Today marks 55 years since the passing of Oliver Vaughan Snell Bulleid CBE. He was of course Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Southern Railway between 27th May 1937 and 31st December 1947 and then briefly for the Southern Region of British Railways until 1st October 1949.
On the 10th May 1937 Sir Nigel Gresley advised O.V.S Bulleid, who was working away from Kings Cross, by telegram stating that “Sir Herbert Walker wishes to see you 12.30 tomorrow” at the meeting Bulleid was asked by Sir Herbert Walker, the SR General Manager, to apply for the position of CME
This post is not an attempt to outline the whole of Bulleid’s career, but to mark the anniversary of his passing, and also an excuse to show one of my favourite pictures of some of his achievements on Fisherton Sarum.
Should you wish to listen to more about Bulleid’s lifetime and career and why I believe he was one of the ‘Kings of the steam age’ a new podcast series is now available from Railway Mania “Kings of the Steam Age”
To listen to why I believe Bulleid was undoubtedly A King of the Steam Age” click here
1st January 1950 Bulleid was awarded CBE in the New Years Honours list. He retired from being Chief Mechanical Engineer CIE in May 1958, firstly living in Devon before moving to Malta in December 1967.
Thanks for the reminder Graham. Certainly a giant and hero of steam. Innovation personified. Yes I do of course have numerous 00 models from Q1 ro MN.
And oft forgotten hero of carriage and multiple unit stock design. Let us not forget the BR Mk1 owes much to Bulleid.