Past Circle Meetings: Autumn 2013
Monday 18th November 2013
MIKE TYACK: SOMEWHERE AROUND THE WORLD
We once again welcomed our old friend, Mike Tyack, back to the Circle to demonstrate his selection of worldwide steam scenes. Entitled Somewhere around the World, this was a two part talk, the first half being in traditional 35mm slides, and the second half in Medium Format 645. In the first half, Mike showed images taken over the last 40 years, and we opened with some mouth watering scenes taken on the Jing Tong line in China, which was a brand new line which opened to steam traction in September 1995. We then were treated to views of snow in the Gobi desert, including triple headed QJ 2-10-0s. By contrast, we then had a brief visit to Scotland, before heading to the rack lines of Austria, where we saw Class 97 tanks crossing Fordenberg Viaduct in July 1972. Next, we saw wonderful Class 78 4-6-4Ts at Vienna Nord shed, before heading to the southern half of the globe. In Australia, we were treated to Class 59 2-8-2+2-8-2 'Garratts,' and Standard Goods locos at Bonboy in Western New South Wales, before seeing the final run of the New South Wales Garratt No. 6029's final run in June 1982. This was followed by a visit to a narrow gauge line in Argentina, seeing Henshel 2-8-2s and Baldwin 2-8-2s on the 2ft 6in line, before a visit to South Africa. Here, we saw SAR 15ARs & 19Ds crossing The Felt, before visiting Cape Town shed and seeing a Class S2 0-8-0, and finishing off with some views of narrow gauge steam in Port Elizabeth. As we were treated to an NG/G15 leaving Port Elizabeth, many will reflect on how this will be possible in a few years time on the revitalised Welsh Highland once their repatriated NG/G15 is restored. We then stopped off in China again, to see steam near Beijing, before heading to Portugal and see Mallet tanks climb through the Durro Valley. Staying in Europe, we then headed to Germany, to see Class 50 2-10-0s and Class 23s on the Hoff line, before seeing the massive Class 475s on the Zummoral line in Czechlovakia and steam in Yugoslavia. Mike recalled her that photographing steam here got him into serious bother, when he was detained in a Communist cell! Next, we were off to Turkey, to see Class G82s in service on suburban service in 1985, before seeing freights at Izmir, in Western Turkey. We were then off to the world famous Dareeling Himalayian Railway, seeing British built Sharp Stewart 'B' Class
0-4-0STs, before seeing steam in Spain, and then returning to Africa, where we headed to Bulawayo shed in Zimbadwe, seeing 15 Class and 20 Class 4-8-2+2-8-4 'Garratts.' Mike recalled how this was the final time he felt this was a true, working shed as we were treated to a pair of Garratts in filthy condition simmering on shed. We then headed to the Plumtree line, seeing a Garratt hauling a tank train. In the second half, we were treated to scenes recorded on Medium Format, but all taken over the last 2 years, including scenes such as the Railmotor on the Looe branch, the T9 on the Bodmin & Wenford, 5526 and autos on the South Devon, and steam on the West Highland line. In all, we were treated to steam in over 15 different countries and continue to be grateful for Mike returning to the Circle once again.
