Reconstruction of Harrow and Wealdstone Rail Disaster 8th October 1952

This is a reconstruction of events which lead to the UK's second worst rail crash, the Harrow and Wealdstone disaster. On a foggy morning of the 8th October 1952, on the West Coast Main line, 11 miles north of London's Euston Terminus station, a southbound local stopping commuter train from Tring to Euston was collecting passengers whilst stationary at Harrow and Wealdstone station. It was then hit from behind at speed, by the Perth to London Euston overnight sleeper express, pulled by a Stanier class 8P 4-6-2, No 46242 "City of Glasgow". A third train, the northbound double headed Euston to Liverpool and Manchester express pulled by Stanier Jubilee class 6P 4-6-0, No 45637 "Windward Islands" and Stanier class 8P 4-6-2, No 46202 "Princess Anne" then crashed into the wreckage of the first two trains. Tragically 112 lives were lost that morning, in a scene of utter devastation. It was never known for sure exactly why Driver Robert Jones and his 23 year old Fireman Colin Turnock of the Perth express didn't see the Harrow No 1 up fast distant colour light signal. It must have been displaying yellow to protect the local train waiting in the platform. Both Jones and Turnock were among those who were killed in the accident.

Please note: For historical accuracy, I have tried to use as best as possible, Hornby OO scale model locomotives and rolling stock appropriate to the period. I have tried to use model locomotives as close as possible to the actual locomotives involved in the disaster, subject to availability at the time of filming. (For example, the loco in charge of the commuter stopping train on that fateful morning, a Fowler 4MT 2-6-2 locomotive, No 42389 has had to be substituted in the film for a Hornby Jinty 0-6-0 tank engine.)

CREDITS: With huge thanks to my wonderful Dad, Bill Skidmore for helping me make this film by kindly giving up his time and being such a patient and able assistant, on what turned out to be a whole day of filming. I couldn't have made it without you. Thanks Dad.
Huge thanks are also due to Steve M for his help with the editing, sound and special effects. You know who you are. You are a kind and very talented guy, as well as a gentleman. Thankyou Steve.
Source: For further detailed reading I can highly recommend Peter Tatlow's book "Harrow and Wealdstone 50 Years on - Clearing up after the Aftermath" published by The Oakwood Press. The reference number for the book is ISBN 978 0 85361 680 1
Oakwood Press were taken over by Stenlake Publishing in 2016 who continue to produce their varied selection of books on the subject of transport. Their website is Stenlake.co.uk