Coupar Angus Level Crossing: Ex-Caledonian 0-4-4T no 55213 about to bring the branch train from Blairgowrie onto the main line just to the west of Coupar Angus station on 20 July 1953.

Coupar Angus: The 7.15am ex-Glasgow Buchanan Street arrives at Coupar Angus on 20 July 1953 behind Jubilee 45673 Keppel. Awaiting departure time alongside is B1 61293 with a train for Dundee. The Tolbooth tower can just be seen in the left background beyond the water tank.
See query 2220

Coupar Angus: BR Light Pacific no 72008 <I>Clan MacLeod</I> entering Coupar Angus from the north on 20 July 1953. The train is the Aberdeen - Glasgow Buchanan Street <I>'Bon Accord'</I>.

Forfar North Junction: A lightweight up freight runs through Forfar North Junction on a misty 20 July 1953. Locomotive in charge is Forfar based Crab 2-6-0 no 42800.

Monkton: A St Enoch - Stranraer Boat Express runs south through Monkton on 20 July 1959 behind Fairburn 2-6-4T 42193. [Ref query 3 March 2018]

Monkton: An Ayr - Glasgow train photographed near Monkton on 20 July 1959 behind BR Standard class 4 2-6-0 no 76097.

Monkton: Corkerhill Jubilee 45720 Indomitable at speed near Monkton on 20 July 1959 with a Glasgow St Enoch - Stranraer express. [Ref query 1005]

Monkton: A special heading for Ayr races, photographed heading south near Monkton on 20 July 1959. Locomotive in charge is Polmadie's BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73076.

Morar: A Pullman Camping Coach at Morar in the summer of 1960.

South Side [GB and NDR]: Black 5 4-6-0 no 44992, with a train of empty stock destined for St Enoch, photographed alongside the former South Side station on 20 July 1961.

Gorbals: A Kilmarnock - St Enoch train runs through the remains of the southbound platforms of Gorbals station on 20 July 1961. At the head of the train is Hurlford shed's BR Standard class 4 tank 80111.

Gorbals Junction: The 5.30pm St Enoch - Carlisle runs south through Gorbals Junction shortly after commencing its journey on 20 July 1961. At the head of the train is Stanier Pacific 46236 City of Bradford.

Gorbals: Standard 2-6-4 tank 80127 runs north through the remains of Gorbals station (closed 1928) with a Neilston Low - St Enoch train in the summer of 1961.

South Side [GB and NDR]: Standard 2-6-4 tank shunting empty stock alongside the site of South Side station in July 1961.

Gorbals: Class 2P 4-4-0 40620 runs through Gorbals station on 20 July 1961 with empty stock for South Side.

South Side [GB and NDR]: Stanier Pacific 46244 King George VI passing the site of South Side station on 20 July 1961 with a St Enoch - Carlisle train.

South Side [GB and NDR]: A St Enoch - Kilmarnock local passing the former South Side station shortly after commencing its journey on 20 July 1961. At the head of the train is BR Standard 2-6-4 tank no 80127.

Gorbals Junction: The 6.21pm St Enoch - East Kilbride DMU runs south through Gorbals Junction on 20 July 1961.

South Side [GB and NDR]: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73057 passing South Side on 20 July 1961 with a train from Dumfries bound for St Enoch.

Gorbals: Looking north through Gorbals station on 20 July 1961 as the 5.33pm St Enoch - East Kilbride approaches. The locomotive is one of Polmadie shed's Standard 2-6-4 tanks no 80055.

Polmadie Shed: Caley Jumbo no. 57360 in steam at Polmadie MPD in July 1962.

Polmadie Shed: Caley Bogie 54502 on Polmadie shed in the summer of 1962. Withdrawn from Dumfries in September that year the locomotive spent a period 'stored' at Carstairs see image [[38047]] before being cut up in the yard of Messrs McWilliams, Shettleston, in September 1963.

Balornock Shed: A4 60004 William Whitelaw on the turntable at Balornock Shed in July 1962. The Pacific had been reallocated from Haymarket to Ferryhill the previous month, primarily in connection with the 3 hour Aberdeen - Glasgow express services.

Port Glasgow: A summer Saturday Edinburgh (Princes Street) to Gourock service arriving at Port Glasgow on 20 July 1963. The train is hauled by Dalry Road sheds Black 5 4-6-0 no 45360.

