Past meetings of the Plymouth Railway Circle: 2015
Monday 5th January 2015
ABOVE: In an image that symbolized the essence of 'Steam in Perspective,' and the subject of Mike Tyack's talk, LMS 'Black Five' 4-6-0 44871 crosses Rannoch Viaduct on 20th October 2013. Copyright: B. Mills / CLASSIC TRACTION IMAGES.
STEAM IN PERSPECTIVE by Mike Tyack
The Plymouth Railway Circle started 2015 with a talk from our old friend, Mike Tyack, about 'Steam in Perspective,' which covered steam both at home and abroad. We started with some mist and fog bound images which included GWR 14xx 0-4-2T 1450 in the Forest of Dean, before seeing the iconic Drummond T9 through thick fog on Corfe Common. Steam in china followed, with a pair of double-headed QJ 2-10-0s, before seeing glorious low cloud formations across the Highlands at Glenfinnan. Continuing in Scotland, a section on bridges quickly followed, which included the BR (ER) K1 2-6-0 crossing Lochy Viaduct, before we headed south to see celebrity 'Battle of Britain' 34067 Tangmere crossing Richmond Bridge and BR Standard 4MT 2-6-0 'Mogul' 76079 crossing Forder Viaduct in Cornwall, before we concluded with some views of Class 03 2-8-2s at work in Bulgaria. We then were treated to some steam engine atmosphere courtesy of Didcot and Barrow Hill, including such iconic locomotives as GWR 'Castle' 5051 Earl Bathurst and BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 92214 - in fact, the only thing at Barrow Hill that told us this was a current day scene, was the cleanliness of the shed roof! Worldwide steam followed, with a visit to Eritrea with some 0-4-4-0T 'Mallets, before looking at steam charters in Poland and the Wolzstyn steam experience, Bulgaria with Class 05 and 01 Pacifics double-heading, before looking at steam's final call in China on the Jing Tong pass. Mike told us wonderful stories of how restricted access to sheds had once been, but this was very much relaxed towards the end. Returning closer to home, we returned to the Swanage line again, before seeing some images of Fen Bog on the North Yorkshire Moors, and Paignton & Dartmouth line with BR (WR) 'Manor' 78xx 4-6-0 7827 Lydham Manor. Finally, we concluded with a trip to Eastern Germany, where we saw Class 50 'Kriegslok' 2-10-0s and narrow gauge steam in Bulgaria. A wonderful talk by Mike who gave us a renewed perspective on railway photography which encouraged us to approach the subject from a wider scope and different perspective. It also demonstrated how, even today, with increasing constraints, superb railway photography is still possible.
The Plymouth Railway Circle started 2015 with a talk from our old friend, Mike Tyack, about 'Steam in Perspective,' which covered steam both at home and abroad. We started with some mist and fog bound images which included GWR 14xx 0-4-2T 1450 in the Forest of Dean, before seeing the iconic Drummond T9 through thick fog on Corfe Common. Steam in china followed, with a pair of double-headed QJ 2-10-0s, before seeing glorious low cloud formations across the Highlands at Glenfinnan. Continuing in Scotland, a section on bridges quickly followed, which included the BR (ER) K1 2-6-0 crossing Lochy Viaduct, before we headed south to see celebrity 'Battle of Britain' 34067 Tangmere crossing Richmond Bridge and BR Standard 4MT 2-6-0 'Mogul' 76079 crossing Forder Viaduct in Cornwall, before we concluded with some views of Class 03 2-8-2s at work in Bulgaria. We then were treated to some steam engine atmosphere courtesy of Didcot and Barrow Hill, including such iconic locomotives as GWR 'Castle' 5051 Earl Bathurst and BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 92214 - in fact, the only thing at Barrow Hill that told us this was a current day scene, was the cleanliness of the shed roof! Worldwide steam followed, with a visit to Eritrea with some 0-4-4-0T 'Mallets, before looking at steam charters in Poland and the Wolzstyn steam experience, Bulgaria with Class 05 and 01 Pacifics double-heading, before looking at steam's final call in China on the Jing Tong pass. Mike told us wonderful stories of how restricted access to sheds had once been, but this was very much relaxed towards the end. Returning closer to home, we returned to the Swanage line again, before seeing some images of Fen Bog on the North Yorkshire Moors, and Paignton & Dartmouth line with BR (WR) 'Manor' 78xx 4-6-0 7827 Lydham Manor. Finally, we concluded with a trip to Eastern Germany, where we saw Class 50 'Kriegslok' 2-10-0s and narrow gauge steam in Bulgaria. A wonderful talk by Mike who gave us a renewed perspective on railway photography which encouraged us to approach the subject from a wider scope and different perspective. It also demonstrated how, even today, with increasing constraints, superb railway photography is still possible.
Monday 19th January 2015
Monday 2nd February 2015
In a taste of what Terry's talk on Pakistan and India entailed, Darjelling Himalayian Railways Class B 0-4-0ST No. 9 climbs beyond Kerseong, near Guam, with a Darjeeling-Himalayan working on 20th November 1975. Copyright B. Mills / Classic Traction Images - www.classictractionimages.weebly.com.
