Carlisle: Stanier Coronation Pacific no 46250 City of Lichfield stands in the rain at Carlisle's platform 4 ready to take out special troop train 1X68.

Busby: Black 5 44992 about to collect the tablet from the signalman alongside Busby box in May 1964 with a train of empty stock bound for East Kilbride.

Carlisle: 60040 Cameronian stands on the centre road at Carlisle on 30 May 1964 having just come off the 10.15am Edinburgh Waverley - London St Pancras. The A3 is waiting for the road before running light engine to Kingmoor shed.

Williamwood: An EE Type 1 approaches the bridge under the East Kilbride line near Williamwood with a weedkiller train on 30 May 1965 with spraying in progress.

Plates, signs, notices etc: Closure notice concerning passenger services on the Stirling - Dunfermline route dated 30 May 1966. Withdrawal eventually took place in October 1968.

Carlisle: A pair of class 50 locomotives, with 433 leading, arrives at Carlisle platform 3 with a northbound service on a wet 30 May 1972.

Carnforth: View of Carnforth from a Barrow - Preston train entering the station on 30 May 1972. The smoke to the left of the coaling tower is from preserved Ivatt 2-6-0 6441 which was moving down the yard from the old MPD.

Carlisle: Deltic 9001 St Paddy enters Carlisle station with a diverted Edinburgh - Kings Cross service on 30 May 1972. After passing through the station the train headed east along the Newcastle and Carlisle line.

Irton Road: A view from an eastbound train arriving at Irton Road on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway as a service for Ravenglass waits in the loop on 30 May 1972.

Carlisle: D4156 shunts an Express Parcels van at the north end of Carlisle station on 30 May 1972.

Carlisle: Looking still very new, Carlisle powerbox on 30 May 1972. The sign on the right announces that the work by Westinghouse Brake and Signal is for the Inter-City electrification from London to Glasgow.

Carlisle: School's out... Carlisle station on 30 May 1972 with schoolboys boarding a West Cumbrian service to Barrow on platform 2.

Irton Road: River Irt arrives at the R&ER station of Irton Road on 30 May 1972 whilst on a Ravenglass to Dalegarth service.

Dalegarth: Having run around it's train, River Mite waits to return to Dalegarth on 30 May 1972.

Carnforth: Looking back to Carnforth from a southbound train crossing from the Furness lines in May 1972. Several diesel locomotives are in the yard with the old 10A shed on the left of the picture. A start has been made on extending WCML electrification north with masts in place but no overhead conductor wires yet attached.

Carlisle: Class 50 no 405 at Carlisle platform 4 with a southbound train on 30 May 1972.

Carlisle: The unusual sight of an Edinburgh to London Kings Cross service, hauled by Deltic no 9001 St Paddy, arriving at Carlisle on 30 May 1972 having been diverted from the ECML. The train turned east onto the Newcastle line after passing through the station.

Ravenglass: A Carlisle to Barrow DMU arrives at Ravenglass on 30th May 1972. The northbound platform is a little way to the left of the photo.
See query 2303

Foxlow Junction: EE Type 3 No. 37 133 trundles southwards between Foxlow Junction (the base of the signalbox there is visible through the bridge at top right) and Barrow Hill in May 1974 with an LMR bound coal train - even the two five plank open wagons comprising the fitted head seem to be carrying this commodity.

Saughton: A Type 2 powered push-pull service overtakes a DMU westbound at Saughton in May 1974. Haymarket Central Junction signal box can be seen in the left background.

Renishaw Park Junction: Brush Type 4 No 47 330 heads south on the Midland 'Old Road' near Renishaw Park Goods Junction in 1974 with a partially fitted train (8M24) of low sided open wagons. As some of them appear to be long wheelbase vehicles for carrying tubes and the destination is the LMR, the train may be bound for the Stanton Iron Works near Ilkeston.

Saughton: DMUs to and from Fife pass at Saughton in May 1975.

Aviemore Speyside: Ivatt class 2MT no 46464 photographed at Aviemore in May 1979.

Burdale Tunnel: Standing above the south portal of Burdale tunnel in May 1982 looking towards the quarry and former station. The tunnel is on the old NER Driffield - Malton route. The line closed in 1958 when alternative supplies of limestone were sourced and the tunnel became too expensive to repair. The quarry supplied the Teesside steelworks. See image [[25979]]

Edinburgh Waverley: Late shift, Waverley station, 1985.

Alston: Looking North from the Terminus at Alston

Edinburgh Waverley: A mean looking BR DVT 91021 stands at Waverley in 1992.

Edinburgh Waverley: A grotty looking BR InterCity Glasgow Central - Kings Cross train entering Waverley past the old West signal box in May 1992.

Edinburgh Waverley: A BR InterCity Glasgow Central - London Kings Cross service calls at Edinburgh Waverley in 1992.

Loch Ken Viaduct: The former rail bridge over Loch Ken, on the old Port Road, located between Parton and New Galloway stations, photographed in May 2002 looking west towards Sranraer.

New Galloway: Barely recognisable New Galloway Station (Mossdale) in May 2002 looking east from the road bridge towards Castle Douglas. A section of the up platform can just be seen beyond the hedge in the left background.

Avon Viaduct: A Glasgow - Edinburgh shuttle approaching Linlithgow on the Avon viaduct in 2005.

Avon Viaduct: A 158 crossing the Avon Viaduct on the approach to Linlithgow in May 2005.

New Galloway: The former New Galloway station on the Port Road looking east towards Dumfries from the A762 road bridge on 30 May 2007. The station was situated some 5 miles south of New Galloway itself in the hamlet of Mossdale. Opened by the Portpatrick Railway in 1861, New Galloway station saw its last train in 1965. The building has since been refurbished and extended, with much of the station site now landscaped. For the platform side view on the same day see image [[83064]].

Eastriggs: An old timetable from 1916 showing a 26 minute spell during which 7 additional workmens trains arrived at Dornock station in connection with the munitions factory. Dornock was renamed Eastriggs in 1923 and finally closed in 1965.