Port Glasgow Junction: 73060 with a Wemyss Bay - Glasgow Central train photographed shortly after passing Port Glasgow Junction on 20 July 1963. The signal box can be seen just beyond the rear carriage, with the Gourock Ropeworks building in the left background (see image [[75899]]).

Doncaster: Jubilee no 45663 Jervis arrives at Doncaster station on 20 July 1963 hauling the summer Saturday 1.48pm Skegness - Hebden Bridge. Note the changing skyline around the distinctive Church of St James, Doncaster, in the background. The 1858 church, built to cater for the spiritual needs of the expanding population of the town (brought about by the arrival of the railway) was financed primarily by shareholders of the Great Northern.

Doncaster: O4 2-8-0 no 63818 brings mineral wagons south through Doncaster on 20 July 1963.

Port Glasgow: Platform view looking west at Port Glasgow on Saturday 20 July 1963. The train arriving is a Gourock - Glasgow Central service, hauled by one of Ladyburn sheds BR Standard class 4 2-6-0s no 76070.

Doncaster: Patricroft based Jubilee no 45663 Jervis runs south through Doncaster on 20 July 1963 with a summer Saturday train bound for Skegness.

Port Glasgow: BR Standard Class 5 4-6-0 no 73058 arriving at Port Glasgow with a Wemyss Bay - Glasgow Central service on 20 July 1963.

Port Glasgow: Fairburn tank no 42263 arriving at Port Glasgow station on Saturday 20 July 1963 with a Glasgow - Gourock train.

Port Glasgow Junction: BR Standard tank 80110 approaching Port Glasgow Junction on 20 July 1963 with a Gourock - Glasgow Central train. Note the building previously owned by the [[Gourock Ropeworks]] Co Ltd, manufactures of rope, canvas and sailcloth, whose premises once occupied land on both sides of the line here prior to closure in 1976. The category A listed building has since been refurbished as privately owned flats situated between the railway and the A8.

Doncaster: Black 5 no 45444 takes the 2.35pm Scarborough - Nottingham Midland service away from Doncaster on 20 July 1963.

Port Glasgow Junction: BR Standard class 4 2-6-0 no 76071 passing the Port Glasgow Goods, at Port Glasgow Junction, with a westbound freight on 20 July 1963.

Doncaster: A lengthy up freight rumbles south through Doncaster station on the centre road in July 1963 behind BR Standard class 9F 2-10-0 no 92172.

Doncaster: Gresley V2 2-6-2 no 60902 stands at Doncaster station on 20 July 1963 shortly after arriving with the 1.50pm from Leeds Central.

Doncaster: B1 no 61121 brings the 2.35pm Scarborough - Nottingham Midland into Doncaster on 20 July 1963.

Port Glasgow: Dalry Road Black 5 4-6-0 no 45360 with an Edinburgh (Princes Street) to Gourock express photographed leaving Port Glasgow on Saturday 20 July 1963.

Doncaster: Black 5 no 45444 with the 2.35pm to Nottingham Midland (ex-Scarborough) at the south end of Doncaster station in the summer of 1963.

Port Glasgow: Platform scene at Port Glasgow on 20 July 1963 looking west towards Greenock.

Doncaster: B1 no 61121 takes the 8.33am Nottingham Midland - Scarborough train north out of Doncaster on 20 July 1963.

Doncaster: A3 Pacific 60108 Gay Crusader runs south through Doncaster light engine on 20 July 1963.

Port Glasgow Junction: The signalman looks out from a window of Port Glasgow Junction signal box on 20 July 1963, just as Black 5 no 45320 runs past with a Glasgow Central - Wemyss Bay service. The box, located a half a mile east of Port Glasgow station, controlled access to the harbour branch (by this date just the shipyards) as well as [[Port Glasgow Goods]] yard on the south side of the line.

Doncaster: The summer Saturday 10.30am Kings Cross - Scarborough pulls away from Doncaster on 20 July 1963 behind A3 Pacific no 60037 Hyperion.

Eastfield Shed: Eastfield shed on 20 July 1964, with local long term resident B1 No 61140 resting in the summer sunshine. Its distinctive self-weighing tender is prominent in the photo.

Tapton Junction: Peak No. 54 'The Royal Pioneer Corps' speeds south at Tapton Junction, just north of Chesterfield, on 20 July 1971 (the signal box is visible through the road bridge in the background). Train 1V99 is the 16.15 Newcastle Central to Bristol Temple Meads, which was not scheduled to stop at Chesterfield.