FAREWELL TO STEAM IN PAKISTAN AND INDIA by Terry Nicholls
The Circle once again welcomed our old friend Terry Nicholls back to Plymouth, this time to talk on steam in Pakistan and India. The first half of Terry's talk concentrated in North West Pakistan during February 1988, and we started by looking at the Rawalpinda to Kohl line, where we were immediately treated to the delights of a vintage SGS - Special Goods Superheated 0-6-0, a 5 ft 6 inch gauge oil burner that was built in Britain in the Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows on Merseyside during 1905 - 1921. Similar in appearance to a Midland 4F, there are of course three gauges in use in Pakistan, 5' 6," metre gauge and 2' 6" narrow gauge. Moving on, we were treated to the delights of the station crossing keeper at Nur, before seeing a GM diesel on the turntable. Photographed during a series of enthusiasts charters, we then followed Terry's exploits on a photo charter with two SGS superheated
0-6-0s, before ending the day with a wonderful silouette image of the SGS's glinted against some UK-type signals at the beautifully named 'Jam Junction.' The following day, we headed towards the Afghan Border and through the Pizu Pass on a 2' 6" narrow gauge line, worked by a ZB 2-6-2 Bagnall. Built in 1932, only ten of these locomotives were built, and it was interesting to note the wagon infront of the locomotive on the train - a precaution against the potential for bombing or lifting of the track. As if to illustrate the point, Terry then shew us a picture of 'ZB' No. 202 - dumped on shed after being blown up! Continuing through the harsh terrain of Pakistan, we then headed along the Pakistan / Indian border from Bahawalpur and through the Thar Desert. At Bahawalpur we were treated to what was one of the highlights of the evening, the mighty CWD: 5' 6" broad gauge Canadian War Department 2-8-2s tender locomotives, with 52 being built for Pakistan by the Montreal Locomotive Works in Canada. At
Bahawalnagar Junction, we then headed towards Hydrabad and the Mirphur Pass, before finally looking at Malakwal Junction and Shurkot shed - the final steam centre in Pakistan. In the second half, we concentrated on the Darjelling Himalayian Railway during a visit Terry made in 1999, and were treated to wonderful views of the line's traditional Sharp Stewart 0-4-0 Class B tanks climbing the 40 miles of continuous gradient. Built to 2' gauge, the line has a maximum gradient of 1 in 20 and is some 54 miles long, with forty of that on a gradient! In this section we saw iconic images of these legendary locomotives climbing towards the Himalayian mountain range through the ever changing countryside and amongst tea plantations and passed the local people. Terry gave a wonderful talk which left the audience certainly wanting more - thank you for a glimpse into these iconic and historic images of Indian and Pakistan in the 1980s and 1990s!
The Circle once again welcomed our old friend Terry Nicholls back to Plymouth, this time to talk on steam in Pakistan and India. The first half of Terry's talk concentrated in North West Pakistan during February 1988, and we started by looking at the Rawalpinda to Kohl line, where we were immediately treated to the delights of a vintage SGS - Special Goods Superheated 0-6-0, a 5 ft 6 inch gauge oil burner that was built in Britain in the Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows on Merseyside during 1905 - 1921. Similar in appearance to a Midland 4F, there are of course three gauges in use in Pakistan, 5' 6," metre gauge and 2' 6" narrow gauge. Moving on, we were treated to the delights of the station crossing keeper at Nur, before seeing a GM diesel on the turntable. Photographed during a series of enthusiasts charters, we then followed Terry's exploits on a photo charter with two SGS superheated
0-6-0s, before ending the day with a wonderful silouette image of the SGS's glinted against some UK-type signals at the beautifully named 'Jam Junction.' The following day, we headed towards the Afghan Border and through the Pizu Pass on a 2' 6" narrow gauge line, worked by a ZB 2-6-2 Bagnall. Built in 1932, only ten of these locomotives were built, and it was interesting to note the wagon infront of the locomotive on the train - a precaution against the potential for bombing or lifting of the track. As if to illustrate the point, Terry then shew us a picture of 'ZB' No. 202 - dumped on shed after being blown up! Continuing through the harsh terrain of Pakistan, we then headed along the Pakistan / Indian border from Bahawalpur and through the Thar Desert. At Bahawalpur we were treated to what was one of the highlights of the evening, the mighty CWD: 5' 6" broad gauge Canadian War Department 2-8-2s tender locomotives, with 52 being built for Pakistan by the Montreal Locomotive Works in Canada. At
Bahawalnagar Junction, we then headed towards Hydrabad and the Mirphur Pass, before finally looking at Malakwal Junction and Shurkot shed - the final steam centre in Pakistan. In the second half, we concentrated on the Darjelling Himalayian Railway during a visit Terry made in 1999, and were treated to wonderful views of the line's traditional Sharp Stewart 0-4-0 Class B tanks climbing the 40 miles of continuous gradient. Built to 2' gauge, the line has a maximum gradient of 1 in 20 and is some 54 miles long, with forty of that on a gradient! In this section we saw iconic images of these legendary locomotives climbing towards the Himalayian mountain range through the ever changing countryside and amongst tea plantations and passed the local people. Terry gave a wonderful talk which left the audience certainly wanting more - thank you for a glimpse into these iconic and historic images of Indian and Pakistan in the 1980s and 1990s!
Monday 16th February 2015
The Great Western Society's GWR Steam Railmotor No. 93 featured in Brian Aston's talk 'Magical Mystery Tour: Part 2,' and here we see this iconic piece of GWR engineering passing Pendewey Farm on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway on 13th October 2012 working the 1505 Boscarne Junction - Bodmin General. Copyright Bernard Mills / Plymouth Railway Circle.
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR PART II by Brian Aston
Returning from Cornwall, our old friend Brian Aston returned once again to give the Circle a wonderful music, lights, video and slide display entitled 'Magical Mystery Tour - Part 2.' Brian started his show with some archive slides of the famous Rainhill Trials, re-enacted in 1979, which was followed by Stephenson's replica Rocket visiting Truro and some mind-blowing publicity images recorded with Rocket beside a then almost brand new HST. This was quickly followed by Rocket's visit to the Bodmin & Wenford in 2014, where she was positioned beside famous LSWR Victorian motive power, such as the Drummond T9 4-4-0 30120 and Beattie well tank 0298 in Southern wartime black livery. Staying in Cornwall, we then saw Industrial steam at Falmouth Docks, where Falmouth Docks 0-4-0ST No. 3 was used on 23rd August 1986 in a grand steam finale to steam in the docks at Falmouth. Prior to their replacement by diesels, Falmouth at the time was the last place to see regular Industrial steam in this country, and this was followed by a brief look at the return of steam to the china clay lines at the Port of Par, when in 2002 Port of Par 0-4-0ST Alfred returned to the docks, as part of the staff open day at St Blazey. Two more segments followed on Industrial steam, firstly at Allied Steel & Wire at Cardiff, where Industrial steel steam age scenes were recreated using Austerity J94 0-6-0ST Whiston and GWR 15xx Hawksworth Pannier Tank 1501, before another photo charter took us to the now closed complex at Shelton Steel Works, near Stoke-on-Trent. The Severn Valley featured heavily in this presentation, and we were treated to such scenes as Class 52 'Western' D1062 Western Courier leaving Highley, an LMS Jinty renumbered as 7333 on a three coach LMS local, GWR Pannier Tank 7714 recreated the final days of steam on the line, as well as such classic GWR double-headers as GWR 73xx 2-6-0 Mogul 7325 piloting a 'Castle,' and LMS Ivatt 2MT Mogul 46521 piloting 7325 on a 'Cambrian Coast Express' recreation. In Part 2 we were treated to images of steam, diesel and electrics on such themes as 'Bridges' and 'Rain,' encompassing such scenes as double-headed Class 76s and Class 506 EMUs on the much lamented Woodhead route, Class 26s and 27s on the West Highland line around Fort William, and on the Far North line around Inverness, including views of the now lost (due to storm & water damage) Ness Viaduct. This was rapidly followed by a section on steam on the Cornish Main Line, including such locations as the viaducts at Treviddo, East Largin, St Pinnock, Coldrennick and Hayle to name but a few. In addition, we were also treated to classic steam power such as GWR 'Kings,' 'Castles' and 'Halls,' as well as LMS Black Fives, BR Standard 4MT Moguls, BR Britannia and SR 'Battle of Britain' Pacifics. Brian's presentation was sprinkled with video clips, and as highly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyed by all present as they were, I am sure the Circle found the clip of our friend, Bernard Mills, at Starcross over 20 years ago, the most delightful of all! I am sure there are many railway photographers and videographers who can all readily identify with the fact that we do not photograph and film our friends enough! Brian's talk finished with a 'Royal Tribute' as we celebrated the Royal Train in Cornwall, and this brought to a conclusion a film show that was thoroughly enjoyed by all present! Thank you Brian!
