LNER Poster #4 Coaling Tower.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

One of my favourites.

In a very "modern" block style (much favoured in the 1930's and 40's) this shows one of the coaling towers uswed. Note the wagon half way up the left side! The text is self explainatory.....

The mechanism used for filling the coal tender on the engine was very advanced - agitators ensured all the coal was moved and a variable hopper discahrge mouth mean the whole of the tender could be filled from front to back without the loco having to move. Everything was electrically controlled!

Frank Newbold 1932.

[John Ashworth]

Very interesting that LNER had a publicity poster based on the technology needed to run a train rather than on holiday destinations, speed or the passengers' onboard experience. Presumably these coal stages were state-of-the-art cutting edge technology at the time - with electricity! Something for the LNER to boast about, especially in an era when people were probably still excited about new technology and didn't take it for granted the way we do several decades later. These posters say something about society, not just about railways or art.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

They do indeed say a lot about society, and culture, as well! Have relook at LNER #1 for example

http://www.friendsoftherail.com/phpBB2/ ... =29&t=6672

Produced in the '30's when a lot of people in the middle class were comfortably well off and were leading a good life. Lots of hints to this in the picture, inclouding the strong theme of relaxation!

The posters cover technology, art, politics and advertising trends (e.g. see the two "Small Boys" just posted).

I think the UK railway posters were unique in all of the above - and even today remain so when posters are still produced. The Underground has also retained the tradions of art, social commentary etc very strongly! Saw many examples in the coaches last trip - including a "mythical fantasy London" series, complete with mythical tube lines - probably confused a lot of tourists!

[Nathan Berelowitz]

This is really super, please keep them posted.