![RCTS-CAMBRIDGE-Branch-Gill-Sans-1000-E2W RCTS-CAMBRIDGE-Branch-Gill-Sans-1000-E2W](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/Misc/Graphics/RCTS-CAMBRIDGE-Branch-Gill-Sans-1000-E2W.jpg)
Welcome to the Cambridge Branch of the RCTS. We meet once a month from September to May (inclusive), usually on the second Tuesday, at The Swifts in Fulbourn.
Our meetings generally take the form of slide shows, movies or talks with lively discussions on all aspects of railway history and operational practice.
We also have a wonderful selection of hundreds of railway books available at each meeting at bargain prices.
All are welcome to join us and to share their interest!
On Saturday 2nd March 2024, LNER Class A4 No. 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' runs easily on the downhill stretch towards Offord, near Great Ponton, to the South of Huntingdon with Steam Dreams' 1Z07, 07.57 Kings Cross to York. The train returned later in the day as 1Z08, departing York at 16.40 and arriving in Kings Cross at 21.35 Photo: Michael Smyth.
![](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/08-ECML/Offord/20240303-OFFORD-60007-1Z07-07.57-Kings-Cross-York-Michael-Smyth-E1W.jpg)
Cambridge Branch Travels
A selection of recent photographs and videos from Cambridge Branch members and friends:
![20240713-BURTON-COGGLES-60532-Blue-Peter-1Z32-16 Peppercorn Class A2 No. 60532 'Blue Peter' made a welcome return to main line duties on Saturday 13th July 2024 when it worked 1Z32, the 16.06 Kings Cross to York. Travelling unusually on the main line between Peterborough and Doncaster, as opposed to the Joint Line, 60532 was approximately 10 minutes early and running in excellent form when seen in low light across the fields at Burton Coggles, near Stoke Summit. Photo: Michael Smyth.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/08-ECML/Grantham/20240713-BURTON-COGGLES-60528-Blue-Peter-1Z32-16.06-Kings-Cross-York-Michael-Smyth-AW.jpg)
![20240629-SANDY-8222591107-1A02-05 In the Summer 2024 timetable, the four Class 91 workings on the East Coast Main Line start the day in Yorkshire and head South. First off is 1Y00 leaving York at 04.40, followed just under an hour later by 1A02, the 05.30 Leeds to Kings Cross, seen here powering through Sandy on June 29th 2024 formed of Neville Hill set 17 with 91107 'SKYFALL' at the rear. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/08-ECML/Sandy/20240629-SANDY-8222591107-1A02-05.30-Leeds-Kings-Cross-2-Alan-Jones-E2W2-1024x683.jpg)
![20240629-SANDY-91101-Flying-Scotsman82211-1A04-06 It is always good to see flagship Class 91 locomotive 91101 'Flying Scotsman' in action on the East Coast Main Line. Forming the third Southbound departure of the day on Saturday 29th June 2024, Flying Scotsman is seen from the rear heading South through Sandy station with 1A04, the 06.05 Leeds to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/08-ECML/Sandy/20240629-SANDY-91101-Flying-Scotsman82211-1A04-06.05-Leeds-Kings-Cross-2-Alan-Jones-E2W2-1024x683.jpg)
![20240629-SANDY-9110682212-08 Sandy station has retained its lovely buildings on the Down platform, which house a small coffee shop that serves the most wonderful bacon rolls. With no time to sample these delights on its busy schedule, un-named Class 91 No. 91106 sweeps through the station on Saturday 29th June 2024 with the first Northbound Class 91 working of the day, 1D05, the 08.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. This is the return working of the first Southbound working of the day, 1Y00, the 04.40 from York. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/08-ECML/Sandy/20240629-SANDY-9110682212-08.03-Kings-Cross-Leeds-2-Alan-Jones-E2W2-1024x683.jpg)
![20240629-ARLESEY-9110982222-1D09-10 In immaculate condition, Class 91 No. 91109 'Sir Bobby Robson' heads North through Arlesey station on Saturday 29th June 2024 with 1D09, the 10.03 Kings Cross to Leeds. This is the fourth of the four Class 91 workings of the day, which set out as1A09, the 07.15 Leeds to Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/08-ECML/Arlesey/20240629-ARLESEY-9110982222-1D09-10.03-Kings-Cross-Leeds-2-Alan-Jones-E2W2-1024x683.jpg)
![20240629-OAKLEIGH-PARK-9110182211-1D18-14 Having started the day on 1A04, the 06.05 from Leeds to Kings Cross, Class 91 No. 91101 has gone back up to Leeds on 1D07, the 09.03 from Kings Cross and returned on 1A28, the 11.45 from Leeds. The magnificent locomotive is approaching Oakleigh Park in splendid form on its second run up to Leeds with 1D18, the 14.33 from Kings Cross. Photo: Alan Jones.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/08-ECML/OakleighPark/20240629-OAKLEIGH-PARK-9110182211-1D18-14.33-Kings-Cross-Leeds-3-Alan-Jones-E2W2-1024x683.jpg)
