Not So Local
Anything a bit further afield, and not listed in the menu bar, will appear here.
Carlisle
A general view of Carlisle station, with some lovely dappled light covering the platforms as the Class 47/7 railtour and its shove-set stands at Platform 3, whilst opposite in Platform 4 stands 1M12 10:45 Glasgow Central - Euston Avanti West Coast service formed of 390112.
14 April 2023
(phone)
14 April 2023
(phone)
Carlisle
Celebrating ten years in preservation with the Crewe Diesel Preservation Group, 47712 Lady Diana Spencer is a credit to all involved, and ran faultlessly as 'The Cumbrian Mountain Anniversary' 1Z11 10:02 Crewe - Carlisle (via Penrith) and 1Z12 14:58 Carlisle - Crewe (via S&C). Here the immaculate 47/7 is seen at Carlisle shortly after arrival from Crewe, the push-pull locomotive propelling its shove set on both ways of the tour.
14 April 2023
(phone)
14 April 2023
(phone)
Carlisle
For the first time in about 17 years I found myself travelling on a railtour, and had a thoroughly enjoyable day out too, even though I said to myself I'd never do another one (which was with 47832 / 47145 Kings Cross to Skegness on 17 August 2006).
Celebrating ten years in preservation with the Crewe Diesel Preservation Group, 47712 Lady Diana Spencer is a credit to all involved, and ran faultlessly as 'The Cumbrian Mountain Anniversary' 1Z11 10:02 Crewe - Carlisle (via Penrith) and 1Z12 14:58 Carlisle - Crewe (via S&C). Here the immaculate 47/7 is seen at Carlisle shortly after arrival from Crewe, the push-pull locomotive propelling its shove set on both ways of the tour.
14 April 2023
(phone)
Celebrating ten years in preservation with the Crewe Diesel Preservation Group, 47712 Lady Diana Spencer is a credit to all involved, and ran faultlessly as 'The Cumbrian Mountain Anniversary' 1Z11 10:02 Crewe - Carlisle (via Penrith) and 1Z12 14:58 Carlisle - Crewe (via S&C). Here the immaculate 47/7 is seen at Carlisle shortly after arrival from Crewe, the push-pull locomotive propelling its shove set on both ways of the tour.
14 April 2023
(phone)
Preston
Trans-Pennine Express liveried 68027 Splendid leads dead-in-tow 66126 through Preston station working 6K05 12:32 Carlisle New Yard - Crewe Basford Hall engineers trip, which is normally routed via the S&C, but this STP (Short Term Planning) move was in via the West Coast Main Line (WCML).
27 March 2023
(6D)
27 March 2023
(6D)
Oving
After several visits to this area over the last few months its fair to say I got what I set out to do, so a return visit any time soon is unlikely. What may well be my final Class 313 shot, is here by West Drayton crossing, of 313219 working 2S22 13:55 Littlehampton - Portsmouth & Southsea on Valentine's Day.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Oving
With hindsight myself and Wetbag have come to the conclusion that this spot, closer to West Drayton crossing, may have suited the test train better. This is 377432 heading west with 1J30 12:35 Victoria - Southampton. The Class 377 design is quite stylish (in my opinion), and reminds me of the Class 442 which was a unit local to me, until South Western Railway decided to dispense with them.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Oving
Something of an experimental shot 'to see what it was like'. It was apparent that only a 3-car 313 'going away' would work here, so it wasn't too long to wait for 2S15 12:57 Portsmouth & Southsea - Littlehampton to head past Oving, worked by 313211.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Oving
Moving slightly closer to the tree than my previous frame as 377470 approaches operating 1N16 12:30 Brighton - Southampton.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Oving
Due to the flat, and generally uninspiring location, it was time to try and be a little creative and fill the scene with what was available, some 'Simpson clouds' would have been nice, but you can't have it all. This is a going-away-shot of 377139 passing over Oving crossing with 1J35 12:13 Southampton - Horsham.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Oving
Now that the main event had passed it was an opportunity to try something a little different. A grabbed shot captures 313206 passing over Oving crossing working 2S20 12:55 Littlehampton - Portsmouth & Southsea, Wetbag gets a lower perspective from his 'old school' ladder, no pole for him today.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Oving
Whilst the choice of location was right for the sun angle, upon reflection I feel the composition not so. The area around here is flat and boring, and it is a struggle to make any shot interesting, and with such an awful sky this was never going to be anything more than a record shot. Still, it was nice to get this in the sun after a very foggy start to the morning, and 37254 Cardiff Canton now leads 1Q52 10:47 Eastleigh Yard - Eastleigh Yard after a reversal at Littlehampton, and heads back westwards towards Portsmouth and Southampton at Oving crossing, semi large-logo 37610 now trails. Upon reflection I should have gone a bit higher with the pole for better separation between the loco/train roof and the horizon, too late now.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Oving
Now in position for the 37's back from Littlehampton, and we're back again at Oving crossing, having previously visited here on 22 November 2022. Something of a test shot before the main event, and 313210 passes us again, now working 1S20 12:00 Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour. This unit was clearly running on wheels shaped like a fifty-pence-piece, and sounded just like a steam train, the approaching sound it was making was quite uncanny.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Southbourne
Hammering towards Southbourne station is 37610 leading the four-weekly test train along the Sussex coast 1Q52 10:47 Eastleigh Yard - Eastleigh Yard via Portsmouth Harbour and Littlehampton, to the rear trails 37254 Cardiff Canton.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Southbourne
I don't know if this was a bonus or not? What was hoped to be the BR blue/grey Class 313 (313201) unexpectedly turned out to be Gatwick Express 387227 operating 1S19 11:29 Portsmouth Harbour - Brighton, seen here near Emsworth. Allegedly this is the first occasion one of these Gatwick Express units has made it along the Sussex coast to Portsmouth, no idea, could be!
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Southbourne
There's no denying the coastway route from Havant to Barnham operates at a pretty intense frequency, with principal operator Southern running all services. Here 377163 hurries by working 1J31 11:13 Southampton - Horsham, which upon arrival at Horsham attaches to 1C31 11:56 Bognor Regis - Victoria.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Southbourne
Having finally cleared the fog, the cloud then starts to roll-in off the sea, but thankfully 313219 passes in a patch of sun operating 2S11 10:57 Portsmouth & Southsea - Littlehampton towards Southbourne.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Southbourne
A check of the morning gen had revealed this working; 1S16 10:00 Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, should be British Rail blue and grey liveried 313201. With something of an unexpected surprise Gatwick Express branded 387227 appeared out of the mist from Southbourne heading towards Emsworth.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Southbourne
Back again! I can't believe I'm here again, but the prospect of catching some 313s whilst they're still going, and the four-weekly test train, proved quite tempting. Having travelled over from Dorset to West Sussex in thick fog it finally lifted in time for the main event, although it was still a little hazy, but nothing like the thick fog upon arrival. First shot of the day, and 313210 passes operating 1S17 10:33 Portsmouth & Southsea - Brighton on the approach to Southbourne station.
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
14 February 2023
(6D PL)
Ford
Less that 20 minutes later and it was all over, and the final shot of an amazing little session here at Ford captures 377131 working 1B34 14:35 Horsham - Bognor Regis. Thanks to GG and Wetbag for an enjoyable few hours in West Sussex, and for 'keeping the faith' that the sun would appear.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Ford
Not quite my desired position, or height on the pole, but with such a small window of opportunity with the sun it was a little frantic to get what few shots were available. 1J41 14:11 Portsmouth Harbour - Horsham makes its way over the River Arum worked by 377156. Whilst not blatantly obvious the Littlehampton Harbour Master has just passed beneath the bridge heading up-river towards Littlehampton.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Ford
Catching the low winter sun nicely against the black South Down hills is 313216 heading east towards Ford station (left) operating 2S24 14:55 Littlehampton - Portsmouth & Southsea.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
(RW 11/04/2023)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
(RW 11/04/2023)
Ford
Coming thick and fast, as they do through Ford, and a quick re-position to maximise the opportunities in this briefest of sunshine. Looking along the River Arun 377413 works 1J34 13:35 Victoria - Southampton.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
(RW 11/04/2023)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
(RW 11/04/2023)
Ford
Finishing off a very enjoyable few hours in West Sussex, again with Gordon White, but also this time with Tony Allen (aka Wetbag). Upon our arrival at Ford the weather at best could be described as 'grim', clearly the fine weather we had experienced a little earlier in the day was short-lived, and I was convinced we had seen the last of the sun, however GG and Wetbag were not so convinced, and predicted we may get some sun through the thickening cloud. And appear it did in an almost biblical way. First up, 313219 crosses over the tidal River Arun working 2S17 13:57 Portsmouth & Southsea - Littlehampton under the most spectacular sky.
22 November 2022
(6D)
(RW 11/04/2023)
22 November 2022
(6D)
(RW 11/04/2023)
Oving
There's no escaping the fact that the landscape around this part of West Sussex is a bit flat and featureless, so one final Class 313 shot before moving on. With one unit 'down' to due a traincrew issue 313219 is seen for the second time today now working 2S20 12:55 Littlehampton - Portsmouth & Southsea at Oving, east of Chichester.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Oving
Next up at Oving is 377162 makings its way towards Chichester with 1J26 11:35 Victoria - Southampton. However, 'sods law' had struck on this day with the four-weekly Colas test train due to run with 73961 and 73965 along here, but had been cancelled before departing Eastleigh Yard, of course had it run it would have been just in front of this service in perfect weather conditions; typical!
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Oving
With the huge cloud that had thwarted several shots in the area it finally cleared blowing eastwards, as can be seen here, and behind it some welcome sun as once again 313209 shuttles along the West Coastway now at Oving operating Southern service 1S20 12:00 Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Emsworth
With one Class 313 diagram cancelled due to a driver rostering error there was a noticeable lull in traffic, but it wasn't too long before 313209 returned from Portsmouth, and is viewed between Emsworth and Southbourne working 1S17 10:33 Portsmouth & Southsea - Brighton in some great weather
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Southbourne
The cess full of standing water creates added interest, and provides the slightest of reflections of 313219 working 2S09 09:57 Portsmouth & Southsea - Littlehampton on the approach to Southbourne.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Southbourne
The view from Church footpath crossing looking west as 377437 heads towards Southbourne working 1Y55 09:26 Southampton - Brighton via Eastleigh.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Yapton
Constructed at BREL York, and entering service in 1976, an original fleet of 64 3-car Class 313 units were introduced by British Rail for use on the then newly electrified Kings Cross / Moorgate system. Originally designed to operate from 25kv AC overheads, or 750v DC third rail, with minimum change-over procedure, these units were unique at the time for being dual-voltage. Since 2010 the remaining Class 313 fleet has been used along the Sussex coast based out of Brighton, however their operating life is rapidly coming to a close with replacement of this aging, yet reliable, fleet planned for May 2023. Here 313213 approaches Yapton CCTV Crossing operating 2P34 13:09 Littlehampton - Bognor Regis.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Southbourne
A location I'd not been to since 2010, but was keen to return and take a look, and not a whole lot has changed apart from the new build housing to the right at the top end of the field. Although backlit I thought the standing water brought a nice feature to the shot as 313209 departs Southbourne operating 1S14 09:05 Brighton - Portsmouth & Southsea.
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
22 November 2022
(6D PL)
Ford
A lucky patch of sun, and the final shot from a very enjoyable few hours due to ever increasing cloud cover, as 377418 approaches Ford station (left) operating 1B88 12:05 Victoria - Bognor Regis, starting from Horsham at 13:05. The unit stands out nicely against the distant South Downs which are in shadow from the cloud cover, and the glinty reflection on the River Arun was certainly an unexpected bonus.
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
Ford
313203 crosses the River Arun at Ford operating 2P34 13:09 Littlehampton - Bognor Regis. To the right of the train can be seen St Mary Magdalene's Church at Lyminster. The wooden groynes in the foreground once formed part of a wharf here, known as Ford Quay, and was important enough to justify a single siding which ran down from nearby Ford station, the footpath to the left indicates the position of that former siding. The bridge dates back to 1938, and replaces an earlier swing bridge.
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
Littlehampton
I don't mind admitting this view was inspired by the work of Nic Joynson, and more recently Adam Snow, so here is my take at Littlehampton of 313219 arriving with 2P23 12:05 Bognor Regis - Littlehampton. The 44-lever signal box, opened by the London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1886 became a Grade II listed structure on 25 April 2013 by English Heritage, with assistance from Network Rail.
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
Littlehampton
Third-rail electrification reached the West Sussex town of Littlehampton in 1938, and with it the Southern Railway undertook a re-signalling scheme providing greater flexibility including doubling the size of this terminus station from two platforms to four, as well as provision of a new three-road carriage shed. As part of the pre World War 2 re-signalling scheme, which was completed for electrification on 3 July 1938, new platform-end starting signals were provided, and Platform 1 and 2 starting signals can be seen here as 377446 leads 377154 into their destination working 1H18 10:15 Victoria - Littlehampton past the 1886 built signal box. A feature on the West Sussex electrification scheme can be found here.
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
Littlehampton
A going-away shot of 313208 as it departs Littlehampton working 2S18 1155 Littlehampton - Portsmouth & Southsea in a very lucky patch of sun. The 1967 built gas holder, which has been a Littlehampton landmark since its construction, is scheduled for demolition by Southern Gas Networks at some stage in the coming years.
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
In great company with Gordon White we both capture 313207 on the approach to Barnham at New Barn Crossing operating 1S17 10:33 Portsmouth & Southsea - Brighton.
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
377424 departs Barnham in glorious weather operating 1J18 09:35 Victoria - Southampton Southern service.
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
Another spur-of-the-moment visit to West Sussex, and first up sees 313219 passing New Barn Crossing operating 2S09 09:57 Portsmouth & Southsea - Littlehampton running about nine minutes late.
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
18 November 2022
(6D PL)
Yapton
It was obvious the fine weather was going to be short-lived, and high winds were making pole aerial photography quite a challenge, so I decided I would finish off with a couple of final shots here at Yapton. First up. and for the third time today, is 313201 which speeds past operating 1S21 12:29 Portsmouth Harbour - Brighton.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Yapton
Not quite the location I expected, or hoped for, but as I was "in the area" it made sense to investigate. This VSTP move had appeared; 5Z55 12:59 Littlehampton - Lovers Walk T&RSMD via Bognor Regis, and with no info I hoped it might be a Class 313 move, sadly not though as 377134 is captured in a welcome burst of sun at Long Barn footpath crossing between Ford and Yapton.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
Having photographed 313201 a little earlier heading east it wasn't too difficult to work out its next trip; 1S18 11:00 Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour. In glorious weather the smart looking 3-car EMU departs Barnham heading west. The service through Barnham is certainly intensive with the area well served to destinations such as Southampton, Portsmouth, London and Brighton, as well as the branches to Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
A quick-turnaround at Bognor and 313209 is straight back working 2P21 11:05 Bognor Regis - Littlehampton as it passes over Birch footpath crossing on its approach to Barnham. The 'new' Barnham Signalling Centre can be seen in the distance, commissioned over the weekend of 15/16 November 2008, replacing the 1911 built LBSCR Type 3B 75-lever box situated at the platform-end of the station.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
313209 is provided for the 'Bognor shuttle' as it departs Barnham operating 2P24 10:52 Barnham - Bognor Regis, seen here at Birch footpath crossing. It would seem there are aspirations to develop the land here, and close the footpath crossings, although perhaps a little surprising as this is apparently a 'flood plain', and was certainly very wet at the time of my visit.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
Another Southern operated service from Southampton, just 14 minutes behind the Victoria service. 1Y55 09:26 Southampton - Brighton via Eastleigh passes New Barn on the approach to Barnham formed of 377401.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
What was originally planned to be one of three separate day's of industrial action by the RMT union, but postponed by the union in advance meant a full service was resumed by the third and final day; Wednesday 9th November 2022. On that day 377457 approaches Barnham with Southern Railway service 1J23 09:13 Southampton - Victoria as un-forecast cloud clings to the nearby south coast.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Barnham
An unexpected bonus, retro liveried 313201 in BR blue & grey livery, seen here on the approach to Barnham operating 1S15 09:33 Portsmouth & Southsea - Brighton. Apparently the unit had been subjected to graffiti vandalism on one side during September 2022, and has since received a heavy exterior clean resulting in this very smart appearance. Repainted towards the end of 2017 in a joint venture between Govia Thameslink and Beacon Rail, as part of its C6 overhaul at Wolverton, the pioneer Class 313, originally numbered as 313001, was the UK's first-ever second-generation EMU (Electric Multiple Unit), and this was celebrated with a heritage repaint.
