Volume two of my compliations of my late father's 8mm silent cine films, showing scenes from the last years of BR steam, 1967-68, at various north-west England locations.
I remember those days so we'll. And the film excellently captures the whole railway scene around stations and the lineside. So many films of that era just concentrated on close-ups of locos. I never heard of a "trainspotter" getting hurt while hopping over the tracks to get a better view, or seeing loco crew climbing aboard a loco on the move through a station. We were sensible and responsible in those days! In the 1960's we didn't have massive zoom lenses for our film cameras and this film captures the undistorted railway scenes, just as one would see with the natural eye. Congratulations to this cameraman and thanks for sharing those last days of real steam operations!
I was working on the railway at that time in the signal boxes . The main problem we had with steam engines, was stopping on the running lines with dirty tubes in the boiler . This was caused by not using Welsh machine coal so ash built up in the tubes . Making it hard for the fireman to get a good steam pressure . They always seemed to run out of puff at the most awkward times. Usually right in front of a passenger train. The other thing was steam engines on freight would be doing about 30 to 40 mph . While the new diesels that were coming into service at that time were doing 70 , which made regulating traffic a nightmare .
We get so accustomed to seeing cine films converted to DVD with "added sound" (often not appropriate to the class of locomotive or to what it's pulling) that it's quite a pleasant surprise to find no sound at all. Great work by your father, and thank you for sharing!
Fascinating from both a historical and a modelling perspective. 23:10 you’ve got a blue / grey Trans-Pennine unit passing a steam-hauled rake of blue / grey MK1s! If you’d have modelled that in 1990, people would have complained it was wrong! Thanks for sharing ☺️👏
"death steam" as I've heard it called is probably my favourite UK mainline niche, combines my love of 70s blue/grey with my love of 60s/50s BR black. nothing beats a transitional era like that, so diverse and modelable, with the satisfaction of producing photos to dismiss doubter, if you're petty! (i would be)
A nostalgic look back to the time when it was hard and dirty work on the railways, but more enjoyable than it is today!! As a retired driver I wouldn't want to see all those trespassing people all over the track's!!
I don't suppose anyone has any footage of Penwortham Station and the line around 1960's as I now finally got a house by the railway but this railway clossed in 1965
Watching this again, and noticing something new every time. At the 3 min mark what are the plain blue coaches (Mk1s or DMU?) briefly visible as the Brit’ rolls past? Don’t recall plain blue on Mk1s except on SR 3rd rail stock VEP, REP, 4TC etc.
At the end there was no point in cleaning them if they might be withdrawn the next day. Of course, many were cleaned for special runs and enthusiasts often did it themselves at the sheds - imagine that today!
Flipping eck that does prevoke memories of potted dog sandwiches and flasks of tea on the platforms watching these monsters of steam...... Noticed how many on the footplate??..... Not like these steam specials you get today where there's that many body's on the footplate I'm surprised there's room for the driver!!!
You can have any colour you like as long as it’s black 5s… Actually it’s good to see steam footage in colour after all the b/w archive stuff, so well done your dad. Beautifully filmed.
Fascinating film to watch. One can understand why steam had to be phased out yet the Beeching closures went way too far and today Britain is suffering as a consequence.
In the context of the time I think most of the accepted Beeching recommendations were correct, although some mistakes were made when viewed now albeit with the benefit of hindsight. In a way I feel sorry for Beeching he did what he was asked, arguably his report actually did save the railways given what came later, and it was Ernest Marples (very pro-road) who actually made the cuts.
An exciting period and you have the chance of modelling lines of dead locos ready to be towed to the breakers or perhaps an onsite scrapyard with steam locos in various states of dismemberment. All great modelling opportunities!
I think 45156 at Preston was on the Lancastrian rail tour in April 1968. Three locos were used, 45156 Ayrshire Yeomanry, 70013 Oliver Cromwell, and black 5 45342.
Almost all the locations have nameboards featured. The snowy scenes were, I think, the Buxton/Marple area, and the 8F banking was Todmorden (I think). I'm in the brown jumper at Preston, aged 6!
I remember those days so we'll. And the film excellently captures the whole railway scene around stations and the lineside. So many films of that era just concentrated on close-ups of locos. I never heard of a "trainspotter" getting hurt while hopping over the tracks to get a better view, or seeing loco crew climbing aboard a loco on the move through a station. We were sensible and responsible in those days!
In the 1960's we didn't have massive zoom lenses for our film cameras and this film captures the undistorted railway scenes, just as one would see with the natural eye.
Congratulations to this cameraman and thanks for sharing those last days of real steam operations!
I was working on the railway at that time in the signal boxes . The main problem we had with steam engines, was stopping on the running lines with dirty tubes in the boiler . This was caused by not using Welsh machine coal so ash built up in the tubes . Making it hard for the fireman to get a good steam pressure . They always seemed to run out of puff at the most awkward times. Usually right in front of a passenger train. The other thing was steam engines on freight would be doing about 30 to 40 mph . While the new diesels that were coming into service at that time were doing 70 , which made regulating traffic a nightmare .
