Rathen: Gresley V4 2-6-2 no 61700 Bantam Cock passes through Rathen station on 14 July 1955 heading towards Aberdeen with an up 'officer's special'. See image [[47834]]

New Galloway: Stranraer based Fowler 2P 4-4-0 no 40623 pulls into the westbound platform of New Galloway station on an overcast Saturday 14 July 1956 with a Dumfries - Stranraer stopping train.

New Galloway: Compound 4-4-0 41132 calls at New Galloway on 14 July 1956 with a Stranraer - Dumfries train. [Ref query 980]

Castle Douglas: Class 5 4-6-0 45169 approaching Castle Douglas westbound on 14 July 1956 at the head of a Dumfries - Stranraer train. [Ref query 1000]

Dalbeattie: 57349 approaching Dalbeattie on 14 July 1956 with a Dumfries - Kirkcudbright train. [Ref query 5666]

Dalbeattie: General view through Dalbeattie station on Saturday 14 July 1956, looking east towards Dumfries.

Loch Skerrow: Horwich Mogul 42918 with a westbound goods at a wet and lonely Loch Skerrow station on 14 July 1956. The train is on the up line at this point to permit overtaking. [Ref query 678]

Stroan Viaduct: Dumfries based Caley 'Jumbo' 0-6-0 57362 crossing Stroan Viaduct westbound on Saturday 14 July 1956 with a short goods train.

Loch Skerrow: Ex-Caledonian 'Jumbo' 0-6-0 57362 approaching Loch Skerrow on 14 July 1956 with a Newton Stewart - Castle Douglas goods.

Castle Douglas: Dumfries based Crab 2-6-0 42918 leaving Castle Douglas with a down goods on 14 July 1956.

Loch Ken Viaduct: An eastbound freight on the Port Road in the summer of 1956. Horwich Mogul 42915 has just crossed the viaduct over Loch Ken, midway between New Galloway and Parton.

Dalbeattie: A down train approaching Dalbeattie in the summer of 1956. The train is double headed, with Dumfries shed's Stanier 3P 2-6-2T 40170 piloting Stranraer based Fowler 2P 4-4-0 40623.

Loch Skerrow: A trainload of bombs destined for Loch Ryan heading west on the Port Road near Loch Skerrow in the summer of 1956. Locomotive in charge is Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48157. [Ref query 15 January 2018]

New Galloway: The down mid-day 'Paddy' near New Galloway on the Port Road in the summer of 1956. The locomotive is Kingmoor shed's Jubilee 45691 Orion. [Ref query 2486]

Dalbeattie: Compound 4-4-0 41132 photographed leaving Dalbeattie on 14 July 1956 at the head of a Dumfries - Stranraer train. [Ref query 219]

New Galloway: A Dumfries - Stranraer train photographed shortly after leaving New Galloway station on 14 July 1956 behind Fowler 2P 4-4-0 40623. [Ref query 46221]

Dalbeattie: One of Stranraer shed's Compounds no 41132 calls at Dalbeattie on 14 July 1956. The 4-4-0 is on its way home with a stopping train from Dumfries.

Loch Skerrow: A westbound goods at Loch Skerrow on 14 July 1956 behind 'Crab' 2-6-0 42884.

Willesden Shed: LNWR 0-8-0 at Willesden on 14th July 1958. These old locos were never fitted with smokebox number plates for some reason.

Glengarnock: Class 2P 4-4-0 40688 calls at Glengarnock on 14 July 1959 with a train for Kilmarnock.

Beith North: Jubilee 45645 Collingwood passing the site of Beith North station on 14 July 1959 with a Glasgow - Ayr express. [Ref query 5365]

Lochside: BR Standard Mogul 77015 passing through Lochside with a St Enoch - Kilmarnock train on 14 July 1959. [Ref query 31 August 2018]

Beith North: BR light Pacific 72009 Clan Stewart near Beith in July 1959 with a St Enoch - Stranraer express.

Glengarnock: Standard class 5 4-6-0 73104 with a St Enoch - Largs train north of Glengarnock the summer of 1959. [Ref query 1115]

Beith North: BR Standard tank 80000 at Beith North in the summer of 1959 at the head of a Glasgow - Largs express. [Ref query 986]

Eastfield Shed: Class Y9 0-4-0ST 68110, stabled in the yard at Eastfield in the summer of 1961. Built by Neilson & Co in 1891, the ex-NB veteran was withdrawn from here a month after the photograph was taken and cut up at nearby Cowlairs Works 3 months later.

Beattock: A Class 6P 4-6-0 on a Birmingham to Edinburgh train climbing Beattock bank in the summer of 1961.

Stobcross Junction: Gresley V3 67626 passing the former Stobcross shed on 14 July 1961 with a Helensburgh Central - Bridgeton Central train. The two road dead end shed, which stood in the triangle formed by the Kelvinhaugh Goods and Kelvinhaugh Street to the north, had closed in October 1950, at which time it was a sub to 65D Dawsholm. In the foreground are the lines approaching the extensive Stobcross goods and minerals yard, principal goods yard for the west of the Glasgow city centre.

Kelvinhaugh Junction: Parkhead V3 2-6-2T no 67676 tops the 1:88 grade westbound at Kelvinhaugh Junction on 14 July 1961 with a Bridgeton Central - Helensburgh Central train.

Kelvinhaugh Junction: V3 67679 eastbound under the wires at Kelvinhaugh Junction on 14 July 1961. The train is about to start the descent to Finnieston [NBR] on a Dalmuir Park to Bridgeton Central service. This was the period during which steam hauled services had been hastily reinstated following temporary withdrawal of the Class 303 (originally AM3) electric units to remedy a fault with the switchgear. See image [[49348]]

Kelvinhaugh Junction: Kipps based Gresley V3 2-6-2T 67618 photographed passing Kelvinhaugh Junction on 14 July 1961 at the head of an Anniesland - Airdrie train.

Beattock: Class 6P 4-6-0 on a Birmingham to Edinburgh train climbing to Beattock Summit assisted by a 2-6-4T banker in the summer of 1961.

