MRS Journal No. 25 (Summer 2004)

Table of Contents

• A Year on the Traffic Analysis Committee / By Glynn Waite
• Manton / By Richard Morton
• Locomotive Aesthetics / By Jack Braithwaite
• Beyond the Boundaries (8) / By David Geldard
• Suicide on the “Donegal” / By Tony Overton
• Further notes on Kelston for Salford / By Peter Witts
• Query Corner
  • Query 34 : Can you identify this station?
  • Query 35 : A mishap with midland wagons
  • New query 36 : Where is this flood scene?
  • New query 37 : Loading or unloading of flower pots.
• Comments on Items in Previous Journals
  • Warden tunnel [no. 24, p.17]
  • Crosshil & Codnor [no. 19, p.5, no. 20, p.20]
  • Beyond the Boundaries (7) [no. 24, p.13]
• Sad accident at Newark : the inquest [from Newark Advertiser, 16th July 1879 (courtesy Tony Wall)]

• Front cover
  Luckily for us Mr. Nicholls of nearby East Twerton decided, at the turn of the 20th century, to record this scene at Kelston for Saltford — a little known station on the line from Mangotsfield to Bath. In the photograph we can see the Station Master in his characteristic long coat and cap with braid but no sign of the usual porters, indicating that, along with the permanent way men, this was probably a Sunday. The chairs are inside keyed and fishplates and bolts are spaced out in the clean ballast. The lady (who could be the staion master’s wife) and her two small children appear to be in their ‘Sunday Best.’ As the man lounging on the seat is in his boots, perhaps he has arrived on the bicycle leaning against the wall. Behind him is an enamel sign for Bristol-made soda waters. Obviously there are keen gardeners here with added pots and window boxes, the latter bearing the station name. Everyone except the station master is fixed on the camera. Perhaps his bowed head reflects his dealings with the residents of Kelston Park — or is he dreaming of a move to a larger station and the house that goes with it? Further notes about the station, including comments on the signalling arrangements, can be found on page 18.
  [Photograph via Mick King; notes by Peter Witts]
• Rear cover
  Most people are aware that the Midland Railway held an annual ball in the Railway Institute at Derby. However, that building did not open until 1894. As will be seen, earlier Balls were held in the Royal Drill Hall. As dancing did not commence until 9 o’clock, what arrangements were made at the end of the event for those who had been granted passes for the occasion?