Gleneagles Hotel: The Grand Entrance to Gleneagles Hotel seen in a 1985 view.

Gleneagles Hotel: View of the hotel to the site of the Grand Entrance to Gleneagles Hotel seen in a 1985 view.

Krugersdorp: Out to grass. Given the low cost of land in SA, steam engines used to be turned on curved triangles, rather than turntables. As steam fell out of use, the triangles became scrap lines. At Krugersdorp depot near Johannesburg, in March 1991 an unidentified (no plate) class 15F 4-8-2 and a C-MAM Garratt 4-8-2-2-8-4 no 4061 soak up the veldt sun while awaiting the cutter's torch.

Healey Mills Marshalling Yard: 42968 starts away towards Wakefield after a watering stop on the fast line at the east end of Healey Mills Yard whilst working the Carlisle to York (via the WCML and Copy Pit) leg of a Pathfinder railtour from London in 1997.

Wemyss Bay: Looking south at Wemyss Bay station at night.

Wemyss Bay: Looking north in Wemyss Bay station at night.

Plattling: The 10.17 Regional Express from Landshut has just arrived at Plattling, a railway junction of some importance on the main line from Regensburg to Passau. In charge of four double deck coaches is class 111 electric No. 111207, the whole ensemble displaying a motley selection of liveries dating from the mid seventies through to the early 21st century.

High Street: Looking east at High Street station in 2002. Since the photograph there has been quite a bit of development in this area. To the left of the station site (centre of photograph) was High Street Goods and to the right was College Goods.

Tillietudlem: A fallen tree blocking the trackbed at Tillietudlem in the spring of 2007. Not really a problem since the line ahead, running south towards Blackwood Junction, had closed 48 years earlier in 1959.

Carstairs: DRS 66412 with a container train bound for Grangemouth heads north from Carstairs on 8 March 2007, having travelled via Edinburgh and the ECML. The train is about to pass Freightliner class 86 locomotives 86610+86612 on the Coatbridge - Basford Hall containers, which in turn is in the process of overtaking an EWS class 66 held at a red light with a consignment of coal from nearby Ravenstruther destined for Drax power station.

Carstairs: Freightliner locomotives 86610+86612 on the Coatbridge - Basford Hall containers approaching Carstairs on 8 March 2007. The train has just overtaken an EWS class 66 standing at a red light with a coal train bound for Drax power station. This train has originated from the nearby Ravenstruther loading terminal see image [[5590]].

Tillietudlem: Platform remains at Tillietudlem, South Lanarkshire, on 8 March 2007, looking north towards Netherburn. The station closed to passengers in 1951 with the line north to Dalserf closing completely in 1960. See image [[6401]] [Ref query 25 November 2017]

Lampits Junction: A freight crossing Lampits Road after restarting from a signal check on the approach to Carstairs East Junction on 8 March 2007. The locomotive is DRS 66412.

Carstairs East Junction: Local sheep ignore a DRS 66 bringing containers round the curve from the Edinburgh line and into Carstairs on 8 March 2007.

Lampits Junction: A morning Virgin Voyager from Edinburgh bound for Birmingham New Street crosses Lampits Road, Carstairs, on 8 March 2007. The train is approaching Carstairs East Junction where it will take the left fork to reach the WCML at Carstairs South (formerly Strawfrank) Junction see image [[11501]].

Tillietudlem: View south towards Coalburn from the down platform at Tillietudlem - March 2007.

Tillietudlem: Remains of the building on the up platform at Tillietudlem on 8 March 2007.

Tillietudlem: Looking north from Tillietudlem towards Larkhall in March 2007.

Lampits Junction: A container train, hauled by DRS 66412, crosses Lampits Road on the approach to Carstairs station on the ex-Caledonian route from Edinburgh in March 2007. The train has travelled via the ECML and the sub and has just over 30 miles still to go on its journey to WHM, Grangemouth.

Carstairs: Close up of a pair of class 86 electric locomotives (86610+86612) about to bring the Coatbridge – Basford Hall containers through Carstairs on 8 March 2007. Built in 1965 these are examples of the 100 BR class AL6 units produced by BR Doncaster Works and the English Electric Vulcan Foundry during 1965/1966. With a number of the class still in revenue earning service today (2017) they have proved to be one of the successes of BR's WCML electrification project.
(One for the 'return on investment' buffs - not to mention the pantograph spotters.)

Wirksworth: Steamy goings on at Wirksworth on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in March 2008.

Maryhill: 156505 at Maryhill on 8 March with a service for Glasgow Queen Street.

Aberdeen: View from the GNSR built Station Hotel over the redevelopment work in and around Aberdeen Station. Guild Street yard in the centre distance is now totally devoid of tracks. The old bus station, built in the 1960s seen to the left awaits demolition. The architecture of the new station facade on the right does not really inspire at the moment, perhaps it will look better upon completion.

