Sunday Special

On Sunday 19th August 1962 British Railways organised an excursion from Brombury and Kidderminster to the Three Choirs Festival in Gloucester. In this visit to Lowleigh we see the 'special' as it makes its way up and down the branch.

[@TheDiomedef16]

What a delightful series of videos, I have just binge watched them all after discovering the channel. The layout, locos, rolling stock, story and narration are all superb. It had me reaching for my railway atlas to find Lowleigh.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for your kind words, hopefully we'll finish the next in the series soon. Lowleigh is not so far from Highley and Brombury is between Bromsgrove and Shrewsbury! Merry Christmas and happy modelling, Peter

[@JAMESDEMU-RailwayModeller]

It always feels like I should have a flask of tea, some jam sandwiches and my notebook ready when watching your videos. Thoroughly enjoyable as always.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks James - make sure you're home in time for 'Railway Roundabout'! Best wishes, Peter

[@drAmaronese]

Dear Peter, this is a fabulously pretty layout. I just stumbled over one of your videos and couldn't help but watching them all in one go. You seem to have captured the idyll of the British countryside branchline and its legendary quaintness as no one else did before (of course Julia's beautiful voice and the oboe help a tad). Absolutely lovely. I hope you continue detailing the layout and make more videos. Hope you don't mind my asking but is this 4mm to the foot, 1:76, 00 gauge or is it EM? The flanges and the track work seem to be EM. I am a Belgian modeler, so I really have no idea.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for these compliments Thomas. I hope Lowleigh is not too quaint- look closely at the gents' urinal for instance! It's all so very different to my memories of railways in the '50s. I come from the north east of England - all coal and shipbuilding - plenty of grime, smoke and muck - great stuff! I won't be adding to Lowleigh though there are two more videos in the pipeline. Lowleigh is 4mm to the foot, OO gauge with wheels replaced by something nearer to scale on the rolling stock. Turnouts are Peco and plain track Scaleway. I've switched to EM (18.2mm to the foot) on my current project. Videos planned but still in the very early stages of construction and gardening jobs are getting in the way of modelling! All the best to you in these troubled times - we are hoping to visit Bruges when (and if) restrictions are lifted. Peter

[@chrisclark6192]

Hi Peter. Absolutely superb. The scenery is amazing and you have a very good eye for detail. All in all a wonderful trip back in time. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Cheers Chris.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thank you for your kind words Chris - it is encouraging to be appreciated. I'm not sure if you have taken the whole Lowleigh journey? If not, here's the first video. Best wishes, Peter kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGOzmX2inqiBp7M

[@peterharrison6230]

Happy modelling and best wishes for 2024 to all

[@rossturnbull8047]

The videos are just so relaxing, I can only just remember the various branch lines coming off the Waverley Route, the historical references to the run down of services, together with excursions are so realistically accurate!! Here's to a video on the closure, followed up by a reopening in preservation some years later.....

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Ross, we enjoyed trying to get historic details right. Sorry no preservation scheme but the buildings/bridges etc have been rebuilt (!) on, and the locos transferred to, my curent project - Ashcombe. Best wishes, Peter

[@mikecondon9576]

I just like the fact that you create a reason for your operations and operate them accordingly. I gather you might use old timetables but if not this is a change from many layouts where there is an endless parade of trains. The prototypical aspects of the operations all seem to sit well. Train lengths and locos rostered seem to be authentic from what I more broadly understand of your system. As I come from a place where trains were rarely this compact and indeed some of our modern trains are a mile long or longer using your distance system and have been that length or at least half a mile long for decades. To see small workings with so many variations of wagons and rollingstock is a pure joy. I truly enjoy your world of railways as you are presenting in these productions. I am certainly glad to have watched one episode and now a few more.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Mike. We based the timetable on the Ashburton branch in Devon. Messed around with different fonts until it looked right. Thanks for your comments and for noticeing the details. Best wishes, Peter

[@mikecondon9576]

@@peterharrison6230 No problem. You might like this from my home state. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXLCc3qXfsqtnNE

[@philkirk4571]

Fabulous, nostalgic and atmospheric as always Peter.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Phil. All the best, Peter

[@keithpenfold9151]

I really like your videos and the layout. Has the plan ever been published - I would love to see the design.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Keith. I don't have a plan but practically the whole thing apart from the loop turnout behind the camera can be seen at 3.05 on the first video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGOzmX2inqiBp7M The layout is 10x8 with one long side taken up with storage loops and sidings. There's a full account in MRJs 241 and 242. Best wishes and looking forward to being able to visit some exhibitions and the SVR again in the not too distant future. Peter

[@diddysful]

