25th March 2021

25/3/2021

Wise words
Trash or Treasure
Guy Vincent

When recently browsing Ebay I noticed that a number of slides or 'colour transparencies' featuring 'Western' class 52 diesel hydraulics have been selling for eye-watering amounts. The reason I mention this is to make members (and their families) aware that should the time come when it is decided to part with such material it should not be simply regarded as 'rubbish' and thrown away. There is an ever-growing demand for images taken in the 1970s and 80s by authors, publishers and those enthusiasts who were children at the time now wishing to rekindle their memories and many are in a position to pay good money for what they see online. I have seen single individual slides listed with selling prices as high as £561! (D1039 at Plymouth in 1971, recorded as selling for that amount on 26 Dec 2020, 18 bids made). Several similar slides made over £200 each and some more above £300. Astonishing but true. My point here is to advise anyone with such material tucked away in a loft, shed or cupboard to please make sure it doesn't get forgotten about and go through what you have, maybe get it scanned onto a CD or memory stick and then, if you have no further use or need, consider selling the originals. It is useful to provide as many details as possible (date, loco, working etc) as this can enhance the value. What better time than lockdown to rekindle your own memories of happy times by the lineside and enjoy your Kodachrome, Agfa and Ilford material before deterioration of the film sets in? (Take a look on Ebay, search 'railway slides, both for sale and sold listings, and see for yourself). Obviously many slides sell for just a few pounds, if that, but the results I've seen seem to speak for themselves.

Guy Vincent

Many thanks for your advice and reminder, Guy.

56094 - Trash or Treasure at
Westbury
Guy and Charlotte Vincent

Following Driver Alan Peters' report of the likely use of a class 56 loco on the Okehampton line later this spring loco 56094 has been at Westbury for a couple of weeks now, seeing use on a ballast train to South Wales last weekend and today (24th) a circular out-and-back route familiarisation run over the Hereford-Worcester line via Great Malvern. The 'Grid' was off bright and early and was captured by Charlotte leaving Westbury at the ungodly hour of 0630am! I've also added a photo of the same loco taken on 19th February 1984 stabled next to the former fuelling point at Westbury diesel depot. During the 1984-85 period several almost new 56s came to Westbury to work stone trains due to the fall in the number of coal trains being run in Yorkshire and Humberside. 56094 was delivered new from Doncaster Works on 9th August 1981 and carried the name 'Eggborough Power Station' between April 1993 and April 2004. It received a major overhaul at Toton between May and August 1998, gaining the red and gold EWS livery at this time. Following a repaint into Fertis livery and a stint working in France (2005-06) the loco was stored and in late 2011 DB Schenker sold it for scrap to EMR at Kingsbury, Warkwickshire. Fortunately 56094 was quickly resold to Colas and returned to service in 2012. Hard to believe it will be 40 this summer!

Guy Vincent (and Charlotte)

Early in the morning at Westbury. 56094 is caught in the dawn sunshine. 24th March 2021 Copyright Charlotte Vincent

56094 at Westbury 37 years ago on Sunday 19th February 1984. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks to both Guy and Charlotte Vincent (Father and daughter) for the very detailed article (A lot of research) and pictures.

Marston Footbridge
Ken Mumford

I spent a few hours on the Marston Footbridge - about 200 yards east of South Marston Junction.
Kind regards,
Ken.

Marston Footbridge 66721 on the Acton to Portbury (Showing the unusual Underground Livery) 24th March 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Marston Footbridge 66619 6B11 Hayes to East Usk Yard 24th March 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks Ken.

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25th March 2021

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