Perth: Mid-day at Perth on a summer Saturday in 1955. Nearest the camera is Haymarket A4 Pacific 60004 William Whitelaw with an express for Edinburgh Waverley, while to the right is Perth shed's BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73005 carrying the headboard of the Saint Mungo bound for Glasgow Buchanan Street.

Perth: The 9.15am ex-Buchanan Street photographed at Perth on the morning of 16 April 1955 en route to Dundee. The locomotive is Black 5 4-6-0 no 45012.

Perth: Black 5 4-6-0 no 44820 about to leave Perth on 16 April 1955 with a local for Edinburgh Waverley.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73005 photographed shortly after leaving Perth with the up 'St Mungo' for Glasgow Buchanan Street on 16 April 1955. Visible at the platform beyond the bridge is the unmistakable nose of an A4, in this case 60004 William Whitelaw, awaiting its departure time with a train for Edinburgh Waverley - see [[73273]].

Perth Shed [HR]: Engineers train stabled outside the ex-HR shed at Perth in April 1955.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: The down Granite City ex-Glasgow Buchanan Street approaching Perth on Saturday 16 April 1955 behind BR Standard Class 5MT 4-6-0 no 73006.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: Shunting in progress at Perth in the spring of 1955. Locomotive on duty is McIntosh 0-6-0 no 57473, built for the Caledonian Railway at St Rollox Works in 1897.
See query 2156

Perth: Gresley A4 Pacific no 60004 William Whitelaw approaching Perth on Saturday 16 April 1955 with a stopping train from Edinburgh.

Craigie Bridge Junction: Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 no 45496 leaving the north goods loop south of Perth station with a lengthy freight on 16 April 1955.
See query 2194

Edinburgh Road Bridge Junction: Black 5 4-6-0 no 45460 approaching Perth from the south on 16 April 1955 with the Euston sleeper. Edinburgh Road signal box is on the right.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73007 leaves Perth for the south with the up 'Postal' on 16 April 1955. After arriving at Perth South shed new from Derby Works in July 1951, the locomotive remained a Perth resident for the next 13 years. For a portrait of 73007 on shed in 1961 see image [[26390]].

Perth Glasgow Road: Black 5 4-6-0 no 45009 recently arrived alongside the ticket platform just north of Perth station on Saturday 16 April 1955 with a train from Arbroath. View is north from Glasgow Road, with the ex-Highland Railway locomotive shed on the left and Earlsdyke mineral depot to the right. Note the small window looking out over the line from the shed's first floor level.

Perth: Black 5 4-6-0 no 45012 prepares to restart from Perth on 16 April 1955 with the 9.15am Glasgow Buchanan Street - Dundee train.

Craigie Bridge Junction: Ex-WD Austerity 2-8-0 no 90004 in the down goods loop south of Perth station on 16 April 1955.
See query 2123

Friarton Junction: Boy on a buffer stop. A young fan takes a seat in the front stalls as Black 5 44702 runs south over Friarton Level Crossing, three quarters of a mile south of Perth station, on Saturday 16 April 1955. The train is on its way from Dundee to Glasgow Buchanan Street. The crossing here was closed in 1962 and a replacement footbridge now links Breadalbane Terrace (left) and Friarton Road. See [[67307]].
See query 2300

Perth: Jubilee 4-6-0 no 45727 Inflexible arriving at Perth on 16 April 1955 with the up Saint Mungo.

Tay Viaduct [Perth]: Caledonian 4-4-0 no 54494 crossing the Tay at Perth on 16 April 1955 with a local from Dundee.

Buchanan Street Tunnel West Signal Box: Looking north over the approaches Buchanan Street at Dobbies Loan on Saturday 16 April 1955. Black 5 45156 Ayrshire Yeomanry is about to enter the station with a train from Oban.

Edinburgh Road Bridge Junction: BR 'Clan' Light Pacific no 72007 Clan Mackintosh is part of the mid-day exodus south from Perth station in the mid 1950s. The locomotive is seen here getting underway with a train for London Euston on 16 April 1955.

Craigie Bridge Junction: Ex-Caledonian 0-4-4T 55212 leaves the south end of Perth on 16 April 1955 with a Saturday stopping train for Ladybank.
See query 2125

Perth Glasgow Road: 45465 pilots 45336 on a southbound train from Inverness arriving at Perth on 16 April 1955. The Glasgow Road ticket platform is on the right.

Perth: Gresley A4 Pacific no 60004 William Whitelaw photographed shortly after leaving Perth on 16 April 1955 with an express for Edinburgh Waverley.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: The 7.15am Buchanan Street - Aberdeen approaching Perth on 16 April 1955. Locomotive in charge is Black 5 4-6-0 no 45165.

Glasgow Central: 80054 leaving Glasgow Central on 16 April 1957 with a train for Uplawmoor.

Hawick [2nd]: J36 0-6-0 no 65316 photographed on Hawick shed in April 1960.

Hawick [2nd]: The noon train to Edinburgh about to leave Hawick station on 15 April 1960 behind K3 2-6-0 no 61884.

Hawick [2nd]: Gresley K3 2-6-0 no 61884 stands at Hawick with a train on 16 April 1960.

Aberdeen Regent Bridge: Aberdeen gas works No.3 seen at the south end of the Regent Bridge, a now removed swing bridge separating the Upper Dock and Victoria Dock. The building is the Regent Bridge House with a control tower for the bridge. This location is now the quayside for ships to Shetland. The tower of East St. Clement's Church is in the far background across Victoria Dock.

Hawick [2nd]: Class D49 no 62712 Morayshire at Hawick with the 12.25 train to Carlisle in April 1960. The locomotive was withdrawn from Hawick shed the following year and has since been restored as LNER no 249 and preserved by the SRPS at Boness. See image [[24309]]

Hawick [2nd]: Class D49 4-4-0 no 62712 Morayshire looking ready for the road in the shed yard at Hawick. Taken on Saturday 16 April 1960, with the locomotive diagrammed to take out the 12.25 (SO) to Carlisle that day. See image [[25315]]

Whitrope Tunnel: A3 Pacific no 60087 Blenheim blasts out of Whitrope Tunnel with the 12.00 Edinburgh-Carlisle on 16 April 1961. This train achieved some notoriety for being one of the heaviest loss-makers on BR Scottish Region, and was withdrawn on Mondays to Fridays in early 1962 - leaving a dreadful 4 hour gap between the 10.15 am and 2.43 pm departures from Waverley, which remained (extended to over five hours) to the very last Waverley Route timetable.

