HPMRS RAILDATE 13 May 05

News

RAILDATE: the weekly newsletter of the Hursley Park Model Railway Society: http://www.ibmhursleyclub.org.uk/ss/hpmrs/

ONLINE RESOURCES

The 24th February edition of RAILDATE published a list of online resources for researchers that had originally appeared in "HMRS News", the newsletter of the Historical Model Railway Society. As I said at the time, I intend to maintain this list, and I welcome any additions and corrections. The first update has come from Geof Sheppard, editor of "HMRS news". I'll include an updated version of the whole list here in a few weeks' time. Thanks Geof...

In the West Midlands, the Windows on Warwickshire service includes a photograph search: http://www.search.windowsonwarwickshire.org.uk/engine/search/default.asp

Keith Harcourt came across a website whilst doing some research into coal transport by rail in South Wales. It has some great statistics on it, and for those interested in wider social history the rest of the site has a wealth of detail. The Rhondda site gives a succinct history of the lines mentioned, something that many books fail to do. Highly recommended as a starting point for research into an accurate historical model of any of the lines mentioned: http://www.therhondda.co.uk

In addition to the 1901 census on the National Archive site: http://www.1901census.nationalarchives.gov.uk an earlier census – that from 1881 – can be searched by name on the Family Search website: http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/default.asp

NETWATCH

Last week's RAILDATE included details of a BBC4 documentary in two parts about the Indian Railway system entitled "Monsoon Railway" (you can still catch part 2 in the early hours of tomorrow morning - see below). Nick Wheat spotted the following information on the BBC website about the programmes:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/documentaries/features/monsoon-railway.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/documentaries/features/photogallery/indian_rail1.shtml

Further details about the Churnet Valley Railway's Diesel Gala Weekend (20th to 22nd May) from Andy Sollis:

It will no doubt be to a special timetable, so I would suggest that anyone wishing to travel for the event checks the CVR website in advance:

http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

(I am advised as the operating manager for Froghall that Friday will kick off around 9am.)

The three day event will include the relaunch in preservation of 47192 in original BR two-tone green as D1842, the final appearance of 73110 in Dutch livery, the return to traffic of Class 20 D8154, Class 104 DMU, and the final scheduled appearance of 33102 before it is withdrawn for major overhaul.

ELR-based Class 24 D5054 is booked to spend a period of time with us and will also feature at the gala. In addition, we hope to have the sole surviving British Industrial Sands Oakamoor Depot shunter "Brightside" on display at Cheddleton.

The opportunity is also being taken to display the remainder of the line's "non-operational fleet" including Class 25 D7672 "Tamworth Castle", Class 37s 009 & 211, Class 20 D8007, and what will be the last appearance on the line of Class 33 33056 "Burma Star".

Steam - the Museum of the Great Western Railway:

http://www.steam-museum.org.uk

Richard Buckby's railway friend in Bangor, Maine sent him this link - some very good animation:

http://members.bellatlantic.net/vze2qppc/abby/m03_nolocal.html

Nick Wheat spotted Tomcat Twilight:

http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/hangar/2005/tomcat/tomcat.htm

And finally... from Renaud (Ron) Olgiati...

Heard somewhere on London Underground:

Ladies and gentlemen, we apologise for the delay, but there is a security alert at Victoria station and we are therefore stuck here for the foreseeable future, so let's take our minds off it and pass some time together. All together now... "Ten green bottles, hanging on a wall...."

IN THE NEWS

The "Mail on Sunday" on 8th May reported that a number of trainspotters were arrested and searched by Hampshire Police under the Prevention of Terrorism Act at Basingstoke station! Conversely, British Transport Police apparently take the view that trainspotters are useful in the fight against railway crime. (As someone remarked... a fair cop?)

Six-figure bonus for rail bosses: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4541331.stm

Railway stations to be WiFi enabled: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4533789.stm

Mowlem suspended for track blunder: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4534009.stm

Born again fare dodger payes up: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4540047.stm

Snowdon railway farm for sale: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/4515005.stm

Mines tap LOTTO cash seam: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/4537441.stm

TV and Radio

Events

See Mainline Steam Tours page for up-to-date info on many of these tours, and others, often with timings.