Returning from Cornwall, our old friend Brian Aston returned once again to give the Circle a wonderful music, lights, video and slide display entitled 'Magical Mystery Tour - Part 2.' Brian started his show with some archive slides of the famous Rainhill Trials, re-enacted in 1979, which was followed by Stephenson's replica Rocket visiting Truro and some mind-blowing publicity images recorded with Rocket beside a then almost brand new HST. This was quickly followed by Rocket's visit to the Bodmin & Wenford in 2014, where she was positioned beside famous LSWR Victorian motive power, such as the Drummond T9 4-4-0 30120 and Beattie well tank 0298 in Southern wartime black livery. Staying in Cornwall, we then saw Industrial steam at Falmouth Docks, where Falmouth Docks 0-4-0ST No. 3 was used on 23rd August 1986 in a grand steam finale to steam in the docks at Falmouth. Prior to their replacement by diesels, Falmouth at the time was the last place to see regular Industrial steam in this country, and this was followed by a brief look at the return of steam to the china clay lines at the Port of Par, when in 2002 Port of Par 0-4-0ST Alfred returned to the docks, as part of the staff open day at St Blazey. Two more segments followed on Industrial steam, firstly at Allied Steel & Wire at Cardiff, where Industrial steel steam age scenes were recreated using Austerity J94 0-6-0ST Whiston and GWR 15xx Hawksworth Pannier Tank 1501, before another photo charter took us to the now closed complex at Shelton Steel Works, near Stoke-on-Trent. The Severn Valley featured heavily in this presentation, and we were treated to such scenes as Class 52 'Western' D1062 Western Courier leaving Highley, an LMS Jinty renumbered as 7333 on a three coach LMS local, GWR Pannier Tank 7714 recreated the final days of steam on the line, as well as such classic GWR double-headers as GWR 73xx 2-6-0 Mogul 7325 piloting a 'Castle,' and LMS Ivatt 2MT Mogul 46521 piloting 7325 on a 'Cambrian Coast Express' recreation. In Part 2 we were treated to images of steam, diesel and electrics on such themes as 'Bridges' and 'Rain,' encompassing such scenes as double-headed Class 76s and Class 506 EMUs on the much lamented Woodhead route, Class 26s and 27s on the West Highland line around Fort William, and on the Far North line around Inverness, including views of the now lost (due to storm & water damage) Ness Viaduct. This was rapidly followed by a section on steam on the Cornish Main Line, including such locations as the viaducts at Treviddo, East Largin, St Pinnock, Coldrennick and Hayle to name but a few. In addition, we were also treated to classic steam power such as GWR 'Kings,' 'Castles' and 'Halls,' as well as LMS Black Fives, BR Standard 4MT Moguls, BR Britannia and SR 'Battle of Britain' Pacifics. Brian's presentation was sprinkled with video clips, and as highly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyed by all present as they were, I am sure the Circle found the clip of our friend, Bernard Mills, at Starcross over 20 years ago, the most delightful of all! I am sure there are many railway photographers and videographers who can all readily identify with the fact that we do not photograph and film our friends enough! Brian's talk finished with a 'Royal Tribute' as we celebrated the Royal Train in Cornwall, and this brought to a conclusion a film show that was thoroughly enjoyed by all present! Thank you Brian!
Monday 2nd March 2015
ABOVE: Part of the subject of David Goodyear's talk on Germany, narrow gauge steam is seen on the metre gauge Harzystem illustrated by 2-8-2T 99 7242-3. Copyright: David Goodyear / PLYMOUTH RAILWAY CIRCLE.
NO LONGER SEEING RED: GERMAN RAILWAYS TODAY by David Goodyear.
