Tag Archives: Gobowen

Volume 237

London Midland Steam Miscellany No.9 (90-mins) Price £19.75

**RELEASED 11th.August 2021**

THE JOHN RYAN COLLECTION.
The ninth volume in our popular “Miscellany” series to cover London Midland steam. This time it is compiled entirely from cine film taken by John Ryan from the Wirral and assembled in the running order of the original cine film. There is coverage across England, Scotland, and Wales and we include previously unused footage from the B & R archives with the emphasis on London Midland material.

There is some excellent film across the Wirral which includes 9Fs hauling ore trains from the dock at Bidston via Storeton, Heswall Hills, and Burton Point to the John Summers works at Shotton—the heaviest regular unfitted mineral workings on the whole of BR. The line from Birkenhead Woodside to Chester is covered in detail, such as Birkenhead shed, Rock Ferry, Bebbington & New Ferry, Spital, Hooton, Capenhurst, and Upton-by-Chester. We then move to Gresford bank, Wrexham, the Brymbo branch, Ruabon, Cefn.viaduct, Chirk, Chirk viaduct Gobowen, and Shrewsbury.

The North-West of England is another area well-photographed by John at locations such as Preston, Layton, Poulton-Ie-Fylde, Kirkham & Wesham, Croston, Ormskirk, Town Green & Aughton, Maghull, Aintree Sefton Arms, Wigan Wallgate, Hindley North, Clifton Junction, Bradshaw Brook viaduct, Southport, Banks, Hoole, Penwortharn (Cop Lane), the Horwich to Blackrod and Chorley push-pull, Royton, Manchester, Ashburys for Belle Vue, Guide Bridge, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Didsbury, Meir, Pleasington, Rose Grove shed, Hest Bank water troughs, and Whalley viaduct.

There is more film in Wales at Llandudno, Llandudno Junction, Conwy, Penmaenmawr, Rhyl, Gwersyllt, Gowerton South, Swansea Victoria, and Bynea Halt. Other locations visited include London Marylebone, Camden, the Newport Pagnell branch push-pull the “Newport Nobby” , Rugby, Alston, Lanarkshire, Gleneagles, Carlisle, Alston, Stanley Bridge Halt, Bristol, Berkeley Road, Gloucester, Fenn’s Bank, Birmingham, the Kingsbury branch & Baddesley colliery.

The time period for this film is through the 1960s up to 1968. Motive power includes ex-GWR 56xx, ex-LMS Stanier Class 3 2-6-2Ts, 1Fs, Class 4 2-6-4Ts, Crabs, 4Fs, Jinties, 8Fs, Ivatt Class 4 & 2 2-6-0s, Black 5s (including experimental types), Jubilees, Coronation Pacifics, Super Ds, BR Standard Britannias, Class 5 (including Caprotti examples) and 4 4-6-0s, Class 4 2-6-0s, Class 3 77000 2-6-0s and 82000 2-6-2Ts, Class 2 2-6-0s & 2-6-2Ts and 9F 2-10-0s.

An authentic sound track has been added along with an informative commentary to complement this further nostalgic look at the last years of London Midland steam.

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Released in Along LMS Lines, Miscellany Series (post Vol.190), Volumes 230-238 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volume 236

Cambrian Steam Miscellany No.2 (96-mins) Price £19.75

**RELEASED May 2021**

THE JIM CLEMENS COLLECTION No.40 The second volume in our popular “Miscellany” series to cover the routes to the Cambrian Coast. Here it has been compiled almost entirely from cine film taken by the late Jim Clemens along with some additional previously unused material from the B & R archives.

We begin at Gobowen in the autumn of 1966 and see double-headed Class 2 2-6-0s on stone trains from Nantmawr Quarry. Steam still reigned supreme on the Paddington to Birkenhead services although the DMU shuttle to and from Oswestry via Park Hall Halt had just a few days of life left. There is excellent coverage of the Cambrian main line from Whitchurch via Ellesmere, Oswestry, and Llanymynech to Welshpool. Return journeys are also made over the Ellesmere to Wrexham and Llanyrnynech to Llanfyllin branches.