Whitrope Tunnel: A V2-hauled northbound passenger service dives into Whitrope Tunnel on 16th April 1961.

Longsight Shed: 'Crab' no 42777 stands outside the south shed at 9A Longsight, Manchester, in 1962.

Buxton Shed (LNWR): Fowler 2-6-4T 42370 in a siding alongside Buxton shed on 16 April 1962. The locomotive was officially withdrawn from here two months later.

Buxton Shed (LNWR): Stanier 2P 0-4-4T no 41905 in a siding alongside Buxton shed in April 1962. The locomotive is recorded as having been officially withdrawn from here more than 2 years earlier. It was cut up at Crewe works a month after this photograph was taken.

Buxton Shed (LNWR): 43185 stands on a stored locomotive line alongside the turntable at Buxton shed in April 1962 some 8 months after official withdrawal. The ex-Midland 3F 0-6-0 was eventually cut up at Crewe Works the following October.

Patricroft Shed: Jubilee 4-6-0 no 45558 Manitoba stands on Patricroft shed in April 1962. Eventually withdrawn by BR in August 1964 the locomotive was cut up at Crewe Works some 3 months later. Patricroft shed itself was officially closed on 1 July 1968 and demolished shortly thereafter.

Bathgate Shed: J36 0-6-0 no 65267 stands in front of the shed at Bathgate in 1965.

St Margarets Shed: Looking out from the back of St Margarets shed on 16 April 1965 A1 Pacific no 60145 Saint Mungo stands on the left with V2 60955 in the centre. Over to the right a Peak hides in the shadows. [Note: the Pacific had worked the previous day's 9.30am York - Glasgow Queen Street, possibly as far as Edinburgh.] See image [[37687]]

Stirling: BR Standard Class 6 Pacific no 72006 'Clan MacKenzie', photographed prior to restarting a southbound freight following a signal check at Stirling in April 1965. 72006 survived another year, being finally withdrawn from Carlisle Kingmoor shed in May of 1966. Two months later Clan MacKenzie succumbed to the blowtorches of the Clan McWilliams of Shettleston.

Stirling: BR Standard Pacific no 72006, minus its Clan MacKenzie nameplate, waits for the road at Stirling in April 1965 with the early afternoon fish train from Aberdeen destined for the North West of England.

Bathgate Shed: A pair of Holmes J36 0-6-0s, nos 65282 and 65267 on shed at Bathgate in April 1965. At least 4 of these locomotives, introduced by the North British Railway in 1898, were still in service in 1967, making them one of the last operational pre-grouping designs on BR.

Plean Junction: A4 Pacific 60019 Bittern heading south at Plean on 16 April 1965 with the 1.30pm Aberdeen - Glasgow Buchanan Street train.

Stirling: 60031 Golden Plover calls at a damp Stirling station on 16 April 1965 with an Aberdeen - Glasgow Buchanan Street service.

St Margarets Shed: V2 2-6-2 no 60955 inside the shed at St Margarets in April 1965. Main line diesels are also starting to appear during this period, with 'Peak' D178 visible in the background and an unidentified Brush Type 4 standing outside in the yard.

Bathgate Shed: Looking across the running lines at a lineup of locomotives standing outside Bathgate MPD in April 1965, with snowplough-fitted Holmes J36 0-6-0 no 65267 to the fore. 76104 and 65282 stand in the background.

Bathgate Shed: J36 0-6-0s nos 65267 and 65282 stand in the shed yard at Bathgate in April 1965.

Stirling: 60004 William Whitelaw with the up postal at Stirling on 16 April 1965.

Polmadie Shed: An unexpected development following dieselisation of East Coast routes in the 1960s was the transfer of several A2/3 Pacifics to Polmadie. They didn't seem to prove too popular, however, and were fairly soon withdrawn from service. One was 60512 'Steady Aim', seen here stored at the back of Polmadie shed in April 1965.

Bathgate Shed: Standard class 4 no 76104 stands alongside J36 no 65282 in the shed yard at Bathgate in April 1965.

Polmadie Shed: HR 103 on the turntable at Polmadie MPD on 16 October 1965.The driver had kindly given my friend and I a cab ride from the shed to the turntable and back. The Jones Goods was due to work Branch Line Society special over various lines around Paisley the following day.

Stirling Middle Junction: State of the art steam. Caprotti valve geared standard class 5 no 73153 of St Rollox shed with a northbound service in April 1965 on the approach to Stirling.

Stirling Middle Junction: BR Standard Class 6 Pacific no 72006 Clan MacKenzie, at the head of a southbound freight, is held at Stirling in April 1965.

Langside Junction: Clan 6MT Pacific 72008 'Clan Macleod' at Langside Junction, on its way light engine from Polmadie to Glasgow St Enoch, on 16th April 1965. Once through the junction, the loco will reverse back to St Enoch to take the 5.30pm to Carlisle.

St Margarets Shed: The gloomy interior of St Margarets shed on 16 April 1965. A4 Pacific no 60027 Merlin, with only a few months to go until official withdrawal, is temporarily illuminated by the rays of the sun. On the right stands Black 5 no 45477, having recently moved across the city from Dalry Road shed, where final closure was imminent, while in the centre background stands A3 no 60041 Salmon Trout, which would itself be withdrawn from 64A in December of that year.

Bathgate Shed: Bathgate shed hosts a pair of J36 0-6-0s, nos 65267 (left) and 65282 on 16 April 1965. The locomotive on the right is 76104. View north across the running lines. See image [[25412]]

St Margarets Shed: Inside St Margarets shed in April 1965. Resident V2s 60955 and 60835 stand on the right, with A1 Pacific no 60145 Saint Mungo, a visitor from York, on the left. See image [[27075]]

Carstairs: The grimmest of weather on 16th April 1966 as a northbound WCML train runs into Carstairs station.

