This day in history 03 May

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Donibristle Siding: A4 Pacific no 588 Merlin, in wartime black livery, is pulled from the East Coast Main Line at Donibristle Halt on May 3 1946 and is about to cross the A921 road. The locomotive was being taken into 'HMS Merlin', the Royal Naval Air Station at Donibristle on the East Ness Jetty Branch (later 'HMS Cochrane'). An unveiling ceremony was later carried out there by Captain Chatwin, the base commanding officer, revealing the 'HMS Merlin' crest on the locomotive cab side (later relocated to the boiler casing). The level crossing post in the picture still stands see image [[32454]].

Aberdour Line (North British Railway)
Andy Carr Collection 1946


Holcombe Brook: Last weekend of passenger services at Holcombe Brook sees enthusiasts capturing the scene but few ordinary passengers. This interesting view also shows the signal box, goods shed, yard crane and a mineral wagon on elevated coal drops. 50655 stands in the platform and I have been reminded that these humble branch line duties were a far cry from the express trains the 2-4-2 tanks were built for. They were fitted with two scoops to use water troughs in either direction on the L&YR main lines.

Bury and Tottington District Railway
W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 1952


Holcombe Brook: Another last weekend of services picture on the Holcombe Brook branch of the Bury and Tottington District Railway, but unfortunately it is also the last submission in this small collection of pictures. A smart looking Bury crew pose for Cam Camwell from the footplate of L&YR Radial 2-4-2T 50655 as they run into the Holcombe Brook terminus after another 3¾ mile run from Bury Bolton St, calling at six intermediate halts and stations on the way. The official closure date was Monday 5 May 1952.

Bury and Tottington District Railway
W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 1952


Brandlesholme Road Halt: Holcombe Brook bound push pull set with L&YR 2-4-2T 50655 climbing through the cutting between Woodhill Rd Halt and Brandleshome Rd Halt (SD 797117). The line was electrified in L&Y days but the equipment was worn out by 1951 and with only a short life expectancy the branch reverted to steam haulage from 1951 until closure. This photo was undated but believed to have been taken on the last weekend of service, 3rd May 1952. The cutting has since been filled in up to the level of Brandlesholme Road and a housing development constructed.

Bury and Tottington District Railway
W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 1952


Holcombe Brook: Cam Camwell's visits to the Holcombe Brook branch were made at weekends and so the pick up freight workings were not captured. At this time they would have been in the hands of L&Y A Class 0-6-0 locomotives although later Bury shed had an allocation of LMS 2MT 2-6-0s that were used. If anyone has any pictures of these goods trains that can be put on the website I know our Editor will be pleased to receive them. Here L&Y 2-4-2T 50655, with its 26D (later 9M) shedplate, stands at the terminus on the last weekend of passenger services. Although the background detail in this picture is not clear the start of the 1:40 gradient can be seen beyond the signal box. See image [[29490]] for a view of the same location taken around 1905.

Bury and Tottington District Railway
W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 1952


Holcombe Brook: A push pull set sits at the simple terminus at Holcombe Brook after another run up the short branch from Bury. Note the side contact third rail still in place and the mineral wagon in the goods yard. The station site is now occupied by a small shopping centre (Map reference SD 780151). Undated photo but thought to have been taken on last weekend of passenger services.

Bury and Tottington District Railway
W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 1952


Tottington: Holcombe Brook branch closure notice posted at Tottington station, also announcing the closure to passengers and parcels, on and from Monday 5th May 1952, of Woodhill Rd Halt, Brandleshome Rd Halt, Sunnywood Halt, Tottington, Woolfold, Greenmount and Holcombe Brook.

Bury and Tottington District Railway
W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 1952


Holcombe Brook: Lancashire and Yorkshire Radial 2-4-2T 50655, and its push pull set, runs into the Holcombe Brook terminus from Bury past the small goods shed and yard. Side contact third rails still in place from the electric service that had ceased the previous year. Undated photo but thought to have been taken on the last weekend of passenger services.

Bury and Tottington District Railway
W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 1952


Deanside: At Deanside station. CR type 4.6.0 no 54634 with the Stephenson Locomotive Society Renfrew and District Tour of 3 May 1952.

Glasgow and Renfrew District Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1952


Govan: Approaching Govan. CR type 4.6.0 54634. The Stephenson Locomotive Society Renfrew District Tour.

Govan Branch (Glasgow and Paisley Joint Railway)
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1952


Govan: At Govan. CR type 4.6.0 54634. The Stephenson Locomotive Society Renfrew District Tour.

Govan Branch (Glasgow and Paisley Joint Railway)
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1952


Renfrew Wharf: At Renfrew (Wharf). CR type 4.6.0 54634. The Stephenson Locomotive Society Renfrew District Tour.

Paisley and Renfrew Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1952


Renfrew Wharf: At Renfrew (Wharf). CR type 4.6.0 54634. The Stephenson Locomotive Society Renfrew District Tour.

Paisley and Renfrew Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1952


Kings Inch: At Kings Inch. CR type 4.6.0 54634. The Stephenson Locomotive Society Renfrew District Tour.

Glasgow and Renfrew District Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1952


South Renfrew: At Renfrew South. CR type 4.6.0 54634. The Stephenson Locomotive Society Renfrew District Tour.

Paisley and Renfrew Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1952


Greenlaw Goods: Pickersgill 0-6-0 57682 with an up freight on 3 May 1952. [ref query 349]

Glasgow and Paisley Joint Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1952


Holcombe Brook: Last day of passenger services picture at the Holcombe Brook terminus, taken from the end of the platform just beyond the signal box. Two coach push pull set at the platform and enthusiasts milling around. By Cam's usual standards this picture is not of a high quality but it does provide a useful comparison with other recently submitted pictures that look towards the buffers at Holcombe Brook.

Bury and Tottington District Railway
W A Camwell Collection (Courtesy Mark Bartlett) 1952


Aberfoyle: J36 no 65315 stands at Aberfoyle with the SLS Strathendrick Special of 3 May 1958 preparing to return to Glasgow.

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1958


Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The SLS Strathendrick Special waits to leave Glasgow Queen Street on 3 May 1958. The special visited various locations in the west of Scotland including Kilsyth, Kirkintilloch and Aberfoyle before completing its journey at St Enoch. See image [[35314]]

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1958


Clydebank Dock Junction: V1 2-6-2T 67622 passing Clydebank Dock Junction with and up Helensburgh Express on Saturday 3rd May 1958.

Glasgow, Yoker and Clydebank Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1958


Clydebank Dock Yard: Eastbound Gresley V3 2-6-2T 67626 east of Yoker on an Up Helensburgh stopping train. The Albion Motor works is on the right and Clydebank Dock Yard's west sidings on the left.

Glasgow, Yoker and Clydebank Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1958


Hawick Shed: Reid D30 Scott class 4-4-0 no 62425 Ellangowan standing alongside Hawick shed in May of 1958. Built in 1914, the locomotive was withdrawn some 3 months after the photograph was taken and disposed of through Motherwell Machinery & Scrap, Wishaw, in February 1960.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1958


Loch Park Siding: K3 2-6-0 no 61916 of Canal shed takes the 12.25 Hawick - Carlisle past Loch Park PW depot shortly after getting underway on Saturday 3 May 1958.

Border Union Railway (North British Railway)
Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1958


Aberfoyle: J36 0-6-0 no 65315 stands at Aberfoyle on 3 May 1958 with the SLS Strathendrick Special from Glasgow Queen Street. The train will depart shortly on the journey back to Glasgow, where it will terminate at St Enoch.

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1958


Aberfoyle: Rear view of the SLS Strathendrick Special at Aberfoyle on 3 May 1958 preparing to return to Glasgow. J36 0-6-0 no 65315 is at the front of the train which ran from Queen Street and concluded at St Enoch. see image [[26702]]

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1958


Glasgow Queen Street High Level: J36 0-6-0 no 65315 at Queen Street on 3 May 1958 with the Stranthendrick Special. The SLS excursion would visit Aberfoyle, with the return trip eventually terminating at St Enoch. At the rear of the train, apparently with plenty of steam to spare, is N15 0-6-2T 69182, one of the small number of specially adapted Cowlairs bankers, which would assist the special on the initial climb away from the station see image [[22691]].