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
09 November 2022
(6D PL)
Harpur Hill
The final shot at the end of an amazing days photography in the High Peak, with a special "thanks" to Nic Joynson for the invite, and driving. Another crack at 66778 Cambois Depot 25 Years now passing Harpur Hill almost at journeys end with 4H88 08:13 Hams Hall - Hindlow. This is the former L&NWR Buxton & High Peak Branch that ran from Buxton to Ashbourne, now truncated as far as Dowlow Quarry, the remaining trackbed forming the Tissington Trail to Ashbourne.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Peak Forest
Seen between Peak Forest and Great Rocks, a distance of about half-a-mile, is 66778 Cambois Depot 25 Years returning yet another load of empty wagons to the quarries for loading, this being 4H88 08:13 Hams Hall - Hindlow. Apparently the quarries here near Buxton are at the busiest they've ever been because of projects such as HS2.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Peak Forest
Another GBRf 'celebrity' / customer livery, this time Maritime liveried 66727 Maritime One seen here at Peak Forest propelling its train back into the Dove Holes Quarry sidings after arriving with 6H10 10:35 Bletchley -Peak Forest stone empties.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Peak Forest
Well, who could have imagined this? A pair of Class 20s hire-in for Victa Rail shunting commitments at Peak Forest. Having arrived Sunday night they are seen a couple days later on Tuesday 19 October 2022 as green 20007 leads BR blue 20205 preparing to draw forward for further loading, the wagons believed to be for the evenings departure to Attercliffe.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Peak Forest
Well, who could have imagined this? A pair of Class 20s hire-in for Victa Rail shunting commitments at Peak Forest. Having arrived Sunday night they are seen a couple days later on Tuesday 19 October 2022 as green 20007 leads BR blue 20205 preparing to draw forward for further loading, the wagons believed to be for the evenings departure to Attercliffe.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Peak Forest
Well, who could have imagined this? A pair of Class 20s hire-in for Victa Rail shunting commitments at Peak Forest. Having arrived Sunday night they are seen a couple days later on Tuesday 19 October 2022 as green 20007 leads BR blue 20205 preparing to draw forward for further loading, the wagons believed to be for the evenings departure to Attercliffe. Apparently the Class 20s will be here until the end of the autumn 2022 leaf fall season, which ends around the start of December.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Ollerbrook Booth
With the passing cloud clearing in time, the amazing landscape is once again bathed in glorious autumnal light as 66006 heads past Ollerbook Booth, in the stunning Hope Valley, working an additional 6Z70 10:00 Dowlow Brigg Siding - Toton North Yard, and leaving plenty of limestone dust in its wake. What a shame this wasn't a Class 60, it would have been one-panel-tastic!
18 October 2022
(7D)
18 October 2022
(7D)
Ollerbook Booth
Having photographed 150124 a little earlier at Chinley, here it is seen at Ollerbrook Booth on the way back operating 2S79 11:14 Sheffield - Manchester Piccadilly approaching its station stop at Edale.
18 October 2022
(7D)
18 October 2022
(7D)
Chinley
The 'main event', 60044 Dowlow hauls 6H02 09:30 Arpley Sidings - Tunstead past Chinley. This was a little difficult to compose, and not quite what I would have liked, but the frame was dictated by factors like tree shadows, green palisade fencing, and most annoyingly a bright yellow portacabin to the left at the top end of a new build development next to the railway that was recently underway.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Chinley
It's leaf fall season again on Britain's railways, and with it the usual fleet of Railhead Treatment Trains are in service, and in this case one of Network Rail's MPV's (Multi Purpose Vehicle) used to jet-wash the railhead and clear it of leaf mulch and other contaminants that could affect railhead adhesion. This is DR98982 passing Chinley operating 3S50 05:04 Wigan LIP - Crewe on a glorious autumn morning.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Chinley
Not one of my favourite liveries, but it's still an improvement over Great Western's green, which I am more use too. Trans-Pennine Express 1B72 10:18 Manchester Piccadilly - Cleethorpes approaches Chinley North Junction with 185104 leading 185123.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Chinley
An attractive setting for Northern's 150124 as it gets away from its booked station stop at Chinley operating 2S78 09:42 Manchester Piccadilly - Sheffield. The hill in the distance is Chinley Churn, and is right at the extremity of the High Peak District.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Chapel Milton
Here's an unexpected bonus. Thanks to Ian Ball who was already here upon our arrival and made us aware that this GBRf celebrity was due. Once the shadows had cleared the A6 bridge it was 'game on'. Having just passed over Chinley North Junction and Chapel Milton Viaduct 66793 heads 4H98 05:07 Hams Hall - Hindlow towards Chinley South Junction over the A6 road bridge.
18 October 2022
(7D PL - RW 30/03/2024)
18 October 2022
(7D PL - RW 30/03/2024)
Chapel Milton
GB Railfreight's 66707 Sir Sam Fay Great Central Railway heads on up towards Chinley North Junction on Tuesday 18 October 2022 working 6J46 08:50 Peak Forest - Hope Street loaded stone train. The Cemex terminal at Hope Street is located at Salford, a rail distance of 31 and three-quarter miles from the Peak Forest facility, the train being booked to take an hour and 49 minutes to complete this journey.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Chapel Milton
Freightliner HeavyHaul's 66610 is about the pass over the A6 bridge at Chapel Milton in charge of 6H43 08:04 Pendleton - Tunstead.
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
18 October 2022
(7D PL)
Moreton (Merseyside)
Introduced from 1979, the Class 508 originally entered service on suburban services out of London Waterloo, on British Rail's Southern Region South Western Division (as was known). An original build of 43 4-car units were built by BREL York, but the class are now in their twilight years, or months even, with some 24 sets now reportedly left in traffic. Here 508117 departs Moreton operating 2W17 10:36 West Kirby - West Kirby via Liverpool Central.
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
Moreton (Merseyside)
A fine, albeit short-lived, start to the morning on the Wirral Line as 508124 departs Moreton station operating 2W16 10:21 West Kirby - West Kirby via Liverpool Central.
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
Liverpool Central
The Wirral Line platform at Liverpool Central with 507020 John Peel about to depart operating 2C25 12:15 Chester - Chester via Liverpool Central. Mersey Rail is made up of the Wirral Line, radiating from Liverpool out to Birkenhead, New Brighton, West Kirby, Chester and Ellesmere Port. The second line is the Northern Line, operating on a separate route out of Liverpool to Southport, Ormskirk, Kirkby and Hunts Cross. Whilst connected to the national network, these third-rail electrified lines operate as an independent system.
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
Moreton (Merseyside)
Constructed by BREL York the fleet of 33 Class 507 EMU was introduced by British Rail in late 1978 for use on Liverpool's Northern Line. Externally the units are the same as the Class 313, 314, 315 and 508 units, and are now some of the the oldest units operating on the national network. However, their days are numbered on Mersey Rail, with Class 507 and 508 units due for replacement by the new Class 777, currently under construction/ delivery and acceptance. For now though, the old order still work all services, as seen here with 507005 departing Moreton operating 2W18 10:51 West Kirby - West Kirby via Liverpool Central.
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
Moreton (Merseyside)
The Mersey Rail Class 507 and 508 fleet have a dual-livery, with one side in a sliver livery, whilst the opposite side is in this yellow version, which certainly stands-out nicely on such a fine morning. Here 507005 2W18 10:51 West Kirby - West Kirby via Liverpool Central gets away from Moreton station on its hour long out-and-back trip.
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
24 September 2022
(iPhone)
Greenholme
What would be my final shot at the end of an amazing day, and again taken with minutes to spare. Heading north past Greenholme is 4S44 12:16 Daventry - Mossend worked by 88007 Electra. Thanks as always to Nic Joyson for the invite, and driving.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Moreton (Merseyside)
Introduced from 1979, the Class 508 originally entered service on suburban services out of London Waterloo, on British Rail's Southern Region South Western Division (as was known). An original build of 43 4-car units were built by BREL York, but the class are now in their twilight years, or months even, with some 24 sets now reportedly left in traffic. Here 508117 departs Moreton operating 2W17 10:36 West Kirby - West Kirby via Liverpool Central.
24 September 2022
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24 September 2022
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Birkett Common
Growling away with its heavy load of logs in tow is Colas Railfreight's 70809 working 6J37 13:43 Carlisle Yard - Chirk passing the well known location of Birkett Common, south of Kirkby Stephen.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Birkett Common
158859 heads north towards KIrkby Stephen operating Northern's 2H90 13:18 Leeds - Carlisle. Pretty much like my local operator, South Western Railway, the livery of this operator stands out nicely in the landscape, unlike my other local operator; Great Western.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Birkett Common
The principal train operator for the Settle to Carlisle route is Northern, providing a service about once every two hours to and from Carlisle. Heading south over Birkett Common, and down towards the 424 yard long Birkett Tunnel, is 158759 operating 1E65 13:40 Carlisle - Leeds.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Crosby Garrett
The wonderful location of Crosby Garrett, with Cross Fell dominating the skyline, sees 66429 and a decent load in tow pass over the viaduct of the same name working 6K05 12:46 Carlisle Yard - Basford Hall engineers train.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Ribblehead
Little did I realise at the time, in fact not until the following day, was that I was standing next to, and chatting with (albeit briefly) John Whiteley, one of this counties finest railway photographers (in my opinion). Coming off Ribblehead Viaduct and approaching Ribblehead station is 66762 with 6M38 11:25 Arcow - Bredbury, although the train was terminated at Hellifield at the FOC's (Freight Operating Company) request. Johns take on this working can be found here.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Ribblehead
In perfect conditions GB Railfreight's 66762 has just passed over the 440 yard long Ribblehead Viaduct (aka Batty Moss Viaduct) working 6M38 11:25 Arcow Quarry - Bedbury, however the train would only get as far as Hellifield where it was terminated at the request of the operator.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Lambrigg
I expect this view has all been done before, but as we drove by I spotted this stunning view out towards the Shap Fells, so a quick shot of the first passing train, and I was pleased it was a Trans-Pennine service as their livery can really ping-out in the landscape. Passing Lambrigg is 397010 operating 1M94 09:06 Glasgow Central - Manchester Airport.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Birkett Common
No time to move, as just eight minutes behind the logs comes DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66065 with 6E97 15:02 New Biggin - Milford West Sidings gypsum empties over Birkett Common making its way slowly, but steadily, to the Ais Gill Summit.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Docker
Surprisingly (or not) diesel-powered services are still operated 'under the wires' of the West Coast Main Line, for now at least. Passing over the attractive setting of Docker Garth's Viaduct is Voyager units 221103 and 221116 operating 9M52 08:52 Edinburgh - Euston.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Docker
A quick call-in at this popular spot, especially now that the view has been opened-up by vegetation clearance. Nothing special today, just 390043 working 9S44 06:43 Euston - Glasgow Central over Docker Garth's Viaduct.
01 March 2022
01 March 2022
Beck Foot
Beck Foot is the setting for 6H51 11:04 Hardendale Quarry - Tunstead powered by 66613, the fantastic Howgill Fells dominate in the distance.
01 March 2022
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01 March 2022
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Beck Foot
Direct Rail Services 88006 Juno sweeps round under the M6 and past Beck Foot with 4S43 06:23 Davetry - Mossend, the usual load of Tesco branded containers form-up the consist.
01 March 2022
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01 March 2022
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Hungerford
By now any sunshine was practically gone, so the final shot of the day sees 60020 The Willows pass Hungerford Common working 6B33 13:35 Theale - Robeston discharged tanks.
11 February 2022
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11 February 2022
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Hungerford
A Great Western 'Thames Turbo' unit on the approach to Hungerford operating 2T14 14:12 Newbury - Bedwyn.
11 February 2022
11 February 2022
Hungerford
In some milky light 7C77 12:23 Wembley - Merehead passes Hungerford Common with 66619 Derek W. Johnson MBE leading its 17 wagon set, then in the centre of the formation is 66542 with its 14 wagons, formed-up to create one train, forming an unusual sight. This new, and recent combination, has been created as a time saver at the yard, and seems to be a regular feature of this working.
11 February 2022
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11 February 2022
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Hungerford
Substituting for 60007 The Spirit of Tom Kendell which had been failed whilst on Didcot stabling point, reportedly with a fuel leak is 66136 seen on the approach to Hungerford with 6B33 13:35 Theale - Robeston discharged tanks.
What makes this locomotive stand out from the crowd a little bit more was that it had the distinction of being involved with the first ever through train from Yiwi in China to Barking Railfreight Terminal in London, via the Channel Tunnel, on 18 January 2017, and its return working on 10 April 2017 to Dollands Moor. To mark this amazing occasion the locomotive carries bodyside decals reading Yiwi - London Train and the rail freight operators involved, DB of course operating the European section as far as Poland. Photo's of the trains London arrival can be seen here.
14 January 2022
What makes this locomotive stand out from the crowd a little bit more was that it had the distinction of being involved with the first ever through train from Yiwi in China to Barking Railfreight Terminal in London, via the Channel Tunnel, on 18 January 2017, and its return working on 10 April 2017 to Dollands Moor. To mark this amazing occasion the locomotive carries bodyside decals reading Yiwi - London Train and the rail freight operators involved, DB of course operating the European section as far as Poland. Photo's of the trains London arrival can be seen here.
14 January 2022
Hungerford
You've got to assume there's quite a demand for a service serving stations between Bedwyn and Newbury, and beyond to Reading and London, judging by the frequency of service plodding up and down. One such service is 2T14 14:12 Newbury - Bedwyn, operated by Great Western's 165111, which is seen here on the approach to Hungerford.
14 January 2022
14 January 2022
Hungerford
Stunning winter weather conditions as 66957 works 6C58 12:10 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry past Hungerford Common.
14 January 2022
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14 January 2022
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Hungerford
1C81 12:33 Paddington - Exeter S.D 802010 Hungerford. The lineside vegetation was significantly cut-back here in the autumn of 2018, but just over three years later and the regrowth is already quite significant.
14 January 2022
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14 January 2022
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Kintbury
802112 operating 1A80 08:15 Penzance - Paddington on the approach to Kintbury.
14 January 2022
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14 January 2022
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Kintbury
Experimenting with a new location near Kintbury sees 66951 pass by working 6M20 10:38 Whatley - St Pancras.
14 January 2022
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14 January 2022
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Enborne
With any cloud now thankfully melted away, it was 'game on' in the final hour of daylight. Having just passed underneath the A34 at Enborne 60054 powers 6B33 13:35 Theale Puma - Robeston down along the Berks & Hants route in stunning winter light.
10 December 2021
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10 December 2021
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Enborne
Great Western's three-car Thames turbo unit 165110 passes Enborne operating 2T19 14:15 Newbury - Bedwyn shuttle service. The usually difficult-to-photograph green livery is actually highlighted quite well here in the low winter light.
10 December 2021
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10 December 2021
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Enborne
With the afternoon cloud bubbling up from the west GWR IET 802111 works past Enborne, near Newbury, operating 1A82 11:15 Plymouth - Paddington, the service today starting from Plymouth vice running as the 09:10 from Penzance.
10 December 2021
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10 December 2021
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Enborne
Now this was loud, in fact I'd never heard one of these units make so much noise. Having climbed up the gradient from Hampstead Crossing, to pass over the Kennett & Avon Canal bridge in the distance, 165110 screams past Enborne working 2T16 12:58 Bedwyn - Newbury shuttle service.
10 December 2021
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10 December 2021
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Manningtree
Propelling its train over the River Stour out of Manningtree, in Essex, and on in to Suffolk, is 90004 City of Chelmsford on 1P40 15:30 London Liverpool Street - Norwich.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Manningtree
DVT 82112 leads coaching stock set NC06 and propelled by 90004 City of Chelmsford away from Manningtree operating 1P40 15:30 London Liverpool Street - Norwich.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Manningtree
A quick dash to Manningtree to capture the final moments of the setting sun just as 321347 and 321323 approach Manningtree station (off to the right) working 1P49 15:30 Norwich - London Liverpool Street.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Badley
The final shot from the location at Badley Mill, and taken with the permission of the land owner (thank you), see's a 3-car variant of the Stadler Rail unit No.755332 pass by operating 2L77 13:50 Peterborough - Ipswich, the service today starting from Ely due to the late running inward service.
20 January 2020
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20 January 2020
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Badley
Unlike the previous two Class 90's, 90005 Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson still has the Greater Anglia branding midway along its lower body-side, as it passes on the rear of 1P34 14:00 London Liverpool Street - Norwich.
20 January 2020
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20 January 2020
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Badley
Another Class 90 devoid of its Abelio Greater Anglia branding, presumably in rediness for its transfer to Freightliner, once these loco-hauled services are finally replaced by the new Class 745 units? Next up, 90003 Crown Point leads 1P45 14:30 Norwich - London Liverpool Street towards Market Needham.
20 January 2020
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20 January 2020
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Badley
Presumably in preparation for its transfer to Freightliner de-branded 90012 Royal Anglian Regiment heads north towards Stowmarket with 1P32 13:30 London Liverpool Street - Norwich.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Badley
156417 passes Badley Mill operating 2W19 13:47 Cambridge - Ipswich.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Badley
Plenty of GB Railfreight hauled workings in this area, and next up at Badley Mill is 66767 working 4E20 13:21 Felixstowe - Rotherham Masborough in glorious, and very welcome, sunshine.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Badley
Yet another pair of Class 321 EMU's, presumably standing in for a Class 90 hauled set? This is 1P43 14:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street formed of 321310 (right) leading 321366 (left) just south of Stowmarket heading for Market Needham (off to the right).
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Badley
Certainly an unusual, if not unique design on Britain's railways, is the new Stadler Rail Class 755/4. Built in Switzerland and Poland this new 4-car Bi-Mode Multiple Unit (BMU) train looks like it might be more in keeping with a mainland European railway network, or even a light rail tram type system? One of these new units No.755421 works 2W18 14:20 Ipswich - Cambridge past Badley Mill in what had turned finally out to be a fine winters afternoon.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Badley
Something of a disappointment, in the respect that it was hoped to be a Class 90 hauled set on 1P30 13:00 London Liverpool Street - Norwich, but instead 321347 (left) leads 321323 (right) towards Stowmarket (off to the left) past Badley Mill.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Elmswell
A muddy trot from one end of the embankment to the other, with moments to spare, as 66748 West Burton 50 passes Elmswell Hall working 4L28 08:40 Doncaster Railport - Felixstowe.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Elmswell
With the sun finally appearing in the early afternoon, and a change of location, GB Railfreight's 66716 Locomotive & Carriage Institution Centenary 1911-2011 passes the attractive location of Elmswell Hall, on the Bury St Edmunds route, working 4E21 11:20 Felixstowe - Doncaster Railport.
20 January 2020
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20 January 2020
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Brantham
The new order on the Great Eastern Main Line, sort of, is the new Swiss built Stadler Rail Class 745/0 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU). With delayed introduction into service the class have yet to enter into squadron service. Here one of the new 12-car EMU's No.745007 passes the classic location of Brantham, north of Manningtree, operating 1P15 07:40 Norwich - London Liverpool Street. Sadly this was just a glimmer of sun between the clouds, and the only shot from this location during the morning.
20 January 2020
20 January 2020
Church Brampton
With minutes to go before the sun drops down over the hill tops 66538 is captured passing Church Brampton hauling 4M88 09:32 Felixstowe - Ditton FLT.
10 January 2020
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10 January 2020
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Barby Nortoft
In a very welcome sunny patch 88001 Revolution leads 88009 Diana on 4M27 05:48 Mossend Down Yard - Daventry IRFT at Barby Nortoft beneath a very threatening sky.
10 January 2020
10 January 2020
Church Brampton
350127 operating 2Y06 09:05 Liverpool - Euston passing the village of Church Brampton, bewteen Long Buckby and Northampton. This service covers a distance of 204 miles, and is booked to take 4 hours 12 minutes. This was also the planned shot for 4L75 05:00 Trafford Park to Felixstowe with 86609 and 86607, however 86607 was to fail just north of Watford Lodge Tunnel, between Long Buckby and Daventry, eventually passing here 212 minutes late.
10 January 2020
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10 January 2020
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Althorp
Veteran traction on 4L97 06:17 Trafford Park - Felixstowe at Althorp as 86632 leads 86622 in some glorious winter light. Now over 50 years old the remaining Class 86's in use with Freightliner are reportedly on borrowed time, and withdrawal is expected over the next 12 months.
10 January 2020
10 January 2020
Althorp
A pair of Class 350 'Desiro' units head south towards Northampton.
10 January 2020
10 January 2020
Marston Jabbett
1D82 08:10 Euston - Holyhead operated by 221113 heads towards Nuneaton. Note the two men by the canal side who had turned up to do pointing work on the bridge wing wall.
10 January 2020
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10 January 2020
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Marston Jabbett
Nicely backlit 66786 works 4M21 03:10 Felixstowe - Trafford Park along the three-track section between Rugby and Nuneaton.
10 January 2020
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10 January 2020
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Marston Jabbett
1R27 07:48 Liverpool - Euston hurries south operated by 390001.
10 January 2020
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10 January 2020
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Marston Jabbett
Just south of Nuneaton and 390119 operates 1H11 08:00 Euston - Manchester over the Ashby de la Zouch canal.
10 January 2020
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10 January 2020
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Marston Jabbett
Having arrived on site only seven minutes earlier, and with sunrise only a few minutes after our arrival, the first shot of the new year, in fact the new decade, couldn't have begun any better with the unexpected sight of four Class 86's on 4Z45 04:55 Shenfield - Garston FLT. About to pass over the Ashby de la Zouch Canal at Marston Jabbett is 86608 leading 86605, followed by 86613 leading 86610. The train originally started out as 4M42 21:52 Felixstowe - Garston, but following the failure of 86613 at Shenfield assistance came in the form of 86608 and 86605 which were removed from 4M45 02:50 Felixstowe - Garston FLT at Ipswich.
10 January 2020
10 January 2020
Hungerford
In glorious autumnal conditions 59205 passes Hungerford working 7A77 11:48 Merehead - Theale. This is the second loaded stone train of the morning destined for Theale, and would require a layover in Hungerford goods loop until the first train had been unloaded at Theale, and then departed back to the Mendip quarries to avoid any unnecessary congestion at the terminal.
22 October 2019
22 October 2019
Hungerford
With just a couple of weeks to go before Freightliner take over the Mendip stone contract from DB Cargo UK, at the start of November 2019, Maritime blue liveried 66142 Maritime Intermodal Three makes a welcome appearance on the stone traffic circuit. Here it approaches Hungerford with returning empties back to the Mendip quarries, running as 6C58 11:45 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry.
22 October 2019
22 October 2019
Enborne
Hard to imagine the Class 66 is now something like 21 years old in the UK, being first introduced from June 1998 by the then newly created English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS). Still sporting original EWS livery, although EWS now forms part of DB Cargo UK, 66025 makes its way up towards Newbury running some 25 minutes late hauling 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras loaded stone train, formed of the now regular DB Cargo UK red liveried hoppers used on this service.
22 October 2019
22 October 2019
Enborne
I keep saying it, if these things were in (the far more stylish) LNER type of livery i'd happily take a few more shots of them, but this GWR green livery is frustrating. Doing its best to blend in with the landscape 802001 leads 802005 with 1A81 07:41 Penzance - Paddington past Enborne, just west of Newbury.
22 October 2019
22 October 2019
Enborne
With quite an impressive dust storm in its wake from its load of stone 59005 Kenneth J Painter is seen leading Tuesdays Only 7A74 09:22 Whatley Quarry - Theale up towards Newbury some 19 minutes early.
22 October 2019
22 October 2019
Chester
507020 John Peel about to depart from Chester operating 2C27 12:45 Chester - Liverpool Lime Street - Chester.
15 April 2019
15 April 2019
Chester
The Class 507 and 508 units on Merseyrail are now on borrowed time, with new Class 777 units on order from Stadler Rail and expected to come into service during 2019 to replace the aging Class 507 and 508 fleet, which have been in service since 1978. For now though it's business as usual as 507020 John Peel arrives at Chester operating 2C21 11:15 Chester - Liverpool Lime Street - Chester in a welcome burst of sunshine.
15 April 2019
15 April 2019
Enborne
The only sunny shot from this location as the cloud starts to roll in rather rapidly from the west. Still, I was pleased to get a HST passing the site of Enborne Junction, near Newbury, as 1C82 13:03 Paddington - Plymouth passes by lead by 43174, to the rear is 43022.
28 January 2019
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28 January 2019
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Kintbury
With ever increasing cloud coming up from the west GWR green HST power-car 43004 leads 1A81 07:41 Penzance - Paddington towards Kintbury, trailing at the rear is power-car 43122.
28 January 2019
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28 January 2019
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Kintbury
It's certainly been a good morning for DB Cargo red liveried loco's, which are now becoming a bit more common as the company finally repaints their Class 66's from the original EWS livery. This is 66150, which was repainted at Toton TMD a couple of years ago, sweeping round towards Kintbury alongside the Kennet & Avon canal with 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras. The consist is also formed of a new uniform rake of DB Cargo red wagons, which had only been in use on this circuit for a few days.
28 January 2019
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28 January 2019
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Doncaster iPort
The sun sets over Yorkshire's new Doncaster iPort rail terminal. The site officially opened in February 2018, but it wouldn't be until 12 September 2018 that regular freight trains started running when the terminal was unveiled by Princess Anne. Just four weeks after that unveiling by the Princess Royal GB Railfreight's 66715 awaits departure with 4O33 18:04 departure to Southampton Western Docks. To the right is the freight-only line from Doncaster to Shireoaks and Worksop via Maltby Colliery.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Rossington
Final shot from a fantastic days photography in South Yorkshire, with a huge thanks to fellow Dorset based photographer Nic Joynson for the push, and for driving. Passing the footpath crossing at Rossington, south of Doncaster, and DVT 82222 leads 1A41 16:45 Leeds - Kings Cross powered by 91121 to the rear as they hammer southbound to London.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Ecclesfield
Playing to the gallery the driver of 20302 and 20305 storms past the popular location of Ecclesfield with 3S14 11:13 Grimsby Pasture Street - Bridlington (via Scunthorpe, Wakefield Kirkgate, Sheffield, Selby) RHTT working.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Ecclesfield
In superb weather 1L72 14:20 Lincoln Central -Leeds (via Barnsley and Wakefield Kirkgate) passes Ecclesfield worked by 158787.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
Originally my chosen location for 60040 on the steel, but with a faulty pole set-up the field a couple of hundred yards behind me was used. With no time to at least set up the ladder a grabbed shot is taken at Bellasize Crossing of 158795 departing Gilberdyke just seven minutes behind the tug working 1J49 13:35 Bridlington - Sheffield.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
Passing Gilberdyke's Down Outer Home signal 60040 The Territorial Army Centenary accelerates round the curve out of Gilberdyke, heading towards Goole, hauling the Rotherham tripper; 6Z94 13:20 Hull Hedon Road Sidings - Rotherham Masborough.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
The area between Ferriby and Gilberdyke is soon to be re-signalled, with control passing to York R.O.C. Passing one of the doomed semaphore signals - G53 - is 142015 working 2R68 13:53 Hull - Sheffield on a beautiful autumn afternoon.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
Hull Trains 180110 works 1H03 13:27 Doncaster - Hull towards Gilberdyke.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
The view from Bennetland crossing at Gilberdyke sees 180110 approach working 1H03 13:27 Doncaster - Hull.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
On the approach to Gilberdyke is Trans-Pennine Express liveried 185118 working 1K17 11:47 Manchester Piccadilly - Hull. Introduced from March 2006 a total of 51 3-car units were built by Siemens for use with Trans-Pennine Express and Northern.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
With commissioning of the re-signalling between Ferriby and Gilberdyke originally planned for March 2018, the box at Gilberdyke Junction is now on borrowed time, although a revised commissioning date has not yet been announced. Once known as Staddlethorpe West 158906 working 2R09 11:47 York - Hull passes the 1903 built North Eastern Type S2 box. From 1975 the station and its 55-lever signalbox were re-named from Staddlethorpe to Gilberdyke after the village on the main road, rather than the hamlet adjacent to the station.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
With the signal "off" towards Goole 144007 prepares to depart Gilberdyke working 2R60 11:51 Hull - Sheffield.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
There's not many double-track main lines left in the country controlled by manual signal boxes with semaphore signalling, but that's what still exists in the East Riding District of Yorkshire, on the Hull to Selby route. However, a contract to re-signal between Ferriby and Gilberdyke was awarded in February 2016 to Ansaldo STS and Linbrooke Services Ltd, worth £34.5m. With five signal boxes, and two manned crossings planned for closure in March 2018 the commissioning date has slipped due to technical issues, with no revised commissioning date officially announced. About to pass one of the new signals on the right, hooded over with a white 'X', is 185135 with 1K15 10:47 Manchester Picc - Hull. In the meantime the ever reliable semaphore signals to the left continue to operate normally.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
A real struggle with the shadows meant I couldn't achieve a shot I was truly happy with, so a quick bit of improvisation. Storming towards Gilberdyke station is 66714 Cromer Lifeboat with 6D72 11:32 Hull Dairycoates Tilcon Siding - Rylstone Tilcon.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
Trans-Pennine Express 1K18 11:40 Hull - Manchester Piccadilly worked by 18511 passes Gilberdyke. The service would terminate short of its destination at Stalybridge. The railway line here is dead-straight for something like 18 miles, between Cliffe (near Selby) and Brough, making it the longest section of straight railway in the country.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
Hull Trains 180110 hurries through Gilberdyke with 1H02 11:26 Doncaster - Hull. The route to Hull is served by four train operators; Northern, Trans-Pennine Express, Hull Trains and LNER.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Gilberdyke
Although you wouldn't think so to look at it today, but the railway between Gilberdyke (nee Staddlethorpe) and Hessle Junction was formerly four-tracks to cope with the volume of traffic along this section. Today the railway is a basic two-track system, and the rebuilt platforms at Gilberdyke occupy the site of the former slow lines. One of only seven Class 155 units operated by Northern is 155343 seen here departing Gilberdyke operating 2R08 11:10 Hull - York.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Melton Ross
The main event, and one of the reasons for the long drive from Dorset! In great autumn weather 20305 leads 20302 past Melton Ross heading 3S14 11:13 Grimsby Pasture Street - Bridlington (via Scunthorpe, Wakefield Kirkgate, Sheffield, Selby) RHTT working. Superb!
