This day in history 25 February
Images
West Kilbride: Station approach and car park, West Kilbride, 25 February 1963.
West Kilbride: Entrance to the goods yard at West Kilbride in February 1963, complete with cement silos.
Fairlie Pier: Locomotive servicing facilities at Fairlie Pier in use on Monday 25 February 1963. In the background, beyond the fence running along the north side of the station, are the buildings and equipment associated with the NATO boom defence base. The former locomotive shed (in use by a boatbuilder at that time) is off picture to the left. See image [[37141]].
Fairlie Pier: A train for Glasgow stands at Farlie Pier station on a dismal looking Monday 25 February 1963. On the right is the former 2-road locomotive shed - built in 1918 to replace a burned-down 1882 timber original. The shed had closed in 1930 but was later acquired for boat storage and repair by a local boatbuilder. (The original roof featured a long smoke vent which had been removed in a subsequent re-roofing.) The building was finally demolished in 1987. Fairlie Pier station itself was officially closed in October 1971, although the last train visited the station in July 1972.
Fairlie Pier: Looking towards the junction with the Largs branch from the end of the platform at Fairlie Pier on 25 February 1963. Following closure, the ex-GSWR lower quadrant signals became a permanent exhibit at the Glasgow Museum of Transport see image [[30248]].
Fairlie Pier: Platform scene at Fairlie Pier on a cold Monday morning in February 1963.
West Kilbride: View from the car park at West Kilbride station in February 1963. The solitary vehicle visible in the car park is [thanks to Ken Strachan] a Humber Super Snipe, 'containing more steel in its front bumper alone than can be found in many of today's cars'. Additional period touches are provided by the car's spotlights, AA badge and wing mirrors. [Editors note: The building was demolished after the body of a murdered woman was found in it in 1995.] [With thanks to Colin Miller]
West Kilbride: View from the station forecourt at West Kilbride in February 1963 as a northbound train leaves the platform.
Galashiels [1st]: Waiting for the pick-up. 60027 Merlin at Galashiels on 25 February 1965. (The shunter is noted as Jimmy Jardine). The A4 was finally withdrawn from St Margarets shed on 3 September that year and cut up at Campbells of Shieldhall during December.
Carlisle Upperby Shed: Several locomotives stored at Carlisle Upperby in February 1967. Nearest the camera is Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 46470. Three Black Fives 44932, 45196 and 45451 are also present, but I don't have a record of the Ivatt 2-6-2T numbers.
Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: Jubilee 4-6-0 45562 'Alberta' at Carlisle Kingmoor on 25th February 1967, having worked north from Leeds with the 'Border Countryman' railtour (see image number [[75268]]). While the loco was being serviced, the tour visited Beattock behind Ivatt 2-6-0 43106 (see image number [[63324]]). Later in the afternoon the Jubilee took the train back south via Newcastle.
Carlisle Upperby Shed: Black 5 45193 rolls past Carlisle Upperby with a northbound freight on 25th February 1967.
Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: A line-up at Carlisle Kingmoor on a wet February afternoon in 1967. Closest to the camera is Stanier 8F 48018, then 48676, 92162, Kingmoor 'regular' 43139 and Black 5 44699.
Carlisle Upperby Shed: The 'Border Countryman' railtour of 25th February 1967, with Jubilee 45562 'Alberta' in charge, reduces speed as it runs past Upperby on the approach to Carlisle. Long scrapped 45562 has miraculously reappeared at Carlisle in recent times - see image [[72641]].
Portobello East Junction: Clayton D8614 comes off the line from Niddrie North at Portobello East Junction in February 1970 with empty Leith General Warehousing grain wagons returning from the North British Distillery at Gorgie to Leith. This and the outward working were amongst the highlights of an afternoon's photography on the Sub around that time.
Portobello: Deltic No. D9000 Royal Scots Grey powers off the sharp curve between Portobello West and East boxes in February 1970 at the head of the 16.00 departure from Waverley to Kings Cross.
Portobello East Junction: EE Type 4 No.D261 about to pass under Portobello East signal box with an up freight on 25 February 1970.
Portobello East Junction: A weekday afternoon spent on the ECML at Portobello East Junction in 1970 was almost guaranteed to produce a good crop of Claytons - here No. D8565 runs light engine along the up slow line, no doubt heading for Millerhill. The chimney of Portobello power station is smoking away lustily in the background.
Portobello: Clayton No. D8507 canters along the up main line on the approach to Portobello East Junction on 25 February 1970. The train will shortly begin to diverge right towards Millerhill Yard.
Portobello East Junction: Deltic 9014 The Duke of Wellington's Regiment approaches Portobello East signalbox with the down Flying Scotsman on 25 February 1970.
Weetslade Colliery: NCB 506 (ex-BR class 14 D9504) still at work in the Northumberland area in 1981.
Srem: PKP 2-8-2T No. TKt48-111 sets off from Srem with the 07:06 Czempin to Jarocin stopping train on 25th February 1991. The German style signals indicate that the exit from the station is clear but at a restricted speed of 40km/h - it is not showing clear home and distant arms as in British practice.
Germiston: A South African Railways Class 15F 4-8-2 no 3150, built by the North British Locomotive Company, photographed on a trip working at Germiston, South east of Johannesburg, in 1991.
