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WIDER WORLD
Thread W1 (131 replies so far) Thread W2 >
Thread W1 (131 replies so far) Thread W2 >
Replies 21-40
< replies 1-20 replies 41-60 > replies 61-80 >> replies 81-100 >> Replies 101-120 >> Replies 121-131 >>
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen 
.jpg "James Cowen gallery")
Then & Now
DATE: 03 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Talking of railway connections to Battersea Park, Nick [reply 17], in my reading of Britain's Lost Railways by John Minnis I note on page 21 there is a reference to the demolition of Battersea roundhouses in 1982. I quote:
Then & NowDATE: 03 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Talking of railway connections to Battersea Park, Nick [reply 17], in my reading of Britain's Lost Railways by John Minnis I note on page 21 there is a reference to the demolition of Battersea roundhouses in 1982. I quote:
As an example of blinkered vision, the demolition of the magnificent pair of locomotive roundhouses, the earlier of which dated from 1869, at Battersea Park in the early 1980s went unnoticed in the railway press, and the failure to fully record these important structures which had survived largely unaltered as a road haulage depot since their closure as an engine shed in 1934 is a matter for regret.There is also a picture of the rubble of bricks from the demolition in the foreground on page 19. There you have a historical railway connection to add to possible future Northern Line connections. I was not familiar with all the Battersea Power Station and Chelsea fringe connections but am now thanks to Wikipedia and other websites.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 03 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
With reference to Battle of Britain engine 'Manston', Paul [reply 18], I often drink my lemon tea ('Lift') from a mug with a picture of that engine on the front. I acquired this from the Dorset Steam Fair in Tarrant Hinton, Dorset along with several others with different engines on to have variety of what I look at. I expect similar mugs may be obtained from various preserved steam railways for those who wish to join me in enjoying such engine views every day.
Then & NowDATE: 03 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
With reference to Battle of Britain engine 'Manston', Paul [reply 18], I often drink my lemon tea ('Lift') from a mug with a picture of that engine on the front. I acquired this from the Dorset Steam Fair in Tarrant Hinton, Dorset along with several others with different engines on to have variety of what I look at. I expect similar mugs may be obtained from various preserved steam railways for those who wish to join me in enjoying such engine views every day.
NAME: Nick Dean 
.JPG "Nick Dean gallery")
DATE: 05 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Jas - thanks for the additional info about Battersea; and I'm sure you're right [reply 19] that Chipping Ongar should not be singled out from the rest of the Home Counties - at any rate, not on the basis of a fictional comedy. A few days ago I caught an episode of The Good Life, in which a recurring theme was, "but things like that don't go on in Surbiton". So, for Daphne Warrender, read Margo Leadbetter. However, sitcom does sometimes become fact. Waitrose has been promoting a new product called Strawberry Lychee Gateau. When I mentioned this to my wife, her immediate reaction was the same as mine had been, viz to recall the first episode of the original Reginald Perrin in which Leonard Rossiter remarks at an ice cream tasting, "I love to stroke my nipple/With my raspberry lychee ripple".
DATE: 05 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Jas - thanks for the additional info about Battersea; and I'm sure you're right [reply 19] that Chipping Ongar should not be singled out from the rest of the Home Counties - at any rate, not on the basis of a fictional comedy. A few days ago I caught an episode of The Good Life, in which a recurring theme was, "but things like that don't go on in Surbiton". So, for Daphne Warrender, read Margo Leadbetter. However, sitcom does sometimes become fact. Waitrose has been promoting a new product called Strawberry Lychee Gateau. When I mentioned this to my wife, her immediate reaction was the same as mine had been, viz to recall the first episode of the original Reginald Perrin in which Leonard Rossiter remarks at an ice cream tasting, "I love to stroke my nipple/With my raspberry lychee ripple".
24th REPLY
NAME: Nigel Wood.jpg "Nigel Wood")
DATE: 09 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1957-64
I suppose we can adapt it to prat - O! At least it scans. Incidentally I'm revelling in my new Argentinian citizenship. Thanks, Vic.
NOTE FROM VIC: Well yes, it scans, but er ...?