Cardonald: 318 267 at Cardonald on 8 March on a service to Glasgow Central.

Chatelherault: Southbound 334 020 arrives at Chatelherault on 8 March 2008 with a service for Larkhall.

Ladybank Works: Looking into the remains of the former Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee works just north of Ladybank station in 2008.

Chatelherault: Possible shades of the Auld Alliance? Actually a medieval French dukedom, turned country park, meets an old Lanarkshire mining village, turned up-market Hamilton suberb. The platform nameboard at Chatelherault, [p.Shat-lerOH] photographed on 8 March 2008.

Merryton: 318 253 at Merryton on 8 March 2008 with a Dalmuir service.

Gilshochill: 156 502 on an Anniesland - Queen Street service at Gilshochill on 8 March.

Hamilton West: Scene at Hamilton West on 8 March 2008 with Milngavie bound 318 266 passing 334 015 destined for Motherwell.

Sanquhar: Virgin Thunderbird 57 314 Firefly drags a Pendolino set south through Sanquhar on 8 March 2008. [Editor's note: Peter Rushton has recently bought the old station building at Sanquhar see image [[7002]] and has plans (now approved) to restore it for future use as a holiday cottage. He has kindly agreed to keep us in touch with progress on the project via photographs posted on the website from time to time.]

Sanquhar: The rear of a Pendolino being dragged south through Sanquhar station on 8 March 2008. At the other end is Virgin Thunderbird no 57314 Firefly.

Larkhall: 334 027 about to depart Larkhall on 8 March with a Dalmuir service.

London Transport Museum Depot - Acton: View of preserved LUL rolling stock at the London Transport Museum Depot open day held on the weekend of 7/8 March 2009.

London Transport Museum Depot - Acton: 1938 Northern Line tube stock at the London Transport Museum Depot -Acton Open Day in March 2009.

Reston [1st]: The 0800 East Coast Kings Cross - Edinburgh service runs north through Reston, Berwickshire, on an overcast 8 March 2010. The train is passing the site of the island platform once shared by down trains on the ECML and local services on the former cross-country route to St Boswells. The old station house stands alongside the former main entrance in the left background. Reston, which lost its passenger service in 1964, is one of the locations identified as a possibility for reopening as part of a future improved Edinburgh - Berwick rail service.

Gdansk Glowny: A Class EN57 emu departs Gdansk Glowny on 8th March 2010.

County March Summit [West Highland]: Gently does it ... a West Coast 37 heads south past one of the avalanches which blocked the line on the side of Beinn Odhar. The locomotive was a pilot checking the route for re-opening. It was about 16.30 and the sun was just beginning to set. This was the first 'train' after clearance of the snow by rail mounted cranes. The 19.50 Fort William - Edinburgh service which should have followed it was cancelled due to snow. View from the A82.

Gdansk Glowny: Three colourful generations of EMU stand at the buffer stops at Gdansk Glowny station in March 2010.

Reston [1st]: The former station approach west from Main Street, Reston, in March 2010, with the station house on the left. The gate currently provides an access point for Network Rail PW staff and equipment, with both up and down engineer's sidings located here. See image [[28057]].

County March Summit [West Highland]: Three cheers for the railway! Very public spirited - after clearing the Beinn Odhar avalanches off the railway (above) they went on to clear the West Highland Way (below). View from the A82.

County March Summit [West Highland]: This was the site of arguably the worst avalanche onto the West Highland Railway from Beinn Odhar. I staggered up from the West Highland Way (which was also blocked). I couldn't see the view, this was one of those I'll try holding the camera really high and hoping for the best shots. The view looks towards Beinn Dorain which is partly obscured by trees.

County March Summit [West Highland]: Scorch marks high on Beinn Odhar far above the West Highland Railway. Apparently James Bond had been up the mountain with explosives by helicopter the night before to see if he could make the hillside safe.

County March Summit [West Highland]: The broken surface of one of the avalanches from above - the view looks towards Tyndrum with Beinn Odhar on the left. The railway is distant centre (and off the the right down a steep slope) and the A82 is on the hillside to the right. I reckoned it was best not to cross this particular avalanche as the snow was very deep and the crust wouldn't hold my weight.

County March Summit [West Highland]: Spot the cranes! Two rail mounted cranes make their way back to the carpark at County March Summit. The Horseshoe Curve is off to the right and Beinn Dorain dominates the scene. Taken from the slopes of Beinn Odhar.

Gdansk Glowny: Facade of Gdansk Glowny in March 2010 - taken across a dual carriageway with a tram reservation in the middle. On the circular area is painted a copy of 'The Last Judgment' by Hans Memling, the original of which is in the Muzeum Narodowe in the city.

Crianlarich: Impressive looking snow blower in the sidings at Crianlarich in March 2010.

County March Summit [West Highland]: Beinn Dorain (left), Beinn Odhar (right) and three avalanches which blocked the West Highland Railway.

