Frodingham: Scene in the yard at Frodingham shed, Scunthorpe, on 27 May 1961. In the centre is K1 2-6-0 62035.

Brightside Sidings: Jubilee 4-6-0 no 45575 'Madras' off Kentish Town shed stands in the yard at Sheffield Brightside on 27 May 1961.

Immingham: Robinson class J11 0-6-0 no 64284 in the shed yard at Immingham in the late spring of 1961.

Frodingham: Raven B16 4-6-0 no 61422 stands in the shed yard at Frodingham in May 1961.

Mexborough Shed: Freight locomotives in the yard at Mexborough in May 1961 include J11 0-6-0 64442. Built for the Great Central Railway at Gorton Works in 1908, the locomotive returned there for disposal after withdrawal from here in September 1962. See image [[50073]]

Brightside Sidings: Ex-LMS Crabs stabled in the sidings at Sheffield Brightside in May 1961. In the centre of the photograph is no 42797, allocated to Sheffield Grimesthorpe shed at that time.

Doncaster: Gresley O2 2-8-0 63941 stands amongst the freight locomotive contingent on Doncaster shed in May 1961.

Brightside Sidings: 47548 is one of a number of steam locomotives 'stored' in the sidings at Sheffield Brightside in May 1961. The 0-6-0 is recorded as being officially withdrawn from Canklow shed in July the following year.

Darnall Shed: Robinson O4 2-8-0 no 63621 stands in the yard at Darnall shed, Sheffield, in May 1961.

Doncaster Shed: Scene in the shed yard at Doncaster in May 1961 with Gresley J50 0-6-0T 68963 nearest the camera.

Brightside Sidings: Ex-Midland Johnson 3F 0-6-0 43637 in the sidings at Sheffield Brightside in May 1961.

Canklow: Johnson Midland 0-6-0T no 41875 photographed on Canklow shed in May 1961. The locomotive moved to Barrow Hill 3 months later and ended her operational days there in July 1963.

Sheffield Millhouses Shed: Royal Scot 4-6-0 no 46106 'Gordon Highlander', fitted with straight BR smoke deflectors, stands in front of Millhouses shed, Sheffield, in May 1961.

Darlington Locomotive Works: Partially dismantled class J21 0-6-0 no 65099 stands in the yard at Darlington Works on 27 May 1962. This locomotive had initially been identified as a possible candidate for preservation, but was eventually cut up here in early 1966.

Neilston High: 54465 with last day of steam railtour to Beith

Uplawmoor [1st]: 54465 with last day of steam railtour to Beith.

Darlington Shed: Wordsell design North Eastern Railway Class J25 3F 0-6-0 tender engine 65663 is seen on 51A Darlington Shed on 27 May 1962, during an organised tour of railway installations in the north east. The loco had been withdrawn on 5 April 1962, some seven weeks earlier, after over 63 years operational service. The J25 is one class of loco that is not represented in preservation

Darlington Locomotive Works: Part of Darlington Works scrapyard showing the stores in May 1962. These stores, based on the grounded body shells of two former Sentinel locomotives, would have held cutting gear and various tools and equipment necessary to carry out the day to day work of the yard. The two Sentinels already subjected to the cutters torch in this unusually creative way are nos 68149, formerly of 51F, West Auckland and 68180, late of 50C, Selby. The building in the background is Darlington North Road station (see image [[18572]]).

Cathcart: Ex-Caledonian 4-4-0 no 54465 stands at Cathcart on 27 May 1962 with a special bound for Beith Town.

Uplawmoor [1st]: Last train to Uplawmoor with Caley Bogie 54465. It will continue to Beith Town.

Darlington Shed: Worsdell NER class J72 0-6-0T 68743 and sister loco 68747 stabled on 51A Darlington Shed on 27 May 1962. The Gresley V3 2-6-2T seen beyond the J72s is believed to be 67601, going by notes from the visit.

Darlington Shed: Immaculate Q6 0-8-0 no 63368, fresh from a works visit, stands on Darlington Shed on 27 May 1962. The locomotive was due to return to Consett, where it would not remain in this condition for much longer.

Whitecraigs: CR Pickersgill 3P 4-4-0 no 54465 at Whitecraigs on 27 May 1962 with a special to Beith.

Darlington Locomotive Works: A trio of B16s, nos 61443, 61413 & 61415, awaiting the cutters torch in Darlington Scrapyard on 27 May 1962. View is east, with the houses of Station Road in the background and North Road station itself off picture to the left. [All 3 locomotives had been officially withdrawn by BR in September 1961 from York, Mirfield and Hull Dairycoates respectively.] 61415 is already partially stripped as it is devoid of both chimney & dome cover and has had the boiler handrail removed. It was possibly cannibalised at Hull MPD.

Sunderland, South Dock: By 1967 the allocation at Sunderland was down to just over 20 locomotives and most of them could be stabled under cover. Not so lucky was Q6 no 63395 which is standing outside the straight shed in steam on 27 May. Beyond the Q6 is the smokebox of dumped K1 no 62012 while WD no 90200 is in steam at the far end of the yard.

Stranraer Harbour: Grand Scottish Tour no 2 stands at Stranraer Harbour on 27 May 1967. The train had arrived from Ayr behind Type 2s D7612+D7614 which will now run round in preparation for the return journey. The Caledonian Princess is berthed alongside.

Stranraer Harbour: D7612+D7614 at Stranraer Harbour on 27 May 1967 after bringing in Grand Scottish Tour no 2 from Ayr. The locomotives are in the process of running round their train in preparation for the return journey. The Caledonian Princess is berthed alongside.

