Musselburgh: Gresley K3 2-6-0 no 61904 takes an up train through Musselburgh in the summer of 1955.

Fraserburgh: 80021 arrives at Fraserburgh on 16 July 1955 with a train from Aberdeen.

Musselburgh: K3 2-6-0 no 61882 takes a train south past the site of the present day Musselburgh station on 16 July 1955. The train is a Saturday morning 'Starlight Special' relief working. The Carlisle Canal based locomotive will presumably take the train as far as Newcastle before returning home via the N&C.

Musselburgh: View east from Whitehill Farm Road bridge, Musselburgh, in 1955 as Haymarket V2 no 60951 approaches with a down ECML service. The freight-only lines to Wanton Walls Junction are on the right having come off the main line at Monktonhall Junction. See image [[29552]]

Castle Douglas: Stanier 3P 2-6-2T 40170 approaching Castle Douglas on 16 July 1956 with a train off the Kirkcudbright branch. [Ref query 24]

Dumfries: A down freight runs through Dumfries on 16 July 1956 hauled by BR Standard class 3 2-6-0 77018.

Dunragit: The Girvan Goods at Dunragit on 16 July 1956. Stranraer 2P 4-4-0 40616 pilots Corkerhill based Standard class 5 4-6-0 73100.

Creetown: Compound 40920 arrives at Creetown on 16 July 1956 with a Stranraer - Dumfries train.

Castle Douglas and Dumfries Junction: Jubilee 45562 Alberta approaching Dumfries on 16 July 1956 with the 4pm train from St Enoch.

Dunragit: BR Standard light Pacific no 72009 Clan Stewart brings the 7.25am Stranraer - Glasgow train over Dunragit level crossing on 16 July 1956.

Newton Stewart: Scene at Newton Stewart on 16 July 1956 with ex-Caledonian 'Jumbo' 0-6-0 no 57445 passing the locomotive shed as it turns south onto the Whithorn line with the daily goods.

Dumfries: One of Dumfries shed's Jumbo 0-6-0s no 57349 stands in the bay in the summer of 1956 with a local train for Kirkcudbright.

Urr Viaduct: Jubilee 45724 Warspite photographed just west of Dalbeattie heading for Dumfries with the up midday 'Paddy' on 16 July 1956. The train has just crossed the River Urr on Urr Viaduct. [Ref query 28 October 2017]

Kirkgunzeon: Black 5 45163 passing Kirkgunzeon on 16 July 1956 with the down 'Midday Paddy'. [Ref query 263]

Newton Stewart: 40623+45432 photographed shortly after leaving Newton Stewart on 16 July 1956 with a train for Dumfries. [Ref query 1660]

Newton Stewart: A freight described as a 'bomb special' proceeds west through Newton Stewart towards Stranraer on 16 July 1956. Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48321 is about to pass Jumbo 0-6-0 57445 standing alongside the shed.

Stranraer Shed: A view of Stranraer's erecting shop on 16 July 1956. The running shed was off to the left. Locomotives in the photograph are noted as Jubilee 45704 Leviathan, Black 5 45432, 2P 40616 and Compound 41132. The first two were Carlisle Kingmoor engines, with the 4-4-0s locally based.

Nith Viaduct: 'Jumbo' 57349 crossing the Nith with a Dumfries - Kirkcudbright train in the summer of 1956.

Castle Douglas: Compound 40920 stands at Castle Douglas on 16 July 1956 with a train for Dumfries.

Castle Douglas: 40170 comes off the Kirkcudbright branch under Ernespie Road bridge and into Castle Douglas station on a wet Monday in July 1956. The train is a stopping service for Dumfries.

Perth Carriage Sidings: George Carnegie prepares to drive his Vauxhall Wyvern onto The Anglo-Scottish Car Carrier during loading at Perth in July 1956. Launched between Perth and London (Holloway) the previous year, this was the first of the services in what eventually became the BR Motorail network. See image [[4643]]

Stranraer Town: BR light Pacific 72009 Clan Stewart prepares to leave Stranraer Town on 16 July 1956 with the 7.25 service to Glasgow St Enoch.

Castle Douglas: View west towards Castle Douglas station on 16 July 1956 as Stanier 2-6-2T 40170 leaves with a train for Dumfries.

Newton Stewart: 2P 40623 with Black 5 45432 at Newton Stewart on 16 July 1956 with the 10.58 am ex-Stranraer.

Creetown: 'Jumbo' 0-6-0 57362 tackles the 1 in 80 gradient out of Creetown on 16 July 1956 at the head of a Newton Stewart - Castle Douglas freight.

Castle Douglas and Dumfries Junction: Royal Scot 46145 The Duke of Wellington's Regt. (West Riding) with the down 'Thames Clyde Express' at Dumfries on 16 July 1956.

Aberdeen: Aberdeen with Class 5MT 45475 on the 1130am Aberdeen-Glasgow in 1960.

Lockerbie Junction: Black 5 44675 approaching Dumfries on 16 July 1961 with a St Enoch - Carlisle semi-fast.

Forth Bridge: Two pre-1955 Modernisation Plan liveried coaches stand out on a northbound train crossing the Forth Bridge on 16th July 1961. The north tower of the emerging road bridge can be glimpsed in the background.

North Queensferry [1st]: Train versus ferry. View from North Queensferry on 16 July 1961.

Sanquhar: A Dumfries - St Enoch train calls at Sanquhar on 16 July 1961 behind Black 5 45010.

Forth Bridge: A class 08 edges a 'painters train' across the Forth Bridge in July 1961.

Inverkeithing South Junction: A V2 makes a stormy start on the 1 in 70 climb from Inverkeithing to North Queensferry on 16th July 1961.