Rosslyn Castle: The former station at Rosslyn Castle, closed to passengers in 1951, seen here looking south from the platform towards Penicuik in February 1995. The trackbed now forms part of the Penicuik - Dalkeith walkway.
Bargeddie Bridge: Glasgow bound DMU on the Whifflet line, having just crossed the Cutty Sark Bridge, (officially the Bargeddie Bridge), deriving its name from the advert on the opposite side for many years. Due to ongoing road improvements of the M8, this view has dramatically changed since 1995 see image [[52003]].
Headfield Junction: 60048 Saddleback stands within the Blue Circle Depot at Dewsbury on a dull and drizzly 25 February 1997. See image [[55995]] for a view near 20 years later
Headfield Junction: 60048 'Saddleback' in the run round loop on the remaining section of Dewsbury's former Railway Street branch, after depositing loaded tanks in the adjacent Blue Circle Cement Depot see image [[26064]].
Headfield Junction: The end of the remaining section of Dewsbury's former Railway Street branch, with the headshunt beyond the Blue Circle Cement Depot run round and access loop seen on the right. The bridge over the Dewsbury branch off the Calder & Hebble Navigation is seen in centre of view, whilst Mill Street East overbridge can be seen beyond to upper right of view. See image [[41342]].
Ayr MPD: 08718 (ex-D3886) (nearest) and 08586 (ex-D3753) stand out of use awaiting disposal on the north side of Ayr shed yard on 25 February 1998. The locomotives, which had ended their operational lives at Fort William and Upperby carriage depot respectively, were eventually cut up here by European Metal Recycling in May 2000.
Ayr MPD: 60100 Boar of Badenoch passing Ayr shed in February 1998 with a Killoch - Ayr harbour coal train. On the left are withdrawn class 08 shunters 08718 (nearest) and 08586.
Teifa: A pair of SY locomotives with a coal train at Teifa, north east China, in February 2003.
Motherwell MPD: Some interesting bargains in the sale at the Motherwell B&Q garden centre in February 2006.
Motherwell MPD: An afternoon Lanark - Milngavie train, formed by SPT liveried EMU 318251, approaching Motherwell station in February 2006 past a lifeless Motherwell shed.
Motherwell MPD: A pair of class 08 shunters in the north sidings at Motherwell shed in February 2006, with 08402 in EWS livery and 08927 in BR colours. No 08402 (formerly D3517) was eventually cut up at T J Thomson, Stockton, in March 2010, while 08927, built at Horwich in 1962 as D4157, had better luck and is now preserved at NRM Shildon. See image [[40691]].
Motherwell: A class 66 heading north 'light engine' on the WCML through the dark cavern of Motherwell station in February 2006.
Cardrona: The old platform SB at the east end of Cardrona station in February 2007.
Innerleithen: The 6-span former railway bridge over the Tweed east of Innerleithen on 25 February 2007 - with additional safety railings recently fitted.
Cardrona: Old station building and signal box at Cardrona on 25 February 2007. Closed at the time but due to reopen under new management as the local village store.
Horsbrugh Viaduct: Former railway bridge over the Tweed at Cardrona looking north towards Peebles in February 2007.
Kennishead Viaduct: This viaduct was renewed a few years ago after I had reported being able to see through the sleepers to the ground below... bridge was painted in Railtrack Green.
Kennishead: Glasgow bound platform.... not been in use for many a year.
Kennishead: Last controlled Signal by Glasgow Central to Barrhead... this station has changed so much.
Haughhead Viaduct: Half a mile east of Innerleithen station the route from Peebles to Galashiels crossed the River Tweed on Haughhead Viaduct. The 6-span plate girder structure, built in 1866, is now part of a walkway. Photographed on a misty morning in February 2007 looking back across the Tweed towards Innerleithen, with Tweedside Caravan Park prominent on the north bank of the river.
Riga: A local tram in the city of Riga, Latvia, photographed in February 2008. The city operates 11 tram routes with an overall track length of 153 kilometres.
Edinburgh Park: Looking east towards Edinburgh Park Station on 25 February as 170 451 passes the piers of the new tramway bridge under construction as well as new electrification mast bases.
Piccadilly Gardens: Metrolink tram 1024 takes the direct line in Piccadilly Gardens on a Bury to Altrincham service. The other lines are the links to the Piccadilly Station branch. View from nearby City Tower.
Piccadilly Gardens: A Metrolink tram rolls into Piccadilly Gardens, in Manchester City Centre, from Piccadilly Station. From here it will either turn right for Bury or left for Altrincham or Eccles. View from nearby City Tower. see image [[29737]] for an update.
Ratho: Looking east at Ratho on 25 February with 158 715 passing the former goods yard, now a materials base for electrification. Note that masts have been erected here.
Balgreen Halt: View westwards from Balgreen towards Saughton Junction on 25 February showing the planned tram route between Carrickvale Golf Course and the E & G, with an Arriva Cross Country voyager passing.
Edinburgh Park: 158 703 leaves Edinburgh Park with an eastbound service on 25 February 2009.
Preston: 47375 was in the news a lot in 2009. On 250209 it failed north of Preston, was dragged into the station area to await further assistance and is seen here waiting on a through road in front of the new multi-storey car park. Two days later 47375 was hauled away by 47810 see image [[22665]] and fairly quickly condemned and sent to Booths at Rotherham. However it was later reported that it has been secured, removed from the scrapyard and taken to Barrow Hill.