Sunderland, South Dock: Keeping company outside the straight shed at Sunderland on 27 May 1967 are J27 No. 65880, in steam, and Gateshead based BR 204HP 0-6-0DM (later class 03) No. D2147. The roundhouse on the right was still in use, mainly for stabling J27s - my notes suggest that there were nine of them in residence there on this occasion with a further two in the straight shed.

Sunderland, South Dock: WD 2-8-0 No. 90417 is perhaps contemplating its eventual demise as it stands in the pouring rain in the yard at Sunderland South Dock in May 1967. Before the end of the year it would be cut up into small chunks and loaded into 16T mineral wagons, a fate awaiting it at the Hughes Bolckow yard in North Blyth. However at this time 90417 still had some 4 months of active service left, surviving until the end of steam at Sunderland in September of that year.

Kinclair Viaduct: Sulzer Type 2 diesels D7612 and D7614 double-head Scottish Region's Grand Tour No.2 across Kinclair viaduct, on the way back to Ayr after visiting Stranraer. The first section of the tour (Edinburgh - Perth - Lenzie - Bellgrove - Ayr) was covered by English Electric Type 4 D276. The Type 2s took over for Ayr - Stranraer return, then haulage by D276 resumed for Ayr - Mauchline - Carlisle - Newcastle - Edinburgh.

Tweedmouth: D2104 shunting the sidings at Tweedmouth on the morning of 27 May 1967.

Stranraer Harbour: Grand Scottish Tour no 2 stands at Stranraer Harbour on 27 May 1967 following the trip down from Ayr. Locomotives D7612+D7614 are in the process of running round the train in preparation for the return journey. Meantime, one or two well known faces on the railway scene in those days pass the time of day. In fact, isn't that ....

Sunderland, South Dock: There's no room inside the shed for WD 2-8-0 No. 90417 which is receiving a soaking in the yard at Sunderland on the last Saturday of May 1967. Snug inside were four classmates, Nos. 90135, 90321, 90348 and 90698.

Stranraer Harbour: 'They'd no haddock left so I got you cod...' Scene at Stranraer Harbour on 27 May 1967. D7612+D7614 had brought train 1X56 BR Grand Scottish Tour no 2 from Ayr. See image [[23416]]

Ayr: D7612+D7614 about to couple up to BR Grand Scottish Tour No 2 at the south end of Ayr station on 27 May 1967. The pair will handle the return leg to Stranraer Harbour See image [[23416]].

Ayr: BR Grand Scottish Tour No 2 of 27 May 1967 has arrived at Ayr from Edinburgh. EE Type 4 no D276 which brought in the train comes off at the south end of the station to hand over to a pair of Type 2s for the Stranraer leg.

Sunderland, South Dock: WD No. 90417 standing outside Sunderland shed in the rain on 27th May 1967 see image [[34282]].

Tickets and labels: Ticket for BR Grand Scottish Tour no 2 of 27 May 1967.

Perth: D276 at Perth with the 9-coach BR Scottish Grand Tour No 2 on 27 May 1967.

Sunderland, South Dock: Sunderland shed yard on the very wet afternoon of Saturday 27th May 1967 with, from left to right, WD 2-8-0s Nos. 90200 and 90417, J27 No. 65880 and BR 204HP 0-6-0DM No. D2147. Lurking inside the shed can be seen another J27, No. 65804.

Sunderland, South Dock: No let up in the rain at Sunderland South Dock on 27 May 1967, as now preserved Q6 0-8-0 No. 63395 see image [[25974]] stands in steam outside the straight shed alongside WD 2-8-0 No. 90417.

Edinburgh Waverley: Deltic no D9001 St Paddy arriving at the then platforms 10 and 11 of Waverley station in May 1968 with the down Flying Scotsman.

Edinburgh Waverley: Deltic no D9017 The Durham Light Infantry waits to leave platform 1 at Edinburgh Waverley with the 16.00 service to Kings Cross on 27 May 1968.

Inverkeithing Shipbreaking Yard: The remains of standard class 4MT 4-6-0 no 75062 in the course of being broken up in the yard of T W Ward, Inverkeithing, on 27 May 1968, having been withdrawn from Carnforth shed at the end of February that year.

Inverkeithing Shipbreaking Yard: BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 no 75062 in course of being cut up in the yard of T W Ward, Inverkeithing, in May 1968.

Summerseat: Scene of the demo. When the Accrington line closed and the Bacup line was cut back to Rawtenstall on 5th December 1966 the service at Summerseat was drastically cut mid-timetable, losing around 75% of its weekday trains. The incensed locals held a demonstration and blockade at the station and several arrests were made. Services were still pruned though but the line lingered on for a further few years. However, as can be seen, buildings were demolished and the replacement shelter was less than basic and clearly not intended to last. Note however the 2, 4 and 6 Car Stop signs still in place on the disused down platform in this view towards Ramsbottom. See image [[21959]] for a modern day 'Then and Now' comparison.

Carronbridge: On Saturday 27th May 1972, I spent most of the day in the Enterkinfoot/Carronbridge area on the G&SW main line, which was busy with diverted WCML trains, the Annandale route being closed, at least during the day, while electrification works were carried out. In the early afternoon, an EE Type 4 approaches the overbridge just north of Drumlanrig Tunnel carrying the minor road between the A76 at Enterkinfoot and the A702. The train is probably 4M31 (the correct discs are being displayed for a class 4 train), the 11:10 SO from Johnstone to either Manchester or Garforth. Unfortunately, my notes for the day have not surfaced so I cannot be certain of the loco's identity, but it might be No. 297 which belonged to the LMR's Preston Division (in effect Carlisle Diesel Depot) at that time. The loco looks as if it has been through works very recently and has had the gangway doors plated over, so I'm hopeful that a class 40 aficionado out there will be able to make a positive identification.