Forth Bridge: A northbound 6-car DMU on the Forth Bridge on 16th July 1961, with the towers of the under-construction road bridge visible through the mist. The DMU is about to pass a class 08 with a 'painters train' see image [[27855]].

Fort Matilda: Standard Class 5 4-6-0 no 73064 approaching Gourock with a train from Glasgow in the summer of 1963.

Fort Matilda: 76070 arriving at Fort Matilda on 16 July 1963 with a stopping service from Glasgow Central to Gourock.

Gourock: The 5.20pm ex-Glasgow Central arriving at Gourock on 16 July 1963 hauled by Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42275.

Gourock: Platform scene at the east end of Gourock on a dull and overcast 16 July 1963, with Fairburn 2-6-4 tank no 42695 standing alongside an unidentified EE Type 1 diesel locomotive. The former is about to leave the station with a train for Glasgow Central.

Gourock: A train from Glasgow Central photographed shortly after passing Gourock no 1 signal box as it approaches the end of its journey in the summer of 1963. The locomotive in charge is BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73072.

Fort Matilda: A Glasgow Central to Gourock train about to restart from Fort Matilda on 16 July 1963. The locomotive in charge is BR Standard class 4MT 2-6-0 no 76070.

Fort Matilda: A Gourock - Glasgow local entering Fort Matilda station on 16 July 1963 behind Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42277

Gordon: Cab view from the Greenlaw freight shortly after leaving Gordon in July 1965. See image [[58926]]

Craigenhill Summit: Kingmoor Black 5 45259 just west of Craigenhill on 16 July 1965 with a down parcels train.

Gordon: Leaving Gordon with the last freight on 16 July 1965, having cadged a lift in the cab to Greenlaw.

Earlston: Members of the crew of the last freight pose with a small group of family and friends at Earlston station on 16 July 1965. The lady and gentleman on the right are Jock and Nessie Craw who lived in the 'Crossing House' at the East End of the village. Jock was a linesman and his wife operated the crossing gates. The gentleman holding the child is Stationmaster Norman Jaffray. The child is Colin Craw, son of Jock and Jessie. [With thanks to Sheila McKay, Auld Earlston]

Gordon: Posing alongside the last goods at Gordon station on 16 July 1965. The train was on its way back from Greenlaw to St Boswells see image [[58669]].

Craigenhill Summit: 70003 climbs to Craigenhill with a Crewe - Perth train.

Earlston: The level crossing to the east of Earlston station, seen here on 16 July 1965, as the crossing gates are opened by the second man to allow passage of the last returning freight along the branch. Official closure date for the line was three days later on Monday 19th July 1965.

Earlston: D3888 passing the site of Fans Loanend siding near Earlston with the Greenlaw goods on 16 July 1965.

Earlston: Last freight to Greenlaw. Photographed between Earlston and Gordon on 16 July 1965 see image [[25402]].

Greenlaw: The headshunt at Greenlaw looking east towards Duns, seen from the cab of the locomotive recently arrived with the last branch freight from St Boswells on 16 July 1965. For the same view 47 years later see image [[40876]].

Carluke: Black 5 no 44901 struggles up the bank after passing through Carluke with a freight on 16 July 1965.

Carluke: Brush Type 4 D1851 runs south through Carluke on 16 July 1965 with a train for Manchester Victoria.

Earlston: D3888 on the eastern approach to Earlston on 16 July 1965. The working is the last scheduled pickup goods train over the branch, on its way back from Greenlaw to St Boswells.

Greenlaw: Looking back from the cab of a class 08 at the head of the branch goods leaving Greenlaw in 1965.

Leaderfoot Viaduct: D3888 hauls the last freight over Leaderfoot Viaduct. Photographed on Friday 16 July 1965 on its way back from Greenlaw to St Boswells.

Braidwood: Trains meet on the WCML near Braidwood, South Lanarkshire, on 16 July 1965. Jubilee 45698 Mars, heading towards Glasgow with a train from Manchester, passes an unidentified up freight.

Earlston: Various 'friends of the last freight' on the eastbound platform at Earlston on a fine and sunny 16 July 1965. At the other end of the train is D3888, preparing to head for Greenlaw.

Gordon: Cover of Memories of Lost Border Railways by Bruce McCartney. The photograph is of the last freight leaving Gordon station watched by station master Scott.

Craigenhill Summit: Brush Type 4 D1707 photographed east of Craigenhill box on a summer morning in July 1965 with an up London relief.

Braidwood: Grangemouth based standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73007 passes through Braidwood, Lanarkshire, with a down freight in the summer of 1965.

Craigenhill Summit: Kingmoor Black 5 no 45112 passing Craigenhill signal box on 16 July 1965 hauling a down train of empty coaching stock. Note the burnt smokebox door.

Braidwood: 70002 Geoffrey Chaucer climbing through Braidwood on 16 July 1965 with a London bound relief.

Gordon: Station master Scott watches the last freight leaving Gordon station, Berwickshire, on 16 July 1965. The photograph may be familiar - it is the front cover photograph used for Memories of Lost Border Railways by Bruce McCartney.

Eglinton Street: Standard Class 4 76104 brings empty stock from Glasgow Central through Eglinton St station.

Craigenhill Summit: Glasgow Fair Saturday, 16th July 1966, sees an up special passing Craigenhill Summit behind an EE Type 4.

Pollokshaws West Goods: Glasgow's Fair weekend in 1966 sees the summer Saturday 13.25 Glasgow to Morecambe accelerating through Pollokshaws West, with Black 5 44995 piloting Jubilee 45675 'Hardy'.

Polmadie Shed: Jubilee 45697 'Achilles' at Polmadie on the evening of 16th July 1966. The locomotive had worked through from Leeds on the Saturdays only 6.40am Birmingham to Glasgow.