We get so accustomed to seeing cine films converted to DVD with "added sound" (often not appropriate to the class of locomotive or to what it's pulling) that it's quite a pleasant surprise to find no sound at all. Great work by your father, and thank you for sharing!
I completely agree about the sound and I'm glad its absence is appreciated! Many thanks.
Wonderful filmwork in-the last stronghold of steam on British Railways. Absolutely awesome!!!
Great footage bring back the old days when I was train spotting
If only we could go back to 1968 with a video camera, this is exactly the recording we would make!
That open door on the EMU...
Wow, that film is absolutely fantastic! Brought back many memories, thanks for sharing it.
Fabulous footage, brings back many memories. Many thanks for sharing.
Fascinating from both a historical and a modelling perspective. 23:10 you’ve got a blue / grey Trans-Pennine unit passing a steam-hauled rake of blue / grey MK1s! If you’d have modelled that in 1990, people would have complained it was wrong! Thanks for sharing ☺️👏
"death steam" as I've heard it called is probably my favourite UK mainline niche, combines my love of 70s blue/grey with my love of 60s/50s BR black. nothing beats a transitional era like that, so diverse and modelable, with the satisfaction of producing photos to dismiss doubter, if you're petty! (i would be)
Clearly a great love of your fathers and now thanks to you one we can all enjoy
Yes, his career was on the railway (Underground), as was mine. We both were lucky enough to have jobs which aligned so well with our interest!
Fantastic, just as I remember it as a 9 year old, (apart from the cleaned up specials). thanks for sharing
A nostalgic look back to the time when it was hard and dirty work on the railways, but more enjoyable than it is today!! As a retired driver I wouldn't want to see all those trespassing people all over the track's!!
Steam as I remember it, and all the grime that went with it.
How many spotted the door open on the DMU right at the start !!
Wow, Thanks for Sharing these Films Took me Back, Well Done
Interesting shot of the EMU at about 53 secs running with a door open.
Excellent, enjoyed every minute of it.
It felt harrowing at the end. Like losing good friends.
great video thanks
Loved the shots of the trainspotters. I remember those days so well!
Thanks for this I really enjoyed it without the fake sound which I find distracting sometimes
I don't suppose anyone has any footage of Penwortham Station and the line around 1960's as I now finally got a house by the railway but this railway clossed in 1965
Watching this again, and noticing something new every time. At the 3 min mark what are the plain blue coaches (Mk1s or DMU?) briefly visible as the Brit’ rolls past? Don’t recall plain blue on Mk1s except on SR 3rd rail stock VEP, REP, 4TC etc.
Shame, it was pride for an engineer to have a clean engine (whether passenger or freight), but these engines were neglected.
At the end there was no point in cleaning them if they might be withdrawn the next day. Of course, many were cleaned for special runs and enthusiasts often did it themselves at the sheds - imagine that today!
23.50. Did you shut the water filler on the tender son?
Err I think so Drive
Flipping eck that does prevoke memories of potted dog sandwiches and flasks of tea on the platforms watching these monsters of steam...... Noticed how many on the footplate??..... Not like these steam specials you get today where there's that many body's on the footplate I'm surprised there's room for the driver!!!
All these locos in these videos should have been saved well done Woodham for saving all those locos a big thanks .
You can have any colour you like as long as it’s black 5s…
Actually it’s good to see steam footage in colour after all the b/w archive stuff, so well done your dad. Beautifully filmed.
What a wonderful film, it bought back some memories, loved every bit of this I shall what this regularly.
Thank you
Fabulous footage! Thank you so much for sharing. Best regards, Jeremy.
Fascinating film to watch. One can understand why steam had to be phased out yet the Beeching closures went way too far and today Britain is suffering as a consequence.
In the context of the time I think most of the accepted Beeching recommendations were correct, although some mistakes were made when viewed now albeit with the benefit of hindsight. In a way I feel sorry for Beeching he did what he was asked, arguably his report actually did save the railways given what came later, and it was Ernest Marples (very pro-road) who actually made the cuts.
Excellent film . Thoroughly enjoyed it . Steam with blue diesels and blue grey coaches , a period seldom modelled or shown
An exciting period and you have the chance of modelling lines of dead locos ready to be towed to the breakers or perhaps an onsite scrapyard with steam locos in various states of dismemberment. All great modelling opportunities!
Brilliant film, loved it, brings back memories ...
Hi, did any one else notice the door open on the Emu as it came into view at 53 seconds?, it that happened now the HSE would have kittens.
I think 45156 at Preston was on the Lancastrian rail tour in April 1968. Three locos were used, 45156 Ayrshire Yeomanry, 70013 Oliver Cromwell, and black 5 45342.
Great stuff... would love to know some of the locations.
Almost all the locations have nameboards featured. The snowy scenes were, I think, the Buxton/Marple area, and the 8F banking was Todmorden (I think). I'm in the brown jumper at Preston, aged 6!
@@iandocwra1169 I would have been around 10/11 at the time... wonderful memories!
The Brit makes that shot 1967.
Ah - interesting. I have amended the details accordingly but left the title as is for now. Many thanks.
That Britannia was 70001 wdn in '66
Great 👍👍🇦🇺