Beattock: Stanier 'Princess' Pacific no 46200 The Princess Royal with the 10am Euston - Aberdeen at Beattock station on 14 July 1962, approximately four months before eventual withdrawal from Kingmoor shed see image [[20232]].

Beattock: A southbound train hauled by an unidentified 'Clan' Pacific calls at Beattock on 14 July 1962. One of Beattock shed's banking locomotives is standing alongside in the bay.

Beattock: The 10am Euston - Aberdeen, having picked up a banking locomotive, heads north out of Beattock station on 14 July 1962.

Beattock: Platform view north at Beattock station in July 1962. Polmadie class 5 4-6-0 no 73062 with a southbound train.

Carlisle: Carrying a Blackpool Central (24E) shed plate, 'Jubilee' 4-6-0 no 45584 North West Frontier photographed at Carlisle on 14 July 1962 with the summer Saturday 10.15 am Blackpool North - Glasgow Central through service. See image [[38208]]

Beattock: 'Jubilee' 4-6-0 no 45584 North West Frontier stopped at the north end of Beattock station on 14 July 1962 to pick up banking assistance. The train is the summer Saturday 10.15 am Blackpool North - Glasgow Central.

Beattock: D329 with train 1S57 the down 'Royal Scot' photographed passing through Beattock station in July 1962.

Beattock: An up express hauled by a Standard Clan Pacific runs through Beattock station in July 1962. Beattock was one of several Caledonian stations designed by notable architect William Tite.

Carlisle: Stanier Pacific no 46200 'The Princes Royal' stands at platform 1 at Carlisle station on 14 July 1962 having just taken over the 10am Euston - Aberdeen train. See image [[39118]]

Beattock: Beattock shed's BR Standard class 4 2-6-4T no 80004 in position at the rear of a passenger train stopped at Beattock station in July 1962 ready to provide assistance on the ascent.

Eglinton Street: Royal Scot 46132 The King's Regiment Liverpool runs through Eglinton Street shortly after leaving Glasgow Central on 14 July 1962 with the 10.55am service to Manchester. A DMU can be seen crossing the bridge carrying the CGU line to St Enoch in the background.

Beattock: An EE Type 1 brings a freight south through Beattock station in the summer of 1962.

Beattock: The 10am Euston - Aberdeen awaits banking assistance at Beattock station in July 1962. The locomotive is Stanier Pacific no 46200 'The Princess Royal'.

Beattock: The northern approach to Beattock station in July 1962. Motherwell Black 5 no 45085, with less than 6 months operational life remaining before withdrawal, is about to take an up freight through the station.

Crossmyloof: The 5.30pm Glasgow St Enoch - Carlisle train, photographed shortly after passing Crossmyloof on 14 July 1964. The locomotive is Kingmoor Black 5 44726. [Ref query 984]

Killin [2nd]: Standard 2-6-4T 80092, with the branch service to Killin Junction, seen not long after departure from Killin on 14th July 1965, the last summer of branch operation.

Ayr: 76101 awaits departure from Ayr in July 1966 with the 17.15 to Kilmarnock. As can be seen from the name still painted on the buffer beam, the locomotive had been a Dawsholm resident until the depot closed.

Ayr: 76101 awaits departure from Ayr with the 17.15 to Kilmarnock on 14th July 1966. The service carried a Royal Mail van which was attached at Kilmarnock to a mail and parcels service that ran onwards to Carlisle and south of the border.

Fort William [1st]: The 1894 Fort William station with a Glasgow train awaiting its departure time in July 1970.

Nevis Viaduct: A train photographed shortly after leaving Fort William in the summer of 1970. It has just crossed the River Nevis and is about to pass below the bridge carrying Earl of Inverness Road. [Ref query 39449]

Fort William [1st]: The lochside setting of the original station at Fort William, seen here in July 1970.

Fort William Shed: Remains of Fort William shed and turntable in July 1970.

Oxenholme: A class 50 hauled express arriving at Oxenholme in July 1972. A Cravens DMU sits under the short overall roof, waiting to depart for Windermere. Fifty years later this connection can still be made, and the service on the branch is significantly improved. See image [[70504]].

Carlisle: Looking south through Carlisle station in July 1976 as an up WCML train calls at platform 4 behind a class 86 locomotive, while another waits on the centre road.

Norwich: The driver of 47005 enjoys a surprise visit from his granddaughter before he starts a late afternoon Norwich-London service on 14th July 1979.

York: An immaculate LMS Black Five No 5305 (BR 45305) is about to leave York with the 'Scarborough Spa Express' on 14 July 1981. It reached Scarborough on time after an effortless journey which included 70mph between Malton and Seamer. Note the '53A' shedplate, acknowledging its rescue from Draper's scrapyard in Hull.

Braye Road: The station at Braye Road on the Alderney Railway in the Channel Islands, photographed in the summer of 1981. Built by the British government to carry stone from the east end of the island in order to construct the breakwater and various fortifications, the railway was officially opened by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1847. The couple later travelled along the 2 mile route in a horse drawn tender. Traffic using the line today includes 0-4-0 diesel locomotives hauling ex-LU 1959 tube stock.

Rayners Lane: The classic LT roundel (or bullseye) seen here at Rayners Lane in July 1994. Not untypically for Metroland the station came first, in 1906, when Rayners Lane was just that - a lane. It suddenly became a suburb between the wars and mushroomed.

Kings Cross Thameslink: King's Cross Thameslink was treated as an annexe of King's Cross mainline, so the platforms were lettered to avoid confusion. Originally the 1863 platforms of the Metropolitan underground, the station King's Cross Thameslink was the final incarnation before the station closed in 2007 and new platforms underneath St Pancras were opened as a near replacement. Here is the platform guide photographed in July 1994.

Kings Cross: The flipover departure indicator at King's Cross on 14 July 1994. I'm not sure if this was made by Solari, the usual manufacturer of such things, as the leaves didn't flip over gently falling by gravity but zipped through at an alarming rate, a complete column appearing within 2 seconds. How this was achieved I couldn't fathom. I also can't work out whether that's a cycle helmet made to look like hair or hair made to ...

