This day in history 18 February
Images
Polmont Shed: D11 62690 The Lady of the Lake stored at Polmont on 18 February 1961, some 5 months before 'official' withdrawal by BR. The locomotive eventually met its end at Inverurie Works in September of that year.
Doncaster: Class J6 64191 awaits its fate on the condemned locomotive line at Doncaster in February 1962. The ex-GNR 0-6-0 was cut up in the nearby works within a few days of this photograph being taken. See image [[42613]]
Doncaster: Never looked quite right somehow...! 60097 Humorist, the only A3 fitted with large smoke deflectors, stands at the south end of Doncaster shed in February 1962.
Doncaster: Resident B1 no 61250 A Harold Bibby photographed on Doncaster shed in February 1962.
Carlisle Upperby Shed: An array of steam power at Carlisle Upperby in February 1963, as Black 5 44902 passes with a short local freight. Visible, in whole or in part, are rebuilt Patriot 45532 'Illustrious', Stanier 8F 48731, Midland 3F 44399 and Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 46432. Further back, one can spot a stored Princess Royal and a sign of things to come in the shape of an English Electric Type 4 diesel.
Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: Coronation 46223 'Princess Alice' at Carlisle Kingmoor on 18th February 1963. A Jinty (believed to have been 47211) shunts in the background and, in comparison with the majestic Pacific, looks quite diminutive.
Carlisle Upperby Holding Sidings: Ivatt Class 2MT 2-6-0 46437 runs past Carlisle Upperby in February 1963 with a local train, probably from the North Lakes. A Jinty shunts a lengthy line of wagons from Carlisle's Crown Street Goods and, in the background, a Black 5 heads out towards the main line with a southbound freight.
Carlisle Upperby Shed: The fading light of a winter afternoon catches rebuilt Patriot 45532 'Illustrious' as it waits in the coaling line at Carlisle Upperby MPD. Although there is plenty of steam activity in the shed yard on 18th February 1963, a diesel shunter and two English Electric Type 4s can be seen lurking in the background.
Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: Fowler 2-6-4T 42313, at Carlisle Kingmoor, flanked by Standard 5MT 73075 and Black 5 44787 in February 1963. The Black 5 had been a stalwart of the West Highland line in earlier days, but had been transferred from Eastfield to Motherwell depot after diesels took over.
Millerhill Yard Down Secondary Sorting Sidings: Class 37 No. D6903 standing at the north end of Millerhill Yard on Wednesday 18th February 1970 prior to working the 15.07 Millerhill to Leith South trip. The 1E3- reporting number suggests not that the loco has previously worked an up ECML express but that the right hand blind in the headcode box is inoperative, preventing the correct Edinburgh Area pilot number, E13, being displayed. Photographed from the veranda of a brake-van attached at the front of the train for an EURS party. The consist behind D6903 was about 20 loaded coal wagons plus two brake vans. The coal wagons were for Portobello power station and were deposited in the SSEB exchange sidings at Kings Road. This left just the two brake vans to take forward from Kings Road to Leith South yard (with thanks to Andrew Boyd).
Hellesdon: The first station out from the Midland and Great Northern Joint terminus at Norwich City was Hellesdon. This is the view of its remains on a wintry 18th February 1978. Passenger services were withdrawn from Hellesdon on September 15th 1952, but passenger trains continued to run through until 1959 and freight until 1969.
Liverpool Street: Lunchtime at Liverpool Street in 1982. On the left is 37109 preparing to leave with a train for Kings Lynn. In the centre background is 37084 with empty stock. On the right 47115 is approaching with a semi-fast from Norwich.
Liverpool Street: An unidentified class 37 waits to take a train out of Liverpool Street in February 1982.
Liverpool Street: 47115 brings an early afternoon train from Norwich into Liverpool Street in February 1982. Over on the left 37109 awaits its departure time with a service to Kings Lynn.
Paddington: A British Rail Inter-City 125 HST seen shortly after leaving Paddington in February 1982 with a service to Bristol Temple Meads. The train is passing the single platform of Paddington Parcels Depot, located between Westbourne and Ranelagh bridges. The scene is dominated by HSTs, with the exception of the London Underground C stock just visible in the background to the right of the bridge pier. This is a Hammersmith & City line train, about to depart for its next stop at Royal Oak, from where the photograph was taken.
Toddington: View north from the platform at Toddington in February 1983. The station has since been completely restored and is now part of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. See image [[36995]] [Ref query 3360]
Wivenhoe: A Class 309 'Clacton' set departs Wivenhoe on 18th February 1984, en route for London. These well regarded units remained in service for a further decade.
Beattock: View north from the up sidings at Beattock on 18 February 1991.
Falkirk High: The time to celebrate the E&G will be later in the year when our new faster longer greener trains are in service. Meanwhile for the 175th anniversary it might be appropriate to recall what happened on 18 February 1992 when Viscount Whitelaw arriving behind 60009 temporarily renumbered as 60004 unveiled this sculpture by George Wylie at Falkirk High and guests received these slate coasters bearing the E&G coat of arms.
Yuobaoshan: JS 2-8-2 no 8216 at Yuobaoshan, north east China, in February 2003. Yuobaoshan is a coal mining town which, at that time, employed several of the class for heavy work and shunting duties.
Yuobaoshan: JS 2-8-2 no 8246 loading a coal train at the mining town of Yuobaoshan in north east China in February 1982.
Airdrie: The bottleneck to the west of Airdrie station.
Airdrie: Airdrie looking east. The former Bathgate route platforms are to the left.
Caldercruix: Caldercruix viaduct to the east of the former station. Note artwork on bridge. Looking north.
Ratho: Ratho looking east. Ratho Low Level station on the Edinburgh & Bathgate route (closed in 1930) was to the left.
Drumshoreland: Drumshoreland looking north over the former goods yard. The line is still there by the building.
Drumshoreland: Drumshoreland looking east. A line branched off to the left for the shale oil works at Broxburn.
