Mavor and Coulson: Fowler 4F 0-6-0 no 43849 shunting wagons in the sidings at the Mavor and Coulson East Kilbride works on 26 May 1959.

Mavor and Coulson: A freight arrives in the sidings alongside the East Kilbride works of Mavor and Coulson on 26 May 1959. Locomotive is Polmadie based Fowler 4F 0-6-0 no 43849 see image [[67049]].

Edinburgh Waverley: A4 60022 Mallard at the head of the Gainsborough Model Railway Society 'Forth Bridge Special' returning to Lincoln, at the east end of Waverley station on Saturday 26th May 1962.

Calton Tunnels: A Devon Belle observation car on the rear of the Gainsborough Model Railway Society Forth Bridge Special returning to Lincoln on Saturday 26th May 1962, photographed at the east end of Waverley station.

Clarkston East Junction: Black 5 4-6-0 no 45459 crossing the bridge over the L&A route as it approaches the site of Clarkston East Junction on 26 May 1962 with a freight destined for East Kilbride. [Ref query 12 January 2019]

Calton Tunnels: A4 Pacific 60022 Mallard is still working hard on the 1 in 78 approach to the Calton Tunnel on Saturday 26th May 1962 with the Gainsborough Model Railway Society 'Forth Bridge Special' from Lincoln. [With thanks to Bill Jamieson] See image [[36858]]

Calton Tunnels: The empty coaching stock for the 'Heart of Midlothian', hauled by a B1 and banked by a V3, restarts following a signal check at Calton Tunnel on Saturday 26th May 1962.

Langbank: Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42259 passing through the rock cutting west of Langbank on 26 May 1964 with the 5.43pm semi-fast service to Gourock.

Lockerbie: Given the limitations of my Kodak Colorsnap camera, with its fixed shutter speed of 1/40th of a second, I did not take many photos of speeding trains. However, I did capture a northbound special headed by Britannia 70038 'Robin Hood' has just opened up while travelling at speed through Lockerbie on 26 May 1964. The line to Dumfries via Lochmaben is on the right of the photo.

Beattock: Cloudless sky on 26 May 1964 as Fairburn 2-6-4T No 42214 digs in at the foot of Beattock Bank while banking a mixed freight headed by WD 2-8-0 No 90199. Note the old lower quadrant semaphore signal guarding the Moffat branch.

Bishopton: 42143 approaching Bishopton on 26 May 1964 with the 7.20 pm service to Wemyss Bay.

Langbank: Standard BR tank no 80106 with the 6.20pm Glasgow - Wemyss Bay express west of Langbank on 26 May 1964.

Beattock: 26 May 1964 and WD 2-8-0 No 90199 is beginning the ascent of Beattock Bank with what looks like a trainload of bananas. Fairburn 2-6-4T No 42214 is assisting in the rear. Note the lower semaphore signal for the Moffat branch.

Carlisle Kingmoor MPD: An immaculate A3 No 60051 'Blink Bonny' is basking in the sun at Carlisle Kingmoor shed on 26 May 1964, looking like it should be heading a rail tour somewhere.

Langbank: Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42263 runs through the rock cutting west of Langbank station with the 6.10pm Glasgow - Gourock on 26 May 1964.

Edinburgh Princes Street: Looking west towards Princes Street in May 1970 along the former Caley trackbed with Grove Street bridge nearest the camera and the tenements of Gardner's Crescent beyond. The lines to the left ran into Princes Street station and to the right Lothian Road goods. The route was later to become Edinburgh's West Approach Road.

Edinburgh Princes Street: The approach to Princes Street station and Lothian Road goods yard in 1970 with Grove Street road bridge in the foreground. The route to Princes Street station was to the left, while the slightly higher level route to the right served the original Lothian Road station, later the goods depot.

Granton: The 09.38 train of Esso bogie tankers from [[Bowling Oil Terminal]] has almost reached its destination on 26 May 1970 as EE Type 3 No. 6850 brings it cautiously across West Harbour Road.

Aberdeen: Looking north along Platform 6 North at Aberdeen in May 1973 with an Inverness service waiting for the last passengers. A single railcar has been added to the rear of the usual Class 120 Swindon set.

Aberdeen Waterloo: A joint SRA/SLS DMU Railtour at Aberdeen Waterloo on 26 May 1973.

Aberdeen Waterloo: View north showing DMU railtour being piped into Aberdeen Waterloo on 26 May 1973.

Aberdeen: The Buchan and Mearns Railtour was jointly organised by the Stephenson Locomotive Society and the Strathspey Railway Association on 26 May 1973. The 3 car Metro-Cam DMU is seen here approaching Platform 9 at Aberdeen. The tour had started at Glasgow Queen St and visited Brechin before coming through Aberdeen going on to visit the Waterloo branch and Fraserburgh.

Aberdeen Waterloo: Looking north under Castle Terrace road bridge, Aberdeen, on 26 May 1973, with the remains of Waterloo station behind the photographer. The DMU approaching the former terminus is the SLS/SRA 'Buchan and Mearns Railtour' originating from Glasgow Queen Street. See image [[30366]]

Aberdeen Waterloo: The joint SRA/SLS railtour of 26 May 1973 stands at the buffer stops�at Aberdeen's Waterloo terminus.

Aberdeen: Platform 4 at Aberdeen in May 1973 with a class 47 arriving on a service from the south.

Aberdeen: Carriage cleaning at Aberdeen station as the Royal Train is prepared at plaform 6 in May 1973.

Aberdeen: A class 24 with the empty stock of the Royal Train alongside the crossover at Aberdeen platform 6 in May 1973.