Paisley Canal: The passengers are already aboard as the driver of 156494 trudges back through the snow on Paisley Canal's platform. He will take the train back along the branch and on to Glasgow Central.
Wemyss Bay: Sitting at the Wemyss Bay buffers, after arrival from Glasgow Central, is 334005 as seen looking across from the now disused platform that has become a car park. The morning's snow was thawing by this time, as can be seen on the platform canopy, and the noise of dripping water was echoing round the concourse.
Paisley Canal: 156494 pulls up at the buffers at snow covered Paisley Canal on a service from Glasgow Central. After a very short turnround the train was heading back along the branch to Glasgow.
Wemyss Bay: CalMac's MV Argyle prepares to leave a snowy Wemyss Bay for Rothesay, overlooked by the railway station's magnificent clock tower.
IBM: A lone passenger alights from a Wemyss Bay bound EMU at IBM and trudges off through the falling snow towards the exit. Does any other UK station have a name that is just made up of initials?
Saltcoats: Due to OLE problems at Howwood on 25th February, Ardrossan trains were cancelled and 318261 operated an hourly shuttle between Largs and Kilwinning. The EMU leaves a very wet Saltcoats for the junction.
Lancaster: 390035 is on time at 0830 at Lancaster on the 0539 from Euston on 25 February. The Pendolino was running with the nose cover open but the train also arrived a few minutes ahead of its 1036 schedule in Glasgow Central. Over on the opposite side the of the station the substantial buffers on the Platform 5 catch points can be seen protecting the main line from unauthorised departures.
Lancaster: The 0811 service from Morecambe, formed by 156469, runs into Platform 2, a north facing bay at Lancaster. Some trains on the branch are lightly loaded but this train is usually standing room only, at least for the five minute run from Bare Lane.
Lancaster: A Manchester Airport service runs into Lancaster from the north as seen from the end of Platform 3. The green railings alongside TPE 185138 mark the site of an additional bridge that carried the Green Ayre link line over Long Marsh Lane. This line had overhead catenary and was used by an EMU service to Green Ayre and Morecambe until 1966. After freight to Lancaster Power Station ceased in 1980 the trackbed was converted into a cycleway that starts by the old bridge abutment.
Wemyss Bay: Looking back up the hill towards Inverkip, past newly arrived 334005, at Wemyss Bay. The heavy snow experienced that morning around IBM and Inverkip was turning to sleet down at the Ferry Terminal although there was still plenty lying on top of the glass canopies.
Paisley Canal [1st]: Its a shame there is no train to Kilmacolm but the old Paisley Canal station is much improved compared to the situation just after closure in 1983 See image [[17946]] and now operates as a pub, the Canal Station.
Largs: First train for Kilwinning, and the second and the third... Due to overhead line problems at Howwood on this day the Largs branch was operating as a shuttle with 318261 and no through trains to Glasgow. Here the unit waits for its next hourly run down to the junction where connection was made into an Ayr to Glasgow service.
Plates, signs, notices etc: This is a ScotRail poster for Advance tickets, but at first glance I took it to be an encouragement to photograph railways. I think we can all agree that is a pretty worthless pastime. The pink colour of the divider shows that it was photographed on one of the five Class 322s which will return south later in 2011, the date depending on the Class 380 rollout.
Nuneaton North Chord: It's not every day you see a diversion on a footbridge. The stairs behind the hoarding were constructed to allow construction workers on Nuneaton's North Chord project to cross the Birmingham line safely.
Princes Street [Tram]: Junction of Princes Street and South St Andrew Street on 25 February 2012.
Scout Green: 70013 Oliver Cromwell storms up Shap bank at Scout Green with the fourth Cumbrian Mountain Express of 2012. These trains, all fully booked, have been electric hauled by 86259 Les Ross to Lancashire where the Britannia or 5MT 45305 took over for the Shap, Carlisle and Settle circuit.
Smardale Viaduct: The 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' on its return journey south via the Settle & Carlisle route on 25 February 2012. The train is passing through Smardale behind Britannia Pacific no 70013 Oliver Cromwell.
Shap: The outbound 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' of 25 February 2012 photographed on Shap heading for Carlisle behind Britannia Pacific no 70013 Oliver Cromwell.
Lowgill Viaduct: Curving Lowgill viaduct is a landmark for WCML and M6 travellers at the south end of the Lune Gorge. Situated at the north end of the line to Ingleton and Clapham it lost its regular passenger services in 1954 but carried freight, diversions and other occasional trains for a further twelve years before complete closure.
Dalguise: DRS 66423 with the 4D47 Inverness - Mossend intermodal service just south of the former Dalguise station on 25 February 2012.
Scout Green: 70013 Oliver Cromwell approaching the site of Scout Green level crossing with the Cumbrian Mountain Express. Moments later, and while still in view, the 4-6-2 slipped at speed (twice) but was expertly brought under control and continued to Shap summit in fine style. (See recent YouTube postings at Scout Green capturing this impressive piece of driving).
Preston: Waiting for the road home. 70013 Oliver Cromwell with support coach stands at signal PN124 on the down goods line at Preston station on the evening of 25 February 2012 on its way back to Carnforth. The locomotive had earlier handed over the return leg of the 'Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express' to 86259 at Farington Junction for the journey back to Euston.
