Buchanan Street: A small group of Saturday morning admirers standing on the platform at Buchanan Street in April 1954. They will soon witness the departure of Black 5 44975 with the Bon Accord for Aberdeen and BR Standard 5 73008 with a service to Inverness. Both locomotives are Perth based.

Perth South Shed: Pickersgill 3P 4-4-0 no 54499 stands at the south end of Perth shed in April 1958, with Friarton signal box in the background. The locomotive was withdrawn from 63A in May of 1960 and disposed of through St Rollox Works in August of that year.

Perth: 57368 with empty stock at Perth station in April 1958.

Dundee West: B1 no 61278 of Tay Bridge shed prepares to leave Dundee West station with the 4.35pm train for Perth in April 1958. The station was originally opened by the Dundee & Perth Railway as Dundee Union Street in 1847, becoming Dundee West in 1866. Closure came in 1965.

Stirling Shed [CR]: 44318 on shed at Stirling South on the 10th of April 1958.

Barrow Hill Shed: Johnson 1F no 41708 once held the distinction of being the oldest operational locomotive on BR. Seen here at Barrow Hill in 1960, the ex-MR 0-6-0T was built at Derby in 1880 and officially withdrawn by BR at the end of 1966. The locomotive has since been restored and is now in preservation see image [[23298]].

Barrow Hill Shed: Deeley 0-4-0T no 41531 stored alongside the roundhouse at Staveley (Barrow Hill) in April 1960. The locomotive was officially withdrawn from here in May 1963 and cut up at Derby Works later that year.

Barrow Hill Shed: Johnson 0-6-0T no 41763 stabled on Barrow Hill shed in April 1960, with a selection of steam-shed 'furniture' lying around.

Barrow Hill Shed: Stored Deeley 0-4-0T no 41531 photographed in the sidings at Barrow Hill shed on 10 April 1960, more than 3 years before official withdrawal by BR.

Grangemouth Shed: Crab 42736 sits out a Sunday at Grangemouth MPD on the long siding adjacent to the Orchardhall branch, with younger brother Alan posing on the buffer beam. Immediately behind the Crab is a Fowler 4F and beyond that two WD 2-10-0s, all 65F locomotives. Thought to have been photographed on 10 April 1960.

Darnall Shed: Robinson Ex-GCR D11 Director 4-4-0 no 62666 Zeebrugge (centre) with 62670 Marne to the right, standing at Darnall shed, Sheffield in April 1960. Both locomotives were withdrawn towards the end of that year and subsequently cut up at Doncaster Works. The 10-road steam shed at Darnall eventually closed in 1963. After use as a wagon repair depot for several years it fell into disuse and was finally demolished in 1995.

Carlisle: Gresley A3 Pacific 60070 'Gladiateur' stands on the centre road at Carlisle on 10 April 1961, having recently brought in the 9.20am St Enoch - St Pancras 'Thames - Clyde Express'.

Glasgow St Enoch: Britannia 7MT 4-6-2 70037 'Hereward the Wake' leaves Glasgow St Enoch on the 4.45pm parcels to Carlisle with only one van in tow, as often seemed to be the case with this service. I believe additional vehicles were scheduled to be picked up at stops on the way south. 10th April 1964

Beamish: BR Standard class 9F 2-10-0 no 92097 with the RCTS North Eastern No 2 Rail Tour near Beamish on 10 April 1965.

Westgate-in-Weardale: Looking across fields towards K4 2-6-0 no 3442 The Great Marquess, between Eastgate and Westgate-in-Weardale on the Wearhead branch. The train is the RCTS 'North Eastern No 2 Rail Tour' of 10 April 1965 during a photostop on the return from St John's Chapel.

Frosterley: The RCTS North Eastern No.2 Rail Tour at Frosterley on the Wearhead branch on 10 April 1965. Locomotive in charge is K4 No.3442 The Great Marquess see image [[9349]] [Ref Query 13206].

Ouston Junction: Gresley K4 2-6-0 no 3442 The Great Marquess runs north past Ouston Junction with the RCTS North Eastern No 2 Railtour on 10 April 1965. The special was on the leg from St John's Chapel to Newcastle Central.

Westgate-in-Weardale: Scene at Westgate-in-Weardale on 10 April 1965 with the RCTS North Eastern No 2 Rail Tour at the platform. Gresley K4 2-6-0 no 3442 The Great Marquess is in charge of the special, which started and finished at Leeds City and is seen here on the return leg from St John's Chapel to Bishop Auckland.

Eastgate: The RCTS North Eastern No 2 Rail Tour of 10 April 1965 passing Eastgate station on the Wearhead branch. The locomotive is no 3442 The Great Marquess, which had brought the special from Leeds City. The train is on its way to St John's Chapel.

Beamish: A BR class 9F 2-10-0 with empty iron ore hoppers returning to Tyne Dock. Photographed near Beamish on 10 April 1965.

Westgate-in-Weardale: The RCTS North Eastern No 2 Rail Tour of 10 April 1965 behind ex-LNER no 3442 The Great Marquess, photographed between Eastgate and Westgate-in-Weardale on the Wearhead branch during the run from Bishop Auckland to St John's Chapel.

Worthington: 'The Bosworth' pictured during a photostop at the closed station of Worthington, Leics, on 10 April 1965, with Cloud Hill Quarry visible in the background. The special, organised by 'The Railway Enthusiasts Club', ran from Market Harborough and was hauled throughout by BR Standard class 2 2-6-0 no 78028. (For the gourmets - the catering menu on the tour included sausage & beetroot sandwiches at 6d and bottles of Watney's Pale Ale at 1/3d).

Annfield Plain: One of Tyne Dock's 9F 2-10-0s no 92097 passes Annfield Plain on 10 April 1965 with the RCTS (West Riding & NE branches) 'North Eastern No 2 Rail Tour'. See image [[37690]]

Ballinluig: Two young assistants (or perhaps only one, by the look of it) helping to load a very worthwhile quantity of parcels aboard the Aberfeldy branch train at Ballinluig in April 1965.