As to Argentina, I've been meaning to remove the redundant 'country' field from the forms ever since 2004, but in the meantime you can all be Argentinians. Also, no need to type your QE connection in every time, as it is inserted automatically (like your photo) after the first time.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 09 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Mention of Doctor Beeching [reply 20] leads to many reflections on my part. Of course in all seriousness the vast steam railway network could not continue to be subsidised by the taxpayers to the extent they were, though maybe there was some fiddling of the figures at the edges as to footfall and revenue. I still miss some of the lines that have gone but also miss as much the steam trains on the main lines replaced by the diesel and electric trains.It is good that there are so many preserved lines and still steam on the main line on special workings but I still miss the days of frequent steam like when recently at Broxbourne. This year 2013 has seen many TV programmes on, much enjoyed, due to the 50th anniversary of Beeching (1963). My wife worked at ICI Plastics in Welwyn Garden City before and after marrying me and I enjoy bantering with her about her ultimate boss at ICI whenever he has appeared. I also call her my pin up girl as she appeared in ICI brochures advertising products.
Then & NowDATE: 09 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Mention of Doctor Beeching [reply 20] leads to many reflections on my part. Of course in all seriousness the vast steam railway network could not continue to be subsidised by the taxpayers to the extent they were, though maybe there was some fiddling of the figures at the edges as to footfall and revenue. I still miss some of the lines that have gone but also miss as much the steam trains on the main lines replaced by the diesel and electric trains.It is good that there are so many preserved lines and still steam on the main line on special workings but I still miss the days of frequent steam like when recently at Broxbourne. This year 2013 has seen many TV programmes on, much enjoyed, due to the 50th anniversary of Beeching (1963). My wife worked at ICI Plastics in Welwyn Garden City before and after marrying me and I enjoy bantering with her about her ultimate boss at ICI whenever he has appeared. I also call her my pin up girl as she appeared in ICI brochures advertising products.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 12 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Nick, oh you are awful but I like you [reply 23]. No more talk is required of nipples and ripples or for that matter letters signed Norwich. I didn't get where I am today by talking about Reginald Perrin all the time but of course there is a strong railway related element to the programmes with both the group of commuters on the train with their newspapers and the trains being late by so many minutes for leaves on the line and all the other excuses every day. I remember my commuting days from Elstree and Borehamwood to either St Pancras or Farringdon (1963 and 1965-70). There was one fellow commuter/friend of mine who used to always go to the Stationmaster's office in St Pancras and get a written explanation as to why the train was late to give to his boss. He must have been considered a real pain. I also miss the days of a small group of us who used to chat together on the Welwyn Garden City trains to either Oakleigh Park or Kings Cross (1971 to 1987). No train commuting since by me, except a very short spell of about a month from Andover to Waterloo and the City. Since then I have mostly travelled by car to employments.
I do enjoy talking with others about TV programmes both past and present as much as about products in the shops. Maybe I am a TV Addict and do you remember those programmes with that title? Maybe they are surpassed by the Gogglebox programmes on C4 today. Aren't many of the viewers comments wonderful! Of course if this theme is taken up by others without railway connections I suppose it would have to be a new thread provided Vic thinks it worthy. I do not expect that any replies would swamp the site too much.
Then & NowDATE: 12 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Nick, oh you are awful but I like you [reply 23]. No more talk is required of nipples and ripples or for that matter letters signed Norwich. I didn't get where I am today by talking about Reginald Perrin all the time but of course there is a strong railway related element to the programmes with both the group of commuters on the train with their newspapers and the trains being late by so many minutes for leaves on the line and all the other excuses every day. I remember my commuting days from Elstree and Borehamwood to either St Pancras or Farringdon (1963 and 1965-70). There was one fellow commuter/friend of mine who used to always go to the Stationmaster's office in St Pancras and get a written explanation as to why the train was late to give to his boss. He must have been considered a real pain. I also miss the days of a small group of us who used to chat together on the Welwyn Garden City trains to either Oakleigh Park or Kings Cross (1971 to 1987). No train commuting since by me, except a very short spell of about a month from Andover to Waterloo and the City. Since then I have mostly travelled by car to employments.
