The 4.35 Birkenhead to Paddington Express (1930).

Our model shows the 4.35pm Birkenhead to Paddington service in the summer of 1930. This train was unusual in being comparatively short for a longer-distance express. The Programme of Coach Workings for July 1930 shows that just four coaches formed the core of the train once it passed Oxford. However, the train was clearly used to convey significant quantities of luggage and/or parcels, as the passenger accommodation is supplemented with two luggage vans, as well as a Siphon G that would normally be used to convey milk.

[@phil36310]

Thanks for sharing this historical info. Seeing the 'cab' on this Star Class left the crew almost exposed to any weather condition. And mostly 'British', cold and wet, it must have been a real challenge to operate these steam engines. Not to mention running tender first ! On Belgian State Railways engines the roofs extended even a bit over the tender to protect crews from harsh weather conditions. Seems our grandfathers were less 'fragile' and physically hard working. Cheers, Filip

[@grahampartridge9335]

Don't forget its probably worse in the summer as there a fair heat on a footplate

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

Yes, Churchward cabs were indeed spartan and outdated. Victorian attitudes would suggest that providing comfort might encourage drivers to not pay attention properly!! Most engines had a canvas sheet that could be stretched from the cab roof to supports on the tender which provided some extra protection in really foul weather. However, it would appear our forebears were indeed made of sterner stuff.

[@532bluepeter1]

Yes the cabs were spartan. Great Western locomotives were equipped with tarpaulins rolled up under the cab roofs. In wet weather these could be unrolled and secured by two guys to stanchions on the tender. Enginemen often did not bother.

[@aberfordwest4003]

Love this train! Coincidentally, I have a model of Princess Alice that pulls a very similar train, also to Birkenhead. Mine uses clerestory and 6-wheel carriages though

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

Glad you enjoyed our video of this iconic Express. Maybe you will video yours one day? Thanks for watching.

[@BrewPub]

This is one of the best YT channels on Model Railways. Love the backstory and how it ties in with the models. These videos are soo enjoyable that I have watched each one multiple times.

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

Thank you @BrewPub. That was always our founders dream, to recreate and preserve this now bygone era. Showcasing the people, the places and the transport which all formed part of their life in the 1930's. If you would like to see more than we can ever put on KZbin, please consider becoming a Friend of Pendon. We offer many benefits for a modest £22.00 per annum. Details: pendonmuseum.com/friends-of-pendon

[@grahampartridge9335]

I love these videos . Please keep making them as I've watched everything you've done already .

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

Many thanks for your positive comments Graham, we are really pleased you enjoy the videos on the Pendon Channel. If you would like have access to some of our hidden gems, just click here: pendonmuseum.com/youtube

[@johnbrown9092]

Lovely.😊

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

Thank you John. We are pleased you liked this episode. Stay tuned for more starting on 1st January….

[@brucemurray6451]

Another great and informative youtube. Would a portion for Manchester be attached? Thanks for sharing.

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

We are pleased you liked the video Bruce. We can see no evidence of a portion for Manchester being attached and the last coach was hired by wealthy passengers for their exclusive use and attached to the back of a service train.

[@glenshielrailway5696]

If it were going in the opposite direction and give or take a few years I'd say that private saloon could be carrying one particular Russian duchess after concluding some 'legitimate business' with a very shady individual from Birmingham.

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

Thank you for your thoughts ....

[@officialmcdeath]

Where was the slip coach for? Oxford? \m/

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

The last coach on the Birkenhead express is not in fact a slip coach but a special saloon. These would be hired by wealthy passengers for their exclusive use and attached to the back of a service train. The caption on the website is in error and thanks for pointing this out. We will correct it.

[@davidsheriff8989]

Most of the trains were 2-6-2s , I lived in front of the Birkenhead line in Port Sunlight during 50s and 60s

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

Thanks David, as @SWRural mentions, we are recalling events way back in 1930. We hope you enjoyed the video.

[@dierkschurack2425]

Wonderfull I like

[@PendonMuseumVideos]

Many thanks Dierk, we are really pleased you like the video. If you would like to see some of our hidden gems, please click the link: pendonmuseum.com/youtube