Annfield Plain: BR Standard class 9F 2-10-0 no 92064 with a load of iron ore from Tyne Dock passing Annfield East signal box on the climb up to Consett in April 1965. Helping out at the rear of the train are two class 37 diesel locomotives.

Westgate-in-Weardale: The 'North Eastern No 2 Rail Tour' at Westgate-in-Weardale on 10 April 1965 behind ex-LNER no 3442 The Great Marquess. The RCTS tour started and finished at Leeds City

Ardrossan Montgomerie Pier: The BLS/SLS Scottish Rambler No 5 on arrival at Ardrossan's Montgomie Pier station on 10 April 1966 from Glasgow Central behind B1 no 61342.

Ayr Shed [2nd]: Crab 42737 stands outside Ayr MPD on 10 April 1966.

Ardrossan Montgomerie Pier: 'I'll see your five and raise you another ten...' Stopover at Ardrossan Montgomerie Pier for Eastfield B1 no 61342 with the much - travelled Scottish Rambler No 5 on 10 April 1966, prior to heading off on the next leg of the tour to Girvan.

Ardrossan North: Ex-LNER B1 4-6-0 no 61342 of Eastfield shed brings Scottish Rambler No 5 back from Ardrossan's Montgomerie Pier on 10 April 1966 towards the platforms of Ardrossan North station, from which the photograph was taken. The line over the level crossing below the footbridge provided a link with the G&SW system which ran to Winton Pier.

Eastfield Shed: Given the limitation of my camera at the time, I was amazed how well this photo turned out. 'Gordon Highlander' was a surprise visitor to Eastfield on 11 April 1966. The 4-4-0 was not taking part in the Easter Rambler No.5, which had just passed Eastfield behind WD 2-8-0 90386.

Glasgow Central: 10 April 1966 and Eastfield's B1 4-6-0 61342 is about to join its carriages in Glasgow Central and begin a tour of Ayrshire as part of the Easter Rambler Number 5 rail tour.

Ayr Shed [2nd]: BR Standard class 4 2-6-4T no 80025 in the sidings alongside Ayr shed in April 1966. The locomotive is recorded as being withdrawn from 67A Corkerhill 4 months later and cut up at Shipbreaking Industries, [[Faslane Military Port]], in October that year.

Giffen: Eastfield's B1 4-6-0 61342 was in foreign territory when it visited Giffen on 10 April 1966 as part of the 'Easter Rambler Number 5' tour of Ayrshire. It is seen getting ready to head back to Lugton.

Ardrossan North: Scottish Rambler No 5 arriving at the former Ardrossan North station on 10 April 1966. B1 4-6-0 no 61342 of Eastfield shed has just brought the train back from a visit to Montgomerie Pier. The line over the level crossing below the footbridge provided a link with the G&SW line to Winton Pier. Part of the large Shell refinery and its associated sidings can be seen off to the right. Robin Barbour is standing at the end of the platform.

Glasgow Central: 60532 Blue Peter shortly after arrival at Glasgow Central with Scottish Rambler No 5. The A2, which had taken over the train at Montrose, had subsequently been borrowed at Inverkeithing to assist the stalled Inverness - York car sleeper, thus the special arrived back in Glasgow in the early hours of 10 April, some 3 hours 40 minutes late

Glasgow Central: B1 no 61342 stands at Glasgow Central on 10 April 1966 with the BLS/SLS Scottish Rambler no 5. The train is about to head south on the Ayr line with the first scheduled stop at Ardrossan's Montgomerie Pier see image [[24347]]

Kilbirnie Junction: B1 no 61342 with 'Scottish Rambler no 3' stands at Giffen on 10 April 1966.

Girvan (Old): Scottish Rambler No 5 seen during a photostop at Girvan goods on 10 April 1966. Locomotive in charge for this section of the tour is Eastfield B1 4-6-0 no 61342.

Bogside Race Course: 61342 makes a photostop at Bogside Race Course in April 1966 with Scottish Rambler no 5. The B1 was taking the special south from Ardrossan Montgomerie Pier to Girvan goods. See image [[30034]]

Ayr Shed [2nd]: View east over a busy Ayr shed, thought to have been taken on 10 April 1966, with Black 5s and Crabs a-plenty standing in the yard. [[Blackhouse Junction]] signal box can be seen in the right background.

Ayr Shed [2nd]: Crab 2-6-0 no 42863 stands on Ayr shed in April 1966. Officially withdrawn by BR some 4 months later, the locomotive was cut up at [[Arnott, Young and Co [Troon] ]] in January 1967.

Bogside Race Course: Scottish Rambler no 5 during a photostop at Bogside Race Course in April 1966 on the leg from Ardrossan to Girvan behind B1 61342. Opened in 1840 as plain Bogside the suffix Race Course was carried between 1952 and 1965. The station closed, having reverted to its original name, on 2 January 1967.

Muirkirk [2nd]: B1 61342 stands at Muirkirk with Scottish Rambler no 5 on 10 April 1966.

Girvan [1st]: Eastfield's B1 4-6-0 No 61342 has reached Girvan Old on 10 April 1966, as part of Easter Rambler Number 5's exploration of Ayrshire. It then gave a stirring ascent of Killochan Bank en route to Ayr.

Girvan (Old): B1 4-6-0 no 61342 prepares to leave Girvan goods for Muirkirk on 10 April 1966 with 'Scottish Rambler No 5'.

Girvan (Old): Eastfield B1 4-6-0 no 61342 stands in Girvan goods yard on 10 April 1966 with Scottish Rambler no 5, preparing for the next leg of the tour which would take the 5-coach train on to Muirkirk.

Ayr: Scottish Rambler No 5 is about to leave Ayr station on 10 April 1966 behind B1 no 61342. The railtour is seen here alongside a service DMU.

Ardrossan North: B1 4-6-0 no 61342 brings Scottish Rambler no 5 into Ardrossan North on 10 April 1966 following a visit to Montgomerie Pier. The Shell refinery and its associated sidings form the backdrop.

