45231/Bert Hitchen

It has been reported on the NYMR Volunteers FB page that Bert Hitchen has passed away, which is sad news. 45231 had been on the market for quite some time, but one would imagine that there will now be an increased urgency to sell it as part of the process of sorting out his estate.

 

Very sad. Lovely man. Didn't he also own the other Furness Railway 0-4-0?

 

Haven't heard anything about the Furness loco since he bought it - can anyone give an update?

 

Very sad news. Have had some good runs behind his locos over the years. RIP.

 

A remarkable man, not only in the railway fraternity and very sad that he has passed.
http://www.cyclingarchives.com/coureurfiche.php?coureurid=12407

 

Well, you learn something every day. I knew of Bert Hitchen the cyclist, and Bert Hitchen the railwayman, and never connected the two.

RIP.

Tom

 

Poignancy too in the fact he passed in the week 34027 is recommissioned.

 

Very Sad ! A wonderful man that loved steam !

 

Such a character, but also a great engineer and an inspiration to those working with him. I am sure just from the bits I know that his life story would make a great movie!

I have great memories of a run behind 34027 after dark at am SVR gala - a couple of us from the Moors were stood with Bert in the end vestibule next to the loco, cinders bouncing off the roof, big broad grin on Bert's face.

RIP Bert.

Steven

 

Very sad news. RIP Bert.

He appears in this great programme about 34027:

 

Watched my DVD of that a few weeks ago sad to hear he's no longer with us. RIP Bert.

 

RIP Bert from the southall days FISH7373 81C

 

I'm not normally a fan of anything other than lamps or discs on the front of a steam loco, but in this instance, if 34027 were to carry a wreath on the smokebox when it hauls the British Pullman train special along the SVR on Saturday, it would be a most appropriate gesture.

 

I never put two and two together and realised they were one and the same gentleman - remarkable indeed, thoughts are with his family and friends.

 

I agree wholeheartedly with that. Bert was a doyen of the privateering loco owner style that has been followed by many since and a debt of gratitude is owed to him for pioneering many of the things we take for granted now. His ability to keep the show on the road became legendary.

 

RIP Mr Hitchen was a privelage to have spoken to you many times in the Taw valley days around Kent.

 

Taw Valley running today with a wreath on the smokebox door.

Loaded runs continue on the SVR in preparation for Saturday.

 

R.I.P Bert Hitchen.

 

I hadn't seen Bert for years but only the other week, a voice behind me said 'Is that Steve' and I turned round to find him there. Time for a few reminiscences before we went our separate ways. Hard to believe he's now passed away. R.I.P. Bert.