Cawburn Junction: Cawburn Junction looking west to Bathgate. From here the passenger line is single track.
Livingston North: Livingston North looking west. Re-doubling the track here will be tricky ...
Carmondean Junction: Carmondean looking west. The left track is the freight track for car trains and the right track is the passenger line.
Newbridge Junction: Westbound service at Newbridge Junction. The Bathgate line is a single track and in the distance a goods loop from the junction runs parallel to the E&G.
Uphall: Bathgate service enters Uphall. To the left is the M8 and the remains of an shale oilworks beyond.
Bathgate Yard: Bathgate Yard looking west. The single track on the right is the passenger line.
Bathgate Central Junction: To the left is the line to the present Bathgate station. To the right is the stub of the line west to Airdrie. Looking east.
Forrestfield: Looking west at Forrestfield. A portion of platform remains on the left.
Caldercruix: Looking west over Caldercruixs disused platforms.
Armadale [1st]: Armadale looking west. The station and buildings were over by the modern shed.
Plains: Plains looking east. Note the platform on the left.
Plains: Looking west at Plains towards the level crossing. The house to the right is on the site of the signalbox and would be demolished if the line re-opens. (Update - the house was subsequently demolished!)
Moffat Mills Junction: Looking east over the former Moffat Mills Junction. The branch to the right served the Inverhouse Distillery.
Drumgelloch [1st]: Drumgelloch looking west, current eastern terminus of the Airdrie line.
Drumgelloch [1st]: Looking east from Drumgelloch towards Clarkston (Lanarks).
Devon Viaduct [Cambus]: Viaduct at Cambus before the track was re-laid. See [[8397]].
Oban: First arrival of the day from Glasgow Queen Street runs into Oban on 18 February 2006. This train connects with the Craignure ferry.
Coatbridge Freightliner Terminal: Coatbridge Freightliner Terminal viewed from the south through a chain-link fence.
Appleby East: The level crossing gates and goods shed at Appleby East in February 2007. The station is to the right of the picture (towards Warcop). Passenger services were withdrawn in 1962 but freight remained between Appleby and Hartley Quarry until 1974 when it was cut back to Warcop serving the Army camp and training area until 1989. Appleby East yard and station is now the site of a local recycling company although the present Eden Valley Railway hopes to reopen the line from its base at Warcop to Appleby East.
Markinch: Signs seen on southbound platform, past the scaffolding.
Dornoch: Dornoch, looking towards Embo. The trackbed has been obliterated at this point by industrial units and a council yard.
Dornoch: Dornoch. The old station viewed from the former yard area.
Dornoch: Dornoch. The old station is up for sale. I hope that whoever buys it keeps it in original condition.
Dornoch: The old station building at Dornoch is now in the middle of a small industrial estate. It is in good condition and in use as a takeaway.
Appleby: Watering facilities at the south end of Appleby station - 18 February 2007.
Scout Green: Northbound Voyager climbing Shap on 18 Feb passing Scout Green.
Scout Green: Pendolino climbing Shap on 18 February passing Scout Green on the northbound ascent.
Gallowgate Central Junction: Looking down on the Old Gallowgate Central Junction. The left tunnel was the G&SWR Bridgeton Cross Connecting Line and the Tunnel to the right led to the NBR Bridgeton Cross Extension Line.
Gallowgate Central: Remains of Bridgeton headed platform at Gallowgate Central Station. Jumble Sale anyone?
Gallowgate Central: Remains of Bridgeton headed platform at Gallowgate Central.
Gallowgate Central: Site of Gallowgate Central. Notice the tunnel towards Bridgeton.
Gallowgate Central: Site of Gallowgate Central. Very little remains of the station although the tunnel towards Bridgeton can still be seen. There has been so much debris deposited here that the tunnel is one quarter filled in!!!
Scout Green: Voyager northbound at Scout Green on 18 February.
Appleby: Appleby station on 18 February looking north.
Cathcart North Junction: Tapper found in the Signalling Panel of Cathcart PSB... believed to come from the old box at Williamwood. Last inspection date marked 10.05.61.
Cathcart North Junction: This building was my last charge as a Signaller.. Cathcart Power Signal Box. It controls the Cathcart Circle, Neilston Line and the Kirkhill Branch Lines.
Appleby: Looking north from Appleby station on 18 February towards the SB showing the recently renewed double junction.
Cathcart: Disused Walkway over the River Cart to Cathcart Station.
Cathcart North Junction: Tapper believed to come from the old box at Williamwood found in the Signalling Panel of Cathcart PSB.
Cathcart: Old Entrance to Cathcart Station. What a view from that missing brick!! see image [[14055]]. In the distance you can just make out an old Light fitting hanging down at the bottom of the stairs which led to the island platform.
Markinch: Station house presides over work during a Sunday...none.
Cathcart: Old bricked up entrance to Cathcart Station from Old Castle Road, photographed in February 2007. Notice the missing brick.. what lies behind?? See image [[14045]]
Alva: End of the line. Converted station house at Alva at the end of the branch from Cambus in February 2007 seen from the platform side.
Alva: Front view of the converted station house at Alva in February 2007.
Scout Green: An engineers train hauled by EWS 66098 heads south at Scout Green in February 2007.
Elgin East: The screened off platform and concourse standing under the impressive glass roof of the former Elgin East station on 18 February, with the main yard area and sidings opening out just beyond to the north. The substantial station building is now in use as office accomodation.
Elgin Centre Signal Box: A final wave to the driver of 37422 as he takes his train away from Elgin on 18 February 2008 hauling seed potato traffic bound for Ely. (Photographed looking back along the line from Elgin East yard.)
Tullibardine: View east showing the former station house at Tullibardine on 18 February 2008. The old platform runs left to right in front of the building and is complete.
Hilton Junction: The 1413 Perth - Glasgow class 170 takes the Stirling Line at Hilton Junction south of Perth in February 2008. This view is only available in winter.