10 October 2018
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10 October 2018
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Melton Ross
It's been over four years since my previous visit here in March 2014, and it was noticeable how much the vegetation had grown in those four years, go back ten years and the scene looked like this.
With a train load of coal Freightliner's 66501 Japan 2001 hauls 6C75 10:55 Immingham Bulk Terminal - Scunthorpe Coal Plant past the lime works at Melton Ross.
10 October 2018
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With a train load of coal Freightliner's 66501 Japan 2001 hauls 6C75 10:55 Immingham Bulk Terminal - Scunthorpe Coal Plant past the lime works at Melton Ross.
10 October 2018
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Melton Ross
Having already photographed 185143 at Hatfield & Stainforth, it is now seen on its return working from Cleethorpes, with 1B77 11:26 Cleethorpes - Manchester Airport past the lime works at Melton Ross.
10 October 2018
(RW 25/02/2023)
10 October 2018
(RW 25/02/2023)
Hatfield & Stainforth
A going-away shot of the Class 20 worked RHTT as 20305 (left) 20302 (right) 3S13 08:50 Wrenthorpe Recep - Grimsby Pasture Street pass the tail-end of a coal train.
10 October 2018
10 October 2018
Hatfield & Stainforth
Closed in 2015 after 99 years of operation Hatfield Main Colliery still stands in a disused state. The headstocks to the left are now Grade II listed structures by Historic England, details can be found here. 20305 (left) trails 20302 (right) leading 3S13 08:50 Wrenthorpe Reception - Grimsby Pasture Street RHTT past the closed colliery. Wrenthorpe Reception is located at Wakefield Kirkgate.
10 October 2018
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10 October 2018
(RW 25/02/2023)
Hatfield & Stainforth
The disused Hatfield Main Colliery stands in the distance as 185143 passes by working First Trans-Pennine Express 1B68 07:53 Manchester Airport - Cleethorpes. In February 2013 the land behind the Class 185 unit suffered a huge landslip, causing massive damage to the railway resulting in a five month closure, more details can be found here and here.
10 October 2018
(RW 25/02/2023)
10 October 2018
(RW 25/02/2023)
Hatfield & Stainforth
Pinking pair 66066 Geoff Spencer leading 66097 approaching Hatfield & Stainforth with 6D75 08:43 Scunthorpe Trent Sidings - Doncaster Decoy Up Yard formed of an RDT set.
With a cable fault rendering the pole set-up useless, and the ladder back at the car, this grabbed shot was as good as it was going to get for this working, thankfully that was the only drama (for me) on what was the start of a great day "north of Wiltshire".
10 October 2018
With a cable fault rendering the pole set-up useless, and the ladder back at the car, this grabbed shot was as good as it was going to get for this working, thankfully that was the only drama (for me) on what was the start of a great day "north of Wiltshire".
10 October 2018
Kintbury
Caught in an unexpected burst of sunshine 59005 Kenneth J. Painter sweeps round the curve past an old World War 2 pill box west of Kintbury station working 7C64 15:26 Acton Yard - Merehead Quarry.
01 October 2018
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01 October 2018
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Kintbury
Get them whilst you can, because their days are numbered on Great Western. Still plodding up-and-down, day-in day-out, the ever reliable 40 year old HST still presents a fine sight as power-car 43069 leads 1C88 16:03 Paddington - Penzance westwards from Kintbury.
01 October 2018
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01 October 2018
(PL)
Kintbury
The diverted 6V32 10:48 Tilbury - Trostre, formed of ferry-wagons used to convey steel, sweeps round past the Kennet & Avon canal near Kintbury, hauled by GB Railfreight's 66774. The train, running empty back to South Wales, was diverted from the 'top road' via Badminton due to electrification works around Bristol Parkway, making a welcome change to the more usual DB-Cargo hauled stone trains that frequent the Berks & Hants route.
01 October 2018
(PL)
01 October 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
If it wasn't for the yellow front you'd hardly know the train was there. Blending in nicely with its surroundings 165107 approaches Hungerford working Great Western's 1K14 13:06 Paddington - Bedwyn service.
01 October 2018
01 October 2018
Hungerford
In the great company of GG and Wetbag the three of us capture 59206 John F. Yeoman - Rail Pioneer double-heading with 59203 as they head towards Hungerford with 7C77 12:40 Acton Yard - Merehead Quarry. Frustratingly the light dipped at the crucial moment, but i think overall we were happy enough with "the pair of pinky's".
01 October 2018
(PL)
01 October 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
A grabbed shot of 165113 as it gets away from Hungerford working 1K21 13:35 Bedwyn - Paddington.
01 October 2018
01 October 2018
Hungerford
With hindsight this is not the shot I should have done for this working, as I was merely replication what i'd done the week before, still at least the sun came out. Recently repainted into the DB red livery, and sporting a slightly different DB logo compared to previous members of the fleet, 66066 Geoff Spencer passes Hungerford Common hauling 6C58 11:55 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry stone empties.
01 October 2018
(PL)
01 October 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
With a lady (dressed in white) sat enjoying a good book to the right, 59101 Village of Whatley passes by on the approach to Hungerford working 7C76 14:39 Acton Yard - Whatley Quarry just five minutes behind the RHTT working.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
The autumn 2018 leaf fall seasons has started with Network Rail operating their Railhead Treatment Trains (aka RHTT). The first week of operation, and for now the locomotives and wagons are still clean, but not for long. Approaching Hungerford station is 66121 top and tail with 66019 operating as 3J41 Didcot Fuel Point - Westbury - Didcot Fuel Point, out-and-back via the Berks & Hants route. Note the water spray from the blue wagons, this is a high-pressure water jet directed onto the railhead which cleans the rails and removes any contamination, such as leaf mulch that has built up on the railhead, this in-turn can affect train adhesion and braking capabilities.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
With the gradual phasing-in of the new Great Western Class 800 series units the days of the High-Speed Train (aka HST), which are now over 40-years old, is numbered. Here HST power-car No.43023 SQN LDR HAROLD STARR - One Of The Few leads 1C86 15:03 Paddington - Penzance towards Hungerford, out-of-sight to the rear is No.43030 Christian Lewis Trust.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
6V18 11:25 Allington Hanson Aggregate Sidings - Whatley Quarry with 59104 Village of Great Elm in charge passes Hungerford Common in glorious weather.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
800030 (left) trails to the rear of 80027 (right) as they pass through Hungerford working 5Z71 14:19 Bristol Temple Meads - Paddington test run / driver training trip.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
Thames turbo No.165109 working 1K16 14:06 Paddington - Bedwyn slows for the Hungerford station stop.
27 September 2018
27 September 2018
Hungerford
Celebrity power-car 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange leads a mix-match set of blue and green coaches working 1A85 10:00 Penzance - Paddington past Hungerford, with power-car 43087 trailing, against the stunning backdrop of trees that are starting to change colour as autumn starts to sets in.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
Coming thick and fast just nine minutes behind the GBRf working is 59002 Alan J. Day hauling 7C77 12:40 Acton Yard - Merehead Quarry stone empties past Hungerford Common.
27 September 2018
27 September 2018
Hungerford
Making a nice change to all the stone trains that normally frequent the Berks & Hants route is this diverted GBRf steel train, 6V32 10:48 Tilbury - Trostre, worked by a very clean 66774 as it passes the gallery at Hungerford Common.
27 September 2018
27 September 2018
Hungerford
43124 leads 1C81 12:33 Paddington - Taunton past Hungerford.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
FGW blue 43144 leads GWR green 43170 with 1C82 13:03 Paddington - Plymouth past Hungerford running 14 minutes late.
27 September 2018
27 September 2018
Hungerford
Recently repainted into DB Schenker red is 66027 seen passing Hungerford Common working 6C58 11:55 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry stone empties.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Hungerford
Having attempted to do this shot a week earlier without success, I was determined to come back and try again. Well second time lucky. In glorious weather 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras loaded stone train passes under the graceful sweeping arch of Dunn's Mill bridge at Hungerford hauled by 66076 with the usual distinctive orange Roadstone hoppers.
27 September 2018
27 September 2018
Hungerford
It's all going to be history soon enough as 43193 sweeps round past Hungerford Common 1A79 06:47 Penzance - Paddington, out of sight to the rear is 43020 MTU Power. Passion. Partnership.
27 September 2018
27 September 2018
Bedlinog
It was inevitable I suppose that the great weather wouldn't last, and the only brief spell of cloud of the afternoon coincided with 4C95 12:26 Margam - Cwmbargoed Open Cast Colliery. At a constant gradient of between 1-in-40, and 1-in-49, over a seven mile distance from Ystrad Mynach to Cwmbargoed, 66147 crawls through Bedlinog, in the the Taf Bargoed Valley with this working.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Cwmbargoed
It could almost be on the moon! Freightliner's 66504 stands at Cwmbargoed awaiting time with 6C94 15:45 Cwmbargoed Open Cast Colliery - Port Talbot Grange Sidings. Although booked to shunt from the colliery siding at 15:45, the actual departure time away from Cwmbargoed isn't until 17:47 as the seven mile single line section to Ystrad Mynach will be occupied by the DB working 4C95 12:26 Margam - Cwmbargoed Open Cast Colliery, booked to arrive at Cwmbargoed at 16:14.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Cwmbargoed
Having run-round its train 66504 is now on the correct end for departure from Cwmbargoed. The driver can be seen back at the fifth wagon checking round his train, and preparing to make a brake test.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Cwmbargoed
Now fully loaded with coal Freightliner's 66504 slowly draws its train out of the loading point at Cwmbargoed, once the locomotive has run-round its train (off camera to the left) it will then start the seven mile descent down to Ystrad Mynach (to the right) along the single line in the foreground.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Cwmbargoed
A constant procession of dumper trucks come and go from the loading point at Cwmbargoed with coal from the adjacent open cast mine as the train, with 66504 in charge, stands in the single siding. Once loading is complete the train will draw forward into the run-round loop, and once the locomotive has changed ends and the train is ready for departure will drop down through the Taf Bargoed Valley to Ystrad Mynach.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Undy
Another pair of sushi units, this time passing Undy, with 800024 leading 800015 working 1B25 10:45 Paddington - Swansea.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Undy
Soon to be a thing of the past, in more ways than one. Once fully electrified this scene will be transformed, and with a full electric service the HST sets will be cascaded to other areas. But for now its still pretty much as its always been for the last forty years or so, with 1L54 11:55 Cardiff Central - Paddington sweeping round past Undy, heading towards Severn Tunnel Junction, lead by power car 43020 MTU - Power. Passion. Partnership, power car 43025 trails to the rear.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Undy
Cross-Country Trains 3-car Class 170 No.170397 passes Undy working 1M64 11:45 Cardiff Central - Nottingham. Immediately to the right of the driving cab can be seen one of many pile-driven foundations for the new overhead catenary, as part of the heavily delayed Great western electrification between Paddington and South Wales.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Undy
After seeing a few sushi units it was nice to see something a bit more familiar, although I wasn't quite ready for it. Here 1B22 10:15 Paddington - Cardiff Central storms past Undy formed of the more familiar HST set, lead by power car 43155 The Red Arrows-50 Seasons of Excellence, whilst power car 43031 brings up the rear.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Undy
A nice mixed bag of "train-shots" along the Great Western Main Line in South Wales, and especially nice to get something before the dreaded overheads kill-off all the photographic locations. One such place on borrowed time, photographically speaking, is Undy, just west of Severn Tunnel Junction, as 170103 working 1V06 09:10 Nottingham - Cardiff Central passes by.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Undy
Talk about "taken with seconds to spare", it really was that close. Having made the mad dash from Caldicot we arrived at the bridge when the locomotive was literally a couple of hundred yards away, so it was a case of point and hope for the best. Luckily it worked out OK as 66011 is caught with 6V05 09:15 Round Oak - Margam passing Church Road at Undy.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Caldicot
Currently a popular working for photographers is this Colas operated flow with imported coal from Russia and Australia through Avonmouth Docks to Aberthaw Power Station. Having discharged its load the returning empties are seen passing Caldicot, and will shortly enter the 4 mile 628 yard long Severn Tunnel, hauled by Class 70 No.70812 and running as 4C21 09:55 Aberthaw Power Station - Avonmouth National Power Silo 1.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Caldicot
The changing face of Great Western local services in South Wales and the South West with the transfer from the Thames Valley area of Class 165 / 166 turbo units. These 'Thames turbo' units are gradually replacing the likes of Class 150 and 158 units, which in turn are being cascaded to elsewhere in the country, the 'Thames turbo' units themselves being cascaded by the new Class 387 EMU. Passing Caldicot on the Up Tunnel line, about a quarter of a mile from the Welsh-side portal of the Severn Tunnel, is 166203 operating 2C73 11:15 Newport - Taunton and running about five minutes late on a beautiful winters' day.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Caldicot
A fairly stylish design externally, but these Hitachi units being introduced on Great Western to replace the 40 year old HST sets, have not been met with glowing reviews by the travelling public by all accounts. Either way they're here to stay as a pair of 5-car Class 800 units lead by 800030, with 800009 trailing, head towards the Severn Tunnel at Caldicot working 1L51 10:55 Cardiff Central - Paddington.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Bishton
My first shot of one of the new Hitachi built Class 800 units, and it's quite the contrast between the old and the new at Bishton Crossing. New 800022 leads 800023 past the old 1941 built GWR Type 12A signal box working 1L48 09:29 Swansea - Paddington. The overheads are creeping ever closer here, and may just be seen to the extreme left, probably about a quarter-of-a-mile away, and likewise in the opposite direction probably a similar distance away? Down-graded in status to a crossing box in 1961 the box is scheduled for closure during 2019 when the area will be re-controlled from Cardiff R.O.C, and lost with it will be the remaining wheel-operated gated crossing on Network Rail Great Western. The box houses a 3-lever frame (formerly levers 36 to 38), reduced from an original 38-lever VT5 frame, and 2-levers for wicket gates.
20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Llandevenny
How times have changed, something like this, even into the 1990's would probably have been unheard of, and formed back then of something more suitable for such a journey. Fast forward to 2017 and Cross-Country operated 2-car Class 170 No. 170253 passes Lllandevenny with a service from Cardiff, probably bound for Nottingham. Progress hey!
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
Llandevenny
Colas Class 70 No.70816 makes its way past Llandevenny working 4C21 09:55 Aberthaw Power Station - Avonmouth coal working. In the distance, just beyond the bridge, a pair of GWR's new Hitachi units is coming into view and would pass just 11 seconds later.
