TRADITIONALLY, the January meeting the 8E Railway Association is a presentation by Karl Jauncey and Dave Richards from PSOV with their review of steam on the main line in 2014.

The early part of the year was dominated by scenes around Shap and on the Settle and Carlisle. The first featured an LNER B1 double-heading with an LMS Black 5, a most unusual pairing.

More traditional fair were a Jubilee in LMS red livery and Scots Guardsman and Duchess of Hamilton in BR green.

The sight of an LNER A4 Sir Nigel Gresley at the head of the first excursion to traverse the re-opened railway at Dawlish and being paced at speed, presumably from the adjacent M5 motorway, was remarkable.

The Great Britain VII rail tour was covered comprehensively, round the Cumbrian coast, up to Edinburgh, Stranraer, Inverness and Fort William, before returning south through York to London.

The sheer grandeur of the scenery on the more remote Scottish sections was breath-taking. The quality of filming was excellent throughout and the live commentary engaging. This time there were many more scenes on and from the locomotives, adding another dimension to the show.

Our thanks go to Dave and Karl for another splendid effort.

The next meeting is on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 in the Gladstone Club, Northwich, when Paul Shackcloth continues his exploration of Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway locomotives.

For details see the website 8erailwayassociation.org.uk or contact Paul Tench on 07790 486 735.