Nitshill: Standard 5MT 4-6-0 73100 has 4MT 2-6-4T 80024 as pilot for the first section of the trip south over the G & SW main line, with the 11.05 (SO) Glasgow – Blackpool on Fair Saturday 1966. The train is seen near Nitshill.

Heriot: Holbeck 'Peak' D11 runs through the staggered platforms of Heriot station on Saturday 16 July 1966 with the up Waverley.

Polmadie Shed: A selection of Standard locomotives at the back of Polmadie engine shed in July 1966. From left to right: 73063, 92249, 80086, 73064 and 80116.

Polmadie Signal Box: 70035 passing Polmadie on the 13.27 Liverpool - Glasgow. 16/7/66

Polmadie Shed: Fairburn 4MT 2-6-4T 42277, seen at Polmadie awaiting its next turn of duty, but not for much longer. The loco was just nineteen years old when this photograph was taken in July 1966 but was withdrawn the following month and had been cut up by Campbell's at Airdrie before the year was out.

Polmadie Shed: Jubilee 4-6-0 45675 'Hardy' is ready to leave Polmadie, to take charge of the 1.25pm summer Saturday train from Glasgow Central to Morecambe in July 1966. As the G & SW route was to be used, a pilot was subsequently attached in the shape of Black 5 44995 (see image [[74300]]), but I think it was provided by Corkerhill rather than Polmadie.

Carlisle: 60019 'Bittern' stands at Carlisle platform 3 on 16 July 1967. The Pacific had recently arrived with the 9.40am ex-Leeds City RCTS (West Riding Branch) 'A4 to Glasgow' railtour. The train continued to Glasgow Central via the WCML, returning south later that day via Dumfries.

Paisley Gilmour Street: On 16th July 1967, the RCTS 'A4 to Glasgow' railtour ran from Leeds to Glasgow, seen near the start of the return journey south, passing Paisley Gilmour Street. Haulage throughout was by 60019 'Bittern', by then in private ownership.

Hawick North Signal Box: The diverted 1200 (Sundays only) 1A28 Kings Cross - Edinburgh heads north away from Hawick on the Waverley route on 16 July 1967. Locomotive in charge is Deltic no D9003 Meld.

Glasgow Central: In July 1967, an RCTS 'A4 to Glasgow' railtour ran from Leeds to Glasgow and back. Haulage throughout was by A4 Pacific 60019 'Bittern', by then in private ownership. The locomotive is seen here reversing into Glasgow Central before starting the return journey.

Beattock: The RCTS 'A4 to Glasgow' railtour stands at Beattock station on 16 July 1967 behind no 60019 Bittern. The special, which had originated from Leeds, ran north from Carlisle to Glasgow Central on the WCML and returned via the GSW route. An EE Type 1 provided assistance on the ascent of Beattock bank.

Shankend: Brush Type 4 no D1970 takes train 1A18, the 10.10 Kings Cross - Edinburgh, north past Shankend box on 16 July 1967, the day after the derailment at Acklington on the ECML. [With thanks to John Robin]

Shankend Viaduct: Deltic D9018 Ballymoss crossing Shankend Viaduct with the diverted 1A16 Kings Cross - Aberdeen ECML service on Sunday 16 July 1967. The diversion was a consequence of the derailment of the previous evening's 12-coach Edinburgh - Leeds North Briton near Acklington (caused by a broken rail).

Ochiltree: The former Ochiltree Station (closed to passengers in 1951), looking west on 16 July 1998. See image [[9574]]

Grantshouse: D5095 stands on the up line opposite Grantshouse signal box with the Haymarket breakdown train on 16 July 1969 following removal of the wreckage of the derailed Freightliner from the running lines see image [[32604]].

Grantshouse: Clearance of wreckage and replacement of damaged track in progress in the cutting east of Grantshouse station following the Freightliner derailment of 15 July 1969 see image [[32491]]. Photographed looking east into the cutting during the evening of the day following the crash. Clearance and relaying work had been completed by Saturday 19 July when normal operations were resumed.

Mallaig: Looking back towards the station concourse at Mallaig Station in 1970.

Mallaig: Looking out along the platforms at Mallaig in 1970, with a BRCW Type 2 preparing to leave with a train for Fort William and Glasgow Queen Street.

Goathland: Lambton 0-6-2 tank No 5 is blasting its way up the 1 in 49 gradient from Grosmont to Goathland on 16 July 1981. It was sharing that day's the North Yorkshire Moors Railway traffic with the unique Black 5, 44767.

Aviemore Speyside: 44 008 at Aviemore in July 1981 shortly after purchase from British Rail. The locomotive was later sold on to a Peak Rail consortium.

Dunford Bridge: On a fine July evening in 1981 nos 76031+76035 pass Dunford Bridge signal box with the Manchester to Harwich Parkeston Quay ferry vans, having just emerged from Woodhead Tunnel. Both locomotives were withdrawn later that month.

Bullhouse Hall: 76032+76034 lift a load of coal for Fiddler's Ferry Power Station up the Don Valley between Ecklands and Hazlehead on the climb to Woodhead Tunnel. The date is thought to be 16 July 1981 and the train 6M31, the 16.30 departure from Barnsley Junction, Penistone.

Didcot Parkway: 50022, light engine in Didcot Station on 16th July 1984. 'Anson' was withdrawn four years later and scrapped in 1989 at Vic Berry's, Leicester.

Didcot Parkway: DMU L130, leaving Didcot northbound for Oxford on 16th July 1984. Aside from electrification there have been considerable developments at Didcot in the intervening years.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: The up Highland Chieftain, in classic BR InterCity livery, pulls away from the Perth stop in July 1992.

Perth: Hole in the wall, west side of Perth station, July 1992.

St Leonards Bridge Junction: A BR InterCity 125 HST leaves Perth for the south in the summer of 1992 with the up Highland Chieftain.