Elgin Centre Signal Box: 37422 held at signals at Elgin on 18 February with seed potato traffic from Elgin East yard bound for Ely.
Elgin East: Scene in the yard at Elgin East on 18 February 2008 as EWS 37422 prepares to take out a train of seed potato traffic destined for Ely, Cambridgeshire.
Elgin Centre Signal Box: The abandoned signal box standing opposite the former Elgin East station. View northeast on 18 February 2008.
Elgin East: Heavy lifting gear in the yard at Elgin East. Photographed on 18 February 2008.
Nateby: Even in 1915, remotely located Nateby was a request stop station. See image [[29967]] for the 1915 timetable. Nateby closed to passengers in 1930 but the Pilling Pig goods train continued to run through until 1963. This house has been built on the old down platform, but the ramp can still be seen and the tree stands where the tracks used to be. View east towards Garstang at Map Ref SD 458461.
Johnstone: 66424+66420 passing through Johnstone with the nuclear flask train from Hunterston to Carlisle on 18 February 2010
Manor Powis: 170 477 heads east through Manor Powis with a Glasgow Queen Street - Alloa service on 18 February.
Preston: 92005 Mozart, at the time in two tone grey and branded with EWS, sets off after a short break at Preston with a Mossend to Daventry intermodal service in February 2011. It is believed that 92005 is currently working for Transagent Rail in Croatia.
Preston: DRS 20309 and 37409 arrive at Preston on 18 February 2011 whilst heading north light engine. In April 2021 it is understood that both locos are still with DRS but currently 'stored'.
Ashchurch for Tewkesbury: Northbound 4E66, (coke empties from Margam to Redcar), approaches Homedown Level Crossing running about 50 minutes late.
Midland Yard Junction: This bridge at Nuneaton on the former MR Birmingham - Leicester freight avoiding line will probably never see trains again; but those nice chaps at Network Rail have painted the metalwork anyway. Well done. UPDATED NOVEMBER 2017: this bridge will soon be demolished, for the benefit of truck drivers who do not understand that their vehicles are taller than the (clearly signposted) clearance under the bridge.
Preston: One time freight operator Fast Line, with 66434 and an intermodal service waiting for the road south on platform 6 at Preston in February 2011. 66434 is currently (April 2021) in service with DRS.
Euxton Junction: Heading north on the WCML between Euxton Jct and Leyland, 86259 hauls a Euston to Carlisle railtour on the first leg to Carnforth on 18 February 2012.
Ribble Steam Railway Workshops: Plenty of atmosphere as Furness Railway No.20 leaves the running shed ready to participate in the Ribble Steam February 2012 gala. No.20 will also be hauling passenger trains at the RSR on eight days in April 2012.
Watford High Street: 378218, with a London Overground service from Watford Junction to Euston, approaching its first stop at Watford High Street on 18th February 2012. Until 1982, LUL Bakerloo Line 1938 stock trains came this way too.
Preston (Ribble Branch): There is something captivating about seeing very old machinery at work, and they don't come much older than Furness No.20 as in 2013 she will celebrate her 150th birthday. In addition to this appearance at the RSR February 2012 gala the loco is scheduled to work here every weekend in April and is well worth seeking out.
Preston (Ribble Branch): Period crew for a period locomotive. Furness Railway No.20, dating from 1863, was a real crowd puller at the 2012 Ribble Steam Gala. Thankfully the early morning downpours had eased by the time she emerged from the shed as she doesn't offer much protection to the footplatemen. See image [[22343]]
Burntisland Junction: A 'Northern Belle' Valentines Special from Glasgow Central to Perth and return passes Burntisland Links and relay room on 18 February 2012. The leading locomotive is 47810 with 47790 bringing up the rear.
Preston: Standby locomotive 57307 Lady Penelope sunbathes in the bay at the north end of platform 3 at Preston station on 18 February 2012.
Preston: E3137 aka 86259 'Les Ross' in platform 4c at Preston on 18 February 2012, having hauled the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express from Euston to Carnforth, where a pair of Black 5s took over for the run to Carlisle over Shap. After stabling at Preston until the late afternoon E3137 moved to Farington Jct to take over from the steam locomotives which had returned south over the S&C. This use of the sidings at Farington Jct by an electric locomotive is thought to have been the first for many years.
Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The train shed at Glasgow Queen Street looking North in February 2012. The station car park can be seen on the right. Photograph taken from the 'Glasgow Eye'
Preston (Ribble Branch): Furness Railway veteran 0-4-0 No.20 makes a fine sight as it runs tender first down to the exchange sidings with a shuttle service at the Ribble Steam Railway 2012 Gala. Austerity 0-6-0ST Walkden brings up the rear.
Burton and Holme: A northbound Voyager catches the sun as it passes through southern Cumbria, close to the former station at Burton and Holme, on 18 February 2012. See image [[22857]]
Conon Bridge: 158722 arrives at Conon Bridge with the 16:19 to Inverness (12.36 ex-Wick) on 18 February 2013. View north showing the station entrance, bicycle shelter/lockers and part of the eight space car park. A footpath to the village is still under construction off to the right.
Conon Bridge: The now completed station at Conon Bridge, photographed from the station entrance on 18 February 2013.
Maryhill: 156492 leaves Maryhill for Glasgow Queen Street on the 16.51 ex Anniesland on 18 February, a short journey for me that was to be the precursor to many miles spent on this unit over the next two days on travels along the West Highland line.
Hyndland: 318263 runs under the new footbridge at Hyndland station on 18 February with the 12.31 service to Airdrie.
Milngavie: 320312 prepares to leave Milngavie with the 16.12 for Motherwell on 18 February as 334023 waits at platform 2 with the 16.23 limited stop service to Edinburgh.
Hardengreen Viaduct: Long lens view south towards Hardengreen roundabout on Monday 18 February 2014 showing the new bridge over the roundabout and the older (by 167 years) Newbattle Viaduct standing beyond.