Kings Cross St Pancras: Although dot-matrix indicators were well established on the platforms at King's Cross St Pancras Underground station at the time, this relic of a pre-electronic age survived at the foot of the escalators in July 1994. Platform 1 shows WATFORD 1st, CIRCLE LINE via PADDINGTON 2nd and HAMMERSMITH 3rd, one train for each of the three lines using the platform. Platform 2 shows only an ALDGATE train.

Kings Cross: The west side of King's Cross, with the entrance to the suburban platforms, seen from the Great Northern Hotel in 1994. From this viewpoint today you would see little except the roof of the 21st century station extension. The hotel has become 5-star since my stay, though it closed down in between and was derelict for 12 years.

Earl's Court [Metro]: When I photographed these fine old platform indicators at Earls Court in 1994 I wouldn't have believed that they would still be there 21 years later. In fact the left-hand column has been supplemented with a 'STOPS HERE' at the bottom. Inflexible, but simple and effective.

Kings Cross St Pancras: King's Cross St Pancras westbound Piccadilly line platform on 14 July 1994.  The poster in Spanish reads 'There'll be someone at home waiting to hear your voice'.  It goes on to compare the cost of a call to Spain with that of a hot chocolate and pastry, and reminds us 'It's good to talk'.  You'll have to imagine a Spanish Bob Hoskins.

Earl's Court [Metro]: The eastbound District Line platforms 1 and 2 at Earl's Court in July 1994. Note the antiquated train departure indicators.

Falkirk High: The 1712 service from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy splits at Falkirk High in July 1998, with the front set for Waverley.

Evesham: Approaching Evesham station from the south.

Loughborough Midland: The south end of Loughborough (Midland) station in 2003. The line was crossed by a bridge of the Great Central Railway's London Extenson. It is planned that this bridge is replaced to allow the branch to Rushcliffe and Ruddington to be connected to today's Great Central Railway at what is presently the terminus of Loughborough Central.

Loughborough Midland: The Gap at the south end of Loughborough (Midland) station where the former Great Central Railway crossed the Midland main line. The embankment of the former GCR runs off to the left. View south in July 2003.

Wolverhampton: We seem to be doing a series of photographs of unloved platforms at the moment. So, here's a shot of platform 6 at Wolverhampton (High Level, er obviously). Those cabins may make alighting a little tricky. 14 July 2003.

Powderhall Loop: A fine summer morning in July 2005 sees EWS 37427, running light engine from Millerhill to Powderhall depot, approaching its destination. The locomotive had been diagrammed to work the morning Binliner to Oxwellmains. See image [[4773]]

Easter Road: 'Sunshine on Leith...'. Shortly after commencing its journey on a July morning in 2005, EWS 37427 brings the Powderhall - Oxwellmains Binliner under Easter Road and through the abandoned and overgrown platforms of the former station.

Easter Road: View west on a perfect summer morning on 14 July 2005, with EWS 37427 having run through the abandoned platforms of Easter Road, now accelerating south east towards the ECML and Oxwellmains with the morning Binliner from Powderhall.

Cockburnspath: EWS 66103 brings the 06.37 Mossend - West Burton power station coal train south through the site of Cockburnspath station (closed 1951) on 14 July 2006. The train has recently passed to the west of Torness nuclear power station, seen standing on the headland across the bay, an establishment where coal is not a requirement.

Lancaster: Glasgow - Euston Pendolino calls at Lancaster on 14 July.

Lancaster: 901002/Lab19-Iris 2 (a former class 101 dmu) heads south through Lancaster on 14 July.

Caernarfon: Ex SAR NG class 143 taking water at Caernarfon on the Welsh Highland Railway on 14 July 2007.

Caernarfon: WHR 143 leaving Caernarfon with the 13.55 to Rhyd-Ddu on 17 July. Welsh Highland Railway

Perth: Perth Platform 6 with stabled 170496.

Perth: Perth Carriage sidings (north end) showing 170406, 158706 & 158720.

Perth: 'Alex Findlay and Co' works plate on the middle footbridge at Perth station.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: 1413 Glasgow express goes through the points to line U at Perth Junction. Set 170408.

Perth: 170428 from Inverness enters Perth under the Glasgow Road Bridge

Hoghton: Blackpool - York service near the former Hoghton station on the approach to Blackburn on 14 July. West Yorkshire PTE liveried 158907.

Perth: Central Scotlands main servicing depot is at the north end of Perth station. Formerly platforms 8 & 9.

Perth Carriage Sidings: A 170 and 4x158s wait for Monday morning to take the road.

Perth: Southerly view of the grand old station at Perth.

Gregson Lane: Central Trains 158 eastbound at Gregson Lane on 14 July with a Blackpool - York service.

Gregson Lane: Colne - Blackpool service westbound along the Bowland Fells near Gregson Lane on 14 July.

Perth: Inverness - Edinburgh train enters Perth platform 4. See the original name board. Longest platform (not having split numbers) in Scotland.

Hoghton: A York - Blackpool service climbs westward between Blackburn and Preston on 14 July near Hoghton.

Hoghton: A Northern service to Colne descends Hoghton bank heading to the next stop at Pleasington.

Bathgate STVA Aborted Siding: View towards Bathgate on 14 July 2008 showing the newly installed connection to the car compound of STVA Automotive Logistics Ltd.

Dunkeld and Birnam: Canopy brackets on Dunkeld up platform. Photographed on 14 July 2008.

Lancaster: Platform 5 at Lancaster Castle is a through road alongside the up line but most services, like 156470 here, arrive from and then depart to the north either for Morecambe or, as in this case, Barrow-in-Furness. View south towards Preston.

Bay Horse: Unlike most other Lancaster and Preston stations, Bay Horse did not close until 1960, despite being in a rural location with no real centre of population. Station House still stands alongside the up line, and on the down side the goods shed is still in industrial use. Map Ref SD 493529

Bay Horse: Bay Horse subway entrance on the down side showing the remains of the old platform wall and Station House visible on the opposite side of the line. The down platform access was on the right, just before the subway but now fenced off.

Bay Horse: Bay Horse is a very rural location and the still open subway under the line is an unusual survivor. This is the up side showing the subway entrance and also the former access to the up platform, now bricked up.