![20240523-SHAP-SUMMIT-60007-The-Fellsman-Chester-Carlsle-Chester-1-Michael-Smyth-E1W Thursday 23rd May 2024 was the 65th anniversary of LNER A4 Pacific No. 60007's run in 1959 when it achieved 112mph descending Stoke Bank - a post-war record for steam - whilst working a Stephenson Locomotive Society special from Kings Cross to Doncaster and return. In recognition, a commemorative train ran from Crewe via Shap to Carlisle, returning via the S&C. On the Northbound section, 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' is in magnificent form as it approaches Shap Summit at speed. Photo: Michael Smyth.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/40-LondonMidland/44-Preston-Lancaster-Carlisle/20240523-SHAP-SUMMIT-60007-The-Fellsman-Chester-Carlsle-Chester-1-Michael-Smyth-E1W-1024x683.jpg)
![20240523-APPLEBY-60007-The-Fellsman-Chester-Carlsle-Chester-2-Michael-Smyth-E1W Returning from Carlisle to Crewe with 'The Fellsman' on May 23rd 2024, LNER A4 Pacific 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' passes non-stop through Appleby station at approximately 60mph. This working commemorated the 65th anniversary of 60007s run in 1959 when it achieved 112mph descending Stoke Bank, a post-war record for steam. The tour was fortunate to run because heavy rains had left much of the rail network in the North-West at a standstill. However, the tried-and-tested technology managed to prevail. Photo: Michael Smyth.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/40-LondonMidland/45-S&C/20240523-APPLEBY-60007-The-Fellsman-Chester-Carlsle-Chester-2-Michael-Smyth-E1W-1024x683.jpg)
![20240525-APPLEBY-1Z42-44871-09 The Settle and Carlisle Line is consistently popular with railtour operators - and with good reason. On Saturday 25th May 2024, LMS Black 5 No. 44871 passes through Appleby station at speed (and to the delight of those on the platform) with 1Z42, the 09.30 Darlington-Newcastle-Carlisle-Leeds-Newcastle 'Northern Belle' luxury dining railtour. Photo: Michael Smyth.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/40-LondonMidland/45-S&C/20240525-APPLEBY-1Z42-44871-09.30-Darlington-Newcastle-Carlisle-Leeds-Newcastle-Michael-Smyth-E1W-1024x683.jpg)
![20240525-APPLEBY-1Z43-4305543046-Newton-on-Ayr-to-Blackpool-North-Michael-Smyth-E1W The ever-popular 'Midland Pullman' HST set Nos. 43055 and 43046 work a Newton-on-Ayr to Blackpool North excursion through Appleby on Saturday May 25th 2024. The architecture of the station buildings and footbridge
here at Appleby and many of the other stations on the S&C is a delight to behold, having been extensively restored over many years by the Friends of the Settle and Carlisle Line. Photo: Michael Smyth.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/40-LondonMidland/45-S&C/20240525-APPLEBY-1Z43-4305543046-Newton-on-Ayr-to-Blackpool-North-Michael-Smyth-E1W-1024x683.jpg)
![20240517-PETERBOROUGH-47-749-5Q78-13 GB Railfreight old and new meet at Peterborough on Friday 17th May 2024, On the left, Class 66 No. 66763 'Severn Valley Railway' has a Calling-On signal at the North end of Platform 5 whilst working 4E20, 13.21 Felixstowe South to Masborough. On the adjacent Platform 4, 1965-vintage Class 47 No. 47749 'City of Truro' waits for the road whilst working 5Q78, 13.35 Hornsey EMU Depot to Worksop. Photo: Tony Field.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/08-ECML/Peterborough/20240517-PETERBOROUGH-47-749-5Q78-13.35-Hornsey-EMU-Depot-Worksop-66763-4E20-13.21-Felixstowe-South-Masborough-Tony-Field-E2W-1024x683.jpg)
![20240508-SOHAM-46100-1Z46-07 In what may well be the first time a Scot has worked over the Bury St Edmunds to Ely route, flagship locomotive 46100 'Royal Scot' is seen just West of Soham on the single line section to Ely Dock Junction May 8th 2024 with Steam Dreams' 1Z46, 07.43 Colchester to Barrow Hill. The tour offered the usual excellent dining experience and an opportunity to tour the facilities at Barrow Hill for over four hours before returning at 17.20. Photo: Michael Smyth.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/02-BuryLine/Soham/20240508-SOHAM-46100-1Z46-07.43-Colchester-Barrow-Hill-Michael-Smyth-E1W-1024x683.jpg)
