10th September 2019 · An Eighth Colour Rail Journey

Presenter: Paul Chancellor, Colour Rail

Paul Chancellor opened the new meeting season on 10 September with “An Eighth Colour Rail Journey”. The theme for the evening was based on the year 1959 starting with locomotives built in that year. An image of one of the last BR 9F’s built for the Western Region was followed by various early diesel and electric classes from 01 to 81.

At the opposite end we saw examples of classes which became extinct in 1959 across all regions including SHT 1142, LSWR 0395, L&Y 52044, LNER B2, Service locos LSWR C14 and LNWR CD3 plus early diesels 10800 and 11001.

The first of class to be withdrawn included members of A2/3, A3, Hall, Castle and 1500. The last of the Merchant Navy class to be rebuilt was followed by the first West Country to be similarly treated.

Preserved CR 123, GNSR 49, HR 103 and MR 1000 were reinstated to operate railtours and similar duties.

Line closures during that year included most of the M&GNR, the Higham Ferrers, Moretonhampstead and Southwell branches.

The evening concluded with a selection of what Paul described as “odd bods” then a tour of some principal stations with then and now images.