24 November 2021 – B.R. Steam – The Final Years

Presenter:  Derek Huntriss

The attraction of the final years of Steam on B.R. never seems to wane, especially when there is the prospect of a high quality presentation. Derek did not disappoint with over two hours of images from across the country taken in the mid 1960s.

Beginning in the South Midlands in the Leamington Spa / Banbury area, each image told a story, which Derek expertly portrayed, to include the camera and film used. Moving South to the Southern Region, Bulleid Pacifics, of course, and onward to the Isle of Wight, for some superb shots of the O2s in beautiful locations, including Ryde, Brading, Wroxall and Ventnor.

Further South West, views of many of the era’s rail tours, double headed Merchant Navy Class on Bincombe Bank, and USA class on the Fawley Branch among the highlights. No stopping on this breath-taking tour we are taken back to the Midlands and Tyseley Depot to view 7029 Clun Castle

Off to Scotland next and a Rail Rover,  the amusing and informative stories continuing, including unofficial cab rides and last buses missed back to overnight stopovers. A4 60019, A2 60532, V2 60813, among the many locos on view.

Finally, and in much depth, returning to North Wales and Northern England covering the length and breadth of steam operation, Llandudno Junction, Chester, Peak Forest, the last Jubilee on a S & C freight, Ribblehead and Chinley viaducts, Ais Gill, Crewe South Shed, Windermere, Workington, Penrith among the many locations visited. A selection of snow scenes, typifies the image of these Northern outposts. The quality of photography and the many picturesque locations had the audience riveted to their screens. Many images further enhanced by Derek’s expert knowledge of Photoshop providing an end result of the highest quality.

For the reviewer a night time shot of Rose Grove locomotive shed, towards the end of the presentation, was particularly outstanding and graphically demonstrated Derek’s expertise of being in the right place at the right time, with an eye and expertise for capturing a top quality image. The viewer is left in no doubt of Derek’s love for the subject matter.

If you have the opportunity of attending one of Derek’s presentations, don’t hesitate, you won’t be disappointed.