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1958


Yoker Ferry: Caley Jumbo 57251 heading east with a freight through Yoker Ferry station on 3 May 1958.

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1958


Aberfoyle: The SLS Strathendrick Special at Aberfoyle on 3 May 1958 with J36 0-6-0 no 65315 in charge. See image [[26702]]

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1958


Manchester Central: Nowadays a location more associated with major exhibitions, sporting events and party conferences. DMUs stand below the 210 feet single-span wrought iron arched roof of Manchester Central station in May 1969.

Cheshire Lines Committee (Great Northern Railway, Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway and Midland Railway)
K A Gray 1969


Manchester Central: The LCGB (North West Branch) Manchester Terminals Farewell Railtour waiting to set off from Manchester Central on 3 May 1969.

Cheshire Lines Committee (Great Northern Railway, Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway and Midland Railway)
K A Gray 1969


Manchester Central: Looking back along the platforms at Manchester Central in May 1969. Just visible through the gloom is the DMU forming the 'Manchester Terminals Farewell Railtour' awaiting its departure time. See image [[31031]]

Cheshire Lines Committee (Great Northern Railway, Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway and Midland Railway)
K A Gray 1969


Manchester Central: The LCGB (North West Branch) Manchester Terminals Farewell Railtour photographed being photographed at Manchester Central on 3 May 1969.

Cheshire Lines Committee (Great Northern Railway, Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway and Midland Railway)
K A Gray 1969


Manchester Exchange: View east along the platforms at Manchester Exchange on 3 May 1969 as the LCGB (North West Branch) Manchester Terminals Farewell Railtour prepares to get underway.

Manchester Exchange (London and North Western Railway)
K A Gray 1969


Edinburgh Waverley: The timetable changes in the spring of 1971 included the commencement of through working to the Western Region, specifically the 09.40 Edinburgh - Paignton, which made the 1V reporting number an everyday sight in the Scottish capital. Driver Robinson of Gateshead stands next to the first southbound train, hauled by Brush Type 4 No. 1538 of Immimgham, shortly before departure from Waverley on 3rd May 1971.

North British Railway
Bill Jamieson 1971


Stirling Road Junction: View north east from the A73 road bridge south of Newmains in May 1971 as a Clayton brings a lengthy freight out of the Costain cement works to join the former Wishaw and Coltness line at Stirling Road Junction. The train will join the WCML a mile further west at Garriongill Junction.

Wishaw and Coltness Railway
John Furnevel 1971


Benton: Extract from the Scottish Region passenger timetable effective 3 May 1976 (price 45p) when there was still a stopping service, of sorts, to Newcastle. Note the dreadful weekday service to North Berwick, and yes, those were all the trains that Morpeth got. Benton was clearly included in the table for a laugh.

Newcastle Branch (Blyth and Tyne Railway)
David Panton 1976


Nottingham: Extract from the Scottish Region passenger timetable effective 3rd May 1976 showing the vestige of the old G&SWR and Midland lines Anglo-Scottish services. The 'London' in the heading has apparently been included as a tease as there are no through trains.

Nottingham to Lincoln Branch (Midland Railway)
David Panton 1976


Barry: D601 Ark Royal awaits the end at Barry Scrapyard on 3 May 1976.

Barry Dock and Railways
Bill Roberton 1976


Chappel and Wakes Colne: RSH 0-6-0ST inside cylinder No. 54 'Pen Green' (works no 7031 of 1941) in steam at the East Anglian Railway Museum in May 1979. The museum is located alongside Chappel and Wakes Colne on the Marks Tey - Sudbury branch.

Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury and Halstead Railway
Ian Dinmore 1979


Chappel and Wakes Colne: A DMU calls at Chappel and Wakes Colne on the Marks Tey - Sudbury branch in May 1979. This is also the location of the East Anglian Railway Museum, the main building of which stands on the right.

Colchester, Stour Valley, Sudbury and Halstead Railway
Ian Dinmore 1979


Barnstaple: Bill Gregory, shunter at Barnstaple Junction, 3 May 1985.

North Devon Railway and Dock
Ian Dinmore 1985


Exeter Central: BR Class 50 no 50038 Formidable phototographed at Exeter Central on 3 May 1985.

Yeovil to Exeter Line (London and South Western Railway)
Ian Dinmore 1985


Ammanford Colliery Halt: A pair of class 37s with a coal train near Ammanford Colliery Halt, Carmarthenshire, on 3 May 1988.

Bryn Amman Branch (Llanelly Railway)
Ian Dinmore 1988


Grafton East Junction: 56034 westbound with stone empties from the London area passing the site of the Crofton Pumping Station on 3 May 1990.

Berks and Hants Extension Railway
Peter Todd 1990


Ravenglass Viaduct: A class 108 DMU crossing Ravenglass Viaduct on the Cumbrian coast on a sunny 3 May 1990.

Whitehaven and Furness Junction Railway
Ian Dinmore 1990


Airdrie [CR]: The sandstone block wall seen here is the pathetic remains of the former Airdrie terminus of the Caledonian. The view is to the east. The tracks and platform were directly above, now the site of a car park. This portion of the platforms was covered by a glazed trainshed. The buffers and circulating areas were off to the left. Closure to passengers was in 1943, complete closure in 1964 when the line was cut back and a buffer stop installed at the former Cairnhill Junction.

Airdrie Branch (Caledonian Railway)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Bents: Looking west over the site of Bents station on the Longridge to Bathgate extension of the Wilsontown, Morningside and Coltness Railway built by the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. The building has seen some alterations since 1997.

Longridge to Bathgate (Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Calderbank: The site of Calderbank station has been completely landscaped and Calderbank Road re-aligned. This view looks south east from the station site in 1997. Nearby Chapelhall station is now obliterated by Melrose Avenue and part of the Ballochney Railway branch to the Calderbank Ironworks is a footpath.

Airdrie Branch (Caledonian Railway)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Rawyards Wagon Works: This view to the south west is over Baird Street to housing on Northburn Avenue, once the site of the Rawyards wagon works which was on the north side of the Ballochney Railway. The housing seen in this 1997 view has since been demolished.

Ballochney Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Cairnhill Junction: This was the site of Cairnhill Junction, Airdrie, as seen in 1997. Ahead the line ran to the Caledonian's Airdrie station and to the right was the branch to Newhouse. This was the south west junction of a triangle of lines. The recent works were to create access to lift the line to Imperial Steel Works and west to Whifflet (the opposite direction to this view). Prior to the lifting there was a buffer stop under the bridge the photograph was taken from. The trackbed is now a footpath.

Airdrie Branch (Caledonian Railway)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Plains: The view east from the former level crossing at Plains in 1997. The signal box had been off to the left, where the house is seen. This house was demolished for line reopening.

New Monkland Line (Monkland Railways)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Rawyards Wagon Works: This view looks north east from Baird Street along the route to Whiterigg and on to Dykehead Junction and the Ballochney Colliery lines, for which the Ballochney Railway was named. There had been a rail served brick works to the right. Behind the camera was the Rawyards wagon works, station and junction.

Ballochney Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Slamannan: View west at the site of Slamannan station in May 1997. The station was in the field on the right. The photograph is from beside the site of the signalbox. Nothing remains today, not even the old railway fencing in the foreground.

Slamannan Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Calderbank Junction: The overgrown cutting to the left was the site of Calderbank Junction, the junction between the Clarkston branch of the Ballochney Railway and its branch to the Calderbank Iron Works. When the New Monkland line opened east to Bathgate trains travelled by the line seen here before the new alignment through Airdrie station was opened. Colliertree Siding was on the right and behind the camera was the division between the Clarkston branch and the connection to the New Monkland line. Some landscaping and house building has taken place since this 1997 photograph.

Ballochney Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Garnqueen: Looking north along the former course of the Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway at Garnqueen in 1997. Rails were still embedded in the roadway, despite closure 15 years earlier, simply covered by tarmac. The posts of the level crossing gates also remained. Garnqueen station was open between 1849 and 1851. This was also probably the site of a stopping place open in 1828.

Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Longriggend: The site of Longriggend station in 1997, looking north east towards Slamannan. Little remained by this date and the site has been further infilled for housing development since the photograph was taken.

Slamannan Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Morningside [NBR]: On the right is the low mound of the platform at the NB's Morningside station as seen in 1997. Across a (now removed) distant bridge was the Caley's station. An end on junction was made here. The view looks west.