Next we follow the route of the “Cambrian Coast Express” from Shrewsbury to Welshpool, Abermule, Newtown, Moat Lane Junction, Carno and Talerddig. Here we spend time watching steam battling with Talerddig Bank before carrying on to Llanbrynmair, Machynlleth, Dovey Junction, Borth and Aberystwyth. Filmed from the Vale of Rheidol line in 1964, we even parallel a ‘Manor’ nearing Aberystwyth hauling a freight train. And at Aberystwyth “Manors” are seen in profusion!

Film along the coastal route includes the Dovey Estuary, Fairbourne, Morfa Mawddach, the famous Barmouth Viaduct, Barmouth itself, Llanaber Halt, Llanbedr & Pensarn, Llandanwg Halt, and Harlech. Then Tygwyn Halt (with class leader 82000), Llandecwyn Halt, Pont Briwet, Penrhyndeudraeth, Portmadoc, and Afon Wen. The old Caernarvonshire Railway route from Afon Wen is traversed in 1964, with film at most stations, including Dinas Junction and Caernarvon.

Also featured is the alternative Great Western line from Ruabon to the coast with scenes at Trevor (where Pannier No.1660 is shunting), Llangollen, Berwyn Halt, Bonwm Halt, Corwen, Llandrillo, Llandderfel, Bala Junction, Llanuwchllyn, Drws-y-Nant, Dolgellau, Penmaenpool (including the engine shed), and Arthog. We see the shuttle from Bala Junction to Bala plus film from 1959 of the passenger service onwards to Blaenau Ffestiniog Central including the SLS “Last Train” in January 1961.

The cine-film was taken between 1959 and 1966. Motive power seen includes ex-GWR Manor, 43xx, 2251, 45xx & Pannier classes, ex-LMS Black 5s, 8Fs and Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0s classes as well as BR Standard Classes 5, 75xxx, 78xxx, 80xxx, 82xxx and 84xxx. Plus the odd DMU! Most of the film is in colour and has been assembled in the order the film runs off the original cine reels. An authentic sound track has been added along with an informative commentary to compliment this further nostalgic look at these last years of steam on the Cambrian.

Cover Photo: Jim Clemens, BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 No.75071 climbing Talerddig Bank, Summer 1966.

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Released in Great Western, Miscellany Series (post Vol.190), Volumes 230-238 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volume 189

North of Shrewsbury Part 2 (60-mins) Price £19.75

**RELEASED 27th November 2014**

The second of our two volumes specifically covering the lines in an area north of Shrewsbury to Chester.

We start our journey at Gobowen, including a visit to the signal box, before moving on to Weston Rhyn where a connection was made to the NCB colliery at Ifton. The colliery is covered in some detail during the years up to closure in 1968; tank engines “Unity”, “Spider” and “Hornet” are all seen at work.

We return to the main line at Weston Rhyn for more steam activity plus a visit to the signal box and later, after closure, footage of its dismantling and removal for reuse on the preserved Llangollen Railway.

Next, onwards to Chirk viaduct and then to Chirk to witness the 50th. Anniversary celebrations of the closure of the Glyn Valley Tramway. We cross the Cefn viaduct for plenty of steam scenes around Ruabon including the Llangollen line junction.

We visit the collieries at Bersham, Hafod and Gresford. Then at Croes Newydd, Wrexham, we see the diesel hauled steel traffic from Brymbo plus a visit to the engine shed.

There is more steam activity on Gresford Bank and also at Rossett at the start of the climb. Finally we visit Chester for more steam scenes.

The archive film of steam traction on these routes includes former GWR, LMS and BR Standard classes. Plus the first working of 4472 “Flying Scotsman” in private ownership in 1963! There is some archive footage of main line steam hauled tours from the preservation era as well as a few diesel scenes, making our story complete.

All the archive film is in colour apart from a few sequences in B & W. An authentic soundtrack has been added along with an extensively researched commentary.