Aberdeen: Empty stock of the Royal Train stands at Aberdeen platform 6 in May 1973 as the driver of the class 24 keeps an eye on proceedings.

Aberdeen: Brush Type 4 no.1968 about to depart from platform 4 at Aberdeen with an east coast service on 26 May 1973.

Aberdeen: A class 101 DMU stands at platform 7 alongside Aberdeen Centre signal box on 26 May 1973.

Aberdeen: Class 47 1968 takes a train south out of Aberdeen on 26 May 1973.

Aberdeen: Class 26 with a train at Aberdeen platform 6 on 26 May 1973.

Aberdeen Waterloo: A Metro-Cammell DMU arrives at the remains of Aberdeens Waterloo station on 26 May 1973 with an SRA/SLS special.

Lathen: 043-475-3 with a heavy iron ore train at Lathen on 26 May 1977.

Great Chesterford: An afternoon Kings Lynn - London Liverpool Street train runs south through Great Chesterford station, Essex, in May 1977.

Dundee West Mineral Yard: A Glasgow - Dundee train runs past the yards at Dundee West on 26 May 1980 as it nears its destination. In the background the Tay Bridge disappears into the mist.

Dundee West Mineral Yard: View south over a misty Firth of Tay in May 1980 as a Type 2 hauled Glasgow Queen Street - Dundee service runs past Dundee Central box on the approach to the station. Seabraes Oil Depot is in the foreground.

Tickets and labels: One way ticket - required to be attached to a wagon on its way to be broken up. This example from Arnott Young, Dalmuir, in 1980.

Dundee West MPD: View over the yards and shed at Dundee West in May 1980. In the background a Type 2 is passing with a Glasgow Queen Street - Dundee train. On the right is the former steam shed, at this time in use as a DMU depot, finally closing in 1987.

Ravelrig Junction: 26014 with a PW train, Ravelrig Jct, Balerno. 26 May 1982

Bathgate Central Junction: 20226 stands in the yard at Bathgate on 26 May 1982, waiting to take out an empty car transporter train. Bathgate Central signal box is on the right see image [[25135]].

Carlisle: 31229 at Carlisle on a dull and overcast 26 May 1982. In the background 27024 stands in the sidings on the west side of the station.

Bathgate Central Junction: 20226 with an empty car train in the yard at Bathgate on 26 May 1982.

Gateshead MPD: The west end of Gateshead motive power depot on 26 May 1982 looking towards King Edward Bridge Junction. Locomotive 26029 runs past in the foreground.

Kingsknowe: View west from the footbridge at Kingsknowe station on 26 May 1982.

Bathgate Central Junction: Scene in the yard at Bathgate on 26 May 1982 with 20226 standing in front of the former 64F locomotive shed. The shed, which had been closed by BR in August 1966, was in use as a garage at this time.

Camps Junction: Catching up with the news at Camps Junction signal box. View north over the foot crossing on 26 May 1982. See image [[26681]]

Polkemmet Colliery: Barclay 0-6-0T No 8 dumped in a siding at Polkemmet Colliery on 26 May 1982. The locomotive was subsequently moved to the Ayrshire Railway Centre. See image [[32141]]

Polkemmet Moor: 20078 + 20063 with coal from Polkemmet Colliery bound for Ravenscraig Steelworks crossing Polkemmet Moor on 26 May 1982.  see image [[25094]]

Polkemmet Colliery: A pair of class 20s approaching Polkemmet Colliery off the moor on 26 May 1982. The locomotives are 20078+20063 (nearest). Given the poor state of the track at that time I'm surprised the driver didn't get seasick.

Polkemmet Moor: 20063 and 20078 cross a minor road on Polkemmet Moor heading for the colliery exchange sidings, on 26 May 1982. See image [[25094]]

Bathgate Yard: 20104+20007 with a coal train passing through Bathgate on 26 May 1982.

Polkemmet Moor: 20078 + 20063 on Polkemmet Moor heading towards Polkemmet Colliery to pick up a coal train on 26 May 1982. See image [[28250]]

Polkemmet Colliery: 08882 is duty shunter at Polkemmet Colliery on 26 May 1982, having replaced the old Barclay pugs.

Polkemmet Colliery: Barclay 0-6-0ST No 8 Dardanelles, a static exhibit alongside Polkemmet Colliery in May 1982. The locomotive is now housed in Polkemmet Country Park. See image [[44816]]

Edinburgh Waverley: The final push-pull configuration on the Edinburgh - Glasgow shuttles utilised modified class 47 locomotives. This is no 47707 'Holyrood' photographed looking west from Waverley Bridge in 1984 awaiting departure time with an afternoon service to Glasgow Queen Street.

Edinburgh Waverley: The DBSO of an Edinburgh Waverley - Glasgow Queen Street push-pull service standing at the west end of Waverley in 1984. On this occasion the class 47 locomotive is, unusually, on the other end of the train see image [[41458]].

Mallaig: 37191, newly named International Youth Year 1985, waits at Mallaig after arrival from Glasgow Queen Street/Fort William. Complete with Eastfield Scottie. 18.55 hrs., 26.05.85.

Corkerhill Depot: View looking east at Corkerhill Depot in 1987. At this time the limit of electrification was the former westbound platform line, a reversing spur for the depot. The line was to re-open to passengers three years later.

Saughton Junction: One of the Bathgate car trains heading west past Saughton Junction in May 1988.

Saughton: View east from the footbridge at Saughton in 1988 with a car train destined for Bathgate heading towards the camera, having come off the sub at Haymarket West Junction.