Wilsontown, Morningside and Coltness Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Chryston Tunnel Bridge: Chryston Tunnel Bridge, named for a former tunnel which was opened out, carried Cumbernauld Road over the Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway. It was broadened with the addition of a further bridge on its south side when the road became the A80. This view looks north towards the bridges, the arch of the older bridge is visible through the newer. The mysterious red artefacts in the sky are real - this is an evening view and these are high pressure sodium lights mounted on masts above the dual carriageway.

Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Bridgend [M and K]: View south from Bridgend Level Crossing in 1997 looking towards Chryston (note distinctive church). There had been a passenger station hereabouts, closed by 1851. A goods yard remained here on the left hand side. The

Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Longriggend: Looking west from the former Longriggend station in 1997. A bridge once crossed the line and station platform. Off to the right is the embankment of the private mineral railway serving the Longriggend colliery and many other pits over an extensive area. This system had a connection to the Slamannan Railway at Moss Lye Siding, in the distant left of this view.

Slamannan Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Cleland [1st]: This is the site of the original Cleland station (closed 1930) on the Caledonian Railway's extension of the Omoa Ironworks branch. The ironworks had been served by a branch (dating from roughly 1834) of the Wishaw and Coltness Railway. This was realigned and extended to Morningside in 1864. The view looks west towards Omoa Junction in 1997 and platform remains can be seen on the right. Behind the camera the line ran east to Drumbowie Junction.

Cleland to Morningside Line (Caledonian Railway)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Avonbridge: Looking west over the station site at Avonbridge in 1997. The gatepost was the only surviving reminder of the railway at the time, but even that has now gone.

Slamannan Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Whitburn: The site of Whitburn station, looking south in May 1997. The station was located at East Whitburn. See image [[44781]] for a view of the bridge from which this photograph was taken.

Longridge to Bathgate (Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Newhouse: Remains at Newhouse looking south on 3 May 1997. Passenger services on the route from Airdrie (Caledonian) ceased in 1930 although the line remained open for freight until 1966.

Airdrie Branch (Caledonian Railway)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Gartsherrie North Junction: A long girder bridge crosses the line to Glasgow at Gartsherrie. In the 1990s the bridge featured this graffiti which fans of Monty Python might enjoy. Gartsherrie South Junction is off to the distant left.

Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Newmains: View north over the site of Newmains station on the line between Cleland and Morningside. The goods yard was located where the scrap yard is seen in this 1997 view. The scrap yard site is now housing.

Cleland to Morningside Line (Caledonian Railway)
Ewan Crawford 1997


Kingshill Colliery No 3: A cable railway operated between Kingshill Collieries No 3 and No 1. Coal was taken downhill to No 1 which had the washery and the mainline railway connection at Daviesdykes near Allanton. This view looks towards No 1 at the road overbridge over Daviesdyke Road. This bridge has been removed but a similar one remains over the former Wilsontown, Morningside and Coltness Railway with a portion of the cable. Kingshill No 2 was further east near Wilsontown.

Kingshill Collieries Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Bowhouse: View north towards Causewayend at a rather muddy Bowhouse station in 1997. Bowhouse station closed to passengers in 1930 with the line itself closing completely in 1964. See image [[25421]]

Slamannan Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Blackston Junction: Remains of a platform at Blackston Junction in 1997. This was the junction for the lines north to Bo'ness and south to Bathgate. View is west towards Avonbridge.

Slamannan Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Fauldhouse and Crofthead: Remains of the platform at Fauldhouse and Crofthead in 1997 looking west. Unfortunately the platform was cleared away on conversion into a footpath. Fauldhouse viaduct on the Caledonian route can be seen in the left background. See image [[26305]]

Wilsontown, Morningside and Coltness Railway
Ewan Crawford 1997


Poole: View south from the footbridge at Poole station on 3 May 2002 as a Weymouth - Waterloo train leaves plattform 1.

Poole and Bournemouth Railway
Ian Dinmore 2002


Woking: A train for Waterloo arriving at Woking platform 1 on 3 May 2002.

London and Southampton Railway
Ian Dinmore 2002


Poole: Looking north over Poole station during a quiet period on 31 May 2002. Poole stadium stands in the background.

Poole and Bournemouth Railway
Ian Dinmore 2002


Prestwick Town: Glasgow bound train runs into Prestwick Town - May 2007.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Newton-on-Ayr: The closed and shuttered station building at Newton-on-Ayr in May 2007. View looks north west with Falkland Yard beyond the station.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Newton Junction: Looking south over Newton Junction towards Ayr station in May 2007 as EWS 66091 moves a train of coal empties out from Falkland Yard to cross the main line and head towards Killoch.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Kilwinning: Approach to Kilwinning from the south on 3 May. Largs platforms to left and those to Ayr and Stranraer on the right.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Kilwinning: Glasgow bound train arrives from Largs at Kilwinning in May 2007.

Ardrossan Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Killearn: Strathendrick & Aberfoyle line at Killearn Station site on the road bridge to Killearn village, looking E. Line now part of West Highland Way.

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Killearn: Strathendrick & Aberfoyle line at Killearn Station site on the road bridge to Killearn village, looking W. Line now part of West Highland Way.

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Gartness Viaduct: Strathendrick & Aberfoyle Railway, site of bridge over River Endrick looking E. Remains of sleeper wall.

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Gartness Viaduct: Strathendrick & Aberfoyle Railway, looking W from bridge over River Endrick.

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Gartness Junction: Forth and Clyde Junction Railway at Gartness Junction. FCJR to right and Strathendrick & Aberfoyle line to left.

Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Gartness Junction: Forth and Clyde Junction Railway at Gartness Junction looking N.

Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Prestwick Town: An Ayr - Glasgow train pulls out of Prestwick Town as a southbound train approaches the station in May 2007.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Gartness Viaduct: Strathendrick & Aberfoyle Railway, site of bridge over River Endrick.

Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Irvine: Looking across the line to the southbound platform at Irvine with the glass canopy continued from the main entrance and covered stairway.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Irvine: Looking west towards Irvine station in May 2007 showing the attractive and effective atrium / stairway / canopy arrangement constructed around the station building.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Prestwick Town: SPT liveried ScotRail services formed by 318252 and 334036 pass at Prestwick Town on 3 May 2007 with north and southbound trains running between Glasgow Central and Ayr.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Gartness: Forth and Clyde Junction Railway, site of Gartness Station looking SW.

Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Gartness: Forth and Clyde Junction Railway, site of Gartness Station yard.

Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Gartness: Forth and Clyde Junction Railway near Gartness, looking SW, in cutting.

Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Gartness: Forth and Clyde Junction Railway sign post, with another sign post only yards away.

Forth and Clyde Junction Railway
Alistair MacKenzie 2007


Kilwinning: An SPT liveried class 318 EMU arriving at a very quiet Kilwinning platform 2 on 3rd May 2007 forming a Glasgow Central - Largs service.

Ardrossan Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Prestwick Town: 'Come and see my new golf bats...' Keen amateur golfers arriving off a train from the north unload their equipment under the canopy at a bright and sunny Prestwick Town on the afternoon of 3 May and look forward to a long weekend on the links.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Prestwick Town: Entrance to Prestwick Town station, May 2007.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Newton Junction: A northbound train from Ayr runs through Newton Junction past the branch to Ayr harbour on 3 May 2007. The train is about to call at Newton-on-Ayr station on its way to Glasgow Central.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Newton Junction: Coal empties leaving the south end of Falkland Yard on their way to Killoch on 3 May 2007. The lines on the left lead to Ayr harbour.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Prestwick Town: The impressive building at Prestwick Town in May 2007 looking west from the station approach.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Troon: A sunny afternoon at Troon station on 3 May 2007, as SPT liveried EMU 334015 arrives with a late running service from Ayr to Glasgow Central.

Troon Loop (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
John Furnevel 2007


Troon: View across the running lines towards the southbound platform at Troon during a quiet spell on 3 May 2007.

Troon Loop (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
John Furnevel 2007


Troon: Panorama showing Troon station from the south on a sunny morning in May 2007. In stark contrast to the same view taken in the aftermath of the 2021 fire, as shown in Network Rail image [[77545]].