Cobbinshaw [2nd]: A Lanark-bound stopping train from Edinburgh pauses at lonely Cobbinshaw station on the last day of service, Saturday 16th April 1966. Part of the extensive Cobbinshaw reservoir is visible on the right see image [[8419]].

Throsk: The last train to call at Throsk - the 5.52pm Alloa-Glasgow Buchanan Street - pulls into the rudimentary Up platform on Saturday 16 April 1966. In conversation on the platform are the photographer's father and a fellow enthusiast. The latter and the photographer indulged in an on-the-train / off-the-train / on-the-train competition to claim the title of 'last ever passenger', with the photographer claiming this dubious accolade!

Carnwath: A Lanark-bound stopping train from Edinburgh pauses at Carnwath on 16 April 1966, the last day of service, as a lone passenger carries her suitcase towards the station exit.

Belses: Preserved A3 Pacific 4472 with the Flying Scotsman Anniversary Special on 16 April 1966. The special, which ran between Northallerton and Inverkeithing, marked the third anniversary of the purchase of the locomotive by Alan Pegler. The outward journey ran over the ECML, with the return south via the Waverley route. It is seen here on the return journey about to run through Belses station. See image [[27918]]

Hawick [2nd]: 4472 takes the Flying Scotsman Anniversary Special south away from Hawick on 16 April 1966 on its return from Inverkeithing to Northallerton. The special had been organised to celebrate the third anniversary of the purchase of the locomotive by Alan Pegler.

Elderslie: Elderslie station was still intact, although it had been closed for more than two years, when visited by EE Type 1, later Class 20, D8119 on 16 April 1967. It is in the siding alongside the Elderslie No 1 box.

Philadelphia Works: LNER 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley, receiving assistance from an NCB diesel locomotive on the Lambton system at Philadelphia in April 1972. Note the level (?!?) crossing - protected by multiple warning signs of varying vintage.

Edinburgh Waverley: View west from Waverley Bridge in April 1975, showing a pair of Edinburgh - Glasgow push-pull services, complete with class 27 locomotives at each end.

Edinburgh Waverley: A Brush Type 4 takes a train out of Waverley in April 1975. From the headcode the destination appears to be somewhere on the Western Region via Carstairs. Glasgow push-pull shuttle services occupy platforms 14 and 15 in the background.

Edinburgh Waverley: An ECML service from Kings Cross leaves Waverley for Aberdeen in 1975 behind an English Electric Type 4 locomotive.

Edinburgh Waverley: Edinburgh - Glasgow push-pull services about to meet at Waverley in 1975.

Edinburgh Waverley: General view over a busy Edinburgh Waverley west end in April 1975. Seen in the picture (left to right) are an EE Type 4 waiting to leave with a train for Aberdeen, a DMU departing for Cowdenbeath, a class 08 on station pilot duty, a pair of Glasgow shuttles at 14 & 15 and a parcels train pulling out of platform 12.

Aviemore Shed: The outside of Aviemore shed in April 1977 with a selection of rolling stock lined up including three diesel shunters, the two on the left formerly working at the Caldwell paper mill in Inverkeithing. With thanks to Bill Roberton for the correction to paper mill that the locos worked at.

Saxmundham: This is the former goods dock at the northern end of Saxmundham station on 16th April 1979, when it was serving as a pen for a rather languid canine that affected disinterest in the camera. A platform fence was under construction to hold back the unwary. A nice touch would have been the odd umbrella, briefcase and shreds of clothing lying chewed on the floor of the pen along with a few bones...

Aberdeen: A Class 40 locomotive stands alongside the platform at Aberdeen station in April 1979.

Aberdeen Waterloo: The Branch Line Society Waterloo & Buchan Railtour to Fraserburgh stands among the pipes at Aberdeen's Waterloo terminus on 16 April 1979.

Ythan Viaduct: Bubble car 55007 approaching the Ythan viaduct, Ellon, heading north on the BLS railtour during the last year of operation on the Buchan line see image [[11232]].

Maud: Railcar 55007 stands at the platform at Maud in April 1979 on a Branch Line Society Railtour.

Ellon: View north through the platforms at Ellon in April 1979.

Aberdeen Docks: Dockside lines, Aberdeen, April 1979.

Aberdeen Waterloo: Waterloo goods yard on 16 April 1979. The Bubble Car forming the BLS Railtour to Fraserburgh gets plenty of attention from the massed ranks of photographers (aka passengers).

Maud: The Branch Line Society Waterloo & Buchan Railtour stands at Maud Junction on 16 April 1979.

Grosmont: BR Standard class 4 2-6-4T no 80135 stands in the NYMR's Grosmont shed sidings on 16 April 1980. Note the old railway cottages still in place at this time see image [[19379]].

Aviemore Shed: LMS 5025 outside Aviemore shed on 16 April 1981, awaiting the paint brush.

Aviemore Speyside: Barclay 0-4-0ST Clyde in action on the Strathspey Railway in April 1981.

Haworth: The start of something big! In September 1968 Fowler 4F 0-6-0 no 43924 became the first locomotive to be rescued from Barry scrapyard. Seen here in Haworth Yard in 1981 with its buffer beam supported on a trolley and timbers, whilst undergoing repair.

Haworth: Chimneyless Collett 5700 class GWR 0-6-0PT no 4612 wearing a smile in Haworth Yard on 16 April 1981 after rescue from Barry in January that year.

Aviemore Shed: Two Barclays at Aviemore in April 1981. On the right is 'Dailuaine' (2073/1939), now on display at Dewar's distillery in Aberfeldy. On the left is 'Clyde' (2315/1951) now on the Spa Valley Railway and since renamed 'Lady Ingrid'. See image [[5703]]

Blea Moor Signal Box: On Saturday 16th April 1988, I walked between Dent and Ribblehead stations, intercepting 9F No. 92220 at Blea Moor loops on the way. Evening Star was working the northbound 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' on this occasion. To judge from the photograph, the weather conditions were less than ideal for the outing over Blea Moor tunnel!

Crianlarich Shed: The former locomotive shed and yard at Crianlarich in 2005. Now in use as a permanent way depot.

Crianlarich: An Oban - Glasgow train at Crianlarich in April 2005 awaiting the arrival of the service from Fort William before proceeding south as one.