Ardrossan Montgomerie Pier: B1 4-6-0 no 61342 stands at the platform at Montgomerie Pier, Ardrossan, on 10 April 1966 with Scottish Rambler No 5 from Glasgow Central.

Girvan (Old): 'See when I say get back on the train....' The persuasive looking gentleman moving threateningly towards the photographer appears keen to commence the next leg of the Scottish Rambler No 5 railtour which is preparing to leave Girvan goods behind B1 no 61342 on 10 April 1966.... and what's that in his left hand...no, surely not! Anyway... I understand everyone got back on the train at this point.

Ayr Shed [2nd]: Black 5 no 45016 in the sidings alongside Ayr shed on 10 April 1966. It was officially withdrawn from 67C less than 3 months later and cut up at [[Arnott, Young and Co [Troon] ]], by the end of the year.

Ardrossan North: Scottish Rambler no 5 at Ardrossan North on 10 April 1966 during the trip from Glasgow Central to Montgomerie Pier. The locomotive in charge is Eastfield B1 no 61342. The view is east from the footbridge spanning the spur to the junction with the G&SW route to Winton Pier. The lines to Montgomerie Pier run off to the left. The station building had been demolished by this time with the site being used for parking. Dominating the background is the large Shell refinery and its associated sidings. Production there ceased in 1986. See image [[15068]]

Ayr Shed [2nd]: Crab 2-6-0 no 42913 stands amongst the abandoned locomotives alongside Ayr shed in April 1966. Officially withdrawn at the end of July that year disposal took place in the yard of Messrs Arnott Young, Troon, some 3 months later.

Newburgh: Begrimed Class 40 No. D278 passes Newburgh with a lengthy Millerhill - Perth working on 10th April 1969. The location is halfway between the 1st and 2nd stations. Prior to 1960, four tracks existed at this point - two running lines & two sidings.

Kings Cross: Arrivals and departures at Kings Cross in April 1970 as 1762 meets 1101. Looking out from the end of platform 8 towards Gasworks Tunnel.

Horbury and Ossett: English Electric motive power heading east from Healey Mills in 1979. Locomotives 40196, 37160 and 40075 are approaching the rock cutting with the site of Horbury and Ossett station in the background and the marshalling yard beyond the distant bridge. All three locomotives are long scrapped, 37160 lasting the longest but withdrawn (as 37373) in 1993.

Horbury and Ossett: A tidy looking 40011, formerly named Mauretania, heads east out of Healey Mills Yard with coal hoppers in April 1979. The train is passing through the site of Horbury and Ossett station. D211 was the second of the production (as opposed to pilot scheme) English Electric Type 4s and lasted in service another 18 months before withdrawal and scrapping.

Horbury and Ossett: 08574 growls eastwards though Horbury cutting towards Wakefield, with a short train of sand wagons from Healey Mills. Image 22029, taken from the same bridge, posed the question as to where this traffic was going. Bill Jamieson recalled a daily 08 trip working through Wakefield in 1980, sometimes with wagons to and from the repair shop in the old steam shed see image [[23602]], but Wynn Garnett, a former Healey Mills Yard shunter has been in touch to say it was a daily trip working to Redfern Glass at Monk Bretton and was always powered by a Class 08 shunter due to the small load. Wyn recalled that while the 08 was away the traffic in his section of the yard quickly began to build up. 08574 was withdrawn two years later and cut up at Swindon Works in 1986.

Horbury and Ossett: With that self important air that all diesel shunters seem to have when on the main line, Class 08 No. 08574 growls into Horbury cutting with five open wagons of sand. The station, closed in 1970, was by the bridge in the mist with Healey Mills yard just beyond. The line going off to the left went to Crigglestone and then Barnsley but closed in 1991. This is a former mystery picture and David Pesterfield identified the location but we also asked about the sand traffic? Was it a regular trip or a one off? We presumed it originated in Healey Mills yard and, with a 15mph shunter and open wagons, that it was not going far, but where...? See image [[24519]] for the answer with thanks to Bill Jamieson and Wyn Garnett, a former Healey Mills shunter.

Horbury and Ossett: Two Class 37 locomotives, 37055 and 37140, appear out of the mist with a tanker train heading east out of Healey Mills yard in 1979. The train is passing the old Horbury and Ossett station where 08098 is travelling back to Healey Mills with 9K47, a trip working bringing repaired trucks from Wakefield wagon repair shops back to the yard see image [[23602]]. This long lens view was from Addingford Lane bridge in Horbury cutting. [Thanks to Wyn Garnett, former Healey Mills shunter, for local information.]

Horbury and Ossett: Trip working 9K47 leaves Healey Mills yard on a misty morning in 1979 behind 08098 and heads for Wakefield Wagon shops with wagons for repair. This diagram had originated in steam days and served various locations in the Healey Mills and Wakefield area. Picture taken from the former cattle dock, by then the only surviving remnant of the closed station. With thanks to Wyn Garnett, former Healey Mills shunter, who provided local information and spotted a green repair card on the fourth wagon solebar. See image [[26508]].

Millerhill Marshalling Yard [North]: A Type 2 arriving at the north end of Millerhill Yard on 10 April 1981 with a train of empty Cartics from Bathgate. In the foreground 08720 is busy shunting the down departure sidings.

Millerhill Marshalling Yard [North]: BRCW Type 2 27106 brings empty Cartics into Millerhill yard in April 1981. Over on the right tracklifting continues on the up side of the yard.

Millerhill Marshalling Yard [North]: 20175+20207 bringing a train of grain wagons into Millerhill Yard from the north in April 1981. Note the lifted track from the up yard stacked in the right background.

Millerhill Marshalling Yard [North]: A Busy looking Millerhill yard on 10 April 1981. On the left 27106 is arriving from the north with empty Cartics, while on the right 08720 is shunting the down sidings. See image [[52385]]

Leeds: 5690 Leander enters Leeds station with the inbound Trans Pennine Pullman to Carlisle on 10 April 1982.

Leeds: 40025 (formerly Lusitania) runs through Leeds station on 10 April 1982.

