot was taken around that time." /> Steam on Shed
No. 5542 was one of the so-called Baby Scots which were nominal Fowler rebuilds of Claughton class 4-6-0's. The loco is depicted here in commendably clean condition at Camden on November 10th, 1935. 5542 never bore a name in its rebuilt form and wasn't subsequently further enhanced. It survived until June 1962 when it was withdrawn from service at Nuneaton shed (2B) after 31 years of noble service." /> Steam on Shed
Stanier Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45573 Newfoundland on shed at Kettering on March 28th, 1965." /> Steam on Shed
46100 Royal Scot has been nicely bulled up for a Crewe works open day in August 1951." /> Steam on Shed
Green liveried Stanier pacific no. 46242 City of Glasgow reposes at Carlisle Kingmoor in July 1963." /> Steam on Shed
An interesting shot this if for nothing else that the location which is Perth North shed (29A) that was closed in 1938. Fowler Crab 2-6-0 2808 with snow plough fitted is seen reposing inside that shed on March 19th, 1936. 2808 was probably based in Scotland for most if not all its life and was withdrawn from service at Ayr in 1962 following 33 years of hard graft." /> Steam on Shed
A slightly less than sharp image of a loco type of which I have only this one negative. Stanier 0F 0-4-0ST 47003 was built by Kitson & Co. In 1932 and survived until withdrawal from Swansea East Dock in 1964. She's depicted here at Williamthorpe colliery on June 14th 1961. The occasion was obviously an enthusiasts' visit as the are was crawling with them but does anyone have a record or personal memory of the occasion?" /> Steam on Shed
If nothing else you'll usually find variety in my web galleries!
47865 is an 0-4-2ST with Bissel truck as designed by F. W. Webb for the LNWR back in 1901 and it remained in service until 1953. It's survival was at least partly due to its r�le as a Crewe works shunter. In ex-paintshop condition that's exactly where the loco is depicted during what is believed to have been August 1951." /> Steam on Shed
There's a sad and sorry tale attached to this picture which is one of my own slides. This is McIntosh class 439 0-4-4T No. 55204 which entered service on the Caledonian Railway in 1910 and was withdrawn from service at Perth shed (63A) in December 1962. But hang on, this was taken in late August 1964 and so she'd hung around for nearly two years but her days really were numbered by then as she was scrapped in the December of that year. That isn't the sad tale though. I also took a front threequsrter shot which was deposited with a well known archive magazine that seems to have lost it. Apart from a strictly controlled batch of submissions to Irwell Press which was managed in exemplary fashion I haven't allowedf a single original image to leave my prenises." /> Steam on Shed
We just didn't seem to manage 4-6-4 designs very well in this country did we as none had long working lives? This design, Rutherford 115 class 4-6-4T No. 11103 built by Kitson for the Furness railway, had a working life of only 20 years being built in 1920 and withdrawn in 1940. It is probable that this shot was taken after the loco's withdrawal from service which suggests that the location might well be Barrow-in-Furness which was its last shed." /> Steam on Shed
An interesting shot of Drummond S11 4-4-0 No. 30399 taken at Eastleigh. The stovepipe chimney did nothing for the loco's looks but the newly applied early BR unlined black livery is of interest where the cabside numerals are concerned. What is odd though is that the wheels all seem to be burnished and yet 30399 appears to be sandwiched between two withdrawn locos." /> Steam on Shed
The last of a class of four Urie G16 4-8-0T's, No. 495 is depicted here at Feltham mpd on May 6th, 1938. 495's only claim to fame is that, together with classmate 494, she had a week long busman's holiday on the longmoor Military Railway in 1954 but apart from occasional overhauls at Eastleigh never strayed far from home." /> Steam on Shed
Forlorn Adams T3 class 4-4-0 No. 571 awaits the cutter's torch at, probably, Eastleigh between 1943 and 1948." /> Steam on Shed
Drummond C14 class 0-4-0T No. 30589 in early BR livery photographed in poor light at Eastleigh. 30589 wore this livery during the period August 1948 until May 1951. She was built in 1907 and had a respectably long life of exactly 50 years mostly pottering around Southampton Docks." /> Steam on Shed
Was this the last steam engine to be serviced at Reading South shed? Maunsell S15, in sparkling condition, is depicted on that shed's turntable on May 2nd 1965 having brought the LCGB sponsored Wessex Downsman (2) railtour to Reading General from Waterloo." /> Steam on Shed
Athe end of 1962 saw the end of most pre-war SR locomotive classes including the splendid and much admired Maunsell Schools class of 4-4-0's. Here we see 30902 Wellington bathed in sunshine on an unspecified date at Nine Elms mpd which was her home shed." /> Steam on Shed
Another Maunsell 4-4-0 but this time of the L1 inside cylinder type. A nice portrait of 31788 with smoke leaving the chimney and a young lad posing next to the leading driving wheel. Neither the location, the date nor the identity of the lad is known but for how long? " /> Steam on Shed
This was taken in the goods yard near Wibledon's 'C' box on December 2nd, 1962 during the mid-tour break for the pair of Beattie 0298 class 2-4-0WT's 30585 and 30587. The juxta-positioned Maunsell 'U' class mogul 31796 was simply good fortune." /> Steam on Shed
Not many pre-war locos survived the Southern's 1962 cull but some of Maunsell's handsome 'W' class 2-6-4T's did. For a change this is a slide I took myself and the mount complete with data has also survived and so we know that 31913 was snapped at Norwood shed (75C) on July 14th, 1963 and still had another 10 months of service still to come." /> Steam on Shed
N15X 4-6-0 32333 Remembrance in malachite livery but with BR numbers applied. I had the displeasure of seeing this loco, by then in a sorry state but with plates still in situ, dumped and awaiting the cutter's torch at Brighton on June 23rd, 1956." /> Steam on Shed
Virtually ex-works Billinton E6 0-6-2T with later BR crest and in unlined black livery but neither the location nor the date is known." /> Steam on Shed