Sedbergh Viaduct: But for the Midland and LNWR falling out, the Clapham to Lowgill railway would have been the main line to Scotland from West Yorkshire. It was certainly built like a main line as three great surviving bridges at Ingleton, Lowgill and Sedbergh testify. This is the Sedbergh bridge, in cast iron and brick, striding across the Lune Valley.
Aberfeldy: Poignant street scene in Aberfeldy on 25 February 2012. The houses in the background are on the site of the goods yard.
Farington: English Electric traction from 50 years ago still at work for DRS with Bo-Bo Type 1 20303 leading and Co-Co Type 3 37087 in tow along with a single nuclear flask wagon. The train is approaching the former station site at Farington on the WCML south of Preston.
Balnaguard Halt: Station signpost on the main road at Balnaguard in February 2012. Balnaguard station closed in 1965 along with the rest of the Aberfeldy branch.
The reverse of the signpost reads
GUARD
PLATFORM
Scout Green: Ayrshire bound coal empties are lifted up the 1:75 Shap bank at Scout Green by Freightliner 70002. The next loco up the hill was 70013, but from a different class and era.
Carlisle: Freightliner 66511 wheels a long train of Ayrshire bound coal empties into Carlisle from the Shap line in February 2013. The train was held in the station for some time before eventually getting the road north.
Carlisle: A once familiar sight on the Carlisle stabling roads, but not for much longer. AC electrics 86101 Sir William A. Stanier F. R. S. and 87002 Royal Sovereign were at Carlisle for ice breaker duties in February 2013 but are to be withdrawn from the main line when this requirement ceases. A great shame to say the least and its unclear at the moment what the future holds.
Perth: The new accessible footbridge at Perth, nearing completion on 25 February 2013.
Carlisle: The Carlisle New Yard to Chirk logs train rumbles through Platform 4 of Citadel station on 25 February behind Colas Rail 66850. The smell of newly cut wood lingered under the overall roof for a long time after this lengthy train had passed. An Ayrshire bound coal empties train stands in Platform 3 waiting for a northbound path.
Perth: Platform view south from Perth station on 25 February showing the new accessible footbridge see image [[42182]].
Haltwhistle: The Alston bay at Haltwhistle looking east towards the signalbox in February 2013. The trackbed now forms an unofficial footpath around the back of the station. My last visit to Haltwhistle was in 1976 when I caught a train from this platform shortly before the Alston branch closed. On the other side of the still used waiting room is the Carlisle platform. See image [[40173]] for an earlier view of this spot.
Settle: Transformation completed. The conversion of the Settle station water tower into a luxury home has now been finished and is a credit to the owner. See image [[31812]], taken just over two years earlier, to see the scale of the changes this restoration has made.
Haltwhistle: Haltwhistle's elevated signalbox and the footbridge that links the staggered platforms. Northern Sprinter 156468, on a Newcastle bound service, has just arrived from Carlisle.
Haltwhistle: A Newcastle to Glasgow (via Dumfries) service draws in to the staggered platform at Haltwhistle. Although this is a Scotrail Sprinter working through (156501 from Corkerhill) the Carlisle to Newcastle leg of the journey is operated by and shown in the timetable as a Northern Service.
Glasgow Central: Part of the main glazed area of Glasgow Central Station roof seen from the Central Hotel on 25th February 2014.
Haymarket [Tram]: Edinburgh Tram 258 climbs Haymarket Yards during trial running on 25 February.
Pitlochry: Platform scene at Pitlochry on 25 February, with traditional lanterns completing the improvements to the footbridge.
York Place [Tram]: Tram 258 leaves the York Place terminus during trial running on 25 February.
Cheddleton: USA 2-8-0 no 8046 in the spring sunshine at Cheddleton on the Churnet Valley Railway.
York Place [Tram]: Scene during tram testing on 25 February with Edinburgh tram 258 taking the curve from North St Andrew Street into York Place.
Haymarket [Tram]: Tram 258 calls at the Haymarket stop during trial running on 25 February.
Cite Universitaire : A southbound SNCF RATP Ml79 EMU on a working to Massy-Palaiseau enters the tunnel at the platform end as it departs Cite Universitaire RER Line B station in February 2015.
Cite Universitaire : At Cite Universitaire there is interchange between RER line B and RATP tram route T3A. Alstom Citadis 402 tram 313 is running down towards the eastbound tram stop on 25 February en route from Pont du Garigliano to the end to end connection with line T3B at Porte de Vincennes.
Parc des Expositions: Scene at Parc Des Expositions station mid afternoon of 25 February as an RER line B EMU arrives from Aeroport Charles De Gaulle heading across Paris to Saint Remy de Chevreuse via Gare du Nord. Trains were very crowded that week due to the extensive international agricultural machinery show SIMA taking place in the adjacent exhibition centre.
Bargeddie Bridge: The Cutty Sark (Braehead) construction site viewed from Bredisholm Road on 25th February 2015 see image [[46153]]. The new viaduct over the M8 extension will be constructed alongside the railway line and slid into place during a 2-week line closure in July 2015.
Bargeddie Bridge: Coal empties from Longannet crossing the Cutty Sark bridge on 25th February 2015 past the site of the new viaduct over the M8 extension. It is planned that the viaduct will be constructed alongside the line and slid into place during a 2-week closure in July 2015.
