Footplate Memories
Moderators: 52D, Tom F, Rlangham, Atlantic 3279, Blink Bonny, Saint Johnstoun, richard
Re: Footplate Memories
The name "CODSMOUTH" was mentioned, Roy Williams was his name and yes he got the nickname because of an incident with an A4 Pacific. He sadly died on Finsbury Park Station one evening whilst on his way to work back in 1977. Someone also mentioned Doctor Death or Roy Watson, saw him last August for the first time in about 10 years.
Re: Footplate Memories
I can remember Codsmouth and Side Rod Sid, and the shunter Fag Ash. There was also a driver called Roy Hood, he always reminded me of a typical Cockney wide-boy the way he talked and acted.
Re: Footplate Memories
It's a long time since I've had a look at the Encyclo - so long in fact I've forgot how to post properly.
To Mickey, I think we've 'spoken' before in the distant past !
However, you mention some Kings Cross diesel drivers and stirred some memories-
I remember Archie Cowlard very well at Kings Cross and later when he 'messengered' in and out of the Travel Centre where I ended up.
Len Henderson was my regular driver in 7 link (run-round and suburban - more like ecs link) and I'd been daft enough to leave by the time he got to 4A - one of the best, Len. When I was in 4A (Baby Deltics on loose-coupled night sand empties to Cambridge - 7B56 - such larks !) my mate was dear old Roy Head, now sadly gone alonga Archie. Roy was the greatest bloke I ever worked with, fondest memories. I see no mention of him in a brief glance through posts on this topic.
'Dr Death' was Watson or Watkins or some such wasn't he ? Nice enough bloke but, yes, he could give you a start if you met him with his black bag in the SOP passageway at night.
I didn't mind riding with Peter because I was too old for him !
I can't recall the Deathly Silents/Silence - probably sat at top table when in the big room.
Any body remember 'Twinkle Toes' - Charlie Crothers - terrible bad feet - insisted on walking to a box with me somewhere one night just so's he could tell the bobby he shouldn't make a man with his feet walk so far ! Another 'Character'. They do say he and Roy died more or less together in same hospital ward.
And on that cheery note I'll wait any reply - long time since !
And blow me down if JeffB hasn't this very minute mentioned dear old Roy - Roy Head he was Jeff - although, yes, indeed, with his walk and manner 'Hood' would have suited him better.
That's amazing chance - Woooh !
1965 -1969
To Mickey, I think we've 'spoken' before in the distant past !
However, you mention some Kings Cross diesel drivers and stirred some memories-
I remember Archie Cowlard very well at Kings Cross and later when he 'messengered' in and out of the Travel Centre where I ended up.
Len Henderson was my regular driver in 7 link (run-round and suburban - more like ecs link) and I'd been daft enough to leave by the time he got to 4A - one of the best, Len. When I was in 4A (Baby Deltics on loose-coupled night sand empties to Cambridge - 7B56 - such larks !) my mate was dear old Roy Head, now sadly gone alonga Archie. Roy was the greatest bloke I ever worked with, fondest memories. I see no mention of him in a brief glance through posts on this topic.
'Dr Death' was Watson or Watkins or some such wasn't he ? Nice enough bloke but, yes, he could give you a start if you met him with his black bag in the SOP passageway at night.
I didn't mind riding with Peter because I was too old for him !
I can't recall the Deathly Silents/Silence - probably sat at top table when in the big room.
Any body remember 'Twinkle Toes' - Charlie Crothers - terrible bad feet - insisted on walking to a box with me somewhere one night just so's he could tell the bobby he shouldn't make a man with his feet walk so far ! Another 'Character'. They do say he and Roy died more or less together in same hospital ward.
And on that cheery note I'll wait any reply - long time since !
And blow me down if JeffB hasn't this very minute mentioned dear old Roy - Roy Head he was Jeff - although, yes, indeed, with his walk and manner 'Hood' would have suited him better.
That's amazing chance - Woooh !
1965 -1969
Re: Footplate Memories
Hi hyperion, yes I can remember 'Twinkle-toes', can visulise him now shuffling his way along the platform. I was,nt quite sure about Roys name, not sure whether it was Hood or Head, trying to remember names now after nearly 40 years, the names begin to go blank. Have to agree with you about Roy, I use to enjoy working with him. Another one I got on well with was a guy called Rothenburg, cant remember his first name properly now but Stan springs to mind.