Leeds: Stanier Coronation Pacific no 46229 Duchess of Hamilton sets out from Leeds with the final leg of the Trans Pennine Pullman to Carlisle on 10 April 1982.

Leeds: 46229 Duchess of Hamilton makes a smoky exit from Leeds Station on a Trans Pennine Pullman special over the S&C to Carlisle on 10 April 1982.

Leeds: Jubilee 4-6-0 no 5690 Leander reverses through Leeds station on 10 April 1982 following arrival from Northwich with the Trans Pennine Pullman special destined for Carlisle.

Leeds: Preserved Jubilee 4-6-0 no 5690 Leander rests alongside 47471 at the stabling point outside Leeds station in April 1982 after working in on the first leg of the Northwich - Leeds - Carlisle Trans Pennine Pullman.

Inverness MPD: The front end of 47550 at Inverness Depot, being repainted before being named 'University of Dundee', at Easter 1982.

Balerno Junction: April 1993 view of the bridge that carried the Balerno branch over the Union Canal, near to Balerno Junction where the branch diverged from the main line until 1967.

Currie [2nd]: The old goods shed and yard at Currie, looking east, in April 1993 some twenty six years after goods services on the Balerno branch ceased.

Kinleith Mill: Blinkbonny Road bridge, at Kinleith Mill between Juniper Green and Currie, during a Balerno branch trackbed walk in April 1993.

Kinleith Mill: Former Kinleith Paper Mill on 10 April 1993. See image [[55024]].

West Mills: Viewed from one of several bridges that took the Balerno line over the Water of Leith, the former Scott's Porridge Oats mill at Colinton in 1993. In the early 20th Century a pair of sidings accessed the mill over the bridge that can be seen.

Juniper Green: The site of Juniper Green station, visited in April 1993.

Kinleith Mill: The closed Kinleith Paper Mill, seen on 10th April 1993, with surviving track still visible in the yard.

Fort Augustus: The station yard throat at Fort Augustus, photographed on 10 April 2003. Sleeper indentations are still obvious some 55 years after closure.

North Berwick: A class 322 unit gingerly approaches the terminus at North Berwick in April 2004 as it negotiates the 1 in 66.5 gradient.

Upper Tyndrum: The West Highland Railway station at Tyndrum began life as just that in August 1894. After a subsequent spell as Tyndrum Upper its official name is now Upper Tyndrum. View looks south over the station in April 2005. (The former Callander & Oban Railway station located just to the southwest continues to carry the name Tyndrum Lower.)

Arrochar and Tarbet: View south from Arrochar and Tarbet on 10 April 2005 showing the timber loading terminal on the left.

Arrochar and Tarbet: Platform view at Arrochar & Tarbet Station, looking south in April 2005.

Russell Road Viaduct: View north along Edinburgh's Russell Road on 10 April 2006, with Murieston Crescent on the right. Looking through the multi-arched bridge that once carried the Caledonian route between Haymarket West and Dalry Middle Junctions. The bridge, which is now part of the West Approach Road, is crossing the current line running from Slateford to Haymarket East Junction (located approximately 250m behind the camera).

St Leonards Bridge Junction: Signal check for Great Britain special just south of Perth station, with fireman at phone. John Cameron can be seen in tammy looking from cab window.

Portobello [3rd]: The little house in Station Brae. Hidden behind trees, in a small yard, off a busy road is the old Portobello station house. Photograph taken in April 2007, almost 43 years after the station closed. The former island platform was reached via a subway through the embankment in the background, once accessible from both sides of the line. See image [[14165]]

St Leonards Bridge Junction: 66405 heads the Grangemouth - Aberdeen Intermodal through the junction at St Leonards, Perth.

Carmuirs West Junction: 60009 with The Great Britain railtour passing Carmuirs West signal box on 10 April 2007 during the Glasgow - Inverness leg of the journey.

Larbert Junction: Preserved A4 Pacific no 60009 Union of South Africa on the southern approach to Larbert Junction with The Great Britain on 10 April 2007.

Perth: 60009 hauls The Great Britain into platform 7 at Perth on 10 April past a large quota of all ages (approx 500) taking that once in a lifetime shot.

Perth: 61994 The Great Marquess awaits The Great Britain special to assist over Druimuachdar Summit.

Druimuachdar Summit: 61994 The Great Marquess and 60009 Union of South Africa go over the summit in fine style with The Great Britain.

Inverness: Journeys end, 61994 & 60009 arrive at Inverness with The Great Britain.

Inverness: The owner on his engine. John Cameron on the footplate of Union of South Africa at Inverness with The Great Britain.

Perth: 170408 stops at Perth with 1206 Edinburgh service.

Perth: 1130 Grangemouth - Aberdeen intermodal takes the Dundee line at Perth.

Druimuachdar Summit: First Scotrail 170 unit goes over the summit, busy (as usual) A9 in background.

Plates, signs, notices etc: The Springbok plaque on Union of South Africa.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: The 1138 service from Glasgow takes the Dundee line at St Leonards and passes 66405 with the Aberdeen Intermodal (via the up line) which is waiting for the junction to clear.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: A4 whistle sounds in the distance. 60009 passing Tesco (site of former Perth Caley shed) over a mile away with The Great Britain.

Kincraig: 61994 and 60009 get The Great Britain underway after a stop at Kincraig.

Druimuachdar Summit: Highest point on the rail network.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: Union of South Africa 60009 approaches Perth with the 2007 Great Britain Tour. The passengers can enjoy fresh air looking out of the pull down windows whereas the modern stock does not have this facility.

Alloa: Sweeping changes at Alloa. 10 April 2007.

Alloa: A tree-lined avenue now forming part of the pedestrian access to the new Alloa station on 10 April as construction work goes on all around.

Perth: Famous hole in the wall on the west side of Perth station with a carriage washer on the old running loop.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: The Great Britain approaches Perth hauled by A4 60009. Behind the train an EWS class 66 diesel loco has the road for the loop line on the left. Clearances prevail.