In this talk, we were treated to a trip around Germany in the early years of the 21st century, travelling via Holland, to see both national and privatised trains and traction, with a visit to some preserved steam lines. Starting in Holland, we started our european journey in Antwerp, where we looked at some of the typical trams and light transit systems before heading to Amsterdam, and then travelling through North West Germany, before venturing into Southern Germany and concluding in the Rhine Valley. Initially we headed to the Cologne district, seeing Class 408 DMUs, before looking at the branch lines around that area, and this was followed by a journey towards Hamburg, as we witnessed such classic sights as DB Class 218 'Rabbit' diesel-hydraulics on secondary and main lines, before seeing a hired Dispolok ER20 Euro-Electric. Heading towards Rensburg, we saw the amazing Kiel Viaduct across the Kiel Canal, which is a busy navigation channel that sees merchant shipping and passenger liners cross between the Atlantic and Baltic. Studying traffic on Westerland, we were treated to pairs of DB Class 215 diesel-hydraulics on car ferrys, as well as ex Norwegian State Railways 3550hp MAK DE 2700 diesels. We were treated to several of these diesels, which are absolutely immense, and weigh approximately 122 tons and have a top speed of 99mph, before seeing some truly classic traction in the form of Russian built ex East German Class 233 diesel-hydraulics. In contrast, we then headed to the narrow gauge system of the Rugan Steam Railway, seeing 0-8-2Ts and 2-8-2Ts tanks. Heading via Nordhausen, more steam was to follow, as we headed to the metre gauge narrow gauge system of the Harz system, seeing classic Harz narrow gauge 2-10-2 and 2-6-2 tanks, as well as the line's diesel hydraulic shunters, but the highlight was undoubtably a diesel unit (DMU) with trailer that dated from 1939. Moving back onto standard gauge again, we were then treated to dual voltage Class 185 electrics, more ex East German and Soviet built Class 232 hydraulics and some rare Class 204s, also hydraulic. Following this, we moved on to Lichenfels to see the amazing ICE-T 7 car tilting EMUs, and by complete contrast, we then headed to the DFS preserved line, where we saw an Ex East German Class 64 2-6-2T and wonderful vintage hydraulics, such as a 1950s built V60 MAK hydraulic and diminutive 1939 built Yung V36. Heading to Kurstdorf, we saw some Class 479 single car EMUs, before seeing more ICE Inter-City units and hydraulic DMUs at Steinach. Heading towards the Rhine Valley, we then saw Class 185 electrics on freight at Neustaut, before seeing some very rare traction in the form of a EBW-Cargo V300 and Class 181 dual-voltage electrics in the vintage blue & grey colour scheme which many so fondly remember. Heading to Lambreck, we were treated to some vintage German steam in the form of "Sperkbace," a former Industrial 0-6-0 tender locomotive built in 1904. A whistle stop tour of a local museum followed, where we were treated to sights such as a Prussian Type T3, an 'S36' No. 18505 built between 1908 and 1931 and used on Rheingold expresses, and a E17 electric. This fascinating talk concluded with a brief review at Engelskirchen, north of Cologne, before extensively reviewing operations in the Rhine Valley, which included Vectis DMUs, Class 116 and 162 electrics on freight, as well as older classes, such as the 110s, that were soon to be phased out. A highly entertaining talk that focused on a range of lines throughout Holland, as well as North West, North and Central Germany, and David is to be congratulated on covering such a variety of steam, diesel, diesel-hydraulics and electrics, sprinkled with a variety of light rail transit and tram systems that can be seen throughout Germany.
In this talk, we were treated to a trip around Germany in the early years of the 21st century, travelling via Holland, to see both national and privatised trains and traction, with a visit to some preserved steam lines. Starting in Holland, we started our european journey in Antwerp, where we looked at some of the typical trams and light transit systems before heading to Amsterdam, and then travelling through North West Germany, before venturing into Southern Germany and concluding in the Rhine Valley. Initially we headed to the Cologne district, seeing Class 408 DMUs, before looking at the branch lines around that area, and this was followed by a journey towards Hamburg, as we witnessed such classic sights as DB Class 218 'Rabbit' diesel-hydraulics on secondary and main lines, before seeing a hired Dispolok ER20 Euro-Electric. Heading towards Rensburg, we saw the amazing Kiel Viaduct across the Kiel Canal, which is a busy navigation channel that sees merchant shipping and passenger liners cross between the Atlantic and Baltic. Studying traffic on Westerland, we were treated to pairs of DB Class 215 diesel-hydraulics on car ferrys, as well as ex Norwegian State Railways 3550hp MAK DE 2700 diesels. We were treated to several of these diesels, which are absolutely immense, and weigh approximately 122 tons and have a top speed of 99mph, before seeing some truly classic traction in the form of Russian built ex East German Class 233 diesel-hydraulics. In contrast, we then headed to the narrow gauge system of the Rugan Steam Railway, seeing 0-8-2Ts and 2-8-2Ts tanks. Heading via Nordhausen, more steam was to follow, as we headed to the metre gauge narrow gauge system of the Harz system, seeing classic Harz narrow gauge 2-10-2 and 2-6-2 tanks, as well as the line's diesel hydraulic shunters, but the highlight was undoubtably a diesel unit (DMU) with trailer that dated from 1939. Moving back onto standard gauge again, we were then treated to dual voltage Class 185 electrics, more ex East German and Soviet built Class 232 hydraulics and some rare Class 204s, also hydraulic. Following this, we moved on to Lichenfels to see the amazing ICE-T 7 car tilting EMUs, and by complete contrast, we then headed to the DFS preserved line, where we saw an Ex East German Class 64 2-6-2T and wonderful vintage hydraulics, such as a 1950s built V60 MAK hydraulic and diminutive 1939 built Yung V36. Heading to Kurstdorf, we saw some Class 479 single car EMUs, before seeing more ICE Inter-City units and hydraulic DMUs at Steinach. Heading towards the Rhine Valley, we then saw Class 185 electrics on freight at Neustaut, before seeing some very rare traction in the form of a EBW-Cargo V300 and Class 181 dual-voltage electrics in the vintage blue & grey colour scheme which many so fondly remember. Heading to Lambreck, we were treated to some vintage German steam in the form of "Sperkbace," a former Industrial 0-6-0 tender locomotive built in 1904. A whistle stop tour of a local museum followed, where we were treated to sights such as a Prussian Type T3, an 'S36' No. 18505 built between 1908 and 1931 and used on Rheingold expresses, and a E17 electric. This fascinating talk concluded with a brief review at Engelskirchen, north of Cologne, before extensively reviewing operations in the Rhine Valley, which included Vectis DMUs, Class 116 and 162 electrics on freight, as well as older classes, such as the 110s, that were soon to be phased out. A highly entertaining talk that focused on a range of lines throughout Holland, as well as North West, North and Central Germany, and David is to be congratulated on covering such a variety of steam, diesel, diesel-hydraulics and electrics, sprinkled with a variety of light rail transit and tram systems that can be seen throughout Germany.
Monday 16th March 2015
A picture illustrating the 'heart of clay country' Class 122 DMU W55016 at Boskell Sidings, Lower Lansolom on 11th May 1968 during a Plymouth Railway Circle railtour. Copyright: Bernard Mills / CLASSIC TRACTION IMAGES.
