1964 Steam Loco Cab Ride on the Wannie Line, Morpeth, Northumberland

The fireman on a J27 NER loco, Ken Hedley, filmed in Super8 cine parts of the loco's journey from Morpeth to West Woodburn, Northumberland 2 years before closure of the line. A North British signal, crossing gate being opened and shunting operation are featured. The sound effects are not original but Ken's 2006 recorded commentary guides us along the way.

[@DeansLostThePlot]

George Milburn’s my father in law and he often reminisces about these days! Tells us all about his shunting days and times on the trains! Thanks for a great video!

[@MrRawMonkey]

The video was uploaded 12 years ago. A joy to watch.

[@philallon9079]

Great to hear a real Morpethian accent. As a native of the town, it's great to delve into it's past.

[@gantondale]

Lovely nostalgic film. It's a shame this branch, and a lot like it, have gone forever. And not forgetting the J27. Thanks for sharing it.

[@TONYNORTHEASTERN]

Amazing look back at some of the old branch line. thank you for filming this for future enthusiasts....best wishes Tony

[@SteveEllwood]

Great piece of histoty.

[@thornwarbler]

absolute gem..............Cheers

[@wandak3025]

Thank you for the footage a place close to my heart.

[@mdr23]

Yay! Nice to hear an accent from home. Quite moving in a wistful kind of way. I did a school project at the start of my last year in junior school - it was about the last run of the Wansbeck Piper in October 66. It's nice to see a bit of film that shows the reality of the line, rather than the jam-packed last day when everyone, of course, somewhat late in the day, realised what they were about to lose.

[@dougattrenholmebar]

Superb, brilliant commentary.

[@KenBrownekb71000duke]

I've not seen any of these NE videos before but very much enjoyed watching this one and will take a look at the others. Thanks for putting it on YT. Ken

[@allan5919]

Fantastic old footage.

[@rthrtyrt]

Kens a living legend!

[@tp11235]

Fabulous. I am publishing my Mother-in-law's memoirs of her childhood holidays in Woodburn. She was born in 1922 and grew up in Blyth. You can find the blog by searching for elaineleighton on Blogger.

[@TECBikeParts]

Hi Ken I wonder if you had any footage of my dad Frank Milburn who was a fireman at blyth,I also rode the wannie line on the footplate to west woodburn around my 9th birthday with my dad . I think it was august 11th 1966.a lot of people where taking film as I remember

[@bprime302213]

My Late Father Tommy Barlow Worked On These Lines With Ken Hedley

[@hoggy92220]

Fantastic video! Thanks for putting it on KZbin :) Hoggy

[@MrScotia]

Hoi I'm Scottish and I understood every word the gentleman was saying.

[@Owentheguitarist666]

another Cracking video, cheers!

[@russellbloxsom7082]

Gone but not forgotten..a great shame that all these rural country lines closed in the 60s by Beeching!

[@p.istaker8862]

Ernest Marples.

[@Travelling_about]

I'm guessing my dad may have known those lines Ian Wilson.