Cite Universitaire : A view north along the curving platforms of Cite Universitaire station, located on the south side of Paris on RER Line B that runs between Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 2 and Saint Remy de Chevreuse.
Cowlairs Tunnel: The north portal of the Queen Street High Level Tunnel during a quiet moment in late February 2016 before commencement of the improvement work.
Girvan: The 1300hrs service to Ayr, formed by 156512, leaves Girvan on 25th February 2016.
Girvan: 'The 13.57 to Kilmarnock will not be the next train at Platform 1, not calling at Maybole, Ayr, Troon and Kilmarnock.'
Unusual announcement at Girvan!
Denton: A steam hauled railtour to Buxton stops at Denton on 25 February 2017. Jubilee 45690 'Leander' was the loco on the train at this point but a few miles further south at Heaton Norris Jct Standard Class 4 2-6-0 no. 76084 was attached to the front of the train.
Sheriffyards [Model]: Familiar ... and yet.
Altstetten [Model]: Challenging conditions for small trains.
Drumcross [Model]: Some familiar liveries on at a slightly less familiar location.
Forth Bridge [Model]: View north from South Queensferry of the Forth Bridge ... at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Burntisland [1st]: Burntisland of 1883 in 2017, at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Denton: The 'Buxton Spa Express' stops at Denton on 25 February 2017 to take water, or at least the loco, 45690 Leander does. Denton has only one passenger train a week, the 0922 Stockport to Stalybridge on a Friday and nothing in the opposite direction!
Ordsall Chord: The new bridge over the River Irwell for the Ordsall Chord, seen from a train travelling between Ordsall Jct and Deal St Jct early in the morning of 25 February 2017.
Buxton: 45690 Leander brings the empty stock into Buxton for the return journey of the 'Buxton Spa Express' railtour on 25 February 2017. At the other end of the train was Standard 4 2-6-0 no.76084 which drew the train out of the station before running round to double head the train as far as Blackburn (via Sheffield and Wakefield).
Algarkirk and Sutterton: The former station of Algarkirk and Sutterton on the line between Spalding and Boston on 25 February 2018 and now operating as a building and doors store. This view is along where the platforms used to be with Boston to the right. Much of the trackbed between Spalding and Boston is now used for the A16 road.
Wisbech St Mary: A short distance from the former station site at Wisbech St Mary (now cleared and redeveloped for housing) were two GER carriages in the grounds of a house. The carriage featured had 4 compartments and has been beautifully converted into a holiday home. When the present owner had purchased the site he found the carriage in a derelict state and covered with brambles. Following restoration the property is now available to rent as Ivywood Carriage; further details are at www.fenlandselfcateringholidays.com
East Perth: West Australia Mountain 4-8-2 S542 Bakewell was built in 1943 and has been plinthed at East Perth station for over forty years. Thankfully, someone has perhaps listened to previous complaints about how it was displayed See image [[46085]] and it can now be seen in all its glory. Photo by Mike Burke on 25th February 2018.
Swineshead: Looking west along the deserted platforms at Swineshead towards the level crossing on the busy A17 in February 2018.
See query 2239
Trinity Tunnel: The southern portal of Trinity Tunnel on the former branch to Granton Harbour on Edinburgh's north side, closed to passengers in November 1925 and freight in January 1986, now a footpath and cycleway, seen here on 25th February 2018.
Swineshead: Looking east towards Boston on 25 February 2018 with my back to the A17 road and level crossing at Swineshead station. The location is actually Swineshead Bridge with the village more than 2 miles away to the south east. [Ref query 10 March 2018]
Algarkirk and Sutterton: The station building at Algarkirk and Sutterton on the former GNR line between Spalding and Boston. The station closed to passengers in 1961 however since 2009 it has been refurbished and is now part of a local business. The level crossing style gates appear to have been relocated from elsewhere but an informative brief history of the station, including photos, has been attached to the gate on the left.
Higher Buxton: Freightliner 66601 heads out of Buxton on the Hindlow branch with empties for the loading plant on 25th February 2018. I wasn't expecting a movement on this freight line on a Sunday morning. [Ref query 28 February 2018]
East Perth: The Indian Pacific heads out of Perth on 25th February 2018 on its weekly journey to Sydney, sixty five hours away. The train leaves Perth on Sunday and arrives in Sydney on Wednesday and comprises up to 30 coaches plus motorail wagons. Diesel electric NR 25, one of five dedicated to this train, is the loco in charge and the route includes the world record longest straight - 297 miles across the Nullabor Plain. The Gold Class fare is £1500 one way. Photo by Mike Burke.
Edinburgh Waverley: Looking to the buffers at Waverley platforms 5 and 6, nearly ready for trains, on 25 February 2019.
Sheringham (North Norfolk): Sheringham station, North Norfolk Railway, looking towards Weybourne and Holt, on the afternoon of Tuesday, 25th June 2019. Opened in 1887, it closed to BR passengers in 1967 when trains from Norwich thenceforth served a new single platform halt on the opposite side of the level crossing which was abolished (restored in 2010). The station reopened to passengers as the main terminus of the North Norfolk Railway, a.k.a. The Poppy Line, to Weybourne in 1975. The glass canopy and the surviving building on the main arrival and departure platform are its chief feature; there was originally a similar platform and canopy on the opposite platform until demolished by BR. The NNR hopes to rebuild this at some stage in the future, using some original MGNJR cast iron columns and spandrels recovered from the former MGNJR terminus at Yarmouth Beach which was sadly finally demolished in 1986 after serving as a bus station for many years following the closure of the MGN main line in 1959. The 2010 restoration of the level crossing allows some NNR trains to run on from Sheringham over National Rail metals to Cromer from time to time as well as being able to welcome occasional excursion trains from further afield.