I do enjoy talking with others about TV programmes both past and present as much as about products in the shops. Maybe I am a TV Addict and do you remember those programmes with that title? Maybe they are surpassed by the Gogglebox programmes on C4 today. Aren't many of the viewers comments wonderful! Of course if this theme is taken up by others without railway connections I suppose it would have to be a new thread provided Vic thinks it worthy. I do not expect that any replies would swamp the site too much.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 18 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Nice photos added, Nick, of Epping and the Epping & Ongar Railway. I like the bus photo of the leaning RT of North Weald, to rival the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I did take photos but they are on one of my memory cards still and I have not yet printed them out. I did take 1 of the RT and RTl together and maybe will send at a later date. I note that the LT1 was visiting the Epping and Ongar on your visit just as it was to the Severn Valley Autumn Gala on mine.
NOTE FROM VIC: I could have righted the Pisa bus but thought that either creative inspiration or an exceptionally steep camber, rather than standing with one foot in the gutter, might have been the cause of the old girl's dramatic entrance!
Then & NowDATE: 18 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Nice photos added, Nick, of Epping and the Epping & Ongar Railway. I like the bus photo of the leaning RT of North Weald, to rival the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I did take photos but they are on one of my memory cards still and I have not yet printed them out. I did take 1 of the RT and RTl together and maybe will send at a later date. I note that the LT1 was visiting the Epping and Ongar on your visit just as it was to the Severn Valley Autumn Gala on mine.
NOTE FROM VIC: I could have righted the Pisa bus but thought that either creative inspiration or an exceptionally steep camber, rather than standing with one foot in the gutter, might have been the cause of the old girl's dramatic entrance!
NAME: Nick Dean
DATE: 19 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Just for the record, the bus was actually like that. I seem to recall from childhood that they had quite a remarkable capacity to lean: for example, the 107 at the stop opposite Barnet General.
DATE: 19 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Just for the record, the bus was actually like that. I seem to recall from childhood that they had quite a remarkable capacity to lean: for example, the 107 at the stop opposite Barnet General.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 27 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I do not recall the leaning myself, Nick, either in Barnet or at North Weald/Ongar. Then I usually had my head in a book or was miles away dreaming about something or other. When my Auntie Ella and Uncle Don passed me once at the bus stop they apparentl;y said "There's that boy again. Miles away as usual." If you are right you have joined those great observers, the ladies. I wonder if true whether the other categories at the time, the RTLs and RTWs had the same tendency? I don't suppose the newer RMs (Routemasters) did. Where is my old fellow transport secretary when we need him? He did know a lot about buses and enjoyed going to the Transport Museum in Covent Garden.
Then & NowDATE: 27 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I do not recall the leaning myself, Nick, either in Barnet or at North Weald/Ongar. Then I usually had my head in a book or was miles away dreaming about something or other. When my Auntie Ella and Uncle Don passed me once at the bus stop they apparentl;y said "There's that boy again. Miles away as usual." If you are right you have joined those great observers, the ladies. I wonder if true whether the other categories at the time, the RTLs and RTWs had the same tendency? I don't suppose the newer RMs (Routemasters) did. Where is my old fellow transport secretary when we need him? He did know a lot about buses and enjoyed going to the Transport Museum in Covent Garden.
NAME: Nick Dean
DATE: 31 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Well, I'm no expert on buses. I used to do much of my homework on them and so, like you, Jas, wasn't looking too closely. However, if you observe the Epping photo, you'll note that the fence post and building to the rear left of the vehicle are, within a degree or two, perpendicular.
I have turned up a photo of a 303 at Bell Bar in 1966. Sadly I can't submit this for wider edification because of potential problems of copyright for the webmaster, but it too has a pronounced lean.
NOTE FROM VIC: But no copyright problems in linking to this website, where one or two RTs definitely lean.
DATE: 31 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Well, I'm no expert on buses. I used to do much of my homework on them and so, like you, Jas, wasn't looking too closely. However, if you observe the Epping photo, you'll note that the fence post and building to the rear left of the vehicle are, within a degree or two, perpendicular.
I have turned up a photo of a 303 at Bell Bar in 1966. Sadly I can't submit this for wider edification because of potential problems of copyright for the webmaster, but it too has a pronounced lean.
