MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL - LOVE AND BEST WISHES TO YOU ALL

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas this year, I hope you enjoying a break from work and get to spend time with friends and family. Another disrupted year for so many and this is a time of year to once again spare a thought for those still working as they are doing an awesome job. It's also been a very difficult year for many with the continued variants, tiers, vaccinations and sadly looks set to continue for a while. Therefore I also send out a lot of love to all with thoughts for anyone missing this year, think of them, raise a glass and salute their memory. Though it's the season to "Eat, Drink and be Merry" and then let's go give the trains a run!! 😊 

Missing you so much Dad.

You always fulfilled my wishes, giving me whatever I wanted. Your presence in my life I had taken for granted. After your death my whole world has gone into a frightening void. When I had you, I had it all, now everything is destroyed. This is my repentance, my regret, I know you cannot hear me, but I still want to say, Dad I miss you and I'm sorry ... We had so much still to do together and despite the years that have passed I find it so hard to carry on without your love and influence. 💔

I always think that this time is a moment for reflection and while I hope it's been wonderful for you it may well be that together we have lost a lot of friends and legends so it's time to remember and never forget. Let us also move forwards to the new year, life is only as good as you make it and you have to let yourself live too, although this is something I don't allow myself time to breathe and enjoy life. 2022 needs to see many changes and hopefully I can find some energy and joy. So much to do, lets do more, enough of the excuses make some noise and a change for good now. 

Miss both of you, Mum and Dad xx

Love is always the answer 💕

THE WHITE ROSE - CHRISTMAS RAILTOUR - SATURDAY 18th DECEMBER 2021

The Christmas White Rose
 - Saturday 18th December 2021
Kings Cross - York behind 6233 Duchess of Sutherland

Enjoy a classic day out by steam train, combining exciting main line running, varied landscape and the special atmosphere of historic York. Our train will be steam hauled from London to York by Princess Coronation class locomotive No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland.

Due to depart from London King’s Cross at around 07:20 behind Duchess of Sutherland and follow the route of famous old trains like the Flying Scotsman. We storm up the gradient through Gasworks Tunnel and Finsbury Park and head northwards, calling at Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough to pick up more passengers.

Our steam locomotive then tackles the 15-mile climb up the famous Stoke Bank. Here on 3rd July 1938, “Mallard”, an A4 class ‘Pacific’, achieved a world record speed of 126 mph when travelling in the opposite direction. Once over the summit we should have a good, fast run down the 20 mile descent to the Trent Valley and on through Grantham, Newark and Retford. We steam onwards through Doncaster before arriving into York.

There will be plenty of time for passengers to enjoy the city and all it has to offer. York has some major tourist attractions including the National Railway Museum, the largest museum of its type in Britain; the Castle; the Shambles; the splendid Gothic York Minster, one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe; and the city walls. There are a number of other interesting museums, quaint alleyways, and a good variety of shops. The York Christmas Market will also be in full swing with its vast number of stalls offering local yuletide crafts, along with seasonal food and drink.

Our train leaves York at around 16:30, diesel hauled, along the East Coast Main Line towards Peterborough. We continue, stopping to set down passengers at the same stations as on the northbound journey, arriving back at King’s Cross at around 22:00.

Background - No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland
LMS Princess Coronation Class 46233 Duchess of Sutherland is a steam locomotive built in 1938 for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) at Crewe Works to a design by William Stanier. It is a 4-6-2 Pacific locomotive built as part of the LMS Coronation Class for its express passenger services, including the Royal Scot service from London to Glasgow.

Withdrawn by British Railways in 1964, the locomotive was originally sold to Butlins holiday camp in Scotland. In 1996, the locomotive was acquired by The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust with the intention of restoration to mainline condition. In 2001, 46233 was restored to operating condition and since then has been a regular performer on the national network.

In Preservation
Following withdrawal from service, 46233 was acquired by Butlins Heads-of-Ayr holiday camp, Scotland, in October 1964. It was later purchased by Bressingham Steam Museum. In 1996, 6233 was acquired by the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT) arriving at the PRCLT's West Shed, at Swanwick Junction on the Midland Railway - Butterley, on 3 February 1996. In 2001, No. 6233 returned to the national network after an overhaul assisted by the heritage lottery fund and match funded by the PRCLT.

