This slightly freaks me out, seeing an open topped New Street with steam trains! I'm slightly too young to have seen it like this! Did a lot of spotting in the late seventies and early eighties at New Street. Remember it as being dark, dirty and run down (probably still is actually, haven't lived in Brum for many years!) Great video. Cheers!😀
Yes, at platform levels you're choking on diesel fumes. They need to either go fully electric, fit some active ventilation system, or lift the lid higher to allow more passive ventilation. It would also help if they painted the roof above the trains (not just the platforms) white.
Thank you for sharing this with us! Me mam, no longer with us, used to speak of Birmingham New Street, BEFORE it was buggered up & had that awful roof laid on it!! She used to speak of the old Snow Hill station also. WHY?! can they not stop, buggering around with New Street, Eff You Cee Kay, the building upstairs, & open it up PROPERLY again?? xxxx
Andrew, I daresay they call it progress nowadays, I don't think so . New Street has been so-called modernised for a vast amount of money, it might be nice if you like shopping upstairs, but at platform level it's still a dark and dingy place. Snow Hill was a great station many many years ago with all that the former GWR had to offer with loco's such as Kings/Castles/Counties/Halls/Granges etc passing through their on a daily basis, happy days long since gone. Thanks for looking/commenting. Regards...Bill
It's not really improved on platform level, but what I think they've tried is increase seating and stuff upstairs so you stay up there until your train arrives, minimising the amount of time spent on the platform. It kinda makes sense, I guess.
@@exilenm2 I remember, that used to happen regularly, last minute platform changes! Was one hell of a trek up the stairs, along, and back down to the new platform with seconds to spare! Happy days!😂
Bill thanks for finding this great footage, proper train then at a proper station which I can just remember seeing the old station. interesting stuff Bill thanks Mike.
Cheers Mike, what a difference from the old to the new, you could see where you were going at the old New St, thanks for looking, glad you enjoyed watching...Bill
I have to say a big thank you, I almost lived on New street for much of my childhood telling my parents I was at Walsall. Then the Sunday excursions, 4 shillings to Sheffield. Happy days.
Many thanks for taking the time to view and comment. It's nice to know that by watching this video it bought back some happy and fond memories for you from all those years ago. Regards...Bill
+allan5919 Cheers Allan, nice to know you enjoyed watching this little blast from the past, great days now long gone, thanks for looking/commenting, best regards...Bill
Hello Beverley, It's nice to know that by watching this video bought back some happy and fond memories of your time at New Street. Thanks for looking/commenting. Regards...Bill
fantastic video. I only remember Wolverhampton lowlevel station as a child and our visits to grandparents via London station's but watching your video I could almost smell those engines
+David R Cheers David, nice to know that watching this video bought back some very fond memories for you, thanks for looking, and your positive comment, much appreciated....Bill
Very interesting thanks. A little spoilt however by the original aspect ratio being stretched to fit a wide screen and producing rather squashed trains!
This video takes me back to when, as a teenager in the early 1960s, with my younger brother, I bought a "Runabout" ticket. They cost us the princely sum of £1 each! What a bargain! From about 9.30 a.m, it gave access to any British Rail passenger train in a specified area of the Midlands. After using our tickets to travel freely around to various locations, we returned home happy. But were they REALLY valid for a whole week? Yes, sure enough they were! From Birmingham, we travelled to Derby, Tamworth, Worcester, Leicester, Nottingham, Shrewsbury and elsewhere. What an adventure for us. Now, I still enjoy occasionally visiting heritage railways. But from the age of 15, through the ministry of a little Gospel Church in Birmingham, my first love has become my amazing Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm still thankful for my early years with steam, also the (then) new diesels & electrics, but so much more for the new life in Christ I've enjoyed for over half a century. What an incredible privilege!
I had one of those tickets brought for me by my parents in 1985 for the cost of £12 though I don’t remember it being called the Runabout. Covered the same area though.
Cheers Trevor, there is certainly a very good contrast shown regarding how New St was in the 50s/60s as against todays so-called modern New St, many thanks for looking/commenting, much appreciated...Bill
I am told by a close learned friend that West Country 34079 appeared in New Street on Sunday 14th June 1964 working an enthusiast's special from Bristol. As a matter of added interest she and her train climbed the Bank at Bromsgrove assisted at the rear by 92230.
Cheers Ernie, glad you enjoyed watching this blast from the past, and noting the difference from the 50s/60s to todays New St, I know which I prefer, thanks for looking/commenting, take care...Bill
Thanks for watching the Snow Hill one also and making a comparison between the 2 Stations, personally I always preferred Snow Hill being an ex BR(WR) man, cheers...Bill
Some great memories there Bill, saw at least one I've fired.... 70021 Morning Star! When there I often try to visualise how things were so thanks for sharing, Brian.
SYKAROST Cheers Brian, glad you enjoyed watching, and that it bought back some fond memories. What a difference in those days a B-ham New St with natural daylight, not like today even with the so-called modern New St of 2015 everyone could do with wearing miners helmets to see where they are going platform level, progress "eh", thanks for looking/commenting, much appreciated...Bill
Hi Bill - I have to do the writing - I have been requested to ask if you know the date in 1953 when GW Railcar W29 was testing on both the Midland and Western sides of New Street. He has two pictures , one on each side but no date. Hope this makes sense! Beverley
Hello Beverley, I have looked on various websites to see if I can find any information regarding W29W at New St in 1953. Unfortunately I have not been able to find any relative information regarding the railcar being at New Street during that particular time. Sorry I can't help with your question. Take Care...Bill
No Andrew, I live in Wolves.In the early 60s I was a loco fireman at 84a Stafford Rd Shed until Closure in 1963, then Oxley until closure in 67, and finally moved to Wolverhampton High Level which became our booking on point. Regards...Bill
I'm a Tamil Indian. I'm live in Birmingham. I'm very glad to see this video. Nice.
This slightly freaks me out, seeing an open topped New Street with steam trains! I'm slightly too young to have seen it like this! Did a lot of spotting in the late seventies and early eighties at New Street. Remember it as being dark, dirty and run down (probably still is actually, haven't lived in Brum for many years!) Great video. Cheers!😀
Yes, at platform levels you're choking on diesel fumes. They need to either go fully electric, fit some active ventilation system, or lift the lid higher to allow more passive ventilation. It would also help if they painted the roof above the trains (not just the platforms) white.
Wonderful footage
Thank you for sharing this with us! Me mam, no longer with us, used to speak of Birmingham New Street, BEFORE it was buggered up & had that awful roof laid on it!! She used to speak of the old Snow Hill station also. WHY?! can they not stop, buggering around with New Street, Eff You Cee Kay, the building upstairs, & open it up PROPERLY again?? xxxx
Andrew, I daresay they call it progress nowadays, I don't think so . New Street has been so-called modernised for a vast amount of money, it might be nice if you like shopping upstairs, but at platform level it's still a dark and dingy place. Snow Hill was a great station many many years ago with all that the former GWR had to offer with loco's such as Kings/Castles/Counties/Halls/Granges etc passing through their on a daily basis, happy days long since gone. Thanks for looking/commenting. Regards...Bill
It's not really improved on platform level, but what I think they've tried is increase seating and stuff upstairs so you stay up there until your train arrives, minimising the amount of time spent on the platform. It kinda makes sense, I guess.
They sold off the "air rights" above the station to commercial business, so the actual station will always be underground now, sadly.
Especially as if you are sitting on platform 1 you're likely to be sent to platform 12 at the last minute.
@@exilenm2 I remember, that used to happen regularly, last minute platform changes! Was one hell of a trek up the stairs, along, and back down to the new platform with seconds to spare! Happy days!😂
Great! My old grandad is probably there somewhere. He was a Postal Inspector on New Street
Nice of you to reply I was to young to remember steam I was born in 1961 you see that era facenates me greatly
Andrew, If it's steam from that era there are quite a few more from the 60s somewhere on my channel, I hope you enjoy watching them, cheers...Bill
All the times I have been to New Street, I never saw a semi or a duchess. Was I unlucky.
Bill thanks for finding this great footage, proper train then at a proper station which I can just remember seeing the old station. interesting stuff Bill thanks Mike.
Cheers Mike, what a difference from the old to the new, you could see where you were going at the old New St, thanks for looking, glad you enjoyed watching...Bill
I have to say a big thank you, I almost lived on New street for much of my childhood telling my parents I was at Walsall. Then the Sunday excursions, 4 shillings to Sheffield. Happy days.
Many thanks for taking the time to view and comment. It's nice to know that by watching this video it bought back some happy and fond memories for you from all those years ago. Regards...Bill
Just as I remember it! Filthy, smokey but a veritable treasure for a kid in the 50's with an Ian Allan ref.book.
Fantastic old footage Bill. Thanks for sharing this. Best wishes - Allan.
+allan5919 Cheers Allan, nice to know you enjoyed watching this little blast from the past, great days now long gone, thanks for looking/commenting, best regards...Bill
Happy memories of working there in the Station Master's (W.Harry Price) Office 1950 -
Hello Beverley, It's nice to know that by watching this video bought back some happy and fond memories of your time at New Street. Thanks for looking/commenting. Regards...Bill
fantastic video. I only remember Wolverhampton lowlevel station as a child and our visits to grandparents via London station's but watching your video I could almost smell those engines
+David R Cheers David, nice to know that watching this video bought back some very fond memories for you, thanks for looking, and your positive comment, much appreciated....Bill
Very interesting thanks. A little spoilt however by the original aspect ratio being stretched to fit a wide screen and producing rather squashed trains!