Shettleston Junction: Well Watson, I could be wrong but the sudden activity involving the clearance of debris and vegetation from the bridge and surrounding area, together with the road closure notice which has since appeared makes me think dark things lie ahead for the disused Gartocher Road overbridge on the night of the 28th.
Chorley: Unbranded 319373 calls at Chorley, late in the afternoon of 25 February 2019 whilst working a Northern service to Manchester.
Rotherham Parkgate [Tram]: A new Class 399 'Tram Train', No. 399201, stands in the sunshine at Rotherham Parkgate on 25th February 2019.
Bowling Harbour Signal Box: View west near Bowling Harbour Signal Box in February 2020. The trackbed has nearly reverted to nature. For a view of the line here while open see image [[55221]].
Bowling Harbour Signal Box: View west at the site of Bowling Harbour Signal Box (which was to the right, behind the camera). The viaducts through Bowling are being restored and trackbed cleared to create a new walkway.
Old Kilpatrick: Old Kilpatrick bearing some resemblance to the [[Forth and Clyde Canal]], running just beyond the view to the left. The view looks east. Remarkably the platforms still survive and some portions of platform level buildings. The view is from under the bridge seen in the 1958 view [[52699]]. [[Kilpatrick]] station is uphill from here on the north side of the village.
Bowling Swing Bridge: Poster showing details of the repairing of the viaducts through Bowling, in preparation for reopening the route as a footpath.
Bowling Swing Bridge: The view east to the Bowling Swing Bridge. The viaducts through Bowling are undergoing repair for reopening as a footpath. In the foreground is the deck of the bridge over the A814, followed by the bridge over the open former NBR route and beyond that the Swing Bridge.
Donald's Quay: On the left is Donald's Quay Light, a navigation mark on the north bank of the River Clyde between Bowling and Old Kilpatrick. The structure on the right is one of the remaining piers of a footbridge which crossed the Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway to reach the light. On the south bank of the river Erskine House can just be seen. On the parallel Forth and Clyde Canal - a short way behind the camera - is the well known Ferrydyke bascule bridge, cottage and canal stables. Donald's Quay was the north bank pier of an earlier version of the Erskine Ferry, the quay was swept away during groundwork for the L&D.
Edinburgh Waverley: All right, which one of you two is making all that noise? 68017 makes its presence known as it waits to return to Mossend with the empty Fife Circle stock as 385045 waits silently before quietly slipping away for North Berwick.
Chivas Bros Siding [Dalmuir]: Chivas Bros Siding was the last siding in use on what became a branch from [[Clydebank Central Junction]]. For a view of the siding during its last days in use see image [[8006]], tree growth now prevents easy comparison.
Bowling Swing Bridge: Bowling Swing Bridge has been cleaned and repainted. All the former Caledonian viaducts through Bowling are being converted into a new walkway. In addition the customs house building is being restored and units rebuilt in the arches under the western approach to the swing bridge.
Dalmuir Riverside: View east over the site of Clydebank Riverside from the Beardmore Street bridge. See image [[8004]] for a similar view in 1987, just before complete closure.
St Johns Junction: View South West down the now unlikely to be electrified City Union line. This was the site of St Johns Junction. Gallowgate station was further back, just over Bell Street.
Euxton Balshaw Lane: Northern 195118 passes Old School Lane track access point, at the approach to Euxton Balshaw Lane, using the Up Fast on 25 February 2021 with a service from Barrow-in-Furness to Manchester Airport.
Didcot Parkway: A new type of car transporter is entering main line service. This 4-car set was parked in the station sidings at Didcot on 25th February 2022.
Didcot Parkway: A close up view of the new type of car transporter entering service, parked in the station sidings at Didcot on 25th February 2022. 23 87 4375 008 1 is the full number of this 4-car set of wagons. 23 indicates 2-axle, fixed gauge privately owned. 87 is the country/operator code, in this case France/SNCF. 4375 represents the wagon type (Car carrier?) 008 is the vehicle/set number and 1 the computer check digit (Ed: With thanks to AEB Rail Publications).
Oxford: A view north from Oxford Station in February 2022. To the left are where the working train sets are stabled prior to returning to immediate service. On the right are the storage sidings used by train sets out of use or not required that day.
Oxford: Aviva Cross Country 220033, bound for Reading and Bournemouth, pauses at Oxford on 25th February 2022.
Oxford: Thirty years after its introduction on the Thames lines of Network South-East, GWR 165118 stands in Oxford's Platform 4 on 25th February 2022.