Nottingham: A train for St Pancras departs from Nottingham Midland on the morning of July 20th 1971 behind Peak no 132.

Brockenhurst: BR SR class 2 HAP EMU no.5631 arrives at Brockenhurst in the evening of 20 July 1971 with a service from Lymington.

Morningside Road: A Brush type 4 brings a westbound freight through Morningside Road station in 1971.

Morningside Road: Claytons 8598+8528 passing Morningside Road signal box on the Edinburgh 'sub' in the summer of 1971 with an eastbound ballast train.

Nottingham: Peak No. 127 brings the down 'Thames-Clyde Express' into Nottingham Midland station where another loco of the same type will be attached to the rear of the train for the next leg of its journey as far as Leeds. The girder bridge just visible at the top of the photograph had once carried the Great Central Railway's London Extension over the Midland Railway.

Chesterfield: During the early evening of 20th July 1971, an unidentified Peak accelerates away from the Chesterfield stop with the 16.05 St Pancras to Leeds express.

Leicester Midland: Peak No. D29 is still accelerating away from the Leicester stop as it emerges from the western bore of Knighton Tunnel in July 1971 with the 12.10 Sheffield to London St. Pancras express.

Tapton Junction: A Peak takes the Pengham FLT to Portobello FLT containers from fast to slow line at Tapton Jct, just north of Chesterfield, on 20 July 1971. The train is heading for Rotherham via Barrow Hill, avoiding Sheffield Midland station.

Morningside Road: Clayton 8582 with a westbound freight passing Morningside Road station on the Edinburgh sub in July 1971, some 9 years after closure. The platforms, access stairways and street level booking office are still intact at this time.

York: An immaculate looking BR InterCity 125 leaves York with an afternoon service for Kings Cross on 20 July 1980.

York: A northbound InterCity 125 empty stock working takes the York station avoiding line from Holgate Junction in July 1980. View south west from the platforms over land once occupied by various railway facilities including the NER's York South roundhouses. [Note the infilled remains in the foreground.]

York: Deltic 55016 Gordon Highlander pulls into York with a London train in July 1980.

York: Deltic no 55016 Gordon Highlander getting ready to take an Edinburgh - Kings Cross train out of York on 20 July 1980.

Holgate Junction: Deltic meets HST south of York station - summer 1980.

York: A DMU for Sheffield awaits its departure time on 20 July 1980 in what was then bay platform 10 at York station.

York: 55016 Gordon Highlander on an ECML express at York station in July 1980, complete with observer.

Ballinluig: A northbound HST stopped at Ballinluig on 20 July 1984. The train was held awaiting removal of a digger from the line through Killiecrankie Pass, where it had fallen from the adjacent roadworks on the A9. Possibly the last train to call here? Passengers were allowed to 'stretch their legs' during the three hour wait!
See query 2281

Crianlarich Lower: 37408 has arrived at Crianlarich Lower, with the Oban to Mossend freight, on 20th July 1988. It will collect a number of timber wagons that were loaded here. Far more freight ran on the West Highland line in the 1980s compared to now. This location now has houses built here and the railway is long gone.

Glenlochy Crossing: 37408 has the oil from Oban to Mossend yard in July 1988. This was a a regular flow at the time. The BP tanks would then be returned to Grangemouth. Other traffic was conveyed but on this day it was just oil. Pictured near Glen Lochy. Why did the sun never shine when I came to visit ?

North Elmham: Back in July 1990, when this photo was taken, the level crossing gates at North Elmham were in pristine condition, having been very recently repainted and overhauled. This posed some interesting questions for British Rail, given that the line had closed completely 18 months earlier and the granary that supplied the last freight traffic lies in ruins in the background. Sadly, the gates did not receive any further care and were left to slowly deteriorate, pending reopening of the line one day. The north gate (nearest) was the first to collapse nineteen years later and was replaced by a metal version.

Dereham: Dereham station and its environs looking distinctly post Judgement Day in July 1990, with all in sight deserted, overgrown and in ruins. The railway and its associated businesses and services had covered a substantial area of the town, but after the final activities had ceased the year before, it had all been left to decay. As we now know, some determined rail preservationists had another outcome in mind.

Gourock: In 1997 Class 318s were taking over from 303s on Inverclyde services and 318269 is seen here at Gourock in July 1997. It is in the delivered SPT orange; the carmine and cream livery had only just been launched.

