THE PRC TERM: November 2009 - May 2010:
Monday 10th May 2010
MEMBER'S SLIDE EVENING:
We concluded our 2009 - 2010 programme with our ever popular Member's Slide Evening, and this year we were entertained by Steve Andrews, President Barry Lanyon, Richard Green and Bernard Mills. Steve started us with a selection of his nationwide exploits through March 2010, which images of BR Standard 'Britannia' Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell over Shap and the Settle & Carlisle, to his visit to the Stainmore Railway at Kirkby Stephen and the sight of 67345 at Hawes (albeit on a length of track at the station!) Steve concluded with a review of the Easter gala on the South Devon, which featured the first ever visit of Oliver Cromwell and 44871. The Circle's President, Barry Lanyon, gave us an interesting review of his travels through South Africa behind a pair of mighty SAR class 19D 4-8-2s, and by contrast, in the second half of the meeting, we were treated to a review of the country in the 1980s by Richard Green, who gave us a fascinating section on railways and signals in the landscape. Finally, we were treated to a wonderful nostalgic look back at the Southern Region during the 1960s by Bernard Mills -a wonderful end to a thoroughly cosmopolitan evening!
We concluded our 2009 - 2010 programme with our ever popular Member's Slide Evening, and this year we were entertained by Steve Andrews, President Barry Lanyon, Richard Green and Bernard Mills. Steve started us with a selection of his nationwide exploits through March 2010, which images of BR Standard 'Britannia' Pacific 70013 Oliver Cromwell over Shap and the Settle & Carlisle, to his visit to the Stainmore Railway at Kirkby Stephen and the sight of 67345 at Hawes (albeit on a length of track at the station!) Steve concluded with a review of the Easter gala on the South Devon, which featured the first ever visit of Oliver Cromwell and 44871. The Circle's President, Barry Lanyon, gave us an interesting review of his travels through South Africa behind a pair of mighty SAR class 19D 4-8-2s, and by contrast, in the second half of the meeting, we were treated to a review of the country in the 1980s by Richard Green, who gave us a fascinating section on railways and signals in the landscape. Finally, we were treated to a wonderful nostalgic look back at the Southern Region during the 1960s by Bernard Mills -a wonderful end to a thoroughly cosmopolitan evening!
Monday 26th April 2010
CHRIS JAMES: Railways Overseas: The last two decades
Having been treated to a lecture by Steve Andrews on electric traction at the previous meeting, the theme was continued by looking at electrics, as well as diesel traction, on a global scale by our old friend Chris James. Chris took us all on a whirlwind safari of traction of countries throughout the globe, as we travelled to such places as the United States, South America, as well as France, Germany, Italy and Spain, as Chris demonstrated the developments in modern traction over the last 20 years. A wonderful evening enjoyed by all, and we look forward to Chris returning to give us further updates as the years progress!
Image supplied by Steve Andrews of Classic Traction.
Having been treated to a lecture by Steve Andrews on electric traction at the previous meeting, the theme was continued by looking at electrics, as well as diesel traction, on a global scale by our old friend Chris James. Chris took us all on a whirlwind safari of traction of countries throughout the globe, as we travelled to such places as the United States, South America, as well as France, Germany, Italy and Spain, as Chris demonstrated the developments in modern traction over the last 20 years. A wonderful evening enjoyed by all, and we look forward to Chris returning to give us further updates as the years progress!
Image supplied by Steve Andrews of Classic Traction.