To allow it to run on the main line in preservation, 6233 was fitted with Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) and on-train monitoring recorder (OTMR) equipment, alongside the BR fitted Automatic Warning System (AWS). On 6 March 2010, 6233 was rolled out in LMS lined black livery, which was retained during 2010, before a major overhaul, taking 6233 out of service for the 2011 season. On 3 March 2012, now renumbered 46233 was rolled out in "authentic (Brunswick) green" livery, as used by British Railways during the early 1950s.

To mark the locomotive's 80th birthday in September 2018, the engine regained its original number "6233" and LMS "Crimson Lake" livery.

HILLINGDON RAILWAY MODELLERS OPEN DAYS 2021 - 11th DECEMBER 2021

Welcome back, time for another Open Day run by the Hillingdon Railway Modellers. A regular feature that's returned to our calendar and are sure as they return will once again prove to be extremely popular. The final one for 2021 (only the second one to be fair) will take place on Saturday 11th December 2021. It might be cold now but you will be certain to receive a warm welcome, plenty of expertise on hand too, and run some trains if you wish. I certainly hope to get there and do just that.

Expect these to continue through 2022 as well and naturally everything is dependant on any changes to government rules and guidance, but we keep our fingers crossed. 

While I have not been able to attend here for a little while this is a good opportunity to get myself over there and give a few of my Dads O Gauge models a bit of a run out since I've no room for a layout at home and I don't want them to live in boxes forever. I aim to hopefully get there for the afternoon with a few items in my bag to try out and also update a few pictures too. It's always a popular day and doors open to the public at 10:00am, it's been a long time and I look forward to getting along and having a little run with a few of my old items they could sure do with a decent run as I haven't a huge amount of space available at home.

Address: 

Yiewsley Baptist Church, 74 Colham Avenue

West Drayton  UB7 8HF

* Please note that the entrance is at the side of the church down a path and the doors at the end should be open, please do not try and enter the main doors of the church itself. 

                       

Due to the rental costs of the hall there is a cover charge of £5 for these Open Days, there will be two extensive O Gauge and OO Gauge Test Tracks available and have recently added a three track N Gauge circuit too (Pic Below) all up and running so if you have anything you wish to see get a good run do please come along.

N GAUGE TEST TRACK 

OO Gauge Test Track pictured left, has five available loups to test your models with. DC and DCC accommodated, I believed that the club members have been working on their own layout too, so whatever your theme, they should be able to accommodate you, and rule one always applies, run what you want, modern image, steam, continental, I've even seen some London Underground run there in the past.

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you are Travelling by Car

Check here for Parking Options.

Nearest Railway Stations :

West Drayton [0.34 miles]

SOUTHEND TO OXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET - THURSDAY 9th DECEMBER 2021

SOUTHEND TO OXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET
Thursday 9th December 2021

SOUTHEND EAST - UPMINSTER - OXFORD

The City of Dreaming Spires is a must-see destination with its world-famous universities and museums. Add to this the beautiful River Thames winding through the city and lovely parks & gardens and the main problem will be deciding how to spend your time. Add to that a Steam hauled special service and what a lovely way to cross the South of England from Essex to Oxfordshire. 

The service should depart from Southend East at 9:05, additional stop at Upminster at 9:40 then due to arrive into Oxford around 14:20. 

The trip is steam hauled by Black Five locomotive 44871 (pictured left) which should prove to be a rare sight on the opening leg of the journey from Southend and Upminster.

OXFORD CHRISTMAS MARKET

We will be travelling to Oxford on the first day of the Christmas Market. Held in the heart of the city on beautiful and historic Broad Street, the market will feature many local artists, designer-makers and selected guests. With the sound of choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon drifting in the air - a visit to the Oxford Christmas Market is a truly magical Christmas experience.

CAROL SERVICE
We are pleased to say that we are also organising a Carol Service in one of the oldest churches in Oxford, located in the city centre, around the corner from the Christmas Market.

LMS 'Black Five' LOCOMOTIVE
Black Fives were known as 'do-anything and go-anywhere' locomotives. The London Midland and Scottish Railway Stanier Class 5 4-6-0, commonly known as the Black Five, is a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotives. Several members of the class survived to the last day of steam on British Railways in 1968, and eighteen are preserved, with several examples still working on the mainline railway.

The first Class 5 locomotive was built for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway in 1934 to the design of Sir William Stanier. The new locomotives when built left the railway works in the standard mixed traffic black livery which soon earned them the nickname "Black Fives" for which they are still affectionately referred to today. The locomotives were capable of handling both express passenger and freight trains and were spread far and wide across the UK railway system. By the time the last Black Five was built in 1951, the class numbered 842 locomotives; one of the most numerous classes of British steam locomotives ever built.