Although Marsh H2 atlantic No. 32424 Beachy Head gained justifiable fame within our hobby for being the last operation 4-4-2 tender engine in service in this country, this H2 example also deserves a mention for being a survivor of sorts. 32425 Trevose Head, seen here complete with nameplate but missing the dome cover, connecting and coupling rods, was officially withdrawn in September 1956 but gained a new lease of life when she was towed to Slade Green electric depot in the following December of that year where she was used as a stationary boiler until April 1957. The location for this shot isn't known but its presumed to be Slade Green and confirmation or otherwise would be appreciated.
The story of 32425 didn't quite end at Slade Green as she 'ran hot' near Three Bridges whilst being towed back to Brighton.
It was my privilege to actually ride behind 32425 during a trip to Bourne End GWR!!!! on July 29th, 1956." /> Steam on Shed
Stroudley A1 Terrier 0-6-0T No. 82 BOXHILL is a bald description of what is possibly a unique image of this fascinating loco. This is the only Terrier to have survived in original A1 condition and now forms part of the National Collection at York. The engine was withdrawn in 1946 following years of noble service as Brighton works shunter and was subsequently restored to the condition shown here. The picture was taken in June 1948 whilst the loco, together with the recently restored Adams 4-4-0 no. 563, were based at Guildford mpd where they were prepared to exhibition standard for the Waterloo Station Centenary Exhibition. From Chris Knowles-Thomas: The exhibition (photos, documents & models) ran from 14 - 25 June 1948. It implies rolling stock was only displayed on the 14th & 23rd. 82 Boxhill, Adams 563 and LSWR lavy brake compo, SR No. 6474, on both days plus 34017 Ilfracombe on day 1 and 21C159 Sir Archibald Sinclair on the 23rd. " /> Steam on Shed
Bulleid light pacific 34091 Weymouth wasn't far from the town it was named after when this shot was taken at Yeovil mpd in 1964. She was withdrawn from service at Salisbury mpd in September of the same year." /> Steam on Shed
The prototype Standard 3MT 2-6-2T 82000 looks to be just about ready to enter service in this early 1952 shot taken inside Swindon works." /> Steam on Shed
There are many unusual and perhaps one or two unique images in this set of around 50 images but arguably this one takes the biscuit even though the type of engine isn't on the favourites list for many enthusiasts. The picture itself has already generated minor controversy as it flies in the face of accepted wisdom on the subject of WD's on Southern metals
The location is Feltham mpd and the central character is WD 2-10-0 in steam, ex-works and bearinf the number 73784 whichwas later upgraded to the BR number 90760. The redoubtable Peter Kellett has delved into the available factual data regarding this class's brief forays into former SR territory and it transpires that a few 2-10-0's did work on ex-SR metals if only briefly. By a process of deduction Peter came to the conclusion that this shot was taken in February 1948. It was taken during a visit by a party of 'spotters on a bitterly cold, windy and snowy day all of which is apparent in other shots on the same roll of 35mm film." /> Steam on Shed
Ex-works Crosti boilered Standard 9f 2-10-0 92029 is nicely lit by the fading light in this undated view taken at Shrewsbury mpd. " /> Gas Turbine on Shed
The experimental Brown Boveri gas turbine 18000 tucked away somewehere inside Old Oak Common's complex on February 18th, 1951." /> Steam on Shed
GWR No. 642, photographed at Old Oak Common in 1919, was an Armstrong 0-6-0T built in March 1872 and withdrawn in March 1934. My thanks to Brian Bailey for filling in that gap in the black hole of GWR knowledge that I undoubtably have." /> Steam on Shed
Churchward small prairie No. 4571 on the turntable at what I was told is Bromyard between Leominster and Worcester whilst in charge of an SLS railtour on April 26th, 1958. Any further data on this tour would be appreciated not only for my own records but also as a useful addition to the sixbellsjunction web site. And did Bromyard really have a turntable?" /> Steam on Shed
GWR Castle class 5041 Tiverton Castle at Swindon on October 21st, 1962. 5041 was built in 1935 and lasted until December 1963." /> Steam on Shed
An impromptu visit to Southall mpd on 23/10/65 to photograph the unlikely presence of 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley being serviced elicited this view of the only other loco in steam as I recall. Beautifully lit are Collett prairie tank 6136 in steam whilst dragging 'dead' Stanier Black 5 44942 towards the shed itself. Black 5's had become commonplace on GWR metals in the London area by that time. I was working virtually next door to Paddington station and used to wander through there almost every lunch time. Steam wasn't always present but if it was than the likeliest locos would be panniers on ecs and the occasion Black 5 at the buffer stops." /> Steam on Shed
I no longer have a record of the date when this slide was taken but it was in 1965 and so not long before 6853 Morehampton Grange was withdrawn from service. The location for this side-lit shot is Old Oak Common mpd. By that time it seemed that almost all WR sheds were 'open house' for spotters." /> Steam on Shed
What a paint job! I was never a fan of Agfa colour film but when conditions were right it did a fine job. This outstanding portrait by the late Bill Potter - it is an original and not a copy - of GWR 4-6-0 6969 Wraysbury Hall was taken, obviously, outside Swindon works on July 23rd, 1961." /> Steam on Shed
Tucked away outside Swindon works early in 1952, probably in March, was this monstrosity in the form of Collett Manor class 4-6-0 No. 7818 Granville Manor.
A viewer has very kindly pointed me towards this concise note on the Erlestoke Manor web site that explains what this is all about:
"Manors were poor steamers as first constructed and faulty draughting arrangements were diagnosed in a series of tests at Swindon in 1951/2 carried out on 7818 Granville Manor. The draughting was modified and with a new chimney design the performance was transformed."" />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

