The Last Four Years of Steam

A Presentation by George Howe.

Nostalgia was the key, when branch member George Howe presented to us his programme of “The Last Four Years of Steam”. George & his camera travelled many miles on rail tours and on his trusty Lambretta to visit sheds and stations throughout England, such as Rose Grove, Patricroft and Crewe South that were just some of the mainstays of the railways in the steam era. I think George has a particular love for the 9F’s and the Standard classes as these were frequently on screen. Apart from a shot of 46115 Scots Guardsman in immaculate condition prepared for Royal Duty at Carlisle, the grime and filth of the steam era prevailed. Among the places visited were Carnforth, Crewe, Leeds, Eastleigh, Tyne Dock the list was almost endless. We saw engines still working hard in their last years, such a ‘Jinty’ shunting parcel wagons at Crewe, Bullied Pacific’s acting as station pilots at Waterloo and many more,
most in varying states of cleanliness and dis-repair. An evening not only of many photographs, but also we knew George always has a story to tell. The memories of most of the audience were well and truly jogged tonight.

Dave Elsdon

Branch Secretary