On Shed September 2013 edition
"Preserving the steam locomotive legacy...and more..on film"
FRONT PAGE
Resident RSH Austerity 0-6-0ST no. 71515, Mech. Navvies Ltd., is seen on the climb up to Furnace Sidings Station on the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway. Behind the locomotive lies the modern industrial outskirts of the town of Blaenavon, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
(C) Nigel Power
Welcome, and site news.
Steam Tube Photographic Highlights
Steam Tube Video Highlights
NFSA Film Australia
Tornado- The Story So Far
Mainline Steam Schedule
New Build News.
Heritage Lines News and Events
On This Day in History.
Around the World in 80 Railways. No 38: The Childrens Railway
Christian Wolmar...
WATTRAIN
Huntley Film Archives
Memories of a Railway Man
‘Narrow Gauge Steam –Britain’s Legacy to the World’ - A ‘Bookazine’ review
Steam Tube Railwayana
Welcome, and site news.
A warm welcome to you all! Summer is nearly over, and here we are looking to more
photo opportunities during the autumn and winter. Thank you all for your continued support of "Steam Tube - The Home of Steam on the Net!"
It is gratifying to see the ever improving quality of photos uploaded. When viewing others efforts, this can act as a restraint on our personal enthusiastic and positive view of our own work. And we would not want to fall into the habit of multiple uploading of near identical shots either. In this instance, as In all other areas of life, "less is best"!!
Every now and again along comes someone who embarks on a project to capture the imagination, and one that causes the reader to think...I wish that was me!
In this instance, the someone is Iain McGeachin
And in about 9 months time, Iain will be hoping to look back on the trip of a life time!
On his website, 100trains
Iain sets out his thinking on his trip......
"The Sunshine Express. 50,000km around the world. By train.
One planet. One journey. 100 trains.
Join myself and a host of talented travel writers and photographers as we follow the sun and document this unique travel experience. Pull up a chair and watch, through our eyes, as the world rolls by.
The trip does have a serious side as well though. Highlighting the benefits of rail travel.
In this Unbrave New World of ours, the fun and romance has been ripped from international travel. We live in an age where long-distance travel usually involves the frustrating ordeal of numerous airport queues, before cruising at 40,000ft over the world below; while wedged into narrow seats in an aluminium tube, breathing recycled air. Alternatively, we could always drive there. And spend interminable hours staring at the brakelights of the caravan in front. Either option leaving us absolutely frazzled when we arrive at our destination."
Steam Tube was able to persuade Iain to share his thoughts on his trip...which begins tomorrow! Monday 12th August 2013!
Q1. What prompted your "100 Trains" project? A1. 100 Trains is the realisation of a lifelong dream. Ive been fortunate enough to have travelled quite often throughout my lifetime, and Ive always tried to ride at least one local train on each journey - because I find it to be the best way of actually experiencing a place. At 64", trains also provide that bit of comfort that planes and buses dont (I dont really enjoy travelling when my legs are wrapped around my ears).
My first taste of international rail travel (the overnight train through France, from Boulogne to Nice) was also my first trip "overseas". So the connection between foreign travel, adventure and trains was instantly made. Since that first trip almost 30 (!) years ago, I have helped elderly women climb through train windows in Trieste (another story for another day); trundled through the steamy Malaysian jungle; rolled by lusciously green tea plantations in Sri Lanka; and most recently (Christmas last year) took the "Reunification Express" between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
and Hanoi in Vietnam.
I love the way that train travel puts you face-to-face with the people and customs of the regions travelled through. For me, there is no better way of actually experiencing a country.
Q2. Why does your journey have a name, the Sunshine Express?
A2. Even although Ill be travelling on well over 100 different trains (the vast majority of which are "special" in some way), I wanted to tie the journey together in some way. So that the journey had an identity of its own, rather than just be a collection of individual rail journeys. And as my plan is to chase the sun to the Antipodes by Christmas, then return to the UK in time for next summer, "The Sunshine Express" was born.
Q3. What, if anything, will you be especially concentrating on?
A3. Public trains.
With a few notable exceptions (private trains taken for very specific reasons), the vast majority of trains included in this journey are everyday public trains used by the local population. I want to show that it is perfectly possible, relatively easy (now that a lot of international rail journeys can be reserved and paid for, from the comfort of home) and also reasonably affordable to use trains when travelling abroad. That trains can, and should, be an integral part of the "holiday experience".
And that there is no better way to immerse yourself in a country.
Q4. Give me a rough outline of your journey?