Monday 12th April 2010
STEVE ANDREWS: The Electric Enigma
We welcomed back our old friend, Steve Andrews of Classic Traction, who gave us a fascinating insight into the development of electric traction within the United Kingdom. This was the first part of a two part lecture in which Steve focused on the development of the overhead electrics, and we started by looking at the pioneer EM1 and EM2 electrics on the Woodhead route prior to its closure in 1981, before moving onto the 25Kv electrics, starting with the first 25Kv locomotive for the West Coast, E2001, the former Great Western Railway gas turbine locomotive 18100. Then we saw electric development on the West Coast, examining classes 81-85, before moving on to classes 86, 87, 90, the wonderful APT and Virgin's class 390 Pendolino. Moving to the East Coast Main Line, we started by examining the unique class 89, 89001, now preserved at Barrow Hill, before moving on to what many consider as the finest electrics in the country, the GEC class 91s. Steve gave us a thoroughly entertaining evening, as he guided us through the complex language associated with this subject, but he is to be commended for not only tackling this difficult subject that is often ignored by most enthusiasts, but in producing a thoroughly entertaining evening as well. More of Steve's modern traction images can be seen at: www.moderntractionimages.weebly.com
We welcomed back our old friend, Steve Andrews of Classic Traction, who gave us a fascinating insight into the development of electric traction within the United Kingdom. This was the first part of a two part lecture in which Steve focused on the development of the overhead electrics, and we started by looking at the pioneer EM1 and EM2 electrics on the Woodhead route prior to its closure in 1981, before moving onto the 25Kv electrics, starting with the first 25Kv locomotive for the West Coast, E2001, the former Great Western Railway gas turbine locomotive 18100. Then we saw electric development on the West Coast, examining classes 81-85, before moving on to classes 86, 87, 90, the wonderful APT and Virgin's class 390 Pendolino. Moving to the East Coast Main Line, we started by examining the unique class 89, 89001, now preserved at Barrow Hill, before moving on to what many consider as the finest electrics in the country, the GEC class 91s. Steve gave us a thoroughly entertaining evening, as he guided us through the complex language associated with this subject, but he is to be commended for not only tackling this difficult subject that is often ignored by most enthusiasts, but in producing a thoroughly entertaining evening as well. More of Steve's modern traction images can be seen at: www.moderntractionimages.weebly.com
Monday 29th March 2010
TONY BAGWELL: Little Red One
The Plymouth Railway Circle welcomed back our old friend Tony Bagwell, who gave us a snap-shot tour of some of the more interesting lines of Switzerland. Whilst there are many at the Circle who know the routes very well, there were many at the Circle who did not, and it was refreshing and rewarding to see that Tony gave a detailed brief behind each of the line's we visited, such as date of construction, length of line, type of route, type of traction, gauge etc. A feature of Tony's talks are his advanced digital equipment, which in combination with appropriate swiss music, provided the ultimate in an evening's entertainment! All of this against a backdrop of superb images and a wonderful narrative! As the Circle moves further into the digital age, this was the finest show, in terms of quality, that I have ever witnessed, as these images were certainly equilivent to those of high quality slides, certainly the shape of things to come and a wonderful tribute to Tony's hard work and efforts! A wonderful evening which even the most die hard would find hard to criticise! Thank you Tony!
Image supplied by Lou Watkins
The Plymouth Railway Circle welcomed back our old friend Tony Bagwell, who gave us a snap-shot tour of some of the more interesting lines of Switzerland. Whilst there are many at the Circle who know the routes very well, there were many at the Circle who did not, and it was refreshing and rewarding to see that Tony gave a detailed brief behind each of the line's we visited, such as date of construction, length of line, type of route, type of traction, gauge etc. A feature of Tony's talks are his advanced digital equipment, which in combination with appropriate swiss music, provided the ultimate in an evening's entertainment! All of this against a backdrop of superb images and a wonderful narrative! As the Circle moves further into the digital age, this was the finest show, in terms of quality, that I have ever witnessed, as these images were certainly equilivent to those of high quality slides, certainly the shape of things to come and a wonderful tribute to Tony's hard work and efforts! A wonderful evening which even the most die hard would find hard to criticise! Thank you Tony!
Image supplied by Lou Watkins
Monday 15th March 2010
PETER GRAY: Portugese Steam Countrywide
We welcomed back a great friend to the Circle, Peter Gray, who gave us another of his legendary slide shows. On this occasion, Peter's subject was the steam railways of Portugal during 1964 - 1968, and we enjoyed a wonderful nostalgic look at both the narrow gauge and standard gauge railways of Portugal, particarly through the scenic Douro Valley. As always, Peter's photography was exemplary, and added another perspective to a term that has seen us discover a great deal of the marvels of the railways overseas! Wonderful!