MELTON MOWBRAY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAYRE - SUNDAY 5th DECEMBER 2021

Melton Mowbray Victorian Christmas Fayre

Sunday 5th December 2021

Vintage Trains returns to Melton Mowbray for the annual Victorian Christmas Fayre, a slice of Dickensian Britain with Victorian stalls, street urchins, Santa’s Grotto, street theatre, brass bands and much more – in fact something for everyone. Passengers will have approximately five hours to explore the town before we return to Tyseley.

This tour boards at Tyseley, Coleshill Parkway and Nuneaton on its way to Melton Mowbray. Two steam locomotives will be used here with 7029 Clun Castle (page top) and 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe (pictured below) booked to provide the motive power.

In another Vintage Train’s tradition, while passengers visit the Melton Mowbray Victorian Christmas Fayre, others can take the lunchtime journey out to Corby and back which takes us twice across the famous Harringworth Viaduct with its spectacular views across the valley. Also known as the Welland Viaduct as it crosses the river of the same name, this is the longest masonry viaduct across a valley in the UK. 30 million bricks were used in its construction, the now Grade II listed structure opening in 1878. At its peak, 3500 people and 1200 horses were working on the site.

Clun Castle - 7029

The locomotive which started it all. Clun Castle is a relative newcomer having been built in 1950 by British Railways to the famous Great Western Railway Castle class design. She was modified towards the end of her career and fitted with a four row superheater and double chimney, enabling her to compete with new diesels being introduced on fast trains. And compete she did, taking the record for the shortest timed point to point journey from Plymouth to Bristol in 1964 from the previous record holder, City of Truro. This epic run by the last of her class in every day service ensured 7029’s preservation and she came to Tyseley to begin a distinguished second career in preservation. She powered the last express steam train on the GWR’s northern route to Birkenhead, the last steam train out of both Birmingham Snow Hill and Moor Street stations, so making a trilogy of lasts as she was also the last steam locomotive to run out of Paddington, hauling the last steam train on the Western Region. Not content with that, 7029 hauled the first ‘Return to Steam’ celebration run ending the infamous BR steam ban and was the first steam locomotive to return to Cornwall, a highlight of the 150th anniversary of the GWR. In 1988 she was driven part way to Tyseley by HRH The Prince of Wales in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the London & Birmingham Railway.

Earl of Mount Edgcumbe - 5043

The second member of the Castle class on the roster built in 1936 and so an authentic GWR locomotive, named after one of the Directors of the GWR. She was also fitted with the same modifications as 7029 and ran some of the Western Region’s top expresses including The Bristolian, being shedded at London’s Old Oak Common depot. When withdrawn, she was consigned to Barry scrapyard but found too good to destroy. Tyseley Locomotive Works rebuilt 5043 to exacting standards and she has run far and wide for Vintage Trains, including unfamiliar territory such as Stirling and Edinburgh in Scotland. 5043 has recorded some remarkable performances in preservation, including several non-stop runs, recreating The Bristolian, The Cheltenham Spa Express and The Inter City.  More recently, she ran on the Plymouth to Bristol route and shaved a few minutes off 7029’s own record. So now we have two record breakers in the collection. Returns to action in the second half of 2021 after a 10 year boiler overhaul.

VICTORIA TO BATH AT CHRISTMAS - TORNADO STEAM RAILTOUR - TUESDAY 30th NOVEMBER 2021

Might be November still but there are plenty of Christmas trips being organised and markets, shopping in full swing with the festive season fast approaching, what better way to give yourself (and a loved one perhaps) an early present with a steam tour to one of England's stunning locations - Bath. 

London Victoria to Bath at Christmas(*)

Departure Date:

Tuesday 30th November 2021

(*) yes I know it's November still, and Christmas is some way off. 

Departing from, with approximate departure times:

London Victoria (d 08:45), Staines (d 09:30), Woking (d 10:10)
>> Arrival at Bath Spa due 13:05.

Travel to the stunning roman city of Bath and explore its many museums and places of interest. It has some of the very finest architectural sights in Europe including the Roman Baths and Pump Room, Pulteney Bridge, the Abbey and Royal Crescent.