Wanton Walls Junction [1st]: Wanton Walls Junction was just off to the right here; the remains of the Lothians Lines bridge can be seen in the background. When this picture was taken in 1995 the bridge of the Monktonhall Junction to Niddrie South Junction was still in place, though the line closed 11 years previously. The right abutment remains in 2021, the left one now flattened.

Craignure: The 260mm gauge 2-6-2T locomotive 'Victoria' being turned at Craignure on the Isle of Mull Railway in May 1998.

North Ledaig: View north along the trackbed of the Ballachulish branch near the caravan site at North Ledaig in May 2001. See image [[30141]]

Wellwood Opencast Disposal Centre Sidings: View west close to the point of divergence of the Wellwood Opencast Disposal Centre sidings. The ballast is on the mainline of the Muirkirk Branch and the exchange sidings for the depot are over the fence to the left with the workshop/shed in the distant left.

Wellwood Opencast Disposal Centre Sidings: Two miles east of Cronberry, Gass Water Junction and Cairnhill Colliery is this much lesser known location. This is the view looking east from a shed or workshop at the west end of the site. To the left is the Muirkirk branch and ahead were exchange sidings and beyond that the loading point. A signalbox was provided and the stumps of signal posts remain.
The site was probably associated with the failed NCB developments at Mortonmuir (never opened due to water problems; sunk 1947 closed 1953) and Powharnal (sunk 1954 closed 1959).
The site can be seen on 1950s OS maps and was probably already closed when the line closed between Cronberry and Muirkirk in 1969.
The location can be found the British Transport Commission's 'Official Hand-Book of Stations (1956)' as Scottish Division, No 8. (East Ayr) Area, Wellwood Opencast Disposal Centre.
The location would have been useful, had it remained, as the Powharnal opencast was to open just to the south over the A70, later extended to the site of the Wellwood and Nether Wellwood mines.
(See query 1361 and many thanks to all who responded.)

Wellwood Opencast Disposal Centre Sidings: Control cabin at the entry point to the Wellwood Opencast Disposal Centre with the shed/workshop just behind. The route to Muirkirk is to the left. See image [[53759]]

Wellwood No 1 Pit Siding: View west at Wellwood No 1 Pit Signalbox (1878-1927) which controlled access to Wellwood No 1 Pit from the Muirkirk branch. The box was to the left and the siding was also on the left, running behind the camera on a curve to the pit.

Lindisfarne Street Tram Depot: The white semi-circle over the entrance once displayed a rising sun accompanied by the words 'City of Carlisle Electric Tramways Company'. The former Lindisfarne Street tram depot, looking north east across London Road in May 2003.

Wellwood Pit No 2: View east at the west end of a line from Muirkirk Ironworks to the coal and iron pit at Nether Wellwood (seen here). This private line ran from Muirkirk station to Kames Colliery and on to this pit.
A short lived ironworks existed at Nether Wellwood in the 1730s.

Lindisfarne Street Tram Depot: Given the EWS sign on the right and the corner of the old London Road station visible through the gap, you would be forgiven for assuming this to be an ex-railway building. Not so - Carlisle's former tram depot looking east across London Road in 2003. Officially known as the Lindisfarne Street Depot (the street on the left) it was entered by 2 x 3'6'' gauge lines opening onto 4 roads with inspection pits at the far end. Carlisle's trams ran between 1900 and 1931.

Annan: ScotRail 156503 on a Dumfries - Carlisle service calls at Annan Station in May 2003.

Lindisfarne Street Tram Depot: Renewal work on the former tram depot built by the City of Carlisle Electric Tramways Company in 1899/1900. The rear section shown here originally housed inspection pits and servicing facilities. Carlisle's trams stopped running in 1931, since when the building has been put to various other uses. Here (2003) it had recently been occupied by a tool hire company (front) and garage (rear). It is currently used by a national car rental organisation see image [[61406]]. Despite fronting London Road (from which the picture was taken) it was known as Lindisfarne Street Tram Depot. Part of Lindisfarne Street itself is visible in the background, with the former London Road station off picture to the right.

Alnmouth: The old coal yard at Alnmouth, looking south in May 2004 with a Virgin Voyager passing on the ECML.

Castle Point Lime Kilns: The old lime kilns at Castle Point on the island of Lindisfarne, photographed looking north west from the shoreline in May 2004. Stone from the quarries on the north side of the island was brought in using the Holy Island Tramway, which reached the discharge point after crossing the bridge centre right (note the wooden safety railings). Lindisfarne Castle stands in the background. For a view of the old trackbed looking east from the castle see [[66685]].

Alnmouth: An up ECML express runs south through Alnmouth station during refurbishment works in May 2004.

Alnmouth: An up Voyager arrives at Alnmouth in May 2004. The Aln Valley Railway Society is hoping to reinstate the former branch which ran from here to Alnwick and closed in 1968.

Alnmouth: Not stopping! A GNER ECML express takes route 1 south through Alnmouth in May 2004.

Alnmouth: A Virgin Voyager on a Cross Country service about to call at Alnmouth in May 2004.

Castle Point Lime Kilns: View east from Lindisfarne Castle on 26 May 2004 showing part of the remains of the Holy Island Tramway. This section linked quarries to the north of the island with limekilns off picture to the right. [Ref query 28 November 2018]

Burntisland Viaduct: A Fife Circle train rounds the curve on the southern approach to Burntisland station on a sunny May morning in 2005.

Burntisland: A partially re-liveried ScotRail DMU calls at Burntisland station in May 2005 with a service for Edinburgh.