LOSTWITHIEL TO LOSTWITHIEL by Bernard Mills
The Circle welcomed our old friend Bernard Mills to give us a wonderful talk on 'Lostwithiel to Lostwithiel,' which in many ways was also a watered down version of Bernard's forthcoming book on the same title. From Lostwithiel, our tour covering six decades, encapsulated the many freight, passenger and Industrial lines around Mid Cornwall, between Lostwithiel, St Austell, Newquay and Perranporth and all that lay in between. We started with a wonderful 1970s shot of D1046 Western Marquis passing through Lostwithiel, before examining past and present operations on the Fowey branch, including views of Class 52 'Western' D1005 Western Venturer on china clay hood wagons. Pausing at Fowey Station, we saw Class 122 DMU W55016 on a PRC special in 1968, before returning to Par via the Fowey Mineral line and an ultra rare shot of D870 Zulu, the unique 'Warship' that was fitted with 'Western' style centre cab horns. Heading into Par Docks, we were treated to the unique cut-down Port of Par 'twins' Alfred & Judy (now preserved on the Bodmin & Wenford), as we saw the dock china clay complex, including the Par Moor branch, which was the last steam worked line in Cornwall. Heading up the Par to Newquay line, we were treated to rare images of a passenger ECS on the Ponts Mill branch in connection with a royal train working, before heading up to Goonbarrow Junction. Continuing up to Newquay, we were treated to loco hauled finale on the Newquay branch, before returning via the Chacewater - Newquay line. As well as seeing wonderful historic images such as GWR 45xx Prairie 2-6-2T 4565 at St Agnes, as well as present day scenes such as the former MOD Devonport Dockyard diesel shunter now preserved at the station. Taking in the Lappa Valley Railway, which now runs on part of the Perranporth - Newquay line formation, we returned to the main line at Blackwater Junction.
Heading towards Par on the main line once again, we returned via the freight lines of Lower Lansalon, Treviscoe and Parkandillack, with a wonderful image of a pair of North British Type 2 / Class 22s D6330 + D6357 at Burngullow Junction on a mixed china clay working. This was a truly wonderful talk that not only depicted the local area in Mid Cornwall, but depicted wonderful diesel images including Class 20s, 22s, 25s, 37s, 'Warships,' 'Peaks,' 'Westerns' and 50s! Many of the images included in this talk can be purchased via the Classic Traction Images website at www.classictractionimages.weebly.com .
The Circle welcomed our old friend Bernard Mills to give us a wonderful talk on 'Lostwithiel to Lostwithiel,' which in many ways was also a watered down version of Bernard's forthcoming book on the same title. From Lostwithiel, our tour covering six decades, encapsulated the many freight, passenger and Industrial lines around Mid Cornwall, between Lostwithiel, St Austell, Newquay and Perranporth and all that lay in between. We started with a wonderful 1970s shot of D1046 Western Marquis passing through Lostwithiel, before examining past and present operations on the Fowey branch, including views of Class 52 'Western' D1005 Western Venturer on china clay hood wagons. Pausing at Fowey Station, we saw Class 122 DMU W55016 on a PRC special in 1968, before returning to Par via the Fowey Mineral line and an ultra rare shot of D870 Zulu, the unique 'Warship' that was fitted with 'Western' style centre cab horns. Heading into Par Docks, we were treated to the unique cut-down Port of Par 'twins' Alfred & Judy (now preserved on the Bodmin & Wenford), as we saw the dock china clay complex, including the Par Moor branch, which was the last steam worked line in Cornwall. Heading up the Par to Newquay line, we were treated to rare images of a passenger ECS on the Ponts Mill branch in connection with a royal train working, before heading up to Goonbarrow Junction. Continuing up to Newquay, we were treated to loco hauled finale on the Newquay branch, before returning via the Chacewater - Newquay line. As well as seeing wonderful historic images such as GWR 45xx Prairie 2-6-2T 4565 at St Agnes, as well as present day scenes such as the former MOD Devonport Dockyard diesel shunter now preserved at the station. Taking in the Lappa Valley Railway, which now runs on part of the Perranporth - Newquay line formation, we returned to the main line at Blackwater Junction.
Heading towards Par on the main line once again, we returned via the freight lines of Lower Lansalon, Treviscoe and Parkandillack, with a wonderful image of a pair of North British Type 2 / Class 22s D6330 + D6357 at Burngullow Junction on a mixed china clay working. This was a truly wonderful talk that not only depicted the local area in Mid Cornwall, but depicted wonderful diesel images including Class 20s, 22s, 25s, 37s, 'Warships,' 'Peaks,' 'Westerns' and 50s! Many of the images included in this talk can be purchased via the Classic Traction Images website at www.classictractionimages.weebly.com .
Monday 30th March 2015
ABOVE: SR 'West Country' 7P5F 4-6-2 34046 Braunton + GWR 50xx 'Castle' 4-6-0 5029 Nunney Castle climb past Tigley working the 1Z82 0843 Victoria - Penzance on 5th September 2014. Copyright B. Mills / CLASSIC TRACTION IMAGES.
PRESERVED STEAM BOTH SIDES OF THE ATLANTIC by Barry Stirman.
This presentation was very much in two parts, as Barry concentrated on preserved steam both sides of the Atlantic, in Part 1 we were treated to UK Steam in the South West, before heading to the United States in Part 2, to see narrow gauge steam in Denver and Colorodo. The first half began with some views of LNER A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley heading along the Sea Wall with a charter to Kingswear at Easter 2014, before seeing ECS movements of 5029 Nunney Castle and 34046 Braunton in connection with the epic 'Great Britain VII,' before seeing the return 'Castle' and 'West Country' double-head over Hemerdon Summit. Next, we saw 5029 Nunney Castle and 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, as well as D1015 Western Champion, tackle Rattery and Hemerdon banks as part of the 'Zulu 48' celebrations. A plethora of 'Royal Duchy' and 'Torbay Express' workings followed throughout Devon & Cornwall, before seeing Earl of Mount Edgcumbe arrive at Birmingham Moor Street with 'The Shakespeare Express.' In Part 2 we headed to Denver and Colorodo, initially visiting the Colorodo Railroad Museum, where we were treated to a ride on the 'Galloping Goose' diesel railcar before passing a Rio Grande K37 2-8-2 491, as well as a fascinating Shay steam locomotive. However, this was eclipsed by a wonderful ride on the 46 mile long 3 foot gauge Durango & Silverton Railroad, headed by a K37 2-8-2 through the mountains to Silverton. Especially this last feature, is something that the Circle will remember for a long time to come!
