Wednesday 21 December 2011

The Blue Pullman

The forerunner to our existing format for HS units. The Blue Pullman or the Midland Pullman was in the 1960's technically very advanced and a highly sought after service. I can remember these running from Wolverhapmptom Low Level, through Birmingham Snow Hill, stopping at Solihull the onwards to London Paddington. A suberb service at the time. Trouble is nobody thought to preserve the entire unit, sadly the motor car units were scrapped along with the kitchen car. However we are fortuate that many of the remaining cars are now in restoration and in use.

Evesham Steam Rally

I found these photographs of Darren Wardell's Fowler Road Roller recently. They were taken at the Evesham Steam Rally about four years ago, when young Chris Beale was on Darren's crew.

Sadly the engine is under restoration again and the Evesham Rally is no more.




Wednesday 14 December 2011

The Royal Albert Bridge

The Royal Albert Bridge, built over the Taymar in 1859 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
A4 Pacific locomotive crosses the bridge at the statutory 15mph, this is the first time an A4 has crossed the bridge!

Friday 9 December 2011

Festival of Britain, South Bank Exhibition

It has been a long time since I updated this blog, sorry folks, it has been out of my hands.

However, whilst clearing out some old books, I came across a brochure for the Festival of Britain, mainly at the South Bank Exhibition site. This was held during very austere years after the 2nd World War, and Britain was only just recovering. The year 1951.

I have scanned a couple of adverts I found to be very interesting from a recent historical point of view. Both relating to Ferguson Tractors, based in Coventry. Ferguson sadly no longer exist.

This second photo I believe was taken somewhere in the Coventry/Warwickshire area. I would love to find the location and also, is that tractor still in preservation? The registration number GKV does relate to the Coventry/Warwickshire area at that time. Answers please.