Dave F more photos added 21 June from 1947 to 1955ish

[Guest]

That shot of The Elizabethan (5057) is really nice, reminds me of a documentary I stumbed across on YouTube some months ago. I'm sure most members know of it but I'm posting the links here for those who don't. The commentary is typical of the time (a bit naff) but the shots of the railway at work then are great! In two parts.

 

 

 

Still hugely enjoying these pics being posted. Just don't seem to be able to tire of them.

 

[Peter Kazmierczak]

Enterprisingwestern, on 18 May 2013 - 05:37, said:

Ladybay bridge.

 

Mike.

Sorry to be pedantic Mike (aren't we all), but it's more generally called Lady Bay Bridge.

[great central]

Actually I'm surprised that we haven't seen a Hall or Grange at Notts Vic as I thought the GWR locos did work through on occasionly cross country trains.

 

(Or maybe not?)

 

Keith

 

Halls were regularish at Victoria in the late 50s early 60s I understand, especially on summer Saturdays. Up until the line was downgraded by the dark side most loco changes would have been done at Leicester where the main GC passenger depot was. Then on 'reorganisation' Annesley took on passenger work. Summer Saturdays were famous all over the country for unusual locos being turned out for passenger work. There is, of course, the famous episode of the 9F doing 90 down Stoke bank on the ECML. 

The GC was also using 9Fs on passenger work, there is a recording on the Peter Handford 'Great Central' album (I think) of a 9F tearing through somewhere towards the southern end of the line, maybe Princes Risborough.

Anyway back to GWR locos, the Gas Works Railway as it was known to some GC staff, there is the well documented episode of a Grange arriving at either Leicester or Nottingham, details escapes me at the moment, and there being no relief engine available. The crew were persuaded to take it as far as Sheffield, where another loco was promised. On arrival at Sheffield still no relieving loco but the driver refused to take it any further, remember that the GC was built with rather more generous clearances than other lines. An inspector apparently agreed to take the loco forward but was stopped at Huddersfield, the loco cylinder having hit the platform at Denby Dale I believe. The loco was then impounded until a means of getting it home was decided. It made it's way home light engine, apparently very slowly in places.   

Edited May 18, 2013 by great central

[Peter Kazmierczak]

I'd begin by reading the chapters on the GC and GN (for they were very much intertwined) in "Forgotten Railways - The East Midlands" by P Howard Anderson. This is a beautifully written book, with many evocative passeges in it. Though I've had my well-thumbed and annotated copy for many years, and some of the content is now outdated, I still often return to it if I need a "fix" for that decimated network of tracks around Nottm.

Colin P Walker's photographic albums would be my second port of call. The quality of his camerawork is exceptional. It brings the GC alive again and doesn't just concentrate on the engines themselves, but the crews and infrastructure.

The four-volume work by the RCTS on the GC, GN and LNW/GN Jt in the East Midlands provides many diagrams, track layouts and photographs of the area. The qulity of the photos is variable, but worth looking at for their historic content.

Mac Hawkins' "GC Then and Now" does what it says on the tin, though bear in mind it was first published some 20 years ago now. It includes reproductions of OS map extracts of many of the stations.

The Signalling Record Society has a volume in the GC in its BR Layout Plans series drawn by John Swift.

Lots more books I've not mentioned, such as George Dow's three-volume magnum opus on the history of the GC. Photos, by Newton, of when the line was constructed. Plus a website created (I think ) by Leicester Museums that has reproductions of the original trackplans. Other books published by Book Law in Nottm cover railways in an around Nottm, including a volume on Colwick.

Hope that gives but a flavour.....

Edited May 18, 2013 by Western Sunset

[melmerby]

Anyway back to GWR locos, the Gas Works Railway as it was known to some GC staff, there is the well documented episode of a Grange arriving at either Leicester or Nottingham, details escapes me at the moment, and there being no relief engine available. The crew were persuaded to take it as far as Sheffield, where another loco was promised. On arrival at Sheffield still no relieving loco but the driver refused to take it any further, remember that the GC was built with rather more generous clearances than other lines. An inspector apparently agreed to take the loco forward but was stopped at Huddersfield, the loco cylinder having hit the platform at Denby Dale I believe. The loco was then impounded until a means of getting it home was decided. It made it's way home light engine, apparently very slowly in places.

Although "The London Extension" was built to generous clearances was the rest of the MS&LR?

 

Keith

[Mallard60022]

Although "The London Extension" was built to generous clearances was the rest of the MS&LR?

 

Keith

Nope (generally)!

P

[DaveF]

This afternoon's batch has some more of Barkston with a couple each at Rugby and Bagthorpe Junction on the GC.  There also one of my favourite pictures at Nottingham Victoria

 

Barkston A3 60088 Book Law down ex pass c1953 JVol5062

 

 

Barkston A4 60028 Walter K Wigham up Elizabethan c1953 JVol5063

 

 

Barkston A4 60003 Andrew K McCosh up ex pass c1953 JVol5064

 

 

Nottingham Victoria B1 61156 down ex pass c1953 JVol5067

 

 

Bagthorpe Junction K3 61827 up pass c1953 JVol5068

 

 

Bagthorpe Junction V2 60857 up ex pass c1953 JVol5069

 

 

Rugby Coronation Class 46239 City of Chester down ex pass c1952 JVol5069a

 

 

Rugby Jubilee down ex pass c1951 JVol5072

 

 

David

Edited May 18, 2013 by DaveF

[Mallard60022]

Excellent. Is that Perry Road (bridge) in 5068/9? I'm sure I saw that distinctive house in 5068 when visiting recently.

If it is, then where Dave's dad was standing when this photo was taken is now all housing (as you most probably know) with one part being Bagthorpe Close! I'll have to revisit to orientate myself yet again.

Great shot at Victoria.

Phil. 

Edited May 18, 2013 by Mallard60022

[coachmann]

A bit late in the day but I found this shot most interesting. There was some discussion earlier on the apparent hap-hazard make up of trains but this is how it was. The leading four coaches were built before 1927 with three of them pre-grouping designs, but the fith coach is an almost brand new 'Porthole'! Photos provide all the clues for given periods in railway history.....

 

An 'all-steel' blood & custard open third is behind the Compound, Then one of the rare Midlland Railway D1284 3-compartment brake thirds in LMS maroon (final MR corridor coaches with the last one built by the LMS), Lancashire & Yorkshire corridor or open third in LMS colour, Wood bodied LMS 2-window open third in LMS livery, London & North Western 'Toplight' corridor third in LMS maroon, and an almost new blood & custard LMS 'Porthole' corridor third.

 

Edited May 18, 2013 by coachmann

[Peter Kazmierczak]

David Elvar, on 18 May 2013 - 08:48, said:

That shot of The Elizabethan (5057) is really nice, reminds me of a documentary I stumbed across on YouTube some months ago. I'm sure most members know of it but I'm posting the links here for those who don't. The commentary is typical of the time (a bit naff) but the shots of the railway at work then are great! In two parts.

 

 

 

 

 

Still hugely enjoying these pics being posted. Just don't seem to be able to tire of them.

Yes, always good to watch this. Interesting that the opening pictures are at Waterloo and the early shots of the operational managers has been used in other BT films.

 

The commentary does really grate though. I think it tries too hard to replicate the "Night Mail". Whilst the pictures are very good, the words are not a patch on those by Auden in that GPO classic.

[great central]

Excellent. Is that Perry Road (bridge) in 5068/9? I'm sure I saw that distinctive house in 5068 when visiting recently.

If it is, then where Dave's dad was standing when this photo was taken is now all housing (as you most probably know) with one part being Bagthorpe Close! I'll have to revisit to orientate myself yet again.

Great shot at Victoria.

Phil. 

