60th AGM & Fixtures
Friday 13th November 2015

Participants from as far afield as Jersey, Eastbourne, Bankfoot, Dublin, Plymouth, and even York reported to the National Railway Museum (NRM) by 11.00 on this rather inauspicious date which turned out very auspicious! Once the 80 had been united (some had waited at the wrong entrance) they were promptly divided into 3 groups for comprehensive North Yard trips on the smart and spacious 25 ton 1936 Southern Railway, Ashford built Queen Mary brakevan (56297). An ex-BR Class 02, 0-4-0DH a 1960 built Yorkshire Engine Rolls Royce powered D2860 in smart green livery with BR Lion and wheel emblem, carried the 'BLS DIAMOND JUBILEE' headboard.

Multiple groups gave plenty of photographic opportunities, as participants happily trundled up and down each and every one of the seven lines (that were mostly clear) to the 'Great Hall' and Paint Shop/Works on the 'Warehouse' side. A succession of varied trains passed nearby in both directions on the adjacent ECML north of York station, adding to the occasion. Each group discovered that the NRM have extensive running powers, through both NR boundaries (Great Hall and Warehouse sides) to the TPE Depot stop board. This depot had been reached by our first TPE Tracker railtour on 8 September 2013. The outer loop near the ECML was the only North Yard line not covered, occupied by Freightliner ex-BR 'heritage' stock for a special event (even with guard's accommodation perfect for visiting certain terminals!). Participants then enjoyed a lunch break when our member Bob Wright kindly explained the original Lancashire & Yorkshire model railway (also a signalling school still used by NR) in 'The Warehouse' (BLN 1243.1884). Superb refreshments, made on site, were available at the NRM and the spotters really had their work cut out. There are some 280 rail vehicles in the National Collection, about 100 are at York at any one time, the rest split between 'Locomotion' at Shildon, other museums and heritage railways.

After the break the afternoon session started at 13.00. Half the group (including those with a declared miniature railway allergy - but give them time!) boarded the well appointed 1913 Wolverton built, chocolate and cream LNWR Bogie Directors' Saloon which enjoyed excellent all round visibility. It is seen below[© Paul Colbeck 2015]on the line between the Learning Platform and the South Yard, the miniature is over the hedge to the right.

Boarding was at 'The Learning Platform' for a comprehensive tour of all the available South Yard standard gauge with Class 09 loco 09017, including past the NRM/NR boundary to the level crossing. In the other direction, the gate was kindly opened specially to run as far as possible along the north side of 'Station Hall'. Meanwhile, the other half of the group were zooming round the adjacent new NRM 7¼" Miniature Railway (opened in July this year) in ever decreasing circles. When the groups swapped over, the rain started to fall and the men were separated from the boys on the miniature! It was well worth it though as our trains were the first to carry passengers through the Carriage Shed (far line), actually a couple of containers, and the rare, normally locked OOU, Departures Platform avoiding loop.

Also included was the line between the Arrivals and Departures platforms, often only used by ECS. It was noticeable how highly engineered and ballasted the track was, built to last and take heavy traffic. Participants were also invited to look in the engine shed. The branch through there down to the car park has not been used by passengers since the new layout opened as riding vehicles tend to 'ground' on it. There is also an interesting inner loop link ('short circuit') used rarely to turn engines and equalise wheel wear.

There was never a dull moment at the NRM as, approaching 15.00, it was then time to make for the Conference Centre. Here a good crowd of 70 members enjoyed Gerald Daniels' illustrated talk, a most interesting well presented perspective with over 200 images. Gerald 'a proud railwayman' described how he started at the bottom in 1954 and then each step up the ladder (mostly on the Southern Region of BR) until retirement in 1993, although he has kept very busy since! He is best known to many members for his time as Area Manager at Salisbury between 1978 and 1988. Amongst the innovations he brought to the railways were steam specials (Blackmore Vale Express) and anniversary open days becoming more complex and slickly organised with experience. These generated goodwill and revenue for the railways. During the interval the audience enjoyed a high quality buffet, typical of the excellent NRM service and attention received all day. In true Southern style, Gerald finished on time at 17.45.For the sixth event of the day it was downstairs to the Queen Mary brakevan again at 18.00 for several trips from the North Yard on to the Great Hall Turntable. Overlap was achieved with the morning North Yard trips and very appropriate for this finale was a 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium' style 360o turntable trip. (Our increasing numbers of young members need to know that this former TV variety show ended with the entire cast going round on the stage turntable waving to the audience.)

The day was not yet over as at 19.00 it was our 60th AGM in the combined Mallard/Rocket room with a good turnout of 92 members including the Branch Line Society's founder John Ling. John told the audience that he actually thought of starting the Society on Saturday 11 June 1955 whilst shaving; perhaps that is why we are a cut above the rest? In 1955 John, as well as Founder, was our General Secretary, Treasurer and Editor; from 1958 to 1964, he was merely the Membership Secretary! Also present were no less than seven BLS chairmen, in order of service: Angus McDougall, Don Kennedy, Ian Mortimer, Robert Green, Dave Cromarty, William Graveson and John Williamson. Needless to say the meeting was well ordered and actually, like the rest of the long day, very enjoyable, positive and constructive (for once!), amazingly finishing in less than two hours!

During the AGM interval, delicious slices of the cakes were served, and homemade NRM biscuits and hot drinks, all complimentary and a cash bar were also available. The AGM was a chance to renew old acquaintances, make new ones and network; a superb atmosphere. Thanks to the NRM for all the arrangements, a most suitable 60th venue. Any suggestions for our 100th AGM?