Burntisland: Plaque at Burntisland Station 2005.

Burntisland: A northbound Fife circle train calls at Burntisland in May 2005. The original Edinburgh and Northern station is off picture to the right.

Burntisland [1st]: The original Edinburgh & Northern Railway station at Burntisland in May 2005. The main line from the Forth Bridge now passes behind the building. Note the outline of the trainshed roof on the far wall.

Burntisland: A southbound train standing under the two remaining operational cranes at Burntisland docks in May 2005.

Pomathorn Halt: Pomathorn Station looking east towards Rosslynlee.

Pomathorn Halt: Pomathorn Station looking east towards Rosslynlee.

Pomathorn Halt: Pomathorn Station goods dock looking west towards Leadburn.

Pomathorn Halt: Pomathorn Station bay looking west towards Leadburn.

Leadburn: Leadburn Station looking north towards Pomathorn.

Leadburn: Leadburn Station looking north towards Pomathorn

Lamancha: Lamancha Station forecourt looking west towards Macbie Hill.

Lamancha: Lamancha Station looking west towards Macbie Hill.

Macbie Hill: Macbie Hill Station looking west towards Broomlee. Remains of buildings visible in foreground, loading dock in background.

Macbie Hill: Macbie Hill Station viewed from overbridge looking west towards Broomlee. Loading dock to left.

Macbie Hill: Macbie Hill Station looking west towards Broomlee. Loading dock to left.

Coulter: Coulter Station showing platform looking east towards Biggar.

Coulter: Coulter Station showing platform looking east towards Biggar.

Wolfclyde Viaduct: Coulter Viaduct looking west towards Symington

Leadhills: The new Leadhills station looking east towards Elvanfoot

Wanlockhead: The site of Wanlockhead Station facing west towards the end of the line

Broomlee: Broomlee Goods Shed facing east towards Macbie Hill as seen from the site of the level crossing.

Broomlee: Broomlee Station facing west towards Dolphinton. The level crossing was just beyond the West Linton sign.

Elvan Water Viaduct: Bridge over Elvan Water on Wanlockhead branch, the Lowthers stand shrouded behind.

Elvan Water Viaduct: Bridge over Elvan Water on Wanlockhead branch, the Lowthers stand shrouded behind.

Dolphinton [CR]: What I believe to be Dolphinton (CR) facing west towards Dunsyre.

Dolphinton [CR]: What I believe to be Dolphinton (CR) facing east towards Broomlee.

Rosslynlee: Rosslynlee Station looking east towards Hawthornden.

Rosslynlee: Rosslynlee Station forecourt area.

Rosslyn Castle: Rosslyn Castle Station viewed from overbridge looking east towards Hawthornden.

Rosslyn Castle: Rosslyn Castle Station looking west towards Auchendinny.

Luncarty: 1S15, Highland Chieftain heads north at Luncarty, four miles past Perth bound for the Highland Capital, Inverness.

Balbeuchly Top: Very little of the first D&NR remains, this is the point that the trackbed turns to the south, downhill.

South Gyle: It should be emphasised, of course, that this notice only applies to existing passengers...

Exhibition Centre: 318265 departing Exhibition Centre with a service bound for Dalmuir on 26th May

Kelvinhaugh Junction: A Class 320 heading West after departure from Exhibition Centre passing by the Glenlee at Glasgow Harbour and Glasgow City Heliport

Coatbridge Central: How many railwaymen does it take to...etc? Scene near Coatbridge Central on 26 May.

Coatbridge Central: A Cumbernauld - Motherwell service formed by 156 511 at Coatbridge Central on 26 May 2008.

Withnell: Withnell station closed in 1960, although goods trains from Blackburn to Chorley and Wigan continued to pass through for a further six years. The station is actually on the outskirts of Abbey Village rather than Withnell and the bridge in the background carries the A675 Preston to Bolton road. The station is now a private residence as seen in this view towards Feniscowles and Cherry Tree Junction. (Map Ref SD 639228) The old trackbed can be walked from here in the direction of Chorley as far as Brinscall station site.

Melbourne, St Kilda Beach: Melbourne 'A class' tram on test running near St. Kilda Beach terminus. Melbourne has one of the world's largest tramway networks, operating 500 trams on over 245 km of track.

Melbourne Flinders Street: While Melbourne's Southern Cross station has received recent accolades its city neighbour Flinders Street never fails to impress. Seen here on 26 May 2009

Denali: The daily southbound passenger train from Fairbanks, Alaska, pulls into Denali station on 26 May bound for Talkeetna and Anchorage.

Tottington: The view towards Bury through the site of Tottington station, showing the old platform face on the right and the track bed, now a cycleway and footpath, leading away towards Woolfold. The old goods yard, which survived until 1963, was behind the platform and is now an open grassed area.

Bangour Junction: DBSO 9701, with a Class 31 locomotive propelling, passes the site of Bangour Junction on 26 May 2009 with a test train to Bathgate.

Dalgety Bay: A southbound NXEC service nears Dalgety Bay on 26 May.  Will any more stock be reliveried in this colour scheme, given the uncertainty over the franchise?

Tottington: A view over Tottington viaduct, along the Holcombe Brook branch (Kirklees trail), towards Greenmount and the terminus. The local landmark, Peel Tower, can be seen high on Holcombe Moor.

Tottington: Tottington station is the only one on the former Holcombe Brook branch to retain significant remnants. In this view towards the terminus the concrete platform face can still be seen as, in the foreground, can an overhead catenary mast base last used around 1918.