NOTE FROM VIC: But no copyright problems in linking to this website, where one or two RTs definitely lean.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 31 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I have just received my latest copy of Steam Railway (issue 423) and really enjoyed the article by David Wilcock. ("Oi! Where the blazes d'ya think you're going then?"). It really took me back to my schooldays of bunking the railway sheds and copping some of the engines therein. There were quite a few weekends when I did this either cycling to them or using a London bus pass along with other OEs such as Godfrey Smith and John Bentley and of course that great Scottish non-QE boy Ian Orrocks as well as Peter Kirby. Of course we did sometimes get challenged by such a remark or something similar but more often than not were able to proceed unchallenged. Occasionally we even went in with an official shed permit. Happy days, which can no longer be experienced, though visits to Didcot shed today is the next best thing!
Then & NowDATE: 31 December 2013
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I have just received my latest copy of Steam Railway (issue 423) and really enjoyed the article by David Wilcock. ("Oi! Where the blazes d'ya think you're going then?"). It really took me back to my schooldays of bunking the railway sheds and copping some of the engines therein. There were quite a few weekends when I did this either cycling to them or using a London bus pass along with other OEs such as Godfrey Smith and John Bentley and of course that great Scottish non-QE boy Ian Orrocks as well as Peter Kirby. Of course we did sometimes get challenged by such a remark or something similar but more often than not were able to proceed unchallenged. Occasionally we even went in with an official shed permit. Happy days, which can no longer be experienced, though visits to Didcot shed today is the next best thing!
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 03 January 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Yes well done,Vic. Several of the photos on the website show a definite lean. Changing the subject, I note in my Steam Railway copy there is an interesting main line trip planned for Wed 5th March by Steam Dreams from Broxbourne to Cambridge and on to Carlisle with no motive power yet announced. It all sounds very ambitious but if I lived nearby I would be tempted. Back in my Welwyn Garden City residency days I remember going with my wife and daughter from St Albans to Carlisle via travelling also on the Ratty (Ravensdale and Eskdale Railway) with Hertfordshire Railtours. My wife complained about travelling all day with no real stopover anywhere. The next main line excursion I went just with my son and we enjoyed a lovely meal on that Welsh Marches express.
Then & NowDATE: 03 January 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
Yes well done,Vic. Several of the photos on the website show a definite lean. Changing the subject, I note in my Steam Railway copy there is an interesting main line trip planned for Wed 5th March by Steam Dreams from Broxbourne to Cambridge and on to Carlisle with no motive power yet announced. It all sounds very ambitious but if I lived nearby I would be tempted. Back in my Welwyn Garden City residency days I remember going with my wife and daughter from St Albans to Carlisle via travelling also on the Ratty (Ravensdale and Eskdale Railway) with Hertfordshire Railtours. My wife complained about travelling all day with no real stopover anywhere. The next main line excursion I went just with my son and we enjoyed a lovely meal on that Welsh Marches express.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 06 January 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I notice that for Saturday 12th April 2014 Pathfinder Tours are advertising an excursion from Kings Cross to York calling at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough. (The White Rose departure from K+ at 8.20 returning at 22.00). Motive power is sceduled for the A1 60163 Tornado. I don't want to tempt fate but maybe Nick can take one or more photos, especially considering the cancellation last time. The advert says that Tornado will only run a limited number of times on the main line in 2014. I do enjoy seeing the rail photos but maybe some others would like to submit photos on other themes such as gardening or ornithology.
Then & NowDATE: 06 January 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I notice that for Saturday 12th April 2014 Pathfinder Tours are advertising an excursion from Kings Cross to York calling at Potters Bar, Stevenage and Peterborough. (The White Rose departure from K+ at 8.20 returning at 22.00). Motive power is sceduled for the A1 60163 Tornado. I don't want to tempt fate but maybe Nick can take one or more photos, especially considering the cancellation last time. The advert says that Tornado will only run a limited number of times on the main line in 2014. I do enjoy seeing the rail photos but maybe some others would like to submit photos on other themes such as gardening or ornithology.