Crianlarich: View north at Crianlarich in April 2005, with timber loading operations taking place in the sidings running along the west side of the station.

Crianlarich: A morning DMU from Oban, bound for Glasgow Queen Street, shortly after arrival at Crianlarich on 16 April 2005.

Niddrie West Junction: Rail grinding machine approaching Niddrie West Junction in April 2006 from the Niddrie South direction.

Edinburgh Waverley: Progress on the northside 'Balmoral' through platform at Waverley on 16 April 2006.

Haymarket: Nothing happening at Haymarket (think about it) on Sunday 16 April 2006. The area of the car park destined to become the new bay platform 0 at Haymarket station, now cordoned off and designated a construction site.

Neidpath Tunnel: Entrance to void in Tunnel ... no other refuge exists.

Neidpath Tunnel: Its exit or purpose unknown but you can see the infill of the void complete with rubbish.

Neidpath Tunnel: A boggy but somewhat open entrance to the Tunnel attracts many a speculative visitor.

Edinburgh Waverley: A quiet Sunday morning at Waverley in April 2006 looking over the ticket gates to platforms 14 and 15, featuring one of the many cleaning and maintenance staff who work hard to keep the place looking as smart as it does here.

Neidpath Tunnel: Deep within the tunnel. Sources suggest that the Royal Train sought protection here during WW2 and that Cosmic Rays were first indentified/invented here.

Edinburgh Waverley: Early Sunday morning in Waverley's southside car park on 16 April 2006. View towards the stairs leading up to the footbridge and cross-station walkway. This runs from the station's Market Street entrance (top left), across to the Waverley Steps entrance and Princes Street on the north side. A Virgin CrossCountry Voyager for Aberdeen is standing at platform 21.

Edinburgh Waverley: A Sunday morning train for Aberdeen standing at Waverley platform 21 on 16 April 2006.

Edinburgh Waverley: At times, reminiscent of a quaint wayside station, Waverley sub platforms 20 and 21 looking west along the car park towards the station entrance from Market Street in April 2006. A GNER service for Kings Cross is boarding at 20.

Lurgi Gas Plant: View from Westfield towards Ballingray. A buffer stop in grass indicates a headshunt.

Basel Hbf: Interegional Express for Zurich Airport awaits departure at Basel

Stirling North Junction: Trains passing at Stirling North in April 2007. Buffer stops guard the Alloa lines on the right which would see passenger services commence just over a year later.

Lamington: Early one morning.... 71000 Duke of Gloucester takes 'The North Briton' past a frosty field of photographers at Lamington on 16 April 2008 on its return south.

Shoreditch High Street: New bridge which will carry the East London Line extension over Shoreditch High Street.

Skipton: The former steam shed at Skipton, closed in 1967, still stands alongside the line north of the station and is now used as a Council Depot. The shed roof has been modified so it is not immediately recognisable as an old railway building but the sign outside the entrance gives the game away.

Skipton: Skipton station, viewed from the overbridge at the north west end, showing the areas still used for passenger trains along with the closed Ilkley and Grassington platforms to the right. The single line still used by trains from Swinden limeworks near Grassington can be seen climbing through the old platforms to the bridge over the Leeds line See image [[13215]] and in the station itself a Class 333 EMU is in the bay platform in the left background awaiting departure to Leeds or Bradford.

York: Front end comparison of Pacers 142084 and 144005 at York in April 2009.

York: DRS 37604 stabled on the west side of York station on 16 April.

Blair Atholl: 66-426 waits to cross 170-393 at Blair Atholl.

Skipton: View over Skipton on a cold misty morning in April 2009, from the road overbridge at the north end of the station. A Class 333 EMU is about to leave for Leeds from the platform by the main station building and another for Bradford stands in the bay beyond. In the foreground is the former Grassington branch that still carries regular limestone trains and passes through the platforms that were also used for Ilkley line trains. The nicely restored canopies are clearly visible as are the three substantial subway entrances to the platforms.

Britannia: The highest point on the L&YR system was the summit near Britannia station, at 927', and this view looks north down the steep bank towards Bacup from the site of the station, closed in 1917 (Map Ref SD 884215). The Lee Moor Colliery tramway bridge See image [[23306]] is situated just beyond the mill.

Newline Tunnel: The south end of Newline tunnel on the steep climb to Britannia summit. Closed to regular traffic in 1947 the tunnel was used as a vehicle workshop, accessed from the north side although there appears to be a fire escape door in this bricked up south portal. The workshop has since closed but the tunnel is now used by the Highways Dept. to store road salt. Viewed from the A6066 Stacksteads to Bacup road at SD 877216 the buildings on the horizon overlook the north portal showing how shallow the land over the tunnel roof is. See image [[35969]]

Burnley Central: Northern Pacer 142013 squeals round the tight curve beyond the platform to cross Burnley viaduct on the short sharp climb up to Burnley Barracks and Gannow Junction near Rose Grove.

Burnley Central: An East Lancashire shadow of its former self. Although Burnley Central is still staffed, it is an ugly 1960s building. The down platform has gone as have the once extensive goods and parcels facilities on the down side, now covered by modern retail outlets. 142013 is on a Colne to Blackpool South service.

Newline Tunnel: This is Newline tunnel, just south of Bacup, on the steeply graded line to Rochdale. Closed in 1947 the track remained for many years and the tunnel featured in a Hayley Mills scene in the film Whistle down the Wind as did the Lee Moor Bridge See image [[23306]]. The tunnel has subsequently been turned into a vehicle workshop.

Britannia: A remarkable bridge with an interesting story. Built to carry the Lee Moor Colliery tramway across the Bacup to Rochdale line the bridge is straight and steeply graded but the arch is skewed. The footpath shown is about fifteen feet above the level of the old trackbed so before this infilling the arch was evenmore impressive. The line closed in 1947 but remained in situ for many years and the bridge featured in a scene in the film Whistle Down the Wind made in the early 1960's, as did nearby Newline Tunnel See image [[23530]]. View down the gradient towards Bacup.

Stacksteads: Space was always at a premium in the upper Rossendale Valley and Stacksteads station, last stop before the terminus at Bacup, was built over this bridge on the River Irwell. The grass mound is part of the remains of the island platform. Trains ceased to run beyond Rawtenstall in December 1966 and the track was lifted soon after.

