The Modern Image – Not Quite

Presenter: Peter Robins

Hybrid Meeting both Physically at Shenfield Parish Hall and via Zoom

When Peter joined BR in the 1970’s, things were changing, InterCity 125s were due to appear shortly on the Western Region and Peter was told that the railways were entering the ‘Modern Age’ and this formed the basis of the ‘Modern’ in the in the presentation title.

We were treated to an excellent collection of good quality images of the what was probably the ‘golden age’ of BR Blue - if you will forgive the mix of colours in that sentence! The presentation took us on a nationwide tour of the UK with photos of long-lost locos and train types. Parcels trains, BRUTE cages, un-fitted freights and of course loco hauled passenger trains on routes which now are served by Diesel or Electric units; Passenger trains with Mark II e’s, a Mark I buffet and a full brake.

From a personal point of view, all the images took me back to my younger self where this was the railway I ‘spotted’ and travelled on. An era when branch line trains were held for the late arrival of the London Express. A time when you could see the track without trees obscuring it and when you could often get into a depot by just turning up and asking at the gate!

An excellent, nostalgic trip around the UK without a boiler or funnel in sight!