Stewarton: Glasgow bound 156433 awaits its departure time at Stewarton in between showers on 14 July. Evidence of the ongoing building work at the station can be seen in the background.

Hornby: The view east along the former trackbed to Wennington from the overbridge at the site of Hornby station in the Lune Valley. The Lancaster to Wennington line has been closed for over 40 years now but the trackbed is still easily visible for most of its length.

Hornby: Hornby station closed in 1957, nine years before the line itself. Once the line had closed completely a small housing development was built on the station site, including the trackbed. This view is towards Lancaster. The station platforms were immediately beyond the overbridge. Map Ref SD 586680.

Stewarton: 156433 departs from Stewarton for Glasgow Central on 14 July.

Appleby: Platform casement lamp at Appleby on 14 July 2010

Ferriere-Larcon: CFD d'Indre-et-Loire (reseau sud).  11 July 2010.   Looking northwest to the former Ferriere-Larcon station in the direction of Paulmy on the Ligeuil - le Grand-Pressigny metre gauge line which closed in 1949. The station building is now the office for a local grain silo which dominates the site. The tracks ran to the left of the station building and there was a level crossing here across the Ferriere-Larcon to Ligeuil road.

Cambuslang: The tendency for Scottish placenames to sound more romantic than than the actuality, and the tendency for rail locations to look more leafy than their immediate surroundings come together at Cambuslang, where 318 262 is seen calling with a Dalmuir service on 14 July.

Milngavie: Standing obligingly in sequential order at Milngavie on 14 July are 318 264 and 318 265.  264 has recently arrived form Bellgrove. Oddly perhaps the return workings are to High Street, one stop short.  I could be wrong, but I doubt these workings will survive intact when the timetable is redrawn for December and the Airdrie - Bathgate reopening.   At Platform 1 265 is preparing to depart with a Motherwell service.  Platform 1: Argyle Line, Platform 2: North Clyde Line is the usual arrangement, with trains departing every 15 minutes in turn.

Bearsden: As at quite a few other places it was the name chosen for the station that gave the name to the community which built up around it. Nobody seems sure where the railway got 'Bearsden' from. If it was a jocular reference to a bear's den then it didn't stop the area becoming one of Glasgow's smarter 'pan loaf' suburbs. A 6-car Juniper pulls in for Milngavie on 14 July.

Glasgow Central: Class 314s have remained unrefurbished since delivery in 1979, and don't look so bad for it though the seats are a little hard. They have a virtual monopoly of the Cathcart lines but venture into Inverclyde at times where they can get up some speed. Despite their age there is no immediate prospect of them going anywhere in the Class 380 cascade and the plan is they'll continue trundling past Muirhouse and Cathcart Junctions for the time being.

Bishopton: 334 011 with a Gourock stopper at Bishopton on 14 July 2010

Dandry Mire Viaduct: A Carlisle bound Northern 156 DMU crosses Dandry Mire Viaduct on 14 July 2010.

Perth: The Highland Chieftain leaves Perth platform 7 and heads north for Inverness on 14 July.

Milngavie: 318 252 arrives at Milngavie platform 1 on 14 July 2010.

Dandry Mire Viaduct: Looking towards Dandry Mire Viaduct on the Settle and Carlisle line on 14 July 2010. A Northern class 156 DMU heads north with an afternoon service from Leeds destined for Carlisle.

Edinburgh Waverley: You've only a matter of months now to appreciate the kindergarten colour scheme of a Class 322 interior, seen here in July 2010. Only 5 of the class were ever built and all are operating on the North Berwick and Dunbar routes. Come March 2011 they'll return south from whence they came, and be replaced by new Class 380s, of which none has so far been delivered.

Cambuslang: Unusually, Cambuslang sports a line diagram above the street entrance, seen here in July 2010. It's almost as if ScotRail is hoping to lure people into taking an impulse journey to Airbles or Wishaw.  It's not clear why the Hamilton Circle is depicted the wrong way round, or why Newton is shown as common to both sides. 

Milngavie: Scotrail is keen to render celtic-based placenames into Gaelic on bilingual station signs. Milngavie is from the gaelic for, apparently, either windmill or Gavin's mill. I've no problem with Muillean (mill) but there doesn't seem to be such a word as 'Gaidh'. Is this just an attempt to render 'guy' into Gaelic to tie in with the pronunciation? Photographed on 14 July 2010.

Ligueil: The former two road engine shed and associated offices survive at Ligueil, seen here on 14 July with a new addition in between. They are now in use as a municipal depot. The station site itself is now a public park.

Crossmyloof: 156 437 arrives at Crossmyloof on 14 July forming an East Kilbride - Glasgow Central service.

Glasgow Central: The Argyle Street level of Glasgow Central station in July 2010.  This is the buffer zone between the High Level and Low Level stations, and contains a ticket office (far left).

Jordanhill: 318 268 with a Lanark service at Jordanhill on 14 July.  This station achieved a little fame in the internet world when, on 1 March 2006, Jordanhill Railway Station became the one millionth entry on Wikipedia.  This not mentioned on Wikipedia itself (though perhaps there's no reason why it should).

Johnstone: A colourful platform display greets passengers at Johnstone on 14 July 2011.

Morar: A view of Morar looking south towards the level crossing on 14 July 2011 see image [[47771]]. The station building was being used by the local newspaper. Hopefully the weedkiller train is due to visit soon.

Abergavenny: Extensive trackwork, points and lower quadrant signals to main line and up & down sidings immediately south of Abergavenny Station in July 2011. The signal box has had its moments... see image [[32284]]

Abergavenny: Very tidy looking southbound platform building with waiting room at Abergavenny on 14 July. A former set of lines ran to the rear of the platform, with a platform 3 in existence prior to erection of this building up to the platform edge.

Arisaig: Three miles south of Arisaig the railway emerges from a tunnel, crosses a bridge over a burn and then climbs a 1 in 50. Black 5 45231 has done the first two and is pictured on the gradient.

Arisaig: Arisaig Station was refurbished in 2009 and is generally in very presentable condition. Unfortunately the signal box was left out and is currently looking the worse for wear.

Acle: DRS 47712 pulling away from the Acle stop bound for Great Yarmouth in July 2011, with 47802 on the rear of the train.