Perth: View north east over Perth station on 16 July 1992 with the up Highland Chieftain recently arrived at platform 4.

Perth: The south end of Perth station in July 1992, with a BR InterCity 125 HST forming the up Inverness - London Kings Cross Highland Chieftain about to restart from platform 4.

Perth: A northbound train about to call at platform 4 at Perth station in July 1992 with what is thought to be an Edinburgh - Inverness service. The locomotive in charge is 37113 Radio Highland in BR Railfreight livery. For the interesting story of this locomotive see image [[56918]] [Ref query 4225]

Perth: Another view of the locomotive featured in Mystery Image 4245 following its arrival at Perth. See image [[56880]]
37113 had originally been withdrawn in March 1989 and was later used as a rebuild project for apprentices at Doncaster Works. Around the time of completion of the rebuild another locomotive, 37260 'Radio Highland', had entered the works having sustained serious fire damage. Following an assessment, Railfreight Distribution decided to obtain 37113 as a direct replacement for 37260 - including transfer of the nameplates. These were then carried by 37113 until its second and final withdrawal in August 1995, following collision damage sustained in the sidings at Portobello. 37113 was subsequently cut up on site by MC Metals.

Millerhill Yard Junction: A returning PW train destined for Millerhill south sidings runs through the yard past the refuelling and stabling point in the summer of 1997.

Mosshouse Viaduct: Viaduct over the Bellow Water on the closed line between Cronberry and Auchinleck, on 16 July 1998. Since demolished. This was just west of the junction at Cronberry which was to the left in this view..

Holehouse Junction: Looking north at Holehouse Junction, Ayrshire, on 16 July 1998 with the Broomhill siding diverging to the right. The former station (closed 1950) stood in the V of the junction.

Cairnhill 1,2 Mine: The former line from Auchinleck to Cairnhill Mine was proposed for re-opening to a new opencast development at Gasswater. View shows the former NCB line from the exchange sidings on the Muirkirk branch looking towards Cairnhill in July 1998.

Cronberry No 4 Pit Signal Box: Remains of the Cronberry No 4 signalbox at Cronberry, looking west on the Muirkirk branch in July 1998. [Railscot note: the signalbox is named for Pit No 4, not because there are another 3 Cronberry signalboxes. The branch ran east to Cronberry Colliery and finally on to Cronberry Moor Colliery. The junction here was re-aligned on at least one occasion, on the doubling of the line and on the opening of Cronberry Moor Colliery.]

Edinburgh Waverley: North Berwick train comprised of locomotive hauled slam-door stock standing at Waverley Station in July 2004.

Musselburgh: ScotRail 158707 deputising for the usual EMU on a North Berwick service leaving Musselburgh in July 2004.

Morningside Road: A diverted Glasgow-Edinburgh service passes Morningside Road on Sunday 16 July 2006.

Exhibition [NBR]: A diverted Glasgow - Edinburgh service passes through Slateford on the sub on 16 July 2006. In the background is the bridge that carried the Caledonian main line out of Princes Street and which now serves as vehicle access from Merchiston to Slateford sidings and PW depot. Immediately beyond but obscured from view by the first bridge is a parallel bridge carrying the current link from Haymarket East Junction see image [[11417]].

Haymarket: View west over the car park at a closed Haymarket station on Sunday 16 July 2006, with Haymarket East Junction in the background. A PW train stands in platform 2 as work continues on the track layout and the new bay platform, the side wall of which can be seen above the blue doors.

Craiglockhart: Nice touch! Ornament in a garden off Colinton Road, Edinburgh, July 2007.

Culross [2nd]: 66158 with empty coal hoppers passing below Culross Castle en route to Hunterston Dock

York: Looking north into York station on 16 July 2007. On the left is a GNER northbound service with a Class 91 on the rear while on the right a southbound HST is boarding.

Elderslie: 156505 on the 1437 Stranraer to Glasgow Central service at Elderslie on 16th July

Paisley Canal: 156507 pulling into Paisley Canal to form the 1600 service to Glasgow Central on 16th July

Elderslie Junction: Looking west towards Elderslie West Junction where the line to Kilmacolm branched off to the right at the trees

Elderslie No 2 Junction: At Elderslie West Junction looking west where the line went downhill and under the main line at the fly under so trains to Kilmacolm wouldnt foul the main line.

Elderslie Junction: 66605 with a train of empty coal hoppers from Leeds bound for Hunterston on 16th July

Elderslie: 66415 at the Elderslie Loop having just been given signals to join the main line after loading up with containers at WH Malcolm on a container service to Newbiggin, Cumbria, on 16th July.

Blunham: The perils of modern navigation. Even if the station building at Blunham on the Bedford-Sandy section has been extended to the right of the front door, it's easy to spot on the ground. Satellite images are trickier, as the roof has been retiled with the same tiles as the neighbours' new houses.

Bedford St Johns (New): The station under the road bridge - this is the 1984 replacement, on the old MR route to Hitchin, for the old Bedford St Johns station see image [[22133]]. Basic, but effective.

Coppull: A southbound Virgin Pendolino, bound for London Euston, passes Coppull on 16 July 2010. The emergency crossovers have been removed from this location since my last visit in early 2009.

Coppull: 4 and 5 car Voyager sets head north at Coppull between Wigan and Preston on 16 July 2010. The photograph is taken looking through the fence where a public footpath crosses the line with the assistance of a footbridge. The WCML used to be 4 track here for a further two miles to the south to Standish Junction. It was reduced to two tracks up to Balshaw Lane Junction following electrification in the 1970s.

Bedford: Growth of trees and shrubs makes it hard to see the old steam shed at Bedford on the far side of the line; but the fact that the shed still stands, some 45 years after closure, is remarkable. A bit like Bescot, really..