We welcomed back a great friend to the Circle, Peter Gray, who gave us another of his legendary slide shows. On this occasion, Peter's subject was the steam railways of Portugal during 1964 - 1968, and we enjoyed a wonderful nostalgic look at both the narrow gauge and standard gauge railways of Portugal, particarly through the scenic Douro Valley. As always, Peter's photography was exemplary, and added another perspective to a term that has seen us discover a great deal of the marvels of the railways overseas! Wonderful!
Monday 1st March 2010
TERRY NICHOLLS: South African Steam Finale: 1990 - 1991
At an extremely well filled meeting, it was with great pleasure that we welcomed back one of the Circle's old friends, Terry Nicholls. Terry, who is a renowned lensman, both at still and video photography presented a wonderful 8mm cine show of the finale of South African steam during the early 1990s. It gave us all a wonderful opportunity to see South African steam locomotives hard at work, as like alot of people, the closest most of us have ever come to seeing South African steam at work is seeing an NG/G16 on the Welsh Highland, or SAR 'Garrett' 4112 Springbok as a static display at the Plym Valley. The night was a wonderful opportunity to witness at first hand the zenith of South African steam, and Terry gave us a snap-shot into a world few of us will have ever witnessed. As always, the standard of filming was impeccable, and some of the most enduring images were of expresses passing across the plains in sub-zero conditions, or of the SAR class 25NC Red Devil at speed (viewed from a car!) as it worked hard along the main line, with its two seperate chimneys perfectly visable! A superb evening as always, and we hope that we will soon have the opportunity to see more of Terry's fantastic material in the near future!
At an extremely well filled meeting, it was with great pleasure that we welcomed back one of the Circle's old friends, Terry Nicholls. Terry, who is a renowned lensman, both at still and video photography presented a wonderful 8mm cine show of the finale of South African steam during the early 1990s. It gave us all a wonderful opportunity to see South African steam locomotives hard at work, as like alot of people, the closest most of us have ever come to seeing South African steam at work is seeing an NG/G16 on the Welsh Highland, or SAR 'Garrett' 4112 Springbok as a static display at the Plym Valley. The night was a wonderful opportunity to witness at first hand the zenith of South African steam, and Terry gave us a snap-shot into a world few of us will have ever witnessed. As always, the standard of filming was impeccable, and some of the most enduring images were of expresses passing across the plains in sub-zero conditions, or of the SAR class 25NC Red Devil at speed (viewed from a car!) as it worked hard along the main line, with its two seperate chimneys perfectly visable! A superb evening as always, and we hope that we will soon have the opportunity to see more of Terry's fantastic material in the near future!
Monday 15th February 2010
ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION: SPRING 2010
In the first of our two photographic competitions for this year, and placed in an earlier date than usual, the Circle held one of the most entertaining evenings of the calander. All levels of entry were encouraged in the slides / colour prints categories for steam, diesel, foreign or non-traction (i.e infrastructure, such as station buildings, signals, signal boxes etc). This was to be the final year that the foreign slide category would be in the competition, as with decreasing entries, it will be omitted for the Autumn 2010 Competition. The honour for winning the final Foreign slide entry went to Nick Warren, with an incredible slide taken in the Swiss Mountains. Bernard Mills picked up 1st prizes in the steam & diesel slide categories, whilst Steve Andrews won 1st prize for his slide of the Forth Bridge silhouetted and in the colour print category, for his image of the Royal Albert Bridge (pictured opposite), both in the non-traction categories. Paul Maycock won 1st prize in the steam & diesel print categories, as well as winning overall 1st prize, and winner of the celebrated Wakelin Whistle. As well as this former GWR whistle, this also entitle's the winner to a free year's Circle membership. We are grateful to Richard Jones, General Manager of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, for judging the Spring 2010 Competition. This competition witnessed a positive turn-out, and it was good to see the number of high quality slide entries was significantly up on previous years, against the almost un-ending tide of digital prints. A good evening was had by all, and well-done to all those who took part in this principle event in the Circle's calander!