Sheriffhall City Bypass Overbridge: Looking south from the A6106 to the City Bypass deviation at Sheriffhall on 18 February with concrete sleepers stacked in the foreground.
Shettleston: The Shettleston Station Library has expanded since its 2010 inception, and now has a poster about the stations railway heritage see image [[12009]].
King's Gate Junction: View north towards the Edinburgh city bypass on 18 February with work in progress on the trackbed. See image [[38733]]
Coatbridge Sunnyside: Platform scenes at Coatbridge Sunnyside on 18 February 2014. The station has been adopted by Glenboig House with Clydesdale Community Initiatives.
NRM Shildon: 4464 Bittern at the Shildon A4 gathering on 18 February 2014. [See recent news item]
NRM Shildon: 60009 Union of South Africa at Shildon on 18 February 2014.
NRM Shildon: Star turn. Mallard amongst the exhibits in the yard at Shildon on 18 February 2014.
Sheriffhall [2nd]: On the left is the view south from the A6106 at Melville Gate along the Waverley trackbed on 18 February. On the right is the view west from the same bridge with the trackbed in the foreground. Note the second arch further west on the original Edinburgh and Dalkeith alignment. See image [[46447]] [Ref query 2870]
NRM Shildon: VIP lineup in the yard at NRM Shildon on 18 February 2014.
Haymarket: View west over Haymarket station on 18 February 2015 with the revamp now complete. About to leave platform 4 is the 1437 Edinburgh - Milngavie, while at the adjacent platform 3 is the 1240 Helensburgh Central - Edinburgh. Arriving at platform 1 in the right background is the 1351 service from Glenrothes with Thornton.
Edinburgh Park Station [Tram]: A city bound tram drops down from the E&G flyover towards the tram stop alongside Edinburgh Park station on 18 February 2015.
Plates, signs, notices etc: A Flying Scotsman window sicker from an HST set in the 1980s, when it still ran non-stop between Newcastle and London. I suppose that thing next to the thistle is supposed to be a wing, but it looks disturbingly like elongated fingers...
Edinburgh Park: The 1330 Edinburgh Waverley - Glasgow Queen Street runs non-stop through Edinburgh Park on 18 February 2015 making for its next stop at Falkirk High. The train is about to pass below a tram crossing the flyover on its way to the airport. See image [[50421]]
Edinburgh Park Station [Tram]: An airport bound tram comes of the E&G flyover at Edinburgh Park Station on 18 February see image [[50415]] and runs down towards its next stop at Edinburgh Park Central.
Haymarket: Part of the attractive concourse at Haymarket in February 2015, with the refurbished west wall of the original 1842 Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway building neatly incorporated within the new structure. See image [[6956]]
Haymarket: The front (east) entrance to Haymarket through the original 1842 E&G station frontage, photographed on the afternoon of 18 February 2015. Hard to believe it's two sides of the same building... see image [[50433]]
Gogar Tram Depot: 'Errr.. excuse me chief, there's a tram coming..!' A Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade training exercise taking place alongside Gogar Tram Depot on 18 February 2015.
Gogarburn [Tram]: A city bound Edinburgh tram slows for the Gogarburn stop on 18 February. In the middle distance just beyond the tree line is the tram depot, while the A8 runs towards Gogar Roundabout on the right.
Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal: The line of trees that previously stood in the background see image [[35428]] seems to have been sacrificed to build DIRFT 3. View north west on 18 February 2015 with Rugby station just off the end of the 'Northampton loop' in the left background.
Gogar Tram Depot: Crew change. An Edinburgh tram calls at the staff mini-platform alongside Gogar depot on 18 February 2015 for a crew change. See image [[43350]]
Haymarket: View over the spacious concourse at Haymarket on 18 February 2015 from the entrance through the original 1842 building. Ticket barriers are straight ahead and the exit to the Haymarket tram stop is off to the right.
Edinburgh Park Central [Tram]: Photograph showing the graceful sweep of the tram flyover alongside Edinburgh Park station, which takes trams from the airport over the E&G before completing a ninety degree change of direction to start running parallel with the E&G towards the city centre. A tram heading for York Place is seen here approaching the flyover in February 2015.
Murrayfield Stadium [Tram]: An eastbound Edinburgh tram comes off the bridge over Roseburn Street to reach the Murrayfield tram stop on 18 February 2015. At this point trams pass between Haymarket ScotRail depot and Murrayfied stadium. See image [[40638]]
Gyle Centre [Tram]: A city bound Edinburgh tram on the climb up to Gyle Centre shortly after passing under the A8 in February 2015.
Calderbank Colliery Signal Box: EMU 320303 on a Whifflet service passes the site of the former Calderbank Colliery Signal Box and junction for the colliery sidings (to the left). Even before electrification a year previously, almost no trace of either could be seen and new housing has since been built the site of the sidings. The colliery site itself became part of Calderpark Zoo, with the 224 yard Calderbank Colliery Tunnel presumed sealed during the development of the Zoo, and possibly since infilled.
Edinburgh Park Central [Tram]: Part of Edinburgh Park, on the west side of the city, seen here in February 2015. With a layout designed by renowned US architects Richard Meier & Partners, as business parks go it could be described as 'up-market'. View is north east towards the tram stop at Edinburgh Park Central, showing some of the landscaping which has been incorporated into the layout. The tram is restarting on its way to the airport.
Gogarburn [Tram]: Rural outpost on the Edinburgh Tram route. Trams pass on the reverse curves between Gogar and Ingliston in February 2015. View west towards the airport
Edinburgh Park Central [Tram]: View from Edinburgh Park Central in February 2015 as an Edinburgh Tram comes off the E&G flyover and heads north on its way to the airport.
Murrayfield Stadium [Tram]: An Edinburgh tram leaves Murrayfield bound for York Place on 18 February 2015.
New Cumnock: The diverted Carlisle to Mossend engineers wagonload service about to run through New Cumnock station on 18 February 2016 behind GBRf 66737.