Beasdale No 119 Tunnel: On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until the end of August there are two steam hauled excursions on the Mallaig extension. Here we see 44871 hammering up the 1 in 48 Beasdale Bank with the second train of the day. The headboard reads 'The Cambrian' for reasons unknown.

Shrewsbury: Freightliner 70005 heads south out of Shrewsbury shortly after mid-day on 14 July with the normally class 66 rostered loaded Lafarge cement working from Hope to Aberthaw.

Shrewsbury: Colas Rail 47739 stands in Shrewsbury stabling sidings whilst W.H Davis staff carry out maintenance to a bogie log carrier on 14 July 2011. The loco and three empty log carriers ran into platform 4 at Chester Station the following morning, following which the loco ran round and headed back south with the wagons.

Cowdenbeath: SPT liveried 170474 awaits departure time at Cowdenbeath on 14th July with a service to Edinburgh.

Leyland: Following delays affecting the southbound Aberdeen portion of the previous nights Highland Sleeper, 90035 is seen heading south through Leyland at just after 2 pm on 14 July 2012.

Wymondham: B1 61306 running round a train at Wymondham in July 2012

Leyland: A Barrhead travel company has this year organised rail charters between Glasgow and Southampton in connection with cruises from the port. On 14 July 2012 a return service is seen across the overgrown southern end of platforms 2 & 3 at Leyland with DBS 67005 Queen's Messenger heading a converted Mk 1 vehicle for luggage and a mixture of Mk 2s featuring Anglia and Virgin colour schemes.

Hayes Knoll: GWR Prairie tank no 5521 is visiting the Swindon and Cricklade Railway for two months. Here it is at Hayes Knoll on its first and very rainy day's work on 14 July 2012. (This is the engine that has spent time in Poland and other exotic locations.)

Plates, signs, notices etc: G&SW note from Greenock Harbour to Lochwinnoch dated 16 December 1881.

Hayes Knoll: GWR 2-6-2T no 5521 with a train at Hayes Knoll on 14 July 2012 see image [[39720]].

Thuxton: Scene in the station loop at Thuxton on the Mid Norfolk Railway during the steam gala on 14 July 2012, with LNER Thompson B1 61306 Mayflower about to exchange single line tokens. See image [[43292]]

Balshaw Lane Junction: Day 2 of the WCML possession at Balshaw Lane Junction on 14 July 2013. View is north, with various on-track plant in evidence.

Balshaw Lane Junction: During the first 5 days of the possession a number of freight trains ran through the worksite. On 14 July 2013 Freightliner 66555 brings loaded ballast wagons south over Balshaw Lane Junction heading for one of the sites further south.

Brock: Day 2 of the West Coast Main Line (between Euxton and Warrington) nine day closure in July 2013 saw three Network Rail infrastructure trains from Carlisle to Euxton in quick succession. This is Train No. 2, heading south at Brock behind Freightliner 66555. See image [[30884]] for a closer view of the ornante low bridge.

Brock: During the July 2013 WCML closure four junctions are being rebuilt between Euxton and Warrington. Regular freights have been diverted but infrastructure trains have been running to the work sites. Freightliner 66549 is seen just north of Brock hauling ballast from Carlisle New Yard to Euxton Junction, the third of three trains that followed each other south on Sunday 14 July.

Buckshaw Parkway: A pair of Virgin Voyagers passing Buckshaw Parkway heading west to rejoin the WCML at Euxton Jct on 14 July 2013. The train was diverted via Manchester whilst engineering work took place on the WCML during a 9 day closure.

Buckshaw Parkway: A pair of 5-car Voyagers, diverted off the WCML at Crewe, pass Buckshaw Parkway on 14 July 2013. The train will rejoin the WCML at Euxton Junction, less than a mile away, for the run north to Preston.

Aberdour: New floral display at Aberdour station on 14 July, donated by Campion Homes Ltd of Rosyth.

Edinburgh Waverley: TransPennine Express 350409 At Waverley platform 11 on 14 July awaiting departure time with the 18.13 west coast service to Manchester Airport, routed via Wigan North Western and the curve onto the now electrified section between Earlestown and Manchester.

Shawfair: View from the new A6106 bridge over the Borders Railway south of Shawfair station between Newton and Millerhill villages, on 14 July looking south to the old road embankment, soon to be breached.

Wakefield Westgate: 91107 starts out on time at 08.03 from platform 2 at Wakefield Westgate on the final leg of its journey from Kings Cross to Leeds on 14 July. Photographed from the new multi storey car park.

Doncaster: A GNR structure ID plate above the platform 4 lift entrance at Doncaster in 2014.

Doncaster: Two Class 08 locos in the north end yard at the Wabtec facility alongside Doncaster station on the morning of 14 July. 08669 is nearest the camera.

Nuneaton: A bright sunny Monday morning at Nuneaton on 14 July was somewhat spoiled by WCML commuter services operating up to an hour late due to an overrunning engineering possession in the Stafford area. None of which explains why this ecs Virgin Voyager blocked platform 7 (for Leicester) for at least half an hour.

St Andrew Square [Tram]: Tram stop! The overhead line team of Edinburgh Trams removing wayward balloons from the catenary in South St Andrews Street on 14 July. The operation itself took less than 20 seconds, though related activities, including arranging for isolation of the 750Volt DC overhead power supply, took considerably longer.

Shawfair: Looking north to Shawfair Station (on the bend) on 14 July from the new A6106 bridge.

Crinan Sea Lock: The view from the wheelhouse of the Clyde Puffer VIC 32 as it approaches the sea lock at Crinan after a wet day's cruising in Loch Crinan and Loch Craignish. The trainee helmsman had handed bridge duties back to the skipper and picked up his camera, not fancying his chances of completing the tricky entry to the lock unscathed. Although it appears that there are two locks, the one on the left is not in use and effectively forms part of the canal basin. It was replaced by a second, longer lock in the early 1930s which is the one in use today.

Edinburgh Waverley: East Coast 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight stands at the western end of platform 2 at Edinburgh Waverley on 14 July 2014 prior to propelling the 17.00 to Kings Cross.

