That Was the Year That Was – 1962

Presenter: Geoff Plumb

Meeting Held at Shenfield Parish Hall

Geoff Plumb was introduced to railways and to photography at a rather young age by his father Derek. Many trips were taken together, usually with the rest of the family, and great use was made of the railtours organised by the RCTS and SLS, etc.

The presentation “That was the year that was – 1962” started before 1962 and the first images were from the 50s when Geoff was four years old. Many of the pictures in this presentation were taken by Geoff, but his father’s work was also on show. Geoff and his father had many friends who were excellent photographers, well-known in the RCTS and to readers of RO and he was able to show some of their work.

Both Geoff and his dad had to make use of basic cameras, starting in Geoff’s case with a Kodak Brownie at 13, and film of limited range, and sometimes quality. So, capturing moving trains in the prevailing British climate was challenging. Later on Geoff was able to upgrade his equipment and film technology gradually improved.

It was wonderful to see the range of locos and rolling stock used on service trains and double-heading railtours and other specials. As Geoff pointed out, there was a lack of clutter in the railway environment, when compared to today. What could be more lovely than an A3 speeding along the ECML with beautifully maintained permanent way and semaphore signals?Plently of interesting items in the foreground and background, but no overhead wires. What a golden age of railways!

We look forward to his follow-up, on 1962.