This presentation was very much in two parts, as Barry concentrated on preserved steam both sides of the Atlantic, in Part 1 we were treated to UK Steam in the South West, before heading to the United States in Part 2, to see narrow gauge steam in Denver and Colorodo. The first half began with some views of LNER A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley heading along the Sea Wall with a charter to Kingswear at Easter 2014, before seeing ECS movements of 5029 Nunney Castle and 34046 Braunton in connection with the epic 'Great Britain VII,' before seeing the return 'Castle' and 'West Country' double-head over Hemerdon Summit. Next, we saw 5029 Nunney Castle and 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, as well as D1015 Western Champion, tackle Rattery and Hemerdon banks as part of the 'Zulu 48' celebrations. A plethora of 'Royal Duchy' and 'Torbay Express' workings followed throughout Devon & Cornwall, before seeing Earl of Mount Edgcumbe arrive at Birmingham Moor Street with 'The Shakespeare Express.' In Part 2 we headed to Denver and Colorodo, initially visiting the Colorodo Railroad Museum, where we were treated to a ride on the 'Galloping Goose' diesel railcar before passing a Rio Grande K37 2-8-2 491, as well as a fascinating Shay steam locomotive. However, this was eclipsed by a wonderful ride on the 46 mile long 3 foot gauge Durango & Silverton Railroad, headed by a K37 2-8-2 through the mountains to Silverton. Especially this last feature, is something that the Circle will remember for a long time to come!
Monday 13th April 2015
ABOVE: LMS Black Five 4-6-0 44802 stands at Carlisle Citadel during 1967. Copyright B. Mills / CLASSIC TRACTION IMAGES. www.classictractionimages.weebly.com .
A FOURTH COLOUR-RAIL JOURNEY by Paul Chancellor
We welcomed Paul Chancellor of Colour-Rail who showed a feast of classic steam, diesel and electric images from the Colour-Rail vaults! Starting on the Southern Region, we began at Ashford & Ramsgate where we saw a SR 'D' 4-4-0 1092 at Ashford shed in 1937, before seeing N15 'Sir Lamiel' 4-6-0 leave on a freight, before seeing inside Ashford Works and seeing a 'de-cladded' Bulleid Q1 0-6-0 33040 stripped, as well as N15 'King Arthur' 30805 on works in 1953. Continuing in Ashford, we were treated to 'U' 2-6-0 Mogul 31807 on a freight, SECR 'P' 0-6-0T 31556 on pilot duty, before seeing SR 'Battle of Britain' 34088 213 Squadron on the 'Golden Arrow' in August 1960. Southern Region rareties continued, as we were treated to a picture of historic Bulleid shunter 11001 and '08' style shunter 15202, brand new BRCW Type 3 / Class 33 D6537 with carmine & cream Mk 1s before moving forward 25 years to Class 411 4CEP EMUs in 'Jaffa Cake' livery in 1987, and bringing us right up to date, a Class 171 turbo-star 171724 at Rye.
Next, we headed to the Western Region, and to Bristol, with a truly momentous image of a 'Dean Goods' at Temple Meads in 1949, before seeing BR Standard 3MT 2-6-0 Mogul 77010 on a running in turn from Swindon. But for many, one of the finest images at Bristol was of GWR Hawksworth 'County' 4-6-0 1009 County of Carmarthen in the snow at dawn. Other Bristol scenes included seeing a LMS 'Jubilee' in Brunel's original train shed, the iconic 'Blue Pullman' at Temple Meads, WR Class 52 'Western' diesel-hydraulic D1015 Western Champion in golden ochre, as well as seeing BR Standard 7MT 'Britannia' 70024 Vulcan.
Moving on to the Eastern Region, we headed to the 'Plant' at Doncaster, seeing such sights as un-named BR (ER) Peppercorn A1 Pacific 60114, LNER A2 60532 Blue Peter, Gresley K3 Moguls, brand new Class 21s, 26s and 31s, as well as ex-works Class 40 D203 resplendent in BR Green, E3082 ex-works in BR electric blue, as well as more modern builds such as new Class 56s and 58s.
Next, we had a fascinating section on the Railways of Glasgow, seeing Caledonian 2P 55265 and LMS Black Five 4-6-0 44954 at Glasgow Central, LMS 2P 4-4-0 40620 at St Enoch, spruced up LMS Fairburn 2-6-4T tank 42165 and Class 303 'Electric Blue' EMU at Glasgow Central, before visiting Corkhill and St Rollox sheds. Visiting Polmadie shed, we saw ex Caledonian 0-4-4T 56239, before seeing BR Standard 5MT 73146 leaving Buchanan Street, and LNER J38s at Eastfield shed. Bringing our scottish tour up to date, we were treated to some classic traction images of Class 17 'Claytons' at Glasgow Quuen Street, as well as traditional scottish diesels, such as pre-TOPS Class 20s, Class 27s and Class 37s.
Heading south, we headed to the capital, where we had a classic tour of London's capital stations during the 1950s and 1960s, taking in Paddington, Marylebone, the rebuilding of Euston, Kings Cross, Broad Street, Cannon Street, Charing Cross and London Bridge.
Our Colour-Rail journey ended with a tour of steam in the North West, taking in Newton Heath Station and Macclesfield High Bell Road. A Manchester Central we were treated to BR Standard 'Britannia' Pacifics, Fairburn tanks, before seeing a Lancashire & Yorkshire 2P 2-4-2 at Newton Heath, as well as L & Y 3F 51371 and a Class 17 'Clayton.' Finally, we concluded with some views of the famous Woodhead route electrics, including Class 77 EM2 27004 and Class 76 EM1 E26056. There was something for everyone in this show, and our thanks go to Paul Chancellor of Colour-Rail for providing such a worthwhile and entertaining show! Thank you!
We welcomed Paul Chancellor of Colour-Rail who showed a feast of classic steam, diesel and electric images from the Colour-Rail vaults! Starting on the Southern Region, we began at Ashford & Ramsgate where we saw a SR 'D' 4-4-0 1092 at Ashford shed in 1937, before seeing N15 'Sir Lamiel' 4-6-0 leave on a freight, before seeing inside Ashford Works and seeing a 'de-cladded' Bulleid Q1 0-6-0 33040 stripped, as well as N15 'King Arthur' 30805 on works in 1953. Continuing in Ashford, we were treated to 'U' 2-6-0 Mogul 31807 on a freight, SECR 'P' 0-6-0T 31556 on pilot duty, before seeing SR 'Battle of Britain' 34088 213 Squadron on the 'Golden Arrow' in August 1960. Southern Region rareties continued, as we were treated to a picture of historic Bulleid shunter 11001 and '08' style shunter 15202, brand new BRCW Type 3 / Class 33 D6537 with carmine & cream Mk 1s before moving forward 25 years to Class 411 4CEP EMUs in 'Jaffa Cake' livery in 1987, and bringing us right up to date, a Class 171 turbo-star 171724 at Rye.