Plates, signs, notices etc: The plaque attached to 91110 commemorating the attainment of a British rail speed record of 162 mph on 17 September 1989. See image [[48453]]

Holytown: The 4M74 Coatbridge FLT to Crewe Basford Hall containers passing through Holytown station on 14 July 2015 behind Freightliner locomotives 86607+86613.

Canal Junction [Elderslie]: A picture that speaks volumes about changes from manufacturing to service industries, and about automotive traffic on the railways of Britain and beyond. The faded lettering on the bridge says 'TALBOT home of the Avenger and Sunbeam'. The Linwood plant was opened as a Pressed Steel factory and built bodies for Glasgow's Blue Trains; then assembled Hillman Imps see image [[48344]] and Hunters; then the Avenger and finally Sunbeam, until 1981. Kwik Fit boasts of its 44 year history on the hoarding on the left; but even the Transit van and pickup under the bridge have history with the railways. These were the last model built at the rail-served factory in Southampton. Transits are now built in Turkey. The previous dual sourcing arrangement led to a strange traffic flow, as each Transit plant only had press tools for one type of door. So Ford company trains took right hand doors from Southampton to Turkey, with a balancing flow of left hand doors from Turkey to Southampton. You couldn't make it up.

Dunglass Junction [West]: A class 318 works ecs South towards Glasgow. Taken from a footpath/cyclepath behind our hotel before dinner!

Lochwinnoch: Colourful platform display at Lochwinnoch, photographed on 14 July 2015.

Tweedbank: 158740 arriving at Tweedbank on 14 July with the 12.04 crew training trip from Newcraighall.

Johnstone: The 1655 train to Ayr coasts into Johnstone station on 14th July 2015. I wonder if the collective noun for three teenagers is an 'app?'

Niddrie West Junction: DRS 68002 takes the Niddrie North chord at Niddrie West Junction on 14 July with the empty stock for the Fife Circle service.

Borthwick Bank Signal Box: 158740 on training duties on 14 July forming the 10.52 from Tweedbank descending Borthwick Bank.

Watherston Bridge: 158740 passing Galabank with the 14.14 from Tweedbank on 14 July 2015.

Niddrie West Junction: GBRf 66732 passes Niddrie West Junction with a Carlisle - Millerhill empty ballast on 14 July.

Coatbridge Central: Colas Railfreight 56078, working the 4N47 Prestwick Airport to Ineos Grangemouth empty aviation fuel tanks, runs north through Coatbridge Central on 14 July 2015.

Motherwell: DB Schenker class 90s 90019+90029 working 6V15 Mossend to Didcot through Motherwell on 14 July 2015. The third locomotive is 67011, dead in transit.

Sudbury: Visitors to Sudbury station in the 1970s rarely bothered about its minimal and decaying passenger facilities. It was miracle enough that there was still a train service. Forty years later, all had changed. The intending traveller was by then greeted with clean premises, floral displays, cycle racks, plenty of information and free newspapers. Temptation was in the form of fresh ground coffee and bacon “sarnies” for £2.50. Very possibly, the table and chairs constitute the first class lounge.

Haigh: The bridge deck for the replacement Haigh Lane overbridge is seen being steadily lowered over securing bolts that will tie it to, and take all the weight of, the abutments during the short journey being transported to its final position astride a heavy lift vehicle.

Edinburgh Waverley: While on an excursion to the debatable lands of Galashiels and Tweedbank I noticed, in passing, this EMU at Waverley platform 15. Now I confess EMUs and DMUs are sometimes a mystery to me - I like things with the Whyte Notation. But even I thought 'shome mishtake shurely' when the display on the board and platform screen said 'Perth' and I saw the pantograph.

Fernham: A visit to the lineside on the Great Western Main Line near the village of Fernham, to the east of Swindon, finds 43144 on a westbound HST 125, displaying the logo 'Building a Greater West'.

Wigan North Western: Exterior of Wigan North Western seen on 30/06/2016. The building is of 1972 vintage and shows all the architectural flair of that era. It is so close to Wigan Wallgate they could almost be the same station. The lay passenger may wonder why they are not, or why this station is called 'North Western' despite not being in the north west of Wigan. Tragically people like us know why.

Haigh: One of the completed bridge abutments for the replacement bridge across Haigh Lane is being lifted from its casting position, prior to start of assembly of these and the deck to create a complete bridge unit ready to be moved to position and lowered onto solid concrete footings alongside the remaining lower section of the existing stone abutments.

Haigh: The two cast on site abutments for the replacement bridge across Haigh Lane have been lifted onto two heavy duty trestles, to have measurements between the two checked for accuracy, prior to lifting of the deck onto the abutments as a further stage to creating a complete bridge unit ready for it to be lifted and piggy-backed into position, and lowered onto solid concrete footings alongside the remaining lower section of the existing stone abutments.

Haigh: The first cast on site abutment for the replacement bridge across Haigh Lane can be seen part way through the transfer from casting position onto one of the two heavy duty trestles seen beyond the 750 ton lifting capacity crane. Once both abutments are in correct position the deck will be added and all bolted up. Work will then continue to create a fully complete bridge unit able to be placed onto prepared footings, and ready for ballast and track to then be laid across it. The replacement works have to be completed in a 52 hour possession in early August.

Fernham: 60063 heading the Murco tanks from Theale to Robeston. 30 minutes late at 1455 hours.

Željeznička Stanica Sarajevo [Tram]: A tram in Sarajevo, outside the railway station. The tram is thought to be a Tatra K2 which somehow survived the 1992 to 1996 siege.

Edinburgh Waverley: A late-running down Highland Chieftain clocks up more minutes' delay during an overlong call at Waverley on 14 July 2017. The plan is that cut-down HST sets with automatic doors will take over ScotRail services to Inverness at some point in the future (experience shows it's best to be vague).

Boston: 1215hrs Skegness to Nottingham, formed of an EMT 156/158 combination, arriving in Boston on 14th July 2017. This image taken from the tower of St Botolph' Church otherwise known as the Boston Stump.

Paisley Gilmour Street: On the day that Ardrossan Harbour is said to have the least on-time arrivals on the network, here is the 14.28 running into Paisley Gilmour Street right on time. Over the previous couple of days I have been on various trains on the Ayrshire and Inverclyde lines - all on time to the minute. Let's hear it for Scotrail!