Garroch Viaduct: One of the supporting pillars of Garroch viaduct, approximately half a mile west of Maxwelltown on the former Port Road between Dumfries and Stranraer, seen here in 2007. The structure was classified as dangerous many years ago and is inaccessible to the public. Demolition has been considered. Warning sign courtesy of the now defunct BR Board (Residuary). See image [[15525]]

Gretna Green [1st]: The old station building at Gretna Green, now a private residence. View south on 30 May 2007 towards the bridge carrying Glasgow Road over the line.

Solway Junction: View east from Watchall Road towards Gretna from the outskirts of Annan on 30 May 2007, showing widening work underway in preparation for redoubling of the line.

New Galloway: Cross platform view of New Galloway station, photographed looking north in May 2007. The station was located in the hamlet of Mossdale, some 5 miles south of the village from which it took its name. The line arrived from Loch Skerrow below the road bridge on the right and ran along the other side of what is now a boundary wall, built by the new owners following closure. When the old trackbed subsequently became a long distance walkway it therefore required a slight diversion to the south of this wall. For a view of the approach from below the bridge see image [[29760]].

Gretna Green [1st]: View west from Glasgow Road overbridge, Gretna, on 30 May 2007. On the right is what was the original Gretna Green station, opened by the Glasgow, Dumfries & Carlisle Railway in 1848 (as plain Gretna until 1852) and closed in December 1965. In the background, at the start of the single line section to Annan, is the BR station opened in 1993. (Note the line has since been redoubled and the station given a second platform - see image [[20209]].)

Solway Junction: Looking west towards Annan from Watchall Road bridge on 30 May 2007. Work is underway in connection with the redoubling of the G&SW route to Gretna. Shawhill Farm stands on the left, with Annan Station half a mile beyond the bend. The 8 mile double track connection between Annan and Gretna was brought into use for all traffic during August 2008.

Eastriggs: The former Dornock station (latterly Eastriggs), Dumfriesshire, in 2007. During WW1 the station served the huge wartime munitions complex referred to euphemistically as 'HM Factory, Gretna'. Passenger activity generated by factory workers is well reflected in the old timetables of the day see image [[15332]]. The mix of passengers would also have been interesting, with workers from all parts of the then British Empire. This continues to be reflected today in the Eastriggs village street names, which include Pretoria Road, Melbourne Avenue, Vancouver Drive, Delhi Road...etc..etc.. [Ref query 1667]

Garroch Viaduct: Garroch Viaduct looking south east in May 2007. The trackbed is fenced off at each end of the viaduct, which is deemed a dangerous structure. The Maxwelltown Railway Path climbs up the embankment on the left and joins the old trackbed heading east towards Dumfries.

Dumfries: The building on the up side of Dumfries station on 30 May looking north - now incorporating a cafe/restaurant.

Annan Viaduct: Railway bridge over the River Annan just west of Annan station, photographed in May 2007 from the east bank of the river. [Ref query 6889]

Gretna Green: Looking towards Annan from Gretna and the start of the single line section on 30 May 2007. Some trackbed clearance has been carried out while on the right a hit squad has just arrived in the car park to undertake routine station cleaning and maintenance.

Fouldubs Junction: DRS 66401 with a train of WHM containers at Fouldubs Junction on 30 May 2008.

Alloa: A look inside the station shelter at Alloa, showing the metal sculpture and car park beyond.

Luib: Luib station became a caravan site after closure in 1965 and hardly any railway features remain apart from this cattle creep, which was situated just to the Callander side of the points for the station loop and is quite close to the site entrance. Map Ref NN 479279

Glasgow Central: Comings and goings.... 156435 and 156495 outside Glasgow Central on 30th May

Alloa: The 1141 service to Glasgow Queen Street leaves Alloa on 30 May 2008.

Alloa: 170474 Glasgow bound from Alloa about to pass the site of the original station on 30 May 2008.

Cambus Loop: With its lights reflected in the wet ballast, the 1118 Glasgow Queen Street - Alloa service has just passed Cambus loop and is approaching Alloa West through a sudden downpour on 30 May as it nears the end of its 55 minute journey.

Glasgow Central: 92039 Johann Strauss departing with the empty Glasgow Central portion of the Caledonian Sleeper on 30th May

Tyndrum Lower: 156474 at the head of a four car train calls at Tyndrum Lower to pick up a reasonable number of passengers on the morning Glasgow to Oban service on 30 May. A new shelter, nearer the platform entrance, has been installed since picture 3607 was taken in 2005.

Fouldubs Junction: A DRS class 66 locomotive accelerates a container train away from the W H Malcolm Grangemouth Depot and under the M9 Motorway on 30 May 2008.

Fouldubs Junction: DRS 66401 sets off from Fouldubs Junction on 30 May 2008 with containers for Aberdeen.

Longannet West Arrival: A coal train from Hunterston Import Terminal via Alloa, approaching the west arrival sidings at Longannet power station on an overcast May morning in 2008. Standing on the south shore of the Forth in the background, is the town of Boness.

Geilston Crossing: Having just crossed Geilston LC, 320301 approaches Cardross with a Glasgow bound service in the evening of 30 May 2009.

Carnforth: The immaculate, main line registered, 86259 Les Ross lays over in the sidings at Carnforth having brought in a special from Milton Keynes, which was taken forward to Ravenglass by 5690 Leander. The electric loco was scheduled to haul the return leg later in the day. West Coast Railway Company stock awaiting restoration can be seen in the depot sidings behind the locomotive.

Hest Bank: 6233 Duchess of Sutherland heads the Royal Scot special train from Crewe to Carlisle approaching Hest Bank level crossing on 30 May 2009 (and doing a lot more than 45mph - that sign is for the chord to Bare Lane to the right of the Pacific) See image [[28004]].

Bulwell Forest: If you know anyone who thinks that walking old railways means tripping over sleepers or getting covered in mud, show them this. A far cry from the busyness of Victorian times, when there were 4 junctions in a mile, and coal trains aplenty.

Geilston Crossing: 320306 heads west from Cardross towards Geilston LC on 30 May 2009 with a service for Helensburgh Central.

Carnforth: 185151 has the green light to join the main line at the south end of Carnforth on a service from Barrow to Manchester Airport. The long disused main line down platform is on the other side of the wire fence.