Many thanks for taking the time to view and comment, and for pointing out my error regarding the aspect ratio, much appreciated, cheers...Bill
This video takes me back to when, as a teenager in the early 1960s, with my younger brother, I bought a "Runabout" ticket. They cost us the princely sum of £1 each! What a bargain!
From about 9.30 a.m, it gave access to any British Rail passenger train in a specified area of the Midlands.
After using our tickets to travel freely around to various locations, we returned home happy.
But were they REALLY valid for a whole week? Yes, sure enough they were!
From Birmingham, we travelled to Derby, Tamworth, Worcester, Leicester, Nottingham, Shrewsbury and elsewhere.
What an adventure for us.
Now, I still enjoy occasionally visiting heritage railways.
But from the age of 15, through the ministry of a little Gospel Church in Birmingham, my first love has become my amazing Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I'm still thankful for my early years with steam, also the (then) new diesels & electrics, but so much more for the new life in Christ I've enjoyed for over half a century. What an incredible privilege!
I had one of those tickets brought for me by my parents in 1985 for the cost of £12 though I don’t remember it being called the Runabout. Covered the same area though.
More super old footage there Bill.Very nice....Trevor.''
Cheers Trevor, there is certainly a very good contrast shown regarding how New St was in the 50s/60s as against todays so-called modern New St, many thanks for looking/commenting, much appreciated...Bill
A nice shot 45305. Not many other survivors in this footage.
I am told by a close learned friend that West Country 34079 appeared in New Street on Sunday 14th June 1964 working an enthusiast's special from Bristol. As a matter of added interest she and her train climbed the Bank at Bromsgrove assisted at the rear by 92230.
Beverley, many thanks for the information regarding 34079 at New Street, much appreciated. Regards...Bill
Hi Bill,
Pleased to help. My dear friend is an enthusiast and knew the answer.
Enjoy seeing New Street again after so many years. Good Wishes
Beverley
Thank you Beverley. Take Care...Bill
Bill I agree, New Street is a very dark station, But enjoyed watching the film. Thanks
Cheers Ernie, glad you enjoyed watching this blast from the past, and noting the difference from the 50s/60s to todays New St, I know which I prefer, thanks for looking/commenting, take care...Bill
The Bullied class D16/2 is a rare sight, loved the sound of those EE 16SVT's. Such a shame all three of the class were scrapped. Many thanks.
Did it 'really' need two of them to pull a train?
Thanks for uploading!
Glad you enjoyed watching this blast from the past, thanks for looking, cheers...Bill
84asrd84boxy It's an interesting contrast with your Snow Hill footage from the same era.
Thanks for watching the Snow Hill one also and making a comparison between the 2 Stations, personally I always preferred Snow Hill being an ex BR(WR) man, cheers...Bill
Pure gold wonderful
Cheers Andrew, glad you enjoyed watching. Regards...Bill
Some great memories there Bill, saw at least one I've fired.... 70021 Morning Star!
When there I often try to visualise how things were so thanks for sharing, Brian.
SYKAROST Cheers Brian, glad you enjoyed watching, and that it bought back some fond memories. What a difference in those days a B-ham New St with natural daylight, not like today even with the so-called modern New St of 2015 everyone could do with wearing miners helmets to see where they are going platform level, progress "eh", thanks for looking/commenting, much appreciated...Bill
Those wonderful days
They certainly were Andrew. Regards...Bill
Wow, a Battle of Britain class at New St- 34079 '141 Squadron'. Wonder what the occasion was?
Ross, I have no idea why 34079 was at New Street, sorry I can't help with your question. Thanks for looking/commenting, cheers...Bill
Your information required on 34079 in New St is above!
A special from Bristol to Derby and Crewe, as Beverley King says. See ruclips.net/video/U6dEidlem_s/видео.html
Thanks bill
So steam locos were around at the same time as electric locos?
Wow
Hi Bill - I have to do the writing - I have been requested to ask if you know the date in 1953 when GW Railcar W29 was testing on both the Midland and Western sides of New Street. He has two pictures , one on each side but no date. Hope this makes sense!
Beverley
Hello Beverley, I have looked on various websites to see if I can find any information regarding W29W at New St in 1953. Unfortunately I have not been able to find any relative information regarding the railcar being at New Street during that particular time. Sorry I can't help with your question. Take Care...Bill
He says "Thanks for your time" Keep up the good work!
No problem Beverley, sorry I couldn't be of more help. Take Care...Bill
Awesome. Horrible place today
Is the sound genuine?
LeamingtonSteve Steve, it's as it was on the video tape, thanks for looking/commenting, cheers...Bill
+LeamingtonSteve Probably not :P
Are you from Birmingham bill
No Andrew, I live in Wolves.In the early 60s I was a loco fireman at 84a Stafford Rd Shed until Closure in 1963, then Oxley until closure in 67, and finally moved to Wolverhampton High Level which became our booking on point. Regards...Bill
M
The footage was good but the commentator was more than annoying keep saying "Birmingham New Street", we know you wally.