Wrenthorpe Yard: Railfreight Distribution 90036 laying over in the electrified run round stabling siding on the remaining section of the former Wrenthorpe Yard north of Wakefield Westgate in July 1999. The locomotiove was on a GNER passenger working that had terminated at Wakefield, rather than being diesel hauled through to Leeds via Normanton, during engineering works on the direct route. 90036 is in a unique RfD 'Sybic' livery with full wrap around yellow on each cab front.

Wakefield Kirkgate: Railfreight Distribution 90032 is on the rear of a GNER service being diesel hauled between Wakefield Westgate and Leeds in July 1999 during engineering works along the direct route.

Great Yarmouth: 'I still say you can't have too many crisps...' Loading up supplies at Great Yarmouth in July 2002 as one of the summer Saturday through services from London to the Norfolk Coast makes preparations for the return journey to Liverpool Street.

Brockford and Wetheringsett: Brockford and Wetheringsett station on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway on 20 July 2002. Ex-GER Holden J15 0-6-0 no 65447 stands at the platform.

Great Yarmouth: A summer Saturday service waiting to leave Great Yarmouth for Norwich and Liverpool Street in July 2002.

Great Yarmouth: Scene at the buffer stops at Great Yarmouth station on 20 July 2002, with one of the through summer Saturday services from Liverpool Street, having been dragged in reverse from Norwich by a class 47. [Ref query 4313]

Brockford and Wetheringsett: Looking east from the end of the platform at Brockford and Wetheringsett on the Mid Sussex Light Railway on a summer afternoon in July 2002. Stabled on the left is 1952 built Ruston 165 0-4-0DM 'Alston'.

Brockford and Wetheringsett: Ex-GER J15 0-6-0 no 65447 of 1899 stands alongside the platform at Brockford station on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway in the summer of 2002.

Lentran: The derelict station building on the former northbound platform of Lentran station, closed 1982.

Willesden Traincare Centre: View south east over Willesden depot from the platform at Willesden Junction High Level station in July 2005 as a northbound Voyager passes on the WCML.

Willesden Traincare Centre: Looking west from Scrubs Lane over Willesden Traincare Centre in July 2005.

Kensington Olympia: 'Oooohhhh Jemima... what a nice cool breeze.... ' With shade at a premium at Kensington Olympia on an exceptionally hot summer morning in July 2005, a 'eurostar' stirs the air as it glides swiftly past waiting commuters on platform 3. The train is running ecs from North Pole depot to take up duty at Waterloo International.

Kensington Olympia: 92016 Brahms with the 03.37 Trafford Park - Dollands Moor (ultimate destination Bari, Italy) heads south through Kensington Olympia on the West London Line on 20 July 2005. Standing in the bay on the left is a District Line train for Earls Court and High Street Kensington.

Paddington: Looking back towards the station concourse from the footbridge at Paddington in July 2005.

Acton Wells Junction: EWS 59201 brings an empty stone train returning to the west country slowly down the ramp from Acton Wells Junction as it moves from the North London Line to the Great Western main line in July 2005. Grab shot from a passing Heathrow Express bound for Paddington.

Willesden Traincare Centre: GBRf 08451 at Willesden depot in July 2005.

Willesden Traincare Centre: Virgin 'Thunderbird' no 57311 Parker at Willesden in July 2005.

Kensington Olympia: Scene at Kensington Olympia on the West London Line on 20 July 2005 as a Virgin CrossCountry Voyager arrives with a Brighton - Birmingham service. On the right, one of the Silverlink dual voltage 313 units is pulling away from the southbound platform with a Willesden Junction - Clapham Junction train.

Paddington: Aggressive looking Heathrow Express at Paddington in July 2005, with its minder bearing more than a passing resemblance to Vinnie (mind your head in the door sir) Jones.

Paddington: Waiting to depart from Paddington - July 2005.

Heathrow: A class 332 EMU forming a Heathrow Express non-stop service to Paddington boarding at Heathrow Terminal 1 in July 2005.

Ealing Broadway: Looking out from the old trainshed along District Line platform 9 at Ealing Broadway in July 2005. This being a particularly wet day the external platforms are in use!

Kensington Olympia: Hanson 59104 'Village of Great Elm' runs north through Kensington Olympia on the centre road on 20 July 2005 with a company aggregates train.

Ealing Broadway: Central line terminus at Ealing Broadway in the summer of 2005. Looking east from the concourse, with a Hainhault train awaiting its departure time at platform 5.

