Hurlford: General view of Hurlford station in the spring of 1961 looking south. Hurlford station had been officially closed to passengers in March 1955.

Mallaig: General view towards Mallaig station in May 1961.

Hurlford Signal Box: Scene at Hurlford looking south on 22 May 1961. Horwich Mogul 42905 is about to pass with a down coal train, while classmate 42834 waits in the shed sidings.

Hurlford: D3008 passing Hurlford with an up goods train on 22 May 1961. The class 08 was delivered new to nearby Hurlford shed from Derby Works in December 1952 and remained on the allocation there until the depot was eventually closed towards the end of 1966.

Hurlford Viaduct: A Leeds City - Glasgow St Enoch express crossing crossing Hurlford Viaduct, Hurlford, on 22 May 1961. The train is hauled by one of Holbeck shed's Gresley A3 Pacifics no 60092 Fairway.

Mallaig: Beaver Tail observation car on the rear of a train at Mallaig on 22 May 1961.

Kay Park Junction: Class 2P 4-4-0 40638 passing Kay Park, Kilmarnock, on 22 May 1961 with a Darvel to Ardrossan train. [Ref query 995]

Allt Coire Mheadhoin Viaduct: Black 5 plus Standard 5 climbing to Corrour by Loch Treig in May 1961. [Ref query 4203]

Elderslie: 22 May 1963 and narrow chimneyed Ivatt 2-6-0 No 46482 is making its way into the Elderslie goods yard to pick up some wagons. Note part of the newly constructed Rootes Group factory in the foreground, with the longer established Pressed Steel works behind.

Elderslie Junction: Standard 5MT 4-6-0 No 73009 has just arrived from Ayrshire on 22 May 1963, and has required assistance to reverse its long freight train on to the goods line at Elderslie. The loco at the rear would then allocate the wagons to the appropriate line in the goods yard.

Barnes Viaduct: St Margarets A3 Pacific no 60052 Prince Palatine crosses Stobs Viaduct in May 1963 with a Millerhill - Kingmoor freight.

North Water Bridge Viaduct: A special to Inverbervie, marking final closure of the branch, crosses the viaduct over the North Esk approaching North Water Bridge station on 22 May 1966 behind J37 no 64547 See image [[24996]].

North Water Bridge Halt: J37 0-6-0 no 64547 approaching North Water Bridge station on 22 May 1966 having just crossed the North Esk with a special for Inverbervie marking final closure of the branch. (Passenger services had been withdrawn in 1951). See image [[22526]]

Inverbervie: J37 0-6-0 no 64547 running round at Inverbervie (Bervie until 1926) with a special on 22 May 1966 marking the complete closure of the branch. Sister locomotive 64620 had attempted to reach the terminus the previous month with Scottish Rambler no 5 but was forced to abandon the attempt 2 miles short of the town due to severe slippage.

Doncaster: Home based O4 2-8-0 no 63858 photographed on Doncaster shed on Sunday 22 May 1966. Officially withdrawn a month earlier, the locomotive was sold for scrap to W George, Station Steel, Wath, shortly after this photograph was taken.

Canklow: Veteran Johnson 1F 0-6-0T no 41708 of 1880, complete with original half-cab, stands on Canklow shed in May 1966. Withdrawn 7 months later from Langwith Junction the locomotive subsequently passed into preservation see image [[23298]].

Doncaster: Class O4 2-8-0 no 63818 stands on its home shed at Doncaster on 22 May 1966, four weeks after withdrawal, as does BR Standard class 9F 2-10-0 no 92172. Both locomotives were broken up in the scrapyard of Messrs W George, Station Steel, Wath-on-Dearne, a month later.

Doncaster: WD Austerity 2-8-0 no 90369 stabled for the weekend in the shed yard at Doncaster on Sunday 22 May 1966.

Doncaster: B1 61158 at the head of a locomotive lineup at Doncaster shed in May 1966.

Doncaster: Part of the crowded shed yard at Doncaster on a Sunday afternoon in May 1966 looking towards the coaling plant.

Doncaster: Locomotives in the shed yard at Doncaster on 22 May 1966, with BR class 9F 2-10-0 92201 nearest the camera.

Doncaster: Withdrawn BR Standard class 9F 2-10-0 no 92172 stands in the shed yard at Doncaster on 22 May 1966. Allocated here new from Crewe works in October 1958, the locomotive was broken up in the scrapyard of Messrs W George, Wath-on-Dearne, a month after this photograph was taken.

Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: Yard shunters lined up at the fuelling point alongside Carlisle Kingmoor diesel depot during a British Rail open day on 22 May 1971. Standing nearest the camera is D4141, built at Horwich in 1962. This locomotive, renumbered 08911 under TOPS, became the resident shunting locomotive at the National Railway Museum in York and was given the name Matey.

Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: Inside Kingmoor diesel depot during an open day in May 1971. The type 2 locomotive receiving attention is no 7547. See image [[32635]]

Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: A trio of EE Type 4s, with D267 nearest the camera, receiving attention inside Carlisle Kingmoor diesel depot in 1971 on the occasion of an open day.

Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: D5192 meets 7547 inside Kingmoor diesel depot in May 1971.

Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: General view of Kingmoor diesel depot from the south during an open day in May 1971. The 2-car DMU was operating a shuttle service from Carlisle station for visitors. See image [[14671]]

Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: A class 40 and class 50 stand side by side at Kingmoor diesel depot, Carlisle in May 1971.

Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: EE Type 4 no 242 passing the old Kingmoor steam shed with a southbound freight in May 1971.

Edinburgh Waverley: A Deltic awaits its departure time at Waverley at the head of a Kings Cross train in May 1972.

Huncoat Power Station: 0-6-0F Huncoat No.3 (Hawthorn 3746/1929) shunts 16T coal wagons into the tippler at Huncoat Power Station. The power station, visible on the left beyond the main line, operated from 1956 to 1984 but has since been demolished.

Huncoat Power Station: Fireless 0-6-0 Huncoat No 3 draws coal wagons from the tippler at Huncoat Power Station between Blackburn and Burnley. Not the best quality picture but it does show the conveyors that went across the mainline and an 0-4-0F, by then out of use. Prior to 1968 the power station was also supplied directly from Huncoat Colliery by a private railway.

Huncoat Power Station: Hawthorn Fireless 0-6-0F Huncoat No.3 propels loaded 16T coal wagons into one of the tipplers in the Huncoat Power Station exchange sidings in 1975, a task it must have done innumerable times in the years since the station opened in 1956. The tyres on the loco look very worn but it continued in service for several more years. The power station closed in 1984.

Huncoat Power Station: No.2 (W G Bagnall 2989/1951), a Fireless 0-4-0F, lies out of use beside the tippler building at Huncoat Power Station in May 1975, leaving work in the hands of 0-6-0F No.3. No.2 and No.1 were a pair of Bagnall 0-4-0F locos based at Huncoat both dating from 1951.

Pampisford: The 1865 station at Pampisford (which carried the name Abington until 1875) was the last on the Stour Valley line before it connected with the London-Cambridge line at Great Shelford. This is a westward view on 22nd May 1977, when it was in use as a builder's yard some 10 years after final closure. All trace of the building was later swept away as part of an A11 road improvement scheme.