Ewood Bridge and Edenfield: The closure notices are posted and it is the last week of services on the Rawtenstall branch. A Newton Heath Cravens twin power-car DMU approaches Ewood Bridge and Edenfield from Rawtenstall on a Bury Bolton Street service. The distant signal (fixed) is for Townsend Fold level crossing just south of Rawtenstall. The line had been singled two years previously and the slew from Up to Down line can be seen behind the train. See image [[21792]] for a modern day 'Then and Now' comparison.

Ewood Bridge and Edenfield: A curious place to put the loo. When I first started using this line in late 1968 the stations had already been destaffed but all the buildings were still in place. In 1970 when the branch was singled all station buildings were demolished except Ewood Bridge, albeit it was by then derelict. The unusual structure above the public toilet block is the toilet for the station house. Another feature I remember from the declining final years was the water running off the hillside, over the platform and onto the trackbed as seen here. The building was demolished after full closure and the platforms removed and have not been replaced since preservation of the line. Mark Bartlett

Ramsbottom: A Cravens DMU has just arrived in Ramsbottom from Rawtenstall, one week before closure. The Diesel Link drivers at Bury all remembered the days when the East Lancashire lines had an intensive freight and passenger service, including through trains to London. It must have been demoralising for them to shuttle back and forth to Rawtenstall through semi-derelict stations thinking of what had gone before. Ramsbottom had two footbridges, one either side of the crossing, but when it lost its buildings the bridge linking the platforms was demolished too. That bridge has now been restored by the ELR but the one from which this picture was taken, looking south, has gone. See image [[21764]] for a modern comparison.

Stubbins: View south towards Ramsbottom at Stubbins one week before closure. The station buildings were located at the far end of the disused platform, near the village centre (SD 792181). The platform outside the station building was at the original very low level and fenced off from the tracks. After the line was singled this shelter, accessed by subway, was a poor replacement. The Accrington line, closed in 1966, runs behind the platform fencing. See image [[21774]] for a modern day 'Then and Now' comparison.

Ramsbottom: Right up to the time when the Accrington and Bacup lines closed in December 1966 Ramsbottom was a substantial station that enjoyed a service of 46 trains to Bury on weekdays, rising to 60 on Saturdays when there was a 15 minute interval service from Bacup. From that date there were a mere 12 trains each way per day, the buildings were demolished and the line singled in 1970. The signal cabin remained open but only to control the level crossing and an awful plywood shelter was put on the platform. One week after this picture was taken the passenger service ceased but the box survived to be operated by the crews of the coal trains to Rawtenstall. The restoration work since reopening by the East Lancashire Railway has created an outstanding preserved line station and the signal box is controlling trains once more.

Stubbins: A Cravens DMU calls at Stubbins on its way from Bury Bolton Street to Rawtenstall in 1972. These Newton Heath allocated twin power-car Class 105 sets were the mainstay of branch services for many years, sometimes substituted by Derby 108 units. The rails of the closed Accrington line can just be seen beyond the platform. This line climbed steeply alongside the Rawtenstall and Bacup line for some distance before swinging to the North West and away from the Irwell Valley towards Helmshore. View towards Ewood Bridge and Edenfield.

Ewood Bridge and Edenfield: A Cravens DMU pulls into Ewood Bridge, one week before closure, on a Bury Bolton Street service with Alf Davenport in the driving seat. When the line between Bury and Rawtenstall was singled three signal boxes remained to control level crossings but the distant signals for these became fixed and Alf was not impressed. If a man needs a fixed distant he shouldn't be on the railway he would say. Fair point Alf - proud of his craft to the end, even on this very run down shadow of a former main line.

Summerseat: The tilted cap and beaming smile means that Alf Davenport is at the controls of the Cravens twin-powercar DMU pulling into Summerseat after a 70mph run up from Bury Bolton St. Alf was one of five drivers in the Bury diesel link at the end of the Rawtenstall passenger services along with Paddy Delaney, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Unsworth and Harry Lofthouse and relief driver Gorton Joe Walker. There had been six but Arthur (Mad Mac) McCormack transferred to the Bury Leccie Link before the line closed and the other five drivers followed on 5th June 1972. These diesel drivers made the local teenage enthusiasts very welcome on the trains and I shall always be grateful to them for encouraging our hobby.

Gorgie Junction: After leaving the Glasgow - Edinburgh main line at Haymarket West Junction, a class 37 brings a southbound freight past the signal box at Gorgie Junction in May 1975.

Gorgie Junction: An EE Type 3 brings a ballast train through Gorgie Junction and onto the sub in the spring of 1975. Running off to the right is the spur to Haymarket Central Junction.

Cressing: An evening visit to Cressing on 27th May 1976 finds evidence of building work at the previously run down station. Unusually for such a branch line in the 1970s, electrification was under way and the platform was being upgraded and extended as one of the first stages. Electric trains finally replaced DMUs between Witham and Braintree in October 1977. [Ref query 521]

Leyburn: Looking east, towards Bedale, from the end of Leyburn station platform on the eve of closure of the goods yard facilities. The signal box shown here was demolished and the pointwork removed after the yard closed although a plain line remained in place for the Redmire traffic that continued for some years. See image [[19458]] for the view in the opposite direction on the same day.

Leyburn: The closure notice has been posted, for the goods sidings at Bedale and Leyburn and is seen here in the last week before withdrawal in 1982. Although Leyburn yard was empty on this date that at Bedale had a considerable amount of traffic even in its last week See image [[19393]]. Thankfully the line itself remained open for Redmire limestone (and military) traffic long enough to take it into the preservation era as the Wensleydale Railway.

