The LNER Encyclopedia

During a photographic visit to the ECML near Essendine circa 1984 I spotted this.
I had forgotten about it until today until sorting through some of my 35mm slides and came across the picture again.

Does anyone know anything about it, or know who Brian NP Carter was?

By “Hermit 109” on the LNER Forum

When I started on the footplate at Top Shed, there was a driver name of Sid Piggins, a dapper little man always immaculate in his appearance. He was resident in No. 3 link for many years and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the road from King's X to Doncaster. As an amateuer artist he handpainted a series of diagrams in book form of every signal and it's meaning, between those two points (much in demand by driver's route learning). I was with him one day on an empty stock to Grantham and as we passed through Essendine on the down slow, he pointed out a plaque half hidden in the grass by the lineside. That, he said, is where a young lad with terminal illness used to come and watch the trains. Many years later in the late 80's, I re-visited the spot and found the plaque lovingly kept in good order.

The Inscription reads.....
In Memory of Brian N.P.Carter
Llangunmor,Carmarthen,South Wales.
Who died September 8th 1950
aged 23 Years
Who`s mortal remains are scattered at this spot
in the Parish of Essendine,Rutland.
Possessed of life infirmity,which beset his
ambition to follow a career in the Railway world.
Nevertheless he aquired a wide knowledge of Railways.
He frequented this site and desired his remains rest here.
Erected by his parents and colleagues
of the United Dairies (W) Ltd
Carmarthen.
Apology for memory loss, further to my first post on this subject, I believe the driver with artistic talents who drew the finely detailed map of all the signals and lineside features was named Horace Fairey. Can anyone remember him at Top Shed?





Also from “Rob 237” on the LNER Forum.

If I recall correctly, it is actually sited at Greatford, at almost the exact point where Mallard got to 126 mph...local trackworkers were known to maintain the site in steam, and blue diesel days. Hopefully, still on the Network Rail action sheet.


More from “Hermit 109” on the LNER Forum

Rob, unless the location has been changed since I last visited the site, it can be found adjacent to an unmarked road off the A6121 which runs parallel to the railway just north of Essendine on the down side. The inscription is facing the railway and when I was there in 1989 the plaque was attached to a short length of bullhead rail painted white and enclosed by a square of white painted stone. It was obviously very well looked after and I wondered who maintains it now.

From a previous thread. I hope the contributors are not offended.
I have often tried to find this memorial without success. It is sad in some respects, but also says a lot about real railwaymen by the care they have taken of this memorial for over 60 years.
Regards,Derek.