 

'Tis indeed Perry Road, spent many a summers day in the area, born about 1/2 a mile away. The sandstone under the side spans provided a pleasant cool shade from the hot summer sun, with the bonus of trains passing every few minutes, it really seemed that busy even in the early 60s. 

The best ones being the 9Fs heading to Annesley and home after a trip to Woodford Halse. First the signals would come off, then a few minutes later a plume of steam announced their appearance from Sherwood Rise tunnel. They made a rousing sound as they climbed the bank, speed well into the 30s I reckon, not bad having been against the grade since leaving Victoria, the crew ready for home.

[DaveF]

This evening we are returning to Rugby to watch the trains go by, with just a couple of other places to visit.

 

Rugby Princess class 46207 Princess Arthur of Connaught up ex pass c1952 JVol5074

 

 

Rugby Jubilee class 45584 North WestFrontier c1952 JVol5077

 

 

Rugby Coronation class 46247 City of Liverpool down Mid Day Scot c1952 JVol5079

 

 

Rugby Jubilee 45592 Indore up ex pass c1952  JVol5080

This is from a better print than that used earlier.

 

Nottingham Victoria O4 63645 up goods c1953 JVol5086

 

 

Rugby Jubilee Class 45737 Atlas down ex pass c1952 JVol5087

 

 

Nottingham Victoria B1 61225 ecs and O1 down goods c1952 JVol5089

 

 

Wansford Class 5 44716 pass Peterborough to Rugby c1952 JVol5092

 

 

David

 

 

[great central]

Looking again at the pictures of Perry Road bridge from 1953, the year I was born. 

 

I thought something was missing, so dug out the Malcolm Castledine book, 'Railways north of Nottingham' A picture taken from the same position, more or less, in 1966 shows smoke deflector plates below the bridge. I would have expected deflector plates to have been fitted when the bridge was built.

Comparing the two pictures, the plates must have been there a while as in the 1966 shot much of the accumulated soot has washed off.

The plates were quite prominent being suspended a good few feet below the bridge deck. 

[TheSignalEngineer]

Re "Rugby Jubilee up ex pass c1951 JVol5072" I think that's a Down train.

[BR(W)]

...there is the well documented episode of a Grange arriving at either Leicester or Nottingham, details escapes me at the moment, and there being no relief engine available. The crew were persuaded to take it as far as Sheffield, where another loco was promised. On arrival at Sheffield still no relieving loco but the driver refused to take it any further, remember that the GC was built with rather more generous clearances than other lines. An inspector apparently agreed to take the loco forward but was stopped at Huddersfield, the loco cylinder having hit the platform at Denby Dale I believe. The loco was then impounded until a means of getting it home was decided. It made it's way home light engine, apparently very slowly in places.   

The loco in question was a very game 6858 'Woolston Grange' (2B Oxley) having arrived at Nottingham Victoria with the 8.55 a.m. from Bournemouth West to Leeds, on 15th. August 1964. As no lesser loco was available to take the train forward, the booked Annesley men took over from the Woodford Halse crew and performed sterling work to Sheffield Victoria regaining all lost time on an unfamiliar engine.

 

But, disdainful of the new-fangled fashion for 'Common User' diagramming, the impertinent 6800 had gouged parts of Sheffield's platforms, completely displacing a number of heavy edging stones. As a consequence, the next crew, from Huddersfield, were reluctant to take over the exotic machine for, once again, no local engine was available. So, 48 minutes late in leaving, the 'up for it' Huddersfield fireman and an ER inspector (in pinstripe suit) took 6858 over Penistone and on to Huddersfield, gaining some eight minutes in the process, where she was impounded and rather cruelly imprisoned at Hillhouse MPD. After much head scratching, and, no doubt, admiration, eleven days later she was sent back to Oxley, via Crewe, as an out-of-gauge working limited to a maximum of 35 mph.

 

I wonder what the Rev. Awdry would have made of that adventure...

 

Cheers,

 

BR(W).