British railway infrastructure

Tue Aug 26 2008

Tuesday 26 August 2008: A miscellany of past sights such as signalboxes, running-in boards, stations and bits 'n' bobs of railway furniture from mainland U.K. railways.
Railways Infrastructure
On Sunday May 2nd 1999 Pathfinder tours and the Yeovil Railway Centre ran two excursions from Yeovil - one in the morning and the other in the afternoon - from Yeovil Junction to Weymouth Quay. This unusual image views the yacht marina from a first class seat as the last train wound its tortuous way along the Weymouth Quay Tramway." /> Railways Infrastructure
Brighton mpd (75A) viewed precariously from the wall in Terminus Road during April 1963. There's the obvious Bulleid light pacific holding centre stage with one of those diseasel thingies also prominent. Less obvious are the E4 in steam and I recall counting eight locos in the shot and all from different classes! Note, also, the clear view of the line curving away towards London Road." /> Railways Infrastructure
Brighton mpd (75A) viewed from track level and seemingly snapped through the bottom of a bottle. Once again there's a rebuilt Bulleid light pacific in the shot whilst other definable locos are an Ivatt Mickey Mouse 2-6-2T, a Stroudley E1 0-6-0T and a Maunsell Q 0-6-0. The tenders seem to be C2X's." /> Railways Infrastructure
People rarely show themselves at the heart of railway pictures and so this shot (and one more in this set) are quite unusual particularly for the era from which they date. Peter Kellett has deduced that this 35mm film was shot in or very close to February 1948. What we see here is a locospotters visit to Feltham mpd on the erstwhile Southern but the only two locos in thsi view are unidentifiable WD 2-8-0's in close proximnity to the concrete coaling tower that is the most remembered feature of that shed. Note that both locos are bearing Westinghouse brake pumps and it's almost certain that they are still carrying their WD numbers.
So, what of the assembled personages? My guess, not such a wild one, is that they are from The Norbury Club which is still extant.
Does any viewer recognise a face?" /> Railways Infrastructure
People rarely show themselves at the heart of railway pictures and so this shot (and two more in this set) are quite unusual particularly for the era from which they date. Peter Kellett has deduced that this 35mm film was shot in or very close to February 1948. What we see here is a locospotters visit to Feltham mpd on the erstwhile Southern with a Drummond K10 4-4-0, an H15 4-6-0, a WD 2-8-0 and the concrete coaling tower that is the most remembered feature of that shed. Note that both locos are bearing Westinghouse brake pumps and it's almost certain that they are still carrying their WD numbers.
So, what of the assembled personages? My guess, not such a wild one, is that they are from The Norbury Club which is still extant.
Does any viewer recognise a face?" /> Railways Infrastructure
I was on my way from Glasgow to Euston when I snapped sparkling Stanier Jubilee 4-6-0 45562 Alberta nicely sunlit from the train window as we passed Carlisle (Kingmoor) shed in May but I have no note as to whether it was in 1966 or 1967. This brief view prompted me to break my journey and make my way on foot to the shed where I strolled around unchallenged. There were considerable delays on the resumed journey south and SWMBO wasn't overjoyed when I arrived at about 1 a.m. instead of the planned 7 p.m. or so." /> Railways Infrastructure
The classic panorama of Southall mpd (81C) on April 28th, 1963. The focal point is the pairing of a Collett Hall 4-6-0 and a BR Standard 2-10-0." /> Railways Infrastructure
Not long to go for Perth mpd (63A) as this shot was taken in late August 1966 and the shed closed to steam in May 1967. The lonely Gresley A4 pacific is 60034 Lord Faringdon which had been withdrawn from service only days before this shot was taken whilst the rest of that class would follow suit by the end of the month. It's often the periphary that 'makes' an infrastructure shot and the cars in this one date it as much as the rolling stock. Phil Hetherington has kindly pointed out that the blue car is a Standard 10 dating from 1954 - 56 and proudly proclaims that he owns two of that type." /> Railways Infrastructure
There's no doubting which railway this cast iron plaque emanates from - the Great Central - which was photographed in the lee of Dinting viaduct and one wonders if it survived.
Several viewers have written to me to point out that the sign is a boundary marker." /> Railways Infrastructure
A BR(NE) orange backed but very tatty running-in board at Haltwhistle on the Carlisle to Newcastle line. This shot is pointing towards Newcastle and it's a shame that the photographer didn't include the semaphore in the frame." /> Railways Infrastructure
This is a fascinating acquired shot of an LMSR running-in board snapped at Hellifield circa 1958.
Tom Burnham has kindly sent me this note: I'm no LMS expert but I believe the feature in the corner indicated the presence of buffet facilities at the station.
I'm no LMS expert either but that certainly rings a bell for me." /> Railways Infrastructure
The strips of film that contain this shot are, mercifully, of generally better quality than much that came from the same source. The subject is a running-in board at Monmouth (Troy) taken in 1958. The station closed to passengers in January 1959. There are more shots from that photographer's foray later in this collection of images." /> Railways Infrastructure
Also captured on film at Monmouth (Troy) station is this classic of railway furniture. This is a very GWR style of the 'Please adjust your dress before leaving'." /> Railways Infrastructure
Is this shot the star of this show? I fell in love with it the moment I saw the negative but I have no idea where or when it was taken. However, a reasonable guess is that this Fire Brigade handcart was taken in 1953 and also that it might have been photographed in the area when the Potters Bar bridge replacement works were ongoing. The photographer definitely visited PB, Cuffley and Hertford North during that day out." /> Railways Infrastructure
Winston Churchill display panel at the erstwhile Clapham Transport Museum in about 1969." /> Railways Infrastructure
Ravenglass & Eskdale board in the late 1950's." /> Railways Infrastructure
The Midland and Great Northern has had quite a following for as long as I can remember and so this charming portrait of South Lynn West signalbox taken in 1958 should tug at a few heartstrings. What's the betting that a viewer can positively identify the gentleman in the box's doorway?" /> Railways Infrastructure
LNWR and GNR Joint line signalbox at Scalford not a great distance from Melton Mowbray. The nearby station had closed in 1953 but the 'box looks to be in good order some five or six years later." /> Railways Infrastructure
GN & LNWR Joint again but viewer experise is needed here to unravel the name and precise location of this box called Stathern Station as the station had been renamed Harby & Stathern many moons before this late 1950's shot was taken. It looks to me to be a pretty isolated spot in Leicestershire.
Andy Rush has kindly sent me this note: "Harby & Stathern Station signal box was located at 27m 71�ch on the up (east) side of the line, just to the south of the former station. The box is listed by the SRS as having closed on 19/12/1968, but they make no comment as to its renaming. It is shown by its full title in the GNR 1912 Appendix and in the Summer 1939 LNER (GN Section) Nottingham District WTT, but the box nameboard photographed in April 1948 shows Stathern Station before Harby & Stathern station closed to regular passenger traffic on 07/12/1953."" /> Railways Infrastructure
The pretty Stathern Station signalbox in close-up." /> Railways Infrastructure
Not the best shot in the world. An unidentified Stanier Black 5 passes Boat of Garten signalbox." /> Railways Infrastructure
The famous Smallbrook Junction signalbox on the Isle of Wight as viewed from a passing train bound for Ryde circa 1960. " /> Railways Infrastructure
The handsome signalbox at Monmouth (Troy) in the months leading up to the station's closure to passenger traffic in January 1959." /> Railways Infrastructure
Major infrastructure works on the ECML when a bridge over a road was replaced in what I seem to recall was a single weekend as part of the widening out to four tracks.
In response to my request for date information I've received the following from Andy Rush: This looks to be bridge No.49 (Baker Street) at 12m 54ch immediately to the south of Potters Bar station. I have a picture of it in a similar state to this dated 14/04/1954 and another one dated 04/08/1954 showing the new up slow line span in place. The GN section Bridge Register is annotated 'new longitudes 1954/5'" /> Railways Infrastructure
Major infrastructure works on the ECML when a bridge over a road was replaced in what I seem to recall was a single weekend as part of the widening out to four tracks.
