West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Certainly lines of communication have improved in leaps and bounds since the dark days of the EX6+1. Sadly there are still the remnants of their supporters around. In fact one of my overseas spies recently spotted DW in a far off location who told him he should not believe what had been said about him (DW). No change there and no contrition either. I still have faint hopes that we might still see some recompense forthcoming.

 

Ah, but you probably can't have one without the other Get behind the event and you'll stand a better chance of getting to see that machine.

Steve

 

I wasn't referring to the X6.

 

The GWR versus everyone else?
There is no 'everyone else'.


(For the avoidance of any doubt, this post is not meant to be serious in any way. )

 

I've never really been a fan of 'Spam Cans', but 92 Squadron went a long way to improving my view of them, her owners have done a truly beautiful job restoring her.

 

I was priviledged to be allowed to ‘tinkle the ivories’ of Swanage Box for the event. A fun time.

(That’s two images of Spam Cans’ on this thread in one day...!)

Robin

 

Third time pays for all then.

 

Is city of wells the one that is very volcanic.

 

Nevertheless lines of communication were ate an all time low when the X6 +1 were around and have improved dramatically since they were evicted.

 

Agreed, but that wasn't my point.

 

My earliest memory of a Bulleid West Country/Battle of Britain locomotive is being taken into the Continental departures side at Victoria station by my father in 1946/7 where there was one standing halfway down the platform entirely on its own. I assume, with hindsight, that it was there for a naming ceremony or something similar. It certainly made an impression on a six year old who from then on became a 'Southern Enthusiast', despite living at the time closer to LMS, LNER and GWR routes (all later within cycling distance for a nine year old)

Later in 1950 I went to Boarding School where at the bottom of the grounds one could gorge on such sights as the 'Golden Arrow'and the 'Night Ferry'. Over the next seventeen years I travelled many thousands of miles behind ( and very occasionally on) Bulleid Pacifics; from Padstow in the west to Ramsgate in the east and as far north as Oxford. I never heard them referred to as 'Spam Cans': they were 'Bulleids', 'Packets', light Pacifics, 'West Countries', 'Battles' and later when 60 of the light Pacifics had been rebuilt they were 'Rebuilds'. I only became aware of the expression 'Spam Cans' many years later.

Michael Rowe

 

I thought for a minute you were referring to another visiting loco. An X6 would definately be a draw - just a pity none survived, not even the devil's loco, 666. Guess we'll just have to wait for the T3 instead.

Peter

 

That would certainly be a treat.

 

They were known as Spam Cans in the 50s by a lot of railway people in Eastleigh, including my grandfather who was an Eastleigh Driver.

 

As a young Yorkshire boy exiled in darkest Somerset I only saw Southern locos at Crewkerne. They looked very impressive and I did not see another one until fifty years later at a WSR gala. It may be heresy to died in the wool, fully paid up, card carrying members of the GWR or nothing brigade, but I like them!

 

If you would like to arrange a swap of a Manor for a couple of SpamCans I think I can work something out. ;-)

 

Interesting: I only had limited contact with Eastleigh footplate men. They for a time had the 17.30 ex Weymouth 'Bournemouth two hour' on which they relieved a Weymouth crew at Southampton. I remember Driver Ash consistently performed above the norm and was happy to discuss matters on arrival at Waterloo. As I said I never came across the expression 'Spam Can' until many years later. I have heard that the epithet was on occasion applied to the Q1s but again not within my presence.

Michael Rowe

 

Not necessarily so Bayard , what I don't like to see is large express locos trundling along with a relatively light load at 25 mph max . I do believe I've seen a U class working on the Mid Hants and thoroughly enjoyed seeing it working hard " going over the Alps " . I wouldn't get too excited by a Castle or King on the WSR for the same reason although IMHO they are far more pleasing on the eye .

 

Anthony , If I lived locally then I wouldn't Boycott a Gala as you call it but just to get to the WSR as I live on the Isle of Man it involves a ferry crossing , 200+ miles each way driving and a couple of nights at least of B&B . So if I do make the journey I only would be wanting to do it if there was plenty of GWR traction . Forgive me if you think I'm a little bit too fussy .