NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 95
Didcot Open Day 2 May 1970
Michael L. Roach
On 2 December 1967 I travelled on the special train which transferred the Great Western Society's stock from Totnes to its new base at the former Didcot steam shed. Our journey ended at Didcot Station from which we found our own way home.
It would be another two and a half years before I got to a Didcot Open Day, on Saturday 2 May 1970 on my way home to Plymouth from London. I had travelled up to London by train on Thursday 30 April to undertake a professional interview on the Friday. Some weeks later I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I had passed, despite thinking that I had not done particularly well.
The events of the Friday and Saturday made for a memorable weekend. The Great Western Society held its first open day at Didcot in 1969 and in 1970 the site was still in its infancy, but in the intervening 54 years has gone from strength to strength.
It would be another two and a half years before I got to a Didcot Open Day, on Saturday 2 May 1970 on my way home to Plymouth from London. I had travelled up to London by train on Thursday 30 April to undertake a professional interview on the Friday. Some weeks later I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I had passed, despite thinking that I had not done particularly well.
The events of the Friday and Saturday made for a memorable weekend. The Great Western Society held its first open day at Didcot in 1969 and in 1970 the site was still in its infancy, but in the intervening 54 years has gone from strength to strength.
0-4-2T 1466 outside the shed; this was the first engine purchased by the Great Western Society. Copyright Michael L. Roach
Long wheelbase van W112843; a Mink G dating from 1934. Copyright Michael L. Roach
“Shannon” an 0-4-0 well tank built by George England in 1857. Copyright Michael L. Roach
Large prairie 6106 on the demonstration train. Copyright Michael L. Roach
Two views of the undercarriage of 4079's tender showing the immaculate condition. Copyright Michael L. Roach
Two views of the undercarriage of 4079's tender showing the immaculate condition. Copyright Michael L. Roach
A general view of the shed from the coaling stage. Copyright Michael L. Roach
Fruit D W2265 in immaculate condition. Some of the stock at Didcot is privately owned and this wagon is not currently listed as being at Didcot, and I am unaware what has happened to it. Copyright Michael L. Roach
Class 73s on the Bournemouth
Michael Adams and Michael Forward
Michael Adams and Michael Forward
Hello Roger, I see you have had another trip up the County but to a poignant occasion.
I have many of Maurice Dart’s books and they survive my occasional pruning of my collection.
I attach a picture from Michael Adams of 73140 at Eastleigh on the 15.00 from Bournemouth to Waterloo on 21 October 1987.(The loco. Is now preserved on the Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells)
I have many of Maurice Dart’s books and they survive my occasional pruning of my collection.
I attach a picture from Michael Adams of 73140 at Eastleigh on the 15.00 from Bournemouth to Waterloo on 21 October 1987.(The loco. Is now preserved on the Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells)
Roger, Now my own picture taken at Southampton on 26 May 1988 showing 73130/73106 with 4TC stock on the 14.42 train for Waterloo. For a while trains were formed in this way to keep to the timings as the class442 Wessex units had not entered service ,as planned.(73130 is still with us but not part of the GBRF fleet but I do not think 106 has survived) Best wishes, Michael
Many Thanks to you both Roger
Memories of the CDAs
Roger Geach
66087 with the CDA's at Lostwithiel on 20.02.2007. The CDA's, semaphores and the functionality of the signal box all now consigned to the history books. Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger - happier times for the railway in Lostwithiel.
Type 4 variety on the branch
Roger Winnen
25.06.1978 - A Class 47 heads away from Newquay, photographed at Bugle. Copyright Roger Winnen
25.06.1978 - The 10.05 from Newquay in the hands of a Class 50 at Tolcarne Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen
25.06.1978 - A Peak arrives at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen