A second look at workings at B-ham Snow Hill during the 1960s, a fascinating place to visit, and to be a part of during this time. Again all credits must go to the producers of The Changing Face Of British Railways. Enjoy.
this is an awesome piece of footage... around this time and before I was visiting the station every weekend and school holiday with my good pal Peter...we were only 9 or 10 years old but in those days you could wander about with little interference...as we lived nearby we spent hours at Snow Hill station....one day the driver from a big green locomotive hauled me up onto the footplate...naturally I was wide eyed in amazement...he gave me a shovel full of coal and told me to throw it in the firebox... I totally messed up and let go of the handle and the shovel went in..the fireman laughed and reached in with a long pair of tongs retrieving the shovel....the driver said to me 'when you go home tell your mom you're no good at lighting fires!' He then helped me back down onto the platform...it was only then I read the name above the massive driving wheels 'King Richard III'. The memory is as strong today as it was 50+ years ago!
Felix, It's nice to know that by watching this video that it bought back happy and fond memories for you. It must have been quite an experience for you to be invited upon to the footplate of a King happy days indeed. Thanks for looking/commenting much appreciated. Regards...Bill
Ian, Thanks for looking and commenting, glad you enjoyed watching. Snow Hill indeed was a fantastic place where everything Great Western could be seen, from the mighty Kings, Castles, down to the diminutive Pannier tanks. I have many happy memories regarding Snow Hill. The new Snow Hill of today, even though much needed, is not a patch on the former station, and in my opinion is still very much under utilised...Bill
John, I did exactly the same as you when I was a kid, sneaking round various sheds, it was all part and parcel of our hobby, thanks for looking/commenting, they were indeed happy days, cheers...Bill
John, many thanks for looking/commenting, being an ex (BRWR) fireman this also bought back many happy memories for myself, Snow Hill in my opinion was the premier station in Birmingham and will always remain so, cheers...Bill
1:28 today flying Scotsman is still going and it’s just celebrated already it’s 100th year in 2023 4:39 this is 6435 also preserved as of today 5:21 they’re bringing two new county locos county of Montgomery and county of Glamorgan for the future
Cheers Clive for looking/commenting, I bet your black and White photo's would really be worth looking at, great memories, pure nostalgia, magic days, cheers...Bill
Lovely stuff, and a reminder of what a fascinating place Snow Hill was in those days. My only criticism is that the name of the place is never mentioned (lol)
Cheers John, Snow Hill was indeed a great station to work in and out of with such a variety of workings and loco's especially during the summer season. Thanks for looking/ commenting, much appreciated. Regards...Bill