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET

We are aware that the official Bath Christmas Market will not be going ahead this year in its usual format. However, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the festive period in one of the UK's most iconic Christmas cities. Some of the wonderful activities on offer will include a Christmas light trail taking you on a journey to some of Bath's most iconic architecture, Bath's artisan makers showcasing their crafts around Bath Abbey Quarter and Queen Square, and Luke Jerram's global phenomenon, Museum of the Moon, will be the centrepiece of Bath Abbey. 

Bath’s biggest independent market returns this Christmas! After a break of nearly two years, Bath’s biggest and favourite independent artisan market is back and running every day from the 20th November to the 19th December. Put your skates on and have go on the Ice at the Royal Victoria Park. 

The Ice Rink is back and, with 1000 square metres of smooth ice, it’s bigger than ever! Glowing in an array of atmospheric lights, it’s the ideal spot to practice those skating skills and simultaneously the perfect stage for avid skaters to show off their moves. With music to set the wintery scene, a cozy bar area and seasonal drinks you will be transported to a dreamy winter wonderland!

Or how about a round of 'Glow Golf' located next door to the Ice rink. Bath’s popular adventure golf course will be decked out with its very own fairy light installations. Playing golf at night with glow-in-the-dark balls adds a whole new layer of excitement to the classic daytime experience.

Steam Hauled by A1 Class Pacific '60163 Tornado'
60163 Tornado is the newest steam engine on the national network (at time of writing). The original Peppercorn A1 series were ordered by the LNER, but the 49 locomotives were built at Doncaster and Darlington for British Railways (BR) in 1948–49, after the nationalisation of the railways in the United Kingdom. Following the modernisation and dieselisation plans of the 1950s, the A1 Peppercorn class was eventually scrapped at a comparatively early age of just 15 years.

The original Peppercorn A1s were designed to cope with the heaviest regular post-war East Coast trains. First steamed in 2008, after a 19 year project to fund and build the locomotive, Tornado was built to be not a replica, but the 50th A1. The original 49 A1s were built for the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER) between 1948 and 1949. Sadly after the withdrawal of steam in 1968 none of the LNER A1 class engines were saved from the scrapper's torch. In 1990 a group of enthusiasts founded a trust (A1 Steam Locomotive Trust) to return this missing link.

Tornado moved under its own power for the first time on 29th July 2008 at Darlington, and then spent two months at the Great Central Railway in Loughborough, where it was tested up to 60 mph (97 km/h) and operated its first passenger train. Tornado then moved to the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York for three test runs on the main line up to 75 mph (121 km/h). After repainting from works grey into LNER Apple Green, Tornado was approved for mainline passenger operation. On 31st January 2009 Tornado hauled its first passenger trip on the main line, The Peppercorn Pioneer, from York to Newcastle and back. By hauling various A1 Trust railtours, charters and other activities, Tornado will begin to recoup the estimated £800,000 debt from the project, which cost around £3 million.

Tornado has 3 cylinders, 6 driving wheels and a firebox of 50sq.ft. Tornado is a regular locomotive for Steam Dreams, often seen on trips along the East Coast Mainline to York. Whilst limited to 75 mph today, A1s are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 100mph. During its short life Tornado has twice hauled the Royal Train.

WORKINGTON MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION 2021 - SATURDAY 20th + SUNDAY 21st NOVEMBER

Workington Model Railway Exhibition

Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st November 2021

Location:
Energus Building, Blackwood Road, Lillyhall,

Workington, Cumbria   CA14 4JW

Opening Times:

Saturday 10am-5pm   Sunday 10am-4pm

Admission:
Adults £5.00  Concessions £5.00 
  Accompanied children are admitted FREE

Solrail Ltd a not for profit company holds the Workington Exhibition in the Energus building at Lillyhall, between Whitehaven and Workington and will be there again this year. It has to be seen to be believed! Light and airy with lots of natural lighting it makes for a pleasant experience. There is a bus service on the Saturday that stops outside the door from both Workington and Whitehaven. Easy to park. Easy to access and all on one level! Fresh meals available. Excellent toilet facilities.

Please be aware this event will run subject to Covid restrictions in place at the time. This means that we may have to cancel at short notice. If you are not well or have been told to isolate you should NOT attend.

Covid 19 saw the 2020 exhibition cancelled. Fortunately most of the exhibitors have agreed to attend this year with a couple coming next year instead. We hope you will make the effort to attend as so many of us have missed seeing you and showing you what we have been doing. Another very successful event was held in 2019 so we have decided to do it all again. The list is just about sorted, subject to something happening. Already the initial layout list has been amended a number of times but we have an excellent selection again. Nearly all are new to Workington so local people can expect to see some wonderful models. Port Solway in S4 will be making a special visit for the very first time. It features Maryport & Carlisle Railway stock alongside North Eastern ones. There is also a model based on Cockermouth and one on Maryport. Those of you that travel from a distance can expect a warm welcome and the café will be open for bacon butties to start the day then a full lunchtime menu with hot and cold meals available. Something for everyone is our mantra and we think we have done it again.