Perth: Study of a K4. 61994 at Perth.

Tom-na-Faire Depot: EWS 66108 looks lonely in Fort William depot yard on Thursday 10 April 2008. The Mallaig line can be seen turning off to the left and Lochaber High School stands in the right background.

Dalguise: Southerly view of Dalguise station buildings, the station closed in 1965.

Caton: Two bridges in quick succession carried the Lancaster to Wennington line over the horseshoe bend in the river between Halton and Caton known as the Crook O Lune. This is the more easterly of the two and they both now carry the cycle path from Lancaster See image [[22834]]. (SD 522647)

Glasgow Central: 47760 getting ready to depart Glasgow Central light engine after bringing in the coaching stock and locomotives for the Great Britain II railtour leg from Glasgow to Inverness on 10th April 2009

Glasgow Central: 47760 bringing the Great Britain II coaching stock (accompanied by Black 5s 45231 and 45407) into Glasgow Central on 10 April 2009.

Glasgow Central: What a sight! Black 5 45231 The Sherwood Forester departing Glasgow Central at the head of the Great Britain II railtour on 10 April amidst much noise and steam.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: The Great Britain II on the noticeably contracting southern approaches to Perth station on 10 April 2009.

Perth: Great Britain II leaves Perth on 10 April heading for Inverness.

Gleneagles: 45231 + 45407 roar through Gleneagles at the head of the Great Britain II special bound for Inverness on 10 April 2009. This is the first time for 50+ years that a double headed train hauled by 'Black Fives' has passed Glneagles.

Plean Junction: Great Britain II northbound through Plean on 10 April

Dalnaspidal: 45231 and 45407 with Great Britain ll just north of Dalnaspidal on the climb to Druimuachdar Summit.... and making it look easy.

Cardross: The empty stock of a tour train to Dumbarton on 10 April 2009 ran on to Craigendoran before returning east. This is a view of it eastbound near Cardross.

Bridge of Allan: Train 1Z25, the Great Britain II, heading for Inverness, nears Bridge of Allan in the early afternoon of 10 April 2009, behind Stanier Black 5s 45231 The Sherwood Forester and 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier.

Dalnaspidal: The disused signal box on the northbound platform at Dalnaspidal in April 2009.

Tomatin: Fifty years ago this would have been an every day sight on the Highland Line, a passenger train headed by two Black Fives. 45231 and 45407 are pictured north of Tomatin with the Great Britain II on 10 April amid Highland scenery and sunshine. It's not often that the two go together!

Dalnaspidal: The closed station at Dalnaspidal on 10 April 2009 looking north.

Preston: 37676 Loch Rannoch dead in tow at the rear of of the Scottish Chieftain railtour at Preston on 10th April 2009

Preston: 47804 pauses at Preston with the Taunton - Dumbarton leg of the Scottish Chieftain railtour on a wet Good Friday, 10th April 2009

Haymarket: 67 003 with the EWS-stocked 1708 Fife Outer Circle service, standing at Haymarket, with more spare seats than normal, being Good Friday 10 April 2009.

Glenwhilly: Black 5s 44871 and 45407 double head The Great Britain III on the southbound gradient out of Glenwhilly on 10 April 2010 heading for Stranraer.

Kinclaer Viaduct: Black 5's 45407 and 44871 cross Kinclaer Viaduct with The Great Britain III on the return working from Stranraer to Glasgow.

Fylde Junction: A Blackpool to Liverpool service, formed by Northern Sprinter 156468, approaches Preston and runs through the cutting immediately east of Maudlands Viaduct. If the Blackpool electrification plans are implemented the mast in the foreground will no longer mark the end of the wires on this line.

Maxwelltown: The tallish building in the centre of the picture was Maxwelltown Station and is now a house surrounded by more modern counterparts. The trackbed to Stranraer is in front of the red fence and forms part of a cyclepath/walkway to Castle Douglas.

Garroch Viaduct: About a mile west of the former Maxwelltown Station is Garroch viaduct. It is closed off and appears to be blocked by an industrial area on the far side. The Maxwelltown railway path takes a diversion here.

Kirkcudbright: The remains of Tongland Viaduct on the Kirkcudbright Branch. There were stone piers in the river and the viaduct was of girder construction. The remains of the piers are in the field just beyond the arches in the picture. April 2010.

Bathgate Upper: 158 730 leaves Bathgate terminus with the 1728 service to Edinburgh on 10 April 2010, just across the fence from the ongoing railway works.

Bathgate Central Junction: 158 736 on the 17.18 from Edinburgh arrives at the current Bathgate station on 10 April 2010. Work on its replacement continues in the background with the new light maintenance depot standing alongside.

Haymarket [Tram]: Looking east over the tram/train/bus interchange at Haymarket on 10 April 2011 with Haymarket Terrace on the left.  Behind the camera the tracks will dive downhill to parallel the E & G line, crossing it twice on its way to Edinburgh Airport. See image [[30576]]

Dolau: View along the former northbound platform at Dolau Station on the Heart of Wales Line in April 2012. The station and its environs are kept pristine by the Friends of Dolau station, who also provide an information service to passengers using the station.

Dolau: The large and rather unusual station sign by the level crossing at Dolau Station, on the Heart of Wales line, mounted on the well worn fence at the rear of the disused northbound platform.

Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll: Snapshot from a passing train of *that station sign* taken on 10th April 2012.

Newcraighall South Junction: 170 471 takes refuge in the turnback siding at Millerhill on 10 April to make way for 67025 and the ecs for the 17.08 Fife Circle service.

Newcraighall North Junction: DRS 57011 and 57002 leave Millerhill with the Torness - Sellafield flask train on 10 April 2012. On the left is the start of the Borders Railway.

Newcraighall South Junction: 170 471 in the Millerhill turnback siding on 10 April 2012 waiting to form the 17.14 to Dunblane. In the background, test bores are being sunk on the route of the Borders Railway.

Beamish Open Air Museum: Ex-N.C.B. locomotive no 22 (AB 2274/1949) being transported along Beamish High Street on a low-loader on 10 April 2013.

