LNER Footplate Memories

[71B]

As an avid reader/collector of Footplate reminiscences, it seems the LNER is quite poorly represented. Apart from the well-known books (PWB Semmens on Bill Hoole, and a few "Bradford Barton" books from the 70's/80's for eg) does anyone know of any other titles?

Rgds

[Hermit 109]

Hi 71B,
One of the best factual accounts of footplate work was written by Norman McKillop (also known as "Toram Beg"). The book is titled Enginemen Elite and it covered his career at Haymarket from 1910 till 1957.

Although strictly speaking Haymarket was a North British depot, the book contains a lot of information about working on Gresley Pacifics (his regular engine was 60100 "Spearmint") and driving the Non-Stop during the floods of 1947.

There are also reminisces from some of his colleagues (all of whom had chosen A4's as their regular engines) and also from Ted Hailstone a famous Top Shed driver who preceded the likes of Bill Hoole etc. As a well written and factual account of steam loco driving and firing it's up there with the best.

The book was first published in 1958 by Ian Allen, I don't know if it was re-printed after that

[StevieG]

71B,
You might find a few in a pair of companion books, (though I've never looked through them properly) :

"Tales of the Old Railwaymen; Tom Quinn, David & Charles, 1998, Hardback; "192 pp." ;
"ISBN-10: 0715305441 ; ISBN-13: 978-0715305447".

and

"More Tales of the Old Railwaymen"; Tom Quinn, Aurum Press, 2002, Hardback; "192pp." ;
"ISBN-10: 185410862X ; ISBN-13: 978-1854108623".

[60044]

Charles Meacher was a driver and Inspector at Edinburgh St Margarets and wrote a number of books that are well worth reading.

[71B]

Thanks. All those mentioned are in the collection! And I can fully endorse the recommendations! Occasionally I come across an independently published account, or a real rarity (eg Midland Engineman, Horace Mann).

Thanks so far...

[52A]

Men of the LNER, Peter Grafton has some footplate memories.

Track Record, Harry Friend, ex Driver and Loco Inspector.

Men of the Footplate, P Ransome-Wallis.

On Engines in Britain and France, P Ransome-Wallis.

[hq1hitchin]

'48 years on the footplate' by Roly Ruffell (pub. The Nostalgia Collection) - the same Roly Ruffell seen firing in the British Transport Film 'The Elizabethan'

[Solario]

Another PWB Semmens biography which I suspect you may be aware of is "North Eastern Engineman", Bradford Barton.

Not to everyones taste, there is a series of at least 4 books by Raymond Flint. They are fictional but are based on Flint's experiences as a locoman. The first in the series is "Men of Steam", Santona Publications. Personally, I quite like them. The central location is "Castleborough" which is a thinly disguised Scarborough. I think that they are available through Booklaw Publishing who, I guess, has an interest in Santona.

[Tom F]

Another PWB Semmens biography which I suspect you may be aware of is "North Eastern Engineman", Bradford Barton.

Not to everyones taste, there is a series of at least 4 books by Raymond Flint. They are fictional but are based on Flint's experiences as a locoman. The first in the series is "Men of Steam", Santona Publications. Personally, I quite like them. The central location is "Castleborough" which is a thinly disguised Scarborough. I think that they are available through Booklaw Publishing who, I guess, has an interest in Santona.

I'm rather interested in this thread.....

I'm interested in you say it's not for everyones tastes, what would the reason be for this?

A book I'm desperately searching for is 2750 Legend of a locomotive.......to no avail sadly...it still seems out of my grasp

[71B]

B1 Tom

2750... can be found if you search on some of the 2nd hand on line booksites. I've got a copy here since I remember reading it as a kid! ABE has found me a lot (http://www.abebooks.co.uk/)

All those named above I do have copies of. As I said, just occasionally someone mentions a title I've not come across or - very rarely now - someone publishes a new title. I grew up in the NE and have been trying to persuade an ex Gateshead driver to put pen to paper. His career spans firing/driving A1s, the Deltic era and bringing the 125 into service; something for everyone! He's reluctant though...

71B

[Tom F]

B1 Tom

2750... can be found if you search on some of the 2nd hand on line booksites. I've got a copy here since I remember reading it as a kid! ABE has found me a lot (http://www.abebooks.co.uk/)

All those named above I do have copies of. As I said, just occasionally someone mentions a title I've not come across or - very rarely now - someone publishes a new title. I grew up in the NE and have been trying to persuade an ex Gateshead driver to put pen to paper. His career spans firing/driving A1s, the Deltic era and bringing the 125 into service; something for everyone! He's reluctant though...

71B

Hi 71B

Everytime I've looked on ABE there has been no sign of 2750....I guess I'm just unlucky!

[71B]

Keep trying...they're out there if slightly rarer! Oddly enough, I spent ages searching for "Tales of the G&SWR" and now everytime I go into a decent 2nd hand bookshop they have a copy! Just thinking, you could also try Robert Humm at Stamford Station? (If I find a copy I'll pm you!!)

[Tom F]

Keep trying...they're out there if slightly rarer! Oddly enough, I spent ages searching for "Tales of the G&SWR" and now everytime I go into a decent 2nd hand bookshop they have a copy! Just thinking, you could also try Robert Humm at Stamford Station? (If I find a copy I'll pm you!!)

Most kind 71B

I've sent Robert Humm and email.....fingers crossed

[harvester]

A few weeks ago the bookshop in Grosmont (sorry don't know the name) had a copy of "2750" complete with dust jacket, advertised at about £40. The shop is adjacent to the station same side as Railway Club (lots of real ale). What more do you need to visit!

[Tom F]

A few weeks ago the bookshop in Grosmont (sorry don't know the name) had a copy of "2750" complete with dust jacket, advertised at about £40. The shop is adjacent to the station same side as Railway Club (lots of real ale). What more do you need to visit!

Did you buy it Harvester? I'm looking on there site on there list and I can't find it?

Tom