Penmanshiel Memorial: In the early hours of Saturday 17 March 1979 a section of Penmanshiel Tunnel roof collapsed during work being carried out to lower the trackbed. Of the 15 men on site at the time, two were tragically killed. It was deemed too dangerous to attempt to re-excavate the tunnel or try to recover the bodies and it was eventually decided to seal off the structure and divert the ECML via a new cutting to the west. This also necessitated realignment of the A1 trunk road. A memorial to the two men killed in the tunnel collapse, Peter Fowler and Gordon Turnbull, is seen here on 8 March 2010 looking south west from the hillside above the abandoned tunnel. See image [[28047]]

County March Summit [West Highland]: A rail mounted crane and inspection party take a look at one of the avalanches onto the West Highland Railway.

County March Summit [West Highland]: While we enjoy the summer warmth (long may it last), here's a reminder of the winter. This is one of the avalanches over the West Highland Line at County March summit in March of 2010. Where the drift has been cut back can be clearly seen and the orange-clad gentleman to the left provides scale.

Penmanshiel Tunnel: End of the road at Penmanshiel. View north west in March 2010 showing the old alignment of the A1 trunk road now cut by the rerouted ECML crossing the centre of the picture. The present day A1 can be seen in the background and the western slope of the hill through which the abandoned Penmanshiel tunnel once ran is on the far right.

Penmanshiel Memorial: The memorial plaques to Peter Fowler and Gordon Turnbull attached to two of the three sides of the triangular memorial stone above Penmanshiel Tunnel. March 2010. See image [[28041]]

Gorebridge: Opened in 1847, closed in 1969, Gorebridge is one of the former Waverley route stations scheduled to reopen under current plans. The old station house, seen here on 8 March, has seen action on several fronts over the 40+ years since closure of the line, including a recent spell as a pub. The trackbed continues south under the roadbridge carrying the B6372 in the left background. See image [[21520]]

Bathgate: The 'official' opening of the Airdrie - Bathgate line took place on 8 March 2011. As part of the ceremony transport minister Keith Brown handed out commemorative clocks to community leaders.

Classic Locomotives of Scotland: The Royal Mail First Day Cover featuring 'Classic Locomotives of Scotland' which will be available from 8 March 2012. The 4 locomotives featured include Railscot image [[6747]] (G H Robin) while image [[23450]] (Robin Barbour) made the short-list.

Navigation Road: An unusual arrangement applies at Navigation Road station. Metrolink trams in both directions use the west side platform as seen here with 1022 calling on the way to Altrincham. The right hand platform is used by Northern main line services from Chester to Manchester and both systems are single track through the platforms (with only the Metrolink line having an overhead wire these days) but revert to double on either side of the station.

Classic Locomotives of Scotland: Excerpt from the Royal Mail's Classic Locomotives of Scotland presentation pack issued 8th March 2012. Bottom right image shows South African Loco 3007 whilst on display in George Square, Glasgow in 2007. See Image [[16339]] Thanks to Tayburn and Royal Mail.

Timperley: To the Altrincham line's supporters the letters MSJ&AR stood for Many Short Journeys and Absolute Reliability. It has fared pretty well under Metrolink too with a six minute frequency service the norm for some twenty years now. Tram 2001 draws to a halt at Timperley station on an Altrincham service. The platform on the left backs onto the Bridgewater Canal.

Skelton Junction (CLC): Once a three way junction Skelton is now much quieter. The line to Warrington via Lymm, which finally closed to freight in 1985, went off to the left. Straight on is the line to Partington and Glazebrook, disused since its last freight in 1993. The very tall junction signalbox has also gone but the surviving double track line still carries passenger and freight traffic. Just out of sight this swings left under the Partington line and joins the Altrincham line at Navigation Road.

Timperley: A contrast between a twenty year old 1000 series tram and its 3000 series successor at Timperley in March 2012. Under an original pre-war gantry 3002 runs in on an Altrincham bound service while 1022 heads for Piccadilly. Some of the 10xx trams are to be withdrawn as a source of spares to keep sister units running as they are proving somewhat troublesome in later life.

Navigation Road: Metrolink 1006 leads a four car formation off the double track section from Altrincham and over the level crossing into Navigation Road. At the same point the Network Rail single track branches out to two lines again but on this side the overhead catenary was removed in 1992. With a tram in each direction every six minutes plus passenger and freight trains the barriers at this crossing are kept very busy.

Timperley: Photos of Timperley station in BR days show an elegant covered footbridge leading to both platforms from the street level booking office. The footbridge has been removed now and access to the platform is by either the two lifts shown or staircases while the old booking office is now a cafe. M5000 Series tram No.3002 leaves the station on 8 March heading for Navigation Road and Altrincham.

Ardrossan Town: Glasgow bound 380108, on a service that started at the Harbour station, calls at Ardrossan Town. This station is much smaller than it originally was see image [[21659]] but at least it is open to passengers again after being closed for a number of years.