Next, we headed to the Western Region, and to Bristol, with a truly momentous image of a 'Dean Goods' at Temple Meads in 1949, before seeing BR Standard 3MT 2-6-0 Mogul 77010 on a running in turn from Swindon. But for many, one of the finest images at Bristol was of GWR Hawksworth 'County' 4-6-0 1009 County of Carmarthen in the snow at dawn. Other Bristol scenes included seeing a LMS 'Jubilee' in Brunel's original train shed, the iconic 'Blue Pullman' at Temple Meads, WR Class 52 'Western' diesel-hydraulic D1015 Western Champion in golden ochre, as well as seeing BR Standard 7MT 'Britannia' 70024 Vulcan.
Moving on to the Eastern Region, we headed to the 'Plant' at Doncaster, seeing such sights as un-named BR (ER) Peppercorn A1 Pacific 60114, LNER A2 60532 Blue Peter, Gresley K3 Moguls, brand new Class 21s, 26s and 31s, as well as ex-works Class 40 D203 resplendent in BR Green, E3082 ex-works in BR electric blue, as well as more modern builds such as new Class 56s and 58s.
Next, we had a fascinating section on the Railways of Glasgow, seeing Caledonian 2P 55265 and LMS Black Five 4-6-0 44954 at Glasgow Central, LMS 2P 4-4-0 40620 at St Enoch, spruced up LMS Fairburn 2-6-4T tank 42165 and Class 303 'Electric Blue' EMU at Glasgow Central, before visiting Corkhill and St Rollox sheds. Visiting Polmadie shed, we saw ex Caledonian 0-4-4T 56239, before seeing BR Standard 5MT 73146 leaving Buchanan Street, and LNER J38s at Eastfield shed. Bringing our scottish tour up to date, we were treated to some classic traction images of Class 17 'Claytons' at Glasgow Quuen Street, as well as traditional scottish diesels, such as pre-TOPS Class 20s, Class 27s and Class 37s.
Heading south, we headed to the capital, where we had a classic tour of London's capital stations during the 1950s and 1960s, taking in Paddington, Marylebone, the rebuilding of Euston, Kings Cross, Broad Street, Cannon Street, Charing Cross and London Bridge.
Our Colour-Rail journey ended with a tour of steam in the North West, taking in Newton Heath Station and Macclesfield High Bell Road. A Manchester Central we were treated to BR Standard 'Britannia' Pacifics, Fairburn tanks, before seeing a Lancashire & Yorkshire 2P 2-4-2 at Newton Heath, as well as L & Y 3F 51371 and a Class 17 'Clayton.' Finally, we concluded with some views of the famous Woodhead route electrics, including Class 77 EM2 27004 and Class 76 EM1 E26056. There was something for everyone in this show, and our thanks go to Paul Chancellor of Colour-Rail for providing such a worthwhile and entertaining show! Thank you!
Monday 27th April 2015
ABOVE: The subject of Barry Jones talk on 'The Changing landscape of the railway scene,' Cross Country HST 43304 / 43301 pass through Teignmouth working the 1S51 1303 Newton Abbot - Glasgow Central on 14th August 2012. Copyright B. Mills / CLASSIC TRACTION Ref: BM005001. www.classictractionimages.weebly.com.
THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF THE RAILWAY SCENE by Barry Jones
Tonight we were treated to an intrigingly titled talk by Barry Jones entitled 'The changing landscape of the railway scene - from shades of grey through Rail Blue to Technicolour.' Encompassing a 40 -year pictorial journey of both steam and diesel through the West Country, we were treated to such scenes from the classic BR Green and popular BR Rail Blue eras, when Class 45 'Peaks,' Class 47 'Duffs' and Class 50s ruled the main line to Penzance, as well as seeing the interim liveries such as the iconic BR Revised Blue or Large Logo, which were so popular with the Class 50s, to Railfreight and Red Solebar liveries, to more modern liveries such as Virgin, Cross Country, Network South East, South West Trains, GNER, Great Western Trains, First Great Western, EWS, Freightliner, DRS, Colas and so on. A wonderful talk that demonstrated how railway liveries, whilst firmly entrenched in the British landscape, are transient and are constantly changing. The HSTs a perfect example of this - which have probably worn upwards of thirty different mainstream and TOC liveries since their launch in 1976. Thank you Barry, for reminding us not to take for granted our current railway scene - which will soon become tomorrow's history. No where is that more readily apparant than on our current region - with the electrification of the Great Western Main Line rapidly progressing from London to South Wales, the impending introduction of Hitachi electric and diesel units to replace our beloved First Great Western HSTs, nothing stays still for long!
Tonight we were treated to an intrigingly titled talk by Barry Jones entitled 'The changing landscape of the railway scene - from shades of grey through Rail Blue to Technicolour.' Encompassing a 40 -year pictorial journey of both steam and diesel through the West Country, we were treated to such scenes from the classic BR Green and popular BR Rail Blue eras, when Class 45 'Peaks,' Class 47 'Duffs' and Class 50s ruled the main line to Penzance, as well as seeing the interim liveries such as the iconic BR Revised Blue or Large Logo, which were so popular with the Class 50s, to Railfreight and Red Solebar liveries, to more modern liveries such as Virgin, Cross Country, Network South East, South West Trains, GNER, Great Western Trains, First Great Western, EWS, Freightliner, DRS, Colas and so on. A wonderful talk that demonstrated how railway liveries, whilst firmly entrenched in the British landscape, are transient and are constantly changing. The HSTs a perfect example of this - which have probably worn upwards of thirty different mainstream and TOC liveries since their launch in 1976. Thank you Barry, for reminding us not to take for granted our current railway scene - which will soon become tomorrow's history. No where is that more readily apparant than on our current region - with the electrification of the Great Western Main Line rapidly progressing from London to South Wales, the impending introduction of Hitachi electric and diesel units to replace our beloved First Great Western HSTs, nothing stays still for long!
AUTUMN TERM 2015
Monday 21st September 2015
DEVON STEAM DUO by Bernard Mills & Peter W. Gray
In this two part evening, we welcomed two of the Circle's most accomplished photographers, Bernard Mills and Peter Gray, who have dedicated their photographic careers to recording the ever changing Western Region scene. With scenes from the 1880s to the present day, (not all taken by the photographers themselves!!), in the first half we were treated to a show by Bernard entitled 'The working railways of Dartmoor.'
