Milton Keynes
Meeting Reports
Thursday 5th January 2012
AGM followed by member`s presentations
Our first meeting of 2012 started with the official business of the Branch’s Annual General Meeting, which was dealt with efficiently and in record time! Following on from conclusion of the AGM business, those attending (including some welcome new faces) enjoyed three diverse presentations from the committee.
Clive Pepper began by reminding us of the many outdoor visits that the branch has made since its founding in 1999. Appropriately we started locally with views of our visit to Bletchley TMD, now sadly closed. This was followed by views from other depot visits to Hornsey, Bounds Green and Tyseley. The visit in June 2004 to each of the signal boxes on the Bletchley to Bedford line was a reminder of just how much change there has been locally. The 40-lever frame at Forders Siding seen on that visit could not have been a greater contrast to the visit in March 2006 to the Marston Vale Signalling Centre at Ridgmont, which now controls the whole line. Now, instead of numerous manual signal boxes, the line is controlled from this one centre by two workstations.
The Milton Keynes’ branch successful hosting of the RCTS AGM in 2005 was represented by photos of our visit to the nearby Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. Also in 2005 we visited Merehead Quarry in Somerset. Closer to home there was a visit to Northampton (Kings Heath) depot in 2008 which was notable for its cleanliness and the smart appearance of the Class 350/1s, at that time still in their all-over grey livery with blue doors.
It is remarkable to reflect on how many signal boxes the branch has been able to visit over the years. Two favourites are Banbury South and Banbury North which are normally included during our annual observation evening at the station. Most recently we were taken on a guided tour of the new Thames Valley Signalling Centre at Didcot last August. A memorable reminder of the evening came not from the photos of the interior of the signalling centre but a fantastic photo of 4492 Dominion of New Zealand passing at speed through Didcot.
The second presentation of the evening was by our branch secretary, Steve Dexter, who provided a thorough and interesting talk on the Chinley accident of Sunday 9th March 1986. The accident was caused due to signaller error which led to the fatal collision between a passenger train and two stationary locomotives.
Steve gave us a thorough understanding of Chinley signal box and, through the use of diagrams and photos, an excellent overview of the scene where the accident occurred. Steve gave us a detailed overview of the sequence of events involving 31436 with 1M42 from Manchester to Sheffield to collide with 45014 and 47334. In brief, 1M42 was authorised to pass a signal at danger and passing through crossovers that were incorrectly set, the train was sent onto the same line as the stationary 45014 and 47334, resulting in a head on collision at a speed of approximately 30mph. Sadly, the driver of 31436 was killed in the impact of the collision with 45014 and 47334 but the driver and the assistant of the two light engines were commended for their bravery during the accident. Of the 116 passengers on 1M42, 32 required hospital treatment.
Steve outlined the recommendations and the lessons learnt from the accident, which were important to understand at the time and have led to improvements to the safety of the railway. It was a fascinating presentation with lots of detail but explained clearly with the additional background and personal knowledge Steve could provide from his safety role with Network Rail.
The final presentation of the evening was delivered by our chairman, Bob Ballard, focusing on his travels during 2011. There was a pleasing emphasis on signal boxes, with an emphasis on those in the South, the Midlands and East Anglia. Local views reminded us again of the changes that have occurred over the past twelve months, the most notable new landmark being the building of the Network Rail National Centre on the former hockey stadium site. On the rails, there were various classes of units and locomotives seen, from 172s at Gospel Oak and Bicester North to the last Class 380s being delivered and seen passing Wolverton and Class 66s and 70s on freight workings through the Milton Keynes area. As well as a tour around many fascinating mechanical signal boxes as diverse as Hamworthy and Bloxwich, Bob took us abroad to Switzerland with some stunning views from his railway travels on holiday in September.
An excellent evening was enjoyed by all and the diversity of the three presentations meant that there was something for everyone.