Martinszell: Siemens ER20 No. 223 071 (operated by Arriva) north of Martinszell with the 09.58 Lindau Hbf to München Hbf regional express, which has picked up a portion from Oberstdorf at Immenstadt. This completed a sequence of four loco-hauled trains passing Martinszell in about three-quarters of an hour on 8 March - the rest of the day does not see this intensity of workings!

Ingliston Park and Ride [Tram]: Trams in the rain at Ingliston Park and Ride on the morning of 8 March 2013. On the right a tram is arriving from Edinburgh Airport on a demo run, while the other unit is playing host to journalists, photographers and guests marking the handover of the first completed section of the route from the contractor to the City of Edinburgh Council.

Edinburgh Airport [Tram]: An Edinburgh Tram passing the Hilton Hotel shortly after leaving Edinburgh Airport on a wet and dismal morning on 8 March during driver training. The 2.8km section of the route between Gogar Depot and Edinburgh Airport has now been officially handed over to Edinburgh Council by the contractors.

Edinburgh Airport [Tram]: Almost a view from an Edinburgh tram approaching the airport on the morning of 8 March 2013, following a press trip from Ingliston Park and Ride see image [[42290]].

Leeds: The 12.49 Northern Rail service to Carlisle stands at Leeds on 8 March 2013.

Ardrossan Harbour: The buffers at Ardrossan Harbour, and a Class 380 newly arrived from Glasgow. Prior to 1987 when this station opened the line continued a short distance to the station at Ardrossan Winton Pier.

Ingliston Park and Ride [Tram]: Centre of attention. Scene at Ingliston Park and Ride on a wet 8 March 2013 during the Edinburgh Trams event marking handover of the first section of the route from the contractors to Edinburgh City Council. View is east towards Gogarburn. See image [[42296]]

Cumbernauld: A Glasgow Queen Street - Falkirk Grahamston service, formed by unit 158718, pulls away from Cumbernauld station on 8 March 2013. The train is passing the turnback siding and crossover used by the Motherwell shuttles.

Cumbernauld: The ever versatile Class 158s tend to be associated with longer distance, semi-express services but on 8th March 2013 Haymarket's 158734 was rostered to the Motherwell - Cumbernauld shuttle and is seen here arriving at the latter station. A single DMU is able to provide an hourly service in each direction on this diagram. See image [[21344]] for the same view nearly 50 years earlier.

Edinburgh Airport [Tram]: Forward view from a tram about to leave Edinburgh Airport on a wet and windy 8 March 2013 with a demonstration run to Gogar Depot.

Lanark: A six car EMU combination stands at the buffers in Lanark station having just arrived from Milngavie on 8 March. Scotrail blue 320314 led the train in with carmine and cream 318252 on the rear.

Ardrossan Town: On a gloomy March afternoon, unit 380108 runs over Princes Street level crossing and into Ardrossan Town station with a service for Glasgow Central. The transformation, during the last six years, of the building on the far side of the crossing is a tremendous improvement. See image [[15067]]

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The station throat at Glasgow Queen St and a Class 170 is seen entering the tunnel on a service for Edinburgh. On the left another Class 170 waits to form a departure for Alloa while on the right 158718 will follow the Edinburgh train up the bank but then turn right at Eastfield for Falkirk Grahamston via Cumbernauld.

Paisley Gilmour Street: New trains and a new roof - things are looking brighter at Paisley Gilmour Street even on a dull day in March 2013. With the December 2012 timetable changes some trains now run through the station non-stop, including this one coming from the Ayr line formed by 380116.

Ardrossan Harbour: When the sleek, four car, Class 380s run down to Ardrossan Harbour but don't actually connect with a ferry they look a bit incongruous in the station. 380108 has a half hour layover in the near deserted branch terminus before returning to Glasgow Central.

Ingliston Park and Ride [Tram]: Trams to and from Edinburgh Airport passing at Ingliston on 8 March 2013 during demo operations.

Ingliston Park and Ride [Tram]: A tram arrives at Ingliston from Gogar Depot on 8 March 2013, the day of the handover of the first completed section of the tram network to Edinburgh City Council. A date for the planned opening of the reduced network to the public is unlikely to be announced until the middle of next year.

Martinszell: Closely following train IC2084 out of Oberstdorf see image [[42894]] is IC2012, the 09.44 to Hannover Hbf. This will have been worked by the leading loco, No. 218 494, as far Immenstadt, where 218 481 has attached to the rear of the train while 218 494 was running round. The pair are seen immediately north of Martinszell on their way to Stuttgart Hbf where they will give way to electric traction for the onward journey to Hannover.

Paisley Canal: Following the electrification publicity shots, with sleek Class 380s, the Paisley Canal branch seems to have settled down to operation with the more mundane (but perhaps more suitable) inner suburban Class 314 units. 314216 pauses briefly at the terminus before returning to Glasgow.