In the first of our two photographic competitions for this year, and placed in an earlier date than usual, the Circle held one of the most entertaining evenings of the calander. All levels of entry were encouraged in the slides / colour prints categories for steam, diesel, foreign or non-traction (i.e infrastructure, such as station buildings, signals, signal boxes etc). This was to be the final year that the foreign slide category would be in the competition, as with decreasing entries, it will be omitted for the Autumn 2010 Competition. The honour for winning the final Foreign slide entry went to Nick Warren, with an incredible slide taken in the Swiss Mountains. Bernard Mills picked up 1st prizes in the steam & diesel slide categories, whilst Steve Andrews won 1st prize for his slide of the Forth Bridge silhouetted and in the colour print category, for his image of the Royal Albert Bridge (pictured opposite), both in the non-traction categories. Paul Maycock won 1st prize in the steam & diesel print categories, as well as winning overall 1st prize, and winner of the celebrated Wakelin Whistle. As well as this former GWR whistle, this also entitle's the winner to a free year's Circle membership. We are grateful to Richard Jones, General Manager of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, for judging the Spring 2010 Competition. This competition witnessed a positive turn-out, and it was good to see the number of high quality slide entries was significantly up on previous years, against the almost un-ending tide of digital prints. A good evening was had by all, and well-done to all those who took part in this principle event in the Circle's calander!
Monday 1st February 2010
MICHAEL FARR: ABC of Swiss Railways
An interesting evening was presented by Michael Farr who investigated alphabetically the railways of Switzerland. Envied by many nations for its efficiency and ease of use, Mike showed us the general daily workings with some unusual combinations in stunning scenery, accompanied by an enthusiastic and humourous commentary. One of the many highlights was an interesting section on the Blonary Chamby Museum, one of the countries best known preservation centres. Unfortunately, there wasn't sufficient time to conclude the latter half of the alphabet, and so hopefully, we will see Mike return in order to complete this fascinating talk! (Reviewed by Nick Warren).
Photograph: Image supplied by Lou Watkins.
An interesting evening was presented by Michael Farr who investigated alphabetically the railways of Switzerland. Envied by many nations for its efficiency and ease of use, Mike showed us the general daily workings with some unusual combinations in stunning scenery, accompanied by an enthusiastic and humourous commentary. One of the many highlights was an interesting section on the Blonary Chamby Museum, one of the countries best known preservation centres. Unfortunately, there wasn't sufficient time to conclude the latter half of the alphabet, and so hopefully, we will see Mike return in order to complete this fascinating talk! (Reviewed by Nick Warren).
Photograph: Image supplied by Lou Watkins.
18th January 2010
ARTHUR TURNER: BR in the all-blue era
At a well attended meeting, we welcomed our old friend Arthur Turner back to give a review of the rail blue era during the period 1972 - 1984. Arthur is to be commended for developing a talk that covers a period that is often omitted, due to the fact that it occoured in the wake of the apocalypse of the steam era and before the wonderful array of colours that were witnessed during the pre-sectorisation period. We were taken on a fascinating tour of the British Isles, which started at Penzance with a view of 45144 Royal Signals, a 'Peak' that has fond memories for me personally, as it was the only locomotive I was ever invited into as a teenage train-spotter. We were then taken all around the UK, to Bristol, Birmingham, to Edinburgh and the lowlands of Scotland, and down to London and the Southern Region. Personally, the highlight for me was the sight of Southern Railway liveried, BR blue and BR blue & grey liveried 4SUB, 4EPB and 2EPB EMUs at Clapham Junction, as well as Peaks at St Pancras and Electrics on the West Coast, with some particularly rare locomotives including class 86s hauling passenger trains through Bescot Yard! We were even treated to class 81s leaving Glasgow Central, vintage class 15s at Stratford Depot in East London, and class 03s at work in the East End, at Norwich and again at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, complete with shunters truck! Arthur is to be highly commended for delivering a fascinating talk on a greatly neglected period of British railway history. For whilst todays railways are far more colourful by comparison, Arthur clearly demonstrated the great variety of motive power and stock that was available during the 1970s. But perhaps the most enduring image was of a blue & grey HST climbing Filton Bank in heavy snow. It seems in the 1970s the railways could deal with snow! Thank you Arthur for a wonderful evening!
