The Last Four Years of Steam

This afternoon we were treated to “The Last Four years of Steam” by George Howe, a long-term friend and member of the Branch.

Starting locally, near Hitchin, with pictures of a Deltic and DP2, he showed that at this time we were in a big transition between steam and diesel power. George soon got into his stride traversing the country with his desire for steam loco’s, showing Hall Class engines at Oxford and Reading, followed by standard tanks at Clapham Junction working suburban stock to and from Waterloo.

Moving north to sheds around Wakefield, Leeds and Sheffield highlighting the vast amount of freight engines in the area, some still in steam and some dead and finished. Then we moved even further north to Newcastle, Tyne Dock, North and South Blyth with George telling tales of how he got there along with his Lambretta scooter. A rapid move south followed - to Eastleigh. Here you could see the new electric units shed under construction behind the Merchant Navy class engines and more standard tank engines, before moving on to Bournemouth and Weymouth. Being an ex-signalman George always showed and explained the various signals, gantries and boxes.

Moving on again, we visited Carnforth and saw an abundance of 9F’s, 8F’s and many other steam engines now redundant. Before concluding we went to all those notorious sheds in Lancashire, Edge Hill, Newton Heath, Trafford Park, Patricroft, Preston, Wigan and Warrington. Of, course during the trip around we passed through Crewe at least twice. I do believe George’s favourites were the 9F’s and possibly the Marchant Navy engines as he found these frequently.

Along with the stories of a railwayman travelling and George’s natural story telling we all had a great afternoon.

Dave Elsdon

Branch Secretary