TRAINS REMEMBERED VOLUME 3 … of 3
'Railway Archives have enhanced these old videos to correct definition, colour balance and more...'
Like the other two volumes in this series – we take a look back into the archives.
Films found in lofts reveal: Old Southern Railway trains on their way to the seaside. A 9.5 mm
film shows Terriers at Eastleigh Works. Next the approaches to Waterloo in the snows of 1947,
when any old steam loco would be dragged out of the scrap yards to keep the electric trains moving.
Deep in the heart of Kent was the Paddock Wood steam branch to Hawkhurst, a long study was
made of it just before closure. In 1961, on the last day of operation, film cameras covered the
"last rites" as locals held a party to send off the last train after a journey to Hawkhurst.
Today's Carlisle Station is full of smart electric locos in action. After a quick look at this we
go back in time to 1966 or so, when Ken Atwood made a study of most of the specials running
that year. Amongst those appearing are Clun Castle, Kolhapur, Blue Peter and Oliver Cromwell.
A fine turntable sequence features Jubilee Class Alberta. In 1967, Mr. Alan Wilmott filmed some
fine doubleheaded steam expresses in the Leeds area. It all seems such a long time ago.
A visit to Liss station, on the line to Portsmouth, reveals the remains of a smaller railway nearby.
This was the once extensive, Longmoor Military System. In 1968, Online Cameras made a long
film about it. We see General Gordon and Errol Lonsdale amongst others running about all day.
The railway closed in 1969 and there is almost no sign of it to be seen now.
York today is often graced by the presence of steam, yet a little steam branchline which opened
in the 1970's, failed to last. The Derwent Valley Preservation Railway, only a street or two away
from the museum, only operated for a couple of years. But nevertheless Alan Wilmott made a
fine film of it, while it lasted.
Now a look at the GWR, the celebrations in 1985 was saddened by the news that Swindon Works
were to close in 1987. We take a look back to the Thirties, where a loco is steaming away on the stationary testing rig at the works. Then a visit in 1975, during the dieselhydraulic era, when classes 52 and 42 are seen, Iron Duke appears in Hyde Park. Finally a visit in early 1987 shows the last weeks of the works. Great Western Engineering, now just scrapping diesels.
A 1930's holiday film of the Festiniog leads us to the 150th Anniversary in 1986. A lengthy report
is complete with most of the locos and a gravity slate train in action. Another 150th Anniversary
in 1986 was of the London and Greenwich Railway. A big exhibition was held in Cannon Street
Station, London and amongst static diesels present, vintage electric trains were giving rides. The 4 Subs and 2 Bils shuttled in and out all day. Also here Sir Lamiel an SR steam loco that used to work out of Cannon St. Station. This leads to steam runs out of Marylebone, and then a report on 4472: from Kings Cross in 1968, its USA trip and recent runs out at Denham etc.
Duration 59 minutes
Location sound and effects mixed with an economical commentary by David Coleman
Produced by Wilf Watters (Online Video 1987)