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
Magor
Passing the delightful village of Magor is 43130 leading 1L48 09:29 Swansea - Paddington with 43162 to the rear.
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
Magor
Made with minutes to spare sees 3S59 21:07 Bristol Barton Hill - Bristol Barton Hill Railhead Treatment Train (RHTT) passing Magor with EWS liveried 66 leading DB red 66152 to the rear.
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
Severn Tunnel Junction
A glorious morning across Gwent as 60100 draws up to the signals west of Severn Tunnel Junction awaiting its pathway via Chepstow working 6B13 05:00 Robeston - Westerleigh loaded tanks.
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
Denchworth
Its been three years since my last visit here and in that time the inevitable overhead catenary has appeared, although the wires have not yet been energised. It was freezing cold on my previous visit, and it was freezing cold on this day. Here 1L54 11:55 Cardiff Central - Paddington passes Denchworth led by 43133, to the rear is 43053 University of Worcester.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Denchworth
GBRf's 66766 heads along the Up Relief at Denchworth, on the four-mile long four-track section between Wantage Road and Challow working 6M40 11:56 Westbury Yard - Stud Farm.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Denchworth
Having already photographed 43042 leading the inward working - 1L42 07:30 Carmarthen - Paddington - at Uffington earlier in the day, 43042 is now captured to the rear of 1B31 12:15 Paddington - Cardiff Central passing Denchworth.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Denchworth
The GWR green sets don't seem to be very permanent these days as seen here with FGW blue 43191 leading 1C13 12:00 Paddington - Bristol Temple Meads past Circourt bridge at Denchworth, FGW blue power car 43017 Hannahs discoverhannahs.org trails to the rear.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
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Uffington (Oxon)
Inter-City liveried 43185 Great Western hammers past Uffington leading 1L50 10:36 Cheltenham Spa - Paddington with 43176 to the rear. From 3 July 1962 a new layout and associated signalling was introduced here at Uffington including Up and Down Goods Loops, which were situated to the west of the station at this location where 1L50 10:36 Cheltenham Spa - Paddington passes, hence the large cess area between the down line and the boundary fence, and likewise from the up line that the train is travelling on, to the boundary fence by the trees.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
43078 leads 1A14 11:00 Bristol Temple Meads - Paddington past Uffington with 43135 trailing.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
Whilst shooting HST's under the wires on the GWML may not be to everyone's liking there's no escaping the fact that in the greater scheme of things it will only be for a relatively short period of time, therefore making the shots quite significant. Here 43136 approaches Uffington working 1L48 09:29 Swansea - Paddington with 43086 trailing.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
The third loco-hauled working in an hour past Uffington sees Colas Railfreight liveried 37254 Cardiff Canton working 1Z23 08:16 Bristol Temple Meads HLS - Tyseley LMD, to the rear is split headcode BR green 37057, just a shame it wasn't the other way round.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
A good morning for celebrity power cars, and all unexpected. Here 1L46 09:55 Cardiff Central - Paddington passes Uffington lead by 43027 which celebrates 90 Glorious Years of the Queen, a side view can be seen here. This was a close run thing as seconds later one of the new IET units passed going the other way, and it wasn't until after i took the shot did i realise it was the Queens power car, the rear power car was 43179.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
Still 67 miles to its destination as 43020 takes 1A12 07:40 Paignton - Paddington past Uffington with 43170 at the rear. The distinctive white nameplate on 43020 reads MTU - Power. Passion. Partnership.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
1L42 07:30 Carmarthen - Paddington races past Uffington lead by 43042 whilst 43161 is at the opposite end.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
Shame about the "fresh air" behind 66551 as it passes Uffington working 4L31 09:03 Bristol FLT - Felixstowe North FLT.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
An unexpected surprise, and one i wasn't ready for as celebrity BR blue power car 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange takes 1L38 07:59 Swansea - Paddington past Uffington, 43079 trails to the rear. With the full introduction soon of the Hitachi IET units these 40 year old HST sets will soon be a thing of the past on the Great Western Main Line.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
Coming thick and fast behind 1A10 just four minutes later is 1L36 08:31 Cheltenham Spa - Paddington with 43183 in charge, 43158 trails to the rear of the seven coach formation.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
GWR green power car 43041 Meningitis Trust-Support for Life leads 1A10 09:00 Bristol Temple Meads - Paddington past Uffington, 43??? brings up the rear of the eight coach formation.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
The first of many HST's sees 1L34 07:28 Swansea - Paddington worked by 43004, to the rear is 43197. There's still a touch of frost on the ground with the temperature hovering around freezing.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Uffington (Oxon)
A very cold, but stunning morning as 70813 working 6M50 07:55 Westbury Yard - Bescot Yard passes Uffington to the east of Swindon, in the county of Oxfordshire.
30 November 2017
30 November 2017
Banbury
The semaphore signals, and the controlling signalboxes of Banbury South and Banbury North, have only a matter of weeks in use before re-signalling of the Banbury area is commissioned between 30 July 2016 and 7 August 2016, this also includes Leamington Spa.
Looking back past one of the ill-fated signals - BN4 - is 68014 which has arrived at Banbury on 1U50 17:21 Marylebone - Banbury commuter service.
17 May 2016
Looking back past one of the ill-fated signals - BN4 - is 68014 which has arrived at Banbury on 1U50 17:21 Marylebone - Banbury commuter service.
17 May 2016
Marylebone
Class 68's side-by-side at Marylebone. For a modern locomotive they are quite stylish and add some much needed variety to the modern traction scene, and rather loud when under power. They have proved an instant hit with most enthusiasts?
17 May 2016
17 May 2016
Marylebone
Rush hour at London Marylebone. To the left stands Direct Rail Services blue liveried 68008 Avenger ready to depart with 1K50 17:15 to Kidderminster, whilst Chiltern Railways silver/grey liveried 68104 awaits departure with 1U50 17:21 to Banbury.
For a station, and route, that was threatened with closure by British Rail in the 1980's it's great to see it positively thriving these days under Chiltern's operation.
17 May 2016
For a station, and route, that was threatened with closure by British Rail in the 1980's it's great to see it positively thriving these days under Chiltern's operation.
17 May 2016
Kings Cross
Not ideally position for an unobstructed photograph is 67018 Keith Heller stabled at Kings Cross. In the foreground is 91118 at the head of 1D22 16:33 Kings Cross - Leeds.
17 May 2016
17 May 2016
Marylebone
68010 standing at London Marylebone station having arrived on 1H45 12:55 Birmingham Moor Street - Marylebone.
17 May 2016
17 May 2016
High Wycombe
68009 Titan gets away from High Wycombe hauling 1R33 13:10 Marylebone - Birmingham Moor Street.
17 May 2016
17 May 2016
Marylebone
My first encounter with the Spanish built Class 68, even though they've been in use in Britain for two years. Looking very stylish in the attractive Direct Rail Services blue 'Compass livery' is 68009 Titan at London Marylebone station in less than ideal weather.
The locomotive name Titan is perhaps better associated with Class 47 No. 47080 / 47612?
17 May 2016
The locomotive name Titan is perhaps better associated with Class 47 No. 47080 / 47612?
17 May 2016
Blackham
A tense wait for the returning Class 20 worked RHTT along the Uckfield branch as a huge bank of cloud passed over, clearing with only about five minutes to spare.
In fine winter light 20905 leads 20901 past Blackham working 3W91 09:35 Tonbridge Yard - South Croydon - Uckfield - Hurst Green - East Grinstead - South Croydon - Purley - Tonbridge Yard.
Five minutes later it was full cloud again.
Hard to imagine this was once a double track line through to Lewes (and Brighton). Evidence of British Rail rationalisation can still be seen with a panel of track from the former up line still in situ.
4 December 2015
In fine winter light 20905 leads 20901 past Blackham working 3W91 09:35 Tonbridge Yard - South Croydon - Uckfield - Hurst Green - East Grinstead - South Croydon - Purley - Tonbridge Yard.
Five minutes later it was full cloud again.
Hard to imagine this was once a double track line through to Lewes (and Brighton). Evidence of British Rail rationalisation can still be seen with a panel of track from the former up line still in situ.
4 December 2015
Blackham
GBRf's 20901 has just passed from Kent across to West Sussex as it makes its way along the Uckfield line between Cowden and Ashurst stations with the Railhead Treatment Train, classmate 20905 trails to the rear.
4 December 2015
4 December 2015
Marden
The second pair of Class 73's to pass the Marden Meadow Nature Reserve in less than 40 minutes is Network Rail yellow 73138 and BR blue 73201 Broadlands. Running as 1Q64 09:14 Hither Green - Tonbridge Yard via Ashford, Ramsgate, Canterbury West, Ramsgate, Tonbridge, London Victoria and finally back to Tonbridge, a journey of 292 miles for these ever reliable machines.
Had we have been between Tonbridge and Paddock Wood, a third pair of Class 73's would have been available six minutes behind this pair, with 73962 and 73963 working another RHTT circuit, but routed from Paddock Wood via the Medway Valley towards Maidstone. And with 73107 and 73109 also operating another RHTT circuit out of Tonbridge towards Sussex it was certainly a case of "all or nothing".
4 December 2015
Had we have been between Tonbridge and Paddock Wood, a third pair of Class 73's would have been available six minutes behind this pair, with 73962 and 73963 working another RHTT circuit, but routed from Paddock Wood via the Medway Valley towards Maidstone. And with 73107 and 73109 also operating another RHTT circuit out of Tonbridge towards Sussex it was certainly a case of "all or nothing".
4 December 2015
Marden
It would have been nice to have captured one of these units on its own, or perhaps in a pair as a 6-car set, the attractive blue livery standing out well in the great winter light.
Blue liveried 375302 leads white liveried 375601 and 375702 towards Staplehurst working 5R20 08:54 Charing Cross - Ashford Down Carriage Sidings empty coaching stock move.
4 December 2015
Blue liveried 375302 leads white liveried 375601 and 375702 towards Staplehurst working 5R20 08:54 Charing Cross - Ashford Down Carriage Sidings empty coaching stock move.
4 December 2015
Marden
375911 on the approach to Marden working 2W26 08:05 Ramsgate - Charing Cross in stunning winter light.
4 December 2015
4 December 2015
Marden
Railhead Treatment Train, or RHTT, 3W01 09:00 Tonbridge Yard - Ashford - Maidstone East - Tonbridge with 73141 Charlotte leads a somewhat grubbier 73212 past Marden, on the Tonbridge to Ashford route.
4 December 2015
4 December 2015
Marden
375806 leads an 11-car formation also consisting of 375712 in the centre, and blue liveried 3-car set 375306 at the rear, as they head towards Staplehurst working 2R14 08:13 Charing Cross - Ramsgate.
4 December 2015
4 December 2015
Steventon
A reliable, and regular, performer on this working, Colas Railfreight's 60085 passes Steventon hauling 6V62 10:56 Tilbury Riverside - Llanwern Exchange Sidings steel train.
Colas Railfreight currently have a fleet of ten Class 60's either in traffic, under overhaul, or awaiting a return to traffic.
20 March 2015
Colas Railfreight currently have a fleet of ten Class 60's either in traffic, under overhaul, or awaiting a return to traffic.
20 March 2015
Steventon
The filling in a "tug sandwich". The second of three westbound freight's in relatively quick succession see's GBRf's 66713 GM Forest City heading towards Grove hauling 6V43 11:56 Neasden - Pengam running a couple of minutes early.
With the overhead electrification of the Great Western Mainline this scene will soon change for forever. Evidence of a pile-driven base for the overhead catenary can be seen centre-left below the locomotive.
20 March 2015
With the overhead electrification of the Great Western Mainline this scene will soon change for forever. Evidence of a pile-driven base for the overhead catenary can be seen centre-left below the locomotive.
20 March 2015
Steventon
The first production HST power car No. 43002 speeds past Steventon leading 1C17 14:00 Paddington - Bristol T.M. under the watchful eye of three well known railway photographers.
20 March 2015
20 March 2015
Steventon
Target "A" for today.
It was always going to be a bit of a challenge to really try and get the most out of this livery, considering how hazy the conditions were, which dictated a more "in your face" shot. Such was the amount of haze the towers at Didcot Power Station could barely be seen in the distance.
Recently returned to traffic is 60066 sporting a unique silver livery promoting Drax Biomass. Here it passes Steventon - to the west of Didcot - hauling 6B33 13:00 Theale - Robeston.
20 March 2015
It was always going to be a bit of a challenge to really try and get the most out of this livery, considering how hazy the conditions were, which dictated a more "in your face" shot. Such was the amount of haze the towers at Didcot Power Station could barely be seen in the distance.
Recently returned to traffic is 60066 sporting a unique silver livery promoting Drax Biomass. Here it passes Steventon - to the west of Didcot - hauling 6B33 13:00 Theale - Robeston.
20 March 2015
Steventon
Caught napping I didn't realise this was a branded power car until it was almost upon us, so a bit of a grabbed shot of 43146 complete with vinyl's promoting the building of a greater west.
20 March 2015
20 March 2015
Steventon
66066 with 6C48 13:30 Appleford - Whatley Quarry passes Steventon.
Note how hazy the weather conditions are, Didcot power station can barely be seen in the distance..
20 March 2015
Note how hazy the weather conditions are, Didcot power station can barely be seen in the distance..
20 March 2015
Steventon
A Paddington bound HST passing Steventon.
20 March 2015
20 March 2015
Acton Turville
How on earth can you make a light engine move "interesting"? With difficulty I would suggest? Just a shame there wasn't a few wagons in tow to make the scene more "interesting".
For the first time in a very long time I found myself in "the right place at the right time" along with fellow photographer Tom Curtis, all thanks to a quick tip-off by another Dorset based photographer Mark Pike.
With a friendly wave and a toot on the horn from the driver, DRS Class 20's No. 20305 Gresty Bridge leading 20308, passes Acton Turville - between Hullavington and Chipping Sodbury - working 0Z20 09:10 Willesden Brent Sidings - Bristol Barton Hill, making the sight of these veteran locomotives along the Great Western Mainline a very rare occurrence.
24 February 2015
For the first time in a very long time I found myself in "the right place at the right time" along with fellow photographer Tom Curtis, all thanks to a quick tip-off by another Dorset based photographer Mark Pike.
With a friendly wave and a toot on the horn from the driver, DRS Class 20's No. 20305 Gresty Bridge leading 20308, passes Acton Turville - between Hullavington and Chipping Sodbury - working 0Z20 09:10 Willesden Brent Sidings - Bristol Barton Hill, making the sight of these veteran locomotives along the Great Western Mainline a very rare occurrence.
24 February 2015
Acton Turville
Literally just inside the Gloucestershire border by about half a mile, as 1B22 10:15 Paddington - Cardiff Central crosses from Wiltshire, passing Acton Turville, with power car 43188 leading, 43196 trailing at the rear.
Not to far into the future and all this will be history, with overhead electrification, and new electric trains.
24 February 2015
Not to far into the future and all this will be history, with overhead electrification, and new electric trains.
24 February 2015
South Moreton
Not long out of overhaul at Toton, and still sparkling in the last rays of the winter sun, is Colas Railfreight's 60085 passing South Moreton - on the eastern approach to Didcot - hauling 6V62 11:20 Tilbury - Llanwern steel working.
24 January 2015
24 January 2015
South Moreton
165107 on the eastern approach to Didcot at South Moreton working 2L18 14:43 Reading - Oxford.