NAME: Nick Dean
DATE: 08 March 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Once Bittern, twice ... Following the Great Gathering at York [reply 1 et seq], the Sir Nigel Gresley made its way south on 6 March, pausing for a while at Welwyn GC. Difficult to get brilliant photos because of so many people with anoraks and bobble hats, not to mention tripods (though a number of enthusiastic families and kids too). Anyway, for what they're worth, I've added them to my Wider World photos.
DATE: 08 March 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Once Bittern, twice ... Following the Great Gathering at York [reply 1 et seq], the Sir Nigel Gresley made its way south on 6 March, pausing for a while at Welwyn GC. Difficult to get brilliant photos because of so many people with anoraks and bobble hats, not to mention tripods (though a number of enthusiastic families and kids too). Anyway, for what they're worth, I've added them to my Wider World photos.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 16 March 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I enjoyed seeing the 'Sir Nigel Gresley' 60007 photos, Nick. I've sent some photos of the March 1st steam train stopping at Andover on the Cathedrals Express working to Bath and Cardiff on St David's Day. This was a rare event as it usually rushes through to Salisbury only. Some who were travelling on it did not know what engine it would be but 44932 turned up. The cheapest seats were £79 each, too pricey for me and my wife. The dearest with full meals etc were £201 each. I hope some cheaper trips will come up sometime this year. Those going had to print their own tickets and itinerary. There is talk of opening up the Andover to Ludgershall line for trains again. We shall see if anything happens on that one.
Then & NowDATE: 16 March 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I enjoyed seeing the 'Sir Nigel Gresley' 60007 photos, Nick. I've sent some photos of the March 1st steam train stopping at Andover on the Cathedrals Express working to Bath and Cardiff on St David's Day. This was a rare event as it usually rushes through to Salisbury only. Some who were travelling on it did not know what engine it would be but 44932 turned up. The cheapest seats were £79 each, too pricey for me and my wife. The dearest with full meals etc were £201 each. I hope some cheaper trips will come up sometime this year. Those going had to print their own tickets and itinerary. There is talk of opening up the Andover to Ludgershall line for trains again. We shall see if anything happens on that one.
NAME: Nick Dean
DATE: 30 March 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
For anyone who's still interested/awake, Sir N Gresley called at Potters Bar early on 29 March en route to York. A bit foggy and, annoyingly, stopped some distance beyond the platform. Still, a couple more pix ...
DATE: 30 March 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
For anyone who's still interested/awake, Sir N Gresley called at Potters Bar early on 29 March en route to York. A bit foggy and, annoyingly, stopped some distance beyond the platform. Still, a couple more pix ...
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 08 April 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I like the pics, Nick. Ayleen and I have just returned from the Isle of Wight, where I took some photos at the steam railway there.
Then & NowDATE: 08 April 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I like the pics, Nick. Ayleen and I have just returned from the Isle of Wight, where I took some photos at the steam railway there.
NAME: Nick Dean
DATE: 15 April 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Thanks for your photos, Jas. Not having been to the IOW for some years, I haven't experienced the preserved line, but I do recall travelling on steam trains between Ryde Pier Head and Sandown in the early to mid 1960s. Of course, at the time, they seemed fairly commonplace, although the fact that they went along a half mile pier at Ryde was quite exciting (to a small boy anyway). I remember also what seemed the quite dramatic curb of the station at Ryde Esplanade. The last time we went (c1996) we used one of the 'tube' trains from Ryde to Shanklin. Closer to home, and in response to reply 33, I've added two shots of the Tornado at Potters Bar (12 April) to my photo album. It arrived a little early, when I had thought it was safe to nip into Sainsbury's for a paper and some pastries; hence, taken from a little distance since (as with the N Gresley) it halted beyond the platform.
DATE: 15 April 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1964-71
Thanks for your photos, Jas. Not having been to the IOW for some years, I haven't experienced the preserved line, but I do recall travelling on steam trains between Ryde Pier Head and Sandown in the early to mid 1960s. Of course, at the time, they seemed fairly commonplace, although the fact that they went along a half mile pier at Ryde was quite exciting (to a small boy anyway). I remember also what seemed the quite dramatic curb of the station at Ryde Esplanade. The last time we went (c1996) we used one of the 'tube' trains from Ryde to Shanklin. Closer to home, and in response to reply 33, I've added two shots of the Tornado at Potters Bar (12 April) to my photo album. It arrived a little early, when I had thought it was safe to nip into Sainsbury's for a paper and some pastries; hence, taken from a little distance since (as with the N Gresley) it halted beyond the platform.