Castle Cary: A class 47 stops at Castle Cary having just come off the Weymouth line heading north to Bristol in May 1985.

Castle Cary: A class 47 approaching Castle Cary with a train from Weymouth in May 1985. The train is about to join the GW main line coming in from the Taunton direction.

Castle Cary: InterCity 125 arrives at Castle Cary with a Paddington train in May 1985.

Plates, signs, notices etc: A very early act, dating from May 1811, obtained by the Berwick and Kelso Railway Company. Sadly the company was dissolved prior to any of the planned railway being built, as a result of various disagreements amongst directors regarding issues such as land purchase and the cost of the proposed bridge over the Tweed. A similar line was eventually opened by the North British Railway and the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway in 1849, but with a route along the south bank of the river, thus avoiding the need for a bridge. [Railscot note: The County of Durham refers to what were then 'exclaves' of that county located within Northumberland.]

Wooler: The old goods shed at Wooler on 22 May 2004. View is north east from alongside the A697 with the station building beyond see image [[2319]]. [Ref query 10024]

Wooler: The former station building at Wooler in May 2004.

Farington Curve Junction: Memories of the way it used to be on the WCML with a Vigin liveried Class 87 at the head of a southbound service on the Up Slow line just south of Farington Curve Junction.

Scotsgap: View south east over the former Scotsgap station on 22 May 2004. The station closed to passengers in 1952 with the line closing completely in 1966. The refurbished station house and station building now form a substantial private residence. A section of the platform survives, while the goods yard is now used by an agricultural merchant.

Farington: Stanier Coronation Class pacific No.6233 Duchess of Sutherland heads south at Farington on the WCML with a railtour to Crewe on 22 May 2004.

Farington: A 2 car Class 175 DMU heads north towards Preston on 22 May 2004, shortly before transfer to the Wales Borders franchise.

Cupar: Smart looking signal box at Cupar in 2005.

Cupar: The imposing 1847 main station building at Cupar, photographed looking south in May 2005. The original E&NR plan was to install a level crossing here, but, thanks to the efforts of local churchman and politician David Crichton, a bridge was provided. The benefits of the bridge are particularly obvious today, not least in providing an appropriate location for the statue of the said gentleman, which can be seen on the extreme left of the picture.

Springfield: Opened by the Edinburgh and Northern Railway in 1847, Springfield serves a village with a population of less than 1,000. Located between Cupar and Ladybank, the station currently (2017) sees 3 northbound and 2 southbound stopping trains on weekdays, with no service on Sundays. Photograph taken on 22 May 2005 looking south west along the down platform. [Ref query 1676]

Cupar: Cupar signal box in May 2005.

Cupar: Looking south through Cupar station in May 2005.

Cupar: View north over the station and west side car park at Cupar on 22 May 2005. Note the signal box in the left background.

Springfield: Springfield station building, now converted to a private house, May 2005.

Larkhall Central: Track enters Larkhall Station.

Larkhall Central: Track enters Larkhall Station from the north.

Perth: 6 car turbostar leaving Perth bound for Edinburgh.

Perth: Platform 7 at Perth, a train for Inverness sits alongside the carriage washery. That line was once a through goods loop

St Leonards Bridge Junction: The 1140 Edinburgh - Inverness passes the Perth signal centre (on right) and under St.Leonards Bridge

Perth: HRT/FM railtours to the Far North & Kyle have a lenghty break at Perth on the journey north. 2x50s.

Manchester Piccadilly: View north over the platforms at Piccadilly on 22 May. A 185 is pulling into platform 14 with a Manchester Airport - Windermere service as trains for Sheffield and Euston await departure.

Manchester Piccadilly: A 323 EMU about to leave Piccadilly on 22 May for Manchester Airport.

Paisley Gilmour Street: 334003 crossing Wallneuk Junction at Paisley Gilmour Street with a service for Gourock

Paisley Gilmour Street: 66416 with the daily WH Malcolm freight service from Elderslie to Grangemouth about to pass through Paisley Gilmour Street

Paisley Gilmour Street: 66416 passing through Paisley Gilmour Street with the WH Malcolm freight service to Grangemouth

Paisley Gilmour Street: 318254 departing Paisley Gilmour Street heading for Largs

Paisley Gilmour Street: 334014 sitting at Platform 3 at the head of a two unit set

Paisley Gilmour Street: 66090 at the head of an empty coal train about to pass through Paisley Gilmour Street

Paisley Gilmour Street: 334011 crosses Wallneuk Junction at the rear of a two unit set as it heads for Glasgow Central

Paisley Gilmour Street: 334017 crosses Wallneuk Junction as it pulls away from Paisley Gilmour Street heading for Glasgow Central

Manchester Piccadilly: A class 150 service leaves Manchester Piccadilly on 22 May heading for Buxton.

Crawford Viaduct: A northbound Pendolino about to cross Crawford Viaduct on 22 May 2007.

Manchester Piccadilly: As a TPE Class 170 arrives 323229 departs from Manchester Piccadilly with a service to Manchester Airport in May 2007. The Class 170 has moved from TPE but the 323 is still with Northern working around the north west.

Crawford: Glasgow - Euston Pendolino runs past a PW squad alongside the M74 near Crawford on 22 May 2007.

Kelvinside: Initials and year on the front of the former Kelvinside station, photographed on 22 May 2008. The year is particularly interesting as the official opening date is recorded as 1 October 1896.

Cumbernauld: The starting signal, with route indicator for the siding, on the northbound platform at Cumbernauld on 22 May. A magpie looks at the camera.. or maybe at the incoming terminating train.

Kelvinside: Platform remains at the former Kelvinside station on 22 May looking north along the route as it was about to pass below the station building and through the tunnel under Great Western Road. After emerging the line veered east before crossing a viaduct over the River Kelvin to reach Maryhill Central.

Cork Albert Quay: This is 'Clyde Cutting' (after the Clyde Shipping company stores here) on the grandly-named Cork City Railways which was in effect mainly a link from Glanmire Road (GS&WR) to Albert Quay (Cork Bandon and South Coast Railway) across the River Lee, which was crossed by two Scherzer Rolling Lift bridges built by William Arrol of Glasgow see image [[40507]]. It was really a street tramway. Photographed in May 2008.

Glasgow Central: 31601 and 31602 passing Bridge Street on the approach to Glasgow Central with a Network Rail test coach on 22nd May

Kelvinside: Front of the former Kelvinside station facing Great Western Road on 22 May 2008.

Glasgow Central: 31602 with a Network Rail test coach and 31601 at the rear, standing at Platform 6 of Glasgow Central station on 22nd May

Cobh: A general view over Cobh station during a drivers strike on 22 May 2008.

Moffat: The north end of Moffat station (closed 1954) on 22 May 2008, looking across part of what is now a supermarket car park. A surviving section of the platform stands centre right. The building is the former toilet block which stood on the platform separate from the main station building, originally at the south end of the station. [With thanks to Duncan Brown for lavatorial info]

Cork Kent: Scene at Cork on 22 May 2008 with a train for Dublin Heuston alongside a DMU for Tralee. Unfortunately neither train went anywhere on this occasion due to an industrial dispute involving drivers.

Cumbernauld: Scotrail 158716 gleams in the sunshine awaiting to depart for Glasgow Queen Street.

Cumbernauld: The hourly Motherwell shuttle service has arrived at Cumbernauld formed by SPT set 156435

Cork Kent: Engine Number 36 stuffed and mounted on the concourse at Cork station in May 2008. The locomotive was built in 1847 by Bury, Curtiss and Kennedy in Liverpool and used by the Great Southern and Western Railway on Dublin - Cork services.

Glasgow Central: 31601 at the buffer stops of Platform 6 at Glasgow Central station on 22nd May 2008.

Cobh: The much-diminished Cobh terminus on the south coast of County Cork on 22 May 2008, with the main building now refurbished as a Heritage Centre.

Cork River Lee Bridge: One of the Scherzer rolling lift bridges over a channel of the River Lee in Cork see image [[40504]]. This was 'fixed' in the 1980s after the rail traffic ceased and the overhead control cabin, counterweight and mechanism were removed.

Amisfield: Road approach to the former station at Amisfield on the Dumfries - Lockerbie line in 2008. The platform ran along the rear of the building at first floor level. Opened in 1863, the station lost its passenger service in 1952, with the line closing completely in 1966. To say the route was lightly used would be an exaggeration see image [[23059]]. Few signs of the old railway survive along this rural backwater, although just off picture to the right stand two bridge abutments that once carried the single line across an unclassified road to reach the platform.

Cobh: Platform scene at Cobh terminus in May 2008, showing the same view as Bill Roberton's photograph 20 years earlier see image [[20120]]. The railings have replaced the brick wall so the area feels more light and open. Unfortunately no trains were running on this occasion as drivers were on strike. 'Irish Railways Then and Now' shows the station was double this size, with another platform on the seaward (left) side and two loop lines running between.

Kelvinside: Close-up showing platform remains below the former Kelvinside station building on 22 May 2008. The platform for trains to Maryhill Central was on the left and to Crow Road on the right.

Clachnaharry: Looking northwest at Clachnaharry on 22 May, with the swing bridge open to allow a yacht to pass through. The Beauly Firth is visible beyond, while the Canal sea lock is obscured by the gorse bushes at the end of the bridge.

Clachnaharry Swing Bridge: 158718 crosses the Caledonian Canal swing bridge at Clachnaharry on Friday 22nd May 2009 with the 11:03 Inverness - Kyle of Lochalsh.

Loch nan Uamh Viaduct: 45231 crosses Loch Nan Uamh Viaduct with The Jacobite on 22 May. Due to a problem with the brakes it stalled on Beasdale bank and soon crossed the viaduct again in reverse before crossing a third time following the restart. Busy line to the casual bystander.

Bo'ness: The remaining cab section of 50037 Illustrious in the yard at Boness on 22 May. The locomotive, which entered service with BR in September 1968 (originally D437), was given its name in June 1978. She enjoyed her last couple of years in the South West of England See image [[13243]] before being cut up at MC Metals, Glasgow, in 1991. The cab may form a future museum exhibit.

Macedon: N 453 City of Albury bashes non stop towards Melbourne with a train from Eaglehawk through the country station of Macedon, Vic., on the broad gauge (5'3'). Reversible working applies on this line.

Perth: 170434 leads a southbound 6-car formation at Perth on 22 May.

Bendigo: The 1130 to Melbourne departs from Bendigo, Victoria, on 22 May 2009 formed by a VLocity DMU.

Hairmyres: Glasgow Central - East Kilbride service approaching Hairmyres on 22 May 2009.

Williamwood: A Glasgow Central - Neilston service photographed at Williamwood on 22 May 2009. Unit 314207.

Thorntonhall: An East Kilbride - Glasgow Central service departs Thorntonhall on 22 May.

Gregson Lane: Colas Rail Class 56 no 56312 (carrying insurance in the shape of 66148) approaching Gregson Lane as it heads towards Blackburn with the 1Z66 Bristol to Carlisle 'Pathfinder' special on 22 May 2010.

Oubeck Loops: 'James the Engine' aka DRS no 66414, in 'Stobart Rail' livery, hauls a southbound container train through the Oubeck loops south of Lancaster on 22 May 2010.

Causewayhead: Overlooked by Stirling castle, Freightliner locomotive 66 555 motors past some very relaxed looking sheep near Cambuskenneth in May 2010. The load is coal destined for Longannet power station.

Euxton Balshaw Lane: DB Class 92 no.92019 heads north on the down fast at Euxton with the Daventry to Mossend Tesco container service on 22 May 2010.

Leyman: Route 10 of the Basel tram network is unusual in that one of the stops on the route, Leymen, is actually in France. Having just crossed the border from Switzerland into France, a tram heading towards Basel enters the French stop on 22nd May 2010. Shortly afterwards it will cross the border for a second time, this time back into Switzerland from France!

Euxton Balshaw Lane: Stanier Pacific no 6233 Duchess of Sutherland sporting the Royal Scot headboard climbs from Balshaw Lane Junction on the Down Fast line on the 1Z33 Milton Keynes to Carlisle special on 22 May 2010 near to Euxton Balshaw Lane station.

Oubeck Loops: A mixed pair of locos and a mixed liveries set of Mark 1 carriages head south at Oubeck on 22 May 2010 whilst working the return leg of a Pathfinder railtour. The leading loco was 56312, which at the time was wearing the purple Artemis livery. The EWS loco behind was 66148 See image [[29062]].

Colfin: When Portpatrick station closed to passengers and goods in 1950 the branch was cut back to the intermediate station of Colfin where goods services continued for a further nine years, possibly serving the old creamery seen here because there is nothing else in the area See image [[33026]]. Despite the length of time since closure the old platform is still visible but little else.

Portpatrick Harbour: Although the short lived 1:35 branch from Portpatrick station to the Harbour was closed as early as 1868, a section of embankment and two bridge abutments still survive on Main St as seen here. This view is looking up the hill towards the site of the station where this road and the branch met again.

Forres East Junction: 'The Cathedrals Explorer' draws to a halt at Forres east on 22 May 2012 behind A1 Pacific no 60163 'Tornado' and awaits the arrival of the 10.14 Aberdeen - Inverness service.

Blackford: The 4A13 Grangemouth to Aberdeen intermodal service heads north towards Blackford in May 2012.

Ben Alder Level Crossing: A southbound service heads round the curve south of Dalwhinnie station.

Salwick: A Northern service from Blackpool South to Colne rushes through Salwick towards Preston on 22 May 2012. Today there are only 2 tracks here but at one time there were two more on the right running between Preston and Kirkham.

Salwick: A York to Blackpool service, formed by 158909, approaches Salwick station on 22 May 2012. On the left is Salwick No 2 SB which is scheduled for closure with the electrification of the line from Preston to Blackpool North. On the right the loop remains, along with the ground frame and point leading to the former sidings in the Westinghouse, Springfields industrial complex.

Whitland: 150217 runs into Whitland from Gloucester on 22 May 2012. From here it will leave as the 18.13 service to Fishguard Harbour

Forres East Junction: 'The Cathedrals Explorer' leaves Forres on 22 May 2012 behind A1 Pacific no 60163 'Tornado', seen here crossing the Burn of Mosset on its way to Aberdeen.

Newport: Arriva Trains Wales liveried 67003+DVT run east through Newport on 22 May 2012.

Fishguard and Goodwick: Looking south over Fishguard and Goodwick Station on 22 May 2012, a week after reopening following closure in 1964. A fair number of passengers had alighted from the recent 18.46 arrival formed of 150217, which had then continued on to the harbour station to complete the service from Gloucester. A shuttle to Clarbeston Road and return then ensued, before ending the day at Carmarthen.

Bynea: Looking north from Cwmfelin Road overbridge at Bynea in May 2012. Bynea is the first station along the Central Wales line after leaving Llanelli.

Harmston: The closed station at Harmston - on the former Lincoln to Grantham direct line, closed in 1962. View looks south from the old level crossing in May 2012.

Whitland: Whitland Station yard and sidings on the down side of the station in May 2012, now in use by Network Rail as a track maintenance depot.

Forres East Junction: A1 60163 Tornado about to leave Forres East for Aberdeen with the Cathedrals Explorer on 22 May 2012.

Clarbeston Road: Clarbeston Road seen looking east on an extremely sunny evening in May 2012.

Salwick: View west along the deserted platform at Salwick on 22 May 2012 as 142035 passes through heading for Blackpool North.

Newport: Arriva Trains Wales liveried 67003 heads a matching liveried DVT east through platform 4 at Newport on 22 May 2012.

Inverness: Tornado at Inverness on The Cathedral Explorer in May 2012.

Collingham: Collingham station, on the Lincoln to Newark line, lies on the outskirts of the Nottinghamshire village. The station enjoys a good service of trains and is additionally busy with freight and semi-fast passenger services also passing through. The station building is now a private residence, seen here in this view across the level crossing towards Newark.

Clarbeston Road: Platform view east at Clarbeston Road as 150217 runs back thro' the platform ECS, having previously drawn forward to the ground signal beyond the cross-over following arrival from Fishguard Harbour at 19.21. The unit will run back beyond the junction with the Milford Haven line to await its 20.05 return working back to the Harbour station. The unit had previously worked the 11.18 Cardiff Central to Maesteg, then ran to Cheltenham Spa before the 4hour 18minute journey to Fishguard Harbour. After working the 20.05 return shuttle as above it will finish the day on the 20.50 Fishguard Harbour - Carmarthen.

Swinderby: The signalman at Swinderby station manually opens the level crossing gates after an oil train from Immingham has passed through. The busy road is narrow at this point but the distance between the two gates is substantial leading to an unusual arrangement when the crossing is open to road traffic. See image [[16453]]

Forres East Junction: The 10.14 Aberdeen - Inverness service arrives at Forres on 22 May 2012 to much waving and cheering. See image [[38979]]

Swinderby: An evening view of Swinderby in Lincolnshire, looking towards Newark. The oil tank train I had just missed is disappearing southwards but the starter signal is still 'off'.

Hykeham: Serving the outer suburbs of Lincoln is Hykeham station on the old Midland line into the city. View towards Lincoln from the entrance to the staggered Newark and Nottingham platform.

Forres East Junction: 'The Cathedrals Explorer' gets the road out of the loop at Forres east on 22 May 2012 behind A1 Pacific no 60163 'Tornado'. Passengers on the recently arrived 10.14 Aberdeen - Inverness service, currently standing alongside the signal box, will have realised by now that the welcoming committee wasn't for them after all... see image [[39459]]

Salwick: Many trains pass Salwick but few actually stop. Here a Northern Class 158 is seen on a Blackpool - York service as a First Trans Pennine unit appears on the left on its way from Manchester Airport to Blackpool.

Eskbank and Dalkeith: The former Eskbank station site on 22 May 2013, with the old footbridge and most of the platform structures now demolished and removed see image [[5740]]. View north from the A6094, with the station building behind the trees at the top of the ramp and the bus in the background heading east along the A768.

Farington Junction: Having swapped places with Duchess of Sutherland minutes earlier, E3137/86259 joins the WCML at Farington Junction with the return leg of the Cumbrian Mountain Express bound for Euston.

Birkett Tunnel: The sun came out on 22 May! At least it did just to the south of Birkett tunnel, in time to catch Stanier Coronation Pacific 46233 Duchess of Sutherland on the return Carlisle - Euston Cumbrian Mountain Express. See image [[43199]]

Shrewsbury: DB Schenker refurbished 60054 gets the right away south at Shrewsbury on 22 May with the normally class 66 powered ex-Dee Marsh steel working.

Hardengreen Junction: The view south from the A6094 road bridge towards the site of Hardengreen Junction on 22 May see image [[17896]]. Just behind the pedestrian walking across the trackbed in the background the route is fenced off, with the works beyond associated with the construction of the new Eskbank station and car park, following some major excavation work on the filled in cutting.

Newtongrange: Detail showing part of the former offices of the Dean Oil Works (the old rail served yard of which is now occupied by Newtongrange station) seen here from what was once the street level staff entrance from the A7 Murderdean Road. The old building has since been refurbished, refitted and reopened as a community hub, incorporating a cafe, known as 'The Sidings'. Photographed in May 2013, prior to construction of a stairway to the right which now provides pedestrian access to the new station.

Newtongrange: The Newtongrange station site on 22 May 2013, with the entrance from the A7 now gated and secured. Some clearance and demolition Work has been carried out, although several buildings dating from the Deans Oil Works era (and subsequently used for other purposes) still stand.

Birkett Tunnel: 46233 Duchess of Sutherland on the return Carlisle - Euston Cumbrian Mountain Express south of Birkett Tunnel on 22 May 2013. See image [[43186]] .

Carlisle: DRS 66302+66426 head 4S43 a very long 'Tesco Express' into and through Carlisle heading for Mossend

Pleasington: Trying to regain some lost time, 46233 Duchess of Sutherland makes an impressive sight as the Cumbrian Mountain Express approaches Pleasington station on the western outskirts of Blackburn on 22 May 2013. This leg of the tour was from Carlisle to Farington Junction via the S&C where steam would hand over to electric power see image [[43185]].

Glenesk: View north from the B6392 road bridge towards Glenesk Junction in May 2013, with the site of Glenesk Colliery and sidings on the left. Near the green barrier stood Glenesk station, which first appeared in timetables in 1855 (although its opening date is shown by both Butt and Cobb as 1858). The station (occasionally shown as Glenesk Junction) seems to have officially closed in 1874, though it continued in use (unadvertised) into the 1880s.

Gorebridge: Entrance to what will become the new station car park at Gorebridge. View north on 22 May 2013, with the bridge carrying Station Road in the background. The area was recently occupied by the ill-fated Harvieston Villas see image [[14418]].

Newtongrange [1st]: Platforms at Newtongrange. The platform edges of the 1908 station uncovered at Newtongrange on 22 May 2013. View north from the A7 road bridge, with work on the new station in progress behind the camera.

Gorebridge: View north from Lady Brae towards Gorebridge station on 22 May 2013. The bridge carrying Station Road over the trackbed is in the centre background beyond the station building.

Maldon: A class 08 Jim, but not as we know it! On the Victorian Goldfield Railway, 5'3' gauge, there is preserved in working order this 1953-built product of Newton-le-Willows Vulcan Foundry, new to Victorian Railways.

Gorebridge: The secured station building at Gorebridge on 22 May 2013 - still looking remarkably well considering...!

Castlemaine [Victoria]: Victorian Goldfields Railway K class 2-8-0 No. K190 running round at Castlemaine on 22 May 2013.

Armathwaite: The beautifully restored and maintained Armathwaite signalbox ,thanks to the work of the Friends of the S&C.

Armathwaite: 46233 Duchess of Sutherland speeds through Armathwaite on 1Z89 the returning Cumbrian Mountain Express

Maldon: Interior of first-class 'Parlor' (sic) Car Tambo, named after the Tambo River, Victoria. Originally a sleeping car on the Adelaide to Melbourne service. Very civilized.

Carlisle: Freightliner 70005 awaits the road to Crewe Basford Hall after working in on an engineer's train from Crewe

Newtongrange [1st]: Looking south towards Gorebridge on 22 May 2013 over the recently uncovered platforms of the former Newtongrange station (1908-1969). Station Road is on the left and the surviving headgear of the Lady Victoria pit can just be seen above the trees. The new Borders Railway station is being built on the other side of the bridge carrying the A7 in the background. The old platforms would disappear once more during the ensuing trackbed preparation works (see [[53878]]).

Castlemaine [Victoria]: On 22 May 2013 the 10.15 Melbourne Southern Cross - Bendigo VLocity dmu runs into Castlemaine, while the VGR's K190 2-8-0 runs round its train to form the 11.45 to Maldon.

Poulton-le-Fylde: Originating in Kilmarnock the Fylde Coast Express was steam hauled over the S&C and on to Blackpool on 22 May 2013 by Black 5 44932. It is seen here on the approach to Poulton-le-Fylde, just a few minutes away from its destination. Relatively few steam excursions use the Blackpool line and the return leg of this charter retraced the route but was diesel hauled throughout.

Lambley Viaduct: Viewed over the gardens of the cottages near Lambley station, the viaduct looks more like a garden railway structure than its larger-than-life true form see image [[46590]].

Lambley Viaduct: Could almost be a work of nature - part of Lambley viaduct - seen from the west side, near Lambley station and junction see image [[5724]]

Halton Lea Gate: Nirvana for the dedicated industrial archaeologist. View looks towards Lambley; the brick buildings are the surface remains of a small coal mine. see image [[47630 for a view half a mile behind this image]]

Roachburn Colliery: Now that's what I call an abutment. This would be on a branch off the main line from Brampton to Lambley; view looks North East. There's enough stone for a nice house up there. [This was a very substantially built tramway which ran from Tindale to the Roachburn Colliery. There was no direct connection with the main line, there being a loading point where the lines met. EC]

Kirkhaugh: Looking South towards Kirkhaugh on the South Tynedale Railway, through the cab of the diesel locomotive on 22 May 2014 see image [[22542]].

Lambley Viaduct: Looking East across Lambley viaduct on 22 May 2014. Not a recommended location for sufferers from vertigo.

Alston: The varnishing railway. A view North from the South Tynedale Railway signal box on a quiet May afternoon [at the kind invitation of the signalman].

Haltwhistle: An unconventional view of the footbridge and signal box at Haltwhistle in May 2014.

Knarsdale: This picturesque viaduct, photographed on 22 May 2014, is situated north of Slaggyford on what is now the South Tynedale Railway. There is some rather nice skew stonework under those arches.

Halton Lea Gate: View East, towards Lambley, on the 1852 extension see image [[5724]] which came 12 years too late to see operational use of Stephensons Rocket! A very oblique crossing of the A689, and some very damp weather. Appearances are deceptive - the foot/cycle path runs out less than half a mile ahead of this viewpoint.

Brampton Town: The former station at Brampton Town (closed 1923) was just to the left of this overbridge. See image [[10006]]

Hamworthy [1st]: The Hamworthy Goods branch to Poole Harbour has been unused for a number of years but everything remains in situ hoping for new sources of freight traffic. This is Hamworthy Park crossing, the upper view looking back towards the main line at Hamworthy station and the lower image towards Poole Harbour.

Coanwood: The much modified and extended former station master's house at Coanwood on the Alston branch in May 2014. The remains of the old station, now part of a walkway, is just off picture to the left see image [[2468]]. [Ref query 5450]

Lambley: Laid out like a scenic path, at least as much as a railway - looking towards Alston on 22 May 2014 from a point just South of Lambley station.

Lambley Viaduct: Looking North up the South Tyne from the former Alston branch viaduct, which closed to all traffic in 1976; but was restored and reopened as a footpath in 1996. Cycle access is possible, but not recommended as a through route; as the footpath diverts down steps at the South end of the viaduct.

Lambley Viaduct: Long, tall, and narrow: looking East along the deck of Lambley Viaduct see image [[47432]] on a blustery day. Notice the plaque on the left marking the structure as a Transport Heritage Site.

Alston: Any electrical engineers out there will recognize this as the 'earth line'. Civil engineers wagons outside the carriage shed at Alston on 22 May 2014.

Coanwood: Coanwood, on the former Alston branch, after vegetation clearance - which we appreciate. See image [[2468]].

Coanwood: Looking North towards Haltwhistle from the car park for visitors to Lambley viaduct. The car park is built on and adjacent to the branch trackbed.

Darnholm: Sure footed and with clear exhaust, BR Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0, No. 75029 ascends the 1 in 49 bank between Grosmont and Goathland with a six-coach set at Darnholm on the NYMR, having departed Whitby at 14.00 on 22 May 2015.

Newton West Junction: A class 380 on an Ayr - Edinburgh service passes under the last remaining section of the Old Mill Road bridge across the West Coast Main Line at Cambuslang on 22nd May 2015. To the left, the first section of the replacement bridge is now in place across the Cathcart line see image [[50259]].

Wyre Viaduct: DRS 37606 and 20308, and three flask wagons, cross the River Wyre at Scorton heading for Sellafield on 22nd May 2015. The innocuous looking Wyre would later cause severe problems when it flooded and breached further down stream in December 2015.

Dalston: Close-up of DRS 37423 Spirit of the Lakes at Dalston on 22 May with one of the new loco hauled services which commenced operations 4 days earlier. These are operated by DRS, on behalf of Northern Rail to increase seating capacity at peak times. Living just 100 yards from the line our cups and saucers do a bit of a dance when these services pass by.

Seattle, University Street: The Seattle light rail line shares the Downtown Tunnel with buses - this is University Street Station.

Glacier National Park: Observation car of 'The Empire Builder', eastbound in the area of Glacier National Park, Montana, on the morning of 22 May 2015.

Oban North Pier: MV Loch Striven photographed at Oban on 22 April 2015. The Caledonian MacBrayne Ro-Ro ferry was the regular vessel operating on the Oban - Lismore route at that time.

Porthmadog Harbour [WHR]: Ex South African Railways NSGG Garrett 2-6-2+2-6-2 Class 16 No.87 now back at Porthmadog Harbour station, having hauled a WHR train from Caernarfon, 25 miles away to the north, on 22nd May 2016.

Gorebridge: ScotRail 158730 leads the 4-car Sunday morning 0945 ex-Tweedbank away from Gorebridge on 22 May 2016. View north from Station Road as the train heads towards the Gore Glen bridge and its next stop at Newtongrange.