Arrochar and Tarbet: Looking south at Arrochar and Tarbet. See image [[30114]] for a view of the same location in 1976. Since that time the platform has been extended and radio signalling has removed the need for semaphores but the green engineers hut appears unchanged.

Girvan: Gateway to Girvan 2 - 26 May 2010.

Measham: While the station see image [[35976]] may become a restaurant, the goods shed is a narrow boat factory - despite being several miles from the nearest operational canal.

Measham: The railway through Measham was built beside a canal - a proposal was recently made to convert the trackbed back into a canal. However, along with the plan to turn the station into a restaurant, the recession put a stop to that. At least the station (track side shown in May 2010) has been restored, after years of dereliction. See image [[38433]]

Balloch: Quiet interlude between trains at Balloch. This view, taken from the former level crossing, looks south along the branch. The line, and overhead wires of course, once continued over the level crossing to the original Balloch station and then on to the Pier station.

Girvan: The driver of the 1102 to Stranraer has collected the token from the Girvan signalman on 26 May and is ready to set off south with unit 156 514.

Arrochar and Tarbet: The Arrochar and Tarbet approach road and forecourt in between trains on a sunny morning. The subway entrance to the elevated island platform can be seen as can the former railway cottage next to the goods yard entrance. That yard has sidings that are still in use by railway engineering teams.

Whithorn: Site of the former Whithorn station in May 2011. The picture is taken from the location of the old platform looking north away from the terminus. The line closed to passengers in 1950 but goods trains continued until 1964, latterly thrice weekly. The fire station and other buildings were constructed on the old railway land in the early 1990s. See image [[6541]] for the same location just prior to final closure.

Wigtown: Little now remains of Wigtown station, situated at the south east corner of Scotland's Book Town. This old overbridge still spans the Whithorn branch cutting, now full of trees, with the station at the end of a driveway that started at the gate on the right. Wigtown closed to passeners in 1950, although goods trains continued until 1964. Photographed in May 2011. See image [[27486]] for the view from the bridge in 1965.

Bladnoch Viaduct: The remains of Bladnoch viaduct, as seen from the distillery of the same name looking west. The bridge carried the Whithorn branch and lies just south of Wigtown. The steel bridge deck was removed not long after final closure of the branch in 1965. See image [[28514]] for a close up of the remains.

Ardrossan South Beach: One of the DBS Euro Cargo Rail fleet no 66033 runs through Ardrossan South Beach at speed with 4J06 Longannet - Hunterston empty HTAs on 26 May 2011.

Ardrossan South Beach: 380009 glides to a halt at Ardrossan South Beach on 26 May with the 13.11 Largs - Glasgow Central.

Bainfield Level Crossing: 334007 departs with an eastbound service from Cardross on 26 May 2012.

Knockando: Cross-platform view of the main building at the former Knockando station (currently undergoing refurbishment) on 26 May 2012.

Knockando: Approaching Knockando from the north on a fine May morning in 2012 along what is now part of The Speyside Way. The old station, opened in 1899 as Dalbeallie, was renamed Knockando in 1905, although it now displays the nameboard Tamdhu, in deference to the local distillery that took over the site following closure by BR in 1965. View is west along the trackbed of the former Speyside route to Grantown-on-Spey.

Carlisle: Ex-LMS 46233 Duchess of Sutherland arrives at Carlisle on PMR tours 'The Citadel Express' on 26 May 2012.

Carlisle: Virgin Voyager 221115 'William Baffin' arrives at Carlisle platform 3 on 26 May with train 1S47, the 12.00 Birmingham New Street to Glasgow Central.

Carlisle: Ex-GWR Castle class 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe carrying the 'Caledonian' headboard following its arrival at Carlisle with the 'Castle to Scotland' rail tour on 26 May 2012.

Birmingham Landor Street Freightliner terminal: I used to have a dilemma when approaching New Street from the East: do I look at Saltley depot, or Landor Street? The demolition of Saltley has made life simpler. Freightliner locomotives 66534 'OOCL Express' and 66537 rest up between duties on 26 May 2012.

Winchcombe: SR 'Schools' Class 4-4-0 no 925 Cheltenham departing Winchcombe on 26 May with a train for Toddington.

Toddington: Scene on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway on 26 May as 7903 Foremarke Hall, departing from Toddington for Cheltenham, is seen passing close to Hailes Abbey.

Plates, signs, notices etc: Share certificate issued by the Alva Railway Company dated 1 June 1864.

Cheltenham Racecourse: Ex-Southern Railway 'Schools' Class 4-4-0 no 925 Cheltenham seen here on 26 May 2013 departing from Cheltenham Racecourse with a train for Toddington.

Winchcombe: LNER B12 4-6-0 8572 departing Winchcombe for Toddington on 26 May.

Inverbervie: Trackbed of the Inverbervie branch in May 2013, looking towards the terminus some 400m to the north. The sign points towards the next two stations on the journey back to Montrose, Gourdon 1 mile, Johnshaven 4 miles. The Inverbervie branch closed to passengers in 1951 and to all traffic in May 1966. See image [[15652]]

Winchcombe: LMS 8F 2-8-0 no 8274 departing Winchcombe for Toddington with a freight train on 26 May 2013.

Rotherhithe: With the rail route closed for platform lengthening work TfL opened the Thames Tunnel for walking tours on 26 May. This is the view looking north from Rotherhithe.

Heron Quays: A DLR service about to leave Heron Quays station, squeezed between the various office buildings, on 26 May 2014.

Wapping: View south from Wapping station through the Thames Tunnel on 26 May 2014.