Thursday 1st December 2011
Xmas Evening
As is now traditional, our December meeting was an opportunity for members to provide their own presentations to entertain those attending the local branch gathering at The Crown in Stony Stratford. We were treated to a selection of five diverse but all equally fascinating and enjoyable presentations.
Our evening started with Peter Fleming’s illustrated review of railway posters, principally from the grouping era up until the 1960s. The journey commenced with a joint LNER/LMS poster advertising the inviting delights of Tobermory in the Western Isles. Joint posters was a common theme of the evening with LMS/LNER and Southern/GWR combinations.
The first selection of posters featured towns and cities including some of the fine railway hotels such as the one at Gleneagles. Peter explained that often an artistic licence was taken in the depiction of the destinations that could be reached by rail such as the sun always shining or false scale to give the viewer an imposing impression of the local landscape or architecture. It was also poignant to remember that a number of the places featured were no longer rail served such as Ripon and Woodhall Spa.
One of the most intriguing posters was a golf poster from Tunis in Tunisia whilst a more familiar one was ‘The Day Begins’ by Cuneo depicting locomotive City of Hereford on the turntable in Willesden shed.
The second presentation of the evening was from committee member Clive Pepper entitled ‘Through the Rockies.’ This illustrated talk featured Clive’s travels in Canada in June this year, journeying on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Jasper. As well as capturing the railway scene, Clive’s digital photographs brought to life the drama and beauty of the Canadian landscape with the railway winding its way through some impressive scenery and over magnificent bridges and viaducts. Some of the communities passed en route were extremely remote, receiving just a few trains a week and thus the arrival of the Rocky Mountaineer was quite an occasion. It was interesting to compare the comforts of the train with the frugal facilities provided at the stations, most being little more than wooden buildings providing shelter from the elements and little else in the way of facilities. Clive finished with some stirring scenes of an Empress-class 4-6-4 steam locomotive working a special into Banff.
After an excellent quiz which tested our knowledge of railway stations as viewed from the air and a break for refreshment in the form of sausage rolls and mince pies kindly provided by Nigel Lyons, we started our second half with Colin Stacey’s presentation on prototype and early diesel locomotives. This was an eclectic selection with early members of Classes 24, 26, 31 and 37 being featured as well as Deltics, Peaks, Class 33s at Hither Green, a Hymek at Swindon Works as well as one offs such as Falcon and Kestrel. A wide variety of liveries were also seen with BR green, two-tone green, rail blue etc.
Finally and by no means least, our evening concluded with committee member Brian Ringer’s presentation entitled ‘Tony’s Treasures’ a delightful selection of slides from the late Tony Scarsbrook’s collection. This started with an everyday scene (as it was then) of 87015 at Carlisle at the head of a passenger train in 1976. This was followed by views on the Haltwhistle to Alston branch taken in the final weeks before closure. From these interesting interludes in Northumberland, we were whisked away to firstly the Kyle of Lochalsh before taking a tour around Europe including Switzerland and Germany and thence onto the United States of America. Our return to the UK saw 55013 at Lowestoft Central on a railtour in 1978 and concluded with a scene close to the branch, of 55022 Royal Scots Grey working Virgin Trains’ 1O99 Birmingham New Street to Ramsgate passing Denbigh Hall to the south of Milton Keynes. This brought to a close a thoroughly excellent evening much enjoyed by all those who were there.
Thursday 3rd November 2011
An Introduction to British Signal Box Design
Andy Grimmett was the speaker on 3rd November to give an illustrated talk on “An Introduction To British Signal Box Design”. Starting with a potted history of how signal boxes came into being in the mid 19th century led by contractor John Saxby and later by others who constructed them for the various railway companies, some of whom like the Midland Railway went on to produce their own at their Derby Works which were made up of kit parts and were put together on site to a size suitable for the location. This became so efficient that one at Souldrop was erected and in use in less than 24 hours. In total there were 12063 at their zenith but this total soon came down with following Board of Trade regulations brought in from 1905 meant that interlocking had to be introduced. The largest ever Box was York Loco Works which had no less than 295 levers and took 5 signalmen at a time to operate it. With the aid of slides Andy then went on to show different examples and sizes of Boxes from firstly the GNR then onto the NER which had 3 different geographical divisions each with their own designs, the Midand, Cheshire Lines Committee and finally the MS&L. All had different types, sizes and construction including name boards which were initially fitted to the front of Boxes but then in later years to each end where they could be seen more easily by train crews.