Bedford: It's easy to dwell on the losses at Bedford - not least the direct trains to Cambridge and Northampton. But this view is full of history. Notice the MR warehouse dead centre - the sidings in front of it used to be the Hitchin line - a main line to London, no less. In the distance above the wagons, we can see where this line has been 'recycled' as the link between Bedford's two stations - Midland and the 'new' St John's. On the right, the catenary supports are over the carriage sidings for the Bed-Pan EMUs. See image [[21393]]

Brodick Pier: The CalMac Ferry MV Saturn approaching Brodick Pier, Arran, on 16 July 2011 following the crossing from Ardrossan Harbour see image [[15068]].

Newport: Newport (High Street) station was extended for the Ryder Cup last year (2010).

This view shows the new booking hall and footbridge - it is about where the water column was previously See image [[[[30821]]]].

Brundall: 70000 Britannia passing Brundall on a rainy 16 July 2011 with the 1Z72 16.40 Great Yarmouth- London Liverpool Street RTC Easterling railtour. 47580 County of Essex is attached to the rear of the train.

Brundall: 70000 Britannia comes off the single line Great Yarmouth branch and coasts into Brundall with a special on 16 July 2011.

Newport: Newport (High Street) station was extended for the Ryder Cup last year (2010).

This view is of the new platform 4 with a class 150 about to depart for Gloucester.

St Jean d'Angely: Etat/SNCF Ligne Niort - Saintes/CFD Reseau Charente. Ligne Marans - St Jean d'Angely. St Jean d'Angely station looking east. 16 July 2012.

St Jean d'Angely: Ligne Niort - Saintes/CFD Reseau Charente. Ligne Marans - St Jean d'Angely - Cognac. St Jean d'Angely station looking in the direction of Saintes. The CFD line ran on the left of the platform on which the photographer is standing and continued on to Cognac. Prior to nationalisation in 1938, the Paris - Bordeaux route was virtually the only one in France where there were competing routes with separate PO and Etat lines. St Jean d'Angely was on the former Etat route which ran via Niort and Saintes. The former PO route is now the main line (pending the completion of the TGV line from Tours to Bordeaux which is currently under construction). The St Jean d'Angely line is now sees very little traffic and has been singled.

Hereford: Freightliner 66560, with 66601 dead in train, waiting at signals at the south end of Hereford Station on 16 July 2012. Up ahead the 12.49 ex Birmingham New Street via Great Malvern is crossing over prior to running back into platform 3 ready for its return to Birmingham.

Loulay: Etat/SNCF Ligne Niort - Saintes. Loulay station looking north in the direction of Niort in July 2012. This was part of the the former Etat main line from Paris to Bordeaux. Loulay now has 3 trains stopping in each direction every day with around another 3 in each direction passing without stopping. The second platform is overgrown and the loop (formerly this was a double track line) is rusted and disconnected.

Bristol Parkway: 66585 waits in Bristol Parkway yard on 16 July prior to taking over a coal train from 66560 & 66601 See image [[39739]] currently seen standing alongside the rear wall of platform 2 after running to Chipping Sodbury sidings to run round its rake of wagons.

Breuil: Ligne Marans - St Jean d'Angely. Breuil station, now a private dwelling, looking west towards Surgeres on 16 July 2012.

Milford Haven: The east end of the Milford Haven refinery branch in July 2013 seen from a northbound Arriva Trains Wales Milford Haven to Manchester service passing over the junction.

Llandovery: Arriva Trains Wales single car unit 153353 runs north over the level crossing on departure from Llandovery on 16 July as it heads back to Shrewsbury with the 09.15 ex Swansea Heart of Wales Line service.

Bare Lane: Northern Sprinter Bubble Car 153360 rolls across Bare Lane and into the station of the same name on a service for Lancaster. The crossing barriers seen here are now controlled from Preston Power Box. This view taken on 16 July from the now closed (and later demolished) signal box, with kind permission, looks towards Morecambe.

Swansea Loop West Junction: Looking along the west to east Landore curve that allows through workings (such as the 10.57 Cardiff to Fishguard and return limited stop service) to avoid reversal at Swansea. View from a train heading into Swansea from West Wales.

Bare Lane: Seen from the now demolished signal box, 153360 calls at Bare Lane with a service from Morecambe to Lancaster on 16th July 2013. The box was no longer controlling trains or the level crossing but was in use as a bothy for platform staff pending installation of electronic platform signs. Ahead of the train the two tracks can be seen to merge but a very short distance further on they diverge again to form the two chords to Morecambe South Junction and Hest Bank.

Oxheys: Far from home, Bulleid West Country pacific no. 34046 Braunton heads north on the WCML near Oxheys north of Preston whilst out on a test run from Carnforth on 16 July 2013.

Llanelli: Arriva Trains Wales 150282 rests at Llanelli for some 10 minutes before it departs for Newport at 12.42, after reversal following arrival from Shrewsbury via the Heart of Wales line. Of interest is the transfer copy of a 6G Llandudno Junction shed plate between the unit number and the light cluster.

Forton: More new steam in 2013. Newly returned to the main line, West Country 4-6-2 34046 Braunton ventured out from the East Lancashire Railway on 16 July and took a test train round the Carnforth - Helifield circuit. Running well ahead of schedule the gleaming Pacific, restored from a Barry wreck, is seen here heading towards Lancaster at Forton.

Swansea: 43018 and 43015 are rear power cars on the 07.58 and 07.28 First Great Western HST services to London Paddington seen stabled at Swansea platforms 3 and 4 on 16 July. 43015 is in the process of being checked over ready for departure.

Bare Lane: Interior of the closed Bare Lane signal box on 16 July 2013. The structure was scheduled for demolition granted a stay of execution while it was used by temporary platform staff until electronic passenger displays were installed at Bare Lane station. The lever frame dated from 1937 but most of the other equipment and instruments were removed. The box was finally demolished in January 2014.

