Railways and People

In more normal times the Great Britain would have been underway on Saturday. In the more normal times of 2018 the tour is seen on arrival at Swanage behind SR U Class No 31806. This to date being its only revenue earning trip on the mainline.
Those who regularly travel with RTC or on other WCRC operated tours may recognise "Screwdriver Dave" posing with the headboard.

 

I like a nice cuppa tea with my breakfast and a nice cuppa tea with my dinner.....

 

Two Images taken on arrival of the GBXII option to Aberdeen 2019

 

Here is the second shot I eluded to on the picture puzzle earlier today, Rochdale during a visit by Flying Scotsman on 1/6/69. FS was booked to stop for photo's but pulled well through the station with only the last 2 coaches at platform. There ensued a huge lineside rush to the front to get a photo by the tracksiders on the station, fortunately it was a Sunday and quiet. The Grand Elf and Transport Police would be having kittens today.

 

July 1984, Bridgnorth MPD, the crew were just booking off after a full day on the footplate. The gent on the right is Brian Thomas, the then owner of Raveningham Hall, the guy on the left was the fireman for the day, can't remember his name, and the guy in the middle is yours truly! Mrs Britfoamer took the shot.
I knew Brian through work, he was Sales Manager at International Paints Ladywood Birmingham, I filled his tractor paints into aerosols for touch ups in the construction plants.
The deal was for the wife and I to book on at 7 am Bridgnorth to help clean the loco Brian was driving, in exchange we got to footplate it with him for the day. He was booked on his own engine 6960. My wife got the job of Brasso-ing the brass and copper, whilst I got the paintwork wipe over. Brian and his mate attending to things mechanical. We were then and still are SVR members, albeit armchair.
So why are we posed in front of 43106? The timetable did two and a half round trips, two trains in use starting at opposite ends. Last trip you changed steeds at Hampton to make sure you got back to the original start point. Who was driver on the other turn, a certain Frank Cronin for those who know him? Frank knew Brian would make a quick assent of Eardington bank, showing off a bit as we were on the footplate. It was tender first and Frank knew it was well worn at the back end and told us to make sure we got as far back into the corners of the tender as possible.
Brian leapt up the bank with the reverser jumping all over the place and nearly doing his crown jewels in, the pile of coal from the tender on the footplate was almost like it had an auto-feeder! We booked off around 7 pm, a good time had by all and plenty of memories.

 

The fireman's name is Steve Boot.

 

My wife said she thought he was a "Steve", but memories fade after 36 years. Many thanks for the info, if you are in touch with him point him at the photo please. Hopefully he's still slinging a shovel and pulling a regulator by now!
I lost touch with Brian years ago after he retired.

 

How much did you say this little thing weighs?

 

Swanage work instructions no.27 - do not fill coal and water until after locomotive has been turned .

 

"Must be a cold day, our M7 has turned blue!"

 

A couple from the days of operating railtours, and before the need of social distancing.
A few famous faces on a Black 5 12/05/12 at I believe Llandeilo and happy passengers and public admire Bittern and Britannia at Plymouth 15/09/12

 

The Home Guard, Pages Park, Leighton Buzzarde NG Railway

 

Guard and loco change at a sunny Carnforth for a Cumbrian Coast Express on 140614.
Paul hands over to Roly as the fitter from Les Ross (whose name I do not know) stands by. 8F 48151 and support coach prepare to replace 86259

 

Maybe not a person but Tulloch's chief mouser is the center of attention during a stop of The Royal Scotsman there in 2015

 

......and for an encore!

Peter

 

Rawtenstall, ELR. 18 January 2020.

 

Single line working !

 

Continued discussions on the merits of various kettles, Russell Hobbs and his mates.

 

The RTC Cumbrian Coast Express June 2014 in Carlisle

 

A couple from Wolsztyn.