New Cumnock: Colas Railfreight no.60056 takes 6S36 the diverted Dalston to Grangemouth empty tanks through New Cumnock on 18 February 2016.
New Cumnock: GB Railfreight 66737 Lesia takes 6M49 the diverted Mossend to Carlisle engineers wagonload through New Cumnock on 18 February 2016.
New Cumnock: Virgin Voyager 221102 John Cabot pauses for signals at New Cumnock with the shuttle from Carlisle to Glasgow Central on 18 February 2016. Another Voyager approaches on the reverse working.
New Cumnock: ScotRail Sprinter 156439 pauses at New Cumnock whilst working 1L51 from Glasgow Central to Carlisle on 18 February 2016.
New Cumnock: Virgin Voyager 221109 about to run through New Cumnock whilst working 1Z10, the shuttle from Carlisle to Glasgow Central, on 18 February 2016.
New Cumnock: DRS class 66 locomotives 66304 and 66421 about to take the diverted Daventry to Mossend 'Tesco Express' container train through New Cumnock station on 18 February 2016.
New Cumnock: Virgin Voyager 221142 speeds through New Cumnock on 18 February 2016 with the shuttle from Glasgow Central to Carlisle. The service was put in place following the closure of Lamington Viaduct. Note the coal loading point on the right.
New Cumnock: The diverted 4M25 Mossend - Daventry containers running south through New Cumnock on 18 February hauled by DB Schenker 66145.
Bare Lane: DRS 37716 hauls two nuclear flasks, and classmate 37610, towards Morecambe through Bare Lane on 18th February 2016. The former D6794 was one of a number of EE Type 3s that went to Spain on contract hire in 2004. DRS purchased it from DBS in 2013 and returned it to the main line in November 2015.
New Cumnock: An unidentified Virgin Voyager with the diverted 1Z05 Glasgow Central to Carlisle shuttle through New Cumnock on 18 February 2016. This service operated during the WCML closure due to damage at Lamington Viaduct and called only at Kilmarnock.
New Cumnock: Virgin Voyager 221102 slows for signals at New Cumnock on 18 February whilst working 1Z00 the shuttle from Carlisle to Glasgow Central.
New Cumnock: The down platform at New Cumnock station on 18 February 2016.
New Cumnock: ScotRail Sprinter 156430 pauses at New Cumnock on 18 February 2016 with the 1S50 Newcastle - Glasgow Central.
New Cumnock: GB Railfreight no 66735 takes train 6H97, the diverted Hunterston HL to Drax power station, through New Cumnock on 18 February 2016.
Needsmust Depot: Locomotives at Needsmust Depot, St Kitts. No.15 has been renovated and is used for occasional maintenance trains. Two stablemates from sugar cane days lurk in the right hand shed while one of the Romanian built hydraulics is undergoing a repaint. The modern building behind is the terminal of the airport.
St Kitts: A donkey finds a little shade on a section of abandoned St Kitts Railway trackbed in February 2017. This view looks south from the level crossing near Fairview, a former plantation house overlooking the west coast to the north of Basseterre. The last train on this part of the line ran around 2005.
New Southgate: New Southgate, a London suburban station at the southern end of the ECML, served by services to and from Welwyn Garden City and with the platforms on the fast tracks now fenced off, looking north on 11th February 2017. This is one of the original stations on the GNR's London extension, opened on 7th August 1850 as Colney Hatch & Southgate, renamed Southgate & Colney Hatch on 1st February 1855, further renamed New Southgate for Colney Hatch on 1st March 1883, yet again renamed New Southgate & Friern Barnet on 1st May 1923 and finally to simply New Southgate on 18th March 1971. The original ticket office which spanned the tracks and platforms was destroyed by fire in 1976.
St Kitts: The northbound St Kitts Scenic Railway train passes an abandoned sugar cane transfer station, one of many on the surviving eighteen miles of line. Some remaining tracks can be seen in the immediate foreground but most of the sidings have been lifted since cane traffic ceased in 2005.
St Kitts: Abandoned sugar cane wagons sitting in a former transfer station on the St Kitts Railway, as seen from a passing passenger train in February 2017. Although the tourist train passes a number of these former yards this was the only one where I saw old rolling stock.
St Kitts: An abandoned Sugar Mill on St Kitts, seen from a passing train. The railway was built to connect the various plantations with a new sugar factory in Basseterre that opened in 1912 and the small mills like this were all closed although many can still be seen.
Corstorphine Heritage Centre: The 50th anniversary of the Corstorphine branch line's closure will be on 30 December.
Basseterre Sugar Factory: The central sugar factory at Basseterre which was in operation between 1912 and 2005. The St Kitts Railway made a thirty mile circuit of the island and operated seasonally to bring harvested cane from the various estates to this central processing plant. Before the 21st century tourist trains sugar cane was the sole traffic on the line.
Brock: A pair of WCRC Brush Type 4s head north along the WCML at Brock on 18 February 2017 whilst on a light engine move back to Carnforth. The photo is taken through palisade fencing near to the River Brock with the site of the old foot crossing and station this side of the rear locomotive.
La Vallee: Circle the wagons!. Looking a little like a scene from a Western film, a St Kitts Scenic Railway train sits on the La Vallee turning circle, the present limit of operations. At this point train passengers transfer to buses to return to Basseterre by road while those who have arrived on the buses return by train along the Atlantic coast.
La Vallee: A double decked St Kitts Scenic Railway coach. The five in use are substantial vehicles, built in the USA around 2002. The lower saloon is air conditioned with loose wicker seating and tables - very colonial. The popular upper decks have longitudinal benches and are completely open apart from the canopy cover - ideal for en route photography.
St Kitts: The St Kitts Scenic Railway train running north alongside the range of volcanic mountains that overlook the Atlantic Coast.
St Kitts: Viaduct over a ghut (valley) on the St Kitts Railway, seen from a train that had crossed it a few moments before. There are many such unfenced structures on the east coast of the island and the train often weaves around a headland then runs up a short valley before crossing one or more of these impressive bridges and heading back to the coast.