Photograph: Image supplied by Bernard Mills / www.classictractionimages.weebly.com
At a well attended meeting, we welcomed our old friend Arthur Turner back to give a review of the rail blue era during the period 1972 - 1984. Arthur is to be commended for developing a talk that covers a period that is often omitted, due to the fact that it occoured in the wake of the apocalypse of the steam era and before the wonderful array of colours that were witnessed during the pre-sectorisation period. We were taken on a fascinating tour of the British Isles, which started at Penzance with a view of 45144 Royal Signals, a 'Peak' that has fond memories for me personally, as it was the only locomotive I was ever invited into as a teenage train-spotter. We were then taken all around the UK, to Bristol, Birmingham, to Edinburgh and the lowlands of Scotland, and down to London and the Southern Region. Personally, the highlight for me was the sight of Southern Railway liveried, BR blue and BR blue & grey liveried 4SUB, 4EPB and 2EPB EMUs at Clapham Junction, as well as Peaks at St Pancras and Electrics on the West Coast, with some particularly rare locomotives including class 86s hauling passenger trains through Bescot Yard! We were even treated to class 81s leaving Glasgow Central, vintage class 15s at Stratford Depot in East London, and class 03s at work in the East End, at Norwich and again at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, complete with shunters truck! Arthur is to be highly commended for delivering a fascinating talk on a greatly neglected period of British railway history. For whilst todays railways are far more colourful by comparison, Arthur clearly demonstrated the great variety of motive power and stock that was available during the 1970s. But perhaps the most enduring image was of a blue & grey HST climbing Filton Bank in heavy snow. It seems in the 1970s the railways could deal with snow! Thank you Arthur for a wonderful evening!
Photograph: Image supplied by Bernard Mills / www.classictractionimages.weebly.com
4th January 2010
STEVE ANDREWS: The Plymouth Railway Circle 2010 Quiz
The new year started in fantastic style with Steve Andrews of Classic Traction returning to give the ever popular Plymouth Railway Circle Railway Quiz. This year, the 5th year that Steve has organised this popular event, featured questions of steam, diesel and electric traction, narrow gauge and miniature railways, locomotive names, as well as locations, stations, signal boxes, and new this year, famous railway personalities, with Bob Symes and Sir William Stanier making appearances - however, not in person ofcourse! Steve provided his normal tough range of thought provoking questions, (many people asking where does he get the questions from!!), which provided an entertaining night for all! This year, teams were limited to just 4, which resulted in closer inter-action between players and a fun, social evening for all! Also new this year, was the projection of all the answers from literary referenced sources, and out of the 98 questions - with 131 points available, the Committee won for the 5th year in a row with 78 marks, closely followed by Richard Green's team with 75 points. WELL DONE! And well done to all the teams that took part!! Will the Committee win next year? Do you know what type of power unit went into a class 56? Or what number North Star was adorned with when she was constructed at Swindon in 1906? Or, my particular favourite, how many class 50s were named after Royal Naval Aircraft Carriers? So, if you feel up to the challenge, join us at the Circle for the quiz in 2011!
The new year started in fantastic style with Steve Andrews of Classic Traction returning to give the ever popular Plymouth Railway Circle Railway Quiz. This year, the 5th year that Steve has organised this popular event, featured questions of steam, diesel and electric traction, narrow gauge and miniature railways, locomotive names, as well as locations, stations, signal boxes, and new this year, famous railway personalities, with Bob Symes and Sir William Stanier making appearances - however, not in person ofcourse! Steve provided his normal tough range of thought provoking questions, (many people asking where does he get the questions from!!), which provided an entertaining night for all! This year, teams were limited to just 4, which resulted in closer inter-action between players and a fun, social evening for all! Also new this year, was the projection of all the answers from literary referenced sources, and out of the 98 questions - with 131 points available, the Committee won for the 5th year in a row with 78 marks, closely followed by Richard Green's team with 75 points. WELL DONE! And well done to all the teams that took part!! Will the Committee win next year? Do you know what type of power unit went into a class 56? Or what number North Star was adorned with when she was constructed at Swindon in 1906? Or, my particular favourite, how many class 50s were named after Royal Naval Aircraft Carriers? So, if you feel up to the challenge, join us at the Circle for the quiz in 2011!