Cover photo:- Jim Clemens, Black 5 No.45310 on a Chester to Shrewsbury train, 1967.

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Volume 155

North of Shrewsbury Part 1 (60-mins) Price £19.75

The first of two videos covering the lines in an area north of Shrewsbury to Chester. This video features the line to Crewe as far as Willaston via Whitchurch, the Shrewsbury to Gobowen line and the Gobowen to Oswestry and Blodwell line. Archive film of steam traction is shown on these routes including ex-GWR and Standard classes. There is also footage of some of the main line steam hauled tours in the 1970s.
We visit the signalboxes at Shrewsbury, Leaton, Whittington and Gobowen , observing the passing railway scene featuring both steam and diesel traction in the 1960s and early 1970s. At Gobowen the steam archive footage takes us south to Llanymynech with a look at the Shopshire & Montgomery and its last steam hauled tour. There is also extensive lineside and cab views of the diesel hauled stone trains from Gobowen to Blodwell Quarry. The traffic ceased in 1989. All film and video material used is in colour except for the Shropshire and Montgomery scenes. An authentic soundtrack has been added along with an extensively researched commentary.

Cover photo:- Keith Pirt/Courtesy Booklaw Publications, Ivatt 46512 arrives at Oswestry from Llanfyllin, August 1963.

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Released in Volumes 150-157 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volume 152

Steam in Wales & The Borders Part 2 (80-mins) Price £19.75

In this second part, we begin at Gobowen on the Shrewsbury to Chester main line before looking at the connection to Oswestry and the Cambrian line south to Llanymynech and Llanfyllin, prior to its closure in 1965.
We return to Gobowen with a stone train and then onwards to Shrewsbury. Steam finished here in 1967 and there is a rare appearance of the Blue Pullman amongst the Black 5s. Onwards, we travel west along the Cambrian route to Machynlleth and Aberystwyth, using ex-GWR Manors and the later BR Standards for motive power. Along the way we see steam scenes at the narrow gauge Welshpool & Llanfair Railway both before and after preservation. The Vale of Rheidol is also visited when its original Aberystwyth terminus was in use. Finally, with steam reigning supreme, we return to Shrewsbury via Talerddig Incline with some contrasting views of steam returning to the route in later years. Included are some black & white film scenes of the estwhile Corris Railway. Manors, Halls, Black 5s, Ivatts and BR Standards are all featured, even a Dukedog!

The archive film material used is in colour, except for the Corris Railway scenes, with an authentic soundtrack and an informative commentary.

Cover Photo:- Dr. Gaius Sutton, 75012 climbs Talerddig, 20/8/66.

Click Here for Vol.152 Steam in Wales & The Borders Part 3

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Released in Steam in Wales & The Borders, Volumes 150-157 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volume 144

Steam in Wales & The Borders Part 1 (60-mins) Price £19.75

This video concentrates on the northern area of Wales and its borders from the North Wales coast through Chester to Gobowen.

Branch lines visited are the Conway Valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog and, by way of a rail tour, the Wrexham, Mold and Connahs Quay route ending at Wrexham.

North to Chester for the end of steam here in 1967 and includes visits by preserved main line locos 40 years on.

Over Gresford bank to Wrexham and a visit to Croess Newydd shed and steam activity at Ruabon in the 1960s. A journey along the Dee Valley through Corwen to Barmouth.

Portmadoc with early scenes on the Ffestiniog Railway before returning along the Dee Valley to Ruabon. The video reaches Gobowen via Chirk and the Ifton colliery sidings at Weston Rhyn.

Many ex-GWR classes are seen from Dukedogs to Castles and ex-LMS Black 5s and Jubilees.

Cover Photo:- Dr. Gaius Sutton, 6357 at Bala Junction.

