I asked Paul for some more information about
George Barlow, who appears in one of the photos, and he replied: ‘George Barlow was born in Nottingham in 1916 and developed a life-long interest in railways. On leaving school he tried to join the LNER as an engine cleaner but the company was recruiting only a few new staff at that time and George was one of the unlucky applicants. Instead he became a proof reader until being called-up in 1940. With his interest in railways, George applied to join the Railway Operating Department of the Royal Engineers and – to his surprise – was accepted. He served on the Melbourne Military Railway
where he learnt his footplate skills and until his demobilisation, George worked on military railways around the country. On his return to civilian life in 1946 he was unable to settle back in his old job and sought an opening as a loco driver. He was too old to join any of the ‘Big Four’ companies but responded to an advertisement in Model Engineer magazine for a ‘driver for a famous miniature railway’. Having failed to get a reply, he wrote to the General Manager of the RH&DR asking if they had placed the ad. Major J T Holder replied, saying they hadn’t – but they did need a driver and would George like to come for an interview? He duly got the job. He was made Foreman Driver at the end of his first season and became the face of ‘the Friendly Line’. In 1982 he was awarded the British Empire
Medal for his services to the RH&DR. George died in 2006.
As you can see, George (with whom I was a great friend for many years) had an intimate connection with the railway from 1947 onwards and got to know Howey as well as anyone, so I’m sure he would have known if the Royal Scot had ever been steamed inside Red Tiles.’
Missing years – and an OSCA Dear Chris,
Thanks for publishing my letter re Mercedes- Benz UV 5424 in the March-April Bulletin, along with further information and photos. I can't quite understand the comment that the present incarnation was ‘built from the remains’ of the 1970 auction car, as it appeared to be a complete right-hand-drive car, but as you say, ‘What happened to the car between 1970 and the early 2000s?’ Probably best left.
On another subject, this photo of the OSCA
currently at Brooklands may be of interest. It is from The Motor’s 1952 yearbook.
Best regards, Michael Clarke, via e-mail
A period photo of the OSCA now at Brooklands. Here it is being prepared for Brooklands hero ‘Prince Bira’.
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