Waterfoot: The site of Waterfoot station, alongside the River Irwell, viewed from the west portals of Newchurch No. 1 and Thrutch tunnels looking towards Rawtenstall. An industrial yard occupies the site of the station, closed with the line in 1966.

Waterfoot: Immediately east of Waterfoot station were these now bricked up tunnels. On the left is the original Newchurch No. 1, a short tunnel followed by another, Newchurch No.2. When the line to Bacup was doubled the full length Thrutch tunnel (what a marvellous East Lancashire name) was bored alongside the two shorter ones but without the gap. Newchurch 1 and 2 tunnels can still be seen alongside the main road to Bacup through Waterfoot Glen.

Rugby: A Birmingham to Euston Pendolino arrives at Rugby.

Rugby: A class 90 propels a Euston bound express south at Rugby.

Gargrave: 158/153 unit combinations are quite common these days on the Settle and Carlisle line. Here 153359 trails 158847 as they leave Gargrave heading north, next stop Hellifield on the way to Carlisle. Although unstaffed, many of the station's original buildings remain.

Glenesk Colliery: Part of the site of the long abandoned Glenesk Colliery as it was in April 2010, with the remains of an old piggery occupying the area that once accommodated exchange sidings. This view is north towards Glenesk Junction with the trackbed of the Waverley route on the right. For the view from Glenesk Junction itself back towards this point see image [[73552]].

Eskbank and Dalkeith: A girl and her dog stroll south along the trackbed of the Waverley route through the remains of the original (1847) Eskbank station on an April morning in 2010. Various platform relics still survived at this time, including the old overgrown shelter on the down platform - just about!

Sanquhar: Progress at Sanquhar station on 16 April 2010 looking west across the running lines. The building is shown here prior to slating and with the logia along the front of the building now reinstated (the right side of which will become an enclosed dining area). See image [[28960]]

Glenesk Junction: Parting of the ways at Glenesk Junction in April 2010. To the right the Waverley trackbed continues south towards Eskbank, while the pathway swings left along the route of the Dalkeith branch (which turns east here) before rejoining the Waverley trackbed in the middle distance. Glenesk Viaduct is immediately behind the camera. Between 1858 and some time in the 1880s Glenesk station stood at the junction. A line also ran off to the right to serve Glenesk Colliery. See image [[43207]]

Balshaw Lane Junction: GWR Castle Class 4-6-0 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' heads a Vintage Trains 'The Red Rose' railtour south on the WCML at Balshaw Lane Jct on 16 April 2011. The tour was heading back to Tyseley after having taken a circular trip from Manchester via Stalybridge, Brighouse and Copy Pit [[33675]].

Towneley: Towneley, a small station only half a mile east of Burnley Manchester Road, closed in 1952 but the station building survives as does the L&YR signal box that controls a level crossing here. With Pendle Hill in the background, 158756 passes the old station as it tackles the climb to Copy Pit summit on a Northern service to York.

Portsmouth (Lancashire): 158842 climbs through the steeply sided valley leading to Copy Pit summit with a York to Blackpool service. The train is just passing through the site of Portsmouth station (closed 1958), of which no trace remains. The 158 units make light work of the steep gradients encountered on this route but the GWR Castle hauled 9 coach steam special that followed this service seemed to be travelling just as quickly. See image [[33675]]

Leyland: A Network Rail test train passes Leyland on 16 April 2011 with yellow Class 31s front and back.

Longridge (Lancashire): Inside the restored station building at Longridge See image [[33685]] is a display of railway pictures and artefacts including this reminder that from 1867 to 1922 the Preston to Longridge line was jointly owned and operated by the LNWR & LYR companies, like the lines from Preston to the Fylde coast.

Whitemoss Level Crossing: 45407 and 44871 pass Whitemoss LC on 16 April with support coaches bound for Inverness in advance of the Great Britain special. (An unexpected stop then ensued for about five minutes some 400 yards further on.)

Blackford: Black Fives 45407 and 44871 speed through Blackford on 16 April with support coaches in tow en route to Inverness in connection with the Great Britain excursion.

Portsmouth (Lancashire): Castle over Copy Pit. GWR 4-6-0 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe storms through the site of Portsmouth station (closed 1958) on 16 April 2011 as it nears Copy Pit summit with The Red Rose railtour from Birmingham. Lancashire was hardly a haunt of the GWR Castles in steam days but less than a week after this picture was taken a second member of the class (5029) was on the main line in the county. See image [[33749]].

Portobello Junction: A4 Pacific no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley at the head of 'The Great Britain IV' nearing the end of day 1 as it runs past Portobello East Junction on 16 April 2011 on the eastern approach to Edinburgh Waverley.

Portobello: Ex-LMS Royal Scot 7P 46115 Scots Guardsman lays over near the wheel lathe at Craigentinny on 16 April 2011 in preparation for taking the Great Britain IV from Edinburgh to Inverness the following morning.

Copy Pit: Ex-GWR 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe storms up Copy Pit with a Tyseley to Blackburn railtour on 16 April 2011.

Longridge (Lancashire): Longridge station, transformed into a thriving cafe and community centre, which also has railway memorabilia and historic photos. A replica canopy has been installed and behind the glass seating areas the original stone building and offices survive. See image [[33686]] for the same location in 1967.

Russell Road Bridge [Tram]: Looking north along Russell Road, Edinburgh on 16 April 2012. Concrete abutments have been cast for the bridge which will carry the tram route over the road and parallel to the Edinburgh - Glasgow/Fife lines which are above the camera.

Newcastleton: Quite a sight at Newcastleton on 16 April 2012. Mk 2 RFO no 1215 in InterCity blue and grey livery passes through on a low-loader heading for the Waverley Heritage Centre at Whitrope.

Irvine: ScotRail's external relations manager John Yellowlees (centre) with Kyle Model Railway Club members (l-r) Roy Garrett, Hugh McCrindle, David Wyllie, Tom Rout, Ed Bristow, and Ian Blain.

Dalgety Bay: Power car 43295 leads the 14.00 London Kings Cross - Aberdeen HST service away from Dalgety Bay on 16 April 2012.