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Released in Steam in Wales & The Borders, Volumes 142-149 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volume 65

Steaming through Shropshire Part 1 (60-mins) Price £19.75

Jim Clemens Collection No.2. Covers the steam scene around Shropshire. Beginning at Birmingham Snow Hill we travel via Wolverhampton and Oxley to Wellington Salop. Both routes into the town from Stafford and Crewe at all stations for most were in Shropshire. Shrewsbury in fine detail, Jubilee, Manor and Standard types. Leaton bank action in 1966, Gobowen to Oswestry. Whitchurch to Oswestry and Ellesmere to Wrexham. South of Oswestry to Llanymynech and Llanfylin. Nantmawr quarry to Gobowen with a steam hauled ballast train. Plenty of steam at Oswestry including the sight of a Castle on the shed in 1963. And we see the Shropshire & Montgomery on closure day in 1960 with the SLS tour. Absolute nostalgia.

Click Here for Vol.72 – Steaming through Shrophire Part 2

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Released in The Jim Clemens Collection, Volumes 60-69 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volume 56

Severn to Dee Part 1 (60-mins) Price £19.75

A film on the railways between Bristol, where the River Severn eventually reaches the sea, and Wrexham, close by the River Dee, in the age of steam.The Midland route is taken from Bristol to Gloucester calling at Berkeley Road for a l4xx on the Sharpness branch. Gloucester on the Severn shows normal steam freight working before 3440 “City of Truro” visits in 1985. We go north via Ashchurch with 1420 and 6435 to Worcester. Here we visit the shed and even the works in 1965. A diversion away from the Severn takes the story through Birmingham and Wolverhampton, the Great Western’s route to the north. A Duchess pacific roars through Winson Green. On via Madeley Junction and Upton Magna, which closed in 1964, showing more steam. Shrewsbury, standing well and truly on the Severn, is covered in detail and interesting rare views portray a Royal train, a diesel crashed into a signal box, a Duchess on a running-in turn from Crewe in 1962, amid normal steam working up to March 1967. We then go north to Gobowen and Oswestry. The days when Weston Rhyn had loops, signal box and exchange yards for Ifton Colliery are seen, days of industrial locos working the line to the colliery. 1966 steam takes us over the Welsh border at Chirk onto the River Dee viaduct at Newbridge. County Class 1011 visits Ruabon. and Black 5′s lead on to Wrexham. A few scenes of steam railtours in the 1970′s are included to enhance the story but they were still seen amid the infrastructure of a steam worked railway of semaphore signalling and crossing gates.

Click Here for Vol.82 – Severn to Dee Part 2

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Released in Volumes 50-59 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volume 19

Steam on the Cambrian (60-mins) Price 15

The most well-known film maker around Shrewsbury was Bill Cross who really loved the Cambrian and Borders country. Thankfully he had the forsight to record the lines of this area when steam still reigned supreme. He used a 16mm camera. The Cambrian system is probably only second to the Somerset and Dorset in popularity with enthusiasts. Steam returned to Cambrian metals in 1987 and 1991 so here is the chance to see it when steam arrived on every train. We travel from Whitchurch in the east to Aberystwyth in the west calling at Barmouth, Dovey Junction and Borth to see local trains and the famous “Cambrian Coast Express”. Nostalgic scenes on the Mid-Wales line from Moat Lane Junction through Llanidloes, Rhayader, Three Cocks Junction, Pantydwr and Builth Wells are seen on this long closed line. Oswestry where the Cambrian had their headquarters was full of steam and we visit Gobowen, Tinkers Green and the Ellesmere to Whitchurch line via Fenns Bank. The locos of the early `60s were Standard and Ivatt designed but we also see six different Manors and the Talylynn special hauled by 7827 and 4555 in GWR livery. The final section of the tape covers services that are no longer with us including the Caernarvon branch and a journey by DMU from Wolverhampton to Birmingham Snow Hill. Bill rarely filmed far from home but he did visit the Isle-of-Wight in 1966 and 1967. We include a short section on this popular venue. A highlight of the film is what is believed to be the only known piece of film of the Corris Railway in the 1920s!. The Vale of Rheidol railway ends this beautiful programme filmed in the early `60s when the terminus was near the river. Bill, himself an authority on all things Cambrian, narrates this video and of course the equally fascinating Volume 22.

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Released in Volumes 7-19 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment