RMweb Premium brushman47544 Posted February 19, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 19, 2015 Crewe Diesel in the early 80s at least always had a reputation as a no go depot. One day a friend and I walked in and went straight to the foreman's office. He seemed so surprised we had asked first that he said yes, at the same time as telling one of his staff to kick out the other lads that had also entered at the same time but had simply tried to bunk it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernman46 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Crewe Diesel in the early 80s at least always had a reputation as a no go depot. One day a friend and I walked in and went straight to the foreman's office. He seemed so surprised we had asked first that he said yes, at the same time as telling one of his staff to kick out the other lads that had also entered at the same time but had simply tried to bunk it. Yes - I was always amazed at the number of times the straightforward "Can I go round the shed please" worked whilst others bunking got kicked out.............I remember always thinking the fact that we were going to the Foreman's gave us a legitimate reason for being there - like you were inviolate until he said yes or no - completely illogical thinking Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonny777 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Yes, we always used to go to the foremans office in 'later' years (mid-20s and older). We felt it was the mature thing to do. Sometimes we were refused, Thornaby and Knottingley were two I never got round. I got to drive a 26 at Thornton Junction, even though I had only gone to the foreman to ask what its number was as I couldn't see it from the road. Most foreman merely asked us to report back before we left. We did discuss between us the idea of buying a half bottle of scotch to take with us, just in case a bit of 'persuasion' might be needed, but I don't think we ever did it. Twice, once at Stratford and again at Swindon Works, we were going to try and get round without any permits when we found official group visits queued up at the entrance, so we just asked the guide if we could tag along and on both occasions he said yes. We got looks of thunder from some of the 'official' group members, in a "how dare you take advantage?" kind of way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold TravisM Posted February 19, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 19, 2015 I always seem to remember that Margam had a staff bus from Port Talbot Parkway and the only time I visited (in the mid 70's), it was parked out the front and I just asked if I could get on, and the reply was "sure". Even managed to get round the depot as I recall. Julian Sprott Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted February 19, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 19, 2015 Yes, we always used to go to the foremans office in 'later' years (mid-20s and older). We felt it was the mature thing to do. Sometimes we were refused, Thornaby and Knottingley were two I never got round. I got to drive a 26 at Thornton Junction, even though I had only gone to the foreman to ask what its number was as I couldn't see it from the road. Most foreman merely asked us to report back before we left. We did discuss between us the idea of buying a half bottle of scotch to take with us, just in case a bit of 'persuasion' might be needed, but I don't think we ever did it. Twice, once at Stratford and again at Swindon Works, we were going to try and get round without any permits when we found official group visits queued up at the entrance, so we just asked the guide if we could tag along and on both occasions he said yes. We got looks of thunder from some of the 'official' group members, in a "how dare you take advantage?" kind of way. Swindon Works could of course be visited with no problems on a Wednesday afternoon - but I'm not sure if it included C Shop (the scrap yard) on a Wednesday, Sundays were best for that. It was also easy to get permits for the works, especially for Sundays and nobody ever seemed to count to check if the number in the group was the same as the number on the permit so need for any upset if anyone simply tagged along). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium brushman47544 Posted February 19, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 19, 2015 I got round Thornaby by avoiding the main foreman's office after the depot building when walking in and asking another foreman, whatever his job title was, with an office in the main shed building. A local told me that tactic usually worked. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Trevellan Posted February 19, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 19, 2015 My mates and I made several visits to Old Oak Common in the late 60s and early 70s and never had any problems with authority. We were always left alone, but then we were very wary of loco movements and stood well out of the way, which I imagine the crews appreciated. One such visit was on Sunday 3rd March 1974, and I managed to get a fairly decent portrait of Western Musketeer with a touch of the old contre jour. (Oh all right, it was the only shot I could get). The next shot illustrates the changeover that was occurring at the time, with 402 lurking behind D7000 on the same day. I'll try to post more images as and when I can dig out old negs for scanning. 16 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonny777 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 While Neil sorts out his scanner problems, here are a few more from me - D7029 on a down parcels service just west of Twyford - 12th Feb 1974 D1058 leaves Plymouth for the east - 18th October 1976 D1023 at Laira - date unknown Old Oak Common view with three withdrawn Hymeks on view, I think D7000 is at the front, August 1974 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Stationmaster Posted February 19, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 19, 2015 Ah, the potentially amusing caption time as D7029 approaches Lands End Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Downendian Posted February 19, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) My hydraulic posting demise (or pause) is not quite there! Some recent ebay wins and an absolute classic shot as well. Slides came with no dates and locations which often makes them cheaper - so with help from you kind folks hopefully locations will be made? First a couple of Westerns - dates and locations unknown - resolution of scans low, will remedy that eventually. First States D1031 Western Rifleman, and has that telltale scar along its flank, but the low res scan doesn't look like D1031 to me .... Looks like it's on the St Blazey-Stoke Clayliner too, edit : location St Blazey yard, 30th May 1973 Next D1046 Western Marquis, at Liskeard, 4th September 1974 Next D7027 at Old Oak Common in the early 70s. Then finally a couple of Warships, D817 Foxhound at Paddington And the icing on the cake tonight D831 on SR territory somewhere (near Pirbright junction?) note the stock behind it! Clues as to whereabouts on some of the above appreciated. Neil Edited February 20, 2015 by Downendian 16 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidB Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 1046 is at Liskeard, and the BSYP Warship (love that scheme) looks to be near Pirbright Junction. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Clive Mortimore Posted February 19, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 19, 2015 Hi Neil I am not sure the Western in the first of tonight’s photos is on a Claylainer train. My understanding of the Clayliner trains they were made up form a dedicated fleet of 13 ton 5 plankers all fitted with roller bearings. The wagon in the photo has oil boxes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Hi Neil I am not sure the Western in the first of tonight’s photos is on a Claylainer train. My understanding of the Clayliner trains they were made up form a dedicated fleet of 13 ton 5 plankers all fitted with roller bearings. The wagon in the photo has oil boxes. It may have started out with all roller-bearing, 10' wb, wagons , Clive, but there were soon some odd non-roller-bearing examples to be found, along with very occasional steel-bodied wagons and even some of the 9' w.b. end-tipping types. Somewhere, I've a list of wagons I noted in clay traffic at Longport in 1980, along with any peculiarities; I must see if I can find it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Downendian Posted February 19, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted February 19, 2015 Update on the scanner (sorry to bore you, but when sorted there are gems to come I promise!). It's certainly a hardware problem, read a blog from a user of the same scanner I have, and ran The Nikon scan software as recommended. It stated a hardware fault. Nikon has a free return via the post office so will be going back next week. It may cost a bit, but the scanner is absolutely superb and worth keeping running. Neil 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Downendian Posted February 19, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted February 19, 2015 Hi Neil I am not sure the Western in the first of tonight’s photos is on a Claylainer train. My understanding of the Clayliner trains they were made up form a dedicated fleet of 13 ton 5 plankers all fitted with roller bearings. The wagon in the photo has oil boxes. Thanks Clive - location may help here - if in Cornwall may suggest not the Clayliner, outside it would. I know from my sightings of it mid 70s tarpaulin covered wagons were the norm, and yes I had thought they were all 10' WB wagons, so very interested in Brian's comments. Neil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Clive Mortimore Posted February 19, 2015 RMweb Premium Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) It may have started out with all roller-bearing, 10' wb, wagons , Clive, but there were soon some odd non-roller-bearing examples to be found, along with very occasional steel-bodied wagons and even some of the 9' w.b. end-tipping types. Somewhere, I've a list of wagons I noted in clay traffic at Longport in 1980, along with any peculiarities; I must see if I can find it. Hi Brian I have/did have a list of the wagons that were fitted with roller bearings for the Clayliner. From memory I think it was one of David Larkins fact sheets. I will have a look this weekend when I have a bit more time. I know it included some pre nationalisation wagons, LNER six plank wagons were listed. Edit...If I find it I will copy and post on here if anyone wants the list. Edited February 19, 2015 by Clive Mortimore Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Flashheart Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Nice to see you got the slide of D831 I was also looking at that, there can't be to many pic's of it in that colour scheme. Rob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) Thought I might as well chip in with one or two of my Instamatic memories........ . D7005 waits time at Cardiff General with a morning Portsmouth Harbour working, Saturday 28th. August 1971. . Brian R EDIT:- to include correct date. Edited February 20, 2015 by br2975 15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) Two of my pastimes combined. . 7098 stands forlorn near Penarth Curve North (back of Canton TMD) 15th. September, 1973. . In the background can be seen Ninian Park, my ultimate destination on this day - to suffer a dire 0-0 draw with Fulham. On Saturday 26th. February 1977 I peered over the wall in the background,which was at the rear of 'The Bob Bank' in order to salute the passing of the "Western Tribute" on its' return from Swansea. Half an hour later, Cardiff City kicked off against Everton in the 5th. round of the F.A. Cup - losing 0-2 to a brace of Duncan McKenzie goals. . Brian R Edited February 20, 2015 by br2975 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Phil Bullock Posted February 20, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 20, 2015 Nice ones Brian! Rather special when pastimes combine - likewise with footy Kidderminster Harriers stadium used to be good for watching both the game and passing railway activity - only went there when Worcester City were playing of course, if an evening game Hymeks were likely there too in the late 60s/early 70s. Also fishing locations where the railway was in proximity - during evenings spent at Cheney Longville just north of Craven Arms the trout tickling on the River Onny was punctuated by passing traffic on the Hereford - Shrewsbury line including Class 40 hauled freights. Happy days! Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubbles2 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) The first picture of the Western on clay wagons in post 376 looks like St Blazey to me with the main line bridge in the background under which the line to the docks passed and the clay haul road to Fowey. Some great pictures here thanks for sharing them. Edit, you beat me to it Paul. Edited February 20, 2015 by bubbles2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonny777 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 This thread is quickly turning into the best one ever. D831 in that livery at Pirbright is priceless, so whatever it cost it was a bargain. I have tried to focus my dodgy eyes on the clay wagon loco and it looks like D1025 to me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Controller Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) Hi Brian I have/did have a list of the wagons that were fitted with roller bearings for the Clayliner. From memory I think it was one of David Larkins fact sheets. I will have a look this weekend when I have a bit more time. I know it included some pre nationalisation wagons, LNER six plank wagons were listed. Edit...If I find it I will copy and post on here if anyone wants the list. I think he republished the list in one of his books of photos relatively recently; there were quite a lot of pre-Nationalisation types, including the SR-designed type that Cambrian have issued fairly recently. I don't know what flows the non-roller-bearing examples were intended for, but they carried the 'For China Clay use only', Pool numbers, and PPM dates in the same manner as the other types, which would suggest they weren't just odd 'normal' wagons that had been conscripted. What did surprise me a bit was that 'Clayliner' roller-bearing-fitted stock didn't have a different TOPS code to distinguish it- all the examples I saw were branded 'OWV'. After all, Vanwides carried 'VEV', 'VMV' and 'VWV', depending whether they had plain or roller-bearings. Edited February 20, 2015 by Fat Controller Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Phil Bullock Posted February 20, 2015 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 20, 2015 This thread is quickly turning into the best one ever. D831 in that livery at Pirbright is priceless, so whatever it cost it was a bargain. I have tried to focus my dodgy eyes on the clay wagon loco and it looks like D1025 to me. hi Jonny Went through that loop and dismissed Guardsman - this loco has headboard clips, IIRC 25 to 29 didnt kind regards Phil Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Downendian Posted February 20, 2015 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) This thread is quickly turning into the best one ever. D831 in that livery at Pirbright is priceless, so whatever it cost it was a bargain. I have tried to focus my dodgy eyes on the clay wagon loco and it looks like D1025 to me. Don't think its D1025 Jonny, as it was built without headboard clips, perhaps D1035? The slide and high res scan will reveal all! edit - Phil - snap Neil Edited February 20, 2015 by Downendian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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