![20240508-THREE-HORSE-SHOES-46100-1Z46-07 Having stopped for over 20 minutes in March to take water, Royal Scot Class 4-6-0 No. 46100 'Royal Scot' powers towards Three Horse Shoes with Steam Dreams' 1Z46, 07.43 Colchester to Barrow Hill on May 8th 2024. The locomotive was working hard to accelerate from its March stop, but had shut off by the time it reached Three Horse Shoes, with only a leaky cylinder cock giving visible steam. Photo: Michael Smyth.](https://rcts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/cambridge-branch/07-ThreeHorseShoes/20240508-THREE-HORSE-SHOES-46100-1Z46-07.43-Colchester-Barrow-Hill-1-Michael-Smyth-E1W-1024x683.jpg)
What's On
Venue
Contacts
Chairman Branch Secretary
Robert Bartlett OBE Tony Field cambridge@rcts.org.uk
Fixtures Secretary Website
Michael Smyth cambridgeweb@rcts.org.uk
Sales Officer
Keith Crossley
Tel: 01223 515296, email: keith.crossley44@gmail.com
Hundreds of Books for Sale at Each Meeting and by Mail Order - Please Contact Keith for Details
RCTS Cambridge Branch Gallery
The RCTS Cambridge Branch Gallery aims to capture the diversity of railway operation over an area roughly corresponding to the coverage of the former 31A Cambridge Shed, which includes Cambridge, St Ives, Huntingdon, Ely, March, Wisbech, Kings Lynn, South Lynn, Hunstanton, Bury St Edmunds and Saffron Walden
To reflect the interests and travels of our members, we also show images from further afield.
Our aim is to share the fascination of railway operation with as many people as possible. Images are drawn from a wide range of sources and where known each is acknowledged.
Any comments on the gallery, including offers of images, should be sent to cambridgeweb at rcts.org.uk
Please note that all images in the gallery are the copyright of the identified author and permission for re-use must be obtained via the RCTS Cambridge Branch at the above address.
We hope you enjoy the gallery!
Cambridge Area
Further Afield
Meeting reports
14th May 2024 “Midsomer Norton – Rising from the Ashes” by John Baxter
Our 2023/24 season ended on a high with an enthralling presentation from John Baxter, Secretary of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust, on the history of re-establishing a working…
Read More9th April 2024 “An Evening with Father’s Slides” by David Cross
In 1960, un-named English Electric Type 4 No. D216 (named Campania in May 1962) heads South on an express to Euston, unusually with an LNER-design gangwayed brake leading the formation,…
Read More12th March 2024 “Cambridge Area Railways Yesterday and Today (Part 3)” by David Scudamore
Looking very smart in BR’s short-lived Express Blue livery, LNER A4 No. 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ is seen passing Shepreth Branch Junction on 25th June 1995 with a Bishops Stortford…
Read More13th February 2024 “That Was the Year That Was – 1971” by Geoff Plumb
On February 13th we were delighted to welcome Geoff Plumb for a nostalgia-filled evening entitled ‘That was the year that was – 1971’, comprising a selection of high-quality photographs all…
Read More9th January 2024 “March and its Railways” by Richard Munns
A 1951 aerial view of Whitemoor Yard showing the engine shed (far left), to its right the Down Reception Sidings and then Norwood Yard (with Trans-shipment Shed in the middle).…
Read More12th December 2023 Branch AGM and Members’ Contributions
Train Register from Woodford Halse No.2 Box, Up Line, 24th August 1962. The third row shows a Class 1 working (4 beats on the bell) and is the 12.25 p.m.…
Read More14th November 2023 “My Back Pages” by David Pearce
Taking his theme from the lyrics of Bob Dylan’s ‘My Back Pages’ track, on Tuesday 14th November David Pearce gave us a fascinating semi-autobiographical presentation of his early days of…
Read More10th October 2023 “The Fylde Line” by Alan Jones
BRCW Class 104 vehicles M50443, M59149 and M50493, complete with Blackpool Line white stripe, are seen at the boarded crossing known locally as the ‘three steps’ between Adlington and Chorley…
Read More12th September 2023 “Railways to the Coast” by Tony Kirby
The Great Northern Railway’s advertising of Cromer and Sheringham was very successful in stimulating holiday traffic from the East Midlands to these resorts over its Joint Line with the Midland…
Read More9th May 2023 “Aspects of Southern Steam” by Brian Benford
1927-built S15 Class 4-6-0 No. 825 runs round its train at Grosmont on August 14th 2005. The S15 Class was introduced in 1920 as a heavy freight locomotive, designed by…