Leyburn: View west at Leyburn towards Redmire, showing the goods yard and the ramped sidings up to the coal drops. Photographed in May 1982, just before final closure to goods traffic.

Bedale: Probably the last wagons to use the goods yard and coal drops at Bedale, as this picture was taken four days before official closure here and at the similar one at Leyburn. Limestone and military traffic continued to Redmire of course, long enough for the line to pass into preservation as the Wensleydale railway. The then closed passenger station can be seen to the right with level crossing and signal box just out of sight around the curve.

Bedale: Coal drops in Bedale goods yard in May 1982. This was four days before closure of the public delivery sidings showing the fair amount of traffic still being carried at the time of closure.

Balloch Central: This was the main station in Balloch until 1988 when a new structure was opened on the opposite side of the level crossing see image [[4739]]. The relocation became feasible after the extension north to the pier station closed in September 1986, saving all the costs associated with the level crossing and maintenance of the elderly building (now preserved).

Balloch Pier: Apart from a skulking dog, there was very little to note at Balloch Pier station on 27 May 1985. You could still catch an occasional train here at the time, and there was still a paddle steamer tied up at the pier. However, the steamer had not moved since 1981, so it was no surprise when the station was finally closed the following year see image [[27902]].

Westerfield: Felixstowe - Ipswich DMU approaching Westerfield Junction in May 1985, seen from Westerfield Junction signal box.

Dewsbury: 'Peak' locomotives 45121 and 45148 meet at Dewsbury (formerly Wellington Road) station on 27 May 1986 hauling trans - Pennine services.

Cadder Yard: Looking west over Cadder Yard. Class 27 in sidings by signalbox.

Bishopbriggs Oil Depot: 37085 and a fellow Eastfield based 37 draw a long oil train out of Bishopbriggs Oil Depot in 1987. See image [[53783]] for the same view in 1971.

Bishopbriggs Oil Depot: View west towards Bishopbriggs Oil Depot in 1987. The depot remained open until the mid 1990s. 37085 and an unknown 37 are passed by a 477 propelling towards Glasgow.

Camperdown Junction: An Aberdeen bound train on the climb up from Dock Street Tunnel past the Blue Circle cement sidings towards Camperdown Junction, Dundee, in the spring of 1992.

Camperdown Junction: 158718 has just cleared Camperdown level crossing, shortly after leaving Dundee station on 27 May 1992 with a service for Aberdeen.

Maxwelltown: A lone walker in the distance heading east from Maxwelltown towards Dumfries in May 2003 along the now closed rail route. View is north east from Terregles Road bridge, with the long closed Maxwelltown station behind the camera. For the same view 4 years later see [[72871]].

Maxwelltown Goods Junction: The former junction for the Port Road to Stranraer, just north of Dumfries station in 2003.

Maxwelltown: The Port Road looking west through Maxwelltown towards Stranraer in May 2003, with the line having reverted to nature. Part of the fuel distribution depot can just be seen beyond the station building in the former yard. Plans were already underway to turn the route into the 'Maxwelltown Railway Path' see image [[15526]].

Lagan Viaduct: A unit heads north over the Lagan Viaduct. Just beyond is the junction between the Larne/Londonderry route (left) and the Bangor route.

Carrickfergus: A Larne bound train leaves Carrickfergus with Kilroot Power Station on the right.

Alnmouth: Freightliner 66617 brings a southbound cement train through Alnmouth station in May 2004.

Belfast Great Victoria Street: Departure from Belfast Great Victoria Street.

Bridge End: View north over Bridge End station (now Titanic Quarter) to the Harland and Wolff Goliath cranes.

Alnmouth: A southbound Voyager passing the goods yard at Alnmouth in May 2004 shortly after leaving the station.

Stow: Platform remains on the north side of the road bridge at Stow in May 2005. At this time the underside of the bridge was being used as a storage area, while on the south side a house occupied the trackbed see image [[14414]]

Stow: Remains at Stow - looking north from the road bridge on 27 May 2005.

Kirkcaldy: A Commonwealth Games liveried 170 on a Kirkcaldy - Edinburgh service about to head south on 27 May.

Scotland Street: North portal of Scotland Street Tunnel from the site of the former station in May 2007.

Auchterhouse [1st]: Auchterhouse station looking away from the 2nd station (the deviation line was the tree line on the left, the original line to the right).

Auchterhouse [2nd]: View of the old line from Eastfield Steading (roof in foreground - a building beside the line of the original alignment) looking SSW to the line south of Auchterhouse [2nd] showing North Dronley (bottom right). Passenger closure 1955. The peak is Blacklaw Hill.

Woodside and Burrelton: Bridge to the north east of Woodside station crossing the A94. This carried the Strathmore Line north to Coupar Angus.

Kirkcaldy: Extensive additional car parking at Kirkcaldy down side.

Kirkcaldy: Northbound station entrance with cycle lockers, brown bins and taxis.

Kirkcaldy: New southbound side station building with elaborate glass architecture.

Dronley: Road bridge south east of Dronley station, closer to Dundee.

Bow of Fife: 170.417 passes Bow of Fife LC and heads towards Ladybank.

Paris Gare du Nord: Loco-hauled double deck suburban train at Paris Gare du Nord in May 2007.

Ladybank: 170422 entering Ladybank from the Cupar line.

Hamilton West: Motherwell bound 318250 and Milngavie bound 318270 await departure from Hamilton West on 27 May.

Airdrie: View west along the line running parallel with Kennedy Drive (behind the trees to the left) in Airdrie on 27 May 2009, as 320301 approaches Airdrie Station.