Willesden Traincare Centre: A Bakerloo line train for Harrow and Wealdstone passing Willesden Traincare Centre in July 2005. Virgin 'Thunderbird' no 57311 Parker stands in the sidings. The old railway building in the right background is a disused electricity sub-station.

Ealing Broadway: Looking out towards the District Line platforms at Ealing Broadway terminus in July 2005 with a train for Upminster at platform 7.

Paddington: Paddington buffer stops, 2005.

Acton Main Line: A Foster Yeoman stone train alongside Acton yard on 20 July 2005.

Kensington Olympia: Late evening scene at Kensington Olympia in July 2005 with a 'eurostar' working wrong-line back to North Pole depot past a freight held on the centre road. The building in the background with the blue roof once housed the former Motorail loading bays - now Olympia Parking!

Ealing Broadway: District Line, Central Line and main line Heathrow Connect services stand together in the rain at Ealing Broadway station in July 2005.

Willesden High Level Junction: Taking the air at Willesden High Level Junction signal box - 20 July 2005. See image [[5193]]

Euston: The disused Euston Northern Line entrance and ticket hall on the corner of Drummond Street and Melton Street in 2005 - closed after the rebuilding of Euston main line station.

Paddington: Not bad Mr Brunel... not bad at all... The Great Western Railway's London terminus at Paddington, seen from the concourse on 20 July 2005.

Paddington: Noses 2. Paddington, July 2005.

Paddington: Passengers about to leave platforms 3 & 4 at Paddington station via the footbridge stairway in July 2005.

Willesden High Level Junction: A Silverlink class 313 on a North London Line Richmond - Stratford service passes Willesden Junction High Level box and crosses the WCML before entering the station in July 2005. See image [[5163]]

Ealing Broadway: Cross platform view north at Ealing Broadway in the rain in July 2005 as a First Great Western Link service waits to leave platform 4 for Paddington. Beyond that a Central Line train stands at platform 5, while a second is approaching from West Acton. In the right background a District line train has just appeared out of the mist from Ealing Common.

Ealing Broadway: The pantograph of a Heathrow Express exerts a squeegee effect on the overhead wire as it speeds through Ealing Broadway in a rainstorm in July 2005 heading for the airport.

Willesden Junction Low Level [New Lines]: A Silverlink class 313 dual voltage emu calls at Willesden Junction Low Level station in July 2005 on a suburban service to Watford Junction. View north west from the walkway leading to the high level platforms.

Paddington: Reflections. Paddington buffer stops. July 2005.

Stockley Park: A train loading at the Hanson Stockley Park facility near West Drayton on 20 July 2005. View north west from the window of a Paddington bound Heathrow Express on the flyover spanning the GW main line at Stockley Junction.

Bridge of Weir [2nd]: Looking East, this shows the site of Bridge of Weir Station from where Platform 1 stood. The metal pillar was recently erected by the local council to help prop up the road bridge.

Bridge of Weir [2nd]: Looking West from where Platform 2 stood, this shows the station site along with the metal pillars erected by the local council to prop up the road bridge. The station house was burnt out and demolished in 2003.

North Johnstone: Work in progress, this view is looking North. It shows part of the subway and led to the station buildings. Now demolished and flattened, the site and the Mills and factory that surrounded forms part of development for a supermarket.

Edinburgh Waverley: 67028 with another of the Open Golf Championship specials leaving Waverley for Carnoustie on 20 July 2007.

Edinburgh Waverley: A pair of class 66s preparing to take a works train out of platform 13 early on the morning of 20 July 2007.

Edinburgh Waverley: Having brought in the Edinburgh portion of the Lowland Sleeper from Carstairs, duty Sleeper locomotive 90019 emerges from platform 9 on the morning of 20 July 2007. On the right a works train is standing alongside platform 13.

Tulloch: 21:30 and 156474 stops at Tulloch on its way to Mallaig.

Tulloch: 156474 accelerates past Tulloch yard on 20 July 2007 on its way north.

Tulloch: First Engineering track maintenance vehicle in Tulloch yard.

Tulloch: Inside the signal box,surrounded by clutter,the lever frame and levers.

Tulloch: Redundant signal box at Tulloch.

Tulloch: Tulloch station building, now a busy hostel.

Tulloch: Tulloch set in stone(s).