Needsmust Depot: Hunslet 6wDM 101hp (HE 5218/1958) seen outside the Needsmust depot of the St Kitts Scenic Railway on 18th February 2017. The loco was one of a fleet of Hunslets that operated sugar cane trains on St Kitts until withdrawn around 2002. It has since been restored and sees occasional use on maintenance trains on what is now a popular tourist railway but is not powerful enough to haul the heavy passenger services. The design similarities between No.14 and the standard gauge (Class 05) Hunslets are very noticeable.
Needsmust Depot: Hunslet 0-6-0DH No. 15 of the St Kitts Railway (HE 9086/1982) sits in the sunshine outside Needsmust Depot, alongside the international airport. This 160hp loco is another survivor from what was once a large fleet used on sugar cane traffic until 2005 on the 30 mile line that circled the island. It has been retained/preserved by the St Kitts Scenic Railway for p/way duties.
St Kitts: Rounding the northern tip of St. Kitts the Dutch island of Sint Eustasius comes into view from a train heading for La Vallee.
St Kitts: A passenger train on the St Kitts Scenic Railway, running north along the east coast, swings inland round the head of one of the numerous valleys. The first vehicle behind the 0-6-0DH is a generator car that powers services on the five coaches. The truck about to pass under the viaduct is a support vehicle that shadows the train with the driver operating the level crossing barriers. 180217.
Polmaise Junction: The stock of the Caledonian Sleeper led by Class 73/9 and Class 66 locos heads south out of Stirling past the site of the former Polmaise colliery sidings on 18th February 2017. The train was en route from Aberdeen to Polmadie Carriage Maintenance Depot.
La Vallee: A former level crossing in Sandy Point Town, St Kitts, immediately to the south of the La Vallee limit of rail operations. This view was taken from a bus returning rail passengers to Basseterre to complete the circular trip. The twelve mile disused section of line can be seen at various points from this road along the west coast.
St Kitts: Former sugar cane transfer station, seen from a passing train on the St Kitts Scenic Railway. This appears to be the same location photographed in 2009 See image [[23010]] and the abandoned trucks clearly haven't moved in that time. Similar sites are to be seen all along the railway but in most cases all rails and any wagons have been removed for scrap.
La Vallee: Motor trolley at the La Vallee turning circle of the St Kitts Scenic Railway. The trolley runs ahead of the passenger train with the driver operating some of the level crossing barriers. It is sitting on the points leading to the disused west coast section of the line to Basseterre which continued south from here.
Brock: Royal Scot class 4-6-0 no 46115 Scots Guardsman approaching the site of Brock station whilst working a railtour to Carlisle on 18 February 2017.
La Vallee: Lyd2 Faur locomotive, one of three Romanian built 450hp 0-6-0s bought by the St Kitts Railway from Poland to haul the Scenic Railway passenger trains, stands on La Vallee loop at the northern limit of services. The line originally continued down the west coast to form a loop but that section has not carried trains since 2005. Note - Lyd2 designation: L=narrow gauge, y=3 axles, d=diesel power and 2=hydraulic transmission.
Hall Green: UK Railtours' excursion from London Euston to Stratford-upon-Avon, behind 67 029 'Royal Diamond' and with 67 022 at the rear, passing Hall Green station on the North Warwickshire Line in the southern suburbs of Birmingham, on the afternoon of Saturday, 18th February 2017.
See query 2142
Gorebridge: The 0911 Edinburgh - Tweedbank passing new housing to the south of Gorebridge, shortly after leaving the station on 18 February 2018. Another significant housing development is underway off to right between the railway and the A7. The train will shortly pass below a footbridge constructed during the Borders Railway project as part of this planned expansion see image [[54218]].
Newark North Gate: The station frontage at Newark Northgate in February 2018. It looks like a well known brand of coffee outlets was delivering at the time of my visit.
Newark North Gate: A London bound Hull Trains Class 180 diesel unit passes Newark Northgate on 18 February 2018.
Gorebridge: The 0911 Edinburgh - Tweedbank pulls away from the well gritted platform at Gorebridge on a chilly 18 February 2018. The Sunday morning service is formed by ScotRail 170477.
Newark Castle: An EMT service to Nottingham has just departed Newark Castle station as it passes the signalbox and LC on 18 February 2018.
Newark Castle: An EMT Class 156 calls at Newark Castle whilst enroute to Nottingham on 18 February 2018.
Newark North Gate: A northbound service to Leeds with a VTEC Class 91 arrives at Newark Northgate on 18 February 2018.
Cockenzie Power Station: Surprisingly this semaphore, which controlled access to the Prestonpans loop, remained working right up to the closure of the branch in 2013. For decades it was the only one in the Lothians. Here it is in February 2019, disarmed and looking sorry for itself.
Wallyford: A southbound LNER HST rushes through Wallyford on 18 February 2019 with the hazy Pentlands in the distance; this never seems quite right somehow but the line is going surprisingly north here. Meanwhile trackworkers take a break from trying to dig a hole in the ballast and have it immediately fill up again.
Wallyford: A North Berwick to Edinburgh service calls at Wallyford on 18 February 2019 while platform work is in progress. In the planning stage this station was known as Musselburgh East. I'm not sure how Wallyfordians would have felt if the name had stuck (or rather, I'm pretty sure).
Dalgety Bay: The 10.00 LNER Azuma passes through Dalgety Bay station on 18th February 2020. 158730 is running in the opposite direction with a Fife Circle service.
Mill Hill: 156459 calls at Mill Hill, working a stopping service from Blackburn, on 18th February 2020. Since my last visit in 2009 [[26706]] the surviving L&YR goods shed has been demolished, while the old goods yard and adjoining cotton mill site have been cleared for housing.
Inverkeithing East Junction: The 10.00 LNER Azuma climbs away from Inverkeithing East Junction with rain clouds approaching on 18th February 2020.