24 January 2015
24 January 2015
Denchworth
The classic High Speed Train, or Inter-City 125, sweeps through the Oxfordshire countryside London bound.
29 December 2014
29 December 2014
Denchworth
The lightly loaded 4O70 09:58 Wentloog - Southampton MCT with 70007 in charge makes its way along the Up Relief to allow a HST to pass.
Sadly this uninterrupted view is soon to be lost with the impending electrification, to the bottom left can be seen the foundations for one of the overhead catenary posts.
29 December 2014
Sadly this uninterrupted view is soon to be lost with the impending electrification, to the bottom left can be seen the foundations for one of the overhead catenary posts.
29 December 2014
Denchworth
A HST heading east towards Didcot passed Denchworth.
29 December 2014
29 December 2014
Denchworth
Freightliner's 66534 OOCL Express heads 4L31 09:03 Bristol FLT - Felixstowe North FLT along the Up Relief between Challow and Wantage Road.
29 December 2014
29 December 2014
Denchworth
Another HST passes along the four mile long, four track section, between Wantage Road and Challow - at Denchworth - heading for London.
29 December 2014
29 December 2014
Denchworth
My previous visit here was two years ago during December 2012, and coal trains were still just about running to Didcot. Although they may have finished the view is pretty much the same. However savour the view whilst you can, as evidence of the electrification works is everywhere.
The mainstream view from Circourt Bridge at Denchworth looking east towards Didcot. Done to death by plenty of people over the years, but still worth another shot before the view is changed forever.
Running eight minutes late 1C09 09:57 Paddington - Paignton passes by at speed.
29 December 2014
The mainstream view from Circourt Bridge at Denchworth looking east towards Didcot. Done to death by plenty of people over the years, but still worth another shot before the view is changed forever.
Running eight minutes late 1C09 09:57 Paddington - Paignton passes by at speed.
29 December 2014
Denchworth
When I left home it was a rather chilly -6c but even after the sun had been up for an hour or two temperatures were still only hovering around freezing.
In some cold, but fine winter sun, First Great Western's 1A11 09:30 Bristol Temple Meads - London Paddington hurries past Denchworth some ten minutes late.
29 December 2014
In some cold, but fine winter sun, First Great Western's 1A11 09:30 Bristol Temple Meads - London Paddington hurries past Denchworth some ten minutes late.
29 December 2014
Hardham
You wouldn't normally expect to find a pair of Class 20's in the heart of West Sussex, but the Balfour Beatty liveried pair found themselves on an additional RHTT trip along the Mid-Sussex line.
Crossing Hardham Viaduct, just south of Pulborough, 20189 leads 3W92 10:00 Tonbridge - Havant - Haywards Heath - Littlehampton - Tonbridge with 20142 trailing.
The locomotives were off-hire at 16:00 so this was to be their final RHTT (Rail Head Treatment Train) working out of Tonbridge.
31 October 2014
Crossing Hardham Viaduct, just south of Pulborough, 20189 leads 3W92 10:00 Tonbridge - Havant - Haywards Heath - Littlehampton - Tonbridge with 20142 trailing.
The locomotives were off-hire at 16:00 so this was to be their final RHTT (Rail Head Treatment Train) working out of Tonbridge.
31 October 2014
Barrow upon Trent
Running about 30 minutes late GBRf's 66731 interhubGB working 6X50 15:13 Toton North Yard - Basford Hall passes Barrow upon Trent.
A bit of a time warp the following day as the same the train was worked by a pair of Class 20's, link here.
13 March 2014
A bit of a time warp the following day as the same the train was worked by a pair of Class 20's, link here.
13 March 2014
Barrow upon Trent
Classic traction passing under Deblenfield Bridge on the twelve mile freight-only line from Stenson Junction to Sheet Stores Junction via Castle Donington.
Still going strong after nearly 50-years Colas Rail's 47739 Robin of Templecombe provides the power for 6E07 14:50 Washwood Heath - Boston Docks steel train.
13 March 2014
Still going strong after nearly 50-years Colas Rail's 47739 Robin of Templecombe provides the power for 6E07 14:50 Washwood Heath - Boston Docks steel train.
13 March 2014
Barrow upon Trent
If there's one train you can rely to be Class 60 hauled it's the Westerleigh tanks.
Passing Barrow upon Trent 60044 works 6E41 11:41 Westerleigh - Lindsey O.R. pretty much to time.
13 March 2014
Passing Barrow upon Trent 60044 works 6E41 11:41 Westerleigh - Lindsey O.R. pretty much to time.
13 March 2014
Barrow upon Trent
DRS have recently taken over this traffic from Freightliner adding to the variety on this freight only line via Castle Donington.
Former Fastline Class 66 No. 66303 with 6U77 13:42 Mountsorrel - Basford Hall passes Deblenfield Bridge at Barrow upon Trent.
13 March 2014
Former Fastline Class 66 No. 66303 with 6U77 13:42 Mountsorrel - Basford Hall passes Deblenfield Bridge at Barrow upon Trent.
13 March 2014
Colton Junction
An almost constant procession of trains pass Colton Junction to various destinations, imagine then what it must have been like in say the 1980's when there were far more loco-hauled trains operating.
Sadly that era is long gone so now it's more about trying to capture the moment, rather than the subject. Back in the 1980's this service would probably have been a Class 45 and half a dozen coaches, today 1F66 11:48 Scarborough - Liverpool is worked by 185106, operated by First Trans-Pennine.
13 March 2014
Sadly that era is long gone so now it's more about trying to capture the moment, rather than the subject. Back in the 1980's this service would probably have been a Class 45 and half a dozen coaches, today 1F66 11:48 Scarborough - Liverpool is worked by 185106, operated by First Trans-Pennine.
13 March 2014
Colton Junction
The local permanent way gang were busy at Colton South Junction but naturally work ceases to allow trains to pass.
Here Freightliner's 66596 hauling 6B53 09:43 Redcar - Eggborough Power Station heads south past their worksite.
13 March 2014
Here Freightliner's 66596 hauling 6B53 09:43 Redcar - Eggborough Power Station heads south past their worksite.
13 March 2014
Colton Junction
Crossing over from the Down Normanton to the Down Leeds at Colton South Junction is GBRf's 66744 Crossrail with 6N99 10:54 Ferrybridge Power Station - Tyne Docks.
13 March 2014
13 March 2014
Colton Junction
Introduced by British Rail from 1988 the fleet of 31 Class 91s, and their associated coaching sock, must have clocked up some amazing mileage as they pound daily from London along the East Coast Main Line to Edinburgh / Glasgow.
Leading 1S10 09:30 Kings Cross - Edinburgh is 91120 on the approach to Colton Junction.
More details on these impressive locomotives can be found here.
13 March 2014
Leading 1S10 09:30 Kings Cross - Edinburgh is 91120 on the approach to Colton Junction.
More details on these impressive locomotives can be found here.
13 March 2014
Colton Junction
One of the finest trains introduced by British Rail was the High Speed Train, or Inter-City 125, which was introduced from 1976.
The train revolutionised rail travel in Britain, but at the same time replaced many loco-hauled services much to the disappointment of the enthusiast.
Looking as good now as it first did back in the 1970s this H.S.T with power car 43315 leading approaches Colton Junction working 1N81 09:08 Kings Cross - York, with power car 43315 on the rear.
13 March 2014
The train revolutionised rail travel in Britain, but at the same time replaced many loco-hauled services much to the disappointment of the enthusiast.
Looking as good now as it first did back in the 1970s this H.S.T with power car 43315 leading approaches Colton Junction working 1N81 09:08 Kings Cross - York, with power car 43315 on the rear.
13 March 2014
Colton Junction
Mk 4 DVT No. 82223 leads 1E06 06:50 Glasgow Central - Kings Cross south away from Colton Junction with Class 91 No. 91121 on rear.
13 March 2014
13 March 2014
Melton Ross
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12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Colton Junction
Hammering north at line speed is East Coast's 91105, the driver making good use of the 6,480hp at his (or her's) disposal, the working is 1S09 09:00 Kings Cross - Edinburgh seen here approaching Colton Junction.
13 March 2014
13 March 2014
Barnetby
Immingham super-shunter 66118 comes past Barnetby East signal box working 6C79 16:41 Immingham Docks - Scunthorpe.
In a world of modern high-tech signalling and operations the Barnetby area is still in a wonderful timewarp. However time is running out as the area is due for re-signalling between sometime after 2016, more details here.
12 March 2014
In a world of modern high-tech signalling and operations the Barnetby area is still in a wonderful timewarp. However time is running out as the area is due for re-signalling between sometime after 2016, more details here.
12 March 2014
Barnetby
A classic view photographed many times, by many people, and not without good reason. Once taken for granted on the entire railway network scenes like this with semaphore signalling and mechanical signal boxes are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Running into Barnetby past the 1914 built Barnetby East signal box is 66092 on 6H07 16:29 Immingham - Drax Power Station which is signalled along the Down Goods.
12 March 2014
(RW 17/11/2022)
12 March 2014
(RW 17/11/2022)
Barnetby
A couple of trainspotters stand at the end of Barnetby platform for a shot of 60040 The Territorial Army Centenary as it approaches the station working 6K26 16:42 Santon Ore Terminal - Immingham.
12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Kettleby
I wasn't going to photograph this working but the shadow cast from the tree, and the grazing sheep, makes for a far more interesting composition in my opinion so why not. Passing Kettleby is 66555 with yet another load of imported coal, the working being 6M81 13:45 Immingham Docks - Ratcliffe Power Station.
12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Kettleby
A quick dash to Kettleby, just outside Barnetby, for an early running 6E82 12:16 Rectory Junction - Lindsey O.R. hauled by 60044 - made with minutes to spare.
12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Melton Ross
Former army liveried 60040 The Territorial Army Centenary passes Knabbs Bridge in superb weather working 6T26 14:45 Immingham - Santon Ore Terminal. Note the moon which is visible to the top right of the photograph.
12 March 2014
(RW 17/11/2022)
12 March 2014
(RW 17/11/2022)
Melton Ross
By modern standards the Class 185 is a stylish three-car unit, and with a smart livery to compliment it. First Trans-Pennine Express Class 185 No. 185144 working 1B83 14:26 Cleethorpes - Manchester Airport passes Knabbs Bridge.
12 March 2014
(RW 17/11/2022)
12 March 2014
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Melton Ross
Another loaded coal train out of Immingham Docks this time with 66149 moving slowly along the Down Goods working 6H62 13:19 Immingham Docks - Drax Power Station. With all the saplings planted everywhere I can only imagine this view will be lost in a few years once they mature, which will be a real shame.
12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Melton Ross
Although a couple of miles away the lime works at Melton Ross dominates the skyline which can be seen in the centre of the photograph. Passing Knabbs Bridge 185144 works 1B74 10:55 Manchester Airport - Cleethorpes.
12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Melton Ross
A splash of colour as 153374 passes by working 2T31 12:06 Newark Northgate - Grimsby Town.
12 March 2014
12 March 2014
Melton Ross
In superb weather conditions 66192 brings 6F25 12:34 Immingham Docks - Cottam Power Station under Knabbs Bridge towards Barnetby.
12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Melton Ross
Considering how industrious surrounding areas are such as Scunthorpe, Immingham and Grimsby are North Lincolnshire is also an attractive, and quite rural area. Just a stones throw from all this heavy industry 185118 passes Knabs Bridge - on the approach to Barnetby - working 1B79 12:26 Cleethorpes - Manchester Airport.
12 March 2014
(RW 17/11/2022)
12 March 2014
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Melton Ross
Considering the morning started off pretty dreadful weather wise the early morning mist soon melted away into a fine morning. Passing the Singleton Birch lime works at Melton Ross in glorious weather is 60024 hauling 6T24 11:41 Immingham - Santon Ore Terminal. More information on Singleton Birch lime works can be found here.
12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Melton Ross
Although 60017 was allocated to this working in reality it was 66164 that was to haul 6M00 11:40 Humber O.R. - Kingsbury seen passing Melton Ross lime works.
12 March 2014
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12 March 2014
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Melton Ross
Passing the lime works at Melton Ross, a couple of miles to the east of Barnetby, is 66206 hauling 6F11 10:47 Immingham Docks - Cottam Power Station.
12 March 2014
(RW 17/11/2022)
12 March 2014
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Radley
It is hard to imagine that, within a couple of years, this line will be electrified by the overhead line system - completely transforming the railway here. On a fine June evening, 1D57 17:36 Paddington - Oxford paired with 165130 leading 165102 runs into Radley.
5 June 2013
(RW 08/02/2024)
5 June 2013
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Radley
The Class 70 is now three years into service on the national network and seems to have settled down in terms of its reliability. From a planned fleet of 30 locomotives, 20 are currently in service with another 10 still to be built and delivered. The class appears to have been generally well received by enthusiasts, perhaps in part because of their similarity to the Class 58 or perhaps because they add a bit of variety to the present scene?
Here, 4M99 16:57 Southampton MCT - Trafford Park, with 70017 in charge, passes Radley heading north.
5 June 2013
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Here, 4M99 16:57 Southampton MCT - Trafford Park, with 70017 in charge, passes Radley heading north.
5 June 2013
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Radley
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5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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Radley
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5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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Radley
Former Fertis-liveried Class 56 56091 storms past Radley hauling 6Z92 18:10 Didcot power station - Calvert flyash.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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Culham
180103 passes the former Royal Navy Air Station (RNAS) at Culham operating as 2E95 17:15 Didcot Parkway - Great Malvern.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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Culham
Passing Culham is 66230 with 6O42 11:31 Halewood Jaguar - Southampton Eastern Docks car train.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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Culham
66568.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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South Moreton
66109.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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South Moreton
Work stained 56311 (ex-56057) trundles past South Moreton, on the eastern approaches to Didcot, with 6Z48 13:15 Thorney Mill - Calvert.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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South Moreton
166216 passes along the Down Relief working 2N42 13:57 Paddington - Oxford and is about to be overtaken by a HST along the Down Main working 1W41 14:21 Paddington - Worcester Foregate Street.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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South Moreton
66059 and 66xxx.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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South Moreton
66516.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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South Moreton
Recently returned to traffic after fire damage is 70018 passing South Moreton, to the east of Didcot, hauling 4O27 05:40 Garston - Southampton MCT.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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South Moreton
66084.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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Didcot Parkway
66593 3MG Mersey Multimodal Gateway stands at Didcot Parkway Up Goods Loop with 4L32 11:00 Bristol FLT - Tilbury CT.
5 June 2013
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5 June 2013
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Llangua
Practically on the England / Wales border, 60074 Teenage Spirit hauls the heavily loaded 6V75 09:30 Dee Marsh - Margam passes Llangua.
As is always the case, it was lights out by a cloud as the train approached and full sun again by the rear wagon.
However, as I rather like the shot, a quick conversion to monochrome saves the day - although I am not generally a fan of this.
I'll be back!
20 April 2013
As is always the case, it was lights out by a cloud as the train approached and full sun again by the rear wagon.
However, as I rather like the shot, a quick conversion to monochrome saves the day - although I am not generally a fan of this.
I'll be back!
20 April 2013
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Llanvihangel Crucorney
Ever thought to yourself "I should have come here twenty years ago!"?
A two-car 175 passes Llanvihangel Crucorney on the Welsh Marches route.
Shame it was not loco and coaches.
20 April 2013
A two-car 175 passes Llanvihangel Crucorney on the Welsh Marches route.
