‘Railways From Both Sides of the Fence’, by Jason Cross, 7th April 2026
7th April 2026 Meeting.
April saw our AGM, before the presentation, where we said our goodbyes and grateful thanks to long-serving Branch Secretary Rob Davidson and Committee Members Lizzie Davidson and Larry King who are all stepping down. To replace them we have recruited Harry Nethercoat and Rob Freeman is taking on more duties. However, we are urgently in need of a new Branch Secretary: in the meantime Branch Chairman Geoff Plumb will take on the role.
We then were given a first- rate presentation from Jason Cross "Railways From Both Sides of the Fence". The first part consisted of photos which Jason had taken whilst in his privileged position working in Rail Operations for GB Railfreight. We saw scenes at Peterborough and Whitemoor Yard and, most interestingly, on the Old Dalby Test Track.
For illustrative purposes only - not part of the presentation. A rather tatty looking 47714, in faded Anglia livery, departs light engine from the test depot at Asfordby, from where it took the test track northwards towards Old Dalby. On the left an 08 shunter is at the head of a set of LUL "S" stock which has been undergoing tests and now awaits delivery. 11:31, Wednesday 28th March 2012. Image Credit: Geoff Plumb.
The second part showed spectacular views that he had taken as a rail enthusiast. Jason makes good use of a pole and a drone to give unusual angles. We saw freight, passenger, test trains, railtours, engineering trains on LT, preserved lines and unusual workings. Finally we were treated to a montage of photos he had taken of other forms of transport. The standard of all the photos was quite exceptional and the videos had excellent sound. It was well worth the effort of getting around the WCML shutdown to be able to attend! Thoroughly enjoyed by the twenty-five attendees.
Rob Freeman, Branch Committee Member