A4. The Sunshine Express leaves from Glasgow in Scotland on Monday the 12th of August, zigzags eastwards through Europe, takes in the epic Trans-Siberian Railway, meanders through India, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, then straddles the Pacific Ocean, before trundling across the
Americas. Finally returning to Glasgow over 50,000km, and a few trains, later.
Sadly, on this trip, I cant travel on every train Id like to. Initially, I though that it might be a tall order finding 100 trains. Im now at 146 - and counting. So the Sunshine Express is a "best of the best" type rail journey.
Q5. Are there any trains that you are particularly looking forward to
travelling on?
A5. Where do I start? All trains have been chosen because they have a particular attraction. Having said that, there are a few stand-outs: The Kyle Line in Scotland (the often overlooked younger brother of the celebrated West Highland Line); the "Inlandsbanan" in Sweden (which runs
up the spine of Sweden and ends inside the Arctic Circle); and, finally realising a lifetimes dream of riding the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Q6. How often will you broadcast updates via your website, Facebook and
Twitter feeds?
A6. As often as an internet connection is available - WiFi might not always be available though, as many of the trains tend to travel through wilder, less-populated areas. Part of their appeal.
However, most larger hotels provide some form of internet connectivity, so at least once "per train" - which should be every day or two. All three platforms will be updated.
In addition, there will be a map on the website which will show the route of the journey as it evolves.
Q7. How is your trip being financed?
A7. The last of my life savings. And I cant think of a better way of spending them.
Im also asking rail companies and hoteliers to "support" me by offering free train tickets or accommodation. How much more extensive I make the trip will depend on how well I "ask nicely".
In addition, individuals are also encouraged to support me on the journey by donating a few pounds, securely via PayPal. This is only expected to supplement any spending money (e.g. a beer in Prague or a curry in Madras).
Q8. How long do you expect the trip to take?
A8. By spending the last 18 months poring over international train timetables, and devising ever more complex itineraries, Ive worked out that the minimum time required to do the trip, and include 100 of the best trains in the world, is 67 days.
But this means never stopping to smell the local roses (or to wash my socks even!).
Ideally, Id like to return to the UK in April or May next year. So about 8 or 9 months chasing the sun
around the world (hence the Sunshine Express). I really would rather not spend the Winter in Scotland.
How long the journey lasts, however, and how many trains I eventually get to ride/document, will be dependent on how much additional financial support I can encourage.
One things for sure though. Regardless of the duration of the journey, it will be the trip of my life.
And with just a few days to go before set off from Glasgow, Im getting far too excited…."
Steam Tube wishes Iain success, and we shall be watching day by day as he embarks on this fantastic round the world trip! Stay tuned!!
Latest progress report (map) here..
"On Shed" contains the usual mix of new and re-build news, some news from a lesser known Derbyshire light railway, a progress report from the Zig Zag Railway in Australia as it seeks to restart operations after its recent difficulties, Christian Wolmars newsletter (all opinions are his!!)..(why not buy one of his excellent railway books..?) , recent video and photo uploads, and a comprehensive schedule for UK mainline steam (and diesel!) tours.
So, enjoy!! And keep photographing!
Steam Tube Photographic Highlights
27,255 images in the library!
Steam Tube Video Highlights5,511 videos in the library!
NFSA Film Australia
Steam Train Passes(1974) is one of the most iconic of railway films.
The NFSA collection includes many other film clips showing railways in Australia through the years. We are grateful to Richard Carter (NFSA Film Australia Collection Archivist) for his kind consideration which makes it possible for us to see these historic films...
Made by the Commonwealth Film Unit 1967. Directed by Antonio Colacino. The Puffing Billy is a narrow gauge railway that runs between the towns of Belgrave and Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria. Supported and operated by volunteer railway enthusiasts, with the assistance of the Victorian Government Railways, the Puffing Billy line has become famous throughout Australia. Shades of Puffing Billy takes a light-hearted look at the problems of operating the railway. People leave their jobs for the day, hanging up doctors coats and workmens overalls to become conductors, station masters and ticket collectors. Warm and witty, this film is an affectionate salute to the people who keep this little railway running and to locomotive enthusiasts everywhere.
Tornado- The Story So Far
Read The Tornado Telegraph
Tornado is currently at the Mid Hants Railway for routine maintenance.
Saturday 7th September - The Cathedrals Express - London & Salisbury to Bath & Cardiff and return - promoted by Steam Dreams
Tuesday 10th September - The Cathedrals Express - London to Sheffield Park
On Shed September 2013 edition
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