Take a look at these fantastic photos from the Eddie Johnson collection

[aidanorourke]

I'm now publishing a selection of classic railway photographs from the collection of Eddie Johnson.

These are priceless images of rail transport in times when the train was king.

They are not only interesting as historical artefacts. They are also fantastic photographs. The 19th century ones display a high level of resolution and depict a world that was forgotten even by the turn of the century.



I also love the ones of steam trains passing through south Manchester. That footpath along by the railway, with just a flimsy wooden fence separating the curious schoolboy from the steam train clattering by, you wouldn't get that now (though in Germany, there are no fences separating railway lines from footpaths, it's almost unbelievable)



So take a look at the photos, I'll be uploading them in stages.

I can also recommend Eddie's books as an excellent source of information, very authoritative but readable as well. I used to work with Eddie at South Trafford College in the 80s.

Go to http://www.aidan.co.uk/search_result...=eddie johnson

[Phil Blinkhorn]

There's something special and almost beautiful about late Victorian and Edwardian railway photos, especially those from glass plates which rendered such detail due to excellent resolution.

The 1950s photo reminds me of trainspotting at both Heaton Mersey and Heaton Chapel, not to mention walking along the banks of the Mersey to visit Heaton Mersey shed.

In those days we would sit on the wooden fences alongside the lines and be waved at by train crews, not in anger, but in recognition of our interest in their work and the magnificent machines they crewed.