15 in 15

Our December meeting followed the now traditional format of 15 minute presentations by members. John Goodrich opened the proceedings with images of passing trains ranging from easily obtained photos of trains stationary at stations to a slightly lucky shot of consecutively numbered Class 444 units travelling in opposite directions west of Southampton , and a very lucky shot of two southbound trains and a northbound train passing at St Denys. He was followed by John Godfrey illustrating the continental scene in Hungary, Poland and Czechia with a variety of diesel and electric locomotives and multiple units. Dave Doulton showed a video of locomotive movements at Alresford on the Mid-Hants steam gala on 25 March 2011, including 92212, 31806, 73096, 5224, and 9017. Eric Nicholass then showed photos taken in Switzerland, Canada, and the London Underground. The contribution from Philip Haines was a slide show illustrating the Western Region diesel hydraulic classes with many shots of Warships, including the North British D600 series, and Westerns in a variety of liveries, as well as Class 14s, 22s, and Hymeks.

After the interval Ian Knight took us on a tour of Welsh narrow gauge lines, including the Ffestiniog Railway, the Vale of Rheidol Railway, and the Talyllyn Railway. Martin Hubbard took up the reins with visits to Berlin. Paris, Cherbourg, and the Didcot Railway Centre. David Mould illustrated a number of visits to East Anglian preservation centres, including Bressingham, the Mangapps Railway Museum, and the Epping and Ongar Railway. There was time for additional material to be shown by previous contributors, so Philip Haines included an update to his video of Werrington Junction shown at a previous meeting a few years previously, and Martin Hubbard took us on further trips to Canada, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, and Ireland.

Thanks to all those who contributed to an enjoyable evening and Irina for the festive buffet.