Girvan (Old): Looking east towards the main line at Girvan in April 2014 over the remains of the long-lifted sidings at the coal chutes. The formation of these can be easily traced even today. See image [[45090]]

Millerhill Yard: GBRf 66743 with empty stock at Millerhill on 10 April 2015.

Montserrat: Scene at the top of the Montserrat Rack Railway on 10 April 2015. The line climbs from Monistrol de Montserrat up to the mountain-top monastery.

Roman Bridge: A Llandudno - Blaenau Ffestiniog service leaving Roman Bridge on 10th April 2015. This station is of very similar construction to Pont-y-Pant (two stops along the line towards Llandudno junction) and until recently was available for self catering holidays.

Haverthwaite: Fairburn tank 42073 runs around its train at Haverthwaite.

Haverthwaite: Fairburn tank 42073 takes on water at Haverthwaite.

Haverthwaite: EE class 20 20214 looking well kept in shiny BR green on shed at Haverthwaite.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: An engineering train at Queen Street on 10 April 2016, waiting to collect spoil from the platform realignment work at the north end of the station.

Haverthwaite: Driver of Fairburn tank 42073 chats to enthusiast whilst awaiting the off at Haverthwaite for the next service to Lakeside.

Haverthwaite: Barclay tank 1245, built in Kilmarnock in 1911, parked in the shed yard at Haverthwaite.

Haverthwaite: History notes for Barclay tank 1245 built in Kilmarnock in 1911 parked in the shed yard at Haverthwaite.

Haverthwaite: Bagnall saddle tank 2996 'Victor' from 1951 on shed at Haverthwaite.

Haverthwaite: Hunslet saddle tank 3698 from 1950 with smoke box door open for cleaning in Haverthwaite shed.

Haverthwaite: Fairbairn tank 42085 lies boilerless in Haverthwaite shed whilst undergoing maintenance.

Aberlyn Level Crossing: Approaching Aberlyn Level Crossing looking in direction of Elbowend Junction in April 2016. A line once diverged left here to serve Aberlyn Iron Foundry. [Ref query 3706]

Haverthwaite: Fairbairn tank 42073 prepares to de-couple from its train after arrival at Haverthwaite from Lakeside before reversing to take on water and run around.

Haverthwaite: Fairbairn tank 42073 reverses to the crossover points in the short tunnel at the South end of Haverthwaite station before moving to the front of the next train to Lakeside.

Newby Bridge Halt: View from observation car at rear of service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via Newby Bridge Halt.

Braeside Halt: The site of Braeside Halt looking in direction of Elbowend Junction. Some degree of vegetation clearance has taken place here although there has also been a rockfall from the cutting side on the right.

Arniston Colliery Emily Pit: Remains of the northern abutment of the bridge at Arniston that once carried the spoil tramway across the access road on its climb up to the tipping point on the south bing. The south portal of the sealed tramway tunnel through the north bing is visible top right. For a map showing the layout see [[61725]].

Braeside Junction: Braeside Junction with line to Crombie diverging to the left; line to Elbowend Junction diverging to the right with site of Braeside Halt under the bridge.

Arniston Colliery Emily Pit: Embankment in the woods. Scene to the west of Gorebridge on 10 April 2016. On the right is the walking route that now runs south from Engine Road, around a quarter of a mile to the north, with a cordoned off 'danger area' beyond occupied by a smouldering bing. Just off picture to the left is the A7. The embankment carried the mineral line linking the Arniston Engine and other pits in the area, with the exchange sidings alongside the Waverley route to the west of Gorebridge station on the north side of the Gore Glen.

Arniston Colliery Emily Pit: Bricked up tunnel on a hillside in Gorebridge in 2016. The tunnel once carried a cable hauled tramway, while the hillside itself was formed from spoil produced by many years of mining operations. The reason for the tramway was the creation of a second spoil tip (or bing) to the south of here (behind camera) on the other side of a colliery access road. The spoil tipper ran through this tunnel, then crossed the road on a bridge see image [[61770]], before climbing to reach the tipping point on the south bing.

Jewellery Quarter: Watch it... appropriate artwork at Jewellery Quarter station in 2016. Notice the Victorian Gents on the right. See image [[42504]]

Haverthwaite: Fairburn tank 42073 runs around its train at Haverthwaite.

Gore Glen Bridge: ScotRail 158749 crossing the A7 on Gore Glen Bridge southbound on 10 April 2016 with the 1024 Edinburgh - Tweedbank. The train is just under half a mile from its next stop at Gorebridge.

Jewellery Quarter: ...and here is the station without snow see image [[42485]].

Gore Glen Bridge: The 1011 Edinburgh - Tweedbank photographed between Newtongrange and Gorebridge on 10 April 2016. The train is about to run over the Network Rail access pad located to the south of Gore Glen Viaduct.

Merryhill Level Crossing: Looking towards Merryhill Farm Crossing from overbridge near Merryhill Farm.

Arniston Colliery Emily Pit: The once intensely mined area to the north of Gorebridge has undergone considerable change since closure of the last pits. Various reminders of its industrial past still remain however, this one a legacy of the Emily Pit; a 'burning bing' situated to the east of the embankment that once carried the mineral line south from Engine Road to reach the Gore Pit and the exchange sidings. See image [[54843]]

Gore Glen Bridge: The 1024 Edinburgh – Tweedbank heading south alongside the Gore Glen on 10 April 2016, with the houses of Gorebridge just coming into view in the background. Over to the left stood the Gore Pit and the exchange sidings, fed by the mineral line running south from Engine Road. See image [[54843]] The connection between the colliery lines and the main line was further east towards Gorebridge station.

Wadebridge Junction: Hard to imagine the Atlantic Coast Express steaming down here now. This is the line from Halwill Junction at Wadebridge in April 2017. This joined the line from Bodmin (now the Camel Trail) a few feet behind the photographer.

