Our next indoor meeting - 09.11.2024
Fifty Years of Fifties: An Evening with Geoff Hudson
With a career in the rail industry that spans over 50 years, British Rail's former Fleet Manager at Laira Depot (Plymouth), has had a close association with the class 50s locomotives throughout. We are pleased to announce that Geoff has agreed to share insights into these fascinating locomotives and their operation with us in a special event to be held on 9th November 2024 in the memorial hall at Redruth Methodist Church.
Geoff is well known to many enthusiasts from his narration and presenting work with Locomaster Profile's class 50 video programmes (essential viewing in the late 1980s and early 1990s). During this sure to be fascinating evening, Geoff will take us through his personal highlights, and many previously untold stories, supported by audio visuals tracing the history of the class 50 from their inception through to the final years with British Rail and into preservation.
Cornwall was one of the last strongholds of the class 50's and many south-west enthusiasts will remember them fondly, so we are very proud to host Geoff and we hope you will come along to enjoy his presentation, which has a great local connection to our society.
With a career in the rail industry that spans over 50 years, British Rail's former Fleet Manager at Laira Depot (Plymouth), has had a close association with the class 50s locomotives throughout. We are pleased to announce that Geoff has agreed to share insights into these fascinating locomotives and their operation with us in a special event to be held on 9th November 2024 in the memorial hall at Redruth Methodist Church.
Geoff is well known to many enthusiasts from his narration and presenting work with Locomaster Profile's class 50 video programmes (essential viewing in the late 1980s and early 1990s). During this sure to be fascinating evening, Geoff will take us through his personal highlights, and many previously untold stories, supported by audio visuals tracing the history of the class 50 from their inception through to the final years with British Rail and into preservation.
Cornwall was one of the last strongholds of the class 50's and many south-west enthusiasts will remember them fondly, so we are very proud to host Geoff and we hope you will come along to enjoy his presentation, which has a great local connection to our society.
More 'Western' images
Paul Barlow
Plus additional notes from Guy Vincent
D1055 Western Advocate at Plymouth, date unknown. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).
1049 at Bristol Bath Road on 09.08.1975. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).
D1009 'Western Invader' at Newton Abbot on 14.06.1975. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).
D1009 at Newton Abbot on Saturday 14th June 1975 on 1B53, booked departure time 1545hrs. Loco came off Old Oak Common to work the 1B53 1226 Paddington - Paignton. This was followed by the 1655 Paignton - Plymouth, then on to Laira depot. - Guy Vincent.
Double Westerns - D1010 and D1056 at Plymouth on 04.04.1976. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).
D1010 at Plymouth North Road (due 1508-1518hrs) on Sunday 4th April 1976. Loco worked 1B15 1030 Paddington - Penzance to at least Plymouth. This was the 'Cornish Riviera Limited' running non-stop from Paddington to Exeter St Davids where it picked up only at 1349hrs. No sign of a shunter yet...
D1056 also at Plymouth on Sunday 4th April 1976. Loco then reportedly worked 1B15 1030 PAD-PNZ from Plymouth to Penzance and then brought the 1A35 1920 PNZ-PAD as far to Plymouth before returning to Laira. Did D1056 double-head 1B15 with D1010 after Plymouth? - Guy Vincent.
D1056 also at Plymouth on Sunday 4th April 1976. Loco then reportedly worked 1B15 1030 PAD-PNZ from Plymouth to Penzance and then brought the 1A35 1920 PNZ-PAD as far to Plymouth before returning to Laira. Did D1056 double-head 1B15 with D1010 after Plymouth? - Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Paul, another great batch of photos, thanks for sharing them with us.
And thanks also to our 'Western Detective' Guy Vincent for the additional information which helps complete the scene with pictures such as these.
And thanks also to our 'Western Detective' Guy Vincent for the additional information which helps complete the scene with pictures such as these.