Porthmadog Harbour [WHR]: Welsh Highland Railway train returning from Caernarfon now approaching the southern terminus at Porthmadog Harbour, negotiating the tramway-like level crossing before arriving at the station, on 22nd May 2016. Rebuilding of the entire length of this spectacular narrow gauge line, that had lain derelict since 1937, is one of the greatest and most remarkable achievements in the history of UK heritage railways.

Gorebridge: 'Any more for Edinburgh... last call now...' Almost ready to leave Gorebridge on 22 May 2016. ScotRail 158730 heads the 4-car 0945 ex-Tweedbank.

Glenesk: The 0911 Edinburgh - Tweedbank passing the site of Glenesk Colliery in bright morning sunshine on 22 May 2016. The train has recently crossed Glenesk Viaduct, the deck of which can be seen in the background. See image [[50584]]

Porthmadog Harbour [FR]: 'Fairlie' locomotive 'Earl Meirionnydd', dating from 1979, waiting to depart from Porthmadog Harbour station with a Ffestiniog Railway train to Blaenau Ffestiniog on 22nd May 2016. The first double-bogied articulated steam locomotives, known as 'Fairlies' after their designer, Robert Francis Fairlie (1831-1885) were introduced to the Ffestiniog Railway in 1869. Constructed with swivelling power bogies, they enable longer trains to be hauled without increasing manpower costs and have long boilers with tall chimneys at both ends, giving them a very striking appearance. The FR is still building 'Fairlies' today and some can now be seen working as far afield as Australia and USA. This photo was taken while I was waiting to have my first ever ride on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon; I travelled on the FR to Blaenau Ffestiniog the following day.

Porthmadog Harbour [WHR]: Welsh Highland Railway train to Caernarfon, behind ex-South African Railways NSGG Garrett Class 16 2-6-2+2-6-2 No.87, just departed from Porthmadog Harbour and beginning its long and spectacular journey up into Snowdonia, on 22nd May 2016. This was the final section of the Welsh Highland Railway to be reopened in 2011 after having lain derelict since 1937, a remarkable achievement.

Eskbank and Dalkeith: A southbound train on the Borders Railway runs through the abandoned platforms of the original (1847) Eskbank and Dalkeith station on a fine May morning in 2016. The next scheduled stop will be at its 2015 replacement, less than half a mile further on.

Beddgelert: Ex-South African Railways NSGG Class 16 2-6-2+2-6-2 No.138 passing the water tank as it arrives at Beddgelert station with a Welsh Highland Railway train from Caernarfon to Porthmadog Harbour on 22nd May 2016. 138 was built by Beyer Peacock in 1958 and returned to the UK after withdrawal from service for restoration at the Ffestiniog Railway's Boston Lodge works. Originally in green livery, it was temporarily withdrawn in 2007 for full overhaul and boiler inspection and returned to service in its new crimson livery in 2010. (In common with the Ffestiniog Railway, WHR trains cross on the right at stations with passing loops.)

Blunsdon: D2152 had its cab cut down to pass under the odd low bridge on the G&BPR line see image [[54535]].

This locomotive is seen here running around its train in 2016 at Blunsdon. It has been brought into use to replace the Thumper Unit which has been badly damaged in a fire.

Blunsdon: This is the Thumper Unit which was been badly damaged in a fire at Blunsdon. The non-power car has been destroyed but the power unit is repairable. See image [[36382]] for a view of the unit in happier times.

Snowdon Ranger: Welsh Highland Railway train from Porthmadog Harbour to Caernarfon seen north of Snowdon Ranger, on 22nd May 2016.

Waunfawr: Welsh Highland Railway train returning from Caernarfon to Porthmadog Harbour, seen in typical Snowdonia scenery, to the south of Waunfawr on 22nd May 2016.

Carnarvon Tunnel: The south portal of the former standard gauge tunnel on the Afon Wen to Bangor line, just north of the Welsh Highland Railway's terminus at Caernarfon and now converted into a road, on 22nd May 2016. The standard gauge station, closed in 1970, was north of the tunnel and has been completely demolished.

Blunsdon: Three box vans full of coach spares and S&T spares were also destroyed by the fire at Blunsdon. Most of the contents are beyond repair and irreplaceable as they are ex-GWR/BR items collected during resignalling projects over the last 25 years.

Rhyd Ddu: On the return Welsh Highland Railway journey from Caernarfon to Porthmadog Harbour, on the afternoon of 22nd May 2016, another lengthy wait ensued at Rhyd-Ddu station for a Caernarfon train to arrive, clearing the single line. Ex-South African Railways NSGG class 16 2-6-2+2-6-2 No.138 eventually arrived at Rhyd-Ddu and in common with stations on the sister Ffestiniog Railway, is crossing on the right. The weather had improved considerably by this time to when I set off from Porthmadog in the morning.

Porthmadog Harbour [WHR]: Ex-South African Railways NGG16 2-6-2+2-6-2T Garratt no.87, built 1937 by the engineering firm Cockerill and restored at the Ffestiniog Railway's Boston Lodge works, shunting at Porthmadog Harbour station before being attached to a Welsh Highland Railway train to Caernarfon, on 22nd May 2016.

Caernarfon: Ex-South African Railways NSGG Class 16 2-6-2+2-6-2 No.87, 79 years old at the date of this photo, running round at the northern terminus of the Welsh Highland Railway at Caernarfon on 22nd May 2016. This is on a new site on the trackbed of the former LNWR Afon Wen to Bangor line south of the original standard gauge station and, since this visit, reconstruction of the station began and a spacious new entrance building is now fully open. The famous 13th Century Castle can be seen in the left background.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: A view over the barriers at Queen Street.

Newton Stewart: The former locomotive shed at Newton Stewart, closed on the last day of 1959. The building is in a better condition than it was 10 years ago, having since been taken over by a vehicle servicing and repair company and equipped with a new roof see image [[15246]]. View north east towards the station site in May 2017 along the trackbed of the Whithorn branch.

Ribble Steam Railway Workshops: Grant Ritchie 272 of 1894, an 0-4-0ST once resident in the Fife coalfield, now restored from scrapyard condition to full working order by Ribble Steam Railway volunteers See image [[56443]]. Behind this rare survivor is USA 0-6-0T 30072, for many years a member of the KWVR fleet at Haworth but now being refurbished by the RSR.

Anderston: Situated underneath Scotland's busiest stretch of road, and with roads on three sides on the level Anderson station is some place; the antithesis of Corrour perhaps? It was called Anderston Cross when it closed in 1964, but the area was then flattened (solely to make way for the M8?) and found itself in unrecoginisable surroundings when it reopened as Anderston in 1979. It sees little use during the day but gets a bit livelier when office workers use it at peak times.

Preston (Ribble Branch): Ribble Steam Sentinel 4wDM Progress has finished operations for the day and heads for the running shed in the Ribble Rail yard at Preston Docks. Access to this operational area by kind permission on 22nd May 2017.

Dumbarton Central: The westbound island platform building seen from an eastbound train at Dumbarton Central.

Bromsgrove: Bromsgrove station, 22nd May 2017. It looks like massive redevelopment has just taken place. [The station has been relocated further south -Ed].