The Workington model railway exhibition is very much a family show. We try hard to encourage family visitors and particularly young modellers of the future which is why we do not charge an entry fee for accompanied children.

List of Layouts Attending:

Upper Cwmmywych (N Gauge) - 4' x 1'6 - Les Nehrlich returns with another of his superb layouts which is a small depot for emergency servicing and refuelling of diesel locos.

Maryport (N Gauge) - 8' x 3' - Solrail member William Moon brings his interpretation as to what Maryport could have looked like, inspired by childhood memories of train watching around Netherton!

Wulstanton Road (N Gauge) - 8' x 2'6 - Terry Tasker from Southport Model Railway Club makes another visit with a small but busy British N Scale layout is roughly only 8ft in length and is a perfect example of what you can make do with limited space, with a small commuter terminus station serving a large metropolis.

Port Solway (S4) - 31' x 5' - Newcastle MRC - Nearly all scratch built. (pictured above) Newcastle Model Railway club exhibiting their portrayal of what might have been if the North Eastern Railway had united with the Maryport and Carlisle Railway early in the 20th Century.

Cockermouth [Covid 19] (OO Gauge) - Andrew Holland - 12'6 x 2' - Shortly before closure with a few goods trains to add interest, built during lockdown with a lot of recycling from older layouts.

South Galleons (OO Gauge) - 7'x1' - Solrail member Ian Blenkinsop, having provided the club with demonstrations for several years he has decided to bring one of his layouts for you to enjoy. A pastiche of Deptford in the 1950s this is a superbly detailed compact industrial layout. (pictured right)

Franklin Falls (HO Gauge American) - 4' x 1' - Ray O'Neill the layout is based on the former Boston & Maine (Ex Tilton & Franklin RR) branch line to Franklin Falls NH, now operated by New England Southern RR, featuring sound equipped, heritage diesel power.

Ellasweet Beet Factory (OO Gauge) - 7' x 2' - Graham Morfoot - Sugar beet production facility the processing factory is situated in south Lincolnshire in the heart of the beet growing area. (pictured left) A representation of a sugar beet factory in East Anglia around 1960. With an eclectic mix of industrial steam and diesel locomotives linking the factory to the local British Railways network. Graham depicts wagon loads of limestone, coal, materials and sugar beet (modelled in a very innovative way).

Scratchy Bottom (O Gauge) - 22' x 2' Marc Dobson - Yes the name is correct and it does exist. Ask for an explanation!

Garden railways - Brian Irwin - Carlisle 

- A little bit of what you fancy.

Nearest Railway Stations:

Harrington [1.73 miles]

Workington [2.63 miles]

Parton [3.78 miles]

Whitehaven [4.9 miles]

MAP

SECOND HAND / REPAIRED OO GAUGE MODELS #1 - LIMA CLASS 33 [D6506]

Lima Class 33 - D6506. Came to me as a non runner. Has had a good service and now runs nicely in both directions. It had already received a lot of detail and love from it's previous owner, beginning life as a simple Lima RTR model they have added some bogie and buffer beam details and darkened the vents and all in all I think this is a nice loco for it's age.

For a relatively simple, early Lima model I think it's been very nicely detailed and fits well with my BR/60-70s period. Head code added to the drivers end 6A and there are red codes showing at the other end. Much easier to examine these OO Gauge locomotives, having spent the last ten years or so working with N Gauge, and clearly my poor eyes are suffering. Taken this apart with the body easing off with a little care, then unscrew the bogies so you can examine things. Checked all connections are good which they were and removed some grease which might have been clogging things up a little. Apply small amount of current and things begin to light up, put the chassis back together on only my test track ensure that there is some life present. After then reassembling the body too, gave it a 20 min run at slow speed to not overdo things. Only noted at the end that this has slightly different buffers, larger at the rear end compared with standard smaller 'round' at the running end. Doesn't bother me much it's still a lovely model and suits my general era perfectly.

CLASS 33 BACKGROUND

The British Rail Class 33, also known as the BRCW Type 3 or Crompton, is a class of Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives, ordered in 1957 and built for the Southern Region of British Railways between 1960 and 1962.