Carnforth: You could hear the squeal all over Carnforth. Pacer 144001 joins the sharp curve to take it back over the main line and on towards Wennington. These four wheeled units can be heard protesting every time they negotiate this piece of track. The original stone built signal box still stands on the platform with the operational cabin beyond and West Coast Railways depot on the opposite side of the line.

Polkemmet Junction: The temporary road from the site of Polkemmet Jct to bypass the overbridge on the Whitburn Road takes shape in late May 2009. Bathgate Academy in the background.

Geilston Level Crossing: With Port Glasgow on the other side of the River Clyde a westbound Class 320 approaches Geilston LC just west of Cardross with a service to Helensburgh Central on 30 May 2009.

Silverdale: Easterly view towards Carnforth at Silverdale as 185102 calls on its way to Manchester Airport. The Silverdale Shuttle, a rural bus service, connects the village and surrounding area with the trains here and is proving popular. The station house is now a private residence.

Lowgill Viaduct: Afternoon sunshine catches Lowgill Viaduct on the former line from Low Gill to Ingleton on 30 May 2010. The WCML and the M6 motorway are less than 200 yards behind the camera.

Bishops Lydeard: Sunshine and steam at Bishops Lydeard on 30 May 2010, as departure time approaches for ex-Somerset & Dorset 2-8-0 no 88.

Bishop's Lydeard: GWR Mogul 9315 heading for Bishops Lydeard, West Somerset Railway, on 30 May 2010. This 2-6-0 locomotive is a conversion from a GWR Large Prairie 2-6-2T, formerly No. 5193. The conversion took place at Minehead around 2004 and it was overhauled again in 2019 and is now back in service. (Apart from Covid restrictions)

Bathgate Lower: The site of Glasgow Road level crossing in Bathgate in May 2010, some 40 years on from the recent mystery photograph see image [[29153]]. The site is now a roundabout, seen here from Menzies Road, with the building on the left providing the link with the 1970 image. While chimneys, windows and doors have all been subject to modification the distinctive roof line remains. The sign on the building today is that of a West Lothian Council adult learning centre.

Bathgate: View of the new Bathgate station looking south from Edinburgh Road on 30 May 2010. In addition to the station itself there has been significant recent progress on access roads and car parking.

Kinghorn: On 30 May 170 416 approaches the Up platform at Kinghorn with a service for, unusually, Dunfermline Town.  The Forth Bridge line has been closed on Sundays in May for engineering work so services are using the north to east curve at Inverkeithing thus avoiding Inverkeithing station. Passengers for Edinburgh are bussed from Dalgety Bay.  Out on the Firth of Forth a vessel (one of eight) waits its turn to go up river.  Below decks there are no doubt swarthy men in greasy vests playing cards.

Bishops Lydeard: Ex-Somerset & Dorset 2-8-0 no 88 prepares to take a train out of a sunny Bishops Lydeard station on the West Somerset Railway on 30 May 2010.

Bathgate: View west from the A89 Edinburgh Road towards the under-construction Bathgate station on 30 May 2010. Most of the foreground is taken up with a section of the extensive new car park which will provide spaces for approximately 400 vehicles.

Kirkcaldy: From the evidence of its driving lights 170 473 appears to be heading towards the camera at Kirkcaldy station on 30 May, but in fact it is retreating from the Up line into the siding having arrived from the north and changed ends.  This unusual working is due to engineering works.  Had it been entering the siding from the Down line the shunt-ahead signal attached to the post would be showing two white lights allowing the driver to pass the main signal at danger.

Dilston Crossing: A Northern rail Newcastle to Carlisle service crosses the B6321 just west of Corbridge on 30 May 2010.

Williton: 3850 eastbound shortly after leaving Williton on the West Somerset Railway on 30 May 2010 with a train for Bishops Lydeard.

Kirkcaldy: The unusual sight of a train leaving Kirkcaldy 'wrong line' on Sunday 30 May 2010. The temporary timetable caused by engineering works saw a two-hourly service from Dunfermline Town to Kirkcaldy via Thornton. This unit is heading for the Down siding where it will bide its time before entering the Down platform for return to Dunfermline.

Williton: Scene on the West Somerset Railway on 30 May 2010 showing ex-GWR 9351 approaching Williton with a westbound train for Minehead.

Abington: A Voyager heads north past the Abington loops on 30 May 2011. Could it be....? Is it possible... ? See image [[34352]]

Templecombe: This S&D level crossing is the current limit of operations on the narrow gauge Gartell Light Railway; but there are plans to extend across the road towards Templecombe town. see image [[39871]]

Abington: 92026 Britten with the 6S51 Carlisle - Mossend Departmental train passing Abington on 30 May.

Abington: A Southbound Pendolino passes the north end of Abington loop on 30 May.

Templecombe: Diesel and steam crossing at Pinesway Junction on the Gartell Light Railway in May 2011. Most of this impressive 2ft gauge line has been laid on trackbed once occupied by the former Somerset and Dorset Route.

Crawford: A Voyager heading north through the upper Clyde valley near Crawford on 30 May 2011.

Perth: Looking north over Perth station on 30 May 2011. WCR 57001 with 'The Royal Scotsman' at platform 3 is by-passed by 66414 'James the Engine' running through platform 7 with a Stobart container train.

Abington: Freightliner Heavy Haul 66515 draws a train of empty coal hoppers out of Abington Down Loop on 30 May.

Abington: Freightliner 66506 speeds through Abington loops with a northbound train of empty coal hoppers on 30 May.

Beattock Summit: A Freightliner Class 66 brings coal empties north over Beattock Summit on 30 May 2011, while another Freightliner is held in the up loop with a loaded train from Ravenstruther destined for Drax Power Station.

Abington: 92005 Mozart runs past the loops at Abington on 30 May with the 4S43 Rugby - Mossend 'Tesco' containers.

Bowling: A Helensburgh Central to Edinburgh Waverley service photographed on 30 May 2011 passing non-stop eastbound through Bowling station.

Evercreech Junction: The old station building at Evercreech Junction (left of sign) and the former railway bungalows (right) have survived very well, but the hoarding advertising the industrial estate says far more about the fate of the 'Serene and Delightful'. Their logo is the wrong way round... but that's a small part of the overall problem.