A fascinating evening with so much detail which would initially not be too apparent to the average enthusiast.
Thursday 6th October 2011
1,000 Eggs On A Bicycle
Colin Boocock
We were delighted to welcome Colin Boocock as our speaker at the October meeting with an intriguingly titled presentation ‘1000 eggs on a bicycle.’ Without wishing to spoil the surprise for other branches that have yet to hear Colin’s excellent talk, all is revealed!
The talk spanned the whole of Colin’s railway photography, from his very first photo taken in 1947 when he was just 9 years old of a Scotch ‘Arthur’ to his most recent – that of a Class 350 Desiro at Tamworth taken during his journey to Milton Keynes. In between these two contrasting images, Colin treated the branch to a superb range of railway subjects ranging across the UK and around the world as his travels in later years took him to India, Japan, Egypt and Austria amongst many other exotic destinations.
There were many scenes captured that would be impossible today either because the landscape has changed completely or the railways have changed beyond all recognition or disappeared entirely. Thus as an historical record of our railways over the latter half of the twentieth century there was much to enjoy.
Amongst some of the more interesting views was a 1960 photo of the Grimsby & Immingham Tramway which closed a year later. This was unique in being the only tram system to be operated by British Railways. Three years earlier at Rickmansworth, a view of Metropolitan-Vickers Bo-Bo No.7 Edmund Burke, was a reminder of the days before the ubiquitous Underground ‘A’ stock.
The very last Bournemouth Belle on 9th July 1967 was caught on camera by Colin at St Denys with Brush Type 4 (Class 47) D1924 powering the train. Another remarkable Southern scene which is sadly no longer repeatable was captured in summer 1983 with a Class 33 valiantly battling its way along Weymouth Quay, seemingly lost in the chaos of parked cars!
In more recent years, Colin’s travels have taken him and his camera all over the world to places as diverse as China, India, Japan, Jordan, Somalia, and Austria. However, it was back to the UK we came and another visit to the Southern with a view of the Eastleigh Works Open Days held over a 3-day Bank Holiday weekend in 2009. The event, which was one of the most successful railway open days held, attracted 18,000 visitors.
Our final views were of Colin’s most recent railway photos taken whilst en route to Milton Keynes to deliver his talk. This brought to a close a fascinating and enjoyable evening in the company of an engaging speaker.
Thursday 1st September 2011
Railway Along The North Wales Coast-Part 1
David Scudamore.
David Scudamore of the neighbouring Northampton branch was our guest speaker at the September meeting. Our journey along the North Wales coast actually started ‘over the border’ in Chester with some background on the building of the line and the complicated history of ownership over the years. The line was built between 1844 and 1850 by the Chester & Holyhead Railway Company which was later absorbed into the London & North Western Railway in 1859. The Chester & Holyhead line was never a financial success despite this being the route of the Irish Mail services.
The imposing Grade 2 listed Chester station (formerly known as Chester General until 1969) was opened on 1st August 1848 and was designed by Francis Thompson who was employed as the architect for the line to Holyhead. The transition from semaphore to colour light signalling at the station with the opening of the Chester Power Signal Box was amply illustrated as were the numerous and distinctive manual signal boxes of the area.
Just a short distance beyond the station is the site of the current Arriva Trains Wales Class 175 depot which is built on the site of the former steam sheds and David told us that the site has thus been in use as a railway depot of one sort or another since the 1840s. A quick view at a couple more now sadly closed and demolished Chester signal boxes was enjoyed before we viewed the site of the former Chester Northgate station, which was a jointly used Cheshire Lines Committee/Great Central station.