Whitelaw Foot Crossing: Whitelaw Foot Crossing is situated half-way between Wester Hailes and Curriehill stations and must be a boon to students cycling to Heriot-Watt's Riccarton campus from Juniper Green (if any). There is actually a proper road on the other side, albeit a narrow one giving access only to that house.
Mill Hill: The line beyond Blackburn, and over Copy Pit, was closed for bridge works during February 2020. 195008 was shuttling between Blackpool and Blackburn, rather than continuing through to York, seen passing the island platform at Mill Hill. The bridge span to the right crossed the goods yard access track but that was closed and lifted around sixty years ago.
Mill Hill: The rather plain entrance to Mill Hill station in February 2020. Prior to being destaffed in the late 1960s there was a street level booking office here and a covered staircase down to the platform, which had a full size L&YR canopy. Nowadays things are a little more exposed to the Lancashire weather.
Book: Railscot contributor David Hindle, always on the lookout for a new area of research, has authored another book that combines his passions of railway history and social history. This time he looks at the parallel growth and decline of steam railways and the music halls and variety theatres. The book has just been published by Silver Link and a review will appear on Railscot.
Blackburn: The East Lancashire line was closed to the east of Blackburn in the second half of February to replace a canal bridge near Accrington and repair one near Rose Grove. Blackpool buses were used on the rail replacement services and one is seen here pulling up at the back door of Blackburn station on 18th February 2020. Note the bus shelter in the same style as the canopies on the platforms behind, as seen in image [[26685]].
Montfode Fuel Depot Sidings: Thursday 18th February 2021 and with the bi-directional electrified line still out of use, the appropriately named 68 002 Intrepid proceeds cautiously wrong line north from Ardrossan to Hunterston with the flask train on the non-electrified freight line. Unusually, 68 006 Daring is at the rear. The train is usually double headed. This is the first train north of Ardrossan since Friday 5th February. Passenger train services have yet to resume. (The location is south of the former Montfode Fuel Depot.)
Leuchars: Azuma 800104 draws away from Leuchars, with the 14.52 from Aberdeen to York, on Friday 18 February 2022. The line would be closed here for the following two weekends for engineering work.
Leuchars: Looking north from Leuchars footbridge on 18 February 2022. Lots of material in place for two weekends of track and signalling work. The crossover will be moved north and signalled for reversals out of the Up platform. The Down sidings will be removed. Just visible beyond the signalbox is a remnant of the air base branch.
Events
Events from the chronology which occured on this day. This generally lists events before 1995, the creation of the website.
| Year | Companies | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1842 | Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway | Glasgow Queen Street High Level station opened (originally called Glasgow or Dundas Street). (Date also given as the 21st.) |
| 1913 | Grangemouth Railway (Forth and Clyde Canal Company) | Grangemouth Goods, town goods shed, authorised (north east of Grangemouth station, across Station Road and Dock Road). |
News
These are old news items which which occured on this day. This generally lists events after 1995, the creation of the website.
| Year | Companies | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Coffee offer hasn^t helped daily grind [Scotsman] | AS IT is revealed that rail delays are getting worse despite promises of better service, hardened commuter Sandra Dick despairs of ever arriving at work on time. |
| 2008 | Forth Bridge painting set to end [BBC News Article] | The process of painting the iconic Forth Rail Bridge will end in four years^ time, it is announced. |
| 2010 | On track? [BBC News Item] | Mixed response to tourism claims over Borders rail route |
| 2010 | Belgium train crash investigation continues [Press TV]] | Belgian rescue workers continue to search the wreckage of two commuter trains that crashed outside the capital Brussels and claimed the lives of 18. |
| 2010 | Calls for high speed rail links to benefit whole of UK [The Scotsman] | THE HEAD of a coalition of cities including Edinburgh which is campaigning for high-speed rail links has called for assurances that any proposed network would benefit the whole of the UK. |
| 2010 | Strike ^will not affect trains^ [BBC News Article] | Rail bosses claim they will be able to operate at least ^nine out of 10^ trains when staff strike in Scotland on Saturday. |
| 2011 | Tanfield Railway celebrates 40 years in volunteering [BBC] | The world^s oldest railway, Tanfield Railway in Gateshead, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its volunteers |
| 2012 | Linlithgow ^first station in the world to be photographed^ [Railscot] | A new information panel has been installed at Linlithgow Station to commemorate its claim to be the first station in the world to have been photographed. The photograph in question was taken in 1845 by David Octavius Hill, who pioneered many aspects of the art form in collaboration with the engineer and photographer Robert Adamson. It is believed that Hill took the photograph of Linlithgow Station three years after it opened, as the basis for a painting. Almost 170 years later, the image he captured remains recognisable, with St Michael^s Parish Church prominent in the background. It is reproduced in the new Linlithgow Heritage Trail information panel, by permission of the National Gallery of Scotland. The panel also celebrates more recent additions to the station. These include Mary Louise Colouris’ mural of the annual Marches procession, an impressive display of flower tiles made by local schoolchildren, and three banners produced by embroiderers from St Michael’s Parish Church. The panel has been developed jointly by Linlithgow Civic Trust, Pride & Passion Linlithgow and Linlithgow Heritage Trust, with support from ScotRail, the train operator, and West Lothian Council. John Aitken, chairman of the Linlithgow Civic Trust, said: “Since Victorian times the Edinburgh-Glasgow railway line has been – and continues to be – of prime importance in Linlithgow^s development. “We are delighted that this panel, part of Linlithgow Heritage Trail, highlights the station^s rightful place in history. John Yellowlees, ScotRail external relations manager, said: “We were pleased to support this venture as part of our support for the Civic Trust’s “Burgh Beautiful” campaign. “That campaign includes ‘adopting’ Linlithgow Station, with volunteers planting and maintaining beautiful barrels of flowers on both platforms.” |
