In memoriam of Henry Bousher – a brief visit to Southwalk Bridge LSWR splendour in his honour

Today is the funeral, of London South Western Railway historian and modelling stalwart, octogenarian Henry Bousher who sadly passed away on 8th July after a battle with ill health.  This post is by way of a mark of respect to Henry, my condolences to his family and fellow friends and by a small way a celebration of his many full years of life.

Henry was a member of the Epsom and Ewell Model Railway Club in excess of 50 years, an active and long term member of the South Western Circle and and also The Model Railway Club. His knowledge of and enthusiasm for the London and Southern Western Railway (LSWR) was extensive and infectious, along with a great humour coupled to his joy at seeing pictures of or an accurately modelled rake of Salmon and Chocolate LSWR coaching stock (especially with the coach roofs being white).  He will be sorely missed as will be his willingness to assist, teach and impart his knowledge to others.

He was actively involved, even when his health was not so great, in the wonderful LSWR 4mm scale P4 gauge layout Southwalk Bridge, having been instrumental in its conception, research, construction and operation. His legacy of his involvement will happily continue for many years to come.

Southwalk Bridge, being built by the Southampton Area group of the Scalefour Socity under the helm of Micheal Day, is a piece of LSWR splendour depicting the approaches to a seven platform representation of the LSWR terminus at Waterloo, set in 1912.  It runs to a sequence depicting a typical range of trains and movements of the time,  via a fully interlocked signalling system and a number of controlling driving positions over its 45 foot length.

I have had the pleasure of visiting and operating the layout on a couple of occasions now, and the layout will no doubt form the basis of more detailed future post. I will never forget my last visit, earlier this year, where I was chaperoned / guided / instructed at one of the controller locations, the Up Main, by Henry for the day. I was able to listen to, learn from and enjoy his humour and knowledge for a prolonged period, it was truly a fabulous day and felt very much an honour and fun to be in his company.

Rest In Peace Henry!