Recent content by ChiefPlanner

Without a doubt - the HST's saved and developed the long distance passenger services. More would have been built without the dead hand of the then DfT ........

I still have a ticket wallet publicising the opening - "close your eyes and you are almost there" - the Electric Scots - was very much a morale booster for the railway at the time. One of BR's cunning moves at some time , was running an IC set empty from Polmadie to Ayr, thence to Glasgow...

On say a 4 car unit there are probably fixed car couplings on intermediate vehicles, so in clearing the line, various tactics can be used depending on the breakdown gangs and what they have to hand. For example, after the Watford collision in 1996, temporary hawsers were used to move a couple...

George Orwell in "Down and Out in Paris and London" paid an unflattering picture of the Tripe Shop he lodged in (the cat slept on it !)

Probably better food in the bottom location !

Very fine series indeed - randon railway shots sprinkled throughout - British Expedition Army force leaving Waterloo , Normandy landings has a tantalising shot of French narrow gauge at Luc-Sur-Mer etc

My "grungy" son was often approached by staff on his university era travelling with his 1st class pass and (often) rudely challenged till he smiled and showed his credentials - but to be fair , they then tended to make up for it by feeding him well on biscuits etc - in my case as Abersytwyth...

The Stephenson Room , as I recall was pretty dire - "plat due jour" of fishfingers and manky chips ! -

When the line had coal traffic, the Pantyffynon to Abernant and Gwaun Cae Gurwen route had a 37 front and rear (they were fearful of a brakaway on the 1-37 gradient after Garnant) , even though the traffic was basically empties at that point. At the termini when were coupled together and double...

Or "Old man out" - indicating a "visit" would be appropriate !!!! 1787388599 From 14 years onwards I used to assist in my uncle,s Welsh dairy in London N7 as relief assistant for 2 weeks in the Summer - great fun doing the local milk deliveries then helping serve in the shop where is learned to...

Proper Welsh faggots were much reliant on offal. Certain BR canteens served "oxtail" and mash in gravy , appreciated by some !

We had a delay on the Northampton line back in the day when 2x321 units were unable initially to couple in service due to a crushed bird in the couplings - sorted with the aid of a handy shoe paddle and gloves. (we had some excellent fitters to hand) , so genuine enough.......

Likewise! 1787259474 We had free coal as a perk from the NCB - maybe 6 tons a year - selling of it would be instant dismissal of course - but we used to sieve the ashes and give them to an OAP neighbour for use , with maybe a few choice lumps buried under the cinders of course. Delivered of...

I think you are absolutetly correct about Cornish Pasties ! :D

Bit tricky if you were working in a coalmine (as my father did for 44 years) - sandwiches in a tin box was de-rigeur........(always a challenge to vary the fillings !)