Shooting Range Platform: This bridge may need nothing more then netting on a steel frame to retain loose stone; but it saves a lot of concrete and aggregate and allows pedestrians and cyclists to travel actively. Highways England please note. View looks towards Bodmin from Wadebridge. [Shooting Range Platform itself was further north.]

Roche: There's plenty of moonlight, where are the girls? The antithesis of showbiz, looking towards Newquay at Roche on a spring evening in 2017.

Uddingston: WCRC 37518 leads Black 5s 45212 and 45407 north through Uddingston on 10 April 2017 with the Jacobite on an empty carriage movement from Carnforth to Fort William.

Uddingston: Black 5 45212 (with 37518 leading and Black 5 45407 following) heads the Jacobite on an empty carriage movement from Carnforth to Fort William. The route included the Argyle line through Central Low level which must have caused some surprise to waiting passengers.

Glen Douglas Halt: Northbound Black 5s 45212 (leading) and 45407 passing the Glen Douglas 'distant' board with Long Long in the background. A pause at Craigendoran Junction had 37518 go from pilot to banker. The Jacobite season begins at Easter.

Glen Douglas Halt: 37517 on the rear of a train led by Black 5s 45212 and 45407 heading northbound from Glen Douglas with Long Long and 'The Cobbler' in the distance.

Wadebridge: The goods shed at Wadebridge still sports the hangers from the sliding door, as well as an ugly modern bus shelter. View looks towards the station, and Padstow. see image [[17834]] [Ref query 1007]

Padstow: The goods shed may have gone, but the old Padstow station building will soon have a new lease of life. Scene on 10 April 2017. See image [[25314]]

Barmouth: 158827, traveling from Pwllheli to Machynlleth, arrives at a tropical looking (but in fact distinctly chilly) Barmouth in early April 2018.

Barmouth Viaduct: Cadair Idris in the background of this view of the Barmouth end of the viaduct. Network rail is currently working on plans for refurbishment of the 150 year old structure which carries the Cambrian Coast across Afon Mawddach.

Barmouth: The somewhat garishly decorated replacement buildings on the down platform side of Barmouth station in April 2018. There was formerly a bay platform towards the left of the photo.

Barmouth: 158827 passes through the level crossing at Barmouth and past the site of the former Dolgellau and Rubabon excursion platform which could still be seen for many years after the Dolgellau line closed. 10th April 2018

Barmouth: View south towards the Barmouth Viaduct in April 2018. The refurbished station buildings on the left house the Tourist Information Centre, while the newer buildings on the right boast a cafe, a beach ball shop and a veterinary surgery as well as other more usual conveniences.

Lochearnhead [2nd]: Lochearnhead has now been longer a Scout Station than it was a Railway Station. This was the pedestrian entrance via a subway and stairs to the island platform.

Strand Road Exchange Sidings: 56078 and 56113 wait for departure time at Strand Road on 10th April 2019, with the empty bitumen tanks for Lindsey near Immingham.

Lochearnhead [2nd]: Lochearnhead has now been a Scout Station for longer than it was a railway station. I called to visit here after attending the funeral of the railway author, and former Heritage Railway Association Scottish secretary, P J G Ransom at Balquhidder Church on 10th April 2019.

Lochearnhead [2nd]: Looking out from under the fine glazed canopy at Lochearnhead Scout Station on a sunny 10th April 2019 during a hosted visit.

Lochearnhead [2nd]: Plaque at Lochearnhead, a reminder that it has now been Scout Station for longer than it was a Railway Station. This continuing use and care by the Scout Association means that the building remains in splendid, and broadly original condition. 10th April 2019.

Lochearnhead [2nd]: The Lochearnhead Scout Station contains many reminders of its original role, including these notices and pictures in the dining and kitchen area. 10th April 2019.

Lochearnhead [2nd]: The fine condition of Lochearnhead Scout Station is a tribute to present owners, the Scout Association, who have occupied the station since 1962 and purchased it in 1978. Many original railway features have been retained, which adds to the atmosphere. 10th April 2019.

Moy: An improvement in the weather in April 2019 allowed some photography out and about over a few days. After a long absence, Class 68s have recently been put back on some rosters for the Inverness container train. This is 68004 'Rapid' on the return journey to Mossend on 10th April 2019.

Greenhill Lower Junction: The 2J85 Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen St service approaching Greenhill Lower with 385035 and 385041. Taken during my daily permitted walk on 10th April 2020.

Ben Alder Level Crossing: This is the HST that derailed around 3AM this morning. A quote from RAIB: 'We are deploying inspectors to gather evidence following the derailment of a test train at Dalwhinnie on the Highland Line in Scotland. The train consisted of a short-form HST that was travelling south when the last two vehicles derailed in proximity to points.'

Ben Alder Level Crossing: This is the derailed HST at Dalwhinnie viewed from the level crossing to the north.

Ben Alder Level Crossing: The derailed HST with power cars 43015 and 43012 south of Dalwhinnie. The RAIB said: 'The train consisted of a short-form HST that was travelling south when the last two vehicles derailed in proximity to points.' Note the station top left and the crossover between the station and train.

Ben Alder Level Crossing: This is the HST that derailed around 3AM this morning. Rail Accident Investigation Branch released a statement: 'We are deploying inspectors to gather evidence following the derailment of a test train at Dalwhinnie on the Highland Line in Scotland.'

Ben Alder Level Crossing: This is the derailed HST just south of Dalwhinnie station (off to the right), in a view from the east. Loch Ericht is in the background.

Seafield Level Crossing: With the footbridge now taken away (see new stonework, right) and trees removed, this view of the level crossing from the west is now possible - until that sprouting vegetation gets going again. A notice on the level crossing gates warns us about overhead wires. Aye, right.

McDonald Road [Tram]: As part of the tram works the road has been excavated revealing the top of the arches of the railway bridge. Interesting there's a channel cut in the arches, presumably for the drains. The view is to the Top of the walk. [[Leith Walk]] station was off to the right.

Ben Alder Level Crossing: The rear of the short form HST which derailed south of Dalwhinnie with power car 43012 and a carriage off the rails.