St Andrews [2nd]: The gateway to St Andrews is the dismantled railway bridge that carried the line over the A91 road at the western edge of the town, seen here in May 2011. Hard to imagine the 'Fife Coast Express' see image [[26205]] in days gone by, slowing as it crossed the bridge prior to pulling up at its ultimate destination. The former station (closed January 1969), St Andrews second, was located off to the right and is now a car park.

Eden Valley Junction: A southbound DRS container train waits in the Eden Valley loop just south of Penrith on the evening of 30 May 2011. This was the point at which the NER line to Appleby and Kirkby Stephen left the WCML and headed east. A short distance away behind the camera is the site of the former Clifton and Lowther station.

Beattock Summit: A southbound Pendolino passes a Freighliner coal train from Ravenstruther to Drax which has been looped at Beattock Summit on 30 May 2011.

Symington [2nd]: A northbound Pendolino passing Symington on 30 May 2011.

Templecombe: Number 9 'Jean' blows her nose on Common Lane shed on the remote, but delightful, Gartell Light Railway; which is mostly laid on the S&D trackbed.

Bowling: 320304 departs westwards from Bowling station with a service for Balloch on 30 May 2011.

Bowling: 320304 approaches Bowling station with a westbound service on 30 May 2011.

St Andrews [2nd]: View east towards the site of St Andrews station (1887-1969) in the spring of 2011. Station road on the left now leads up to the recently rebuilt bus station, with Hope Park Church spire standing in the background. The 1865 church saw the railway station (the town's second) come and go, pre-dating it by 22 years. See image [[34565]]

Crawford Viaduct: A northbound Virgin Voyager crosses the River Clyde at Crawford on 30 May 2011. See image [[34353]]

Auchencastle: First TransPennine Express 1706 hrs service from Glasgow Central to Manchester Airport descending Beattock near to Auchen Castle on 30 May 2011. The M74 is nicely screened from view by the trees on right!

Devils Bridge: Vale of Rheidol No 8 lays over in the headshunt at Devils Bridge for some 30 minutes before running round the rake of carriages to form the 12.00 return to Aberystwyth on 30 May.

Devils Bridge: VoR No 8 works hard as it rounds the final harsh rising curve shortly before reaching Devils Bridge with the 10.30 ex Aberystwyth working. A vintage grey Fergie tractor can be seen above the loco at the bungalow now sited alongside the curve

Grosmont: North Eastern mineral power. Q6 0-8-0 No. 63395 waits at Grosmont in May 2012, ready to lift it's 7 coach train to Goathland. 90 years old but well capable of the 3 1/2 miles of 1 in 48.

Larpool Viaduct: View north across the river Esk from Larpool viaduct on 30 May 2012. Whitby Abbey is just emerging from the haar on the hilltop in the centre background, while the former Whitby West Cliff station lies just out of sight beyond the far end of the viaduct. See image [[21088]]

Capel Bangor: The new westbound platform at Capel Bangor in May 2012, seen from the 10.30 Vale of Rheidol service to Devils Bridge.

Durham: A southbound East Coast HST calls at Durham in May 2012.

Aberystwyth: Reserve set 158836 crosses over from the stabling siding onto the platform line at Aberystwyth before returning ECS to Machynlleth depot on 30 May following the departure of the 09.30 service train. A reserve set is sent out to Aberystwyth to ensure a 09.30 departure in the event of delays with the incoming working. See image [[39812]]

Aberystwyth: The unused country end of Vale of Rheidol's former Aberystwyth steam shed with disconnected standard gauge ash pits still in situ. Photographed on 30 May 2012 from the 10.30 service to Devils Bridge.

Devils Bridge: VoR No 8 runs back into Devils Bridge station in May 2012 to couple up to its rake of carriages and form the 12.00 return service to Aberystwyth.

Nantyronen: The water tank at Nantyronen on the Vale of Rheidol line, used to replenish locomotives on the very demanding rising gradient when working towards Devils Bridge from Aberystwyth, seen here from a train on 30 May 2012.

Aberystwyth: 158829 leaves Aberystwyth on 30 May with the 09.30 service to Birmingham International. The train is passing reserve set 158836 stabled on the siding line. The latter had run ECS from Machynlleth and will return there shortly. The 09.30 service was intended to be formed as a 4 car set from the May timetable change, but changes that are needed to the ERTMS signalling protocol for the station area have prevented coupling of the two sets taking place so far.

Swing Bridge East Signal Box: DRS 66432 crosses the Forth and Clyde Canal between Falkirk Grahamston and Camelon with the 4A13 Grangemouth - Aberdeen intermodal on 30 May. Swing Bridge East signalbox was located next to the house on the far left of the picture. The house on the right is the former lock keeper's cottage see image [[20786]].

Hazlehead Colliery: The bridge parapets alongside the Holmfirth to Penistone road cross the former Hepworth Iron Co branch that once left the Woodhead route at Hazlehead Bridge. View east on 30 May 2014. See image [[47490]]

Lubeck: A Hamburg bound service emerges into the warm afternoon sun at Lubeck on 30 May 2014.

Fancott: The Fancott Railway (near Dunstable) claims to be the only pub railway in Britain. The driver and passengers all seem to be having fun in this view from the footbridge on 30 May. The pub and sole station stand beyond the top left corner of this picture.

Cumbernauld: 334035 approaches Cumbernauld from the Glasgow direction on 30 May 2014.

Inverkeithing East Junction: DRS 37419+37423 climb away from Inverkeithing East Junction towards Dalgety Bay on 30 May with Compass Tours The Forth and Tay Highlander from Crewe to Inverness.

Wapping: A deserted Wapping Station during line closure on 30 May for platform lengthening work.

Cumbernauld: Tamper DR73933 waits for the road at Cumbernauld on 30 May as 320321 crosses over from the turnback siding.

Dunstable North: Every council office car park should have one - this filled in turntable pit is almost the only evidence of the existence of the former station at Dunstable North see image [[43024]].