Troon Loop (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
John Furnevel 2007


Kilwinning: Kilwinning - station frontage from the west side footbridge. May 2007.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Kilwinning: Coal train for Longannet power station comes off the Largs branch on 3 May and is about to join the Ayr - Glasgow line just north of Kilwinning station.

Ardrossan Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Newton-on-Ayr: A Glasgow Central - Ayr service passes through Newton-on-Ayr station on 3 May 2007.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Newton Junction: Empties for Killoch pull out of Falkland Yard to cross the Ayr-Glasgow main line at Newton Junction on 3 May 2007.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Balgray Tunnel: Northern Portal of Tunnel, you would not believe that the land behind the photographer is nice and tidy.

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
Colin Harkins 2008


Balgray Tunnel: The Northern Portal is vast. Picture taken inside the tunnel... I was not going to walk this one myself...

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
Colin Harkins 2008


St Germains Level Crossing: D1015 Western Champion with a special near St Germains on 3 May 2008. The first of its class to visit Edinburgh?

North British Railway
Bill Roberton 2008


Brock: 86259 in BR electric blue heads north on 3 May at Brock between Preston and Lancaster with a Birmingham - Carlisle railtour.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
John McIntyre 2008


Niddrie South Junction: D1015 Western Champion approaching Niddrie South Junction on 3 May with empty stock.

Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway
Bill Roberton 2008


Lancaster: A northbound Pendolino destined for Glasgow Central approaches Oubeck Loop south of Lancaster on 3 May 2008.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
John McIntyre 2008


Royal Albert Bridge: A 125 going east over the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash on the 3rd of May 2009. Part of the deck of the much newer road bridge is seen directly below Brunel's iconic structure.

Cornwall Railway
Neville Davies 2009


Eggesford: The driver of the 11.58 Exeter to Barnstaple service on 3 May 2009 seen here after removing the Eggesford to Barnstaple token from the token instrument.

North Devon Railway and Dock
Paul Stanford 2009


Stirling: 170 481 arrives at Stirling on 3 May 2010 with a Dunblane - Glasgow Queen Street service.

Scottish Central Railway
David Panton 2010


Stirling North Junction: Stirling North signal box, May 2010.

Scottish Central Railway
David Panton 2010


Haymarket: A 4-car 156 with a stopping service for Glasgow Central calls at Haymarket on 3 May 2010

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2010


Maxwelltown Goods Junction: A Glasgow Central - Carlisle service approaching Dumfries station on 3 May passes the former junction for the Stranraer line. The trackbed of the old Port Road has been converted to a walkway/cycleway just beyond the trees and follows the route as far as Cargenbridge on what is now known as The Maxwelltown Railway Path. See image [[25379]]

Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
Brian Smith 2010


Keighley: RS&H 0-6-0T 'Nunlow' with brake van provided rides within the station limits during a 'Railway Children' event held there on 03 May 2010.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Keighley: Little and Large at Keighley station in May 2010 in the shape of 0-6-0T 'Nunlow' and WD 2-8-0 no 90733

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Golf Club House Halt: Trackbed of the Banff branch, just before Golf Club House Halt, looking towards Tillynaught in May 2010. Around 46 years too late to alight for the beautiful sands of Banff links! See image [[56144]]

Banff, Portsoy and Strathisla Railway
Brian Taylor 2010


London Road [Glasgow]: A panorama showing the route of the Switchback line and the former London Road Goods yard in May 2010. The area on the far left is being prepared for the East End Regeneration Route which will run along a section of the old Switchback. To the right the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome is being built for the forthcoming 2014 Commonwealth Games. Celtic Park stadium, which can be seen in the background, will host the opening ceremony of the games. See image [[13612]]

The Switchback (Caledonian Railway)
Colin Harkins 2010


Rosyth: The evening Edinburgh - Fife Circle loco-hauled commuter train arrives in bright Sunshine at Rosyth on 3 May 2010 behind DBS 67018 Keith Heller.

Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
Bill Roberton 2010


Oakworth: Ex-WD 2-8-0 no 90733 calls at Oakworth with the 1420 hrs Keighley to Oxenhope service on 3 May 2010.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Rosyth: 67021 arriving at Rosyth with the evening Edinburgh - Cardenden train on 3 May 2010.

Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
Bill Roberton 2010


Keighley: RS&H 0-6-0T Nunlow in Platform 3 at Keighley station on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway on 3 May 2010 during their weekend celebrating 40 years since the film The Railway Children was made. The locomotive was providing brake van rides within the station limits.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Edinburgh Waverley: Column at the east end of Waverley painted in what I take to be a try-out for the station refurbishment. Photographed on 3 May 2010.

North British Railway
David Panton 2010


Oxenhope: BR Standard class 4 tank no 80002 runs round its train at Oxenhope station on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway on 3 May 2010. The last time I had seen 80002 in steam was at Cowlairs on 24 February 1968 when it was in use as a carriage heating loco. Today it still sports a 66A shedplate, has 'Polmadie' on the buffer beam and the number plate has a BR (ScR) blue background.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Drumgelloch: An Edinburgh to Helensburgh service departing from Drumgelloch, early evening on 3 May 2011.

New Monkland Line (Monkland Railways)
John Steven 2011


Caldercruix: Helensburgh bound 334 004 awaiting departure from Caldercruix on 3 May 2011.

New Monkland Line (Monkland Railways)
John Steven 2011


St Annes-on-the-Sea: A Blackpool South to Colne service departs from St Annes station under an ornately decorated overbridge on 3 May 2011. On the left are the remains of the old Preston bound platform.

Blackpool and Lytham Railway
John McIntyre 2011


Ansdell and Fairhaven: A Colne to Blackpool South service approaches Ansdell and Fairhaven in the late afternoon of 3 May 2011. 142004 is seen from the footbridge linking Oxford and Cambridge, or at least the roads with those names, Oxford to the left and Cambridge to the right. This Pacer went into 'warm storage' at Blackburn after withdrawal and was one of those returned to service in 2020 for Covid services. It is reported to be destined for preservation eventually.

Blackpool and Lytham Railway
John McIntyre 2011


Cadiz: The handsomely restored facade of the original 1894 station and trainshed at Cadiz, converted in recent years to serve as a conference centre. At the time of my visit, however, the building was fenced off, with little sign of activity. See image [[44357]]

RENFE
Andrew Wilson 2013


Stirling: On 3 May 2013 a new Cycle Hub was opened by Transport Minister Keith Brown in the former parcels office at Stirling station. The project is funded by Transport Scotland with ScotRail and managed by Forth Environment Link.

Scottish Central Railway
John Yellowlees 2013


Stanbridgeford: The architecture suggests Surrey, the name Lancashire, but this well looked after country station is between Dunstable (right) and Leighton Buzzard (left). The trackbed to Dunstable has been converted to the 'Sewell Greenway', which has hard surfaces (tarmac and rolled stone), but slightly challenging gradients over a road bridge and through a cutting if you are cycling.

Dunstable Branch (London and North Western Railway)
Ken Strachan 2013


Dunstable: Looking East across the A5 road from the car park of the council offices which are built over the site of Dunstable North station on the line from Leighton Buzzard to Luton, a rolled stone surface at an easy grade can be seen to the right. This extension of the Sewell Greenway see image [[43001]] links up to the guided busway to Luton, which opened in September 2013. There was a headshunt from the cement works at ground level to the left of this embankment; a few long wooden sleepers remain as evidence.

Luton, Dunstable and Welwyn Junction Railway
Ken Strachan 2013


Cadiz: The approach to the new Cadiz terminus, looking south on a warm Friday morning in early May. A dmu is stabled at right.

RENFE
Andrew Wilson 2013


Cadiz: Departure from Cadiz is imminent for the emu standing at platform 5 and forming the 11.10 to Jerez de la Frontera on 3 May. On platform 3 is the empty stock of the twice daily AVE service to Madrid. The new terminus is immaculate, if a little under utilised at present.

RENFE
Andrew Wilson 2013


Dunstable North: I don't tend to think of Bedfordshire as a county of rolling hills; but Sewell cutting, seen here looking South towards Dunstable, is deep and quiet. It is an informal nature reserve.