Maldon: The 1888 station building at Maldon, on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, at the terminus of the branch from Castlemaine. Photographed on 27 May 2009.

Maldon: Scene on the Victorian Goldfields Railway on 27 May 2009 showing the 2.30 Maldon to Castlemaine, headed by J Class 2-8-0 no J541, photographed leaving Maldon. The locomotive was built at the Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows (works no 6087) in 1953. The track is 5ft 3in gauge (nominally!)

Maldon: Maldon Depot on the Victorian Goldfields Railway on 27 May 2009, with 2-8-0 J 541 being turned by 'people power' in readiness for the day's duties.

Rowsley: D9502, still wearing the same original BR livery it also carried at NCB Weetslade in 1981, stands at the Peak Rail centre, Rowsley on 27 May 2009.

Plates, signs, notices etc: Notice of prohibitions in coach. Number one would seem to cover mobile phone chatterers. Maybe ScotRail could consider similar.

Rowsley: 07013 with class 05 D2587 in the sidings at the Peak Rail Centre, Rowsley, on 27 May 2009.

Rowsley: 47635 and 31270 in the sidings at the Peak Rail Centre, Rowsley, on 27 May 2009.

Rowsley: The class 06 DM shunters were built by Andrew Barclay at the end of the 1950s for use on BR Scottish Region. Seen here at the Peak Rail Centre, Rowsley, on 27 May 2009 is no 06 003, thought to be the last surviving member of the class.

Castlemaine [Victoria]: J class 2-8-0 no J541, photographed after arriving at Castlemaine on the Victorian Goldfields Railway on 27 May 2009. The locomotive will shortly be turned for the return trip to Maldon.

Rowsley: One of several early examples of BR diesel shunting locomotives at the Peak Rail Centre on 27 May 2009. Barclay short-wheelbase 0-4-0 DM shunter no D2953 of class 01, stands in the sidings at Rowsley.

New Cumnock: Platform view north at New Cumnock on 27 May 2010 as 156504 pulls away past the signal box on a Carlisle - Glasgow Central service.

Abergavenny: Arriva Trains 175101 southbound ex-Manchester Piccadilly arriving at Abergavenny on 27 May 2010, final destination Milford Haven.

Norchard: Class 08 no 08238, now carrying the name Charlie, forms part of a colourful collection photographed in the yard at Norchard on the Dean Forest Railway on 27 May 2010.

New Cumnock: A northbound Class 156 approaches New Cumnock on 27 May 2010.

Abergavenny: Freightliner 66957 with a northbound coal train from Portbury import terminal, about to pass through Abergavenny on 27 May 2010.

Blaenavon High Level: New station sign at Blaenavon High Level on the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway - and the reason it is known as 'the High' station. May 2010.

Blaenavon High Level: Ex-BR class 08 shunter no D4157 on sleeper recovery duty, photographed at Blaenavon High Level station on the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway on 27 May 2010.

Blaenavon High Level: Former BR Class D4157 shunting on the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway on 27 May 2010

New Cumnock: 156504 calls at New Cumnock on 27 May with a Carlisle to Glasgow Central service.

Norchard: Preserved 0-4-0ST Uskmouth, photographed on the Dean Forest Railway at Norchard on 27 May 2010.

Portpatrick: The Portpatrick branch rose steeply onto the headland from the terminus before looping round and continuing the climb over the moors to Stranraer Town. For anyone in Portpatrick with half an hour to spare the walk through the rocky cutting on the headland and then back along the cliff top path seen here is highly recommended. View towards Portpatrick at Map Ref NX 003535. See image [[33026]] for an OS map of the branch prior to closure in 1950.

Portpatrick: Trackbed level view through the Portpatrick headland cutting looking, at this point, south south east. From the station the line climbed steeply and turned through almost 180 degrees to head inland towards Colfin and Stranraer. See image [[34253]] for the view of this location from the cliff top.

Portpatrick: The grey house in the foreground sat at the buffers end of Portpatrick station platform although the station buildings themselves, which were behind it, have disappeared along with all other traces of the railway. View is west towards the coast in May 2011, with Old Station Court, a modern housing development, now occupying the station site. Trains climbed away from the camera before turning through 180 degrees to head for Stranraer. The road drops down to the village and harbour.

Portpatrick: A view from Portpatrick headland along the old trackbed towards the terminus in May 2011. This is where the branch emerged from the clifftop cutting and curved round as it dropped towards the station at the head of the small valley. An underbridge was still in place by the large house when the 1999 OS map was printed but has since been removed for the access track seen here. The line closed completely in 1950.

Welbury: Opened in 1852, Welbury is a former station on the Leeds Northern route between Northallerton and Teesside. The station closed to passengers in 1954 and to all traffic in 1963. Today the line is still busy, handling regular freight movements as well as TransPennine and Grand Central passenger services. The half-barrier Welbury level crossing, just off to the right, comes under the control of Low Gates box in Northallerton (see image [[40007]]).

Lockerbie: A Voyager catches the late afternoon sunshine as it hurries southwards at Lockerbie on 27 May 2012.

Stirling: GWR 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe simmering at Stirling on 27 May during its 2 hour layover on the 'Forth Circular'.

Maud: The modest but elegant entrance to the Station Hotel, Maud, in May 2012. Above the main entrance the words Station Hotel are incorporated within the stained glass. The hotel is located approximately 50 yards from the former station, which closed in October 1965.

Kings Cross: 313123 all stations to Welwyn Garden City waiting to depart from London King's Cross on 27th May 2012.

Torryburn: The Caledonian on the shores of the Forth, slowing for a water stop at Newmills and approaching Low Valleyfield on 27 May 2012. GWR 4-6-0 no 5043 is assisted by 47760.