In response to my request for date information I've received the following from Andy Rush: This looks to be bridge No.49 (Baker Street) at 12m 54ch immediately to the south of Potters Bar station. I have a picture of it in a similar state to this dated 14/04/1954 and another one dated 04/08/1954 showing the new up slow line span in place. The GN section Bridge Register is annotated 'new longitudes 1954/5'" /> Railways Infrastructure
Major infrastructure works on the ECML when a bridge over a road was replaced in what I seem to recall was a single weekend as part of the widening out to four tracks.
In response to my request for date information I've received the following from Andy Rush: This looks to be bridge No.49 (Baker Street) at 12m 54ch immediately to the south of Potters Bar station. I have a picture of it in a similar state to this dated 14/04/1954 and another one dated 04/08/1954 showing the new up slow line span in place. The GN section Bridge Register is annotated 'new longitudes 1954/5'" /> Railways Infrastructure
Major infrastructure works on the ECML when a bridge over a road was replaced in what I seem to recall was a single weekend as part of the widening out to four tracks.
In response to my request for date information I've received the following from Andy Rush: This looks to be bridge No.49 (Baker Street) at 12m 54ch immediately to the south of Potters Bar station. I have a picture of it in a similar state to this dated 14/04/1954 and another one dated 04/08/1954 showing the new up slow line span in place. The GN section Bridge Register is annotated 'new longitudes 1954/5'" /> Railways Infrastructure
Richard Pike has sent me this image of the Potters Bar signal box panel that was removed from the box when the line was widened southwards to Hadley Wood.
Used with permission.
See more of Richard's Eastern Region signalling paraphenalia in his own web gallery. That page opens in a new window." /> Railways Infrastructure
The GCR cast iron plate shown in close-up elsewehere in this collection is now seen in its location in the lee of Dinting viaduct circa 1954. The distant loco appears to be a Robinson C14 4-4-2T." /> Railways Infrastructure
I shouldn't vent my spleen in front of the viewing public but I'm livid with myself over the caption for this acquired shot. The location, of course, is the extended Woodhead station which was adjacent to the south end of the tunnel of the same name. Not so long ago I tracked down what this occasion was but have mislaid whatever I noted at that time.
Phil hetherington suggests: The train in the background is running 'wrong line' which implies that the other tunnel is closed for some reason (probably engineering work), plus the wires are up and the new line fully ballasted - so this must be around the time of the changeover from the old to the new tunnels." /> Railways Infrastructure
The canterbury & Whitstable Railway's Invicta built by Robert Stephensom in 1832 is a miraculouys survivor in view of the fact that it was never a success in its working days. Todya it's kept under cover at the Canterbury Museum but for many years was stuffed and mounted on a plinth in Dane John Gardens which is where it is seen here. The date of the image isn't known but is probably from around 1949/50." /> Railways Infrastructure
The canterbury & Whitstable Railway's Invicta built by Robert Stephensom in 1832 is a miraculouys survivor in view of the fact that it was never a success in its working days. Todya it's kept under cover at the Canterbury Museum but for many years was stuffed and mounted on a plinth in Dane John Gardens which is where it is seen here. The date of the image isn't known but is probably from around 1949/50." /> Railways Infrastructure
A less than common view, there's usually a locomotive hogging the limelight, of the covered train shed at Peterborough North station in 1958. The dainty locomotive is Ivatt C12 4-4-2T 67398." /> Railways Infrastructure
Brentwood & Warley station in the early 1960's." /> Railways Infrastructure
Great Barr station - nice to have a clear view of a totem for a change - was an LNWR station built in 1899 to replace an earlier structure a short distance away. The station was renamed Hamstead in 1974 and remains open to this day." /> Railways Infrastructure
Lichfield Trent Valley Low Level on the WCML and carpeted in snow in the late 1950's. The enclosed stairway connects with the High Level station both of which were LNWR stations." /> Railways Infrastructure
Viewed from a snow covered platform on Lichfield Trent Valley Low level station as an Ivatt Mickey Mouse 2-6-2T scurries into the High Level station. The High Level station closed in 1988." /> Railways Infrastructure
The facade of Swansea's Victoria station which terminated the LNWR's foray into South Wales. It was closed by BR in 1964." /> Railways Infrastructure
Ebbw Vale High Level station on a dismal 5th January 1958 during a stopover in connection with the SLS sponsored last train over the LNWR's Brecon & Merthyr route. Any remembered characters in the picture?" /> Railways Infrastructure
Much has been written in the railway archive press about how we've romanticised the so-called 'Glorious Years' from 1947 thru' 1968. If ever there was proof of just how grubby our little world was then this shot of Carlisle Citadel station sums it up rather well." /> Railways Infrastructure
Penns for Walmley was a Midland Railway station situated on that railway's line that skirted Birmingham by turning away at Water Orton and travelling via Walsall to Wolverhampton. It was originally just Penns but was renamed by the LMSR in 1936 and closed in 1965." /> Railways Infrastructure
Blackpool Central station with two L&Y tank engines in the background. Infuriatingly, I read the tale of these two locos quite recently but didn't keep a note other than to recall that they were stationary boilers or some such. " /> Railways Infrastructure
I've been led to believe that photos of this station, Ryhall & Belmisthorpe, are very thin on the ground. It was a GNR station on the line from Stamford to Sleaford that existed for 103 years and closed in 1959.
I hadn't realised that the station was in Belmisthorpe rather than Ryhall and also that the village seems to have a different name from it's station as it now seems to be Belmesthorpe. There are no traces whatsoever remaining of this Rutland station as can be seen in the next picture. " /> Railways Infrastructure
Tom Burnham has been a constant supplier of information for my sometimes errant captions and he's come up trumps again here as it just happens that he has a friend who lives in Belmesthorpe. Note the current spelling by the way. That friend, John Walker, has kindly taken a 'now' shot of the erstwhile Ryhall & Belmisthorpe station and comments that:
"The shot is taken from the site of the crossing gates looking along the trackbed and what would have been the platform but there's no sign that there was ever a railway here."
HOWEVER, all is not what it seems as can be seen in the next picture in this sequence ..........." /> Railways Infrastructure
........... as hinted at in the caption for the previous image in this sequence there is more to be seen at Belmesthorpe.
Ralph Rawlinson wrote to me to say that the site had been extensively photographed a couple of years ago and the platform edges were visible then. John Walker has kindly revisited the site early on a Sunday morning and has confirmed that Ralph's claim is correct as shown above." /> Railways Infrastructure
Another less than brilliant shot technically but brimming over with interest. The shot was taken from the rear of a departing DMU at Keswick in the late 1950's. The Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 is 46457." /> Railways Infrastructure
Richard Bourne has kindly sent me the following detailed description for which my grateful thanks:
The location is Snowdown & Nonington Halt on the old London Chatham & Dover line from Faversham via Canterbury East to Dover. The halt was built to serve Snowdown Colliery, which was behind the sloping bank on the left side of the photograph.
The Wainwright 'D' is hauling an Up train, and is displaying the Dover line route code of a single white disc at the top of the smokebox. The signal at the end of the Down platform is an early SR lower quadrant mounted, unusually, on a concrete post. The signal became a colour-light and the platforms were rebuilt in pre-cast concrete for the 1959 electrification." /> Railways Infrastructure
Cranleigh station with an Ivatt Mickey Mouse 2-6-2T going about its business. Cranleigh was situated on the Guildford to Horsham line and closed in June 1965 along with the rest of the stations on that route. Sadly there's no trace of the station environment today." /> Railways Infrastructure
Baynards station with Ivatt Mickey Mouse 2-6-2T 41299 awaiting departure. Baynards was situated on the Guildford to Horsham line and closed in June 1965 along with the rest of the stations on that route but the good news is that it has not only survived intact but has been lovingly restored and maintained." />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Recent digital camera images of heritage scenes

