PLATFORM

Trains on the silver screen

I wonder if my memories and photograph (taken in May 1971) about the film Young Winston might be of interest? At the time I was serving on the Great Western Society Management Council as Didcot Manager (voluntary positions).

At the January 1971 Council meeting, it was reported that we had received an approach from Open Road Productions to supply stock for a forthcoming film to be based on the early life of Winston Churchill, to be called . They would be required on location from around mid-May onward. Initially, ‘14XX’ 0-4-2T No.1466, ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 No.7808 , two clerestory coaches, the ‘Asmo’, ‘Mink A’ and ‘Toad’ were under consideration, but it eventually ended up with just No. 1466 and the ‘Toad’ brake van. Discussions continued with a formal contract signed on April 13. The Society had put together a package to supply No. 1466, together with footplate and maintenance crew, who would be