They were produced as a more powerful Type 3 (1,550 bhp) development of the 1,160 bhp Type 2 Class 26. This was achieved, quite simply, by removing the steam heating boiler and fitting a larger 8 cylinder version of the previous 6 cylinder engine. This was possible because of the traffic requirements of the Southern Region: locomotive-hauled passenger traffic depended on seasonal tourist traffic and was heavier in the summer, when carriage heating was not needed. In the winter, their expected use was to be for freight. Thus, they became the most powerful BR Bo-Bo diesel locomotive. The perennially unreliable steam heating boiler could also be avoided.

A total of 98 were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) and they were known as "Cromptons" after the Crompton Parkinson electrical equipment installed in them. Like their lower-powered BRCW sisters, the Class 26 and Class 27 locomotives, their bodywork and cab ends were of all steel construction. They were very similar in appearance to Class 26 locos, but carried Southern Region two-digit headcode blinds between the cab windows.

Would regularly be seen on the Southern Region covering the Fawley Oil refinery services, also based at Hither Green they would operate freight services down to Dover and the Night Ferry service too. Most famously they provided the motive power for the then unelectrified section between Bournemouth and Weymouth, traversing down the roads and parked cars to reach Weymouth Quayside. Sadly that route is now a thing of the past. 

CLASS 33 IN PRESERVATION

Twenty-nine locomotives have been preserved, probably makes it one of the largest preserved class in existence?

There are two locomotives that carry the same name, Eastleigh, 33 008 and 33 021, I have the latter in N Gauge which carries a red livery. There are plenty which still serve the southern region Heritage Railways such as the Bluebell and Swanage railways, but they can also be found far and wide including the East Lancashire Railway, Carnforth, and the Mid Norfolk Railway which demonstrates the versatility of this class and probably why it continues to have gathered plenty of mileage even into 'retirement' from official mail line service. 

THE WHITBY JET RAILTOUR - FRIDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2021

THE WHITBY JET RAILTOUR

  Friday 12th November 2021

Departing From;

FINSBURY PARK,  HERTFORD NORTH,  STEVENAGE,  LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY,  ROYSTON,  CAMBRIDGE,  ELY,  MARCH,  PETERBOROUGH,  GRANTHAM.

This specially preserved HST set run by Midland Pullman are pleased to offer this incredibly special tour as we travel through the Vale of York, then along the East Coast route to Middlesbrough, and into the vast open moorland.  We meander through the magnificent forests and dales of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park with its picturesque villages of honey sandstone, embattled castles & historic abbeys to the ancient fishing town of Whitby, where around two hours will be available at your leisure.

The Esk Valley line is widely considered to be one of the hidden gems of the railway network.  It offers a succession of stunning views along its 36 miles from Middlesbrough to the traditional fishing port of Whitby. Leaving urban life behind we journey into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park passing isolated communities and beside the River Esk to the beautiful fishing port of Whitby with its narrow-cobbled streets, bustling harbour, and intriguing curio shops. 

During your stay consider enjoying the best fish n chips in Britain and walk it off by climbing the 199 steps that lead from the old town up to the ruins of St Hilda’s Abbey which dominates the skyline and inspired Bram Stoker to write his novel, Dracula.

Blue Pullman, A brief history.

In July 1960 the Midland Pullman was relaunched as a luxury all-first-class service using two new Blue Pullman six-car diesel-electric units. The Blue Pullmans were luxury trains used from 1960 to 1973 by British Rail. They were the first Pullman diesel-electric multiple units, incorporating several novel features.

Named after their original Nanking blue livery, the trains were conceived under the 1955 Modernisation Plan to create luxury diesel express trains aimed at competing with the motor car and the emerging domestic air travel market. Although not entirely successful – they were seen as underpowered, and ultimately not economically viable – they demonstrated the possibility of fixed-formation multiple-unit inter-city train services, that a decade later was developed as the InterCity 125, which resembled them in having an integral power car at each end of the train. The sets were an advanced and luxurious design, befitting a Pullman train, although they did suffer some criticism particularly over a persistent ride quality problem. Over time it became costly to maintain such a small fleet of trains. By 1972, with the development of first-class accommodation in Mark 2 coaching stock, the surcharge for Blue Pullmans seemed uneconomical and unreliable to passengers and BR managers, and in 1973 the trains were withdrawn. None of them were preserved.