Sat Aug 23 2008

Saturday 23 August 2008: I've never been a prolific photographer but I do take the occasional steamy pic with my digital camera as shown in this small collection. I just wish it wouldn't rain every time I do so.
Tangmere which is about 8 minutes down as she passes under Culliford Bridge on the approach to Dorchester South station.
Modern digital cameras have fantastic auto-focus capability but mine, a Fuji Finepix S5700, hunted as it couldn't differentiate between the 45� driving rain and the central subject. This shot is actually only a small part, less than a third, of the original image. " /> Tangmere which is about 8 minutes down as she passes the signal box on the approach to Dorchester South station.
Modern digital cameras have fantastic auto-focus capability but mine, a Fuji Finepix S5700, hunted as it couldn't differentiate between the 45� driving rain and the central subject. This shot is actually only a small part, less than a third, of the original image. " /> Tangmere which is about 10 minutes down as she passes through Dorchester South station with relative haste and sounded, as ever, to be in fine fettle. Mercifully, the incessant rain we'd had all day had abated to just spitting level at this juncture but the heavens opened again before nightfall.
There is a scheduled stop at Dorchester but I can recall only a couple of the up trains actually doing so in the five years that I've lived here." /> Once again the weather intervened and after a relatively settled morning the rain set in again to greet the one hour late arrival of Stanier pacific 6233 Duchess of Sutherland as she hits the sharp curve prior to the brief stop at Dorchester South station." /> Once again the weather intervened and after a relatively settled morning the rain set in again to greet the one hour late arrival of Stanier pacific 6233 Duchess of Sutherland seen here as she restarts following the brief stop at Dorchester South station. The one occasional advantage of this type of weather is that steam locos do produce more evidence of their power source." /> Duchess of Sutherland is actually only about 20% of the original image hence the foreshortening effect and a slight lack of digital style image clarity. She was still running about an hour down and eschewed the scheduled stop here but rather ambled through the station before accelerating away past the green light at the other end. A bit of a damp squib really but at least there was no rain in the air." /> Duchess of Sutherland passing through the station in somewhat desultory fashion. A bit of a damp squib really but at least there was no rain in the air." /> Duchess of Sutherland finally puts on the style as she accelerates away towards Moreton and points eastwards.
This in't a particularly exciting loco portrait and the shot was something of an afterthought, a snap in other words. However, I've included it for a less obvious reason just for a bit of a chuckle unless the viewer is a member of the Politically Corrected brigade.
A friend was recently commenting on his wife's execrable driving and described her, tongue in cheek, as "Lacking in spatial awareness". Now take a good look at this picture with attention being paid to the two women who are pointing digital cameras. Everbody else (bar a gent who is looking at one of those women) is following the locomotive's movement but ........." /> Although my appontment had been at Swanage I was then directed to meet someone at Corfe Castle station and whilst there took this shot of 30053 which, wait for it, was planned albeit only in the minute or two before the train's arrival. Planned? We'll have none of that kind of talk around here! It worked out as I'd hoped but now take a look at the next image in this set . . . . " />
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Rail oriented queries