Swing Bridge Junction: 170478 was the last Turbostar in SPT livery. It has been transformed into Saltire colours and is here working the 11.58 from Dunblane to Edinburgh on 30 May approaching Swing Bridge. See image [[46569]]

Princes Street [Tram]: Edinburgh tram 252 heads east along Princes Street on 30 May 2014, the day before the commencement of fare paying passenger services.

Haymarket: The concourse at Haymarket Station on 30 May with access to the forecourt now available through the original E&G booking hall in the background.

Penistone: A DMU crossing the lengthy viaduct on the northern approach to Penistone Station on 30 May with the 09.13 Huddersfield - Sheffield service. The former electrical control room for the Woodhead 1500V traction supply can be seen standing above the south end of the viaduct.

Hazlehead Colliery: Looking south towards the site of Hazlehead Bridge station on the Woodhead route, along the cutting that once carried the line serving the works of the Hepworth Iron Company. The roof of the former station houses at Hazlehead Bridge can just be seen in the background between the electricity pole and pylon. See image [[47507]]

Bodmin General: Bodmin General station, Bodmin & Wenford Railway, splendidly restored to its 1950s appearance, on 30th May 2015. I visited the station in 1970, three years after closure and twenty years before heritage operations commenced and it was a sad sight then, boarded-up and derelict despite the line still being used by freight trains to Wenford Bridge. To see it as it is now is a joy to behold.

Glasgow Central: With Saturday 30 May 2015 being Scottish Cup Final day at Hampden Park a shuttle service was in operation between Glasgow Central and Mount Florida. For the record the match ended Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2 Falkirk 1.

St Budeaux Ferry Road: UK Railtours' excursion from London Paddington to Bodmin Parkway and Par, behind 66 014 with 66 156 at rear, passing St. Budeaux Ferry Road station, in the western suburbs of Plymouth, on Saturday, 30th May 2015.
See query 2131

Bodmin Parkway: 43142 to London Paddington, arriving at Bodmin Parkway, formerly known as Bodmin Road, on 30th May 2015. The junction for the heritage Bodmin & Wenford Railway which was the reason I and another friend were here on this day, courtesy of a UK Railtours' excursion which continued on to Par.

Shepton Mallet: A permanent minature railway of some length has been built at the Royal Bath and West showground in Somerset. Whilst it is located close to Shepton Mallet and Evercreech, it is not a patch on the old S&D.

Bodmin General: GWR class 4200 2-8-0T no. 4247 (1916) just arrived at Bodmin General from Bodmin Parkway, on the afternoon of Saturday, 30th May 2015. The locomotive will need to run round here before the train can continue to Boscarne Junction. This station was opened by the GWR as Bodmin, terminus of their branch from Bodmin Road (now Bodmin Parkway) on 27th May 1887 and on 3rd September 1888 a link was opened to the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway of 1834 at Boscarne Junction. The station was renamed Bodmin General post-Nationalisation by British Railways Western Region on 26th November 1949. Passenger services between Bodmin Road and Padstow, including the spur from Boscarne to Bodmin North, were withdrawn on 30th January 1967 but freight continued to the Wenford Bridge branch of the Bodmin & Wadebridge until 1983.

Paisley Gilmour Street: Four-car 380104 with an Ayr Service at Paisley Gilmour Street on Saturday 30 May. Too early in the morning, and the season, to attract much day-trip custom.

Shepton Mallet: 'Heave...' Turntable action at the Royal Bath and West showground on 30 May.

Colesloggett Halt: Bodmin & Wenford Railway train from Bodmin Parkway to Bodmin General and Boscarne Junction passing Colesloggett Halt, looking back down the incline towards Bodmin Parkway, on the afternoon of Saturday, 30th May 2015. This halt did not exist prior to the original closure of this line to passengers in 1967, it was built entirely for the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and opened in 1993.

Colesloggett Halt: Bodmin & Wenford Railway heritage train from Bodmin Parkway to Bodmin General and Boscarne Junction passing Colesloggett Halt, looking back down the incline towards Bodmin Parkway, on the afternoon of Saturday, 30th May 2015. Because of the siting of this halt on a steep gradient between Bodmin Parkway and Bodmin General, trains normally only call here when travelling towards Bodmin Parkway.

Reading West: UK Railtours excursion, behind 66014, from Paddington to Bodmin Parkway - for the Bodmin & Wenford Railway - and Par, passing Reading West station on Saturday, 30th May 2015.
See query 2297

Partick: Most 318s are still in SPT carmine and cream but here two saltire-liveried sets have been paired. Seen at Partick on 30 May 2015 with a Milngavie service.

Paisley Gilmour Street: Power Trip: an exhibition of inspirational art at Paisley Gilmour Street in May 2015. The pigeon has clearly seen it all before.

Bodmin Parkway: GWR class 42XX 2-8-0T 4247 approaching Bodmin Parkway station with a Bodmin & Wenford Railway service from Boscarne Junction and Bodmin General, on 30th May 2015. This locomotive was designed by G.J. Churchward (1857-1933) CME to the GWR between 1902 and 1922. 105 examples were built between 1903 and 1919 and 4247 dates from 1916 so 99 years old at the date of this photograph. I have not been able to ascertain the date of its withdrawal but it was rescued from Woodham's scrap yard at Barry in April 1995 with initial restoration at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway before being returned to steam at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in 2005.

Bodmin Parkway: Bodmin Parkway station looking west, on 30th May 2015. This station was opened as Bodmin Road on 4th May 1859 and renamed on 4th November 1983. Until 30th January 1967, it was possible to change here for trains to Bodmin General, Wadebridge and Padstow via Cornwall's first line, the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway that had opened in 1834. This had a lengthy freight only section to Wenford Bridge that survived until 1983. Part of the GWR route of 1887 from Bodmin Parkway to Bodmin General and a later section to Boscarne Junction, is now the heritage Bodmin & Wenford Railway and the Company has long term plans to extend back to Wadebridge.

Boscarne Junction: Bodmin & Wenford Railway train from Bodmin Parkway arriving at Boscarne Junction behind GWR 2-8-0T 4247 on 30th May 2015. This was where the GWR connecting line of 1888 from Bodmin General met Cornwall's first ever railway, the Bodmin & Wadebridge of 1834, later part of the LSWR, but this station was built especially for and by the heritage railway. It is the current terminus although the B&WR have long term plans to rebuild back to Wadebridge.