Martinszell: The 09.19 from München Hbf, sweeps round the curve just north of Martinszell on 8 March behind Siemens ER20 Bo-Bo diesel-electric No. 223 065. The train will shortly arrive at Immenstadt where the Oberstdorf portion will be detached.

Immenstadt: Having run round its train at Immenstadt, B-B diesel-hydraulic No. 218 413 is now ready to take IC2084, the 09.25 from Oberstdorf, forward to Augsburg Hbf where it will be combined with train IC2082, the 08.35 Berchtesgaden Hbf to Lüneburg.

Toddington: A DMU departs north from Toddington on the extension (at that time) to Laverton Loop, 8th March 2014.

Alton: 450555 from Waterloo, just arrived at Alton in Hampshire, on 8th March 2014. On the left is the platform used by the Mid Hants Railway from Alresford, part of the former through route to Winchester that closed in 1973. I travelled on the whole of this line from Winchester to Alton in 1972 and again on a 'Farewell Special' at the time of closure in 1973. Only the Alton to Alresford section has been preserved.

Ropley: West Country Class 4-6-2 no. 34007 'Wadebridge' departing from Ropley for Alresford during the Mid Hants Railway Steam Gala on 8th March 2014. This locomotive was designed by O.V.S. Bulleid, built at Brighton Works in 1945 and originally numbered 21C107, renumbered in 1951 and withdrawn from regular service in 1965. It was rescued from Woodham's scrapyard at Barry in 1981.

Ashchurch for Tewkesbury: The 1207 Manchester to Bristol CrossCountry Voyager passing Ashchurch for Tewkesbury station on 8 March 2014. The line into the MOD depot is just visible to the right of the footbridge.

Toddington: BR Sulzer Type 2 no 5081 resplendent in BR Blue livery at Toddington MPD on 8 March 2014. Built at Crewe in 1960, the locomotive was withdrawn by BR as 24081 in October 1980. See image [[18296]]

Toddington: A class 117 DMU calls at Toddington on 8 March 2014 before departing for a trip north to the Laverton loop.

Milton Keynes Central: Just a quick wash and we'll be off... A London [Euston] bound Virgin Voyager about to depart from Milton Keynes Central on 8 March 2014.

Den Haag Centraal: Double deck trains at The Hague's Central station, a terminus. View looks north towards the buffers.

Alton: Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 35028 'Clan Line' arriving at Alton station with a Mid-Hants Railway, a.k.a. Watercress Line, train from Alresford, during its 8th March 2014 Steam Gala. Designed by O.V.S. Bulleid, this locomotive entered service in December 1948, was rebuilt in October 1959 and hauled the very last regular steam service from London Waterloo to Bournemouth on 2nd July 1967, after which it went immediately into preservation.

Ashchurch for Tewkesbury: Freightliner 66545 passing through Ashchurch station on 8 March 2014 with Rugeley Power Station to Stoke Gifford empty coal wagons.

London Euston: 'OK old codger, I'll race you!' The Pendolino seems to be having a quiet word with preserved class 86 no 86259 Les Ross at the head of the Cumbrian Mountain Express, as two generations of WCML power stand side by side at Euston on 8th March 2014.

Toddington: Spotless Stanier 8F no 8274 arrives at Toddington on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway on 8 March 2014, the first day of the 2014 season.

Ashchurch for Tewkesbury: Freightliner 66545 heads south at Ashchurch for Tewkesbury with empty coal wagons on 08 March 2014.

Alresford (Hampshire): Schools Class 925 'Cheltenham' on siding at Alresford station, Mid-Hants Railway, during its Steam Gala on 8th March 2014. These powerful 4-4-0s were designed by Richard Maunsell at Eastleigh Works between 1930 and 1935 and were withdrawn from service in 1961 and 1962. No. 925 is one of only three survivors.

Dalgety Bay: The 16.17 Newcraighall - Glenrothes with Thornton service leaves Dalgety Bay on 8 March 2014. Unit 170478 is the last of its class in SPT colours.

Winchcombe: Stanier 8F no 8274 about to depart from Winchcombe with the 12.26 to Cheltenham Racecourse on 8 March 2014.

Schiphol: Vlissingen bound (westbound) double decker service boards at Schiphol Airport in March 2014.

Toddington: A Scammell tractor and trailer with British Railways Southern Region above the cab windows but just Southern on the trailer parked in the station yard at Toddington on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway on 8 March 2014.

Shrubhill Tram Depot: Shrubhill started off as stables for the horse trams and became the hub of Edinburgh's previous tram network. This was the site of the entrance, and a range of close-packed buildings stretched to Dryden Street over 300 yards away. There has been little to see from Leith Walk for some years, but there will be nothing at all to see when the site is finally redeveloped as is happening here on 8 March 2015. Leith Walk station was immediately to the left, after the Granton Harbour branch tunnels briefly under the Walk. This was once the site of Edinburgh's out of town gallows!