Irvine: Roy Garrett and Tom Rout, from Kyle Model Railway Club, with one of their new layouts at Irvine station.

St Rollox Works: A Caledonian Sleeper Lounge Car emerging from the car park area at St. Rollox by road on 16 April 2013. The shiny new red springs suggest it has been receiving attention at RailCare.

Crewe: Riviera Trains large logo liveried blue 47847 is framed by platform 12 buildings as it stands on the west side of Crewe Station during coaching stock shunting activities in April 2013.

Crewe: Freightliner 86607 is stabled on a short rake of intermodal flats alongside Arriva's London and North Western maintenance facility located between the West Coast and Alsager lines south of Crewe Station on 16 April.

Derby: Devon & Cornwall Railway liveried 56303 is stabled in the down side north end loading dock siding by Derby Station on the morning of 16 April 2013.

Chester: The footbridge at Chester has undergone recent improvement with a copper finish skirting and low level tubing installed along each side. The over track section has also had glazing erected on both sides as wind protection.

Holyhead: Virgin Trains 5 car Voyager 221102 during its 68 minute layover at Holyhead before becoming the lead set for the 13.58 return service to London. Note the graphics on the modern footbridge made redundant when Stena moved the port facilities to the seaward end of the station.

Woodacre Crossing: A fine spring evening at last. The former Freightliner Class 57s are now regulars on DRS nuclear flask traffic and 57003+57007 are seen here heading south at Woodacre with a Sellafield to Crewe train. These locos emerged from the Brush works at Loughborough in early 1965 as D1798 and D1813, later becoming 47317 and 47332.

Farington Curve Junction: On 16 April 2013 Jubilee no 45699 Galatea completed a test run with a 4 coach load. The train is seen on the sweeping curve between Lostock Hall and the WCML at Farington Curve Junction as it heads back towards Carnforth.

Woolley Tunnel: Number 2, the more northerly Woolley tunnel air shaft, sited alongside the M1 entry slip road from Woolley Edge northbound services, is of stone construction, unlike the original brick construction of what is the number 6 air shaft for the upside bore of Woolley tunnel, possibly having been rebuilt when the M1 was constructed in the late 1960s. A further stone built air shaft, number 5, for the downside bore, is sited just off the lorry parking area for the southbound services, just north of the Bramley Lane overbridge, whilst two further brick air shafts, numbers 7 & 8 have recently been located in dense woodland south of air shaft number 6. See image [[46840]].

Calder Grove Viaduct: A high level April 2014 view looking north east along the length of Calder Grove viaduct, located on the former Thornhill to Notton Junction line.

Monkton: The 10.36 Ayr - Glasgow Central about to pass the site of Monkton Station, just north of Prestwick, on 16 April 2015. Monkton station closed to passengers in 1940.

Broadford: The 3 foot gauge Skye Marble Railway ran 4 miles from Broadford pier to the quarries at Kilchrist with a Hunslet 0-4-0ST providing the motive power, but only lasted from 1908 to 1913. Looking south along the coastal trackbed at Broadford in April 2015.

Monkton: The 10.04 Glasgow Central to Ayr passing through the site of Monkton Station on 16 April 2015. The Prestwick Airport fuel discharge siding is on the left. See image [[14194]]

Broadford: Surviving rails of the Skye Marble Railway on the pier at Broadford on 16 April 2015 see image [[51016]].

Monkton Oil Sidings: View north over the fuel discharge siding alongside Prestwick Airport station on 16 April 2015.

Stoke-on-Trent: The 18.12 to Euston pauses at Stoke on the 16th of April 2016. The setting sun produces strong shadows, giving the station a very different appearance from my previous late night shot see image [[35163]]. Notice the traditional blue lamp outside the BTP offices on the left.

Etihad Campus: It's funny how stations by football stadia go very quiet just after the match has started. The tram is returning to the city centre from Ashton-under-Lyne see image [[55353]].

Eccles (Metrolink): I'm afraid I can't see Neddy Seagoon anywhere. The brick building on the right is the station shop, kindly supplied by some company called Morrisons.

Curthwaite: Ex LMS 4-6-0 no.46115 Scots Guardsman approaches Curthwaite between Wigton and Carlisle while working a railtour on 16 April 2016. The former station is behind the photographer.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Freightliner 66595 slowly propels wagons for uplifting spoil on an engineering train on the morning of 16th April 2016.

Brock: Phew! TPE 185126 from Windermere passes Brock just in time to reveal 46100 hauling the Scot Commemorative from Crewe to Whitehaven and Carlisle on 16th April 2016. Thank goodness the Scot wasn't passing a Pendolino.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: View of the works at Queen Street High level on the morning of 16th April 2016. Trackwork for platforms 1&2 has been replaced and platforms 3&4 are now receiving attention. The engineering train is on the platform 5 line.

Arnside: Creating it's own shadow as it restarts from a signal check at Arnside, 46100 Royal Scot travels along the embankment towards the viaduct over the River Kent with a tour to Carlisle via the coast.

Media City UK: Metrolink trams to and from Eccles usually reverse at Media City. The unusual proboscis above the station notice board on the left in this April 2016 shot is part of the Imperial War Museum (North).

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Queen Street High level work on the morning of 16th April 2016 viewed from Buchanan Galleries. Trackwork for platforms 1&2 has been replaced and platforms 3&4 are now receiving attention. The engineering train is on the platform 5 line.

Manchester Piccadilly: Artistry in concrete: a look at the underside of the viaduct on the South-Eastern approach to Piccadilly station, Manchester, on 16th April 2016. [Ref query 15223]

Ashton-under-Lyne: A tram turns back for Piccadilly at the recently opened Ashton-under-Lyne tram terminus on a warm and sunny April day in the Manchester area.

Manchester Piccadilly: An abandoned street level entrance to Piccadilly, near the concrete viaduct. see image [[55071]]

Galgate: DRS 66301 and 66430 brings the 4S43 Daventry to Mossend 'Tesco Express' northwards at Galgate on 16 April 2016.

Curthwaite: The 1525 hrs Carlisle to Preston via the Cumbrian Coast passes the site of the long closed station at Curthwaite. The water tank on the left has the inscription 'Hareshaw Iron Works Hexham 1843' and is a listed building.