Farington Curve Junction: TPE 350410 on 1M91 Edinburgh to Manchester Airport passes a 10 coach Virgin Voyager heading north with the 1S39 Birmingham New St to Glasgow Central at Farington Curve Junction on 16 July.

Appleby: The 1991 installed water tank and column at the south end of Appleby station, bathed in sunshine on 16 July 2014.

Appleby: The former Appleby West station masters house on 16 July 2014 [Ref query 4216] See image [[37221]]

Preston (Ribble Branch): DB Shenker liveried Super 60 60059 slowly approaches the STOP board at Strand Road level crossing on 16 July with the bitumen tanks from Lindsey to Preston Dock.

Preston (Ribble Branch): DBS Class 60 60059 Swinden Dalesman is named after the quarry at the end of the Grassington line. On 16 July it found itself on another freight only branch, seen here cautiously picking its way through the long grass towards the STOP board for Strand Road level crossing. The train was, unusually, almost an hour late on arrival at Preston Docks exchange sidings due to being delayed by a derailed Class 66 at Brocklesby.

Gouda: An eastbound Sprinter Lighttrein, bound for Utrecht (left), arrives at Gouda on 16 July 2015. These have largely replaced the Mat 64 emus from the 1960s and 1970s, although the old stagers had to be recalled in the winters of 2010 and 2012 following many SLTs failing in snow and freezing conditions. On the right a westbound DD-VIRM set pauses for custom.

Airdrie: 334022 uses its recently gained freedom to work to Edinburgh in July 2015. Airdrie station looked a lot better than on my last visit, when trains could only go West; as a terminus, it was bedraggled and depressing.

Gouda: On yer bike! Station frontage and commuter parking at Gouda in July 2015. The present station building dates from 1984, succeeding a short term replacement for one destroyed by the RAF for strategic reasons in November 1944. Gouda is on the Rotterdam/Utrecht line, with other lines running from the town to den Haag and Alphen an den Rijn and enjoys a wide variety of Inter-City and local Sprinter services around the country. Even on a Sunday evening there are some 20 arrivals/departures an hour.

Gouda: The 15.39 service to Amersfoort Schothorst, formed by a double decker DD-VIRM, prepares for an on-time departure from Gouda on 16 July.

Woerden: The attractive station building at Woerden, located between Gouda and Utrecht. This unsuspecting douce burgh was to host an evening friendly match between FC Utrecht and Dundee United FC, which explains the presence of the tangerine shirt-clad gent in front of the station. [The match ended FC Utrecht 4 Dundee Utd 0]. While Woerden station opened in 1855, the current art nouveau building dates from 1911.

Newtongrange: View north towards Newtongrange on 16 July 2015, a day without any scheduled Newcraighall - Tweedbank crew training runs. Finishing work is being carried out on the station and the surrounding infrastructure.

Goostrey: View across the car park at Goostrey Station, near Jodrell Bank, in May 2015, showing the down side wooden station building now looking rather weather worn. A modern shelter gives protection from inclement weather.

Newtongrange: Vehicle entrance to Newtongrange station car park from the A7 on 16 July 2015, with some signage and partial landscaping now evident. Near the brow of the hill a pedestrian entrance is also nearing completion. See image [[51991]]

Leeds: To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Hunslet Engine Company, the Middleton Railway in Leeds organised a weekend events for the 18th and 19th July. One of the events held at the site of the former Hunslet Engine Company works on Jack Lane courtesy of the present owners, Schneider Electric. Two parallel 2 foot gauge temporary tracks were built on the car park outside the Schneider Electric offices on 16 July 2015 and Hunslet engines Irish Mail (left) and Trangkil No.4 (right) were positioned, one on each track. Trangkil No.4 was the last steam loco built by Hunslet, completed in 1971.

Middlewich: Around half way between Middlewich and Northwich on the little used route linking the latter with Sandbach, the line crosses the Trent & Mersey Canal immediately beyond Whatcroft Lane overbridge. The long steel bridge over the canal is seen here in July 2015. [Ref query 4343]

Middlewich: The rudimentary stairway running up the east side of the south abutment of Whatcroft Lane rail over-bridge, between Middlewich and Northwich. This gives access to the walkway running along the east side of this bridge and the adjacent bridge across the Trent and Mersey Canal.

Middlewich: There are two adjacent rail over-bridges that cross the Trent & Mersey Canal and Whatcroft Lane, midway between Middlewich and Northwich. View looking south across the canal bridge, in July 2015, from a walkway created along the former up side bridge decks, with the road bridge just visible to the right through the railings on the canal bridge. See image [[52044]]

Edinburgh Waverley: - and these are the overheads. In older stations, sometimes it pays to look up. This area has been converted to retail use, which hasn't done much for its appearance at ground level; but the ceiling still looks good.

Rotterdam Centraal: Shortly before midnight, Sprinter (Stads Gewestelijk Materieel (SGM)) No 2966, has just arrived from Woerden and Utrecht.

Burton Latimer for Isham: Not so much an old goods shed, more a time warp. To the right, the 19th century: a storage space for safety bicycles. Out of sight to the left, the 21st century: two charging points for electric vehicles. [Ref query 30892]

Frankfurt Airport: An ICE at Frankfurt Airport. Lovely trains, my first day on them last Saturday 16 July.

Burton-upon-Trent: A nice view of the ironwork on the overbridge at Burton-upon-Trent on 16 July 2016 as class 170's head South (right) and North (left).

Burton-upon-Trent: A southbound Cross-Country Voyager at Burton in July 2016. The platforms were somewhat overgrown, but the lingering smell of beer was interesting, if not actually intoxicating.