Shadwell: Looking West along the DLR platforms at Shadwell towards Bank on 26 May 2014. The LTS lines from Fenchurch Street are on the right.

Thames Tunnel: Built between 1825 and 1843 the Thames Tunnel linking Rotherhithe and Wapping was the first to pass below a navigable river. When upgrading the line, LU had planned to reinforce all arches with concrete but this was strongly resisted by heritage bodies. The compromise was to leave four arches at the Rotherhithe end in original condition and concrete the rest.

Inverkeithing South Junction: 37685 and 37516 drop down past Inverkeithing South Junctionon 26 May with The Royal Scotsman from Edinburgh to Keith. The Rosyth Dockyard branch diverges to the left.

North Queensferry: Freightliner 66622 climbs through North Queensferry on 26 May with Aberdeen - Oxwellmains cement empties.

Shadwell: A train on the London - Tilbury - Southend line passing Shadwell DLR station on 26 May.

Thames Tunnel: A gradient Marker alongside the northbound line at the Rotherhithe end of the Thames Tunnel.

West India Quay: View south from a train entering West India Quay on the Docklands Light Railway on 26 May. Directly ahead (and very close) is Canary Wharf station with a DLR train to Stratford in the centre road.

Kirknewton: Virgin Pendolino 390115 races through Kirknewton on 26 May 2015 on the 08:43 service from London Euston to Edinburgh Waverley.

Heysham Power Station: DRS EE Type 1s 20305 and 20309, just arrived at Heysham Power Station on 26th May 2015, with two empty flasks from Sellafield. The flask wagons will be exchanged for a return load and moved into the nuclear complex by the internal shunter.

Kirknewton: The Caledonian Railway station building at Kirknewton provides an interesting contrast in style with the contemporary bike shelter on the opposite platform as 158724 passes through with an Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central (via Shotts) express.

Heysham Port: DRS 20309 leads two flask wagons and classmate 20305 along the spur to the power station that leads off the main Heysham Port branch. The train is running alongside the road to the IOMSP ferry terminal on 26th May 2015.

Gorebridge: 'Glad we kept the name?' The Station Garage on Station Road, alongside the entrance to Gorebridge station. Seen here in May 2016, some 47 years after the station closed and 8 months after it reopened.

Heysham Power Station: Resident Sentinel 4wDM Shunter H055 (10037/1960) propels two newly delivered flask wagons away from the exchange sidings towards the Heysham Power Stations complex on 26th May 2016. See image [[27587]] for a picture of H055's predecessor. NOTE: The power stations are a licensed nuclear site where photography is restricted. This picture of a rarely seen locomotive taken with the kind permission of EDF-Energy and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

North Berwick: North Berwick tulip festival!

Heysham Power Station: Sentinel 4wDM Shunter H055 (10037/1960) is propelling two nuclear flask wagons towards a loading point at Heysham Power Station on 26th May 2016. The Land Rover ahead of the train is protecting an ungated level crossing. NOTE: The power stations are a licensed nuclear site where photography is restricted. This picture taken with the kind permission of EDF-Energy and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

Dinas: Welsh Highland Railway train from Porthmadog Harbour to Caernarfon arriving at Dinas on 22nd May 2016. Before the original 1930s closure of the WHR this was the northern terminus of the narrow gauge, where passengers changed to the standard gauge Afon Wen to Bangor line to reach Caernarfon. This line was closed south of Caernarfon in 1964 and north of Caernarfon in 1970, leaving the popular tourist town without a railway. It also left the trackbed between Dinas and Caernarfon free so that, when the WHR rose like a phoenix from its derelict state, it could access Caernarfon along the old standard gauge line to a new station for the town, south of the tunnel and in view of the castle. This was the first part of the revived narrow gauge line to open in 1997 along a section that was never originally part of the WHR at all.

Maxwelltown: Road approach to the former Maxwelltown station in 2017. The station, now a private residence, closed to passengers in 1939. The old station yard off to the right saw use as a rail served fuel distribution depot for several years. The last remaining section of the line serving the former ICI works at Cargenbridge, less than two miles west of here, finally closed in 1994. [Ref query 1025]

Furness Abbey: DRS 37425 Sir Robert McAlpine/Concrete Bob working the 2C47 Preston to Barrow-in-Furness service on 26th May 2017. Photographed from the grounds of Furness Abbey as it passed through the closed station of the same name.

Clifton Rocks Low: 26th May 2017. Unfortunately I was too late to use the Rocks Railway, so I had to walk up a very steep path on a roasting hot day to the Clifton suspension bridge.

Godnow Bridge: 60095 passing Godnow bridge by the Crowle Canal with the return empty Preston to Lindsey bitumen tanks in May 2017. A service that has run now in one form or another for many years.

Bristol Temple Meads [1st]: Bristol Temple Meads station, 26th May, a very impressive station. This is the entry into the original passenger terminus.

Abington: A DRS light engine movement from Motherwell to Kingmoor passes Abington Up Loop on 26 May. Locos are 68006, 66429 and 68007.

Broadway: 0-6-0PT 6430 returning from Broadway on the newly reopened G&WR line with a DMU set during the 2018 gala.

Murrays Crossing: A Helensburgh to Edinburgh service is seen having crossed the Geilston LC and heading towards Cardross on 26 May 2018. On the right is the remains of the crossing keepers house and garden. At one time this crossing was known as Murrays Crossing as the road lead to Murrays farm on the shore of the River Clyde.

Winchcombe: GWR 6023 King Edward II running tender first into Winchcombe during the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway 2018 steam gala on 26th May.