Starting at Totnes, we were treated to a wonderful image from the last days of the WR hydraulics, as D1039 Western King crossed the Dart Viaduct, before heading up the Ashburton branch. A brief section followed covering 50 years of preservation on the South Devon Railway, concluding with the final days of Dart Valley activity at Ashburton, now the subject of a preservation bid to prevent it being turned into a car park, shopping centre and housing estate. We saw such scenes as 4588 and 1420 heading the final specials out of Ashburton, followed by the dereliction of the site. Changing at Newton Abbot, we were treated to D1054 Western Governor leaving with a Paddington express, before heading up the Moretonhempstead line to Heathfield, where we saw a real gem, as North British Class 43 'Warship' D857 Undaunted worked a PW train on the Teign Valley route in October 1971, during the final year of 'Warship' operation. Diverting briefly, we headed to the Hay Tor Granite Tramway, before continuing up the Moretonhempstead line, where we saw 5153 at Luscombe on the 'South Devon Rambler.' The Southern was not forgotton, as we headed across to Okehampton, firstly seeing LSWR T9 4-4-0 120 (in original LSWR livery), before heading via the SR route over Meldon Quarry and via Bridestowe to Tavistock North. Returning to the GWR, Bernard's half concluded with a review of the Princetown branch in 1955, followed by an all too brief trip down the Launceston branch towards Plymouth.
Our second half was presented by legendary West Country photographer Peter Gray, who took us on an all too often neglected section of Great Western history, as we examined the local stations of Newton Abbot through the 1880s and 1890s. We were treated to such images as a Gooch 4-2-2 'Rover' class single Amazon, a 'Dean' class bogie at Newton Abbot in the 1890s and the iconic 4-6-0 100 William Dean working along the sea wall. Moving through the decades, we saw Newton Abbot station ravaged by World War II, with bomb damage to the station and yards, such as occoured to 'Dean' Pannier tank 2785 and 'Grange' 6801 Alyburton Grange whilst on Newton Abbot shed. We saw new power in the west, which included the introduction of eighty USATC S160 2-8-0s to the GWR, and the 'Britannia' Pacifics in the early 1950s, illustrated by 70019 Lightening on a Paddington express. We were then treated to such scenes as early Kodachrome slides of 'Castles' and 'Kings' taken at Exeter St Davids in the mid 1930s, seeing one of the final GWR 'Castle' class, 7000 Viscount Portal entering Exeter St Davids in 1957, before seeing filthy GWR 'Mogul' 6384 pass through Tiverton Junction. Peter concluded with a wonderful array of images taken on the Teign Valley, Moorswater and Looe branches, before finishing with some of his 'favourite' images, including a 'Hall' taken at Newton Abbot in thick fog in December, and a wonderful black & white picture of Robinson designed ROD 2-8-0 3017 entering Newton Abbot.
Both photographers are to be commended for taking us on a wonderful tour of Devon, including locomotives and lines that have long since been consigned to the history books. A truly marvellous evening that was enjoyed by all! Thank you Bernard & Peter!
In this two part evening, we welcomed two of the Circle's most accomplished photographers, Bernard Mills and Peter Gray, who have dedicated their photographic careers to recording the ever changing Western Region scene. With scenes from the 1880s to the present day, (not all taken by the photographers themselves!!), in the first half we were treated to a show by Bernard entitled 'The working railways of Dartmoor.'
Starting at Totnes, we were treated to a wonderful image from the last days of the WR hydraulics, as D1039 Western King crossed the Dart Viaduct, before heading up the Ashburton branch. A brief section followed covering 50 years of preservation on the South Devon Railway, concluding with the final days of Dart Valley activity at Ashburton, now the subject of a preservation bid to prevent it being turned into a car park, shopping centre and housing estate. We saw such scenes as 4588 and 1420 heading the final specials out of Ashburton, followed by the dereliction of the site. Changing at Newton Abbot, we were treated to D1054 Western Governor leaving with a Paddington express, before heading up the Moretonhempstead line to Heathfield, where we saw a real gem, as North British Class 43 'Warship' D857 Undaunted worked a PW train on the Teign Valley route in October 1971, during the final year of 'Warship' operation. Diverting briefly, we headed to the Hay Tor Granite Tramway, before continuing up the Moretonhempstead line, where we saw 5153 at Luscombe on the 'South Devon Rambler.' The Southern was not forgotton, as we headed across to Okehampton, firstly seeing LSWR T9 4-4-0 120 (in original LSWR livery), before heading via the SR route over Meldon Quarry and via Bridestowe to Tavistock North. Returning to the GWR, Bernard's half concluded with a review of the Princetown branch in 1955, followed by an all too brief trip down the Launceston branch towards Plymouth.
Our second half was presented by legendary West Country photographer Peter Gray, who took us on an all too often neglected section of Great Western history, as we examined the local stations of Newton Abbot through the 1880s and 1890s. We were treated to such images as a Gooch 4-2-2 'Rover' class single Amazon, a 'Dean' class bogie at Newton Abbot in the 1890s and the iconic 4-6-0 100 William Dean working along the sea wall. Moving through the decades, we saw Newton Abbot station ravaged by World War II, with bomb damage to the station and yards, such as occoured to 'Dean' Pannier tank 2785 and 'Grange' 6801 Alyburton Grange whilst on Newton Abbot shed. We saw new power in the west, which included the introduction of eighty USATC S160 2-8-0s to the GWR, and the 'Britannia' Pacifics in the early 1950s, illustrated by 70019 Lightening on a Paddington express. We were then treated to such scenes as early Kodachrome slides of 'Castles' and 'Kings' taken at Exeter St Davids in the mid 1930s, seeing one of the final GWR 'Castle' class, 7000 Viscount Portal entering Exeter St Davids in 1957, before seeing filthy GWR 'Mogul' 6384 pass through Tiverton Junction. Peter concluded with a wonderful array of images taken on the Teign Valley, Moorswater and Looe branches, before finishing with some of his 'favourite' images, including a 'Hall' taken at Newton Abbot in thick fog in December, and a wonderful black & white picture of Robinson designed ROD 2-8-0 3017 entering Newton Abbot.
Both photographers are to be commended for taking us on a wonderful tour of Devon, including locomotives and lines that have long since been consigned to the history books. A truly marvellous evening that was enjoyed by all! Thank you Bernard & Peter!
Updated 21-9-15 SJA.