Bainfield Level Crossing: A 6 car Glasgow Queen Street to Oban and Fort William service approaches Cardross on 30 May 2015.

Bodmin General: Exterior of Bodmin General station, Bodmin & Wenford Railway, restored to its 1950s appearance, seen on 30th May 2015. This station was opened by the GWR on 27th May 1887 and until 26th November 1949 was known simply as Bodmin. It was closed by BR Western Region as part of the infamous Beeching cuts, on 30th January 1967 although freight to the Wenford Bridge branch continued until 1983. The line was ripe for reopening as a heritage line and in 1984 the Bodmin Railway Preservation Society was formed, holding an Open Day at Bodmin General in 1986. Heritage trains to Bodmin Parkway began running in 1990 and to Boscarne Junction in 1996.

Crossmyloof: With the departure screen showing Glasgow Central only (all it ever does say), the same destination scrolling at the front of the 156 and the departure being announced twice, it is hoped these passengers weren't querying the destination with the driver. Scene at Crossmyloof on Saturday 30 May 2015.

Halifax, Nova Scotia: 'The Ocean', Via Rail's train operating between Montreal and Halifax, Nova Scotia, formed of 'Nightstar' stock. Photographed after arrival in Halifax on 30 May 2015.

Queens Park: The driver of a Neilston service check the doors while one of his customers humps his bike up the stairs to Victoria Road. I imagine it's space restraints on the island platforms of the Cathcart lines that mean that lifts and ramps are not (yet?) a feature.

Boscarne Junction: View from Boscarne Junction towards Bodmin General on 30th May 2015. On the left is the track bed of Cornwall's first line, the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway, opened in 1834. The passenger spur off this to Bodmin North closed in 1967 at the same time as the end of passenger services between Bodmin Road (now Bodmin Parkway) and Padstow but the Wenford Bridge line, that diverged north from the Bodmin North spur and only ever carried freight, survived until 1983.

Norwich: 156402, from Sheringham and Cromer, arriving at Norwich on the morning of 30th May 2016. On the left is a Class 153 single unit while on the right is a rake of MkIII stock forming a Liverpool Street train. All these trains have been replaced on Anglia services by new Stadler stock.

Aylsham: No.3 '2nd Division USAAF', waiting to depart from Aylsham with a Bure Valley Railway service to Wroxham, on 30th May 2016. This diesel hydraulic was built in 1988 by engineering firm John Edwards of Great Yarmouth and tested on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. It was then used during construction of the BVR, which opened in 1990 along the trackbed of the former standard gauge line, closed to passengers in 1952 and to freight in 1981. This locomotive was originally named 'Buxton Mill' but renamed in tribute to the Division that flew B24 Liberators from fourteen airfields in Norfolk during WWII.

Hoveton and Wroxham: 156 402 from Norwich to Sheringham, reversing at Cromer, at Hoveton & Wroxham station on 30th May 2016. Ironically, at a time when the old BR regime were shortening station names with an '&' in them, e.g. Cholsey & Moulsford to just Cholsey, here an '&' was added as the station was previously known simply as Wroxham. Behind where I was standing to take this photo, a few yards away on the right, is the terminus of the miniature Bure Valley Railway to Aylsham, along the trackbed of a former standard gauge line.

Hoveton and Wroxham: 156409 from Norwich to Sheringham heading away from the camera departing from Hoveton & Wroxham on 30th May 2016. It will reverse at the former M&GNJR Cromer Beach station which, along with West Runton, are the only two MGNJR stations still in use following the sad closure of almost the entire system in 1959. On the left is the Wroxham terminus of the 15' gauge Bure Valley Railway.

Hoveton and Wroxham: 153322, on a Sheringham to Norwich service, arriving at Hoveton & Wroxham station on 30th May 2016.

Cowlairs Incline: View north from Keppochhill Road past the site of the now demolished Gourlay Street bridge. I wonder where the 'gallus boys' are now? See image [[54629]].

Wroxham: Diesel hydraulic No.3 '2nd Division USAAF' just arrived at Wroxham with a Bure Valley Railway train from Aylsham on 30th May 2016. This station is a short walk from Hoveton & Wroxham station on the Sheringham to Norwich line.

Cowlairs Incline: The site of the now-demolished Gourlay Street bridge over the Cowlairs Incline as abutments are rebuilt and new parapets are constructed. (My thanks to the residents who were replacing their 3 piece suite which helped me take photos over the fence).

Wroxham: 2-6-2 ZB Class locomotive No.7 at the Bure Valley Railway terminus at Wroxham on 30th May 2016. This locomotive was built specifically for the BVR at the Birmingham-based firm of Winson Green Engineering in May 1994. It was named 'Spitfire' on 20th June 1997 at a special ceremony led by the Station Commanders of nearby RAF Coltishall and Neatisfield airfields, two of whom flew the 'Spitfire' planes during World War Two.

Cowlairs Incline: With the Fountainwells overbridge see image [[54489]] now demolished, there is a clear view from Keppochhill Road down the incline towards the bridge at Pinkston Road and the north portal of the Queen Street High level tunnel (if you are over 8 feet tall, that is). The Fountainwells bridge was just past the crossover in the centre of the photo.

Cowlairs Tunnel: The north portal to the Queen Street High level Tunnel on 30th May 2016 showing the up line slabtrack completed and the down line now removed for replacement.

Bridge of Dun: Brechin City No 3059 at Bridge of Dun on 30th May 2016.

Coltishall: The former standard gauge Coltishall station, closed in 1952 and now a private residence, seen from a 15 inch gauge train on the Bure Valley Railway from Wroxham to Aylsham arriving on 30th May 2016. The train will soon draw up at the narrow low island platform, devoid of any buildings, which is a passing loop where it will wait to cross a train from Aylsham.