Norwich: B1 61306 Mayflower with The Easterling, shortly after leaving Norwich for Lowestoft on 8 March 2015. The special is seen here passing Thorpe St Andrew Parish Church. [Ref query 844]

Leadburn: The remains of the station at Leadburn on the Peebles Railway, one time junction for the Dolphinton line. The station closed in 1955 and, following complete closure of the Peebles line in 1962, was turned into a picnic site see image [[50015]]. Nowadays the site is inaccessible, secured by a padlocked gate alongside the A6094, from which this photograph was taken on 8 March 2015 looking south west towards the junction.

Shrubhill Tram Depot: Edinburgh's current trams were built in Spain, but there was a time when Edinburgh Corporation's trams were home-made, here at Shrubhill Depot on Leith Walk. Over the decades the buildings have been demolished and are retreating from the Walk, with currently (March 2015) only the chimney stack and the derelict buidlings on Dryden Street remaining. The site is earmarked for housing, but there doesn't seem to be any hurry about this (perhaps surprisingly for a large site less than a mile from Princes Street). See image [[24094]]

Leith Walk [CR]: The platforms of the Caledonian's never-opened station at Leith Walk are tantalisingly out of view as they are above steet level with no public access. What can be seen from ground level are the resets to accommodate platform buildings, with the one on the south platform seen here from Leith Walk on 8 March 2015, along with what was surely intended to be the street entrance. See image [[26250]]

Woodhead: A wintry scene at the site of Woodhead station - see image [[26133]].

East Kilbride: Thanks to the lengthy platform at East Kilbride it is possible to stack barrel trains back to back.

Baillieston [1st]: Currently on the site of the original Baillieston station is Network Rail's Bracadale Grove access point, of which good use was made during the recent electrification and resignalling works. On the Down platform side, almost no trace of the original station can be detected in March 2017. There are various bits of brick and timber to be seen lying just outside the boundary fence, but sadly these appear to be donations from fly tippers rather than railway remnants.

Eskbank: Eskbank adopt a station: Dalkeith lady Rotarians mark International Women's Day by inspecting purple crocuses that they have planted at Eskbank Station as part of Rotary International's campaign to raise awareness of the continuing presence of polio.

Baillieston [1st]: The site of the Down platform of the original Baillieston station (closed 1964) where almost no trace of the original station can be detected (March 2017). Evidence of the Motherwell North Signalling Renewals work can be seen here in the recently installed but not yet commissioned signal GMW124 which, from the shape of the bag covering it, seems likely to be of the 3 aspect LED type.

St Bees: 37405 draws to a halt at St Bees with a Barrow to Carlisle service on 8th March 2018. St Bees is the crossing point on the single line section between Sellafield and Whitehaven and the train was held here to pass another Class 37 powered service See image [[63142]]

St Bees: Looking towards Whitehaven on 8th March 2018 as DBSO 9710 leads a Carlisle to Barrow service over the level crossing and into St Bees station and loop. Motive power on this occasion was 37402.

Green Road: Green Road station, an unstaffed halt on the Cumbrian Coast line near Millom. For many years now the station has been cared for by a community group and the flower and plant displays have won several awards. A working party was on the station on 8th March 2018 when this view was taken from the level crossing looking towards Millom.

St Bees: 1550hrs at St Bees station was definitely the place to be on a weekday, as this was when the two Class 37 passenger sets met and exchanged single line tokens. This was the scene on 8th March 2018 with 37402 heading for Barrow and 37405 for Carlisle. That same day Northern announced that a Class 68 would after all take up one of the diagrams so this scene became a thing of the past.

Braystones: The station building at Braystones has been modernised and extended and is now a private residence. Facilities on the low platform at this remote halt are a waiting shelter and a bench as well as the Harrington Hump. This view looks north from the level crossing on 8th March 2018.

Sellafield: View from the north end of Sellafield station, looking past the signal box, on 8th March 2018. DRS 66301 is stabled at the head of a long rake of GBRf box wagons, with a classmate on the other end of the train. The siding, alongside the single track to St. Bees, is on the formation of the long closed line to Egremont.

Sellafield: Sellafield signal box sits at the north end of the island platform, alongside the old water crane, overlooking the River Ehen. It controls the station area and associated sidings and also the single line from here northwards to St. Bees. 8th March 2018

Silecroft: A nice English Electric rumble from 37402 as it departs Silecroft on a Barrow to Carlisle service on 8th March 2018. Our paths crossed again later as I made my way northwards. See image [[63142]].

Didcot Parkway: A trip to Didcot on 8th March 2018 showed that the electrics are beginning to take over and I guess within a year most of the diesel powered passenger services will have gone. I'm told it is hoped the electric power will be on to Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett by August. The new extension on Platforms 2 and 3 is also taking shape.