We once again welcomed our old friend, Mike Tyack, back to the Circle to demonstrate his selection of worldwide steam scenes. Entitled Somewhere around the World, this was a two part talk, the first half being in traditional 35mm slides, and the second half in Medium Format 645. In the first half, Mike showed images taken over the last 40 years, and we opened with some mouth watering scenes taken on the Jing Tong line in China, which was a brand new line which opened to steam traction in September 1995. We then were treated to views of snow in the Gobi desert, including triple headed QJ 2-10-0s. By contrast, we then had a brief visit to Scotland, before heading to the rack lines of Austria, where we saw Class 97 tanks crossing Fordenberg Viaduct in July 1972. Next, we saw wonderful Class 78 4-6-4Ts at Vienna Nord shed, before heading to the southern half of the globe. In Australia, we were treated to Class 59 2-8-2+2-8-2 'Garratts,' and Standard Goods locos at Bonboy in Western New South Wales, before seeing the final run of the New South Wales Garratt No. 6029's final run in June 1982. This was followed by a visit to a narrow gauge line in Argentina, seeing Henshel 2-8-2s and Baldwin 2-8-2s on the 2ft 6in line, before a visit to South Africa. Here, we saw SAR 15ARs & 19Ds crossing The Felt, before visiting Cape Town shed and seeing a Class S2 0-8-0, and finishing off with some views of narrow gauge steam in Port Elizabeth. As we were treated to an NG/G15 leaving Port Elizabeth, many will reflect on how this will be possible in a few years time on the revitalised Welsh Highland once their repatriated NG/G15 is restored. We then stopped off in China again, to see steam near Beijing, before heading to Portugal and see Mallet tanks climb through the Durro Valley. Staying in Europe, we then headed to Germany, to see Class 50 2-10-0s and Class 23s on the Hoff line, before seeing the massive Class 475s on the Zummoral line in Czechlovakia and steam in Yugoslavia. Mike recalled her that photographing steam here got him into serious bother, when he was detained in a Communist cell! Next, we were off to Turkey, to see Class G82s in service on suburban service in 1985, before seeing freights at Izmir, in Western Turkey. We were then off to the world famous Dareeling Himalayian Railway, seeing British built Sharp Stewart 'B' Class
0-4-0STs, before seeing steam in Spain, and then returning to Africa, where we headed to Bulawayo shed in Zimbadwe, seeing 15 Class and 20 Class 4-8-2+2-8-4 'Garratts.' Mike recalled how this was the final time he felt this was a true, working shed as we were treated to a pair of Garratts in filthy condition simmering on shed. We then headed to the Plumtree line, seeing a Garratt hauling a tank train. In the second half, we were treated to scenes recorded on Medium Format, but all taken over the last 2 years, including scenes such as the Railmotor on the Looe branch, the T9 on the Bodmin & Wenford, 5526 and autos on the South Devon, and steam on the West Highland line. In all, we were treated to steam in over 15 different countries and continue to be grateful for Mike returning to the Circle once again.
Monday 2nd December 2013
PLYMOUTH RAILWAY CIRCLE ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
The Circle's Photographic Competition always achieves excellent results, and this year was to prove no different, with members entering images in the digital and print sections. Overall winner, awarded by the membership present on the evening and winning the coveted Wakelin Whistle was awarded to Stuart Hammond for his image of GWR 'Blue King' 6023 King Edward II approaching Swithland Sidings. The full list of awards was as follows:
WINNERS OF THE 2013 PRC PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION:
SECTION A: DIGITAL STEAM - The Wellington Cup:
1st: Stuart Hammond - 6023 King Edward II at Swithland Sidings on the Great Central.
2nd: Stuart Hammond - GWR Railmotor No. 93 at Crowcombe Heathfield.
3rd: Paul Maycock - SR 'Schools' 30925 Cheltenham on a freight on the Mid Hants.
SECTION B: DIGITAL NON STEAM - The David St John Thomas Cup
1st: Barry Stirman - Desiro DMU on shed at Momchilgrad, Bulgaria
2nd: Adrian Holland - A snacking French Sparrow
3rd: Bernard Mills - Nocturnal Teignmouth - 143169 on a Paignton - Exmouth working.
SECTION C: DIGITAL NON TRACTION - The Tyler Cup
1st: Adrian Holland - St Exupery TGV Station at Lyon Airport, France.
2nd: Richard Green - Three in One - Nameboards at Namur, Belgium
3rd: Richard Green - Sunrise over the City - Luxembourg station detail.
SECTION D: PRINTS - STEAM (7x5) - The Western Cup
1st: Paul Maycock - Ashes to Ashes - 6023 King Edward II at the end of the day
2nd: Paul Maycock - Working Shed - 3738 and 1466 inside the shed at Didcot.
3rd: Stuart Hammond - 4612 at Westheath with the Victorian coach.
SECTION E: PRINTS - NON STEAM (7x5) - The Anniversary Cup
1st: Paul Maycock - Diesel down the branch - D6737 amongst the trees on the South Devon Railway.
2nd: Stuart Hammond - Class 59/2 59202 crossing Blatchford Viaduct with the 7Z28 to Westbury.
3rd: David Goodyear - Dartside Delight - Drewry Class 04 shunter D2246 by the River Dart.