München: Up close and personal. A trio of ICEs at München Hbf on 16 July.

Preston: Freightliner 90042 waits at the north end of platform 4 at Preston in the early hours of 16 July 2016. The loco is one of the Freightliner Class 90s on hire to GBRF in order to work the Caledonian Sleeper services. This particular service was the 1S25 Highland Sleeper which normally runs from Euston to Inverness with some coaches coming off at Edinburgh for Aberdeen and Fort William however on this morning the main portion was only advertised to Perth.

Ulm: Good grief - they're everywhere! Class 66 at Ulm Hbf on 16 July.

Inverkeithing: The Scottish 37 Group's 37025 enters Inverkeithing with an excursion from Linlithgow to Inverness, its first outing on the main line with a passenger train since overhaul.

Inverkeithing: The Scottish 37 Group's 37025 being passed by 170406 on the 8.02 from Perth to Edinburgh.

Cradlehall: 37025 Inverness TMD was based at Inverness for many years and was a regular performer on The Far North Line, The Kyle Line and The Highland Main Line. After acquisition and restoration to main line standard by the Scottish Thirty-Seven Group, 37025 is pictured nearing Inverness with an SRPS Railtour from Linlithgow.

Culloden Viaduct: 37025 Inverness TMD comes off Culloden Viaduct southbound to Linlithgow on the return leg of an SRPS Railtour. It was the locomotive's first visit to Inverness since it was preserved.It was last in Inverness over twenty years ago.

Culloden Viaduct: 37025 Inverness TMD on the return journey to Linlithgow from Inverness.The locomotive was last in Inverness over twenty years ago.

Burton-upon-Trent: Go on, admit it. You've always wanted to sleep in a grain warehouse. An interesting contrast to another rail-themed hotel in the same chain see image [[26403]].

Preston: Colas Rail Freight 37175 waits patiently or the rear of a Network Rail test train at Preston in the first few minutes of 16 July 2016.

Troyes: A locohauled survivor at Troyes.

Paris Est: A locohauled survivor on arrival at Paris Est.

Strasburg: An SNCF bimode at Strasbourg.

Millerhill EGIP Depot: Work in progress in the area around the train washing plant at the new Millerhill EMU depot. View east across the freight lines on 16 July 2017, with the new depot located beyond the fence.

Haymarket: Haymarket station a visitor attraction? That's what this brown sign would suggest. No wonder the wee man is smiling. Sign seen on the Water of Leith Walkway - not actually very near to Haymarket station.

Newton Abbot: A fabulous preserved Great Western lower quadrant signal gantry in Newton Abbot. 16th July 2018.

Haymarket West Junction: Balgreen tram stop occupies the exact location of Balgreen Halt, hard by the main line near Haymarket West Junction. The morning LNER Aberdeen to King's Cross service passes on 16 July 2018. Note that the LNER vinyl has not yet been applied over the Virgin logo.

Cullen Seafield Street Viaduct: Cullen Seafield Street Viaduct, seen over rooftops in the town of Cullen in July 2019.

Cullen Burn Viaduct: The surviving and rather impressive Cullen Burn Viaduct, which once routed the Moray Coast railway over the town of Cullen.

Linlithgow: Linlithgow's always immaculate Up waiting room seen on 16th July 2020. Covid measures mean that the comfy sofas have been replaced by a single hard chair with a notice on it telling you to keep 2 metres from the person sitting next to you (on the floor, presumably).

Edinburgh Waverley: An Aberdeen service boards at Waverley's Platform 2 on 16 July 2020. The Calton Road entrance can be seen through the gap in the wall at Platform 1. Tantalisingly though, there is no exit from the platform here and arriving passengers wishing to go to Calton Road face a lengthy walk to end up a few feet above where they started.

Linlithgow: A Glasgow to Edinburgh service calls at Linlithgow on 16th July 2020. When this class first appeared the set number on the left-hand side was, rather pointlessly, below the red line and the difference in levels gave it an odd raised-eyebrow look. You can see where this has been remedied

Polmont: A Glasgow to Edinburgh stopper pulls into Polmont on 16th July 2020. There are social distancing reminders on every lamppost but there's no problem spacing out the few passengers, even though numbers are slowly recovering.

Polmont: A Glasgow to Edinburgh stopping service pulls into a quiet Polmont on 16th July 2020. Polmont is famous for its Young Offenders Institution and - well, that's it really. As you approach the station by road you are welcomed to Brightons. Does that mean Polmont station isn't in Polmont?

Bay Horse: A most unusual, and impressive, convoy through Bay Horse on 16th July 2020. 37038 and 37424 hauled 37403, 20302 and 20305 from Gresty Bridge to Kingmoor. Will the Type 1s be used again on RHTT duties this autumn or will DRS finally part company with them?

Bay Horse: I didn't expect to see 20s in 2020 on the WCML, but 20302 and 20305 were taken from Crewe to Carlisle on 20th July 2020, in a convoy with 37038, 37424 and 37403. This rear view of the five locos at Bay Horse shows the DRS guard taking up that traditional seat with a forward view - see image [[44439]]

Edinburgh Waverley: A stopper from Glasgow Queen Street via Cumbernauld reaches journey's end at Waverley's Platform 11 on 16th July 2020. The Scottish National Gallery, on top of the Mound Tunnel, remains closed because of the pandemic.

Euxton Junction: Ex LMS Jubilee no. 45596 Bahamas is seen about to cross the A49 road at Euxton Jct during a positioning move from Keighley to Southall on 16 July 2021. The loco went south to work a number of railtours, the first from London to Salisbury 2 days later.

Newhaven [Tram]: Looking east from Newhaven tram stop on Lindsay Road on 16th July 2021. The track beyond will drop down to the level of the former Leith North station throat.