Dunstable Branch (London and North Western Railway)
Ken Strachan 2013


Dunstable: A nice bit of light and shade travelling downhill on the Sewell Greenway towards Stanbridgeford see image [[43001]] and Leighton Buzzard. This line had a 'dinner plate profile' - steep at each end, level in the middle.

Luton, Dunstable and Welwyn Junction Railway
Ken Strachan 2013


Cadiz: All cleaned up and no-one to go.... mid-morning at Cadiz in May 2013 and a deserted railway terminus. Looking back toward the barriers with AVE stock in Platform 3 to the right.

RENFE
Andrew Wilson 2013


Cadiz: A Cercania local train awaits custom on a sunny May morning at Cadiz in May 2013. These emus provide up to 20 services daily linking the port with Jerez de la Frontera and Puerto de Santa Maria.

RENFE
Andrew Wilson 2013


Cadiz: The original station building at Cadiz, now a conference centre, abuts directly on to the new version, directly behind it.

RENFE
Andrew Wilson 2013


Corfe Castle: The beautifully restored Corfe Castle station, on the Swanage Railway in Dorset, looking north on the afternoon of Saturday, 3rd May 2014. The castle ruins are partially visible on the hill in the background.

Swanage Railway
David Bosher 2014


Swanage: M7 class 0-4-4T 30053 arriving at Swanage with a train from Norden on 3rd May 2014. This is one of 105 locomotives designed by Dugald Drummond for use on LSWR suburban services. As these were electrified, they moved west to the rural branches, including this line, so 30053 must feel at home on today's Swanage Railway. On the left is 159020 with 159004, having worked a through UK Railtours' excursion from Waterloo and now stabled in the bay platform.

Swanage Railway
David Bosher 2014


Tweedbank: Progress on the new Borders Railway terminus at Tweedbank, seen here following a shower of rain on 3 May 2014. The trackbed of the former Waverley Route runs past the site on the right heading south east towards Melrose. Scheduled passenger services commenced from here on 6 September 2015.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Swanage: 159004 with 159020, just arrived at Swanage, with a UK Railtours' excursion from Waterloo direct to the Swanage Railway, on Saturday, 3rd May 2014.

Swanage Railway
David Bosher 2014


Ladhope Tunnel: The north portal of Ladhope Tunnel in early May 2014, with work well advanced on increasing the height of the bridge parapet, along with the wall bordering Low Buckholmside. The project was completed by the end of that month - as shown in [[47646]].

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Brusselton Incline: Surviving accomodation bridge on the west side of the S & D Brusselton Incline between Shildon and West Auckland, built 1825. The listed bridge has been damaged by masonry removal but is now in the care of the Brusselton Incline Group. Trees and shrubs have been removed from the embankment between the bridge and Brusselton incline top, exposing a number of the original stone block sleepers.

Stockton and Darlington Railway
Brian Taylor 2014


NRM Shildon: A very shiny Stirling Single, GNR No. 1 at Locomotion, Shildon, on 3rd May 2014.

Stockton and Darlington Railway
Brian Taylor 2014


Kilnknowe Junction: The new rail bridge over Wheatlands Road, Galashiels, taking shape on 3 May 2014. View is south, with the road bridge carrying Plumtreehall Brae visible in the left background on the other side of the Gala Water.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


West Auckland: The North Eastern Railway Association May walk 'rolls' into West Auckland MPD on May 3rd 2014, part way through a Shildon, Brusselton, West Auckland, South Church, Black Boy, Shildon ramble. The landscape has changed radically here since closure in the 60s. Only a surviving Gas Holder in the vicinity allows tie in to old maps. Sadly c 55 years too late to hear the roar of three BR standard moguls on a west bound coke train, heading for Stainmore Summit.

Stockton and Darlington Railway
Brian Taylor 2014


Lochmuir Summit: 60009 Union of South Africa with the Inverness - Aberdeen - Edinburgh leg of the Great Britain VII tour on 3 May, climbing towards Lochmuir summit between Falkland Road and Markinch.

Edinburgh and Northern Railway
Bill Roberton 2014


Milton of Crathes: Andrew Barclay 0-6-0 saddle tank Salmon returns to shed on 3 May 2014 after hauling its first revenue earning trains on The Royal Deeside Railway at Milton of Crathes. See image [[46748]]

Deeside Railway
John Gray 2014


Torwoodlee South Viaduct: Rebuilt railway viaduct over the Gala Water at Torwoodlee, looking close to completion on 3 May 2014. View north east, with Kilnknowe Junction and Galashiels off to the right. see image [[44724]]

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Redbridge Viaduct: Bridging the gap. Looking south west along Winston Road, Galashiels, on Saturday 3 May 2014, with new bridge construction work well underway. See image [[45578]]

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Galashiels: The rail route south from the site of the new Galashiels station on Saturday 3 May. Road traffic In the background is crossing the bridge carrying Station Brae over the trackbed.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Dysart: The Inverness - Aberdeen - Edinburgh leg of the Great Britain VII nearing Dysart on Saturday 3 May behind A4 60009 Union of South Africa.

Edinburgh and Northern Railway
Bill Roberton 2014


Kilnknowe Junction: The northern approach to Galashiels on 3 May 2014. The new bridge over Wheatlands Road is taking shape nearest the camera. Beyond that, work is in progress on the bridge spanning the Gala Water. In the background, bedecked in green sheeting, is the road bridge carrying Plumtreehall Brae over the trackbed.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Tweedbank: The station site at Tweedbank on Saturday 3 May 2014. The resident blackbird looks a little bemused.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Whitrope Siding: The WRHA centre at Whitrope on 3 May 2015. The railbus is carrying a wreath in memory of Roy Perkins, former chairman of the association.

Border Union Railway (North British Railway)
John Yellowlees 2015


Saughtree: Scene at the former Saughtree station on the Border Counties Line on 3 May 2015, looking south towards Deadwater. See image [[38722]]

Border Counties Railway
John Yellowlees 2015


Barassie: GBRf class 66 66735 top and tailed with 66732 heading the Royal Scotsman through Barassie to Ayr in May 2015. This was during the period when the West Coast Railway Co was banned due to a S.P.A.D. incident in the West Country.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Ken Browne 2015


Dumbarton Central: In readiness for the summer season, LMS Class 5MT 4-6-0 no 44871 takes an overnight pause in the down goods loop at Dumbarton Central (actually in the small PW depot at the east end of the station). The locomotive continued north to Fort William the next day. (Apologies for quality - low light and phone camera).

Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction Railway
Ewan Crawford 2016


Dalwhinnie: A heavy shower greets 44871 as it approaches Dalwhinnie from the north with The Great Britain IX , 47760 at rear.

Inverness and Perth Junction Railway
John Gray 2016


Stanley Junction: The Inverness - Oxenholme leg of the Great Britain IX railtour, hauled by 44871 with 47760 on the rear enters the double track at Stanley running about half an hour early.

Scottish Midland Junction Railway
Bill Roberton 2016


Gleneagles: The Inverness - Oxenholme leg of the Great Britain IX railtour, hauled by 44871 with 47760 on the rear charges through Gleneagles running an hour late due to a brake problem.

Scottish Central Railway
Bill Roberton 2016


Gleneagles: DRS 68022 nears Gleneagles with the daily Grangemouth - Aberdeen intermodal on 3 May.

Scottish Central Railway
Bill Roberton 2016


Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Not so much an abandoned pushchair being removed from the car park, more a state of the art utilities detector being repositioned for another run prior to the start of demolition work at the east side of the station.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
Colin McDonald 2017


Hest Bank: 46233 Duchess of Sutherland ran E+C from Crewe to Carlisle on 3rd May 2017 prior to taking up the Glasgow to Oxenholme leg of the GB X tour the following day and is seen here approaching Hest Bank.

Lancaster and Carlisle Railway
Mark Bartlett 2017


Perth: 62005 making the air a little dirty at Perth on the 3rd of May.

Scottish Central Railway
John Yellowlees 2017


Ben Alder Level Crossing: Black 5 No.45212 and K1 No.62005 haul the Glasgow bound * Great Britain X * away from Dalwhinnie.

Inverness and Perth Junction Railway
John Gray 2017


David Lane [Tram]: Nottingham Express Transit tram no.236 to Phoenix Park approaching David Lane stop on 3rd May 2017. The reopened Robin Hood Line to Mansfield and Worksop can just be seen on the left.