Aylsham: 2-6-2 ZB class No.7 'Spitfire' just arrived at Aylsham with a Bure Valley Railway service from Wroxham on 30th May 2016. This is the terminus of the line on the site of the former Aylsham South station, an intermediate stop on the Wroxham to County School line that closed in 1952. Near Reepham, the line crossed the ex-M&GNJR Melton Constable to Norwich City line and in 1960, a year after this had closed to passengers, the Themelthorpe spur was opened linking the two lines and freight trains via this route to Norwich City continued until 1969 when they were cut back to Lenwade. These finished in 1981 and the Bure Valley Railway opened in 1990 but beyond Aylsham, the former standard gauge lines are now abandoned.

Yeovil Junction: Yeovil Junction, seen on 30th May 2017. This is the busier of the town's two surviving stations and still has numerous buildings and sidings.

Kings Cross: Kings Cross, 30th May 2017, and about to board the 1400hrs HST to Aberdeen, with its supremely comfortable and roomy Mk3 carriages. A DVT, on the tail of a Class 91 service, stands alongside

Inverkeithing East Junction: DB red 66101 leads an Elgin - Millerhill engineers train past Inverkeithing East Junction. 66050 is on the rear. 30 May.

Waterloo: Waterloo, 30th May, this is the train from Yeovil junction, a few class 158 made into a sizeable train.

Cologne: Cologne's distinctive station roof frames a dual ICE set arriving from the east on 30th May 2017. This was the third of the photographer's four interchanges on a rail journey which began at 05.40 at Edinburgh Waverley and ended in Hornberg (in the heart of the Black Forest) at 22.30 (mainland European time) the same day.

Edinburgh Waverley: After bringing in commuters from Fife, Direct Rail Services 68 008 Avenger prepares to take the ECS off to Motherwell for the day, returning in the evening. Carbon neutral? A Virgin Voyager for Plymouth boards at Platform 19.

Newbridge Junction: Anti-graffiti artwork at Newbridge Junction. Other such Network Rail commissioned graffiti deterrent art can be seen at Jordanhill, Partick, Eglinton Street and Motherwell.

Leyland: WCRC 37669 and 37516 pass Leyland with the first Dalesman railtour of the year returning to Chester. The 37s had been used to get the tour to Carnforth on the outward journey and from Hellifield on the return with steam on the rest of the tour.

Yeovil Junction: Yeovil Junction station, 30th May 2017. Numerous buildings and sidings and quite a busy station.

Boroughbridge [1st]: A May 2018 view of the frontage of the original terminus station at Boroughbridge for the branch from Pilmoor, now used as a brick merchant's office. It was replaced by a new station a hundred yards west when the line was extended through to Knaresborough.

Polmont: A Dunblane service pulls into Polmont on 30 May. Instead of the usual security announcements the information screens were enjoining customers to carry bottled water to guard against dehydration. I suppose we should be grateful they don't tell us to change our socks every day or visit the dentist regularly.

Stirling: Stirling station is going to need a lot of metalwork when it is electrified and this view will change somewhat. It will still be an impressive (and, dare we say, oversized) station. It has only lost Platform 1 (car park, extreme right) though bay Platforms 4 and 5 (centre) are not signalled for passenger departures. A Dunblane service heads north on the Down Main.

Boroughbridge [1st]: May 2018 view of the extant eastern-most goods shed and the twin track coal-drop support walls, in the former goods yard for the first Boroughbridge Station that was sited at the east end of the station. A further goods shed stands to left of view with the former station house a short distance further along. See images [[67028]] and [[67059]].

Boroughbridge [1st]: View looking east of the extended and altered first Boroughbridge Terminus Station's Station House, now sited within a brick dealer's yard, in May 2018. The line ran to rear of the building. Two goods sheds and the coal-drop walls are sited beyond the house, in the former station goods yard. See image [[67008]]

Morlaix Viaduct: The Morlaix Viaduct is an amazing structure with a pedestrian walkway. No trains in the photo but we heard them rumbling over from the little hotel in which we were staying. This view from the north on 30th May 2018. The car park is part of the filled in harbour.

Boroughbridge [1st]: View of the western-most goods shed in the former goods yard of the first Boroughbridge Station in May 2018. The former station house is still extant being sited some short distance to left of the goods shed. A further goods shed and coal-drop walls also still stand just to right of view. See image [[67028]]

Boroughbridge Junction: View west on 30th May 2018, from Tinkler Lane accommodation crossing in Milby, along the trackbed running towards the first Boroughbridge Station and goods yard, sited some 400 metres away. The parapet of an accommodation under-bridge stands alongside the tree to left in the centre distance. See image [[67156]]

Linlithgow: The retreating Class 365 - on driver training - makes the 170 for Dunblane look a little gloomy by comparison (and no, I wasn't brought up on Thomas the Tank Engine).

Alloa: Like much of Central Scotland's railways at the moment Alloa is not quite electrified and a 170 waits to return to Glasgow on 30 May. When the line reopened just over 10 years ago (yes, I'm afraid it was) the goods line on the left was shiny with coal trains for Longannet power station. 'Longannet, no more' and the track is showing only light use.

Alloa: Frantic activity on th platform as the 1241 to Glasgow prepares to depart on 30 May.

Stirling: The fine footbridge linking the station block with the Platform 9/10 island, seen on 30 May. The lamp bracket is original, though the fitting is not. The bridge is to be raised for electrification clearance and at the same time will be made accessible. We are told the new structure will 'retain the heritage elements of the old structure'. Come on, be charitable.

Taormina-Giardini: The town of Taormina is situated at a slightly higher elevation than the station. This view from the town square looks down to the coastal railway line as an electric loco leaves the station propelling three coaches northwards towards Messina in May 2018.

Larbert: A Dunblane to Edinburgh service approaches Larbert on 30 May. The closed Larbert North box is still looking good, which is more than can be said for Carmuirs East box which is a shell.

Linlithgow: A Class 365 on driver training pulling up at Linlithgow on driver training on 30 May. It will then enter the loop, change ends and rejoin the main line to return west.

Tollerton: May 2019 view south, from the nearby road overbridge, of the complex pointwork and catenary at Tollerton Junction. There is a high speed crossover from the Up Slow to the Up Fast line, and from the Down Fast to the Down Slow line, plus a north to south low speed cross over from the Down Fast line to the Up Fast just south of these. The engineers' yard to left of view is accessed via a south facing connection to the Up Slow line close by.

