26 April 2023 – An LMR Journey from London to Carlisle between 1958 and 1968

Presenter: David Cross

David Cross travelled from his home in Essex, to present a collection of his father’s,  Derek, railway slides.

The subject covered was the West Coast Main Line from London to Carlisle, with some diversions along the way. The black & white images taken between 1958 and 1968 principally covered steam traction on the route.

David had chosen a varied selection of images to cover both the suburban nature of the London area and conurbations further north, whilst still allowing us to wallow in the nostalgia of Royal Scots and other iconic steam power on main line express work. A brief interlude to the west of the main line to enjoy a few glimpses of GWR motive power before the inevitable climb to Shap, onward to Carlisle and the borders. Freight working, double heading, banking, water trough scoop, light engines, examples of all manner of operation present, wonderfully portrayed in a smoky, often dirty, colourless era that many lovingly still remember. The spotters of the day given plenty to reflect on. Who remembered Britannia class loco 70045 was the only locomotive of the batch to have oval buffers?

The splendid array of images, backed by David’s detailed and interesting description of each, made for an attentive, interesting and informative evening.