Thank you for placing a beautiful video on again the music and the voice-over compliments the video, looking forward to the next one.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Steve - we're off to Brombury Loco Shed in the next episode though there's still much to do to finish the model before I get the camera out. The Head Gardener's list of jobs is limiting modelling time! Best wishes, Peter

[@philipd4863]

Wonderful day at Lowleigh again . The soothing music is The Watermill by Ronald Binge . 🎵

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Philip. Hope you enjoyed the rockin' and rollin' 2P at about 3.40 in - not my best moment! Cheers, Peter

[@leroyholm9075]

Nice station, excellent countryside layout. The track stability looks very shaky 3.40 mins in.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for your kind words Leroy. You are right about the clip at around 3.40. To be honest I didn't intend to include it (it's the loco not the track) but the previous videos have been a bit straightlaced so I included it as it made us smile! Maybe I'll re-edit. Best wishes, Peter kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGOzmX2inqiBp7M

[@davidbarnes7]

Lovely video, of happier times, gone by. Kind regards Dave, from Southend on sea.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for your kind words Dave. I must admit of all the 'Lowleigh' videos this is the most far-fetched...just an excuse to run a 2P...my favourite loco...I spent far too much time chasing the last few around the country in the early '60s...happy days. Best wishes, Peter

[@timspiers6225]

A short trip for a lodging turn. Sorry, superb layout very well observed and very atmospheric. I was going to skip it being WR but glad that I didn't.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for your kind words Tim and yes, you are right, definitely a cushy number! Best I could come up with to justify a 2P on the branch! I spent too much of 1961/2 chasing after the few reamining 2Ps! Best wishes, Peter

[@IronHorseRailways]

Jolly good Peter! Good to see you and your good lady are still making these videos! Hope to see more in the near future!

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks IHH - the next one is a visit to Brombury loco shed. Best wishes, Peter

[@IronHorseRailways]

@@peterharrison6230 looking forward to it!

[@timbrowne93]

A really wonderful liitle layout and wonderful videos. Can I suggest having a wide shot in your next video. There's one at 2 minutes 20 in "Three vans for Tuckers" and I think it would be nice to see another one.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for your kind comments Tim. You're right some more wide shots would be good. We try very hard to ensure that nothing above backboard level is in view which we think spoils the illusion. This does make wide shots pretty tricky. Best wishes, Peter

[@desmondjamesleggett990]

just shows you what you can do with a simple layout plan, scenic detail, and 10 mins of run time. your my kind of railway builder and story teller well done sir. ( my layout is based on Sandsend a simple single line layout on the coastline but scenic wise very atmospheric ).

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for your kind words Desmond. Look forward to seeing Sandsend in the Modeller or MRJ (is that Sandsend up by Whitby?). The Lowleigh journey began at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGOzmX2inqiBp7M Best wishes, Peter

[@desmondjamesleggett990]

Yes peter it is, its a long way off being finished but one day...

[@TONYNORTHEASTERN]

Superb as always.........thanks again.......Tony

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Tony. In episode 6 we'll be visiting the engine shed at Brombury. All the best, Peter

[@IrishModelRailway]

Really enjoyed all of the Lowleigh videos, Peter. Regularly return for a bit of R&R. Looking forward to seeing more. Thanks for sharing. M

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Michael. That's so encouraging. With best wishes, Peter

[@epcotcentre]

Perfik, just perfik, as Pop Larkin would say

[@peterharrison6230]

Kind words - thanks so much, Peter

[@davids52A]

Absolutely delightful. Thank you.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thank you David. Best wishes, Peter

[@wheelsinmotion196]

Any chance of a guided tour of this fantastic looking layout?

[@peterharrison6230]

Sorry, Lowleigh is stored away but my latest layout featuring Brombury locoshed should appear soon in one of the model railway publications and will hopefully be exhibited in 2022. Best wishes, Peter

[@hjellam2251]

love this layout.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks you Howard. Best wishes, Peter

[@steveuphill3795]

Very nicely videod and scripted, thank you for a nice change from the realities we are living through.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Steve. Best wishes, Peter

[@WorldofColor-ng5yc]

The imagination runs wild. Just give me the smell of burning coal and engine oil, some steam and smoke and I'd be right there! Those poor engines really do reflect the declining years of BR, unwashed, limescale leaks and runs. The uneven (rocky) trackwork is evocative of neglect and decay. The driver will need to take care over the points, he doesn't want a waggon to derail. Wonderful!