Methil East Junction: Looking east from the Bawbee Brig towards the former Methil East Junction and the site of the demolished Methil Power Station showing the surviving redundant track. To the right is the course of the Docks branch. The east end of the platforms of Levenmouth station will be in the foreground. The Bawbee Bridge will straddle the platforms.

Kirkland Loop: Looking west along the River Leven from the Bawbee Brig. Alongside is the cleared track of the line to Methil Power Station and Dock. The west end of the new Levenmouth station will be in the foreground.

Grange-over-Sands: 156496, working from Lancaster to Carlisle via the Cumbrian Coast, passes the old goods shed at Grange as it slows to call at the station on 10th April 2021.

Leith South Yard: The land around here was reclaimed from the sea, seemingly for the purpose of building the once-extensive Leith South Yard. Not many tracks remain, and even those haven't been troubled much for years. A nearby sewage works probably hasn't helped development here. View is towards Leith Docks.

Methil East Junction: The new station site at Levenmouth on the 10th of April. The leisure centre is to the left. The area of grass will be a car park and the platforms will pass below the Bawbee Bridge from which the photograph is taken.

Balshaw Lane Junction: A Colas Class 70 heads south at Balshaw Lane Junction with the Carlisle to Chirk log train, on 10 April 2021, as an Avanti West Coast Pendolino on a Euston to Glasgow Central travels north.

Leith South Yard: It's not often you see a level crossing across a yard, though there is no real road on either side and anyway the yard is not now operational. The crossing was perhaps created in the days when huge numbers of pipeline sections arrived by rail and were stored on this side of the line, now a scrubby expanse of nothing. Arthur's Seat is in the background.

White Bear: The surviving station building at White Bear, Adlington, looking towards Chorley in April 2021. A factory building occupies the trackbed and this is the only remaining feature of the station, which closed to passengers in 1960. The Lancashire Union Railway connected Wigan with Blackburn in two separate sections, linked by running over the Bolton to Preston line between Adlington and Chorley.

Grange-over-Sands: 195105, running between Grange and Arnside with a Barrow to Manchester Airport service, is alongside the Kent Estuary on 10th April 2021. The Kent viaduct at Arnside can be seen top right. Although a Barrow bound train was also due these signals were both off because Grange-over-Sands box is switched out at weekends.

Auchendinny Tunnel: View from Auchendinny tunnel, looking south west towards Penicuik, on an exceptionally bright and sunny 10 April 2022. Branch trains leaving the tunnel crossed the North Esk here to reach the single platform of Auchendinny station, which stands on the left immediately beyond the bridge. Nowadays, even early on a Sunday morning, this popular walkway can be quite busy with walkers, joggers, cyclists etc.

Pass of Killiecrankie: Suitably liveried 66746 enters the Pass of Killiecranke with a 'Royal Scotsman' train from Edinburgh to Tain on 10th April 2022. It is crossing the bridge over what is now a well surfaced footpath but was once the road to Loch Tummel and Rannoch before the new Garry Bridge was built in 1969. The green fencing is a Network Rail access point.

Beamish Open Air Museum: It's always nice to see an old friend unexpectedly. Just after I took this picture, 'Peter Pan' required attention; but the driver cheered up when I correctly identified the engine's home as the Leighton Buzzard NG Railway (but see image [[25772]]). The engine in the background is called Samson, and has rack teeth around its wheels outboard of the flanged portions. Delilah was not present on this Steam Weekend; but there were also standard gauge locos and trams running.

Beamish Open Air Museum: The resident 'coffee pot' fusses around some coal wagons at the Beamish mine. I had gone to the museum to ride on trams, so the fact it was a steam weekend was a bonus.

Hammerton: This is the last surviving NER wooden cover for a lever frame. It is Grade 2 listed by Historic England, and is painted blue. So it has a green plaque. Aesthetics, you know.

Auchendinny: Part of the long abandoned and heavily overgrown platform of Auchendinny station is picked out by early morning sunshine on 10 April 2022. View is north east along the trackbed of the former Penicuik branch, as it crosses the bridge over the North Esk before entering Auchendinny Tunnel.

Shilbottle Colliery: The Shilbottle Colliery branch was the most Northern colliery line in England; the mine closed in 1981, but the branch can be walked most of the way to the ECML. This gate is on the East side of the level crossing across the lane which allowed road access to the colliery, of which nothing remains. The small blue sign says 'Please close the gate'. Perhaps they should have added the word 'gently'.

Morpeth: The Morpeth goods shed looks rather eerie in this view looking towards the Blyth and Tyne line. I was eating my dinner while parked in front of it, and watching passing trains - including an XC HST. Bit dark to photograph anything which was moving, mind.

Beamish Open Air Museum: View from a tram, on the reconstructed main street at Beamish, in April 2022

Killiecrankie Viaduct: A direct 'Then and Now' comparison with Bill Roberton's Killiecrankie HST (See image [[80614]]) was not possible as the area around the tunnel mouth is fenced off but this is fairly close. A Scotrail HST runs across the viaduct with a Sunday working from Queen Street to Elgin on 10th April 2022.

Pitlochry: Perhaps this celebrity loco should be regularly rostered for the Sleeper? Appropriately named 66779 'Evening Star' at Pitlochry with 73966 on the southbound sleeper on 10th April 2022. I had wanted to see this loco ever since I read about its introduction in this special livery, but had not expected my first sighting to be on this service. The detailing, even down to '9F' on the cabside, is excellent. My new favourite Class 66.

Moy: Sleeper train motive power has varied a lot over the last couple of years as the Class 73s don't seem to be up to the rigours of the Highland Main Line. However, it has been a long time since a Class 67 fronted the train, so it was worth the early rise to get this shot of 67023 'Stella', in unbranded Colas Rail livery, performing the task and adding a splash of colour to a bleak looking Moy near Inverness on 8th April 2022. 73966 was tucked in behind for the ETS.

Auchendinny Tunnel: Looking east through Auchedinny Tunnel on 10 April 2022 from the old railway bridge spanning the River North Esk. The remains of Auchendinny station lie directly behind the camera.