‘A Touch of Eastern Promise’ – Derek Huntriss

RCTS – West Midlands Branch Meeting Report

15th April 2024 – Coventry

 

 

‘A Touch of Eastern Promise’ - Derek Huntriss

 

 

On Monday 15th April 2024 our Branch Secretary, Derek Huntriss, presented ‘The Railways of Indonesia in 1977’ and concluding with ‘A Trip to Eastern Turkey in February 1982’ where steam was still operational. This was his first visit to the Far East, the island of Java came as a bit of a culture shock to Derek especially in the ‘hot’ season. Set to a backdrop of paddy fields, palm trees and mountainous regions he found the people to be very friendly often allowing him into locomotive cabs which turned out to be private photographic charters. Travel was mainly by train so that any available workings could be photographed.

 

Amongst the locomotive types photographed were steam trams,

2-4-0s, twelve-coupleds. Malletts, compounds, and rack engines produced by a score of builders from seven countries and three continents. Images were taken along the lineside, on sheds, and at numerous stations. Locos using coal, timber and oil burners were seen on this epic adventure.

 

After the break Derek presented pictures taken in Eastern Turkey in February 1982 when he encountered some difficult weather conditions where chains had to be fitted to the wheels of the hire car before coming to grief in a white-out snow storm. Whilst a small number of Class 8Fs were seen in use as depot shunters much larger locos operated on the main lines and included VIW 2-10-0s ‘Skyliners’.

 

An excellent presentation from our tried and trusted secretary! We look forward to more of the same.