SECTION F: PRINTS - STEAM (A4) - The Presidential Shield
1st: Paul Maycock - To The Manor born - BR (WR) 7827 Lydham Manor on a milk train on the SDR.
2nd: Paul Maycock - Early Morning Mist - 30925 Cheltenham storms out of the early morning mist.
3rd: Stuart Hammond - 6023 King Edward II at Swithland on the Great Central.
SECTION G: PRINTS - NON STEAM (A4) - The Isambard Cup
1st: Stuart Hammond - 66034 shunts tanks at Tavistock Junction.
2nd: Stuart Hammond - Class 47 D1661 North Star leads 24081 past Roebuck Farm on the West Somerset.
3rd: Bernard Mills - Assistance Provided - 47237 and LMS Black Five 44932 at South Brent.
OVERALL WINNER - THE WAKELIN WHISTLE
Stuart Hammond - GWR 60xx 'King' 6023 King Edward II approaching Swithland on the GC.
The Circle's Photographic Competition always achieves excellent results, and this year was to prove no different, with members entering images in the digital and print sections. Overall winner, awarded by the membership present on the evening and winning the coveted Wakelin Whistle was awarded to Stuart Hammond for his image of GWR 'Blue King' 6023 King Edward II approaching Swithland Sidings. The full list of awards was as follows:
WINNERS OF THE 2013 PRC PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION:
SECTION A: DIGITAL STEAM - The Wellington Cup:
1st: Stuart Hammond - 6023 King Edward II at Swithland Sidings on the Great Central.
2nd: Stuart Hammond - GWR Railmotor No. 93 at Crowcombe Heathfield.
3rd: Paul Maycock - SR 'Schools' 30925 Cheltenham on a freight on the Mid Hants.
SECTION B: DIGITAL NON STEAM - The David St John Thomas Cup
1st: Barry Stirman - Desiro DMU on shed at Momchilgrad, Bulgaria
2nd: Adrian Holland - A snacking French Sparrow
3rd: Bernard Mills - Nocturnal Teignmouth - 143169 on a Paignton - Exmouth working.
SECTION C: DIGITAL NON TRACTION - The Tyler Cup
1st: Adrian Holland - St Exupery TGV Station at Lyon Airport, France.
2nd: Richard Green - Three in One - Nameboards at Namur, Belgium
3rd: Richard Green - Sunrise over the City - Luxembourg station detail.
SECTION D: PRINTS - STEAM (7x5) - The Western Cup
1st: Paul Maycock - Ashes to Ashes - 6023 King Edward II at the end of the day
2nd: Paul Maycock - Working Shed - 3738 and 1466 inside the shed at Didcot.
3rd: Stuart Hammond - 4612 at Westheath with the Victorian coach.
SECTION E: PRINTS - NON STEAM (7x5) - The Anniversary Cup
1st: Paul Maycock - Diesel down the branch - D6737 amongst the trees on the South Devon Railway.
2nd: Stuart Hammond - Class 59/2 59202 crossing Blatchford Viaduct with the 7Z28 to Westbury.
3rd: David Goodyear - Dartside Delight - Drewry Class 04 shunter D2246 by the River Dart.
SECTION F: PRINTS - STEAM (A4) - The Presidential Shield
1st: Paul Maycock - To The Manor born - BR (WR) 7827 Lydham Manor on a milk train on the SDR.
2nd: Paul Maycock - Early Morning Mist - 30925 Cheltenham storms out of the early morning mist.
3rd: Stuart Hammond - 6023 King Edward II at Swithland on the Great Central.
SECTION G: PRINTS - NON STEAM (A4) - The Isambard Cup
1st: Stuart Hammond - 66034 shunts tanks at Tavistock Junction.
2nd: Stuart Hammond - Class 47 D1661 North Star leads 24081 past Roebuck Farm on the West Somerset.
3rd: Bernard Mills - Assistance Provided - 47237 and LMS Black Five 44932 at South Brent.
OVERALL WINNER - THE WAKELIN WHISTLE
Stuart Hammond - GWR 60xx 'King' 6023 King Edward II approaching Swithland on the GC.
Monday 18th December 2013
ABOVE: LMS Black Five 4-6-0 44871 passes Milepost 71, near Corrour, on 20th October 2013.