Lockerbie: A First TransPennine Express service to Manchester Airport, comprising two Class 185 units, calls at Lockerbie station on the evening of 27 May 2012.

Elbowend Junction: After an unscheduled stop at Elbowend Junction because of apparent track circuit problems, GWR 4-6-0 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe restarts the Forth Circle special in the direction of Kincardine on 27 May 2012, with the overgrown remains of the Charlestown branch on the left. Never thought I would see the day when a GWR Castle would pass let alone stop at Elbowend Junction!

Beattock: A southbound Virgin Voyager has just descended the 10 miles from Beattock Summit as it approaches Beattock village at speed on 27 May 2012. On the right the stub of the former Moffat branch can be seen.

Beattock: A southbound TPE service passes Beattock in the sunshine on 27 May 2012.

Beattock: 92036 approaches Beattock on 27 May 2012 with the southbound Tesco container service from Mossend to Daventry.

Beattock: A Virgin Super Voyager with a service to Glasgow Central passes Beattock in May 2012. To the right a pair of EWS Class 66s wait in the down loop for the road north.

Newmills: GWR 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe crosses the Bluther Burn at Newmills on 27 May with a Linlithgow - Fife - Alloa circular tour.

Beattock: A pair of Class 66s come out of the down loop at Beattock and resume their journey north on 27 May 2012.

Bristol Bath Road Depot: The sad remains of the tracks leading into the former Bath Road shed (82A), seen from the platform at Temple Meads station in May 2012. The depot finally closed in September 1995 when remaining operations were transferred to St Philip's Marsh. See image [[20985]]

Bristol Temple Meads: This is what you get when you give grown-ups Meccano - part of the lovely roof frame over Bristol Temple Meads platform 5 in May 2012.

Falkland Yard: Falkland Yard deserted no more on 27 May 2012 see image [[38360]]. DBS back using the yard - 2 coal trains on the right, 2 engineering trains on the down side, 5 Class 66s present in total.

Torryburn: 'The Caledonian', hauled by no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, drawing away from Newmills and approaching Low Valleyfield on 27 May 2012.

Inverkeithing: 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe arrives at Inverkeithing on 27 May 2012 with Vintage Trains Ltd's Forth Circular tour bearing 'The Caledonian' headboard.

Maud: The Fraserburgh platforms at Maud Junction looking south towards Aberdeen on 27 May 2012, with trees and shrubs continuing to encroach. Difficult now to imagine passengers for the Broch and Peterhead, refreshment room and newspaper stand, cattle and fish trains for the south and the long running seed potato traffic. See image [[38974]]

Crossgates: GWR 4-6-0 5043, Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, passing the site of Crossgates station with The Caledonian on 27 May 2012.

Stirling: The new footbridge across the tracks at Stirling provides excellent views of 5043 with 'The Caledonian' during the 2 hour layover at Stirling on the Forth Circular tour of 27 May 2012.

Beattock: A northbound Pendolino hurries through Beattock on 27 May 2012 as a pair of DBS Class 66s are held in the loop waiting for a path north.

Maud: The Fraserburgh Platforms at Maud Junction, looking north on 27 May 2012 see image [[38968]].

Donibristle Platform: 'The Caledonian' climbing Donibristle bank between Dalgety Bay and Aberdour on 27 May, with 47760 bringing up the rear.

Chorleywood: Chorleywood, owned by TfL and served by Metropolitan Line Amersham and Chesham trains and also National Rail Chiltern Trains services between Marylebone and Aylesbury Vale Parkway, looking towards London on a glorious 27th May 2013. Note the southbound Platform 2 sign that is still showing British Rail, 16 years after privatisation.

Melbourne Flinders Street: Platform 1 of Flinders Street station, Melbourne, on 27 May 2013.

Kinghorn Tunnel: 170403 heads north between Burntisland and Kinghorn on 27 May 2013.

Chalfont and Latimer: 165014, with a Chiltern Railways service to London Marylebone, departing from the TfL-owned Chalfont & Latimer station on 27th May 2013.

Alresford (Hampshire): Cross platform view at Alresford station on the Mid Hants Railway on 27 May 2013.

Alresford (Hampshire): The station footbridge at Alresford, May 2013.

Chesham: A look along the platform from an LUL S8 train at Chesham station on 27th May 2013.

Chesham: LUL S8 stock at Chesham station, Metropolitan Line, on 27th May 2013.

Alresford (Hampshire): Scene at Alresford on the Mid Hants Railway on 27 May 2013.

Chalfont and Latimer: LUL S8 stock on a Metropolitan Line service to Amersham arriving at its penultimate stop at Chalfont & Latimer station in Buckinghamshire, junction for the Chesham branch, on 27th May 2013.

Chorleywood: LUL S8 stock on Metropolitan Line service to Amersham arriving at Chorleywood on 27th May 2013. This ztfL station is also served by Chiltern Trains from Marylebone to Aylesbury Vale Parkway. When the East/West Rail is completed, Chiltern Trains will be extended to Milton Keynes Central via a reopened section of the old GCR main line and the Calvert spur on to the Oxford to Bletchley line (also to be reopened) at Claydon LNE Junction. Even with a change at Milton Keynes, the new route will provide Aylesbury again with a link to the Midlands and North which was lost when the GCR was closed in 1966 as part of the Beeching cuts.

Melbourne: Mein Gott! Here also... and in a Japanese truck! Scene outside Melbourne's Southern Cross station on 27 May 2013.

Flinders Street: A display at Flinders Street, Melbourne in May 2013 to celebrate the centenary of the station.

Rosyth: DBS 66104 passes Rosyth with the Hartlepool - Georgemas pipes on 27 May.