Tue Mar 30 2004

Tuesday 30 March 2004: Occasional queries collection
Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Electric locos and rolling stock

Fri Jul 4 2008

Friday 4 July 2008: Ilford, Southern, London Transport, the North West of England and much else for the lover of Britain's rich heritage of electricified railways.

Shildon Electric
26510 was one of ten Bo-Bo electric locos bult for the Shildon electrification scheme back in 1914/15. The locos were built at the NER's Darlington works with traction motors by Siemens. Funny how that firm's name keeps cropping up as I worked for them for a decade in Europe. All of this EB1 class were withdrawn as early as 1935 and were put into store but 26510 became one of life's survivors. Although the rest of the class were all withdrawn in 1950 and never turned wheels in anger again 26510 seems to have led a charmed life and had two further bites at the cherry firstly as a testbed for the Woodhead electrics and then, from 1949, as departmental shunter at Ilford depot in Essex where she's depicted circa September 1949. She soldiered on in that role as Departmental No. 100 until the curtain came down on her career in 1960." /> Woodhead Electric
Seen here at Guide bridge is EM1 class Bo-Bo electric loco No. E26036 in BR corporate blue livery but before the application of its TOPS number. " /> Shenfield Electrics

This and many other of my negatives, all horrendously scratched, at Ilford electric depot during a SCTS visit are undated. This shot and the next one depict the brand new washing plant being demonstrated. Does anyone have knowledge of the date when that occurred?
Of course someone does!
Ian Dudley informs me that this line's electric service opened for business in September 1949." /> Shenfield Electrics

This and many other of my negatives, all horrendously scratched, at Ilford electric depot during a SCTS visit are undated. This shot and the previous one depict the brand new washing plant being demonstrated. Does anyone have knowledge of the date when that occurred?
Of course someone does!
Ian Dudley informs me that this line's electric service opened for business in September 1949." /> Shenfield Electrics

The note accompanying this shot states that it was taken during 1950 and the set is depicted entering the up electric line platform at Romford." /> Shenfield Electrics

Where it all began for your truly !!!

This is Norbury station looking towards Thornton Heath and the footbridge in the background is where I and my brothers honed their trainspotting skills. 4-SUB unit 4173 is the centrepiece of this quite delightful view but the date is not known." />

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Bulleid's fine steam locos in colour and B & W

Sat Apr 26 2008

Saturday 26 April 2008: OVSB's steam and electric locomotives including 36001 Leader.

YEOVIL attached to No. 34004 when in its original, air-smoothed state." /> BIDEFORD attached to No. 34019 " /> WINSTON CHURCHILL attached to No. 34051." /> BIGGIN HILL attached to No. 34057." /> Aberdeen Commonwealth." /> Clive Standen writes, "This view is very similiar to the one that one would get looking northwards from the north mouth of Strawberry Hill tunnel towards Grove Jcn on the Hastings line just south of Tunbridge Wells Central station. There is a footbridge at that location that carries a path called Willow walk or similiar. If it is then it would be a Hastings line down freight."" /> Trevone and which entered service in November of that year, is partially built to the point where the cab is being constructed." /> Bulleid Locos in Strange Places!
West Country pacific 34005 Barnstaple saw action in many parts of the country during the 1948 Locomotive Exchanges and here we see her united with a Stanier tender somewhere on the Midland region but I know not where although the location has a distinctly North London feel to it.
Tim Hayes has kindly e-mailed me to suggest that the location is the up fast line at Cricklewood station.

It's rare indeed for me to digitally alter an image but this one has received such treatment in order to rid it of the areshole who plonked himself in front of the rest of us about 80 yards up the line just as the train came into view." /> Sir Archibald Sinclair accelerates through Clapham Junction station whilst Drummond M7 30241 potters about at stage left." /> 17 Squadron." /> Brentor imbibing a tank of water before its thrash towards Waterloo." /> Union Castle storming up Honiton bank. the date isn't known but note that the cabside number and SOUTHERN legend on the tender appear to be in raised numbering/lettering and the stock appears to be entirely of Maunsell design." /> Canadian Pacific more familiarly known these days as Canpac." /> General Steam Navigation in this fine portrait of a much lamented design loss.
Some useful additional notes from Derek Phillips: the tail lamp suggests the loco has arrived from Wilton South light engine after the engine changeover. The signal gantry is carrying the up inner home signals for Salisbury station with the distant arms fixed at caution, whilst the loco is coming on to the coaling line and is just inside the yard." /> United States Lines in Blue livery is coupled to a Bulleid coach in plum & spilt milk livery with another of the same ilk in the background." /> United States Lines is captured on film whilst hauling a down Sunday Bournemouth Belle past Wimbledon 'C' box on a May Sunday in 1966." /> Blue Funnel within the confines of Bournemouth Central station." /> Rotterdam Lloyd making good progress somewhere around what I think is Surbiton. One can't be certain from a distant monochrome image but I'm pretty sure that the loco is in BR blue livery." /> British India Line displays the merest wisp of steam at the safety valves as she heads the Bournemouth Belle near New Milton." /> East Asiatic Company.
Jeremy English has suggested that the location could well be Templecombe but can anyone confirm this or otherwise for us please?" /> Clan Line has been bulled up at Nine Elms mpd in preparation for its involvement in the haulage of one of the BR sponsored Last Steam specials from Waterloo on July 2nd, 1967. I have no record of the date of this slide but I suspect that it was taken on the evening prior to the trip. Note that there's no coal visible in the tender. " /> Clan Line approaching Wimbledon 'C' box with a Last steam special on July 2nd, 1967." />

Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Isle of Wight railways from the steam age

Sun Apr 20 2008

Sunday 20 April 2008: The earlier images in this set were taken in 1950 whilst the others are probabl;y all from the sixties. The three classes of loco, A1X, E1 and O2, are all represented here together with some rolling stock images and a bit of infrastructure.

Isle of Wight steam days
Luggage labels from the Isle of Wight. The pre-grouping examples were collected prior to 1952 when a collector found during a bicycle tour of all the island's stations that not a single pre-grouping label remained in situ.
Selected colourful sections from my collection can be viewed in my luggage labels gallery.
THAT PAGE OPENS IN A NEW WINDOW." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W15 Cowes in early BR malachite livery at Newport" /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W29 Alverstone in BR lined black livery at Newport" /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W31 Chale in early BR malachite livery at Newport" /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W31 Chale in early BR malachite livery at Sandown" /> Isle of Wight steam days
Ex-works BR lined black livery adorns this unidentified Adams O2 0-4-4T as it decelerates for its station stop at Sandown" /> Isle of Wight steam days - IoW rolling stock.
Ex-LBSCR brake 3rd S4163 saw out 29 years of its life on the island arriving in 1937 and being withdrawn in 1966. It's seen here parked next to Newport station." /> Isle of Wight steam days - IoW rolling stock.
Ex-SECR brake 3rd no. S4135 parked next to Newport station. This coach arrived on the Isle of Wight in May 1948 and remained in service until September 1966." /> Isle of Wight steam days - IoW rolling stock.
Ex-SECR composite S6371 had but a short existence on the island as it arrived in May 1948 and was withdrawn in June 1956. It's seen here parked next to Newport station." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Stroudley E1 0-6-0T W2 Yarmouth evidently in store at Newport mpd." /> Isle of Wight steam days - IoW rolling stock.
The vehicle depicted is S6987 a PP Driving Brake Composite used on the Ventnor West branch. It was built as a composite by the LBSCR (No.646) becoming SR No. 6238. Converted to DBC and sent to the IoW 31/5/1938.It was withdrawn 8/5/54. It either worked alone or with another PP set, originally with the PP fitted terriers and later one of the two PP fitted 02s. The stations named on the side panel are Merstone (top line), St. Lawrence (middle line) and Ventnor West (bottom line).
Notes supplied by Glen Woods." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Stroudley E1 0-6-0T W4 Wroxall in early BR malachite livery at Newport mpd." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W29 Alverstone in BR lined black livery at Newport mpd." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Stroudley E1 0-6-0T W1 Medina and classmate W4 Wroxall in early BR malachite livery at Newport mpd." /> Isle of Wight steam days
W33 Bembridge in early BR malachite livery at Newport" /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W31 Chale in early BR malachite livery at Newport" /> Isle of Wight steam days
A nice view across Newport station with the ex-LBSCR motor end in the background." /> Isle of Wight steam days
A wider view across Newport station with W31 Chale to the fore and the ex-LBSCR motor end in the background." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W21 Sandown in BR lined black livery reverses into Newport station" /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W16 Ventnor in BR lined black livery at Newport station" /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W30 Shorwell in BR lined black livery at Newport station" /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W30 Shorwell in BR lined black livery leaves Newport." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Stroudley E1 0-6-0T W3 Ryde being appreciated by RCTS visitors at Newport." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Stroudley E1 0-6-0T W3 Ryde in early BR malachite livery runs around its train at Cowes." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Ningwood station sees the arrival of what is probably W30 Shorwell." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W30 Shorwell awaits departure from, probably, Ningwood station." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W32 Bonchurch takes on board a fresh supply of water at, appropriately, Freshwater" /> Isle of Wight steam days - IoW rolling stock.
S2411 was an ex-LBSCR 48' eight compartment third which entered service on the island in May 1936 and became an integral part of set no. 489. the coach was withdrawn from service on 18/2/56. It's seen here ex-works in the rather incongruous suburban red livery of the period " /> Isle of Wight steam days - IoW rolling stock.
Ex-SECR compartment 3rd no. 2458 arrived on the island in May 1949 and survived until near the end of steam operations being withdrawn in February 1966 and cut up in the November of that year. Here we see the coach newly liveried in BR suburban red. please excuse that term but I really don't want to become embroiled in the continual debates over what that li9very was actually called and particularly what shade of red was used. I have my own views on the latter subject and much of what I've seen posted to e-groups has been in the realms of cloud-cuckoo land and cobblers into the bargain." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W32 Bonchurch is ready for departure from Ventnor West station whilst in charge of an RCTS tour of the island's railways." /> Isle of Wight steam days
One for the modellers. The vista from the end of a platform at Sandown looking towards Ryde." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W32 Bonchurch in early BR malachite livery at Sandown." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W32 Bonchurch in early BR malachite livery at Sandown." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W14 Fishbourne in BR lined black livery at Bembridge." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W14 Fishbourne in BR lined black livery at what I think is Brading.." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W15 Cowes in BR lined black livery arrives at Brading.." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W14 Fishbourne in BR lined black livery at Brading.." /> Isle of Wight steam days
An unidentified Adams O2 0-4-4T in charge of what I believe to be a Bembridge branch train." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W18 Ningwood departing from Ventnor." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W21 Sandown at Ryde mpd." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W22 Brading eases into Ryde Pier Head station." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W28 Ashey arriving at Ventnor. Note the shocking state of the smokebox." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W28 Ashey on shed at Ryde." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Nameplate on tank side of Adams O2 0-4-4T W30 Shorwell." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W30 Shorwell departing from Ventnor." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W31 Chale at Ryde mpd." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W32 Bonchurch at Ryde mpd." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W35 Freshwater eases its way along Ryde Pier Head station." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W35 Freshwater at what I think might be Newport." /> Isle of Wight steam days
Adams O2 0-4-4T W35 Freshwater at Newport." />

Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Rear end, going away and from the window shots.

Sun Apr 13 2008

Sunday 13 April 2008: Rear end, going away and from the window shots.

Grand Parade leaves Newcastle for points north circa 1958/9. Tom Burns points out that the elevated signal box was demolished in 1959 and the tender bears the BR cycling lion logo." /> For further and excellent web-based data on the subject of the Ashbury coaches please refer to the Bluebell site's web pages. That page opens in a new window.
" /> Churnet Valley Railway (opens in new window), was a former North Staffs (NSR) outpost that here plays host to Stanier 4MT 2-6-4T 42609 in 1960." /> Dave Lord has kindly sent me the following data: "This is the tour of 5th May 1957, of which there is a report in the SLS Journal for 7/57. 5 coaches started at Manchester Exchange as the rear half of an excursion to Bangor behind 45582. 42366 officiated from Bangor, with 42356 assisting on the Bethesda branch. After that, it went Bangor-Nantlle-Caernarvon-Llanberis-Menai Bridge-Llanfair-Bangor, then back to Manchester behind 45582. The tank locos faced towards Chester. The location is Llanfair and the electric pylon on the right matches the OS map!"" /> I was led to believe that the location is Oxenholme but a correspondent has pointed out that it definitely isn't. He's suggested that Carlisle is more likely.

Any ideas anyone?
" /> Derbyshire seen departing from Sheffield (Midland) which was probably a rare event for this class." /> Elders Fyffes was snapped at the head of an inter-regional working near Sway in May 1958." /> Lapford was nicely turned out for the Surrey Downsman railtour on March 5th, 1967 but ended up with an almighty struggle on her hands on the climb from Tulse Hill to West Norwood Junction. The line is not only a steep incline for a heavily loaded steam engine but is also on a sharp curve. Add the propensity for the infamous Bulleid 'slip' into the equation olus damp condiotions and one has a recipe for an interesting standing start. With not a little help from 75077 the train finally reaches West Norwoood Jct. signal box at less than walking pace." /> Clan Line accelerates away from the obligatory Wimbledon spedd restriction with the BR sponsored end of SR steam special on July 2nd 1967." /> Lord Beaverbrook but the pilot loco is not identified. the shot was taken in August 1958." /> Ilfracombe i the van. Just about visible in the original image is the banker which was a decidedly grubby Bulleid light pacific. Here we see the back end of the train with loco still unidentifiable but it's not a bad shot of Pullman car Cynthia." /> The sixbellsjunction railtour web site has such a tour listed for 2/5/64." /> King Henry VI was retained in usable condition for the 'Farewell to the Kings' railtour which ran on April 28th, 1963. The tour was snapped by your truly as it passed through Greenford station after which it took a sharp right turn and headed for an intermediate water stop next to Southall mpd." /> Cookham Manor eases past the camera at Hanwell & Elthorne station." /> Horsley Hall at the unlikely location of the Oxted line platform, East Croydon. Much has been written about this one-off incident and there's no point in repeating it here. What does confirm the location is the 6-PUL unit in the middle distance." />

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American archive material 1912 thru' 1960

Sun Apr 6 2008

Sunday 6 April 2008: Steam and electric traction from the USA. Articulateds to camelbacks to switchers to steeple cabs.

These locos are on display at Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. The photo would more likely date from 1979 on. Definitely after 1975, when the museum opened.
6755 was built in 1930 in the Juniata shops as a PRR class M1a. In 1944, it was reclassed as a M1b, after the modifications to the boilers.
6755 at the time of your picture would be in its M1b classifications.The other locomotive, 2846 is a Pennsylvania Railroad class H6sb, built by Baldwin 2-8-0 in 1905.

The PRR switched from round loco number plates to the keystone shape starting in 1930
" />

Published in Old Pix Brought to the Fore

Preserved steam locos in colour. Part 1.

Thu Mar 20 2008

Thursday 20 March 2008: Included here are both heritage railway images and steam on the main line. This set excludes the Bluebell railway which will be extensively covered in a future upload.

On 15th Septmeber 1963 they worked in unison on the Blue Belle railtour from Victoria to Brighton and collected the return working at haywards Heath. Here we see them storming into Purley Oaks station on the outward leg." /> Bodmin storms through Sherborne with a down Cathedrals Express but the date of this working escapes me." /> Swanage in service again but she'd failed before ever leaving the shed environs. A serious conflab is obviously under way at Ropley yard in that regard." /> Kinlet Hall and 5029 Nunney Castle snapped just after dawn at Bishop's Lydeard prior to taking their suupport coach to Taunton where they took charge of The Double Duchy railtour on April 7th, 2001.

I later photographed the departure at Silk Mills crossing but couldn't use the adjacent field as a vantage point because foot and mouth restrictions were still in place." /> Nunney Castle near Keinton Mandeville bears a Torbay Castle headboard on 4/8/01." /> Defiant on one of those workings to Stratford and is captured on film just after passing under the Bearley aqueduct." />

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