Boston: The 1215hrs Skegness to Nottingham service crosses the River Witham as it arrives in Boston on 14th July 2017. This view looks North West along the river from the tower of St Botolph's church (The Boston Stump)

Edinburgh Waverley: The 1051 Virgin Pendolino service to London Euston awaiting its scheduled departure time at the west end of Edinburgh Waverley's platform 8 on 14 July 2017.

Drem: A North Berwick service calls at Drem on 14 July. The Scottish Open was on at Gullane, so trains were full of golf fans who are marginally less dull than rail enthusiasts.

Elderslie: An interesting use for the Elderslie sidings was for The Caledonian Sleeper, stabled here when engineering works put Polmadie out of range for the weekend.

Fareham: A bug-splattered 377124 heads North from Fareham, under the rather 1960s footbridge. The absence of working loos on this station was rather inconvenient, especially as I had bought a return ticket which was only valid on a particular train. 14th July 2018.

Bath Spa: A Westbound HST curves into Bath Spa on 14th July 2018.

Garstang and Catterall: The footbridge over the River Calder at Garstang & Catterall has always provided a good view of northbound trains but those running south were hidden until they reached the river. Recent vegetation clearance has improved things though and this is now the view north, with 68001 Evolution and 68016 Fearless on a flask working from Sellafield to Crewe on 14th July 2018. Map reference SD 510437.

Mislingford Goods: The former railway cottages at Mislingford are in fine fettle. Notice the sign on the side of the shed, which was apparently bought for ten shillings (50p) from the demolition men!

New Mills Tunnel: Looking west from above the western portal of New Mills tunnel as a pair of Class 142s approach New Mills Central (beyond the bridge in the distance) with a Sheffield to Manchester service on 14 July 2018. The train is passing the site of New Mills Jct (west facing) where the Hayfield branch also entered a tunnel to the right of the train.

Penzance: GWR HST power car 43042 sitting at the buffer stops inside the Penzance trainshed on 14th July 2018.

Wickham: After a lengthy debate, the Railway Ramblers voted 10-8 in favour of the motion; that the bridge really was meant to be that shape. View looks South on the Meon Valley Way, North of Wickham.

New Mills Central: A stopping service from Manchester Piccadilly has just terminated at New Mills Central and is about to run into the turnback siding on 14 July 2018. On the westbound platform passengers are waiting for a late running Sheffield to Manchester service.

Babbacombe: The view down the Babbacombe funicular railway from the upper level control room. Note the Cliff Railway mug, complete with brew. 14th July 2018.

Garstang and Catterall: The Settle & Carlisle Statesman excursion from High Wycombe heads north along the WCML approaching Garstang & Catterall on 14th July 2018. West Coast 47826 was in charge with 47746 on the rear.

Wickham: If in doubt, add a cast iron plate or two and some big bolts. Detail of bridge over stream near Wickham station site.

Penzance: GWR HST power car 43092 and the running in board at Penzance in July 2018.

Mislingford Goods: The loading gauge at the North end of the original sidings at Mislingford, Hants, is steadily disappearing into the vegetation, as seen here on 14 July 2018. [Ref query 14 August 2018]

Garstang and Catterall: 86259 Les Ross on a Cumbrian Mountain Express excursion from Euston seen approaching Garstang & Catterall on 14th July 2018. This was the third consecutive loco hauled train to run northwards, following 88003 on a Tesco and 47826 on another excursion. Rather than being removed at Carnforth the electric loco took the train through to Carlisle because of the dry weather steam ban.

Droxford: Winston was here - allegedly. A Railway Rambler studies an information board to the south of an unusually wide bridge at Droxford, which may have accommodated two tracks and a siding. This is where Churchill is said to have discussed affairs of state just before the D-Day landings. View looks North.

North Berwick: A service from Edinburgh approaches its North Berwick terminus on 14 July 2018. The branch was saved from being singled by never being double in the first place. Those Victorians could plan ahead.

Manchester Piccadilly: Platform 1 at Manchester Piccadilly on 14th July 2018. On the right a pair of Class 142 units wait to depart with the 1019 service to New Mills Central. Over on Platform 2 a Class 150 departs with the 1009 hrs service to Rose Hill Marple.

Droxford: Droxford station has been superbly restored, the signal box on the right being rebuilt from the ground up. The owners offered excellent hospitality to a visiting party of Railway Ramblers in July 2018.

North Berwick: Wake up and smell the Buddleia. Summer scents waft up to the ever-useful Ware Road Bridge as an Edinburgh service pulls out of North Berwick on the morning of 14 July 2018.

Boat of Garten: Caledonian Railway 812 Class 0-6-0 No.828 departs Boat of Garten for Aviemore on the Strathspey Railway on 14th July 2019.

Burscough [MTT]: Hemmed in between some of the Merseyside Transport Trust fleet of coaches and buses, both coaches of the Class 502 are undergoing restoration by The Friends of the Class 502 Group. The destination blind from the unit was displayed on the end of coach M29896M during a MTT open day on 14 July 2019.

Broomhill Junction: Caledonian Railway 0-6-0 No.828 has just left Broomhill for the return trip to Aviemore on the Strathspey Railway on 14th July 2019.

York: Former Scotrail 170460 is now in Northern colours and seen here forming the 1947hrs from York to Burley Park on 14th July 2019. Its destination is actually Leeds but not advertised as such in York station to prevent the unwary traveller taking the long (Harrogate) way round.

Newtongrange: The ScotRail 1033 Sunday service to Tweedbank pulls away from the platform at Newtongrange on 14 July 2019. View from a window of the first floor meeting room of what was once the office building of the Dean Oil Works - now a cafe/community hub known as 'The Sidings' see image [[70763]]. (With thanks to Steven Millar)

Woodacre Crossing: Colas 70814 passes Milepost 11 approaching Woodacre with the Sunday log empties from Chirk to Carlisle on 14th July 2019.