Getting underway from Chester we were treated to some fine views of trains on the Roodee Viaduct and reminded of the long association of loco hauled trains with the North Wales Coast line and particularly Class 37s in the 1980s and early 1990s. Getting up speed into Wales we were reminded of one of the most striking and unusual landmarks on this section of line – the TSS Duke of Lancaster – which is beached near Mostyn on the Dee Estuary. A former railway steamer, her future is uncertain and there are no present plans by the current owners to either use the ship or have it scrapped.
On our journey it was interesting to reflect how much the railways in this area have changed. The former quadrupling of the line between Chester and Colwyn Bay is clearly in evidence and the loss of much of the industry and freight is keenly sensed. Nowhere was this more striking than in seeing the slides depicting the considerable expanse of Mold Junction Yard which had a 900 wagon capacity and a substantial steam shed to provide locos for the many freight workings in the area.
Sadly our journey for this first part came to an end all too soon but with a second visit booked next year, we hope David will conclude our journey along the North Wales Coast line with more fascinating images of how the railways in this area have changed over the years.
Thursday 5th May 2011
Euston-Bletchley In Steam & Early Diesel Days
Ron White
Ron White the former owner of Colour Rail was our speaker on 5th May to give a slide presentation on “Euston-Bletchley in Steam & Early Diesel Days”. Starting at Euston we were reminded of scenes taken before the modernisation started and when Stanier pacifics reigned supreme. Looking at the Station Hotel Ron compared it with St Pancras as the architecture might have been overlooked,the building being hidden behind the Doric Arch. After views around the terminus we visited Camden with line side shots of trains both coming up and down the bank before going on shed to view Stanier`s master pieces. Going on towards Willesden we were reminded of how the railway looked in the early 60s with not only the Shed but also the marshalling yards and here and there were glimpses of more modern motive power which was starting to arrive. It was good to be also reminded of the DC Line Oerlikon stock which was about to be replaced with the Eastleigh built Class 501 units. Watford Junction was well represented together with the steam shed in the area now occupied by the station car park. Going further north we were reminded at Berkhamsted of the former horse drawn 1ft 6 inch narrow gauge line which ran from the Up side goods yard then under the main line to reach the local gas works located on the Down side at Northchurch between the railway and the Grand Union Canal. As we travelled north a number of branch lines were visited including Stanmore, Rickmansworth Church St, Croxley Green, St Albans Abbey, Aylesbury High St and Dunstable. Bletchley was then shown with examples of some quite ancient LNW motive power around the station with some smoky scenes in the shed reminding the audience of how conditions were inside a steam motive power depot. The evening concluded with views of steam locos taking water on Castlethorpe troughs a sight which was not going to continue for very much longer. All in all a very nostalgic evening enlivened by Ron`s reminiscences and comments which had his audience thoroughly appreciating what they were seeing.
Thursday 7th April 2011
30 Years of BR Traction - 1981-2010
Hugh Ballantyne
We welcomed renowned railway photographer Hugh Ballantyne to our meeting on 7th April to provide a presentation on the changing BR traction scene from 1981 to 2010. As the evening proved, this was a period of remarkable change to the face of Britain’s railways with a move away from Class 86 hauled expresses to the modern era of sleek looking Pendolinos. Indeed our starting point was 86251 working the ‘Manchester Pullman’ into Euston in 1981.
For each year Hugh provided us with a selection of scenes – around 3-5 different shots – showing varying aspects of the railway scene with an emphasis on loco hauled traction. One of your reviewer’s favourite scenes of the evening was an April 1982 slide of a 4-CIG unit working a Waterloo to Portsmouth service at Petersfield. This was a beautifully composed shot with the setting sun and the attractive station buildings at Petersfield completing the scene.
A rare and pleasing shot from June 1986 captured the debut of Network SouthEast livery with a Class 47 hauled service arriving at Ipswich with the 07.55 Norwich to Liverpool Street.