14th December 2009
BERNARD MILLS: The Mills Railway Year 2009
One of the most eagerly anticipated talks of the season are the yearly reviews by Bernard, and this year the offering could only be described as 'bountiful.' There were many highlights to the year, and we started by reviewing the 40th anniversary celebrations that were held on the South Devon Railway in April, which contained no fewer than three Prairies, three Panniers and a South Wales 'coal tank.' Pictures of the 'Royal Duchy' followed, where D1015 Western Champion was seen assisting 70013 Oliver Cromwell over the South Devon Banks. Next, we saw some glorious pictures of the 150th anniversary of Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge, with some classic pictures from the 1970s, but this was nothing, when we see Bernard's firework pictures of the celebrations held over the May Bank Holiday. However, as wonderful as these were, the highlight for many was Bernard's record of the epic 'Western Chieftain' charter to Kyle of Lochalsh, which Bernard & Steve Andrews (of Classic Traction) chased all the way to Kyle of Lochalsh and back! It's hard to choose a favourite, as we viewed the wizzo climbing Shap & Beattock, passing Gleneagles, surmounting Druimochter and Slochd Summits, before sitting under the Highland Railway's roof at Inverness. Or was the ultimate Maybach image one of the Western skirting Loch Carron or resting at Kyle of Lochalsh under the shadow of the Isle of Skye? As if that wasn't enough, we were then treated to LNER K1s on the 'Jacobite' to Mallaig, 66s over the West Highland line, before finishing with another 'Western' trip, as D1015 went to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Another wonderful talk by Bernard, and possibly one with the most hydraulics in it since 1977! - But then, no one was complaining!
One of the most eagerly anticipated talks of the season are the yearly reviews by Bernard, and this year the offering could only be described as 'bountiful.' There were many highlights to the year, and we started by reviewing the 40th anniversary celebrations that were held on the South Devon Railway in April, which contained no fewer than three Prairies, three Panniers and a South Wales 'coal tank.' Pictures of the 'Royal Duchy' followed, where D1015 Western Champion was seen assisting 70013 Oliver Cromwell over the South Devon Banks. Next, we saw some glorious pictures of the 150th anniversary of Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge, with some classic pictures from the 1970s, but this was nothing, when we see Bernard's firework pictures of the celebrations held over the May Bank Holiday. However, as wonderful as these were, the highlight for many was Bernard's record of the epic 'Western Chieftain' charter to Kyle of Lochalsh, which Bernard & Steve Andrews (of Classic Traction) chased all the way to Kyle of Lochalsh and back! It's hard to choose a favourite, as we viewed the wizzo climbing Shap & Beattock, passing Gleneagles, surmounting Druimochter and Slochd Summits, before sitting under the Highland Railway's roof at Inverness. Or was the ultimate Maybach image one of the Western skirting Loch Carron or resting at Kyle of Lochalsh under the shadow of the Isle of Skye? As if that wasn't enough, we were then treated to LNER K1s on the 'Jacobite' to Mallaig, 66s over the West Highland line, before finishing with another 'Western' trip, as D1015 went to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Another wonderful talk by Bernard, and possibly one with the most hydraulics in it since 1977! - But then, no one was complaining!
30th November 2009
DAVID GOODYEAR: Going Dutch to Germany and France
The railways of Holland rarely feature in railway publications, and yet there is much of interest in this system, both in freight and passenger traffic. David took us on a wholly entertaining tour of Holland, Belgium and Germany, with the second half being devoted to the railways of France. Starting in Holland, we were treated to some of the interesting EMUs that can be seen, as well as European class 66s - complete with square buffers! As we gazed in wonder at the variety of electric locomotives as we travelled through such places as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, many of us cast our minds back to the former EM2 / class 77 former 'Woodhead' electrics that were exiled in Holland, until their withdrawal in 1985 / 1986. Next, we were off to Germany, to Hamburg, and the highlight for the Circle's hydraulic fans was the rare glimpse of some of Germany's class 218 diesel-hydraulics. The second half was devoted to France, and we were treated to some of the often overlooked rural services of Eastern and Southern France, before finishing at Lyon, where we were treated to some fabulous views of Lyon and the Med. David's mix of steam, diesel & electric trains, with a sprinkling of trams along the way, provided an entertaining evening with some stunning photography, in a field that is not often covered!