Nottingham Express Transit
David Bosher 2017


Mallaig: Panoramic view of Mallaig with sprinter and Jacobite.

Mallaig Extension (West Highland Railway)
Ewan Crawford 2017


Gleneagles: Having detached Black 5 No.45212 at Perth, K1 No.62005 leads * The Great Britain X * through Gleneagles on the way to Glasgow.

Scottish Central Railway
John Gray 2017


Gleneagles: Track inspection saloon 975025 Caroline is propelled through Gleneagles by 37409 Lord Hinton on the way to Inverness.

Scottish Central Railway
John Gray 2017


Ben Alder Level Crossing: The southbound containers for Mossend head out of Dalwhinnie hauled by 68023 Achilles.

Inverness and Perth Junction Railway
John Gray 2017


Beasdale No 119 Tunnel: As our Sprinter climbed west on Beasdale Bank there was a distinct hush - our train slowed - the lineside on both sides of the line was burned and a Stygian Gloom had descended. The same on our return journey although only a small area of the fire remained burning.

Mallaig Extension (West Highland Railway)
Ewan Crawford 2017


Glenfinnan: Mallaig bound Sprinter entering Glenfinnan. Guards on the West Highland are often a breed apart and the guard on this train was no exception. Guard, tour guide, entertainer; all handled with good grace.

Mallaig Extension (West Highland Railway)
Ewan Crawford 2017


Inveresk: The 1000 Virgin East Coast Edinburgh Waverley - London Kings Cross about to run through the site of Inveresk station on 3 May 2018.

North British Railway
John Furnevel 2018


Monktonhall Junction: A Virgin Trains East Coast service to Kings Cross photographed six miles out from Waverley in the spring of 2018. The train has just come off the long curve east from Musselburgh past the site of the original Monktonhall Junction. Both sides of the embankment here have seen recent cutback of vegetation.

North British Railway
John Furnevel 2018


Bay Horse: Two Class 68s that are earmarked for Trans-Pennine passenger services trundle along the WCML at Bay Horse on 3rd May 2018 with a single flask load heading for Sellafield. 68020 Reliance is devoid of any branding or vinyls. 68025 Superb is in DRS Compass livery.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
Mark Bartlett 2018


Inverkeithing East Junction: In the gathering gloom, Colas 70809 passes Inverkeithing East Junction with Aberdeen - Oxwellmains cement empties on 3 May.

Aberdour Line (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2018


Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Entertainment for visitors to George Square in early May 2018 – the 'muncher' hard at work on the remains of the Millennium Hotel Extension.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Inveresk: The 0710 Leeds - Aberdeen Virgin Trains HST approaching Inveresk on 3 May 2018 heading for its next stop at Waverley. The eastern edge of Musselburgh is visible on the left, with the village of Wallyford in the right background.

North British Railway
John Furnevel 2018


Edinburgh Gateway: Banner repeater on the Upline at Edinburgh Gateway station. This is of the newish kind which shows clear in green to distinguish if from caution which is white as before. Danger is also still white. I would have though it was possible to show all three colours if they'd really wanted to, but what do I know.

Forth Bridge Connecting Lines (North British Railway)
David Panton 2018


John D. Caemmerer West Side Yard: Photo taken in New York, from the High Line Walkway, of Long Island Rail Road trainsets 505 and 521, parked up with quite a few others on 3rd May 2018. The view looks east towards Pennsylvania Station.

Long Island Railroad
John Steven 2018


Inveresk: ScotRail 380107 runs south through the site of Inveresk station on 3 May 2018. The train is the 1014 Edinburgh Waverley - Dunbar, which has recently restarted from its only scheduled intermediate stop at Musselburgh, some 2km away around the bend in the background. Inveresk station was originally opened as Musselburgh in June 1846, with the change of name taking place a year later on the opening of the town centre terminus. Inveresk station finally closed in 1964.

North British Railway
John Furnevel 2018


Inveresk: The 0900 Glasgow Central - Penzance CrossCountry service running south on the ECML through Inveresk on 3 May 2018. The route indicator signal on the down side controls Monktonhall Junction, giving access to the south end of Millerhill Yard and the 'sub'.

North British Railway
John Furnevel 2018


Dumfries: Near Dumfries, B1 No.1264 and Black 5 No.44871 race southwards from Ayr to Scarborough with The Great Britain XII on 3rd May 2019.

Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
John Gray 2019


Stepps: 385015 departs from Stepps with a Glasgow Queen St to Edinburgh Waverley service on 3rd May 2019. The Black and White Whisky Tower can be seen in the background.

Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Holytown Junction: 1S34 Virgin Voyager brings the early morning Crewe to Glasgow Central service across Holytown Junction on 3rd May 2019.
See query 2094

Wishaw and Coltness Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Holytown: Scotrail 156439 slows to call at Holytown on an Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central stopping service on 3rd May 2019.

Wishaw and Coltness Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Harringay Park Junction: View through zoom lens looking east along the GOBLIN between Crouch Hill and Harringay Green Lanes from Stroud Green viaduct, that now carries the Parkland Walk footpath, once the GNR's Alexandra Palace line, on 3rd May 2019. The spur diverging left climbs up to join the ECML at Harringay West Junction alongside the northbound platform of Harringay station and is only used by freight and empty stock to and from Bounds Green depot. However, on the very next day, it was traversed by a UK Railtours' excursion from London Victoria to the Midland Railway Centre in Derbyshire, the choice of Victoria being rather unusual for a day out heading north.

Tottenham and Hampstead Junction Railway
David Bosher 2019


Holytown: Colas Rail 70810 on the Oxwellmains Lafarge to Viewpark Colas tanks through Holytown on 3rd May 2019.

Wishaw and Coltness Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Stepps: 385122, with an Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen St service, calls at Stepps on 3rd May 2019.

Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Holytown: 385021 passing through Holytown on an Edinbugh Waverley semi fast service on 3rd May 2019.

Wishaw and Coltness Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Stepps: 66738 'Huddersfield Town' brings the Forth William to North Blyth Alcan tanks through Stepps on 3rd May 2019.

Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Holytown: Glasgow/Edinburgh services pass just to the west of Holytown station on 3rd May 2019.

Wishaw and Coltness Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Holytown Junction: Virgin Trains 11-car Pendolino at Holytown Junction on 3rd May 2019 forming the 1S37 London Euston to Glasgow Central service.

Wishaw and Coltness Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Desert: Entrance to the former goods yard at Desert station with the original gate and distinctive bent rail gateposts still intact and the former station building visible beyond.

West Cork Railways
Mark Poustie 2021


Madore: The former Madore station, located roughly midway between Drimoleague and Skibbereen looking north east in the direction of Drimoleague in May 2021. There was only a single platform here and a goods yard to the left. The original station building survives on the platform with an addition built to its right. The photographer is standing on the site of a a level crossing at the Skibbereen end of the station. Madore closed along with the rest of the system at the end of March 1961.

Ilen Valley Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Barton and Broughton: Open Train Times showed that something was parked up in Barton Down Loop on 3rd May 2021. 'The Tesco' is often looped here in a morning but I wasn't expecting an empty TPE EMU. Just as I arrived the driver climbed down and walked the full length of the train checking all the undersides. It had gone by a couple of hours later when I passed again - cause unknown at this time.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
Mark Bartlett 2021


Desert: Surviving overbridge at the former Desert station, looking south. Although the bridge survives, nothing of the trackbed survives. The station buildings do survive off to the right. Closure was at the end of March 1961.

West Cork Railways
Mark Poustie 2021


Ballineen and Enniskean: The substantial surviving goods shed and loading dock at Ballineen & Enniskean seen on a very wet day in May 2021. Located just to the west of the surviving station building, and now a shed and office for a pitch & putt course, it seems in good condition. View looks eastwards. Ballineen & Enniskean opened in 1891, replacing separate earlier stations opened in 1866 serving the now conjoined villages. Closure came on 31 March 1961.

Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Creagh [Cork]: The public road leading to Creagh station, located midway between Skibbereen and Baltimore. Remarkably, although the railway closed over 60 years ago, this no through road remains a classified public road although it has lost its purpose and clearly has not seen any maintenance in a long time. Vehicular access to the station which is now a private house is by a separate driveway, so this really is a road to nowhere.