Woodacre Crossing: 195119, passing the Upper Lingarts Farm footbridge near Woodacre, working from Manchester Airport to Barrow-in-Furness on Sunday 14th July 2019. The 195s had been introduced on passenger services just two weeks earlier.

Burscough [MTT]: After spending a few years out in the open, first at MOD Kineton and then at Tebay See image [[27936]], the last remaining Class 502 unit is again getting some TLC from the 502 Preservation Trust. Located in the Merseyside Transport Trust buildings at Burscough in Lancashire it shares the accommodation with an extensive collection of buses. Nearest the camera is Driving Trailer Open Composite M29896M and to the right is Motor Open Brake Second M28361M. With the unit being in open storage for so long, extensive internal and external restoration is necessary. The cab of M29896M is being extensively rebuilt with almost all the plate work having been replaced. As seen during a visit on 14 July 2019 the restoration is progressing very well.

Burscough [MTT]: Inside Class 502 car M29896M which is undergoing restoration at the Merseyside Transport Trust site by the 502 Preservation Trust. The seating layout and upholstery remind me of the rear of a Driving Trailer of a Class 303 but the wood panelling is from an earlier era.

Donibristle Platform: 47802 leads the 'Northern Belle', returning from Dundee to Darlington, past the site of Donibristle Platform on 14 July 2021. 57601 'Windsor Castle' is on the rear.

Cathcart West Junction: This impregnable-looking building is situated in front of the Junction and you can see where a second bridge once carried more tracks right behind it. It's a pub called 'Beechings'. This is an odd choice of name for a location where Beeching had no influence; the short L&A stretch was rationalised away before the axe without loss of a station.

Woodacre Crossing: The evening sun illuminates the bright orange livery of 90010 as it heads south at Woodacre working containers from Coatbridge to Basford Hall on 14th July 2021. The second loco was 90011, still in Greater Anglia grey livery reflecting its recent use on Norwich to Liverpool Street passenger services.

Leamington Lift Bridge: Photograph taken on the occasion of the unveiling of a 'Red Wheel' on the Leamington Lift Bridge with Stuart Wilkinson NTT chair, John Cameron NTT VP, Chris O’Connell SC and Peter Robinson SC in attendance.

Cathcart: A Neilston to Glasgow Central service calls at Cathcart on 14 July 2021. The emergency timetable means that the Cathcart Circle does not operate for most of the day so Cathcart, which just misses being on the Newton line, is served only by Neilston trains.

Clyde Viaduct [Glasgow Central]: The wraps have been removed from this section of the viaduct showing the new paintwork at least. It is photographed through the south piers of the previous viaduct. The hoardings round the site feature photographs of various Scottish rail locations. Award yourself a peppermint Aero if you recognise this one.

Crosshill: The high retaining walls of Cathcart Lines country hem in this class 380 on a Neilston service as it approaches Crosshill

Eglinton Street Junction: As a local retreats on the Down Muirhouse an Avanti West Coast Pendolino takes the Up Fast (as you would expect). The rather obscured sign misspells this location 'Eglington', uncorrected for many years. If you can't see it blame Rev Buddle. The butterflies salute you, Rev, but couldn't you have left the stuff where you found it?

Glasgow Central Power Box: Here's one it would be difficult to convert into flats, but I wouldn't put it past them. The rather premature welcome to Glasgow Central (above where its blue enamel predecessor was once fixed) is aimed at the main lines above and behind me. An incoming service on the Ayr lines can just be seen approaching Bridge Street Junction (to the right).

Cathcart: This fine (though headless) survivor, made by Hills Brothers of the Sun Foundry in Alloa, is mounted on top of a wall on the corner of the street and subway entrance to Cathcart station. It probably dates from the opening of the station in 1894 and I can see it was never converted to electricity. I'd love to get at it with some Hammerite; dark green perhaps?

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Official launch of the West Highland Line Class 153 cycle units ('Highland Explorer') at Queen Street, by Minister Graeme Day, on 14th July 2021.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The cycling half of the repurposed Class 153 ('Highland Explorer'), seen during its official launch at Queen Street on 14th July 2021. On the right is confirmation that the new units will be able to accommodate a tandem as promised.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Refurbished passenger section of the newly converted West Highland Line Class 153 cycle carriage ('Highland Explorer'), seen at the official Queen Street launch on 14th July 2021. Note the route maps on the tables.

Woodacre Crossing: This train, from Sellafield to Crewe, comprised just two 4-wheel flat wagons, and had made its way round the Cumbrian Coast through Maryport and then over Shap. 88001 was leading on electric power, with 68006 in tow for insurance, as they passed Woodacre in fading light on 14th July 2021.

Bridge Street [Subway]: Bridge Street Subway is in fact on Eglinton Street, as it says on the bus shelter. True, there was already an Eglinton Street (surface) station, but then there was another Bridge Street too. Laurieston might have been a better choice of name.

Muirhouse North Junction: A service for Newton via Queen's Park approaches its first stop, Pollokshields East on 14 July 2021. The tracks on the left carry both the G&SW and Maxwell Park lines for the short distance to Muirhouse South Junction where they part company.

Leamington Lift Bridge: The Leamington Lift Bridge on the Union Canal has been awarded a 'Red Wheel'.

Crosshill: The unusual narrowness of the platform at Crosshill is obvious in this view taken on 14 July 2021 looking south. There is no space for a waiting room and the ticket office has its window onto the platform at the foot of the stairs (in background).

Dalgety Bay: 57314 leads the 'Northern Belle', returning from Dundee to Darlington, through Dalgety Bay on 14 July 2022. 47826 is on the rear. Passing are 170404 and 409 on a service to Dundee.

Euxton Balshaw Lane: The ramp to the Wigan bound platform at Euxton Balshaw Lane provides a really good view point over the fast lines that pass the station. The 'Tesco' is usually hauled by a single 88 electric but on 14th July 2022 it was 68003 and 68007 in charge

Burrs Country Park: The Swiss Gentleman's Train (With apologies to The Railway Children!) Visiting LNWR Coal Tank 1054 heads the 14:00 Heywood - Rawtenstall footplate experience train on 14th July 2022. This comprised vans and parcels stock and was driven by a regular visitor from Switzerland, Alex Choremi, who can be seen looking out from the cab.