Working the Lickey in the 50s

[fsmr]

Fascinating Railway Roundabout docu on working the bankers and signals on the Lickey. Love the bit about pinning brakes on loose coupled freights "wouldn't pass health and safety today"

[youtube]grQQ0zF1Xgw[/youtube]

 

[barbarajohn]

when i was a young fireman at saltley b/ham, if i was spare, they used to send me to bromsgrove shed, banking up to barnt green, heavy trains could have 4 engines coupled, john.

 

[fsmr]

wow bet you earnt your crust on that day, i would think even a small jinty would consume a fair few rounds going up the bank

 

[barbarajohn]

hi, fsmr, control gave plenty of warning when a heavy train was comming, so you filled the firebox with coal, put the damper open one notch, so the fire burned through slowly, then behind the train,exchange "crows" with all the drivers,then get bashing away up likey, fire white hot, would take you to the top without touching the shovel!