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Title: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Red Squirrel on April 13, 2020, 17:24:32 Since most of us have time on our hands, I'll give fewer clues than usual for this one: Where was I, and when?
(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/wwrs1962.jpg) Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Oxonhutch on April 13, 2020, 17:42:53 It is a GWR larger prairie tank (http://www.gwr.org.uk/no-prairies.html) built in significant numbers between 1929 and 1949. Looks like it hadn't been used for a few years. Still had residual sand in its reverse direction gear ...
You look about 5. You are about the same age as me and this is [I quote you] "One of my earliest memories... " ;D Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: johnneyw on April 13, 2020, 17:48:15 Barry, the 2nd half of the 1960s?
Note, by "Barry" I'm referring to the location rather than the person in the photo checking the engine's condition. Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: PhilWakely on April 13, 2020, 18:20:28 Barry, the 2nd half of the 1960s? Hmm, I would also suggest Woodhams Brothers Scrapyard at Barry, but given this.... One of my earliest memories is of an open day at Bath Road shed, probably in 1965. I think Clun Castle was there, and I remember being thrilled to squeeze through the hot engine room of what may have been a Western. might I suggest one of the lesser used sidings at Bath Road, where the withdrawn locomotive was 'resting', probably in 1965 ? Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Red Squirrel on April 13, 2020, 19:13:57 I hadn't meant to plant a red herring: this pre-dates my earliest memory!
I'm guessing I was about 3 years old - quite old enough to be wandering around old locos, I'm sure you'll agree, and I hope you've spotted that I am wearing my safety sandals. It's not Barry, and it's not Bath Road either, though Bath Road is a lot warmer. I'd agree that it's a 5100 class. Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Western Pathfinder on April 13, 2020, 19:34:10 Montpellier Station ? The old coal yard that went on to be Billy Wares Scrap Yard perhaps
Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Red Squirrel on April 13, 2020, 19:37:38 Not Montpelier Station.
It is one of a fairly large number of locos stored for disposal. Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Western Pathfinder on April 13, 2020, 19:42:47 Warm ?.
Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: PhilWakely on April 13, 2020, 19:46:18 Marsh Junction Sidings [St Phillips Marsh] ?
Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: johnneyw on April 13, 2020, 19:58:26 Long shot, pre Bristol Parkway station when it was the Stoke Gifford Marshalling Yard?
Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Oxonhutch on April 13, 2020, 20:57:33 I'm guessing I was about 3 years old Should have factored that in. You were probably quite tall for a three year old :D Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Red Squirrel on April 14, 2020, 00:19:54 Marsh Junction Sidings [St Phillips Marsh] ? A bit north of there, but not as far north as johnneyw's suggestion... Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: johnneyw on April 14, 2020, 01:08:20 Where retired steam engines stored for a while at the old Midland Road/St Philips depot?
Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: GBM on April 14, 2020, 07:20:13 In the days pre 'elfnsafe' how did we not get maimed/killed/broken bones, etc when going around MPD's and yards in those days; either ducking under the foreman's office, or with his permission. We would wander around loco's moving around yet stayed safe.
Common sense and no thought of suing someone for our carelessness. We didn't have PPE either; with steam ejector valves blowing off from time to time, we would cross tracks between locos/wagons/coaches. We got dirty, we climbed into the cabs but we were safe. Yard staff mostly tolerated youngsters as well. Thread drift. I remember being given a Rover ticket in the school summer holidays. 7 days travel from Dartmouth (where we lived) unlimited travel to Exmouth/Plymouth (or was it Ivybridge?) and I never went East of St Davids'. Spent most of my time travelling between Exmouth and St Davids and Totnes. All alone, blissfully happy, not a care in the world around the age of 10 or 11 years. Did this for two years. Wasn't into collecting numbers, certainly didn't have a camera. Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: Red Squirrel on April 14, 2020, 08:39:31 Where retired steam engines stored for a while at the old Midland Road/St Philips depot? Close enough... Barrow Road. :) Title: Re: Where was Red Squirrel, and when? Post by: johnneyw on April 16, 2020, 14:33:47 Even as a relative Johnny-come-lately to Bristol (Oct 1969) it amazes me how much old railway infrastructure was still (just about) there then but now gone. Aside from the whole Barrow Road, Midland Road/St Philips complex there was St Annes Station still open, the Severn Beach Line double tracked and their stations with two working platforms. Clifton Down sidings were derelict but still there behind the hoardings on Whiteladies Road and I think that the railway bridge over Station Road at Montpelier Station was still leading to the abandoned depot that is now the location of a number of industrial units. I could go on but it just makes me wish I had appreciated what was there then and had the opportunities to explore more of it.
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