Paris Sacre Coeur Funicular: Although short, the funicular railway Sacre Coeur saves many steps up the hill.

Crianlarich: Scene at Crianlarich on 20 July 2007 as 156450 arrives from Oban to combine with 156496, which had arrived shortly beforehand from Fort William, before going on to Glasgow Queen St.

Crianlarich: 156496 arrives at Crianlarich and awaits the train from Oban.

Crossford (Fife): View south near Crossford on 20 May 2007 showing part of the trackbed of the original Elgin Railway from Knockhouse (or possibly Berry Law) to Limekilns (1774- c 1810). Note the embankment marking the route and its current use as a footpath. Out of sight beyond the wall on the left is the present day Waggon Road and the Dunfermline - Kincardine - Alloa railway line, which crosses Waggon Road just south of here.

Crianlarich Shed: Despite one author writing that it had been demolished in 1998, the former engine shed at Crianlarich is still standing and is now part of a maintenance complex surrounded by portacabins.

Bathgate [4th]: Looking along the platform towards the buffer stops at Bathgate on Sunday evening 20 July 2008.

Bathgate LMD: Progress at Bathgate - scene looking west on Sunday 20 July 2008.

Mouldon Hill: Trackbed running towards the site of the proposed new station at Mouldon Hill on the southern extension of the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Bathgate Central Junction: View east over the ongoing works at Bathgate on Sunday evening 20 July 2008.

Mouldon Hill: Plenty of ballast still apparent on the trackbed earmarked for the extension of the Swindon and Cricklade Railway and the creation of a new station at Mouldon Hill. Photographed on 20 July 2008.

Scorton [Lancashire] [1st]: With a much longer load than the preceeding train, See Image [[24693]] 92013 Puccini hauls the 6X12 Carlisle to Eastleigh Enterprise service under the footbridge at Broad Fall Farm, Scorton as the daylight fades.

Scorton [Lancashire] [1st]: Motive power considerably longer than train. With the DRS Class 20 locos in Eastleigh for assessment the Class 66s are frequently being rostered on flask trains. With only a fraction of the 6600hp available being used 66428 and 66425 hustle the 6K73 Sellafield to Crewe, comprising a single flask wagon, south passing Broad Fall Farm at Scorton on a Monday evening. This train is a useful means of getting locomotives to Crewe too and the previous Monday had two Class 37s in tow in addition to the two 66s.

Lubeck: A Hamburg-Lubeck ICE approaching the bridge under Moislinger Ailee near Lubeck station on 20 July 2009. Two days later another ICE train suffered major damage when children placed concrete blocks and iron fencing on the track.

Moorgate: Recent works on the former Thameslink platforms at Moorgate have revealed a 1981 Metropolitan line timetable poster, seen here in July 2009.

Arcachon: Level crossing across the busy D660 trunk road to the east of Arcachon, for a single track local line.

Hebden Bridge: Hebden Bridge, as seen from the station forecourt looking east. 158849 is on a Calder valley line Manchester to Leeds service.

Mirfield: Leyland unit 155344 on a Leeds service pulls away from a stop at Mirfield's island platform, as seen from the third platform that serves westbound trains. The centre road allows fast trains heading west to overtake slower ones as the through line does at Dewsbury, just east of here, for Leeds bound trains. See image [[23146]]

Mirfield: Although many tracks have been lifted at Mirfield three lines survive and they all serve station platforms. TPE 185141 hurries away from the camera non stop towards Heaton Lodge Junction where it will bear left for Huddersfield and Manchester A stopping service formed by 155344 can just be seen standing at the island platform with an eastbound service. This view was taken from the replacement Platform3 , a location where westbound stopping trains are often held while a TPE overtakes.

Scotstoun West: An aerial view with BAE's Scotstoun Yard to the right. To left of the yard was Scotstoun West station and above that the junction with the Rothesay Dock Branch. July 2011.

Preston: The Fellsman is running again in 2011, and fully booked for nine trips. 46115 Scots Guardsman was at the head of the first train of the season on 20 July and is seen here leaving Preston heading south to Farington Curve Junction prior to joining the East Lancashire line and eventually the S&C.

Preston South Junction: Breasting the top of the 1:29 incline of the Preston Dock branch 66182 emerges opposite the platforms of Preston station on 20 July 2011. The steepness of the gradient can clearly be seen but the fourteen VTG bitumen tanker empties behind the locomotive cannot. This MWF only train then followed The Fellsman steam excursion to Blackburn before taking the Copy Pit line back to Lindsey refinery in North Lincolnshire.