Inverkeithing Central Junction: 170459 passes Inverkeithing Central Junction with a Fife Outer Circle service on 27 May 2014. In the background the Network Rail Measurement Train waits in the yard for its path to Edinburgh.

Gorebridge: View south over Gorebridge Station on 27 May 2014.

Newbattle Signal Box: New footbridge under construction a little to the north of the old Newtongrange Station site on 27 May. Looking south to the chimney of Lady Victoria Colliery.

Inverkeithing: The Network Rail New Measurement Train heads south through Inverkeithing on its way to Craigentinny on 27 May.

Newbattle Viaduct [1st]: Looking north towards Newbattle Viaduct on 27 May. In the woods to the right is the embankment that carried the original Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway extension - the Marquis of Lothian's Waggonway.

Whitechapel [ELR]: View from the low-level (East London Line) platforms at Whitechapel on 27 May as an Eastbound District Line train leaves the high level station for Upminster. There were formerly four District Line tracks spanning the ELL here but the centre pair have been removed to make space for Crossrail works.

Curriehill: First TransPennine 350410 passing Curriehill on 27 May with a Manchester Airport - Edinburgh train.

Lancaster: With West Coast Railway's troubles hopefully behind them an extended Fellsman season got underway on 27th May with 45699 Galatea taking the first train of the 2015 season out of Lancaster. Fellsman trains are scheduled to run every Wednesday until 26th August.

Preston: 37402 stands in Platform 5 at Preston on 27th July 2015 having worked down from Carlisle via the Cumbrian Coast. This was the first day of single Class 37/4 and DBSO operations. 37402 was later repainted in large-logo blue livery for these services.

Cowlairs Incline: What looks like the first of the OHLE foundations has sprouted in the embankment at Cowlairs – looks like it will be single leg lattice masts supported from the East side only? Does anyone know?

Brough: Extension to the car park at Brough station. By the time we got off the train and walked back 3 coaches this car had arrived on the track behind the train. The hole in the fence has now been repaired.

New Cumnock: East Ayrshire Carers has opened 'The Wee Train Cafe' at New Cumnock Station on 23 May. Light meals, cold and hot drinks are available Tuesdays-Saturdays from 0900 to 1500.

New Cumnock: A new cafe, 'The Wee Train', has opened at Cumnock station. Young carers who missed out on formal education can acquire hospitality qualifications, while after hours the premises can provide dining experiences without embarrassment for families with dementia sufferers. Inspiring stuff!

Castle Cary: Castle Cary station, looking west from the station footbridge on 27th May 2017. Beyond the platforms the line to Yeovil and Weymouth diverges from the main line.

Blunsdon: Swindon and Cricklade Railway Coach No 422 is a former GWR Toad brake van converted in to a Victorian looking guard's van for use in the railway's Vintage Train.

Blunsdon: Barclay 0-6-0ST 2138 (aka Swordfish) working the day's passenger trains on the Swindon and Cricklade Rly, 27/05/17. After arriving at the SCR in 1998, it has taken the owners until 2016 to get the engine in steam and running.

Grantown-on-Spey East: Ongoing work at the yet unopened visitor centre at the former Grantown-on-Spey East station on 27 May 2018. The two carriages have now been interconnected and various landscaping work is in progress around the site.

Bridge of Carron: Combined road and rail bridge at Carron. This bridge over the River Spey was built 1863 for the Great North of Scotland Railway by engineers McKinnon & Co, Aberdeen.The bridge formerly carried a single-track railway and still carries a road. (The last cast-iron bridge used for railway traffic in Scotland). View looking north.

Ballindalloch Viaduct: An aerial view of Ballindalloch Girder Bridge.Photographed from a drone, the 198ft long lattice girder bridge that once carried the railway across the River Spey at Ballindalloch. Built by G.Macfarlane of Dundee in 1863 it is now used by walkers and cyclists as part of the Speyside Way.

Carron: Carron Station. The building still stands and appears to be in good condition,over fifty years after closure.It would be nice to see it used for something. After lying dormant for a good few years,the adjacent distillery has undergone a £16 million refurbishment and is now producing whisky again.

Modica: Two modern Trenitalia DMUs are stabled at Modica in southern Sicily on Sunday 27th May 2018. Steam was still in use here until around 1970 and all the associated infrastructure survives, including this water tower. It would be difficult to stand behind the yellow line on the island platform at Modica. Aficionados of BBC4 subtitled crime dramas may recognise the 394' high Guerrieri Viaduct, which features in the opening titles of the Inspector Montalbano series.

Modica: Sunday stabling at Modica with a modern 3-car DMU and two elderly Class 668 single units. This view taken from the road above the tunnel mouth and I winced when I saw the loose tiles on the old steam shed roof alongside the running line. In the background the Guerrieri road viaduct sweeps across the valley at a height of almost 400'. 27th May 2018.

Dalgety Bay: Refurbished Inter7City HST, powered by 43133 and 43147, passes through Dalgety Bay with a Doncaster - Perth delivery run on 27 May 2019.

Parkend: Steam arriving and diesel departing at the Northern end of the Dean Forest Railway in May 2019. See image [[69299]] taken from the footbridge.

Stirling: Lifts are now being added to the footbridge to Platforms 9 and 10 at Stirling, seen on 27th May 2019.

Lydney: The Forest of Dean is perhaps not the first place where you would look for a steel train on a Bank Holiday Monday; but this train from the West Midlands to South Wales proved me wrong. Bizarrely, after being held up at a level crossing for this train to pass, we were then held up at Lydney's other level crossing for a Dean Forest Railway DMU to pass. Good for photography, mind.