Croxley: The attractive station entrance at Croxley on the LUL's short Metropolitan Line branch to Watford, on 22nd May 2017. This line was a latecomer to the outer London network, not opening until 2nd November 1925 as a joint venture between the Metropolitan and LNER and Croxley station was originally called Croxley Green. To avoid confusion with the LNWR Croxley Green station, it was renamed on 23rd May 1949. The branch runs from a triangular junction between Moor Park and Rickmansworth with originally Metropolitan trains taking the south curve toward Moor Park and on into London (as they still do) while a shuttle service of LNER trains operated between Watford and Rickmansworth over the north curve but these ceased in 1934 after only nine years, since when the north curve has only been used by empty stock workings and occasional steam specials, apart from a few ex-Chesham public trains at the beginning and end of the day. (I am indebted to Bob McIntyre for this last piece of information.) The scheme to link this line to the by then disused Croxley Green branch, relay as far as Watford High Street and run Metropolitan Line trains into Watford Junction, which would have seen the 1925 Metropolitan terminus closed, was talked about for decades and was eventually given the go-ahead, only for this to be cancelled a year or so later.
See query 2195

Ribble Steam Railway Workshops: Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST No. 1833 of 1924, delivered as Niddrie No.6 ([[Niddrie and Benhar Coal Company]]) but latterly NCB Lothians Area No.20. Seen undergoing major works, including a virtually new boiler with repaired firebox, in the Ribble Steam Railway workshops on 22nd May 2017. (With thanks to Dave Watkins for the guided tour.)

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The works at the east side of Queen Street. This area was initially the Hanover Street Goods yard, later accommodating platforms 8 and 9, on the left just outside the main trainshed, and a smaller goods yard to the right. Since the 1970s this location has provided carparking and a taxi rank.

Yoker Depot: The trainwasher at Yoker Depot. To the right is the announcement of the new Yoker Signalling Centre and Yoker Depot - now a remarkable 30 years old. Whatever that sign is made of, it's pretty durable.

Preston (Ribble Branch): Ribble Steam Railway Sentinel 4wDM Progress shunts bitumen tanks from Lindsey Refinery alongside the museum platform. This loco was new to the Preston Dock system in 1968, one of three Sentinels that replaced the final surviving members of their steam fleet, and has worked here ever since. (With thanks to Dave Watkins for the guided tour.)

Dalmuir: A view of the brutalist architecture at Dalmuir. The flats are a product of their time, but really, the footbridge and platform structures could be more attractive at what is an important interchange.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The Dundas Street entry to Queen Street station. The original station entrance, for passengers, was from this side thus the original name of the Dundas Street station. It is unlikely that name was used much, no doubt it was the Glasgow terminus of the E&G in most people's minds. The entry to the Glasgow Subway is to the left. This was aggrandised as the Glasgow Underground from 1936 to 2003.

Partick: Partick station's new building and platform recycling centre.

Edinburgh Waverley: 66 746 with the Royal Scotsman at Waverley Platform 19 on the morning of Monday, 22/05/2017.

Cowdenbeath Tram Depot: Cowdenbeath Broad Street Tram Depot, seen from the main road, now in use as a bus depot by Rennies. The kerbs on the entrance road are formed by tram rails.

Galgate: 66199 hauls a lightly loaded Seaforth to Mossend container service, seen approaching the Hampson Lane bridge near Galgate on 22nd May 2018. Hampson Lane is adjacent to Jcn 33 of the M6.

Leeming Bar: Rather weather worn former Eden Valley Railway, Warcop based 37250 is seen in the yard at Wensleydale Railway's Leeming Bar station in May 2018. Since then the loco has been thro' the works, using the new donated structure providing under-cover facilities. It has been extensively refurbished and then repainted in Civil Engineers livery.

Cowdenbeath Tram Depot: Cowdenbeath Broad Street Tram Depot, a tram rail forming a kerb, with a vertical length used as a support. Access by kind permission of Rennies.

Cowdenbeath Tram Depot: Inspection pit at the rear of the Cowdenbeath Tram Depot, the width of which seems to equate with the 3'6' gauge of the tramway. Access by kind permission of Rennies.

Dalgety Bay: The Network rail measurement train passes through Dalgety Bay on 22 May on its way from Edinburgh to Aberdeen.

Dalmeny: Unbranded 43126 on (seemingly endless) driver training duties comes off the bridge and through Dalmeny station on 22 May. It's heading for Platform 0 at Haymarket and a brief turnaround. Fans of Xanthoria Parietina will already have noticed its fondness for the cowls of ScotRail's platform lighting.

Leeming Bar: English Electric Type 3 37674 stands in Leeming Bar station in May 2018. It later suffered an ignominious Christmas 2020, by sitting on a trailer in a lay by near Skipton for over a week after being evicted from the Wensleydale Railway and then refused access to the Embsay Steam Railway. It was eventually taken to Alleleys yard at Studley for secure storage. Update: In late 2021 the loco was moved to the Strathspey Railway at Aviemore, where it now forms part of their operational fleet.

Haymarket: Unbranded 43179 at Platform 0, about to head north after a brief turnaround. The driver training on this route is pretty thorough, having been happening pretty intensively for months. At least it gives Platform 0 something to do.

Dalmeny: A Fife local comes off the bridge and into Dalmeny - to pick up me. Electrification of Fife services is a long-term aim. I don't know about you but I find the prospect of live wires across the Forth Bridge alarming - in more ways than one.

Galgate: Immaculate 86259 Les Ross runs light from Carnforth to Preston under Hampson Lane bridge on 22nd May 2018, prior to taking over the Cathedrals Express for the run back to London. On 19th May it had taken this train north to York and handed over to Flying Scotsman before being hauled to Carnforth for stabling ahead of this further duty.

Inverkeithing East Junction: GBRf 66746 eases the 'Royal Scotsman' round the central/east chord of the triangular junction at Inverkeithing on its way from Edinburgh to Boat of Garten on 22 May 2019. In the foreground is the site of Inverkeithing East Junction signalbox.

Holm Junction: An Ardrossan Harbour to Glasgow service comes of its short branch (or sub-branch) at Holm Junction on 22 May 2019. The rusty rails nearest to it are a siding, and those on the right are the Up only Hunterston line. It would be nice if they could now use this track to double the passenger branch.The remains of the coal loading tower at Hunterston were being cut up as I passed earlier.

Largs: A Largs to Glasgow service is about to set off on 22 May 2019. I don't know what those people were doing on Platform 1 as the next train wasn't due there until the following morning. Mind you, I suppose the same could be said about me.