There was something for everyone in Hugh’s presentation from a humble Class 08 at Shrewsbury to modern Class 66 locomotives taking in a diverse range of locations from Ryde St Johns Road to Hereford. There were a number of scenes of new and experimental traction with the ill-fated Advanced Passenger Train at Euston in March 1984 and Class 58s under construction at Doncaster Works in the mid-1980s. The arrvial of the Class 59s was also captured with the original 4 locomotives en route from Southampton to Westbury on 24 January 1986.
As well as changing traction, Hugh’s slides reminded us of the changing liveries over the last 30 years and how many favourites were lost with privatisation. Amongst those featured were BR blue, the attractive ‘Jaffa Cake’ livery on a 4-CEP and the long closed Dover Western Docks and ‘Dutch’ civil engineers livery as applied to 50015.
This was an interesting and enjoyable meeting reminding all of us how the railways have chnaged significantly in a relatively short period of time. Not only have entire classes of locomotive come and gone but liveries and companies have emerged and then disappeared, whilst passenger traffic has moved from the heyday of mid-80s loco hauled expresses and specials to today’s modern multiple unit image.
Thursday 3rd March 2011
Strictly Freight Only
Brian Ringer
Branch Committee Member Brian Ringer entertained us at our March meeting with the second part of his review of the rail freight business over the last 50 years. Our journey resumed in the late 1980s with Brian now a Marketing Manager for the Trainload Freight Metals business of BR, based in York. One of his first acts in this job was to be involved in the proposed closure of Redmire on the Wensleydale branch which saw freight traffic cease in 1992.
The line was used to convey limestone from the quarry at Redmire along the 22 mile branch to the junction with the East Coast Main Line at Northallerton and thence (after propelling its train backwards wrong road over a facing cross-over!) the line to Redcar. Brian explained that the operation was a complex and costly one. A typical train comprised two Class 37s hauling a rake of 36 PGA wagons and a brake van. The train required a driver, second man and guard which were kept busy on the branch opening and closing the 27 trainmen operated crossings. In addition a signal box was manned at Bedale, about half-way along the branch, to provide a break in the block section. This allowed daytime maintenance to be carried out. At Redmire itself there were 3 sidings, which as Brian described and illustrated required a train to be assembled by a series of shunt moves. Not surprisingly the costs of operating the service was not being met by the charges made to the customer and eventually the branch was closed in 1992 to this traffic when the Redmire to Redcar service ceased. The full closure did not then take place as the MOD stepped in and requested it`s use to move trains of military vehicles to/from Redmire.
From Redmire, Brian took us to all parts of the country, starting at Ravenscraig before stopping by Tinsley Yard to see 20054 and 20176 working a scrap train in 1987 and a rare and dramatic photo of the 7Z61 working from Inverness to Wick conveying steel pipes for a North Sea oil company.
The main section of the talk was about coal and Brian described how the movement of coal dated back to the Stockton & Darlington Railway and was the ‘original heavyhaul.’ Nearly all the earliest railways were established to move coal – the fuel that drove the industrial revolution.
A survey of coal trains from steam days to the 1980s showed how little things had changed with the length of the train largely determined by the brake force of the locomotive rather than the hauling power. A 1976 scene of a Class 37 at Newport showed that the typical wagon consist of a coal train had altered little since steam days when 9Fs had been common traction on these trains.
The advent of the MGR wagon from around 1964 onwards transformed the transportation of coal by rail making it much more economical. This story was told against the backdrop of an industry that was in precipitious decline from the 1960s onwards with the move from deep underground mines to today’s open cast mines.
This was another fascinating talk that managed to pack in many splendid images of both steam hauled freight and more impressively the many classes of diesel traction – 20s, 33s, 37s, 40s, 44s, 47s, 56s, 58s and 60s. An excellent evening in the company of a passionate and eloquent speaker.
last updated: 21/01/12