Wigton: A railtour returning to Bridlington heads west at Wigton on 16 April 2016. Expectation of a steam locomotive heading this part of the tour had resulted in quite a few locals turning up but a Class 47 deputised. With the plume of exhaust it perhaps was trying to represent Galatea which had been booked to pass.

Stafford: A Pendolino on the down fast passes a Euston-bound set stopped at platform 1. The weather in Stafford is not always so clement see image [[30491]]

Aberlyn Level Crossing: View in direction of Merryhill Farm and Elbowend Junction from Aberlyn Level Crossing - long ago when the line was last re-ballasted around 1970/1 as a boy the photographer was invited into the cab of the Class 20 hauling the ballast train at this point, the very first loco he 'cabbed'.

Manchester Piccadilly: Looks like a Northern Powerhouse to me...

Manchester Mayfield: The former Manchester Mayfield station - essentially an overspill facility for Piccadilly - is in astonishingly good condition for a brick structure which has not seen passenger trains for 50 years. I hope it will be re-used for something; although rail operators understandably prefer the flexibility of through stations to termini like this. See image [[30083]]

Piccadilly Gardens: One up on swinging barriers see image [[48313]]. All trams entering or leaving the Piccadilly Gardens area currently have to stop (see the rail level stop board) and receive authorization to proceed from a person in a cabin.

Stoke-on-Trent: A nice time of day (18.25 in April) for lighting conditions at Stoke, this time with an up 350 in the frame.

Carlisle: Although I had seen Royal Scot many years ago during its sojourn at Bressingham, I had completely forgotten about the amount of brasswork which it carries in addition to its nameplates. The two plates commemorate its trip to North America in 1933, prior to rebuilding, although they fail to mention that the true identity of the loco was No. 6152 The King's Dragoon Guardsman! Photographed at Carlisle on 16th April 2016 while working The Scot Commemorative tour from Crewe.

Tavistock South: The spendidly restored Tavistock South station is now available for holiday lets. Not the cheapest accommodation, but it certainly has atmosphere. View looks North.

Tavistock South: The south end of the footpath across Tavistock viaduct passes over this skew bridge after passing Tavistock South station; which is now split into holiday cottages.

Livingston North: The 0924 Milngavie - Edinburgh Waverley draws to a halt at Livingston North platform 1 on 16 April 2018.

Inverkeithing South Junction: 66743 passes Inverkeithing South Junction with the Royal Scotsman from Edinburgh to Keith on 16 April.

Kirkham North Junction: Services to Blackpool North resumed again on 16th April 2018, although initially these were limited to an hourly Manchester Airport service while driver training and some bustitution continued. 156455, travelling over the revised track layout under the newly installed catenary, passes the site of the demolished signal box at Kirkham North Junction. See image [[63638]] for the same location in 2001.

Kirkham North Junction: In the new railway age it seems that every set of points is a junction. A Pacer bound for Blackpool South on 16th April 2018 slows on the new down line waiting for a train to come off the single track branch at the new Kirkham West Junction. See image [[62623]] for the same location just three months earlier. New raised parapets on the bridge now prevent a direct comparison.

Livingston South: A stopping service for Edinburgh (right) passes a semi-fast for Glasgow at the newly reconstructed, longer platformed Livi South. The new station is clearly a work in progress and has a rather temporary look. Mind you, the previous station still looked temporary after 30+ years. The new was built during a 10 day line closure so let's be generous.

Livingston South: Passengers ascending the ramp to the Edinburgh bound platform at Livingston South on 16 April 2018. The station was undergoing a major upgrade at the time in advance of the forthcoming electrification of the line. New masts can just be made out beyond the west end of the station on the far right of the picture.

Livingston South: The newly (and quickly) reconstructed station inevitably looks very raw, but is fully accessible despite being incomplete. OHLE masts are up either side, but only the bases currently in place at the station. This is the eastbound platform, seen on 16 April 2018

Livingston South: Crossing the bridge over the Murieston Water on the approach to Livingston South station on 16 April 2018 is ScotRail 158734 with the 0957 Edinburgh Waverley - Glasgow Central. The recently installed electrification masts currently stop here but continue on the west side of the station, which is currently undergoing a major upgrade.

Livingston North: One of the 'heavy metal' station rebuilds resulting from the Airdrie - Bathgate project was Livingston North, seen here on 16 April 2018 with the 1023 Edinburgh Waverley - Helensburgh Central running into platform 2. Alas no quick blast of Led Zeppelin on the station PA system to mark its arrival.

Livingston South: Station rebuild in progress at Livingston South in April 2018. View is west, with ScotRail 158734 calling on its way to Glasgow Central via Shotts. Meantime, electrification work on the line continues on both sides of the station (note the catenary beyond the platforms). For a view from the station car park on the same day see image [[78241]].

Summerseat: 40012 Aureol approaches Summerseat with a northbound service during the ELR Class 40s at 60 Gala on 14th April 2018. I 'copped' D212 inside Lostock Hall shed in 1969, parked alongside the resident Class 02 shunters. It was then a grubby dark green but still sported those distinctive ocean liner nameplates.

Pitlochry: A southbound Scotrail HST calls at Pitlochry on 16th April 2019

Curriehill: DBC 66110 nears Curriehill with a very long and varied Mossend - Tees Dock intermodal on 16 April 2019.

Wandel Mill Signal Box: Freightliner 66540 passes Wandel Mill on 16th April 2019. This was a Polmadie to York Yard South working with two vandalised bogie hopper wagons.

Croy: A ScotRail class 385 EMU approaching Croy station on 16th April 2019 with the 15.05 service to Glasgow Queen Street High Level.
See query 2064

Abington: 88010 Aurora nears Abington with the Daventry - Mossend intermodal on 16th April 2019.

Stirling: A springtime display at Stirling, but it was still very cold on 16th April 2019.

Pitlochry: The removal of the old platform extension at Pitlochry has opened up a view of the line from the Memorial Gardens. 170404 leaves the station with an Inverness to Queen Street service on 16th April 2019.

Pitlochry: 43310 heads north at Pitlochry on 16th April 2019, when red HSTs were still on the Highland Main Line. After LNER service, 43310 transferred to Neville Hill to work for East Midlands Railway. The train is seen here from the balcony at Pitlochry Lineside holiday accommodation.