Nethertown: 156486, heading from Barrow to Carlisle on 8th March 2018, slows to call at Nethertown, one of four trains a day in each direction timetabled for this request stop. The wide trackbed is a reminder that this cliff top station was once a passing point with two platforms but has been a plain single line since the 1970s.

Nethertown: The view north from the disused platform at Nethertown as 156486 pulls away from the request stop heading for St Bees on the way to Carlisle on 8th March 2018. This was a perfect day to appreciate the atmosphere of this remote station. It would be different when the Irish Sea is coming in sideways.

Dalgety Bay: 170417 leaves Dalgety Bay with the evening Glasgow Queen Street - Markinch service on 8th March 2018. Note the 'spot-less' livery, in anticipation of transfer to Northern.

Nethertown: The access to remote Nethertown station could easily be missed but for this large double arrow sign at the junction of the long approach lane, which is unsurfaced and steep at the far end. To the left of the sign another railway location, the Isle of Man, can just be made out.

Nethertown: Nethertown station was a passing loop until the 1970s but only one platform is in use now. This remote but atmospheric halt on the Cumbrian Coast sees four 'on request' services each way on weekdays. This was the scene on a sunny 8th March 2018, looking towards St Bees Head, with two passengers waiting for the train.

Braystones: Running south alongside the Irish Sea at Braystones, a Northern Pacer/Sprinter combination heads towards Sellafield and Barrow on 8th March 2018.

Braystones: The double arrow sign at the junction of a minor road with this very minor lane seems a little out of place but it would be easy to miss Braystones without it. The station itself is down a steep hill beyond the visible section of the lane. 8th March 2018.

Braystones: The tiny station at Braystones is in a remote but spectacular location on the Cumbrian Coast. Note the Harrington Hump and two sets of portable steps on the single platform as a southbound service hurries through on 8th March 2018.

Sellafield: Looking north from the footbridge at Sellafield on 8th March 2018, showing the unusual layout of the platforms. The island platform has a wire mesh fence as it only serves trains on the left hand (northbound) track. Heavily used by workers at the nearby plant the station had over 200,000 recorded passengers in 2016/17, a similar number to that handled by Whitehaven.

Didcot Parkway: GWR 800 031 taking the line to Oxford on diesel power at Didcot on 8th March 2018. I didn't see any Class 180 Adelantes on this visit and so I assume the Class 800s have taken over their duties and are now travelling as far as Worcester and perhaps Hereford.

Hest Bank: 37405 powers north through Hest Bank on 8th March 2018 with the daily Preston to Barrow-in-Furness service.

Corkickle Brake: Over the top! This is the view from the upper level of the Corkickle Brake, the last rope worked standard gauge incline in the UK, which only closed in 1986. Originally built for colliery traffic it lay disused from the 1920s but was refurbished in 1955 to service the Marchon chemical works. The Whitehaven to St Bees railway still runs below along the line in front of the houses. The slightly clear area to the right of the picture was the BR exchange sidings. More information on this fascinating railway can be found on the excellent Cumbria Railways Site

Didcot Parkway: Great Western line photographers are having to get used to working around electrification masts and gantries now. 70011 & 66570 are seen on an eastbound Freightliner from Leeds bound for Southampton. 8th March 2018.

Silecroft: 37402 slows to call at Silecroft with a Barrow to Carlisle service on 8th March 2018. The signal box here still controls semaphores See image [[2236]] and the old goods shed can be seen on the left of the picture.

Corkickle Brake: Looking east from High Road bridge along the old industrial branch towards the top of the Corkickle Brake Incline in March 2018. The line closed in 1986 and, although the rails have been lifted, most of the sleepers are still in place along this section. The brake house at the top of the incline was just beyond the surviving level crossing gate but has been demolished. Cumbria Railways Site

Sellafield: Looking south from the station footbridge at Sellafield on 8th March 2018, with the DRS depot on the left inside the secure area. The sidings alongside the running lines often see DRS locos stabled between flask duties See image [[61933]] but not on this occasion.

Didcot Railway Centre: GWR 93, the steam powered railmotor, was handling the passenger traffic in the Didcot Railway Centre on 8th March 2018. A pleasantly noisy vehicle, seen here from Didcot station.

Corkickle Brake: Looking west from High Road bridge over the upper (and nearly level) section of the branch to the Marchon Works in March 2018. Traffic along this section was worked by an industrial shunter until closure in 1986. St. Bees Head is on the left of the picture. Cumbria Railways Site

Didcot Parkway: DB 60001 approaching Didcot alongside the new extension of Platforms 2 and 3. The train is the westbound Murco oil tanks bound for Robeston, South Wales.

Sellafield: Sellafield effectively has two platforms that face east. This view looks south along the northbound platform and shows the fence that prevents its use for southbound trains with the station building beyond. The extended waiting room reflects the large number of workers who commute to the nuclear plant by train. 8th March 2018.