Dublin Heuston: View over twisting approach to Dublin Heuston station and stabling sidings. The train approaching in the middle distance will take the line diverging to the right and will not stop at Heuston. It is on the through line to Connolly Station and Grand Canal Dock via Phoenix Park Tunnel. The through line does have a platform (No.10) but the commuter service which began in 2016 does not stop there - it is only used for specials, for example for Gaelic Athletic Association matches at Croke Park. View from the judges' balcony on a visit to the Criminal Courts of Justice by kind permission of one of the Court of Appeal Justices. 22nd May 2019

Dublin Heuston: A view over the ends of platforms 1, 7 and 8 and the stabling area at Dublin Heuston. Prior to Heuston's upgrade in 2002-4 there were only five terminal platforms. Now there are eight, and there is also one through platform (numbered 10, even though there are only nine platforms) to the right of this picture which allows through working to Connolly Station and beyond. View from the judges' balcony on a visit to the Criminal Courts of Justice by kind permission of one of the Court of Appeal Justices. 22nd May 2019

Dublin Heuston: A view over Dublin Heuston station roof, with the fine original terminal building visible in the centre left of the picture. Heuston opened as Kingsbridge station in 1846 but was renamed in 1966 after Sean Heuston, one of those executed by the British after the Easter 1916 Uprising. View from the judges' balcony on 22nd May 2019 during a visit to the Criminal Courts of Justice by kind permission of one of the Court of Appeal Justices.

Largs: A service from Glasgow approaches the buffers at Largs on 22 May 2019. Turnaround time is fairly short, so most passengers for the return journey are already on the platform.

Largs: A Glasgow service waits to depart Largs on 22 May 2019. The other Platform (1) is only needed once a day, Monday to Friday - the only time there are two trains in the station.

Haymarket: Spring morning reflections. The 0608hrs Edinburgh to Kirkcaldy at Haymarket on Wednesday 22 May 2019. Grab shot from a perfectly positioned 0526hrs Stirling to Kings Cross.

Kilmarnock: A very attractive fanlight at Kilmarnock station. May 2019.

Woodacre Crossing: 88002 'Prometheus' hauls 37059, 37069 and 37716 from Crewe to Kingmoor on 22nd May 2020. The heavy engine movement is seen at the Lingart Farm footbridge near Woodacre. What the future holds for these old stalwarts is still not clear.

Auchinleck: Running eight minutes late, an Avanti West Coast Voyager speeds north through Auchinleck operating a special service between Carlisle and Glasgow Central via the G&SWR route due to engineering works on the West Coast Main Line. The train is 1Z53, 1610 ex Carlisle on 22nd May 2021. Due to a signalling fault at either Lugton or Barrhhead it was 46 minutes late on arrival at Glasgow Central.

Settle: The A1 Steam Trust organised The Pennine Explorer tour. 60163 'Tornado' makes up time as it rushes through Settle in the evening of 22 May 2021. The tour ran from Leicester to Carlisle via York and the Tyne Valley but on the return journey it travelled south over the S&C.

Sinclairtown [1st]: The former Sinclairtown (1st) goods yard with loading bank on the left, looking towards the NCL depot on the other side of the main line on 22 May 2021.

Ribblehead Viaduct: The southbound Cumbrian Mountain Express, on 22 May 2021, crosses Ribblehead Viaduct with Merchant Navy 35018 'British India Line' on the Carlisle to Preston leg of the tour.

Acton Main Line: Class 800 unit on a GWR express to Paddington speeding past the obsolete fast tracks up platform at Acton Main Line on 22nd May 2021. The down fast tracks platform has been demolished. The class 800s came into service on the GWR main line in October 2017.

Niddrie [3rd]: An advertising hoarding has recently been removed (which is unusual) revealing the remains of the third and last Niddrie station, which must have been optimistically substantial given its isolation. They gave up after three short-lived attempts at a Niddrie station, perhaps cottoning on to the fact that they were getting no nearer to Niddrie.

Annbank: Hauled by DRS 66429, a diverted Daventry to Mossend container train passes through Annbank around 2005hrs on a bright sunny evening in May 2021.

Paddington: 387141, with a Heathrow Express service departing from magnificently refurbished Paddington, dating from 1854, on 22nd May 2021.

Acton Main Line: Acton Main Line, originally opened in 1868, looking east towards Paddington, on 22nd May 2021. After a long delay, the new footbridge and ticket hall, incorporating lifts to give step free access for the first time in the station's 153 year history, was opened on 18th March 2021. The obsolete up platform on the main line tracks (on right) is now fenced off while, further right, the down platform has been demolished.

Paddington: 345057 (left), with a service to Heathrow Terminal 5, and 345035 with a service to Reading at Paddington on 22nd May 2021. These TfL Rail services should not have been starting from here but instead running through the new Crossrail tunnels under central London from Shenfield or Abbey Wood from December 2018. But there has been delay after delay and at the date of this photograph there is still no definite date for when Crossrail will open.

Acton Main Line: Exterior of the brand new ticket hall at the TfL Rail station at Acton Main Line in west London, unveiled after a lengthy delay on 18th March 2021, seen here on 22nd May 2021. This will eventually be part of Crossrail that should have opened in December 2018.

Acton Main Line: 345002, with a TfL Rail service to Paddington, arriving at its penultimate stop at Acton Main Line on 22nd May 2021. This will cease to be the penultimate stop for TfL Rail trains once they begin running through the Crossrail tunnels to Abbey Wood in south-east London and Shenfield in Essex, which should have happened in December 2018. As of the date of this photo, there is still no definite sign of when it will open. For the present, TfL Rail operates in two separate sections between Reading/Heathrow Terminal 5 and Paddington and Liverpool Street and Shenfield.

Monktonhall Junction: There are two bridges over the River Esk close to Monktonhall Junction. The bridge to the right is the original North British Railway bridge and the bridge to the left was built as part of that company's Lothian Lines. View to the west. Today only the girder bridge carries tracks, the ECML having been diverted onto it.

Wanton Walls Junction [1st]: I have to check a map every time this confusing area comes up. This overbridge is on the exact site of the original Wanton Walls Junction where the Lothian Lines left the Monktonhall to Niddrie West connection. The box was just off to the left in this view looking south. The line then curved to parallel the ECML which is only 200 yards or so away

Sinclairtown [1st]: The Railway Club, adjacent to Sinclairtown Goods Yard, on 22nd May 2021. Closed for a couple of years, it will be demolished to make way for a fitness centre. I doubt there are many railway staff in Kirkcaldy these days.

Kings Cross: Lewis Cubitt's masterpiece, the grand frontage of King's Cross station, beautifully refurbished and seen from the new King's Cross Square, on 22nd May 2021. The GNR arrived in London in 1850 but had to terminate at a temporary station at Maiden Lane, just to the north, until King's Cross was ready in 1852.

Lathalmond Railway Museum: Replica Bagnall 0-4-0ST 'Big Dave' works a passenger shuttle at Lathalmond Railway Museum on 22 May 2022.

Lady Victoria Pit Signal Box: A Sunday morning service on the Borders Railway heading for Tweedbank on 22 May 2022. The train is approaching the B794 road bridge half a mile south of Newtongrange station. The buildings visible through the trees top left stand on what is now Butlerfield Industrial Estate, once the site of the former Newbattle Disposal Point and Coal Stocking Site, a WW2 emergency facility established to deal with coal supplies from non-rail served locations such as opencast workings. The extensive sidings were linked to the main line at the north end.

Lathalmond Railway Museum: Replica Bagnall 0-4-0ST 'Big Dave' works a passenger shuttle at Lathalmond Railway Museum on 22 May 2022.

Newtongrange [1st]: The ScotRail 0921 departure for Edinburgh Waverley (0848 ex-Tweedbank) leaving Newtongrange on 22 May 2022. The train is about to run through the site of the original 1908 NB station, with the single platform of the 2015 Borders Railway version visible on the other side of the bridge.