Shame it was not loco and coaches.
20 April 2013
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Llanvihangel Crucorney
A variation on the image below but the trouble is that I like both.
An Arriva Trains Wales three-car 175 passes Llanvihangel Crucorney, the service being 1V77 09:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Carmarthen.
20 April 2013
An Arriva Trains Wales three-car 175 passes Llanvihangel Crucorney, the service being 1V77 09:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Carmarthen.
20 April 2013
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Llanvihangel Crucorney
An Arriva Trains Wales three-car 175 passes Llanvihangel Crucorney, the service being 1V77 09:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Carmarthen.
20 April 2013
20 April 2013
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Llanvihangel Crucorney
Working hard up to the summit at Llanvihangel Crucorney is Northern Belle-liveried 47790 Galloway Princess powering 1Z12 07:07 Liverpool Lime Street - Cardiff Central with the Northern Belle set.
To the rear is DRS-liveried 47501 Craftsman.
20 April 2013
To the rear is DRS-liveried 47501 Craftsman.
20 April 2013
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Denchworth
A Paddington-bound First Great Western HST passes Denchworth in the final burst of sunshine of the day.
04 December 2012
(RW 09/02/2024)
04 December 2012
(RW 09/02/2024)
Denchworth
A First Great Western HST set from Paddington passes Denchworth.
04 December 2012
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04 December 2012
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Denchworth
With Didcot's power stations visible in the distance - some nine miles away - 66053 passes Denchworth along the Down Relief hauling 4D12 13:22 Didcot Power Station - Avonmouth coal empties. Opened in 1968, Didcot 'A' power station - which is fuelled by coal and oil - is due to close in March 2013 which, in turn, will bring an end to coal and oil trains in and out of the power station. Didcot 'B' which is powered by natural gas will continue to supply the National Grid.
04 December 2012
(RW 09/02/2024)
04 December 2012
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Denchworth
6O32 10:31 Margam T.C. - Dollands Moor hauled by 66185 passes along the Up Relief at Denchworth.
05 December 2012
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05 December 2012
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Hinksey Yard
The newest locomotive to operate on the national rail network at the moment is 70020 seen here passing Hinksey Yard hauling 4O49 09:23 Basford Hall - Southampton MCT.
04 December 2012
(RW 09/02/2024)
04 December 2012
(RW 09/02/2024)
Hinksey Yard
Photography reminds me of bashing in many ways, not least getting 'bowled out' and, in this case, by a few small clouds. Between leaving home and taking the shot, which was over three hours of unbroken sunshine, however as the train approached it dipped and immediately the train passed it was full sun again. Sadly an all too familiar tale. Passing the 'mainstream gallery' at Hinksey Yard is former Fastline Class 56 No. 56301 (ex 56045 British Steel Shelton) paired up with 56312 (ex 56003) hauling 6Z91 10:55 Calvert - Didcot Power Station flyash empies.
04 December 2012
(RW 09/02/2024)
04 December 2012
(RW 09/02/2024)
Hinksey Yard
66540 hauling 4O54 04.59 Leeds - Southampton MCT hurries past Hinksey Yard. The great weather didn't last.
04 December 2012
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04 December 2012
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Hinksey Yard
I always thought the 5-car Class 180 DMU was quite a stylish looking unit. Here No. 180102 operated by First Great Western passes Hinksey Yard working a slightly late running 1P40 09:54 Great Malvern - Paddington.
04 December 2012
(RW 09/02/2024)
04 December 2012
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Hungerford
The fleet of six Toton allocated Class 59/2s, outbased at Westbury, have been working out of the Mendip Quarries now since 2005.
With the small fleet now outshopped in the distinctive DBS red livery, 59203 works its way along the classic Berks & Hants route hauling one of the route's more well known freight workings; 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton Yard 'jumbo train'.
06 November 2012
With the small fleet now outshopped in the distinctive DBS red livery, 59203 works its way along the classic Berks & Hants route hauling one of the route's more well known freight workings; 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton Yard 'jumbo train'.
06 November 2012
Hungerford
Sweeping round the reverse curves near Hungerford is 59203 working 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton Yard 'jumbo train'.
06 November 2012
06 November 2012
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Hungerford
Thames turbo unit 166213 working 1K45 09:36 Bedwyn - Paddington heads along the Berks & Hants route.
06 November 2012
06 November 2012
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Ford
Again, another couple of enjoyable hours draws to a close in West Sussex but not before a final shot, this time of 377433 as it runs towards Ford over the River Arun working 2N67 13:54 Littlehampton - Portsmouth & Southsea.
22 May 2012
22 May 2012
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Ford
The swans just about played to the camera for long enough before loosing interest as 313203 passes over the River Arun at Ford working 2S64 12:59 Portsmouth Harbour - Littlehampton.
22 May 2012
22 May 2012
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Ford
A quick return to Ford and what a difference two hours makes.
With the sun now round further and giving some nice side light, the tide is now fully in compared to the earlier shots.
Fellow Dorset based photographer Mark V. Pike stands close to the bridge for the wide angle shot of 313209 passing over the former swing bridge - now fixed - at Ford working 2N17 13:03 Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour.
22 May 2012
With the sun now round further and giving some nice side light, the tide is now fully in compared to the earlier shots.
Fellow Dorset based photographer Mark V. Pike stands close to the bridge for the wide angle shot of 313209 passing over the former swing bridge - now fixed - at Ford working 2N17 13:03 Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour.
22 May 2012
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Arundel
A final shot at Arundel with the magnificent Arundel Castle to the left.
377411 works 1C51 12:56 Bognor Regis - Victoria and makes its way northwards.
22 May 2012
377411 works 1C51 12:56 Bognor Regis - Victoria and makes its way northwards.
22 May 2012
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Arundel
A Southern Class 377 No. 377130 on the approach to Arundel a couple of minutes late working 1J66 11:32 Victoria - Southampton.
22 May 2012
22 May 2012
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Arundel
A return to the beautiful Sussex countryside around Arundel, having spent an enjoyable morning around here in December 2011.
This time, I spent a little time experimenting with angles to maximise the most of the stunning landscape and fantastic backdrop.
Here, 377454 working 1C47 12:30 Bognor Regis - Victoria heads north.
22 May 2012
This time, I spent a little time experimenting with angles to maximise the most of the stunning landscape and fantastic backdrop.
Here, 377454 working 1C47 12:30 Bognor Regis - Victoria heads north.
22 May 2012
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Arundel
Having run via Bognor Regis, 975025 Caroline is now propelled by
37409 Lord Hinton seen here passing Arundel and up the Mid-Sussex line towards Horsham.
The line normally only sees Class 377 units with very few loco-hauled movements.
22 May 2012
37409 Lord Hinton seen here passing Arundel and up the Mid-Sussex line towards Horsham.
The line normally only sees Class 377 units with very few loco-hauled movements.
22 May 2012
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Ford
DRS Class 37/4 No. 37409 Lord Hinton hauls saloon 975025 Caroline over the River Arun at Ford running as 2Z02 08:53 Kensington Olympia - Kensington Olympia via East Croydon, Brighton, Bognor Regis and Horsham.
22 May 2012
22 May 2012
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Ford
The River Arun at this point is tidal and the waters rise incredibly fast as 313216 passes over the trestle bridge at Ford working 2P35 11:11 Littlehampton - Bognor Regis.
22 May 2012
22 May 2012
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Duffryn
Standing out from the crowd in its distinctive light blue Teenage Cancer Trust livery, 60074 Teenage Spirit passes Duffryn with the Tuesdays and Thursdays only 6B33 13:35 Theale - Robeston in some lovely early evening sun.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
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Duffryn
1B42 14:15 Paddington - Cardiff Central passes Duffryn on time and almost at journey's end.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
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Ponthir
It's like something from Last of the Summer Wine at Ponthir.
67002 passes some notable photographers out to record the first northbound working of the 'WAG Express' 1W91 16:15 Cardiff Central - Holyhead hauled by a Class 67.
The final day of full Class 57 haulage was the previous Friday, 23 March 2012.
28 March 2012
67002 passes some notable photographers out to record the first northbound working of the 'WAG Express' 1W91 16:15 Cardiff Central - Holyhead hauled by a Class 67.
The final day of full Class 57 haulage was the previous Friday, 23 March 2012.
28 March 2012
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Ponthir
An Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) Class 175 heads north past Ponthir working 1W29 13:10 Milford Haven - Manchester Piccadilly on a lovely March afternoon and in some lovely surroundings.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
Duffryn
4O11 14:48 East Usk Yard - Onllwyn with 66155 in charge powers past Duffryn on the outskirts of Newport.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
Hardham
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12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Duffryn
Whilst the sun may be on the nose, it's still only just about scraping the side of 60079 (ex Foinaven) as it passes Duffryn with 6B04 14:23 Llanwern - Margam; making a change to see a tug on something other than an oil train.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
Duffryn
Introduced less than ten years after steam had finished on the main line, British Rail introduced the 'Inter-City 125 High Speed Train'.
These trains revolutionised train travel and, thirty six years later, they're still performing very well as two sets pass each other at Duffryn near Newport.
27 March 2012
These trains revolutionised train travel and, thirty six years later, they're still performing very well as two sets pass each other at Duffryn near Newport.
27 March 2012
Hardham
377467 down.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Ponthir
I imagine the view here not all too long ago must have been superb, before the trees shot up, with unbroken views towards Mynydd Maen in the far distance.
The lovely location of Ponthir, as viewed from the B4236 Ponthir Road, is made even better as 66008 passes by with the the second south-bound freight in twenty minutes running as 6Z35 12:48 Moreton on Lugg - Acton Yard.
27 March 2012
The lovely location of Ponthir, as viewed from the B4236 Ponthir Road, is made even better as 66008 passes by with the the second south-bound freight in twenty minutes running as 6Z35 12:48 Moreton on Lugg - Acton Yard.
27 March 2012
Ponthir
66121 heads south passing Ponthir with 6V75 09:30 Dee Marsh - Margam steel train.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
Hardham
Just south of Pulborough is 377163 operating 1C41 11:12 Portsmouth Harbour - Horsham Southern service.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Ponthir
Staple traction on the Welsh Marches route is Arriva Trains Wales Class 158s and 175s.
Here, a tidy looking 158825 working 1V77 09:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Carmarthen passes Ponthir.
27 March 2012
Here, a tidy looking 158825 working 1V77 09:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Carmarthen passes Ponthir.
27 March 2012
Portskewett
With some lovely 'Anderson Shelter' type steel wagons behind it, 66165 passes Portskewett with 6V05 09:10 Round Oak - Margam.
Some folk refer to this train as the 'shampoo train', I can't think why?
Shame the sun wasn't round a few more degrees and onto the front but there was some nice side light none the less.
27 March 2012
Some folk refer to this train as the 'shampoo train', I can't think why?
Shame the sun wasn't round a few more degrees and onto the front but there was some nice side light none the less.
27 March 2012
Portskewett
The Cross-Country livery quite suits the Class 170 units, in my opinion, as 170398 passes the site of the former station at Portskewett working
1V06 09:11 Nottingham - Cardiff Central.
Portskewett station closed to passengers on 2 November 1964 but the footbridge still remains, offering good views from the eastern side of the line.
27 March 2012
1V06 09:11 Nottingham - Cardiff Central.
Portskewett station closed to passengers on 2 November 1964 but the footbridge still remains, offering good views from the eastern side of the line.
27 March 2012
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Portskewett
It's always nice to see new traffic on the railway and here's one such working.
DRS operated 'Tesco Express' 4V38 08:22 Daventry - Wentloog passes Portskewett with ex-Fastline 66301 in charge.
Sadly, it was only a week too late as the clocks have gone forward and the sun is now off the front here but it's still an impressive looking train.
27 March 2012
DRS operated 'Tesco Express' 4V38 08:22 Daventry - Wentloog passes Portskewett with ex-Fastline 66301 in charge.
Sadly, it was only a week too late as the clocks have gone forward and the sun is now off the front here but it's still an impressive looking train.
27 March 2012
Purton
The mighty River Severn forms the backdrop to this classic location as 66129 heads south hauling 6V07 14:26 Round Oak - Margam past Purton.
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
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Severn Tunnel Junction
It might be nice and sunny but the high pressure haze is noticeable as 66140 passes Severn Tunnel Junction with 4E66 08:55 Margam - Redcar, surely the longest freight train to operate in this country?
The last time I was at Severn Tunnel Junction with the camera was in about 1986; how the place has changed.
27 March 2012
The last time I was at Severn Tunnel Junction with the camera was in about 1986; how the place has changed.
27 March 2012
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Severn Tunnel Junction
150235 runs into Severn Tunnel Junction working 2G56 09:15 Maesteg - Cheltenham Spa.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
Lydney
As we were passing, myself and Tom Curtis thought we'd take a look in at the Dean Forest Railway ay Lydney, where green E9001 (73001) and large-logo 73002 could be found.
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
Severn Tunnel Junction
66516 takes the Up Tunnel line at Severn Tunnel Junction with a well loaded 4O51 09:58 Wentloog - Southampton MCT.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
Woolaston
Not quite what I was expecting, or hoping for, as a Network Rail MPV passes Woolaston heading towards South Wales.
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
Severn Tunnel Junction
A quick chase was on from Duffryn and after just missing 'tug 7' at Undy, we finally got another stab at 60007 The Spirit of Tom Kendell as it passes Severn Tunnel Junction on 6B13 05:05 Robeston - Westerleigh tanks.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
Duffryn
All a bit close with the WAG Express, seen in below, passing 6B13 05:05 Robeston - Westerleigh at the overbridge in the distance as 60007 The Spirit of Tom Kendell sweeps round the curve at Duffryn.
27 March 2012
27 March 2012
Duffryn
The first south-bound Class 67 hauled 1V31 05:32 Holyhead - Cardiff Central since the class took over from 57s.
Passing Duffryn is 67002 on the 'WAG Express'; is it only a matter of time before DVTs are added to the set?
27 March 2012
Passing Duffryn is 67002 on the 'WAG Express'; is it only a matter of time before DVTs are added to the set?
27 March 2012
Duffryn
First Great Western's 1B10 07:45 Paddington - Swansea passes Duffryn.
For a train that is now 36 years old, these HST sets still look good for their age.
27 March 2012
For a train that is now 36 years old, these HST sets still look good for their age.
27 March 2012
Hardham
Well, not the day I had originally planned but an enjoyable few hours in West Sussex. A final view of one of Southern's Class 377s, No. 377214 working 2B68 12:35 Horsham-Bognor Regis as it heads south past Hardham. Within minutes, it was full cloud and game over.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Hardham
West Sussex County Council [WSCC] public footpath fingerboard points the way for those walking across the fields at Hardham as 377452 passes by with 1J66 11:32 Victoria - Southampton.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Hardham
Although backlit, the sunlight really emphasises the leafless trees as 377453 rounds the curve at Hardham on the approach to Pulborough working 1C43 11:56 Bognor Regis - Victoria.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Hardham
Just south of Pulborough - and crossing Hardham viaduct - is 377163 with 1C41 11:12 Portsmouth Harbour - Horsham Southern service. Although a pleasing location, the bland sky and foreground makes this nothing more than a record shot.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Hardham
Staple diet on the Mid-Sussex route; Southern's Class 377 'Electrostar' units. Another four car set passes by on a lovely winter's morning working 1C39 11:30 Bognor Regis - Victoria operated by 377435.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Arundel
Arundel Castle takes centre place as 377420 passes working 1C31 10:30 Bognor Regis - Victoria.
