SRC November 2024
So, what were the notable events in the world of Stafford Railway Circle in November?
Early in the month, we experienced what was possibly a first. Hogsmead on Sodor, the club’s Thomas the Tank Engine themed layout, went to a birthday party in Rugeley. The birthday boy was appropriately called Tom and he was 5 years old. He adores his trains and was very taken with the layout when we took it to the village day at Armitage back in the summer. At that event, his mother asked if we were prepared to take it to Tom’s party in November. Fortunately, it was at a church hall so there was plenty of room.
Here is Brian setting up.
Testing.
Ready to go.
It seemed to go down well with most of the children. Brian and I were glad when it was over though – I forgot how much noise a group of 5 year old children can make!
The other main event in November was of course the National Festival of Model Railways at the NEC. We attended with our flagship layout Whiteacres and also with the club stand. Unfortunately, given how busy it was , photos are few and far between. However, it has been covered extensiveley elsewhere.
Here are some shots of the team on Whiteacres.
Once again, Spike has been out and about and here are his contributions for this month.
Photo 1 – With liveries straight from the 1980s, LSL loco convoy led by No.57003 with 20118+20132+37409 in tow pass Stafford with 0Z23, 10.16 Crewe H.S. to Barrow Hill loco move. 12/11/2024.
Photo 2 – LMS Jubilee No.45596 Bahamas stops at Stafford, while heading Vintage Trains ‘Blackpool Illuminations Express’, 1Z92, 08.17 Birmingham New Street to Blackpool North via Nuneaton where the steam took over and is overtaken by Avanti class 390 Pendolino No.390129 working 1F14, 08.43 London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street. 16th November 2024.
Photo 3 – LMS Jubilee No.45596 Bahamas stops at Stafford, while heading the return Vintage Trains Blackpool Illuminations Express, 1Z94, 17.26 Blackpool North to Birmingham New Street charter. 16/11/2024.
Photo 4 – Black 5 No.44871 attracts the attention of passengers as it blasts through Stafford with 1Z71, 06. 51 London Euston to Chester Railway Touring Company Christmas Chesireman charter. 23/11/2024.
Photo 5 – LSL ex Virgin class 57 Thunderbird loco No.57311 passes Stafford with 5Z68, 07.49 Crewe H.S. to Southall Loco Services Ltd empty stock move for a charter the following day. 27/11/2024.
A few “seasonal” pictures from the archives.
Photo 6 – With auto trailer No.W238 ‘Chaffinch’ in tow GWR 1400 Class 0-4-2 No. 1450 departs Highley with the 11:53 auto train to Kidderminster during the Severn Valley spring steam gala on 24th March 2013.
Photo 7 – Rebuilt Bullied Pacific No. 34053 Sir Keith Park waits at a snow covered Highley with the 14:45 Bridgnorth to Kidderminster train during the Spring steam gala on 24th March 2013
Photo 8 – A snow covered Class 108 DMU lead by car No. 53634 is stabled in the centre road of Buxton station on Sunday 20th November 1988.
Photo 9 – Class 37 No.37123 At Hull. 28/12/85
Photo 10 – Regional Railways Liveried Class 37/4 No. 37429 pauses at Stafford on 30th December 2000 while in charge of the last scheduled day of Class 37 hauled trains on the Birmingham to Holyhead North Wales coast route. The inbound working to Birmingham was running 1 hour late and was terminated at Wolverhampton with the return starting from there to make up lost time.
Photo 11 – A Cravens class 105 DMU arrives at snow covered Scarborough. 28/12/85
Photo 12 – Class 86/2 No. 86248 arrives at a snowy Stafford with a Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street service on 10th February 1991.
Photo 13 – Virgin Class 86/2 No.86256 stops at Stafford with a Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street on 30th December 2000
Photo 14 – Class 304 No. 304012 arrives at Stafford with a train from Macclesfield on 10th February 1991. This set was from the first batch to be built, originally as 4 car sets, which differed from later units by having two narrow windows between the doors rather than one larger window.
Photo 15 – Virgin Class 221 Voyager No.221103 rounds Queensville Curve with a Chester to London Euston service. 31/1/2019
Photo 16 – Two Virgin operated Class 47/7 No’s. 47769 and a failed 47747 stop at Stafford while running 3 hours late with a Bournemouth to Glasgow train on 30th December 2000.
Having asked Allan Cromarty for some seasonal photos of trains in the snow, this was the last thing I expected. A Heljan O scale class 60!
Finally, Stafford Railway Circle would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