NAME: James (Jas) Cowen Then & Now
DATE: 18 April 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I think the two photos of Tornado at Potters Bar have in fact come out well. Good to see them! As regards the IOW, the 'tube' trains from Ryde to Shanklin still run and it is a frequent service in my view. We travelled the line a couple of times, as we had an Island Pass, which also included the steam railway. That only runs on 1 day in the week generally in March but now in April there are trains on many more days. Of course we have a senior bus pass, which allowed us to travel free on the buses and some services frequency are very good but rather harder to use these to access the railway at Smallbrook Junction for Havenstreet, the main station. We also visited the National Trust garden at Mottistone (open most days) but the bus service 12 is less frequent to the west of the island from Newport (generally every 2 hours). The English Heritage properties open later from 1st April, so no visits there this time. Maybe we will go again later in the year.
Then & NowDATE: 18 April 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: pupil 56-63
I think the two photos of Tornado at Potters Bar have in fact come out well. Good to see them! As regards the IOW, the 'tube' trains from Ryde to Shanklin still run and it is a frequent service in my view. We travelled the line a couple of times, as we had an Island Pass, which also included the steam railway. That only runs on 1 day in the week generally in March but now in April there are trains on many more days. Of course we have a senior bus pass, which allowed us to travel free on the buses and some services frequency are very good but rather harder to use these to access the railway at Smallbrook Junction for Havenstreet, the main station. We also visited the National Trust garden at Mottistone (open most days) but the bus service 12 is less frequent to the west of the island from Newport (generally every 2 hours). The English Heritage properties open later from 1st April, so no visits there this time. Maybe we will go again later in the year.
NAME: Vic Coughtrey 
Then & Now
DATE: 18 April 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-59
The last time I was on the IOW (sometime in the '70s) they had 1923 stock (probably ex-Central Line) on the 'Tube' line. I was disappointed to find that it was not in its original livery. In fact it was green! I know it was later replaced by 1938 Northern or Bakerloo stock. Two or three years ago there was talk of its being replaced again by 1970s stock, probably from the Victoria Line. Did that in fact happen? I still think of 1970s stock as being new and modern - a peculiar feature of being of a certain age! I remember, as will many of you, travelling on the 1923 Piccadilly and Central Line trains in the '50s. They were wonderfully heavy, clanking and wailing (in a most musical way) and dimly lit, as Tube trains should be. However it was the 1938 stock that was such a feature of half my life. In the early '90s some the (then) latest Northern Line stock was proving to be unreliable, and they were forced to bring some of the 1938 stock out of retirement, repainted in 1930s livery. I was very happy indeed about the reappearance of those trains, but to my astonishmenmt most people seemed to be appalled at seeing such old trains back on the line.
Then & NowDATE: 18 April 2014
CONNECTION WITH QE: Pupil 1954-59
The last time I was on the IOW (sometime in the '70s) they had 1923 stock (probably ex-Central Line) on the 'Tube' line. I was disappointed to find that it was not in its original livery. In fact it was green! I know it was later replaced by 1938 Northern or Bakerloo stock. Two or three years ago there was talk of its being replaced again by 1970s stock, probably from the Victoria Line. Did that in fact happen? I still think of 1970s stock as being new and modern - a peculiar feature of being of a certain age! I remember, as will many of you, travelling on the 1923 Piccadilly and Central Line trains in the '50s. They were wonderfully heavy, clanking and wailing (in a most musical way) and dimly lit, as Tube trains should be. However it was the 1938 stock that was such a feature of half my life. In the early '90s some the (then) latest Northern Line stock was proving to be unreliable, and they were forced to bring some of the 1938 stock out of retirement, repainted in 1930s livery. I was very happy indeed about the reappearance of those trains, but to my astonishmenmt most people seemed to be appalled at seeing such old trains back on the line.
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