Baltimore Extension Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Madore: The former crossing keeper's house at Clonely Level Crossing, north of Madore on the line between Drimoleague and Skibbereen. Most of the crossing keepers' houses on the former CBSCR system survive and assist in identifying the remains of the lines. View looks north towards Drimoleague in May 2021 with the former trackbed to the right of the house, now in use as a forestry track.

Ilen Valley Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Creagh [Cork]: Creagh Station, midway between Skibbereen and Baltimore, looking across the former track to the surviving platform and modified station buildings. Like many stations on the CBSCR it was not well located in relation to the village it notionally served. A finial from a signal post or perhaps a signal cabin stands on the former platform. There was no loop here, just a single platform. The branch terminus at Baltimore was off to the right and Skibbereen to the left.

Baltimore Extension Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Creagh [Cork]: Surviving bridge abutments east of Creagh, near the mid-point of the Skibbereen to Baltimore branch. Skibbereen is to the left and Creagh station and Baltimore to the right. The trackbed from here towards Creagh has largely been obliterated by agriculture.

Baltimore Extension Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Madore: A May 2021 view northeast over the former Madore station site showing the surviving goods shed in the background centre and the platform and surviving original building (the one on the left of the platform). Although there is what might generously be described as a hamlet called Madore a little distance away, like many stations on the Cork, Bandon & South Coast system, there seems little justification for its construction! View is roughly northeast in the direction of Drimoleague, the junction of the Skibbereen and Bantry lines.

Ilen Valley Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Stonehaven: Caledonian Sleeper 73971 provided a rare sight at Stonehaven on 3rd May 2021, but it didn't stop and I wasn’t fully prepared for that.

Aberdeen Railway
Duncan Ross 2021


Desert: The former Desert Station between Clonakilty Junction and Ballineen & Enniskeane on the line west to Bantry, Skibbereen and Baltimore. The station building survives in excellent condition, painted in CIE colours with the former station masters house behind. The platform is presumably still there although the edge is rather overgrown and the trackbed is now a field.

West Cork Railways
Mark Poustie 2021


Skibbereen: The surviving goods shed at Skibbereen, with a surviving crane to the left. The bent rail gate posts are originals too, being a feature of all gates on the Cork, Bandon & South Coast system. The main lines were on the other side of the shed and a siding of the Schull and Skibbereen Light Railway on this side. The former closed in 1961, the latter in 1947.

Ilen Valley Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Desert: The surviving goods shed at Desert, looking very isolated in a field with the goods loading bank removed, in May 2021. Unlike the former station building which is out of the picture to the left and survives in excellent condition, the goods shed does not look like it will last much longer.

West Cork Railways
Mark Poustie 2021


Skibbereen: The surviving engine house at Skibbereen, with water tank above, in May 2021. This now finds itself, perhaps appropriately, in the grounds of Skibbereen Fire Station. The main running line running north to Madore and Drimoleague passed to the left of the engine house, and the Skibbereen goods shed and station is south to the right. Given the engine house now only supports a water tank and is not long enough to contain an engine, it seems that it has been partly demolished and then consolidated. The stonework is consolidated with bricks at the rear which supports this and the low stone wall surrounding the apron in front of the fire station consists of stones which might previously have formed the rest of the engine house.

Ilen Valley Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Madore: North of Madore, on the Drimoleague to Skibbereen line, lies the former Clonely Level Crossing. The crossing keeper's house lies on the north side of the road and this view looks south towards Madore, the next station, and Skibbereen. Although much of the trackbed of this line has been completely erased by agricultural development, this section through a forest has been retained on both sides of the former level crossing as a forestry track and can be walked.

Ilen Valley Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Ballineen and Enniskean: A surviving water column at the eastern end of the Cork platform at Ballineen & Enniskean on a wet May day in 2021. The platform edge survives although the trackbed has been filled in. The station building also survives although it is currently derelict. Looking westwards a railway mural appears on a new building built across the trackbed. The surviving goods shed and loading dock is immediately beyond this new building. The two villages of Ballineen and Enniskean were originally served by separate stations which opened in 1866 but in 1891 the new Ballineen & Enniskean station opened to serve both villages. The station closed on 31 March 1961.

Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Bandon: Surviving two arch bridge to the west of Bandon now in the western outskirts of the town, adjacent to the N71 road. Clonakilty Junction is to the left and Bandon itself to the right. There was a private station for Lord Bandon, known as Bernard Castle which was located just west of this bridge in an area now covered by car dealerships. This section opened in 1866 and closed in 1961.

West Cork Railways
Mark Poustie 2021


Durrus Road: The station site at Durrus Road straddled a minor road with the platform, now obliterated, on the eastern side of the level crossing and small goods yard and crossing keeper's house to the west. The original level crossing gates survive on the western side of the road along with the crossing keepers house albeit in a rather run down condition. View looks westwards towards Bantry. Closure came at the end of March 1961.

Bantry Extension Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Skibbereen: Surviving goods crane at Skibbereen. Although the crane appears somewhat marooned, the loading bank originally extended to here and there were cattle pens on it beyond this point to the left (north). The goods shed is to the right and the engine house just visible beneath the crane arm with the modern fire station beyond. There was originally a Schull and Skibbereen Light Railway siding stretching up to and beyond this point immediately in front of the crane with the standard Irish gauge lines on the far side of the former loading bank.

Ilen Valley Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Desert: The former Desert station taken from a surviving overbridge. The view looks west to Ballineen & Enniskeane. While the station building survives in excellent condition, the former goods shed barely survives in a very dilapidated state. The line closed at the end of March 1961.

West Cork Railways
Mark Poustie 2021


Skibbereen: The surviving goods shed at Skibbereen, now a series of retail outlets. The standard Irish gauge lines were on the left of the shed while at one time there was a Schull and Skibbereen Light Railway siding that ran on the right of the shed but not immediately adjacent to it. The roof of a red painted modern extension to the station building itself is just visible in the distance above the two buses to the right of the goods shed. Skibbereen opened in 1877 and closed in 1961.

Ilen Valley Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Knockane: An impressive surviving bridge at Knockane given this was just a single track line, west of Drimoleague and east of Aughaville Halt on the Bantry line. View looks north with Drimoleague to the right and Aughaville Halt and Bantry to the left. Increasingly these substantial remains look more like the relics of an ancient empire than a railway, albeit one which closed over 60 years ago.

Donoughmore Extension Railway
Mark Poustie 2021


Events


Events from the chronology which occured on this day. This generally lists events before 1995, the creation of the website.

YearCompaniesDescription
1869Devon Valley RailwayOpened from Tillicoultry to Dollar.
1908Glasgow Central Station (Caledonian Railway)New signal box comes into full operation at Glasgow Central.
1943Airdrie Branch (Caledonian Railway)CR_>Airdrie CR to Whifflet Upper closed to passengers
1943Catrine Branch (Glasgow and South Western Railway)Catrine to Mauchline (Brackenhill Junction) closed to passengers.
1943Cairn Valley Light Railway (Glasgow and South Western Railway)Moniaive to Dumfries (Cairn Valley Junction) closed to passengers.
1954Dingwall and Skye RailwayLochluichart (new) and diversion open.
1965Kirkcudbright RailwayKirkcudbright to Castle Douglas closed to passengers.
1965Dundee and Perth RailwayDundee West to Buckingham Junction closed to passengers. With both Dundee West and Dundee Station_>Tay Bridge Station having lost services the latter was able to take on the traffic of the former.
1965Aberfeldy Branch (Inverness and Perth Junction Railway) Inverness and Perth Junction RailwayAberfeldy branch closed, along with the closure of stations on the Highland Main Line with the withdrawal of local trains. On the branch Aberfeldy, Grandtully, Balnaguard Halt closed along with the junction station Ballinluig. South of the junction, on the main line, Dalguise and Murthly closed. To the north Killiecrankie, Struan, Dalnaspidal, Tomatin, Moy, Daviot, and Culloden Moor closed.
1965Perth and Dunkeld RailwayMurthly closed.
1969Kilmarnock and Troon RailwayKilmarnock No 2 to Barassie Junction closed to passengers.
1971Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway2 x Class 27 trains begin running.
1976Alston Branch (Newcastle and Carlisle Railway)Alston branch closed.
1976Garnkirk and Glasgow RailwayGartcosh Junction to Gartsherrie South Junction re-opened to passengers.
1980Talywain Branch, Monmouthshire Railway and Canal CompanyClosed at closure of Blaenavons Big Pit. Latterly accessed via Llantarnam Junction.
1985PS_Waverley_[IV>PS_Waverley_[IV>IV>PS_Waverley_[IV>PS Waverley [IV New wheelhouse fitted.

