Just got back home after a few days in the South West of England. First stop was a ride on the Swanage Railway, pulled by my favourite "Battle of Britain" class of locomotive, "Manston". Always thought the unrebuilt ones looked far better than the rebuilds, although I gather anyone who's ever had to work on one would disagree! Attached files
Although I'm probably known to members as a Southern fan, just to show no favours, here are a few from the "West Somerset Railway", taken on Friday last. Attached files
Since I'm not really a GWR 'afficienado', I can't identify the classes unless the nameplate says "Hall", "Manor" or "Castle", but no doubt those into the GWR will know and identify immediately.........enjoy! Attached files
Here's one that needs "a bit of TLC"!!! Apparently rescued from Barry Islands scrapyard as recently as 3 years ago, nothing yet done to it except maybe a coat of paint to give it at least some protection from the sea air at Minehead. Attached files
.....and again, just to show no favour to any particular region, here's what we 'Derbyshire lads' would call " A couple of strags"! (Strays from another region!) Attached files
....and so, on to yesterday, wanted to visit the GWR "Steam" museum housed in part of the old Swindon works, for quite a while, and I have to say what a great museum it is. Since it's not part of the NRM, there's an admission charge unlike Shildon and York, but what an interesting museum it is, not so much from the point of view of loco exhibits (there are only half a dozen), but from a manufacturing point of view, old film archives being shown, original equipment, tools, machinery etc, I found it a fascinating couple of hours (rounded off in the shop with a half price copy of Tim Shackletons "Locomotive Weathering"). Heartily recommended if you're in the area, and here are a few pics of the loco's in the museum. Attached files
As a final comment, SWMBO and self wandered into Swindons shopping complex, much of which has been cleverly incorporated into the historic railway works buildings (once the largest railway works in the world apparently!). Now I'm not much of a one for shopping, but I found it interesting that although the shop units themselves are modern, all the interior roofs are original, (and watertight!) and there are several overhead cranes and equipment that have been left in position, incorporated into the design and historical in their own right....a brilliant testament to those responsible for re-using and redesigning the buildings for modern use, rather than demolition and erecting a 'concrete monstrosity' (If you've ever been into, for example, "Meadowhall" (locally known as "Meadowhell") in Sheffield, or maybe "Merry Hill (Merry Hell") in the West Midlands, then you'll know what I mean. All in all, a very enjoyable few days break in the South West! Keith.
A fantastic photo fest Keith. looks like you've had a great time. Thanks for posting the photo's up. Cheers Toto
Great selection of locos my Keith. The Ex-Barry tank engine is from the 41/51xx class of Prairie tanks. (Large Prairies).
We thought you had gone awol, noticed on a couple of your great pics, a blueish tink to the upper background, did you add that post production not a background I'm very familiar with Paul
Was a bit slow on the uptake regarding the "blue-ish tinge", then realised you meant blue skies and sunshine! I know sunshine's not quite so common up in Scotland, but we had a great week up there in May, so can't grumble, and anyway, it was raining 'stair rods' when we came out of the "Steam" museum on Saturday, so it's not always great 'Darn Sarf!".......I think I must be magnetic anyway, as I usually point Northwards when it comes to holidays, this was just a one off 'pilgrimage' to the great god of the Southern Region!!!! Keith.
Thanks for posting these Keith, some great reference material there. Nice day out by the looks of it.