Edited May 18, 2013 by BR(W)

[DaveF]

Re "Rugby Jubilee up ex pass c1951 JVol5072" I think that's a Down train.

Thanks,

 

I've altered the caption.  It was my mistake, I misread the notes Dad had made, yet again.

[Jack P]

Something about 5079 made it look a bit like an optical illusion when I scrolled past, something about those bridges? Another batch of fantastic photos.

[DaveF]

The first batch today sees us back at Shoreham looking at Southern trains as well as a quick trip to Rugby again.

 

Shoreham by Sea 2NOL 1818 c1952 JVol5093

 

 

Shoreham by Sea 6PUL down ex pass 1952 JVol5094

 

 

Shoreham by Sea K Class 32350 up goods c1952 JVol5095

 

 

 

Shoreham by Sea M7 30049 push pull c1952 JVol5096

 

 

 

Shoreham by Sea M7 30049 push pull c1952 JVol5097

 

 

Rugby Royal Scot 46137 The Prince of Wales's Volunteers South Lancashire down ex pass c1952 JVol5098

 

 

 

Shoreham by Sea C2X 32554 le c1952 JVol5100

 

 

Rugby Jubilee class down ex pass c1952 JVol5101

 

 

David

Edited May 19, 2013 by DaveF

[Mallard60022]

Those Shoreham shots of the M7 Push Pull could well be the Horsham line train(s)? Unsure about the other two (K on a goods and C2X) as I can't remember what the the headcode is.

Again, lovely shots of long lost stock.

Phil

[BR(W)]

If I may correct the caption about the 'rebuilt Royal Scot'?

 

JVol5098: 46137 (originally 6137 'Vesta') is, of course, an unrebuilt (or unconverted in LMS-speak) Scot; the last to be rebuilt in, I think, March 1955.

 

Wonderful images yet again. Thank you.

 

Cheers,

 

BR(W).

 

Edit to explain reason for post.

Edited May 20, 2013 by BR(W)

[65179]

First class again - what is the coach behind the engine in the first shot though JVol5045? No toilets - I hope they weren't going too far!

 

 

Nottingham Midland Class 5 44959 Sheepbridge Engineering Annual Excursion c1952 JVol5045.jpg

Nottingham Midland Class 5 44959 Sheepbridge Engineering Annual Excursion c1952 JVol5045

Couldn't see a response to Orinoco's post. Is it a Lancashire and Yorkshire non-corridor third (guess based on bogies and vent combination)? Cue Coachmann telling us it's Midland!

 

Simon

[DaveF]

This evening's photos are mainly from Shoreham again.

 

Langley Mill Jubilee class 45670 Howard of Effingham up ex pass c1952 JVol5102

 

 

Shoreham by Sea C2X 32554 le c1952 JVol5103

 

 

Shoreham by Sea M7 30048 push pull c1952 JVol5104

 

 

Shoreham by Sea 2HAL 2656 up pass c1952 JVol5105

 

 

Shoreham by Sea 2BIL 2081 down pass c1952 JVol5106

 

 

 

Nottingham Victoria B12 61554 up pass c1952 JVol5106a

 

 

Shoreham by Sea 2BIL 2081 and 2BIL 2012 c1952 JVol5107

 

 

Shoreham by Sea U1 31904 down le c1952 JVol5108

 

 

David

Edited May 19, 2013 by DaveF

[darren01]

HI

Have been following this and I have now hit over load!,Just when I think ,I have seen some fantastic photo.

When BANG the shot of the U Class....Stunning,Just stunning photo, and seeing one a few miles from where I used to live as well, Did I say I like the SR.

I have said before some of theses photo's should be in a book.

Fantastic

Darren01

[pH]

David, you have got to find a way to get these published! I know you've said you don't have the time to do it yourself ... anybody here with experience to help the man?

[AberdeenBill]

Hi all,

 

Can any experts identify the vans on the right-hand road in photo JVol5067 (post 578)?

 

Many thanks,

Bill