News


These are old news items which which occured on this day. This generally lists events after 1995, the creation of the website.

YearCompaniesDescription
2004Minister promises rail overhaul [BBC News]The whole structure of Britain^s railways needs changing, according to transport minister Kim Howells.
2005Train hits car on level crossing [BBC News]A train crashes into an abandoned car at a level crossing in County Antrim.
2005Train crashes into abandoned car [BBC News]A train crashes into a car deliberately abandoned at a level crossing in County Antrim.
2005Pair held after car left on track [BBC News]Two people are arrested after a train crashes into a car deliberately abandoned at a level crossing.
2006New party in bid to derail Waverley line [Scotsman]CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the Edinburgh-Borders rail link are planning to take over a local council in an attempt to stop tracks being laid.
2010Stranraer tourism dividend sought [BBC News Article]A report claims train and pier facilities could unlock a multi-million pound tourism boost for Dumfries and Galloway.
2011ScotRail invites customers in Greenock area to give their viewsScotRail is inviting customers in the Greenock area to give the company their views at a public meeting on Tuesday 31 May. For details of this meeting please click on the link below.
2012Steaming ahead with heritage railway dream [Northumberland Gazette]THE first length of track has been laid on an ambitious heritage railway development. And a delighted representative from the Aln Valley Railway scheme has told the Gazette: “It is something that we have been looking forward to for a very long time.” Dreams of reopening the branch-line from Alnmouth to Alnwick reached an important milestone earlier this year when a lease was signed between the Aln Valley Railway Trust and Northumberland Estates. Since then, it has been full steam ahead with the project.
2015Study to look at Blaencwm railway tunnel reopening [BBC News]The Welsh government is to commission a study to look at reopening Wales^ longest railway tunnel for tourists. Minister Edwina Hart made the commitment in a letter to supporters backing the plans for Blaencwm tunnel, Rhondda Cynon Taff. The Rhondda Tunnel Society wants to reopen it for cyclists and walkers. It runs for 3km (1.8 miles) to Blaengwynfi, Neath Port Talbot. The minister said it could bring ^significant economic^ benefits. The tunnel was buried during the Beeching cutbacks of the UK railway network in the 1960s. [From John Thorn]
2016Network Rail celebrates May Day successes [Rail News]NETWORK RAIL is celebrating the fact that railway upgrades over the May Day bank holiday weekend were less disruptive than the work carried out at Easter this year, even though 11,000 people were involved in possessions between Scotland and the south of England. One project saw the transfer of signalling control on part of the Midland Main Line from South Yorkshire to the new Rail Operating Centre at York, while track was renewed on the West Coast Main Line through Oxenholme. In other projects, work continued to upgrade lines on either side of London for Crossrail. There were also track renewals at Weybridge and Axminster, and improvement works to a number of bridges in the Stour and Avon area, while the replacement of track in the tunnels approaching Glasgow Queen Street continues in preparation for electrification.
2016The High Speed Train, or Intercity 125, is celebrating its 40th year of operation. [BBC News]The High Speed Train, or Intercity 125, is celebrating its 40th year of operation. As part of the celebrations, six engines were on display in Bristol, and the very first HST was renamed Sir Kenneth Grange, after the man who designed it. Nearly 5,000 people turned up to take a look.
2016Eurostar Velaro on test in the Netherlands [IRJ]TESTING of Eurostar^s Siemens e320 Velaro (class 374) high-speed trains on the Dutch national network began on April 28 as the international operator prepares for the launch London - Amsterdam services. Preliminary trial runs took place over the weekend of April 30/May 1, with the train operating over both the conventional network and HSL South. Netherlands Railways (NS) is providing drivers for the test runs, which are being carried out on behalf of Siemens. Eurostar confirmed on April 25 that it is planning to launch direct services between London St Pancras and Amsterdam Central next December. [From Richard Buckby]
2017Fire crews battle large wildfire in Lochaber [Press and Journal]Firefighters have spent nearly six hours battling a large wildfire on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The fire, which at its peak measured 500 acres (0.8 sq miles) in size, started at Dalnabreac near Acharacle, shortly before 12.30pm. A total of four appliances one each from Acharacle, Strontian, Kilchoan and Fort William attended and about 25 firefighters used main jets to extinguish the flames. A fire service spokeswoman said that three more fire crews one each from Mallaig, Fort William and Spean Bridge also spent several hours tackling a much smaller wildfire near Arisaig, close to Beasdale station, which started just minutes later. The fire service spokeswoman said that this fire measured about 25 acres in size.
2018Railway stalwart David Clucas dies suddenly at 72 [Press and Journal]And friends and colleagues have expressed shock at the sudden death in Aberdeen of David Clucas, aged 72. Just last week, the former helicopter pilot and current secretary of the Ferryhill Railway Heritage Trust was relishing the installation of a new £86,000 turntable in the city and talking excitedly about the prospect of future steam charter services boosting tourism in the region.
2018Rail passengers can now use Amazon Alexa to buy tickets [The Herald]Rail passengers can now buy train tickets by talking to a voice-activated virtual assistant.
2018The Clansman ferry is back in action [Press and Journal]The CalMac ferry MV Clansman is returning to service after extensive repairs.
2018Video: Rhondda Tunnel Detailed Examination [Rail Engineer]In South Wales, the campaign to reopen a disused railway tunnel as a foot and cycle path has passed a crucial milestone with the completion of a detailed examination into its condition. Connecting two former coal mining valleys, its hoped that Rhondda Tunnel will boost the local economy by enticing tourists and creating jobs.
2018ScotRail claims service is improving ahead of public meeting over East Lothian line [East Lothian Courier]Scotrail has pledged to have six-carriage trains running during the majority of peak hours services between North Berwick and Edinburgh by the end of this year. The train firm made the promise ahead of a public meeting about rail services in East Lothian at Prestonpans Town Hall this evening.
2018Plans submitted for new railway station in north-east town [Evening Express]Plans have been lodged for a new railway station in a north-east town more than 50 years after the last one closed. Network Rail wants to build the facility, which would have two new platforms, at Kintore. The transport body has submitted plans to Aberdeenshire Council and, if approved, the station would be in the north of the town beside the B987 and Northern Road. Network Rail says the station would have a positive transformational impact on the area. It would be the first new rail station in the north-east since 2009 when the £3 million Laurencekirk platforms opened.
2019Bridge over North Berwick railway line due to re-open [East Lothian Courier]A key North Berwick transport routeshouldsoon be re-open to traffic and pedestrians.
2019Fife railway stations open doors for art exhibition [ScotRail]Ten venues at Fife railway stations will host a line-up of art, poetry and heritage this weekend when The Artline Open Doors takes place. Art studios and heritage centres at stations between North Queensferry and Cupar will open their doors to the public on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May to showcase local painting, craft, poetry, jewellery and history.
2019Five weeks of bus replacements as section of north-east railway shuts for revamp [Evening Express]A north-east rail line will be disrupted for more than a month, starting this weekend.
2019Frontline recruitment improves service on train and at stations [ScotRail]New figures reveal ScotRails recent recruitment of 140 frontline staff has helped improve the service customers receive. The Service Quality Incentive Regime (SQUIRE) report released today (Friday 3 May) by Transport Scotland has shown that ScotRail services improved significantly between December and March compared with the same period the previous year.
2019Will Caledonian Sleeper add to image of Scotlands trains as envy of Britain? - Alastair Dalton [Scotsman]Eight years ago, the Scottish Government floated the idea of significantly cutting back the Caledonian Sleeper because of the state of the trains and cuts in daytime rail journey times.
2020Scotland^s earliest railway - so old a Jacobite battle was fought over it [Scotsman]Scotland^s earliest line is to be commemorated as it approaches its 300th anniversary, along with plans to excavate a short stretch. The Tranent to Cockenzie Waggonway in East Lothian was built on wooden rails to haul coal to power coastal salt works - the countrys biggest industry of the time.