Hayles Abbey Halt: MN 4-6-2 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co passing Hailes Abbey Halt heading to Winchcombe with a G&WR gala train on 26th May 2018.

Broadway: GWR Manor 4-6-0 7820 'Dinmore Manor' heading a train to Broadway on 26th May 2018.

Modica: The long closed Modica four-road steam shed in May 2018. Built on a hillside, with the still operational railway line running behind it, the roof is crumbling but the access for any demolition will be difficult See image [[65237]].

Hayles Abbey Halt: MN 4-6-2 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co. on the rear of a northbound G&WR passenger service during the 2018 Gala.

Sandilands [Tram]: London Tramlink No.2557 to Wimbledon, arriving at Sandilands, to the east of Croydon, on a beautiful 26th May 2018. This is on the initial section of the tramway that opened in May 2000 from Croydon town centre to New Addington under the name Croydon Tramlink. The name was changed to London Tramlink several years later, which is a bit deceitful as it gives the impression it is a London-wide system when, in fact, it is a small town system in the depths of south London although, theoretically for postal reasons, still within the County of Surrey.

Broadway: 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' southbound out of Broadway, near Laverton, during the G&WR 201 steam gala.

Murrays Crossing: A westbound 6 car service approaches Murrays Crossing on the afternoon of 26 May 2018. The former crossing keeper's cottage was in the overgrown area on the right.

Modica: The Graffiti Express. Typically daubed single railcar 668-1004 leaves Modica with a Syracuse to Gela service on 26th May 2018. Steam age infrastructure is in evidence, including the four road steam shed and watering facilities. A short gem of a YouTube clip - Modica link - shows this location in 1967 when these railcars were new and operating alongside Crosti steam locomotives. It also shows the Guerrieri Viaduct, high above the station, under construction.

Winchcombe: GWR 2-8-0 2807 and 0-6-0PT 6430 hauling a three car DMU set out of Winchcombe during the Gloucestershire and Warwiskshire 2018 steam gala. By the look of it this train was standing room only.

Modica: The sidings outside the old Modica steam shed are still used for stabling stock but the doorways have been partially bricked up. The roof also appears unsafe but it will be a difficult site to undertake demolition. Seen from the station approach road on 26th May 2018. The line in the foreground, going in to the tunnel, carries the passenger services to Gela.

Winchcombe: USA S160 Class 2-8-0 No. 5197 at the rear of a train heading for Toddington at Winchcombe during the 2018 GWR Gala..

Hayles Abbey Halt: GWR 0-6-0PT 6430 hauls a DMU through Hailes Abbey Halt on its way to Toddington on 7th June 2018.

Athenry: Athenry station, looking east towards Athlone and Dublin, on 26th May 2019.

Lumphinnans Central Junction: Running an hour late, LNER Azuma 800105 nears the former Lumphinnans Central Junction with a trial run from Doncaster to Aberdeen on 26 May 2019.

Galway Ceannt: Galway Ceannt Station on 26th May 2019. The Sundays only 11.55 to Limerick Junction awaits departure from Platform 2.

Garstang and Catterall: A TPE Class 185 speeds north near Garstang & Catterall with a Sunday working from Manchester Airport to Oxenholme on 26th May 2019. The train is approaching signal PN 193 between the two bridges that carry public footpaths over both the WCML and also the Garstang & Knott End trackbed. Although I never saw them with track running through the single arches, or before they were rebuilt for electrification, these two structures have always fascinated me and I look out for them when on any train between Lancaster and Preston. Map Ref SD 507449

Limerick Junction: The Sundays only 14.25 Cork to Dublin Heuston speeds non-stop through Limerick Junction on 26th May 2019

Harome Siding: Harome Sidings was sited down a long dead end lane beyond the south of Harome village. The former railway properties, albeit extended over recent years are still extant and occupied, and the route of the trackbed is grassed over but free of obstruction. The view is of the rear of the former crossing keepers house sited alongside the track by level crossing on Hall Lane. An old concrete gate post is still extant and in use for the left hand gate to access the former loading area.

Harome Siding: Harome Sidings was sited down a long dead end lane beyond the south of Harome village. The former railway properties, albeit extended over recent years are still extant and occupied, and the route of the trackbed is grassed over but free of obstruction. The view is looking in a north easterly direction towards what may have been the former crossing keeper's house, with the main line and short loading siding running across the view this side of the house.

Harome Siding: Harome Sidings was sited down a long dead end lane beyond the south of Harome village. The former railway properties, albeit extended over recent years are still extant and occupied, and the route of the trackbed is grassed over but free of obstruction. The view from the former road crossing is looking in a north westerly direction towards Helmsley along the area containing the relatively short loading siding. The siding ran along the right hand side of the main line with the south facing access points running off the main line shortly after the crossing. A short cripple siding ran back towards the crossing as an extension of the siding line.

Harome Siding: Harome Sidings was sited down a long dead end lane beyond the south of Harome village. The former railway properties, albeit extended over recent years are still extant and occupied, and the route of the trackbed is grassed over but free of obstruction. A view looking north showing what was possibly the crossing keeper's house, with the two railway workers' cottages seen beyond. The track ran across the lane, where the gate is, to left of view heading towards Helmsley with the siding running to the right of the main line.

Amotherby: Amotherby Station sat at the east side of Amotherby Lane crossing to the south side of the single line running from the ECML, through Coxwold and Gilling East, to Malton. Nothing remains of the station and crossing, with the trackbed, station and goods yard site now having been incorporated into the expanded operation of the now BATA (Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association) agricultural feed mill that was previously rail fed. View is looking west from near the end of the station platform, showing the bungalow that has been built on the trackbed beyond the level crossing, in May 2019.

