Introduction...
 

Hello to all
I'm a new member of this Forum and by way of introduction, thought I'd share with you a brief summary of my background and interests.

I was from the north east originally and began my rail career as a messenger lad back in Sunderland 1979. I progressed into the signalling side of the industry and was fortunate enough to work many of the boxes over a wide geographical area - Darlington to Tweedmouth, west to Haltwhistle, and a few boxes on Teesside. Ironically, my last couple of years in the north east were spent on the east coast modernisation scheme that swept away some of the boxes I now remember so fondly - Tyne Yard, Darlington South etc..

I look on the time pre 1990 as the the most enjoyable bit of my 33 year career, and am now really interested in any books photos or websites about the area. I'm particularly interested in the industrial railway scene of the 1960/70/80s in the NE.

The industry today is developing in a really positive way and I think my six year old is already planning a career with HS2! For me. I remember having to listen to the old signalmen moaning about the 'good old days' whilst I was full of optimism and excitement about the present.
Today, I can sense a certain deja vu!
Regards to all readers
:)

Hi ex mack
The NRM hosted an exhibition about 10 years ago of photographers that had covered the north east's industrial railway scene and it incldued some great pictures of the Seaham harbour Railway and others. Not sure if its still avaialable - its called North East Focus ISBN 9 781901 551013.
Regards

Dave

sorry wrong number isbn 1-901551-01-6

D

Hi and welcome to the Forum. There are a lot of very interesting and knowledgable members here and I hope you enjoy it.

Ian

Hello Exiled Mackem and welcome to the Railway Forum. I see your user name has already been shortened to ex mack, not to worry as some of us are slow at typing and tend to use short names. Hope you enjoy the site.

Hi Exiled Mackem and welcome from me too. Hope you enjoy the great company on this site. Everyone is very helpful
Regards
Phil

Welcome to the Forum Exiled Mackmem. Look forward to your posts.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Hello. Nice to meet you. A very warm welcome to the forum!

hi there everyone.im paul from coventry.i spend most spare time at nuneaton/rugby/bescot.always happy to say hello