Dundarach Foot Crossing: Power car 43138 is on the rear of a Scotrail HST heading south away from Pitlochry on 16th April 2019. The train is just passing over the Dundarach foot crossing.

Cardross: Two steam locomotives heading north to Fort William for the 2019 season on an overcast April afternoon.

Pitlochry: The re-signalling at Pitlochry can cause some operational difficulties. The LNER HST heading for Inverness on 16th April 2019 would normally now use Platform 1 on the right but was 20 minutes late and had to use Platform 2 waiting for a train in the Blair Atholl section. The new colour lights are set well back on the platform meaning the rear power car of the HST was fouling the other line. Not a problem with the Scotrail HST set seen here waiting to head south but two long trains cannot pass here now.

Abington: In preparation for the 'Jacobite' service from Fort William to Mallaig, West Coast 37518 hauls 45212, 45407 and empty stock from Carnforth towards Abington on 16 April.

Abington: In preparation for the 'Jacobite' service from Fort William to Mallaig, West Coast 37518 hauls 45212, 45407 and empty stock from Carnforth towards Abington on 16 April.

Fillan Viaduct: 37518 leads 45407 not long after crossing the Fillan Viaduct just north of Crianlarich and turns into the curve to the west. A different line up to the usual on the West Highland - normally when the Jacobite stock heads north the two Black 5s are at the front, 37 in the rear. On this occasion 45212 was on the rear. (I asked - does anyone know why - thank you to the several replies to this. This formation was due to fire risk, ironically enough as I stood there in the bucketing rain.)

Croy: 'Stand back - fast train approaching.' Non stop HST running throgh Croy on its way to Glasgow Queen Street High Level on 16th April 2019.

Fillan Viaduct: Northbound 45212 passes the Fillan stop board north of Crianlarich. This location will be familiar to regulars on the West Highland as the place where southbound trains pause before running on to Crianlarich to meet an Oban portion.

Fillan Viaduct: Turns out this is not the ideal spot to photograph a train with a steam engine at each end. Plenty of steam though.

Fillan Viaduct: Train on its way to Lochaber Smelter. This view overlooks the Fillian Viaduct with Crianlarich in the background. The C&O once ran from left to right on the other side of the River Fillan. It was wet. Very wet.

Granton Western Breakwater: A look along Granton harbour's Western Breakwater which once once had a line running along its substantial length to serve [[Granton Esparto Wharf]] (whatever esparto is) (Ed: See image [[28014]]). There may or may not be visible remains of the railway here. This rather unlovely and depressing part of Edinburgh was once riddled with lines and sidings. Photographed incidental to my daily exercise permitted under emergency Coronavirus legislation.

Glasgow Central: Glasgow Central Station lit-up blue to show solidarity with key workers and front-line NHS staff all across the country. Scotland's busiest station joined with other Network Rail stations and structures across the UK and famous venues and attractions like Glasgow's SSE Hydro and Falkirk's Kelpies in lighting up in NHS colours to salute the dedication and efforts of healthcare workers in the battle against the coronavirus. The main portal entrance to the station off Gordon Street and the glass façade above the 'Hielanman's Umbrella' on Argyle Street shone out blue as a beacon of hope and symbol of support and solidarity with all our key workers

Pilton Junction West: The 'Pilton Fork' connection between Pilton East and West junction could never have been much use and was lifted early. As so often in railway archaeology a little faith and imagination is needed to follow its course. Here is the point where it slew under Crewe Road North, the clue being that heavy wall which predates all development. The cutting was filled in a long time ago and is occupied here by that chapel. Photographed incidental to my daily exercise permitted under emergency Coronavirus legislation.

Norbreck [Tram]: 005 leaves the tram stop at Norbreck heading south on 16th April 2021. Most of the route is at sea level or just above but this stretch, between Little Bispham and Cabin, runs along the cliff top with excellent views.

Keswick Big Tunnel: If you build it, they will come. Hikers enjoy the re-opened railway tunnel East of Keswick. This tunnel was originally closed because the builders of the Keswick bypass road bridge feared that their pile driving nearby would render the tunnel unsafe. It seems to have survived that exercise and years of being filled and closed admirably. Fortunately it was only filled with earth, not concrete - National Highways, please note.

Wetheral Viaduct: A Newcastle train (unit 158816) runs onto the Wetheral Viaduct on 16th April 2022. The station master's house can be seen to the right.

Pitlochry: 800113 calls at Pitlochry with the daily LNER Azuma Inverness to Kings Cross service on 16th April 2022. The north end of this station has changed significantly in recent years. See image [[80675]] for the same view over fifty years earlier.

Keswick Big Tunnel: It is very nice to see this tunnel once more open to walkers and cyclists (see image [[39079]]). National Highways please note, I visited Keswick especially to cycle through the tunnel.

Keswick Big Tunnel: A close up view of the Western extension to the reopened tunnel on the old Keswick to Penrith route.

Wetheral: I made sure I was behind the yellow line for this shot at Wetherall, as the Carlisle bound 158 was a non-stopper.

Prospect Place Foot Crossing: A NRMT train from Mossend to Inverness, Aberdeen and Inverness passed through Pitlochry on 16th April 2022. Colas 37116 was leading with 37610 in tandem on the rear.

Pitlochry: Since resignalling, Platform 2 at Pitlochry only has two timetabled services. On 16th April 2022, these two Inter7City HSTs crossed here as scheduled. 43142 on the left was on the rear of a Queen Street service, passing 43183 leading from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Pitlochry: 37610 is on the rear of a Network Rail Measurement Train (hauled by 37116) approaching Pitlochry heading for Inverness on Saturday 16th April 2022. This diagram included a trip to Elgin and Aberdeen and back and the following day the pair surveyed the Far North line before returning south on the Monday.

Cumwhinton: The Cumwhinton station master's house looks very des res in this 2022 view. View looks North West - appropriately.

Corby Gates Signal Box: When you know that Eastfield box is just North of Peterborough (image [[27577]]), it will not surprise you to know that Corby Gates is nowhere near Corby. Clue: the footpath on the left leads to Wetheral station, along the side of the viaduct.