Leamington Lift Bridge: Erected over the Union Canal at Fountainbridge in 1906. Relocated here in 1923 when the canal was cut back from Port Hopetoun to the Lochrin Basin.

Leith North: Looking west over the site of Leith North station throat in July 2021, with the course of the new tramway crossing to the left distance and the Newhaven terminus alongside the round tower block. The second Chancelot Mill dominates the scene, opening in 1970 and being briefly served by the surviving dock railway from Leith South.

Ocean Terminal [Tram]: Ocean Terminal tram stop, with the island platform taking shape. View looking south in July 2021.

Newhaven [Tram]: Newhaven tram terminus, with traffic passing on Lindsay Road in the background, on 16 July 2021.

Eastleigh: Freightliner 66415, in the new orange scheme, adds to the many different liveries seen at Eastleigh on 16th July 2021.

Slateford Viaduct: Containers crossing the Slateford Viaduct, seen from the Slateford Aqueduct of the Union Canal under a perfect blue sky on the 16th July 2021. A marvellous pair of bridges.

Eastleigh: Identical locos in identical liveries. 70809 and 70811 were coupled and being readied at Eastleigh for overnight permanent way work. These Colas locos look completely different when only the nose ends are in shot.

Trinity Junction: The site of Trinity Junction is a hub of the north Edinburgh path network and my, what a choice you've got. The east/west and north/south lines were once on different levels, though it is difficult to visualise that now. Cyclists look more than usually peeved here, presumably because there are no traffic lights to ignore or pavements to mount.

Eastleigh: Although very common in the London area Southwestern Railways Class 455 5728 was a very rare visitor to the Eastleigh area on 16th July 2021. It was not in service, probably on a crew trainer run.

Leith North: The Caledonian Bar opposite the CR's Leith terminus bore that name until 2010 or so, changing to something else for its last few years. On conversion to a house this Victorian lettering was revealed. Probably to avoid confusion with the NB's North Leith, Leith North was referred to as Leith Caledonian locally, and was the name of a tram destination.

Eastleigh: A very grubby Colas 70815, and Freightliner 66536, in the sidings at Eastleigh on 16th July 2021.

Eastleigh: EWS 66003 racing through Eastleigh with the Morris Cowley to Southampton MCT car train on 16th July 2021.

Liverpool Street: 317343 with 317508, back at Liverpool Street with the ex-11.09 Greater Anglia service from Hertford East, just after 12 noon on Saturday, 16th July 2022 and now waiting to form the return 12.12 depature back to Hertford East. This was the Last Day of class 317 units in service, hence the commemorative headboards with the very last 317 train departing from Hertford East at 23.09.

Rye House: View from 317508 at rear with 317343 at head with the ex-10.12 Greater Anglia service from Liverpool Street to Hertford East, calling at Rye House station on the Hertford branch proper, on a blisteringly hot Saturday, 16th July 2022, the Last Day in service of the class 317 units.

Prince Regent: Class 345 unit on an Elizabeth Line service to Abbey Wood, just departed from Custom House on the alignment of the former North Woolwich branch that closed in 2006 and descending into the reopened Connaught Tunnel, seen from the DLR's Prince Regent station in the blistering heat of Saturday, 16th July 2022. Elizabeth Line trains do not stop here, interchange with the DLR being available at nearby Custom House.

Glasgow St Enoch: This clock face once graced St Enoch station. It was later donated to the Antonine Centre in Cumbernauld but, although the plaque alongside notes that it was 'restarted by HM The Queen' in 1977, it is very much a tucked away exhibit in Cumbernauld and not the centrepiece it could be.

Ware: The Hertford East branch from the Cambridge main line north of Broxbourne is, nominally, a double track line but site difficulties mean that the delightful intermediate station at Ware has only ever had a single bi-directional platform. The line and station were opened by the Northern & Eastern Railway Company in 1843 and this view is from 317 508 at head and 317 343 at rear making their first stop with the ex-11.09 service from Hertford East to Liverpool Street on a stultifyingly hot Saturday, 16th July 2022, the Last Day of class 317 units in service.

Cheshunt: View from 317 508 (with 317 343 at head) calling at Cheshunt station, Hertfordshire, looking back south, with the ex-10.12 Greater Anglia service from Liverpool Street to Hertford East on Saturday, 16th July 2022, the Last Day of the 317 units. On the right is the Southbury Loop bay platform for trains to Liverpool Street via Seven Sisters, which has been part of London Overground since 31st May 2015.

Eddleston: The old station at Eddleston, 4 miles north of Peebles, seen on the afternoon of 16 July 2022. View is north towards Leadburn, in bright sunshine, under a cloudless sky, with the temperature in the village climbing in the heatwave.

Custom House [DLR]: DLR unit no.75 with no.97 from Tower Gateway to Beckton arriving at Custom House on the stifling hot (38C) afternoon of Saturday, 16th July 2022. Since 24th May 2022, this station has been an interchange with the Elizabeth Line (on right).

Haymarket: Seen today at Haymarket, a reminder that during The Open the temporary timetable will still be in place.

Hertford East: Last Day of the Class 317s. 317343 with 317508, newly arrived at Hertford East with the ex-10.12 service from Liverpool Street and now waiting to form the return 11.09 depature, on a scorching hot Saturday, 16th July 2022, the very last day of these units in service, as noted by the commemorative headboard.

Croy: The new Access for All footbridge, and associated lifts, nearing completion at Croy in July 2022.

Hertford East: 317508 and 317343 just arrived at 11.01 at Hertford East with the ex-10.12 Greater Anglia service from Liverpool Street on 16th July 2022, the Last Day of class 317 units. They will form the return 11.09 departure so people had to be very quick with their photos. There wasn't, alas, time to get an exterior shot of the grand frontage of this 1843 terminus.