The 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, marked a significant milestone in the history of women's athletics. For the first time ever, the Games included a women's marathon, a testament to the growing recognition of women's endurance sports. This...
The September 1939 mass evacuations of UK towns and cities under Operation Pied Piper is well known. However, Benito Mussolini’s decision on 10 June 1940 to take Italy into the war on the side of Nazi Germany, led to evacuations of a different type. By taking Italy...
Exit polling has become an integral part of the political landscape in the United Kingdom, offering early indications of electoral outcomes and shaping public perception even before official results are announced. This narrative explores the evolution of exit polling...
The role of the media in shaping general election outcomes in the UK has evolved significantly over the past 50 years. From the dominance of newspapers and television to the rise of social media, each medium has had a profound impact on public opinion and voting...
We take a look at the battleground seats which have swung general elections over the decades
The Representation of the People Act 1918 was a landmark moment in British history, granting suffrage to women over the age of 30 who met minimum property qualifications. This pivotal act opened the door to political empowerment and representation, setting the stage...
During the early months of 1939, parents up and down the country received a letter from their local education authority advising them that they were in an area deemed at risk from bombing in the event of war, and that plans were being drawn up to evacuate children to...
The Summer Olympics have always been a stage where dreams are realized, legends are born, and history is made. Over the past 60 years, the Games have provided countless unforgettable moments, where athletes have pushed the boundaries of human achievement. As we delve...
There's something magical about the mere mention of Push Pops that instantly transports us back to a time when life was simpler, and our biggest dilemma was choosing which flavor to get. The Push Pop phenomenon that swept through the UK in the 90s and early 2000s was...
In the ever-evolving landscape of British politics, there are few figures as revered and respected as Sir John Curtice. As a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, his name is synonymous with astute analysis, unwavering integrity, and a deep...
Tubize or not Tubize, that is the question.
It was certainly the question facing the narrow gauge Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway during 2006.
The Tubize in question was the 2-6-2T steam locomotive No.15 Orion. Built in 1948 by the Belgian firm S.A. Les Metallurgiques Nivelles Division de Tubize, for the Jokioninen Railway (JR) in Finland. The engine was a replacement for one handed over to the USSR as part of Finland’s war reparations and became No.5 in the JR fleet.
No.5 remained operational until 1964 when cracks in the firebox resulted in its withdrawal from service. In 1972 it was purchased by Malcolm Knight and brought to the UK. During 1983 it was moved to the Welshpool & Llanfair, where it was put on display until 1990 when work started on returning it to traffic.
No.5 was renumbered No.15 in the official Welshpool & Llanfair locomotive roster as well as carrying the name Orion.
However, on return to traffic in the autumn of 2000, it was found that railway’s gradient profile and tight curves proved problematic for such a big engine.
The photographs were taken on Sunday 14 May 2006, following modifications to reduce her weight. Fortunately, the Jokinionen Museum Railway were keen to buy her back. After 34 years in the UK, Orion returned to Finland, operating her first service on 15 October.
Clive is our Transport and Railway writer, with years of experience he is a fount of knowledge on all things transport nostalgia.
The 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, marked a significant milestone in the history of women's athletics. For the first time ever, the Games included a women's marathon, a testament to the growing recognition of women's endurance sports. This...
The September 1939 mass evacuations of UK towns and cities under Operation Pied Piper is well known. However, Benito Mussolini’s decision on 10 June 1940 to take Italy into the war on the side of Nazi Germany, led to evacuations of a different type. By taking Italy...
Exit polling has become an integral part of the political landscape in the United Kingdom, offering early indications of electoral outcomes and shaping public perception even before official results are announced. This narrative explores the evolution of exit polling...
The role of the media in shaping general election outcomes in the UK has evolved significantly over the past 50 years. From the dominance of newspapers and television to the rise of social media, each medium has had a profound impact on public opinion and voting...
We take a look at the battleground seats which have swung general elections over the decades
The Representation of the People Act 1918 was a landmark moment in British history, granting suffrage to women over the age of 30 who met minimum property qualifications. This pivotal act opened the door to political empowerment and representation, setting the stage...
During the early months of 1939, parents up and down the country received a letter from their local education authority advising them that they were in an area deemed at risk from bombing in the event of war, and that plans were being drawn up to evacuate children to...
The Summer Olympics have always been a stage where dreams are realized, legends are born, and history is made. Over the past 60 years, the Games have provided countless unforgettable moments, where athletes have pushed the boundaries of human achievement. As we delve...
There's something magical about the mere mention of Push Pops that instantly transports us back to a time when life was simpler, and our biggest dilemma was choosing which flavor to get. The Push Pop phenomenon that swept through the UK in the 90s and early 2000s was...
In the ever-evolving landscape of British politics, there are few figures as revered and respected as Sir John Curtice. As a professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, his name is synonymous with astute analysis, unwavering integrity, and a deep...