Events
Events from the chronology which occured on this day. This generally lists events before 1995, the creation of the website.
| Year | Companies | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1858 | Rhymney Railway | Opened to freight. |
| 1878 | Tay Bridge and Associated Lines (North British Railway) | 1st_>Tay Bridge 1st inspected by Major-General C. S. Hutchinson for the Board of Trade between the 25th and 27th and is passed. |
| 2010 | Inverness and Perth Junction Railway | Snow blocks the line, although clearance continues. Snowplough locomotive is derailed . Rerailed 27th and line opened to heavier trains 29th, completely on 1st. |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Lengthening of station platforms | The Scottish Executive has announced £10M for platform lengthening on the Fife Circle, Edinburgh to Bathgate, Edinburgh to Stirling and Dunblane and the East Kilbride lines. The following stations will be effected: South Gyle, North Queensferry, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Kinghorn, Glenrothes, Cardenden, Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline Queen Margaret, Rosyth, Uphall, Livingston North, Bathgate, Bridge of Allan, Pollockshaws West, Giffnock, Clarkston, Busby, Thorntonhall, Hairmyres, and East Kilbride |
| 2004 | Appeal to save Flying Scotsman [BBC News] | York^s National Railway Museum launches an appeal to keep a world-famous locomotive in the UK. |
| 2004 | Success of new rail line vital [Scotsman] | WORK started yesterday on Scotland^s first new railway line for 25 years as ministers warned that its success was vital for the future of the country^s major rail expansion programme. |
| 2007 | Crash sparks national rail checks [BBC News] | Hundreds of sets of points are being checked in the wake of the Cumbria rail crash, in which one person died. |
| 2007 | Level crossing victim identified [BBC News] | A van driver who died after his vehicle was hit by a train at a level crossing is named by police. |
| 2007 | Nightrider to take on subway run [BBC News] | A night bus will serve all 15 subway stations around Glasgow after the underground closes. |
| 2007 | Papers hail rail crash ^hero^ [BBC News] | The driver of the stricken Virgin train is praised in the Sunday papers for staying at the controls after it derailed. |
| 2007 | Rugby fans in rail reminder [Scotsman] | FIRST ScotRail is advising rugby fans heading to Murrayfield tomorrow to buy their train tickets in advance and to leave plenty of time for travelling. |
| 2007 | Train in level crossing collision [BBC News] | An inquiry is under way after a train collided with a car at a level crossing in Carmarthenshire. |
| 2007 | Train victim^s family distraught [BBC News] | The granddaughter of the woman who died after a rail crash in Cumbria said her family was "devastated". |
| 2008 | Passenger reminder on vital maintenance work between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh [Network Rail Article] | Passengers are reminded that Network Rail will be carrying out a series of essential weekend engineering works on the line between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh in the coming weeks. |
| 2009 | Rail groups ordered to cut fares [The Times] | Train companies are to be forced to cut the price of season tickets and off-peak fares for the first time since privatisation. |
| 2011 | Track repair works for Far North Line [Network Rail] | Network Rail engineers are currently working to replace track and signalling equipment on the line around Dalchalm to repair damage caused by a passing freight train. |
| 2011 | Edinburgh cyclists launch interactive ^Innertube^ map [BBC] | A map detailing Edinburgh^s extensive cycle path network has been developed by local enthusiasts. A team from the bicycle recycling charity the Bike Station have launched the ^Innertube^, taking inspiration from London^s underground map. |
| 2014 | Public asked for views on new Queen Street Station [BBC News] | The public has been invited to give its views on a £104m redevelopment of Glasgow^s Queen Street station. Network Rail has unveiled new designs for how the station will look as it begins an initial three-month process to gather passenger and public views on the project. Queen Street station is Scotland^s third busiest station with 20 million passengers a year. The work is due to begin in 2014 and will be completed by 2019. |
| 2014 | Dawlish railway reopening could beat target [BBC News] | Network Rail has told the government it hopes to reopen the railway line destroyed by storms at Dawlish before its target of mid-April. Rail minister Steve Hammond said he had been given a "commitment" that "if they can beat that date, they will". The track connects Cornwall and much of Devon with the rest of the UK. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin will be questioned by MPs on the Transport Select Committee later over storm damage to places like Dawlish. |
| 2014 | Sir Nigel Gresley steams back to the NYMR [Northern Echo] | A HISTORIC locomotive which was on display in Shildon as part of Mallard’s anniversary celebrations has steamed back to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Steam engine Sir Nigel Gresley left Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon on February 25. The engine is the latest of the six remaining A4 class locomotives to leave Shildon where they have been on show during the nine-day long The Great Goodbye. |
| 2014 | SVR gets grant to restore locomotive 4930 Hagley Hall [BBC News] | A heritage railway has won a £95,000 lottery grant to restore a steam locomotive rescued from a scrapyard. The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust said the money will be used to restore number 4930 Hagley Hall, named after a Worcestershire stately home. The money will allow students and apprentices from the railway^s training academy, based in Shropshire and Worcestershire, to help with the work. |
| 2015 | China to Spain cargo train successful first 16,156-mile round trip [Independent] | The first train to complete a journey on the world’s longest railway line, connecting Spain and China, has returned home. The 16,156-mile round trip on the new Yixin’ou cargo line through China, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Poland, Germany, France and Spain took four months. The train arrived laden with cheap goods and returned to China with expensive olive oil. [From Mark Bartlett] |