Forest Gate: 345005, with a TfL Rail service from Liverpool Street to Shenfield, heading away from the camera as it departs from Forest Gate station in east London, on 30th May 2019. This service should have been running through from west London via the new Crossrail tunnels from December 2018 but the opening date has been put back time and time again and as at 31st December 2020, there is still no sign of when the new service will begin. The platforms on the far left on the fast tracks are now obsolete and fenced off.

Maryland: 345016, with a TfL Rail service to Liverpool Street, arriving at Maryland station in east London, on 30th May 2019.

Woodacre Crossing: Under threatening clouds the evening flask train from Sellafield to Crewe rolls south at Woodacre on 30th May 2019 behind 88004 Pandora and 88007 Electra. The train will have been diesel hauled as far as Carnforth before a switch to overhead power. See image [[35046]] for a view of the same train at this spot eight years earlier.

Crouch Hill: Brand new Aventra Class 710261 with a London Overground GOBLIN service from Gospel Oak to Barking at Crouch Hill station, on 30th May 2019.

Dunkeld and Birnam: A step up for Dunkeld.

Upper Holloway: Brand new Aventra Class 710262 with a London Overground GOBLIN service from Barking to Gospel Oak arriving at its penultimate stop at Upper Holloway station, on 30th May 2019.

Coventry Arena: The perils of refranchising - somebody takes no responsibility for bicycle theft, and reserves the right to remove improperly parked cycles. We are not sure who - can we get back to you on that?

Maryland: 345016, with a TfL Rail service from Shenfield to Liverpool Street, departing from Maryland station (known as Maryland Point until 1941) in east London, on 30th May 2019. This service should have started running through the new Crossrail tunnels to west London from December 2018 but, despite promises the line would open in 2019 and then 2020, at the start of 2021 there is still no sign of when services will start, 2022 now being cited but don't hold your breath.

Perth: HST arriving from Glasgow to form the 0811 departure from Perth to Inverness on 30th May 2019. Note camera team on right! See image [[69078]]

Coventry Arena: A train from Leamington (I love writing that) to Nuneaton calls at Arena station on 30th May 2019.

Tollerton: The final road overbridge replacement on the section of East Coast Main Line between Skelton and Alne was that on Station Road at Tollerton. This view on 30 May 2019 of the replacement bridge shows the road has been narrowed to allow a footpath to be created, with vehicles now signal controlled rather than the unrestricted crossing that previously existed. The ramp onto the bridge is greater from the higher clearance above the line below. See image [[54333]] for a similar view of the old bridge.

Coventry Arena: All change on the Nuneaton to Coventry line - a class 172 carrying lots of gold paint heading for Leamington Spa.

Coventry Arena: Aha. A significant change in the title of the timetable. Although Sunday trains do not run through, from Mondays to Saturdays, the journey time from Nuneaton to Leamington is reduced by approximately half; from a time uncompetitive with driving, to one that beats driving. All good stuff.

Tollerton: An unidentified Colas Rail class 70 loco heads north mid-morning, on a short rake of ballast loaded twin axle wagons, with the daily northbound Doncaster Decoy to Millerhill engineers working, as seen from Station Road at Tollerton, on 30 May 2019. The return working would get back in the early hours of the next day. N.B. The times for this working have changed a number of times since this view, and as of Dec 2021 it is now booked to pass Tollerton at 06.00 northbound and 21.50 returning south.

Tollerton: A view looking south over the up side engineers yard at Tollerton Junction on 30 May 2019.

Haymarket: Here is 68006 'Daring' at Haymarket, on the 2200hrs Edinburgh-Inverkeithing via Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline, the last loco hauled Fife Circle service on 30th May 2020. 68007 'Valiant' had left with the 2150hrs Edinburgh-Inverkeithing via Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy.

Morwellham Quay: A rebuilt waggon vehicle, from the Morwellham Quay tramway system, on display at this Devon museum in May 2021.

Wanton Walls Junction [2nd]: The far bridge carries the ECML while the nearer one is for the eastern end of the elegant 'S' which carries the 1960s Monktonhall to Millerhill connection. What's that Sooty? It looks older? Yes, it was built for the line to Niddrie via the original Wanton Walls Junction. This bit was shared until the older line closed in 1984.

Bridgwater: A bit of all white - the attractive station at Bridgwater, seen from the adjacent road, in May 2021.

Bridgwater: Looking East over the well-kept footbridge at Bridgwater.

Raskelf: One of the two former Scotrail liveried, dedicated Fife Circle locos, DRS 68007 runs down the ECML up slow line approaching the Raskelf station site with the diverted 11.00 Mossend to Daventry Tesco intermodal working on Bank Holiday Sunday 30 May 2021. These workings over recent weekends have normally had a class 88 electro-diesel ahead of the class 68, as did the opposing working that I unfortunately overlooked. See image [[77423]]

Morwellham Quay: Morwellham Quay was served by a short incline from the Tavistock Canal which dropped down to the River Tamar. There was also an old mining system, the Devon Great Consols Tramway, which served further quays.

Raskelf: TransPennine Express units 185123 and 185129 run down the up slow line approaching the former Raskelf station with the 16.05 Redcar Central to Manchester Airport working on 30 May 2021. The overhead line support is making it look to be a single 6 car unit by covering the gap between the two units. The class 185 DMUs are the staple stock on services to Redcar, and on many of the Scarborough line shuttle workings to / from York that were implemented during Covid to replace the loco powered push pull workings to / from Liverpool.

Grouville [Jersey]: A 30th May 2021 view of the former Grouville station building on the Jersey Eastern Railway. Closed completely in 1929, the railway infrastructure in the immediate area was revived by the occupying German forces from 1942, conveying no fewer than 1m tonnes of sand from Grouville Bay to various sites of military fortification works on the southern and west coasts of the island.

Scorton [Lancashire] [2nd]: Another grey day in May sees Trans-Pennine 68022 'Resolution', working light engine from Longsight to Carlisle (via Crewe), passing over a typical Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway low arch bridge at Scorton. Presumably this movement was for a repair or a significant examination appointment at Kingmoor. See [[64132]] taken at the same bridge four years earlier.