GRAVESEND RAILWAY ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY - 6th/7th NOVEMBER 2021

Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts Society

  - GRES Model Railway Exhibition

Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th November 2021

LOCATION:
Northfleet School For Girls,
Hall Road, Northfleet, Kent  DA11 8AQ

OPENING TIMES: 
Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm
ADMISSION: 
Adults £5.00  [Accompanied children admitted Free]

The society is looking forward to belatedly celebrating their 50th anniversary (+1) this year by returning once more to the fantastic fully accessible venue to offer a great variety of interesting layouts, railway societies and a selection of quality trade support. Situated close to the A2, Ebbsfleet station and Bluewater, the venue has: Free on-Site parking, a regular bus service that stops outside, wheelchair access and the usual friendly atmosphere.

Members are happy to assist those who need assistance and answer enquiries about the Show or Society. Children (Under 16) accompanied by an adult will continue to join us for FREE. That means one adult can bring several children with them and only pay five pounds!

Subject to prevailing conditions, hope to offer an extensive range of hot and cold food and refreshments. Plus on Sunday we will aim to serve roast dinners with all the trimmings between 12-2pm; Beef, Turkey plus a vegetarian option.

How to find Northfleet School For Girls;

Ebbsfleet railway station is only 17 minutes from Central London, 10 minutes from Stratford International and Gravesend railway station is 11 minutes from Dartford. Northfleet School for Girls is about 2-3 minutes drive from the Northfleet turn-Off from the A2.

Bus routes 481 & 483 serve Gravesend town centre, Ebbsfleet station and Bluewater shopping centre and stop outside the school on both days. Other regular bus services stop near to Northfleet School for Girls. As last year, anyone who presents their Arriva bus ticket to the pay desk can obtain a free tea/coffee/cold drink.

List of Layouts Attending:
Batcombe - OO - Southern Railway BR / SR set in the 1950s/60s period. 
Gravesend West - OO - Southern Railway BR / SR during the period 1930s > 1950s
Medway Modellers - Various - Science Fiction, Gauge 1 Trains & Other Transport Projects
Harmer Central - OO
Hayling Island Branch - N - BR SR - 1950s/60s
Lancaster Lane - OO - BR SR
Mill Road/ffoord Felin - OO9
Oakloads - N - BR SR
Quevy - N - European
Recontre Des Voies - HOe - French

Rye & Camber Tramway - OO9 - Southern Railway
St Paddy - OO - BR
Stoneycroft Junction - OO - 2000s
Titanic ocean model - OO - 1912
Tramlink - OO - Suburban South London - 2000s
Wapping Wharf - 7mm - BR SR - 1950s/60s
Windmill Hill - OO - Children's Layout

List of Other Displays:
4dd Double Deck Group  
4sub Double Deck Group
Class 315 Preservation Group
Gravesend Model Marine Engineering Society
Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts Society (Gres)
Southern Electric Group (SEG) & Network South East (Nse)
Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway (SKLR)

Nearest Railway Stations:
Ebbsfleet International [1.29 miles]
Northfleet [1.4 miles]
Gravesend [1.43 miles]
Swanscombe [1.95 miles]

STEAM RAILTOUR - THE MIDLAND BRISTOLIAN [Saturday 30th October 2021]

The Midland Bristolian
  6233 Duchess of Sutherland

Saturday 30th October

​This impressive full day excursion covers Midland main lines including the 1 in 37 Lickey Bank, hauled by Britain’s most powerful steam locomotive! We begin our journey at Derby with diesel haulage by 47 773 from Tyseley Locomotive Works. picking up at Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth (High Level), Burton on Trent and Derby where 6233 Duchess of Sutherland charge at the front of our train to Bristol Temple Meads for three and a half hours of sightseeing in the city.

We return via the outward route to Derby via Cheltenham Spa and the famous 1 in 37.7, two-mile gradient of ‘The Lickey’, (left) the steepest sustained main line railway incline in Great Britain. On arrival at Derby our train will reverse and our  class 47 returns us to Tyseley stopping to set down as on the outward journey. Due to the requirement to take a banker over the Lickey Incline and not wishing to stop at the foot of the incline to gain such assistance, a diesel will accompany the rear of the train throughout the journey from Tyseley – although we will ensure that the Duchess is doing the lion’s share of the work throughout!

Background - No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland
LMS Princess Coronation Class 46233 Duchess of Sutherland is a steam locomotive built in 1938 for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) at Crewe Works to a design by William Stanier. It is a 4-6-2 Pacific locomotive built as part of the LMS Coronation Class for its express passenger services, including the Royal Scot service from London to Glasgow.