| 2012 | Network Rail closes first Scottish level crossing this century [Rail.co] | Network Rail has officially marked the closure of Inchyra level crossing in Perthshire – the first Scottish public crossing to close this century. The automatic half-barrier crossing has been removed from the network after Perth and Kinross Council and Network Rail worked together to create a new link road to divert traffic away from the railway. |
| 2013 | Spoil heap continues to move onto Doncaster railway line [The Star] | An aerial view shows the moving spoil heap at Hatfield Colliery, which is engulfing the Doncaster to Thorne railway line. A spokesman for Network Rail said the tip had slowed down at the weekend but was still moving. Network Rail’s helicopter went up again at the weekend to assess how far the spoil heap has moved. Passengers have been warned there is no prospect of train services resuming for at least two months. |
| 2015 | Serco signs GB Railfreight to run Scots sleeper services [BBC News] | Rail sleeper services between Scotland and London are to be handled by a freight specialist firm as part of the new franchise. GB Railfreight has been signed up by Serco to provide locomotives and drivers when it takes over the Caledonian Sleeper service from April. The trains run between London Euston and five Scottish destinations. The contract, to run in both directions six nights a week, is worth around £100m spread over 15 years. |
| 2015 | Victoria Station transformation nears completion [MEN] | ONE look at the Victoria Station building site and it’s clear to see its engineers have reached the final furlong. The sound of drilling and hammering fills the air, hard-hatted staff walk with purpose and a look to the roof reveals fitters on abseiling ropes. There are currently around 200 workers on site at any one time - on shifts spanning all day and night. After five years of industry, this is a crucial stage of the transformation, especially for Metrolink. From 5.30am on Wednesday passengers from Bury and Rochdale will be able to alight at the Victoria Metrolink stop - for the first time in a year. And from February 21 , services through Victoria to Shudehill, Market Street and beyond, are expected to resume. By Monday, it will become fully operational again. [From Mark Bartlett] |
| 2016 | Flying Scotsman to ^fly^ again after 10 year restoration [BBC News] | It has been a decade in the making but the final touches have been made to the Flying Scotsman locomotive. The last time the public saw the famous train it was painted black. It has now been restored to its original green, ready for its inaugural run down the East Coast mainline next week. Shirley Henry reports. |
| 2016 | North {of England} and Scotland join forces on transport [Northern Echo] | THE North-East [of England] and Scotland have signed a deal aimed at improving transport across the border. Scottish Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown travelled to Newcastle to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on improving the transport network across Scotland and the north [of England]. |
| 2016 | How much for a private rail carriage from Edinburgh to London? [Scotsman] | VIRGIN Trains gives commuters the opportunity to ‘travel like a rock star’ by charting their own train from Scotland to London for a cool starting price of £65,000. The ‘Red Carpet’ service from the rail company Virgin Trains is fairly extreme measure to avoid arguments over reserved seats or sitting next to chatty mobile phone users, by either booking out an entire private carriage or indeed charting a private train to their preferred destination. |
| 2017 | Settle to Carlisle line on track for March reopening [RTM] | Considerable progress has been made on plans to reinstate the iconic Settle to Carlisle railway ahead of its scheduled reopening next month. The railway was closed in February last year after flooding to the River Eden in Cumbria caused 500,000 tonnes of earth under the railway to slip on 31 January 2016, meaning that the tracks fell 2.5 metres below their normal level. The £23m repair work involves engineers driving two rows of high-strength piles (steel tubes filled with concrete) into the bedrock of the Eden gorge, north of Armathwaite something that engineers hope will futureproof the track in the area. [From Richard Buckby] |
| 2018 | Railway chief targets Edinburgh-Glasgow in 39 minutes [Scotland on Sunday] | The head of Scotlands railway wants to cut Edinburgh-Glasgow journeys to just 39 minutes as a game- changer to attract more passengers. New electric trains are due to reduce the fastest trips from 52 minutes to 42 minutes in December, but Alex Hynes is looking at ways of making them even quicker. The news came as ScotRail sources told Scotland on Sunday the delayed fleet was not now due to enter service until May a further two months later than expected. |
| 2019 | Plans to overhaul rail fares system could end split ticketing [ITV News] | Some fares would go up and some would go down under the proposals, which are designed to be revenue neutral. |
| 2019 | New class 385 electric train for Glasgow Central routes [ScotRail] | ScotRail has taken another step to provide better services for customers, with the introduction of the latest brand-new Hitachi class 385 electric train to its routes south of Glasgow. Customers travelling on the Cathcart Circle and Central to Newton routes are now able to experience the new three-carriage train after it was introduced to weekday morning peak services from today (Monday 18 February). |
| 2020 | Technical issues led to more than 1000 cancellations to CalMac ferries in last year [Daily Record] | Green MSP John Finnie has called on Transport Secretary Michael Matheson to launch a review into replacement plans for the fleet. |
| 2020 | Road at Old Kilpatrick rail bridge now reopened despite delay [Clydebank Post] | The road at the Old Kilpatrick rail bridge has now reopened - despite a previous delay. |
| 2020 | Study into Corran Narrows fixed link options [Highland Council] | A study is underway into the feasibility of replacing Scotlands second busiest ferry service with a fixed link bridge or tunnel. |
| 2020 | £2.5m repairs for ^port of refuge^ ferry terminal [BBC News] | Repairs to the Gourock ferry terminal will once more provide an alternative route from Bute and Arran. |
| 2020 | Coatbridge Sunnyside station locked down amid railway ^incident^ [Evening Times] | Coatbridge Sunnyside station has been locked down by police amid an ^incident^. |
| 2020 | Historic steamship taken out of service [BBC News] | The Steamship [[SS Sir Walter Scott]] will not sail this season after ^extensive^ cracks are found in its boilers. |
| 2020 | Crossrail videos show latest progress on railways central London stations [Building] | Crossrail has revealed the latest progress of the work going on at its delayed central London stations. The project, which is now expected to open in summer 2021, has posted a series of videos showing the work at the six stations being built under the capitals centre. On its two problem projects, Bond Street and Whitechapel stations, Crossrail said significant fit-out progress had been made during 2019. |