Limerick Junction: Limerick Junction in May 2019, when this new platform for trains from Dublin was still under construction. It will reduce conflicting movements as down trains no longer need to cross to the up platform - and it should enhance reliability on the main Cork - Dublin main line. The platform finally opened on 25th August and took a little over a year to construct after planning permission was granted in June 2018. A little joke in Ireland is that, during the period it took to construct one platform at Limerick Junction, China successfully constructed several thousand kilometres of high speed lines. Limerick Junction originally opened in July 1848.

Harome Siding: Harome Sidings was sited down a long dead end lane beyond the south of Harome village. The former railway properties, albeit extended over recent years are still extant and occupied, and the route of the trackbed is grassed over but free of obstruction. The view looking north is showing the two former railway workers cottages that are sited alongside Hall Lane just beyond the former loading area for the Harome Siding.

Limerick Junction: The late running Sundays only 13.00 from Dublin Heuston to Cork is just departing Limerick Junction, with the 11.55 from Galway having just arrived in the bay platform to the left. At this time down trains from Dublin still had to cross to the up line platform if they stopped at Limerick Junction, rather like the former arrangements at Cambridge. And as at Cambridge, complexities and conflicting movements have been eased by the construction of a further platform for down trains from Dublin, which opened in August 2019. 26th May 2019

Limerick Junction: Surviving substantial water tower at Limerick Junction, seen on 25th May 2019.

Amotherby: Amotherby Station sat at the east side of Amotherby Lane crossing to the south side of the single line running from the ECML, through Coxwold and Gilling East, to Malton. Nothing remains of the station and crossing, with the trackbed, station and goods yard site now having been incorporated into the expanded operation of the now BATA (Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association) agricultural feed mill that was previously rail fed. View is looking east from near the roadside end of the station platform, with the track having run alongside the hedge seen to the left, in May 2019.

Limerick Junction: The late running Sundays only 13.00 Dublin Heuston to Cork departs Limerick Junction with its driving trailer bringing up the rear. The train rejoins the down main line after its stop on 26th May 2019.

Galway Ceannt: The interior of Galway Ceannt Station, with the Sundays only 11.00 to Dublin Heuston sitting at Platform 1, on 26th May 2019.

Galway Ceannt: Galway Ceannt Station interior on 26th May 2019. The station was opened in 1851 by the Midland Great Western Railway.

Athenry: Athenry station. The Sundays only 11.55 from Galway Ceannt to Limerick Junction has just arrived and is waiting to reverse onto the line to Ennis and Limerick. 26th May 2019

Limerick Junction: The Sundays only 14.00 Dublin Heuston to Cork arrives at Limerick Junction on 26th May 2019.

Helmsley: The old former Helmsley station south signal box still lives on, albeit now looking rather neglected, hemmed in by construction material, and with shrubbery covering the east side. It is seen in a view looking south west in May 2019

Helmsley: The old former Helmsley station south signal box still lives on, albeit now looking rather neglected, and with shrubbery almost covering the east side. It is seen in a view looking west in May 2019, with the former station house seen to the right and the old goods shed roof seen beyond through the gap to left of the signal box.

Donibristle Platform: 67027 and 67023 negotiate the curves of Donibristle bank with an Edinburgh - Aberdeen - Slateford Yard test train on 26th May 2020. Photographed incidental to my daily exercise permitted under emergency coronavirus legislation.

Donibristle Platform: 67027 and 67023 climb Donibristle bank with an Edinburgh - Aberdeen - Slateford Yard test train on 26th May 2020. Photographed incidental to my daily exercise permitted under emergency coronavirus legislation.

Balshaw Lane Junction: Ex Southern West Country pacific 34046 Braunton cautiously approaches signal PN13 as it crosses Balshaw Lane Jct with the LSL The Fellsman railtour from Crewe to Carlisle on 26 May 2021.

Haymarket: An Avanti West Coast service for London Euston makes its first stop on 26 May 2021.

Horrocksford Junction: 34046 Braunton passes Horrocksford Jct with the Crewe to Carlisle 'The Fellsman' railtour on 26 May 2021. Horrocksford Jct is where the short branch to the Castle Cement works diverges.

Langho: Following a rearrangement of some Class 150 units, Northern have formed a number of Class 150/0 3-car sets by inserting a carriage from a 150/2 set between the carriages of a Class 150/1. At Langho on 26 May 2021 the newly created 150004 is seen on a Rochdale to Clitheroe service.

Stirling: The Freightliner Class 66 test locomotive, complete with front mounted contraption, passes through Stirling on 26th May 2021.

Whalley: Northern 150002 departs from Whalley on 26 May 2021 heading to the final stop at Clitheroe. Having acquired this and sister 150001 3 car units from Great Western, Northern have formed some further 3 car sets by inserting a carriage from a 150/2 set into a 150/1 set.

Uphall: An Edinburgh service approaches Uphall on 26 May 2021. Uphall station opened as Houston, named after a 'big hoose' some way off; a tiny Uphall village was even further away. Things changed pretty soon when the shale oil industry got going and this corner of West Lothian became a little less sleepy.

Haymarket: An HST from Haymarket Depot to Waverley makes its way through Haymarket station on 26 May 2021. Karen's characteristically bored-sounding 'Fast train approaching' warning must have been triggered as soon as it was signalled to leave the depot as it took several minutes before the train appeared - in no obvious hurry.