Read More11th April 2023 “Colchester in the Age of Steam” by David Goodyear
BR Britannia 4-6-2 No. 70039 ‘Sir Christopher Wren’ pulls out of Colchester station on 13th July 1957. Photo: Dave Goodyear. As the junction on the Great Eastern Main Line for…
Read More14th March 2023 “Cambridge Area Railways Yesterday and Today (Part 2)” by David Scudamore
Circa 1949, B17/5 4-6-0 No. 61659 “East Anglian” is seen on Cambridge shed – the only streamlined loco to be allocated to Cambridge. Photo: Copyright David Scudamore Collection. On Tuesday…
Read More14th February 2023 “Back to Old Ireland” by Mike Page
The Great Southern and Western Railway Class D12, designed by Robert Coey and built at Inchicore between 1900 and 1907, was a class of 26 4-4-0 tender locomotives built for…
Read More10th January 2023 “Western Canada Wanderings” by Tony Field
A Canadian Pacific intermodal train rolls into Field, BC for a crew change. Photo: Tony Field. Tony Field gave us our first presentation of the New Year with a show…
Read More13th December 2022 Branch AGM and Members’ Contributions
On the coldest day nationally since 2010, GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66793 runs to time through Waterbeach on December 12th 2022 with 6L37, the 09.57 Hoo Junction to Whitemoor…
Read More8th November 2022 “Gone Forever – Images of BR Steam in the North of England (Part 2)” by Michael Smyth
On a freezing cold 20th December 1967, ex LMS Black 5 No. 45353 heads North from Carnforth with Presflo cement wagons. Photo: Michael Smyth. Following his highly successful Part 1…
Read More11th October 2022 “The Settle & Carlisle in the 80s and 90s” by Stewart Jolly
On a beautifully sunny 27th August 1988, Class 47 No. 47517 ‘Andrew Carnegie’ has left Kirkby Stephen and is about to cross Smardale Viaduct as it heads North with the…
Read More13th September 2022 “By Midland to Cambridge” by Robin Cullup
For a few Saturdays in Summer, the Kettering to Cambridge line enjoyed the passage of its closest ‘main line’ passenger working – the Leicester to Clacton holiday train. The working…
Read More10th May 2022 “North London Lines in the 80s” by Alan Jones
Early-bodied Class 31 No. 31108 has propelled its short consist of scrap and a single SPA wagon from Ward’s Siding along the Silvertown Tramway, reversed in the headshunt and is…
Read More19th April 2022 “Rail Travels in South-East Asia 2019” by Iain Scotchman
State Railway Of Thailand (SRT) GE Co-Co diesel No. 4044 is seen at Kanchanaburi on 26th December 2019 heading the Eastern and Oriental Express. Photo: Iain Scotchman. For our penultimate…
Read More8th March 2022 “Cambridge Area Railways Yesterday and Today (Part 1)” by David Scudamore
On 19th October 1991, West Country Pacific No. 34027 ‘Taw Valley’ and BR Standard Class 7 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ stand in Cambridge Coalfields Yard. Photo Copyright David Scudamore. A record…
Read More8th February 2022 “Gone Forever – Images of BR Steam in the North of England (Part 1)” by Michael Smyth
On an overcast 2nd September 1967, Class B1 61306 departs from Bradford Exchange with the last steam-hauled 08.20 (SO) to Skegness. Photo: Michael Smyth. Branch member Michael Smyth was inspired…
Read More11th January 2022 “East Anglian Railways Before Privatisation” by John Day
On 12th May 1984, the final day of locomotive-hauled services on the East Suffolk Line, 37049 departs from Saxmundham with the 07.19 Lowestoft to Liverpool Street. Photo: John Day 2022…
Read More14th December 2021 Branch AGM and Members’ Contributions
Chairman Robert Bartlett opened the AGM promptly at 7:30, drawing attention to the benefits of RCTS membership, the Branch’s extensive range of books for sale and the Society’s Library…
Read More9th November 2021 “Roaming Around London with a Camera” by Geoff Brockett
On 2 Sep 2020, 66149 passes Charlton Lane gate box with the 11.07 Angerstein Wharf to Woking conveying sea-dredged sand. Photo: Geoff Brockett. The Capital’s railways were the subject of…
Read More12th October 2021 “On Shed” by Robert Warburton
D6526 and E6005 on shed at Feltham on 11th July 1965. Photo: Robert Warburton On October 12th we were delighted to welcome Robert Warburton back to the Branch, to hear…
Read More14th September 2021 “Southern California Rails” by Tony Field
After an eighteen month break from face-to-face meetings, we made a thunderous start to our 2021-22 programme with a magnificent tour of rail operations in the Los Angeles…
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