To the left is Arundel Cathedral whilst in between these two magnificent buildings stands St Nicholas' Church.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
To the left is Arundel Cathedral whilst in between these two magnificent buildings stands St Nicholas' Church.
12 December 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Purton
An Arriva Trains Wales Class 150 passes Purton, alongside the River Severn, heading towards Lydney.
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
Lydney
EWS liveried 31466 at Lydney on the Dean Forest Railway.
24 May 2011
(RW)
24 May 2011
(RW)
Woolaston
From our vantage point on the roof of the World War 2 pillbox at Woolaston 66093 powers past with an early running 6V05 09:25 Round Oak - Margam.
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
Woolaston
Not quite where I wanted to position myself as I walked along the path, but it was "now or never" for 66027 which was only ten minutes behind 60011 on the Westerleigh tanks, here it storms past Woolaston hauling the seemingly never ending 4E66 08:55 Margam - Redcar 'coke empties'.
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
Woolaston
60011 passing Woolaston with 6B13 05:05 Robeston - Westerleigh in less than ideal weather conditions.
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
24 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
Eckington
So near, yet so far.
Sixty seconds later, the approaching narrow boat seen behind the right pier was this side of the bridge and it was full sun; oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes.
Anyway, this is 20303 (left) & 20309 (right) crossing the River Avon at Eckington with 6M56 13:41 Berkeley - Crewe flask.
19 May 2011
Sixty seconds later, the approaching narrow boat seen behind the right pier was this side of the bridge and it was full sun; oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes.
Anyway, this is 20303 (left) & 20309 (right) crossing the River Avon at Eckington with 6M56 13:41 Berkeley - Crewe flask.
19 May 2011
Gatcombe
The weather started off so promising but it didn't take long to cave in.
Increasing cloud coverage greets 60011 hugging the banks on the River Severn at Gatcombe on 6B13 05:05 Robeston - Westerleigh.
19 May 2011
Increasing cloud coverage greets 60011 hugging the banks on the River Severn at Gatcombe on 6B13 05:05 Robeston - Westerleigh.
19 May 2011
Gatcombe
170637 passes Gatcombe with 1M01 08:45 Cardiff - Nottingham Cross-Country service.
19 May 2011
19 May 2011
Woolaston
Stunning light at Woolaston as 66078 passes the site of the former station with 'the coils'; 6M96 05:50 Margam - Corby.
19 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
19 May 2011
(RW 15/11/2022)
Eckington
A lovely location - and a lucky break in the cloud - as 60071 Ribblehead Viaduct heads north across the River Avon at Eckington on 6E41 11:41 Westerleigh - Lindsey O.R.
16 May 2011
16 May 2011
Lower Basildon
GB Railfreight's 66712 Peterborough Power Signalbox is seen here at Lower Basildon working 6O96 10:23 Mountsorrel - Eastleigh Yard in rather hazy conditions, which had been hampering my efforts all day.
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Lower Basildon
66009 leads 67005 Queens Messanger past Lower Basildon on 6V38 13:50 Eastleigh Yard - Didcot Up Yard.
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Lower Basildon
66096 leads 66xxx.
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Lower Basildon
70001?.
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Cholsey
Only my second visit to this well known location; Manor Farm at Cholsey. Although popular with those wishing to watch the trains go by, it lacks certain character from a photographic perspective. However, with overhead electrification planned here, scenes like this will be impossible before you know it. Freightliner's 66535 heads along the Up Relief at the head of a Southampton-bound freightliner.
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Warrington Arpley Jcn
The first of two consecutive Class 60s on the Fiddlers coal circuit in under an hour sees 60071 Ribblehead Viaduct working 6F78 11:30 Fiddlers Ferry - Liverpool Bulk Terminal.
01 March 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
01 March 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Cholsey
The Medieval church of St Mary's, in the distance, is the final resting place for crime writer Agatha Christie as 60013 Robert Boyle passes by on 6B33 13:35 Theale - Robeston.
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
19 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Hungerford
7C31 09:45 Theale - Merehead Quarry with 59004 Paul A Hammond powers through the Berkshire countryside.
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Warrington Arpley Jcn
66508.
01 March 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
01 March 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Hungerford
My second visit to this great location (for up trains) accompanied by my very good friend Gordon White (aka GG) and the same loco as my previous visit, oh well. 7A09 07:12 Merehead Quarry - Acton Yard with 59102 Village of Chantry at the business end on the classic Berks & Hants route near Hungerford passes in some great 'on the nose' light.
08 April 2011
(RW 23/02/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 23/02/2024)
Hungerford
A First Great Western Class 165 working 1K45 09:36 Bedwyn - Paddington heads through the Berkshire countryside towards Hungerford.
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Milton
A train always guaranteed to produce a Class 60 is the Robeston - Theale - Robeston tanks. One such class memeber is 60096 passing Milton with 6B33 13:35 Theale - Robeston.
08 March 2011
08 March 2011
Milton
59102 Village of Chantry passing Milton, to the east of Didcot, with
7C54 13:06 Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry.
08 March 2011
7C54 13:06 Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry.
08 March 2011
Milton
The unique Shanks livery means this must be 66522 leading 4V60 10:57 Calvert - Bristol Barrow Road 'bins' passing Milton.
This train finished on the 1 April 2011 so only a couple of weeks left to run and another interesting working bites the bullet.
08 March 2011
This train finished on the 1 April 2011 so only a couple of weeks left to run and another interesting working bites the bullet.
08 March 2011
Milton
Spot the train as a half empty (or is that half full?) Freightliner passes Milton in fairly harsh light.
For the record, it's 66504 on 4L32 11:00 Bristol FLT - Tilbury.
08 March 2011
For the record, it's 66504 on 4L32 11:00 Bristol FLT - Tilbury.
08 March 2011
Didcot
Shame about the fresh air behind 70003 as it powers past Didcot East Junction on 4O51 09:58 Wentloog - Southampton MCT.
08 March 2011
08 March 2011
Didcot
DRS Class 37 No. 37682 leads classmate 37409 Lord Hinton past Didcot East Junction with 5Z47 07:45 Crewe H.S - Eastleigh T&RSMD empty stock move formed of a real mixed bag of stock.
08 March 2011
08 March 2011
Didcot
A scene all set to change before you know it with electrification of the Great Western Mainline (GWML).
Two turbo units pass Didcot East Junction.
08 March 2011
Two turbo units pass Didcot East Junction.
08 March 2011
Didcot
Didcot East Junction and 66541 passes by with 4O54 06:13 Leeds FLT - Southampton MCT Freightliner service.
08 March 2011
08 March 2011
Warrington Arpley Jcn
Another train load of coal to feed the insatiable appetite of 'Fiddlers' as 60084 Cross Fell makes its way along the low level over Warrington Arpley Junction on 6F74 12:11 Liverpool Bulk Terminal - Fiddlers Ferry.
01 March 2011
(RW 17/11/2022)
01 March 2011
(RW 17/11/2022)
Warrington Arpley Jcn
Almost straight out of the box, 70009 sparkles in the sun as it pulls away from Warrington Arpley Junction heading 6F02 12:07 Ellesmere Port - Fiddlers Ferry.
01 March 2011
(RW 17/11/2022)
01 March 2011
(RW 17/11/2022)
Warrington Arpley Jcn
The first of two consecutive Class 60s on the Fiddlers coal circuit in under an hour sees 60071 Ribblehead Viaduct working 6F78 11:30 Fiddlers Ferry - Liverpool Bulk Terminal.
01 March 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
01 March 2011
(RW 16/11/2022)
Warrington Arpley Jcn
The classic backdrop towards Warrington Bank Quay as 66703 Doncaster PSB 1981 - 2002 approaches Warrington Arpley Junction on 4C77 10:49 Fiddlers Ferry - New Biggin.
01 March 2011
(RW 17/11/2022)
01 March 2011
(RW 17/11/2022)
Eckington
A popular and 'classic location' at Eckington, north of Cheltenham, is the ornate bridge over the River Avon.
60015 Bow Fell powers 6E41 11:41 Westerleigh - Lindsey O.R. northwards over the bridge.
10 November 2010
60015 Bow Fell powers 6E41 11:41 Westerleigh - Lindsey O.R. northwards over the bridge.
10 November 2010
Eckington
66166 crosses the River Avon at Eckington on 6V67 03:53 Redcar - Margam loaded coke.
10 November 2010
10 November 2010
Eckington
A Silverlink liveried Class 150 unit crossing the River Avon near Eckington, north of Cheltenham.
10 November 2010
10 November 2010
Churchdown
Churchdown, between Gloucester and Cheltenham, provides the setting for a Silverlink liveried Class 150 passing by.
10 November 2010
10 November 2010
Hungerford
7A09 07:12 Merehead Quarry - Acton Yard 'jumbo train' near Hungerford with 59102 Village of Chantry in charge.
11 October 2010
11 October 2010
Milton
Didcot power station dominates the skyline as 60049 powers past Milton hauling 6B33 13:35 Theale - Robeston.
24 August 2010
(RW 20/6/2021)
24 August 2010
(RW 20/6/2021)
Denchworth
The unique 'Bardon blue' of 66623 Bill Bolsover seen here passing Upper Circourt Farm, at Denchworth, with 4V60 10:57 Calvert - Bristol Barrow Road 'bins'.
24 August 2010
24 August 2010
Denchworth
A First Great Western HST passes Denchworth on the GWML going west (to the left).
24 August 2010
24 August 2010
Didcot
66539 on 4O51 10:00 Wentloog - Southampton MCT approaching Didcot Parkway at Foxhall Junction.
24 August 2010
(RW 20/6/21)
24 August 2010
(RW 20/6/21)
Charfield
60039 on 6B13 05:05 Robeston - Westerleigh rumbles through the Gloucestershire countryside near Charfield.
24 May 2010
24 May 2010
Charfield
Running an hour earlier on a Saturday, 60054 Charles Babbage - still sporting Railfreight Petroleum sector decals - sweeps round towards Charfield with 6E41 10:41 Westerleigh - Lindsey O.R.
24 May 2010
24 May 2010
Coalpit Heath
Another Voyager unit passing Coalpit Heath, shame I didn't come here 25 years earlier.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Coaalpit Heath
The embankment here has clearly been rebuilt, possibly due to some kind of earth-slip. Although no expert it raises the question "why plant shrubs and trees" which may in later years affect the integrity of the earthworks?
Here a two-car Class 158 passes the attractive setting off Henfield Road at Coalpit Heath heading up towards Westerleigh Junction.
8 April 2010
(RW)
Here a two-car Class 158 passes the attractive setting off Henfield Road at Coalpit Heath heading up towards Westerleigh Junction.
8 April 2010
(RW)
Coalpit Heath
Passing Coalpit Heath, between Bristol Parkway and Westerleigh Junction, is this Cross-Country Voyager.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Coalpit Heath
A First Great Western HST passing Coalpit Heath.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Wickwar Tunnel
A quick dash from one bridge to the other as 66197 and 66167 heads south out of Wickwar Tunnel on 6B13 05:05 Robeston - Westerleigh.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Wickwar Tunnel
60051 on the approach to the south portal of the 1401 yard long Wickwar Tunnel with 6E41 11:41 Westerleigh - Lindsey O.R. running an hour early.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Wickwar Tunnel
A Cross-Country Voyager heading northwards towards Wickwar Tunnel in some superb light.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Westerleigh
The Railway Touring Company's The Great Britain III tour passes Westerleigh village with Black 5 No. 44871 leading 70013 Oliver Cromwell, the train running as 1Z86 10:06 Bristol T.M. - Preston.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Westerleigh
A First Great Western HST passing Westerleigh village.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Westerleigh
Spot the train.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Kintbury
GBRf's 66711 is reflected in the Kennet and Avon Canal, near Avington, hauling 4E31 from Fairwater Yard.
8 April 2010
(RW)
8 April 2010
(RW)
Southbourne
Very close to the Hampshire and West Sussex border, Southern's 377469 on the approach to Southbourne with a service from Southampton as seen from Church footpath crossing.
08 March 2010
(RW)
08 March 2010
(RW)
Southbourne
At the time the sole DBS liveried Class 66, No. 66152 stands in for the normally Class 59-hauled 7V07 11:41 Chichester - Merehead seen here near Southbourne just into the start of its 98-mile journey.
08 March 2010
(RW)
08 March 2010
(RW)
Kensington Olympia
With the sun now down below the surrounding buildings, it was never going to be a sunny side shot.
A rare chance none the less of a Riviera blue 47805 Talisman - paired up with Colas liveried class mate 47739 Robin of Templecombe - as they pass Kensington Olympia with 7Z98 11:30 Dollands Moor - Dagenham Docks, just five minutes behind the grid. Nice.
29 October 2009
A rare chance none the less of a Riviera blue 47805 Talisman - paired up with Colas liveried class mate 47739 Robin of Templecombe - as they pass Kensington Olympia with 7Z98 11:30 Dollands Moor - Dagenham Docks, just five minutes behind the grid. Nice.
29 October 2009
Kensington Olympia
The uniquely liveried 56312 (56003) makes a fine sight, even in the dull conditions, as it passes Kensington Olympia hauling 4Z91 12:00 Dollands Moor - Hams Hall.
29 October 2009
29 October 2009
Kensington Olympia
A regular working for Class 92 locomotives is the rail train from Kent to Lincolnshire, in part thanks to its ability to operate on its dual voltage traction system - 750v DC in third-rail areas, such as South East England, and 25kv AC overhead in other areas such as the East Coast Main Line, making this a versatile locomotive in electrified areas.
With 5,360hp at the driver's disposal in third-rail areas, increasing to 6,760hp in overhead areas, the driver of 4E32 11:55 Dollands Moor - Scunthorpe passes Kensington Olympia with ease, locomotive 92007 Schubert being in charge.
29 October 2009
With 5,360hp at the driver's disposal in third-rail areas, increasing to 6,760hp in overhead areas, the driver of 4E32 11:55 Dollands Moor - Scunthorpe passes Kensington Olympia with ease, locomotive 92007 Schubert being in charge.
29 October 2009
Kensington Olympia
Well, it was nice while it lasted - the sun that is.
GBRf's 66725 Sunderland heads south through Kensington Olympia with 6O60 11:20 Ferme Park - Tonbridge West Yard and a uniform rake of yellow JNAs.
29 October 2009
GBRf's 66725 Sunderland heads south through Kensington Olympia with 6O60 11:20 Ferme Park - Tonbridge West Yard and a uniform rake of yellow JNAs.
29 October 2009
Moulsford
Real death of the light stuff with the last dregs of sunshine cast across the fields at Moulsford as a westbound FGW HST passes.
Note the moon centre right.
28 October 2009
Note the moon centre right.
28 October 2009
Penzance
Looking over the wall at Penzance, down on to Riviera Trains 47843 Vulcan, as a Painted Lady butterfly enjoys the buddleia sprouting out of the stonework.
01 August 2009
01 August 2009
Winchcombe
Another Christmas done and dusted so what better way to forget about it for another year but a trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
37324 Clydebridge arrives at Winchcome with a service from Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse.
27 December 2007
37324 Clydebridge arrives at Winchcome with a service from Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse.
27 December 2007
Toddington
The Brush Type 4's superb 47105 steaming away at Toddington during their annual running day just after Boxing Day; proper job.
27 December 2007
27 December 2007
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by an individual, or organisation, without prior consent.
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