[saturday saver]

Hello everyone. My name is Martin from Stafford. I began spotting in 1980 aged 11 and continued throughout this decade up to 1990. Due to other commitments and priorities I was no longer able to continue. I have been reviewing my old records which has been very nostalgic. Remembering all my visits to depots up and down Britain was great, from Eastfield to Laira from Holyhead to Norwich from Swansea to Newcastle. My parents were fantastic to let a 13 year old boy travel by himself around Britain, although I was 6ft 2in and looked 16 which did help! All my mates were really envious of me as they were only allowed to visit Stafford station. My interest in girls did get in the way sometimes. I met one of my girlfriends on the way back from a trip to Gateshead and Thornaby whilst changing trains at Stalybridge. She was with her parents and thought that it was brilliant that I was allowed to travel on my own. This was when you had to catch the DMU from Stockport to Stalybridge in order to travel from Stafford to Leeds and Newcastle.During our 1981 Midland Railtour my dad persuaded the driver of 47530 to let us ride in the cab from Gloucester to Derby- unforgettable experience! It helped that my dad was an ex driver who could have driven the 47 himself. My dad trained on steam, diesel and electrics in the 60's, but due to Beeching he would have had to relocate to Eastleigh from Crewe which he was not willing to do. He worked at GEC in Stafford until he retired. Anyway, reviewing my old records has sparked my interest again so I have purchased a spotters companion. Sometimes my work is located close to railway lines and I am amazed how many new locomotives have been built since I finished spotting in 1990. Although, most engines I see appear to be 66's and 90's around the Stafford area, but I am only casually spotting so there may be others. I still prefer my old spotting days but things move on as they must. Some of my old records from 1989/90 have been mislaid and I am hoping that this forum may be able to help. I had visited Vic Berry scrapyard in Leicester with my dad at this time where we had seen a number of class 25 and 27 locos and possibly additional classes if I recall correctly from memory. Does anyone have a record of the loco numbers awaiting disposal at the scrapyard? If anyone can assist your help will be extremely appreciated. My records will then be complete. Please do get in touch with me with any information you may have. Many thanks for your help. Martin.