Photograph: Copyright B. Mills / Classic Traction Images. www.classictractionimages.weebly.com
Photograph: Copyright B. Mills / Classic Traction Images. www.classictractionimages.weebly.com
BERNARD MILLS: THE MILLS RAILWAY YEAR 2013
Always a favourite amongst the Plymouth Railway Circle membership, the year always round off with the Mills Railway Year, and 2013 was to prove no different!! Bernard returned once again to show us the latest offerings of his wonderful images from the Mills lens. The year started with a visit to one of Bernard's favourite locations, the Bodmin & Wenford, as we witnessed the Mince Pie and Christmass specials from December 2012 and January 2013. As well as featuring local lines such as Bodmin, the South Devon and Launceston Steam Railway, we were treated to the 9 day epic 'Branch Line' gala on the South Devon in February, which featured the first visit of a GWR Railmotor to the Ashburton branch in over 100 years, and later we also saw the Railmotor during its visit to the West Somerset in March. For hydraulic fans, memories of the 1960s were rekindled on the West Somerset as 'Westerns' and 'Warships,' together with Class 35 'Hymeks,' worked over the Minehead line. Later, we were treated to steam over the Settle & Carlisle, as 70013 Oliver Cromwell rekindled the iconic 1T68 15 Guinea Special, before later seeing the return of LNWR steam to the Pontypool & Blaenavon in South Wales, during the visit of LNWR duo Webb Coal Tank 1054 (58926) and Class G2A 'Super D' 0-8-0 49395. However, for many, the photographic highlight was the epic 'Scottish Bash' to the West Highlands in November 2013, and we were treated images such as depicted above, as 44871 stormed across the West Highland Moors at Corrour and Rannoch. Bernard's talk concluded with a line that has always been close to his heart, the Plym Valley Railway, that now, with its new extension to Plym Bridge, Class 50 50017 Royal Oak, and the December 'Santa Specials,' when steam was top n' tailed, has now very much 'come of age.' The talk always coincided with the launch of Bernard's new book: "Backtracking around the lines east of Friary," which shows Bernard's historic images taken around Plymouth in the 1960s and 1970s, many of which can be purchased as downloads or prints via the Classic Traction Images website at: www.classictractionimages.weebly.com . SJA 19.1.14.
Always a favourite amongst the Plymouth Railway Circle membership, the year always round off with the Mills Railway Year, and 2013 was to prove no different!! Bernard returned once again to show us the latest offerings of his wonderful images from the Mills lens. The year started with a visit to one of Bernard's favourite locations, the Bodmin & Wenford, as we witnessed the Mince Pie and Christmass specials from December 2012 and January 2013. As well as featuring local lines such as Bodmin, the South Devon and Launceston Steam Railway, we were treated to the 9 day epic 'Branch Line' gala on the South Devon in February, which featured the first visit of a GWR Railmotor to the Ashburton branch in over 100 years, and later we also saw the Railmotor during its visit to the West Somerset in March. For hydraulic fans, memories of the 1960s were rekindled on the West Somerset as 'Westerns' and 'Warships,' together with Class 35 'Hymeks,' worked over the Minehead line. Later, we were treated to steam over the Settle & Carlisle, as 70013 Oliver Cromwell rekindled the iconic 1T68 15 Guinea Special, before later seeing the return of LNWR steam to the Pontypool & Blaenavon in South Wales, during the visit of LNWR duo Webb Coal Tank 1054 (58926) and Class G2A 'Super D' 0-8-0 49395. However, for many, the photographic highlight was the epic 'Scottish Bash' to the West Highlands in November 2013, and we were treated images such as depicted above, as 44871 stormed across the West Highland Moors at Corrour and Rannoch. Bernard's talk concluded with a line that has always been close to his heart, the Plym Valley Railway, that now, with its new extension to Plym Bridge, Class 50 50017 Royal Oak, and the December 'Santa Specials,' when steam was top n' tailed, has now very much 'come of age.' The talk always coincided with the launch of Bernard's new book: "Backtracking around the lines east of Friary," which shows Bernard's historic images taken around Plymouth in the 1960s and 1970s, many of which can be purchased as downloads or prints via the Classic Traction Images website at: www.classictractionimages.weebly.com . SJA 19.1.14.