| 2015 | Let the train take more of the strain [Scotsman] | WE need more joined-up thinking if we are to succeed in switching Scotland’s freight traffic from road to rail, writes David Spaven. Everyone wants to see more freight on rail – the potential benefits to the economy, environment, climate and road safety are substantial – but in practice how can we achieve a significant modal shift from road haulage? The terms of competition between road, rail and sea have to be fair, of course – not least in terms of providing rail-route infrastructure which is fit for modern purpose, allowing cost-effective, long trains to convey the modern generation of tall containers across the trunk rail network. However, good routes are not enough, as rail – like sea transport, but unlike road haulage – also needs a comprehensive network of terminals to provide access to the system. [From David Spaven] |
| 2015 | California train derails after collision with lorry [BBC News] | A commuter train has hit a lorry which had driven on railway tracks, causing four carriages to derail northwest of Los Angeles. The vehicle was engulfed in flames and 28 people were injured, train operator Metrolink said, four critically. The collision happened at a level crossing in Oxnard, after the lorry stopped on the tracks, officials said. The 54-year-old lorry driver was detained a mile (1.6km) away and has been charged with felony hit-and-run. |
| 2015 | Last chance to save rail services say SAYLSA [Carrick Gazette] | There are just ten days left to save direct rail services between Carrick, Wigtownshire and Glasgow which are planned to be all but axed. Incoming ScotRail franchisee Abellio plans a major shake up of rail services in December. Under the proposals there will be only one through train in either direction via Paisley, a service leaving Stranraer after 9pm at night, and at other times passengers will need to change trains at Ayr. |
| 2016 | Flying Scotsman on London King^s Cross to York run [BBC News] | One of the world^s most famous locomotives has set off on its official return to the tracks. The Flying Scotsman is making the journey from London King^s Cross to York, where it will go on display at the National Railway Museum (NRM). The engine, which was retired from service in 1963, has been restored for the NRM in a decade-long, £4.2m refit. It departed King^s Cross as scheduled at 07:40 GMT and is heading up the East Coast mainline on a non-stop run. |
| 2017 | ^Short-sighted^ Borders Railway vision claims denied [BBC News] | The Scottish government has defended the Borders Railway after claims the infrastructure vision for the project was ^short-sighted^. Think-tank Reform Scotland said the route had been left with limited potential for expansion. It said the Edinburgh to Tweedbank line had shown thinking was ^too small^ and planning ^too short-term^. |
| 2018 | Fears over the future of Caledonian Sleeper train [Sunday Post] | FEARS have been raised over the future of Scotlands railways after the operator of Caledonian Sleeper service warned it might hand the keys back. Serco, which took over running the night trains to and from London in 2015, last week revealed it had taken a £30 million hit on the franchise as a result of a sharp increase in costs. The terms of the sleeper contract means Serco can try and get the taxpayer to pay for half of its losses from 2020 but the outsourcing giant also warned it may seek an early exit from the 15-year franchise. It comes just weeks after it was announced the UK East Coast franchise deal will end early and comes amid continuing performance and financial problems for ScotRail franchise holder, Abellio. |
| 2019 | First electric train runs on the Shotts line [Network Rail] | Network Rail achieved a key milestone on the Shotts Line electrification project on Sunday when the first electric train ran on the route. |
| 2019 | ScotRail launches £100,000 Transport Integration Fund [ScotRail] | As part of its ongoing commitment to support integrated travel across Scotland, ScotRail has reopened its Transport Integration Fund. Up to £100,000 is being made available through the fund, which can be used to deliver projects contributing to ScotRails vision of a doorstep to destination journey. Applications are being welcomed from organisations including local authorities, community groups, charities, businesses, regional transport partnerships and other organisations who advocate active or sustainable travel. |
| 2020 | Grand Central^s £21 million Blackpool fleet takes shape [Rail] | Four Class 90s per day will be used by Grand Central on its new [[London Euston]]-[[Blackpool North]] route that is due to start in May, the open access operator has confirmed. GC has also announced that four rakes of six Mk 4s will be leased from Eversholt Rail until December 2026, with Alstom maintaining them at its [[Wembley Depot]] and overnight servicing carried out at the former Arriva North depot at Blackpool. Driver training is due to begin imminently, using three sets of Mk 4s on a short-term lease. |
| 2020 | Calmac ferry taken out of service after overhaul [Press and Journal] | Nagging problems after a major drydock overhaul has resulted in a Calmac ferry being taken out of service. |
| 2020 | New one-way road layout set for Greenock West Station [Greenock Telegraph] | Motorists will be changing direction again near [[Greenock West]] Station with yet another new road layout on the way. |
| 2020 | Reston Station plans submitted [Border Telegraph] | Hopes have been raised this week of another train station being created in the Borders. For over a decade campaigners have been calling for an East Coast Mainline stop at [[Reston]] in Berwickshire. The Scottish Government has included a new station in its spending plans for the next five years. And this week Network Rail tabled a screening request to Scottish Borders Council^s planning department. The outline plans for a new [[Reston]] Station include 260-metre platforms either side of the Berwick-to-Edinburgh line as well as a footbridge, shelters and a 70-space car park. |
| 2020 | Siemens submits plans for Goole rail manufacturing site in UK [Railway Technology] | Siemens Mobility has submitted detailed plans to the local authority for the construction of the rail manufacturing facility in Goole. |
| 2020 | Work complete on Old Kilpatrick bridge despite storms [Network Rail] | Network Rail has completed the installation of a temporary bridge over the railway on the A814 Dumbarton Road in Old [[Kilpatrick]]. |