Didcot Parkway: Freightliner 70017, eastbound from Oxford bound for Southampton with an intermodal service on 8th March 2018.

Salcey Forest: Spot the relic - 111 years after the demolition of the Salcey Forest goods shed, you can still see bits of brickwork and rail. There is also a mysterious metal rod rising out of the ground at the East end of this very short lived station see image [[68067]]. I was pleasantly surprised that these relics had not been buried by leaf mould. 8th March 2019.

Omoa Siding: Carfin Cutting with an unidentified Colas class 70 with the Uddingston to Oxwellmains cement train on Friday 8th March 2019.

Salcey Forest: Abandoned and overgrown agricultural equipment merely adds to the atmosphere when walking on the 'Slow, Mouldy, and Jolting'.

Salcey Forest: Considering this station closed 125 years ago, the platform is in very good condition. It was only open for four months from 1st December 1892 before succumbing to economics - it was remote from housing, roads, and even the forest it was named after, which started some way to the South. The goods shed was demolished in 1908, the signal box in 1912, and the station building (to the left in this view) in the 1950's - the ground it stood on has reverted to agriculture. Stoke Bruern see image [[35956]] opened and closed on the same dates, but has survived as a house. View looks East.

Salcey Forest: Never give up too easily - as I did when faced with this apparently impenetrable wall of vegetation at Quinton in 2010 see image [[30921]]. This time I approached from the far side on a farm track, and walked around the end of the 'hedge'. View looks East, towards Salcey Forest Halt.

Salcey Forest: This road bridge some way West of Salcey Forest station is very well preserved - not least because the road over it, ironically, is also disused. I never rode on the S&MJ, but I remember driving down this road - in a Rover. Somehow, this all hangs together.

Springs Branch Junction: MPVs dominate the maintenance facility at Springs Branch on o8 March 2019, although one Class 08 shunter was also noticed outside the left hand shed door. Some track renewal (and upgrade) has been taking place in recent months to facilitate access to a new Northern maintenance base for diesel units. This is believed will be located to the left of the existing sidings on the formation of a former freight line serving collieries, canal basins and the Wigan Wagon Works. The WCML line is to the left and the Class 319 is coming off the St Helens line with a service from Liverpool to Wigan North Western.

Springs Branch Junction: An MPV negotiates the new track work that has been laid at Springs Branch Junction, on the former trackbed of the L&NWR Eccles, Tyldesley and Wigan line. This headshunt provides access to and from the WCML.

Ballynahinch: Ballynahinch station, on the Galway to Clifden Branch, seen on 8th March 2020. The entrance to the station house, now restored as a private home. The Connemara Greenway, the cycleway being built along much of the trackbed, diverts around the house. The line closed in 1935.

Ballynahinch Viaduct: Ballynahinch Viaduct, just west of Ballynahinch Station, the first station on the branch after Clifden. The viaduct is being restored as part of the Connemara Greenway, which will see the restoration of much of the line as a cycleway. The section immediately east of Ballynahinch Station is already open. The line was only operational between 1895 and 1935. 8 March 2020

Ballynahinch: Ballynahinch Station has been tastefully restored as a private house with railway signage apparent. The station closed with the rest of the line to Clifden in 1935. 8 March 2020.

Johnshaven: Taken during a walk from Johnshaven to Gourdon on the Bervie branch in March 2021. This photo is of the burn just south of the entrance to Lathallan School,at the point where it passed under the line and embankment.

Johnshaven: Taken during a walk from Johnshaven to Gourdon on the old Bervie branch in March 2021. This one of the abutments of the removed bridge near Lathallan to the north west of Johnshaven,

Johnshaven: Taken during a walk from Johnshaven to Gourdon on the Bervie branch in March 2021. An old railway metal fence post still standing alongside the trackbed to the north of Johnshaven.

Johnshaven: Taken during a walk from Johnshaven on the Bervie branch in March 2021. This view looks north from near Johnshaven to Gourdon, around three miles away. The last passenger services ran in 1951, seventy years earlier, but goods trains continued until 1966.

Galgate: 390020 forms a Euston to Edinburgh service on 8th March 2022, passing over the high embankment that effectively splits the village of Galgate into two distinct halves.

Galgate: The northbound Tesco Express, high above the Galgate rooftops, behind 88006 'Juno' on 8th March 2022.

Galgate: Colas 70812 crosses the River Conder viaduct at Galgate, taking the log empties from Chirk back to Carlisle, on 8th March 2022

Galgate: 156484 runs ecs through the site of Galgate station heading for Lancaster to take up a Cumbrian Coast diagram on 8th March 2022. The elevated station, with a limited service, couldn't compete with regular buses on the main road and closed in 1939. All traces were cleared prior to the 1974 electrification but there is still a driveway and access point for track maintenance staff and vehicles [[74286]].

Croston: Passengers wait for the doors to be released at Croston on 8 March 2022 with 158909 on the 1201 hrs Ormskirk to Preston service.