The first part of the evening was spent touring 22 different preservation railways the length and breadth of the country, with over 70 working locomotives on view. After an interval, the wide variation of preservation involving mainline locomotives on BR running lines was screened with full sound effects. The sight and sound of a King and Castle climbing Hemmerdon and Dainton Banks was most impressive, to say the least. Engines from all regions plus the BR standard classes, from the humble tank engine to the cream of the range, were represented, including the A4 Bittern, the latest to appear after restoration. The camera dwelling on the scene until the train had passed was refreshing, as the load hauled was able to be determined, which on occasion involved a locomotive hung on the tail, in fact two on one occasion.

This was altogether a fine evening enjoyed by all.

Friday 18th January
Branch Annual General Meeting followed by slides
Robert Warburton

Following the Branch AGM, local member Robert Warburton presented his regular programme for January of slides amassed over the years (with a few originating from Colour-Rail). His employment enabled him to travel far and wide over the BR Network, with wide coverage from Wick to Dover and Penzance, Wales (Pembroke Dock and Bangor) and the Isle of Wight, included. The programme initially covered stations from the smallest to the largest in alphabetical order from Aberdeen to York, and leaned towards the unusual and fine roof designs.

Other items of lineside equipment covered were signalling (Alnwick gantry), water cranes and their tanks, and signs, especially the totem version in the 1950s. These, along with the BRUTE trolleys, could be seen everywhere. Bridges, troughs and viaducts were covered with Thomas Bouch’s Belah wrought-iron design viewed from the side between Barnard Castle and Kirkby Stephen being most impressive. Comment on the view forward from early DMUs, unlike today, was another aspect mentioned. While locomotives and units were present in many of the scenes, they were not intended to be the main subject, but a fine shot of a Merchant Navy Pacific in BR blue livery was to be noted.

This was an outstanding programme, thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Thank you Robert.

Friday 14th December 2007
My Travels over the Last Year
Hugh Gould

The December meeting welcomed our President Hugh Gould for a presentation of his excellent talk, given without notes, and covering his year’s wanderings over the length and breadth of the British Isles and Europe, including Canada and Alaska. Many places visited were not recognisable to the writer, due to the many changes on the lineside and at stations. A wide range of the fleet of multiple units currently in use was displayed with their varying liveries, many of which are either in the process of changing, or shortly to change, resulted in a very fine evening’s entertainment. Buses were covered, including the occasion of the Society AGM at Coventry. An unusual view of York station, as seen from York Minster tower, fully displayed the curvature and size of the station, this being followed by an internal view of the nave, as it would have been in the past. The chairs had all been removed, creating a massive open space. The saying “Weakest to the Wall” originates from this lack of chairs and a stone seat exists in the aisle of many churches.

Friday 9th November 2007
The Midland Main Line Part 3
John Downing

The season's second meeting, in November, was given by John Downing and was entitled "The Midland Main Line Part 3." The evening's entertainment started at Hendon and two hours later it had arrived at Bedford. A wide range of locomotives was covered from an American 2-6-0 import to Caledonian 0-4-4T 15264 in use on the local services. Also, an M&GN 0-4-4T was shown being used on the Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead branch.

The complexities of the Welsh Harp area was explained with 'Then and Now' examples of the general scene (this applying in many places). The Midland's glass "ridge and furrow" station awnings, used at many of the stations, was commented on several times. Hendon and St. Albans sheds were dealt with. The signal box near the location of the latter was shown and is still standing, having a preservation order.

Only once did the subject wander off course with the visit to Quainton Road to view the Harlington signal box, now in preservation. Altogether this was an enjoyable evening of nostalgia, when considering the range of items viewed. Many thanks to John for his time and very detailed talk.

Friday 12th October 2007
David Scudamore

Our first meeting of the new season was held on Friday, 12th October when we were entertained by Northampton member David Scudamore, with a highly interesting selection of slides covering the North Wales coast from Chester westwards to Colwyn Bay.

A full explanation of the Chester scene commenced the talk, with the signal boxes being explained in detail, including No. 3, that was precariously hung on a wall above the running lines, and No 6, that was perched atop a trestle above the slow line. Various forms of motive power were seen from early LNWR engines through to a Pendolino and Class 573xxs. Included also was an early NW road bus with brakes not unlike conventional cast iron brake blocks fitted to steam, and rail cars that worked the Dyserth branch. It was interesting to note that following a St. Valentine's day massacre of signal boxes and stations that the first cabin on the line is just that, a familiar portable. Surprisingly, an ex-Heysham-to-Belfast steamer, the Duke of Lancaster, was depicted, close to the line, having been used as a casino and floating market. We look forward to the follow up "through to Holyhead" in a future talk.

March 2008