“Sheffield to Carlisle by Steam”

Presenter: Roger Hepworth

The well attended June meeting brought Roger Hepworth to the Branch who, being a local photographer and rail enthusiast over many years, has much to show of happenings within local regions.  His subject for the meeting was to tell of steam day journeys between Leeds and Carlisle, principally over Settle & Carlisle metals.  However before embarking on this northern journey the presentation began in London briefly illustrating a 1968 journey to Leeds in the post steam/early dieselisation era taken along the Midland main line over which Peaks, 47’s and 37’s were the principal locomotives to be seen.  Plenty of significant interest was generated as the journey advanced through the more northerly midland counties especially through Yorkshire between Sheffield and Leeds.  The forward journey to Carlisle was taken on the Thames Clyde Express with Jubilee 45593 ‘Kolhapur’ at the head journeying through Keighley, Skipton, Settle, Kirby Stephen and Appleby.  As this was a steam hauled ride each passing station and/or location of interest was encountered interludes of photographs were presented illustrating the steam day significance and steam motive power that was to be found within each of the locations.

Being of Midland Railway origins significant numbers of Midland and LMS engines were to be seen on both passenger and freight duties working amidst very scenic photogenic moorland territory thus complimenting the work of the presenter.  Arrival at Carlisle enabled glimpses of other and larger West Coast main line locomotives to be seen and photographed.

Thanks to Roger for a superb presentation.