The railways of Holland rarely feature in railway publications, and yet there is much of interest in this system, both in freight and passenger traffic. David took us on a wholly entertaining tour of Holland, Belgium and Germany, with the second half being devoted to the railways of France. Starting in Holland, we were treated to some of the interesting EMUs that can be seen, as well as European class 66s - complete with square buffers! As we gazed in wonder at the variety of electric locomotives as we travelled through such places as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, many of us cast our minds back to the former EM2 / class 77 former 'Woodhead' electrics that were exiled in Holland, until their withdrawal in 1985 / 1986. Next, we were off to Germany, to Hamburg, and the highlight for the Circle's hydraulic fans was the rare glimpse of some of Germany's class 218 diesel-hydraulics. The second half was devoted to France, and we were treated to some of the often overlooked rural services of Eastern and Southern France, before finishing at Lyon, where we were treated to some fabulous views of Lyon and the Med. David's mix of steam, diesel & electric trains, with a sprinkling of trams along the way, provided an entertaining evening with some stunning photography, in a field that is not often covered!
Monday 16th November 2009
BERNARD MILLS: Steam North West
The spirit of the late 1960s was perfectly recreated through the wonderful images of one of the Circle's principle figures, Bernard Mills, in a fascinating tour of the final days of steam in the North West during 1967 - 1968. In his own unique style, we were treated to 2 hours that were cramed with superb images and personal reminiscences. During the evening we ventured to such locations as Liverpool Exchange, Crewe and Manchester, witnessed the last days of steam on the West Coast Main Line, Settle & Carlisle, Copy Pit and lines to Blackpool and Southport, and much, much more! We were treated to such wonderful images as a grimy 9F blasting through Settle, night scenes at Carlisle, and Britannia Pacifics climbing Shap! We ventured to many steam sheds that have now vanished forever, such as Tebay, Carnforth, Newton Heath, Lostock Hall and Rose Grove, where the real sense of decay was brought vividly to life, especial for those of us who were too young to appreciate it! The early diesel period was not ignored either, and many of us were left drooling as we saw class 25s and class 17 Claytons at Carnforth, class 28 Metro-Vicks on the West Coast or diverted Deltics! Another fantastic evening by Bernard, and many of the images seen are now available to purchase as downloads by going to: http://classictractioncollection.weebly.com. We look forward to the next talk by Bernard, which will be his ever popular annual review, The Mills Railway Year - 2009, on 14th December 2009.
The spirit of the late 1960s was perfectly recreated through the wonderful images of one of the Circle's principle figures, Bernard Mills, in a fascinating tour of the final days of steam in the North West during 1967 - 1968. In his own unique style, we were treated to 2 hours that were cramed with superb images and personal reminiscences. During the evening we ventured to such locations as Liverpool Exchange, Crewe and Manchester, witnessed the last days of steam on the West Coast Main Line, Settle & Carlisle, Copy Pit and lines to Blackpool and Southport, and much, much more! We were treated to such wonderful images as a grimy 9F blasting through Settle, night scenes at Carlisle, and Britannia Pacifics climbing Shap! We ventured to many steam sheds that have now vanished forever, such as Tebay, Carnforth, Newton Heath, Lostock Hall and Rose Grove, where the real sense of decay was brought vividly to life, especial for those of us who were too young to appreciate it! The early diesel period was not ignored either, and many of us were left drooling as we saw class 25s and class 17 Claytons at Carnforth, class 28 Metro-Vicks on the West Coast or diverted Deltics! Another fantastic evening by Bernard, and many of the images seen are now available to purchase as downloads by going to: http://classictractioncollection.weebly.com. We look forward to the next talk by Bernard, which will be his ever popular annual review, The Mills Railway Year - 2009, on 14th December 2009.
November 2nd 2009: 62nd Annual General Meeting
After a highly productive Annual General Meeting, the railway circle enjoyed an interesting video presentation from one of our members, Mike Hanrahan, which documented the circle's visit to the South Devon Railway, and our brakevan charter behind recently overhauled class 33 33002 Seaking. The video brought back many happy memories of the summer, as we drifted down the former Ashburton branch listening to Sulzer music! Happy days!