Parkend: The Dean Forest Railway have done an excellent job of restoring Parkend station. This view looking North, with a shuttle DMU from Norchard High Level in residence, on 27th May 2019.

Cahirciveen Viaduct: Cahirciveen Viaduct, looking east in the direction of Kells, on the Farranfore to Valentia Harbour branch on 27th October 2019. One of the major structures surviving on the line and not currently accessible. However, if the plans to reopen the section between Glenbeigh and Valentia Harbour as the South Kerry Greenway come to fruition cyclists and walkers will be able to enjoy the views from this viaduct again. This stretch of the line opened in 1893 and closed on 1st February 1960.

Lydney Junction: Diesel arriving and steam departing from Lydney Junction on the Dean Forest Railway on 27th May 2019. The DMU held us up at the DFR crossing after a steel train had held us up at the level crossing at nearby Lydney mainline station see image [[70796]]

Tintern: Part of me would love to see traffic restored to this beautiful line. Another part of me very much enjoys this station as a picnic ground. Also see image [[69417]]

Whitecroft: Trivia time: the factory on the right used to supply a significant proportion of the world's drawing pins. It now seems to be out of use, unlike the revived station. View looks North, towards Parkend, in May 2019.

Tintern: There is a battery-powered ride-on train from Tintern station to the river bridge to its South. The train is charged up in the base of the signal box overnight. see image [[69417]]. Before you scoff and say 'that's for kids', bear in mind that battery powered trains charged at termini overnight are being seriously suggested to decarbonize branch line traction.

Tintern Tunnel: Looking south across the River Wye, over the missing bridge to the Tintern North tunnel portal. The fence marks the end of the ride-on narrow gauge railway. See image [[72326]] of the South portal.

Tintern: It is not every day you see an art gallery over a shed in an old signal box but see image [[41781]]. View looks North in May 2019, with Tintern island platform face visible on the left. Unfortunately, although the ground frame and semaphores are still present, the levers are locked; so you can't change a signal any more.

Leyton: LUL 1992 stock on eastbound Central Line train at Leyton on 27th May 2019. This train was scheduled to terminate at Loughton but it was announced it would be curtailed at Woodford due to a 'track circuit problem' and it was stop start for most of the way from Bethnal Green, only for a further announcement that the train would now only go as far as Leytonstone. A queue of trains built up and the next six that made their way through Leyton were all going to Hainault via Newbury Park before a Woodford and then a Loughton arrived. For those who wanted to go beyond Loughton to Debden there was no indication of when a train would be due.

Tufts Junction: The site of Tufts Junction seen from the front of a Dean Forest Railway DMU in May 2019. The line to the right (behind the pile of sleepers) went to Drybrook Road; the surviving line leads to Parkend; while the branch on the left (through the five bar gate) went to a colliery with no run round loop; so trains had to be propelled up the branch.

Symonds Yat: Looking towards Monmouth, the platform edging stones of the otherwise demolished Symonds Yat station can still be seen on May 2019. Be warned - this car park costs £4 for four hours, and the machine only takes coins! We found another car park close by which would accept card payments; crossed the river by cable-guided ferry; and found two very pleasant pubs.

Brock Water Troughs: Although most of the Northern fleet of new EMUs have been delivered, testing of new sets continues. 331030 (penultimate 3-car set) passes the site of Brock water troughs while accumulating mileage between Preston and Lancaster on 27th May 2020. (See image [[24032]] taken from the same spot around sixty years earlier).

Brock Water Troughs: Tree clearing has been taking place at various locations on the WCML in Lancashire in 2019 and 2020. At Brock this has opened up a new viewpoint on the overbridge that crosses the line and the M6. 88002 'Prometheus' passes the site and a quiet motorway as it heads south with containers on 27th May 2020.

Nuneaton: Often seen, but rarely pictured - a Colas rail track machine tucked into the engineers' sidings at Nuneaton. Better looking than a class 70!

Banavie Swing Bridge: On my first visit to the West Coast since 2020 I managed to capture K1 No.62005, easing over the swing bridge at Banavie with the morning Jacobite service for Mallaig on 27th May 2021. Neptune's Staircase on the Caledonian Canal is in the background.

Nuneaton: Is it just me, or does 66420 resemble a golden labrador enjoying itself on grass? It was heading for Felixstowe from Trafford Park in May 2021 when it was stopped by a signal on platform 5. It must have been waiting for a path down the Leicester line.

Nuneaton: Three for the price of one. Unusually, the 19.51 to Euston is waiting for the right time to depart - short of passengers, maybe? Strawberry pink 66070 is heading North with container train 442L from DIRFT to Mossend, while the 170 on the right is arriving from Leamington, to return at 20.16 with the currently 2-hourly service. There are buses on the odd hours, but they often run empty.

Nuneaton: I cannot remember what this screen on the island platform 6 and 7 normally says, but on 27th May 2021, it was showing a bunch of suggestions about how to revive a duff computer. One of these said disable the driver - you would think ASLEF would have something to say about that from a Health and Safety viewpoint ...

Farington Curve Junction: LMS Stanier Pacific 6201 'Princess Elizabeth' comes off the East Lancashire line at Farington Curve Jct whilst working a Northern Belle service from Carlisle to Liverpool and Manchester. The train was heading into Preston where the steam loco was removed and replaced by a diesel for the remainder of the tour.

Moreton-in-Marsh: Ancient and modern at Moreton - a manual signal box, staffed after 10pm; and an IET (IIRC to Great Malvern). 27th May 2022

Moreton-in-Marsh: On reflection, I prefer the old buildings (and barge boards) on the Down platform at Moreton-in-Marsh to the smoked glass box on the Up.