Withdrawn by British Railways in 1964, the locomotive was originally sold to Butlins holiday camp in Scotland. In 1996, the locomotive was acquired by The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust with the intention of restoration to mainline condition. In 2001, 46233 was restored to operating condition and since then has been a regular performer on the national network.

In Preservation
Following withdrawal from service, 46233 was acquired by Butlins Heads-of-Ayr holiday camp, Scotland, in October 1964. It was later purchased by Bressingham Steam Museum. In 1996, 6233 was acquired by the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT) arriving at the PRCLT's West Shed, at Swanwick Junction on the Midland Railway - Butterley, on 3 February 1996. In 2001, No. 6233 returned to the national network after an overhaul assisted by the heritage lottery fund and match funded by the PRCLT.

To allow it to run on the main line in preservation, 6233 was fitted with Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) and on-train monitoring recorder (OTMR) equipment, alongside the BR fitted Automatic Warning System (AWS). On 6 March 2010, 6233 was rolled out in LMS lined black livery, which was retained during 2010, before a major overhaul, taking 6233 out of service for the 2011 season. On 3 March 2012, now renumbered 46233 was rolled out in "authentic (Brunswick) green" livery, as used by British Railways during the early 1950s.

On 9 September 2018, the engine regained its original number "6233" and LMS "Crimson Lake" livery to mark its 80th birthday.

LEEDS MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY - 70th Model Railway Exhibition [23rd - 24th OCTOBER 2021]

Leeds Model Railway Society
  - 70th Model Railway Exhibition

Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th October 2021

LOCATION:
The Grammar School at Leeds, Alwoodley Gates,
Harrogate Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire   LS17 8GS
Directions;
Off the A61, on the northern side of the city. Easy access from A1, A61, and Leeds ring road. Number 36 bus Leeds to Ripon stops at the end of the drive up to the school.

OPENING TIMES: 
Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am - 4:30pm

ADMISSION:
All Adults £8 + up to three children free admission with each paying adult.

A variety of layouts and gauges from N through to O covering various locations and themes including Grantham (OO) and our new layout Plymouth Friary Shed (O gauge). Trade support and excellent refreshments too, also with free car parking within the school. Entry is subject to Government Covid Regulations at the time of the show. Plenty of room with wide gangways in the main hall, children go free with every paying adult.

List of layouts attending;
7mm
Plymouth Friary Engine Shed - BR engine shed, Plymouth Friary is the Southern Railways engine shed in Plymouth. The Leeds MRS started construction of an O Gauge model in 2017

Maristow - GWR early 1900s (pictured above)
Belbroughton - BR branch line West Midlands, set in the late 1950’s, Belbroughton in North Worcestershire is village in an area bounded by Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Longbridge and Stourbridge. In real life the village never had a railway but this is what could have been if the LMS and GWR had built a line into the town. The line in from Kidderminster fights the contours of the region causing it to enter the station via a rather circuitous route, whereas the line from the LMS at Longbridge takes a shorter route to Belbroughton coming off the Halesowen branch at Rubery.

4mm
Herculaneum Dock - BR Liverpool in the 1950s, Mike Edge's excellent Herculaneum Dock was featured as the 'Railway of the Month' in the November Railway Modeller.
Grantham - the streamline years LNER east coast
Wardwood - Diesel era West Riding
Rosedale(EM), Low baring, The Depots - North Yorkshire Moors ironstone

Reevy Road West - Blue diesel main line (pictured above) The Bradford Model Railway Club's Reevy Road West reflects BR passenger and freight operations in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Set in the period 1974-1984, the layout features digital command control (DCC) operation.
Kirkby Stephen West - Settle and Carlisle line, this layout depicts the above location in the period 1955 to 1964, which covers the early part of the transition period from Steam to Diesel traction.
Tan Pit Lane (EM) - Wagon repair Peak District 2000s
Fiddlers Wharf (EM) - shunting challenge
Longramps Station - Modern image
Dunsfold Road - Network South East micro layout 

2mm
Headingley - Leeds Suburban steam.
Heworth Sidings - Modern image main line, a modular exhibition layout constructed by members of the Yorkshire Area Group of the N Gauge Society. (pictured left)

Nearest Railway Stations:
Burley Park [4.32 miles]
Headingley [4.42 miles]
Horsforth [4.7 miles]
Weeton [4.85 miles]

MAP