[@peterharrison6230]

Thank you...it's not easy when you've shelled out a hundred pounds or so for a loco to get out the weathering colours!. Peter

[@spruso53fin38]

Thanks Peter. Another superb video. Nice to see the 2P get a run down to Brombury. I couldn't see a shed code on 40602 and I couldn't find it in the BR Database. Just wondering where in your wonderful imagination 40602 might have been stabled?

[@peterharrison6230]

Imagination: 40602 was transferred from 67B Hurlford (nr Glasgow) Shed late in 1961 to see out its last months in service at 85C Gloucester (Barnwood) joining classmate 40540. The engine was in very poor condition with worn bearings and tyres and after rough treatment by the reckless driver of 'the special (see video at about 3.40 in) the loco was immediately condemned to the scrap line on returning to Gloucester. Fact: In 1955 40602 was a 68A Carlisle (Kingmoor) loco. By 1961 the engine was to be found at 67B Hurlford and was probably scrapped shortly after. With all the time in the world I would have re-numbered the Hornby loco 40540! Barnwood Shed could be visited in 1961 turning right outside Central Station and a cinder path leads off Horton Road just past the level crossing to the shed. (source: The British Locomotive Shed Directory (price 3/6). ps keep an eye out for the shed foreman! All the best, Peter

[@EtonieE25]

@@peterharrison6230Goodness me it’s like a pharrisonwikipedia on old locos! 👍😎

[@barrythompson8090]

A run away train.No foot plate crew !

[@peterharrison6230]

You had me worried there! I've just checked the 2P and the driver is tucked well inside the cab and the fireman can clearly be seen at 0.54secs into the video. Best wishes, Peter

[@bobhastings6464]

Good to see another video Peter!! Great stuff! Cheers from Canada Bob

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Bob - hope you enjoyed the rockin' and rollin' 2P at about 3.40 in - not my best moment! Cheers, Peter

[@waldenhouse]

Wonderful, Peter! Hoping you are both keeping well. Regards. Robert at Chester Road Model Railway.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for your kind words Robert. Best wishes and happy modelling!, Peter

[@petermarchbank7739]

what is the name of that music

[@philipd4863]

The Watermill by Ronald Binge

[@atmakali9599]

Does it snow ⛄️ there. Bet it looks lovely when it does ❤️

[@peterharrison6230]

Luckily no as the cardboard buildings would go soggy, Peter

[@pim1234]

Now I know the backround of this line I think these vids are a bit sad ...

[@peterharrison6230]

Sorry you find them sad...we were aiming for 'nostalgic'. Best wishes, Peter

[@paulrounding5260]

The 4:4:0 loco sound is the best I've heard, nice vid.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Paul. In truth the 2P sounds better than it runs! Saving up pocket money for a set of Ultrascale wheels. Best wishes, Peter

[@dibley1973]

Wonderful.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thank you. The story began at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGOzmX2inqiBp7M Best wishes, Peter

[@dibley1973]

@@peterharrison6230 - thank you. I think I have seen all of your wonderful model railway layout videos. I wish there was more!

[@atmakali9599]

4:24 lucky person living in that lovely cottage. Nice to see some things well kept. I’d like to visit them one day ❤

[@peterharrison6230]

try Airbnb!

[@atmakali9599]

@@peterharrison6230 where is it listed please ?

[@jacquesvalero6864]

Great!!!

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks Jacques. Best wishes Peter

[@Shamshiadadd]

Wow amazing 🎉

[@peterharrison6230]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy the other videos in the series beginning with 'A Day at Lowleigh Station'. Best wishes, Peter

[@ericdeluca1880]

Très belle campagne 🙏👍👍👍

[@bernardhurford1690]

I just love these videos. The commentary and music just add perfection.

[@peterharrison6230]

Thanks for your kind words Bernard. We.ve enjoyed making the videos. Best wishes, Peter

[@colinnewmarch1106]

Just found your channel, very atmospheric , lovely, well done

[@peterharrison6230]

Thank you for your kind words Colin. Best wishes, Peter

[@physiocrat7143]

Nice, but as a pedant I would put it between 1955 and 1957. The LMS loco has the cycling lion on the tender, the pannier has the bottle seal emblem. Red and cream carriages had pretty much gone by 1957 - most of the GWR stock went into the lined crimson livery. Some BR stock came out in GWR livery from 1955. Very satisfying rail joint clicks.

[@peterharrison6230]

All points taken and appreciated, let's move the date to '56 or '59 when the festival was also held in Gloucester. I seem to have got away with the loco - In 1955 40602 was a 68A Carlisle (Kingmoor) loco. By 1961 the engine was to be found at 67B Hurlford. With all the time in the world I would have re-numbered the Hornby loco 40540 (a Gloucester Barnwood loco). Best wishes, Peter