Borax [California]: BNSF 1718 and friends marshalling a freight at Borax, California on 20 July 2011.

Bamber Bridge: 46115 Scots Guardsman departs from the pickup stop at Bamber Bridge on 20 July with the first outward 'Fellsman' Railtour of 2011. The special ran from Lancaster to Carlisle via Blackburn and the Settle & Carlisle line.

Lancaster: A consequence of the 2011 Arnside viaduct closure was the replacement of the Heysham boat train with a bus service from Lancaster station. Presumably the train was used for an extra service to Morecambe. All returned to normal when the bridge reopened on 18 July and two days later 142090 is seen in Platform 5 at Lancaster waiting to depart for the port.

Ayr Harbour: Evening sunlight catches the piers of the dismantled viaduct on the branch to Ayr South Harbour on 20 July. Some fragments of railway remain on the quayside.

Ayr: Nearing its destination at Ayr on 20 July 2012, unit 380111 emerges from under John Street road bridge.

Ayr: 380111 has just pulled out of the bay platform at Ayr station on 20 July with the 12.13 service to Glasgow Central.

Krakow Glowny: The 14.35 from Krakow Glowny to Czestochowa on 20 July 2012. A fast train - only 3 hours for 134km = 28 mph! These EN57 units are ubiquitous - there are over 1400 of them, dating from 1962 onwards. This one is a later unit from the 1980s. See image [[39927]]

Krakow: Transports of Delight on display in the Museum of Municipal Engineering in Krakow in July 2012.

Krakow: On 20th July 2012, this EN 81 single unit electric railcar leaves for Oswiecim - better known to us as Auschwitz.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: This signal box was formerly located at Kennett. As it is currently sitting on a low loader wagon, it could well move again soon - at least to the end of the siding!

Sible and Castle Hedingham: Unusually, the sole station on the Colne Valley Railway has different names on its two opposed station buildings. That on the North-East platform is realistically called Sible and Castle Hedingham; that on the South-West platform is called Halstead (some 4 miles away by road). The latter contains this wonderful old payphone, which is in working order; so if you press button B, you might get some unused coins back. In a surreal touch, instructions remind users that despite the age of the 'phone, the person on the other end will be in the present day.

Linton: The former station building at Linton (1865-1967), south of Shelford on the former Cambridge to Haverhill route, has evidently been looked after in its recent uses as office space and school. The big squared-off office block out of shot to the right (sadly, built across the trackbed) doesn't look quite so nice.

Shadwell: View east from Docklands Light Railway platform 2 at Shadwell on Saturday 20 July 2013, with a train approaching from Limehouse. The station is also served by trains on the London Overground East London Line which, at this particular station, happens to be underground!

Chappel and Wakes Colne: Litmus test: your personality and knowledge will determine your reaction to this picture. You may say 'Goodness me, that's Henrietta, friend of Thomas'; or perhaps 'what a nice replica Wisbech and Upwell Tramway coach'; or if very well informed, 'what HAVE they done to that ferryvan?' (on which this reproduction was based)

Highbury and Islington: Much changed in recent years - the platform Overground map currently displayed at Highbury and Islington. Note the number of stations on the network providing interchange facilities with other lines.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: Saying it with flowers, on platform 2 (the museum side, as opposed to the national railway) at Chappel and Wakes Colne on 20 July 2013. See image [[37953]]

Chappel Junction: Not every disused trackbed is colour coded. The site of the junction between the Sudbury line (still open) and this line to Haverhill via Halstead is overgrown with trees; but slightly to the North West, this very pleasant view can be seen from a humpbacked bridge on the road to Bures. View looks towards Haverhill.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: Aha! So this side is Sible and Castle Hedingham - it must be the other side that is Halstead. see image [[44123]] Station sign and bench framed in a 'bubble car' window during a BLS visit.

Waterloo East: Trains passing at Waterloo East on 20 July 2013, seen from the viewing platform of The Shard.

Linton: The platform side view of Linton station is possibly more impressive than the road side view see image [[43875]]. The station would seem to be easy to reopen - apart from the office block built across the trackbed behind the photographer.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: A distinctly compact pump trolley on display at the East Anglian Railway Museum at Chappel and Wakes Colne on 20th July 2013.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: The Railway Tavern was situated but a short stagger from the original station building at Chappel and Wakes Colne (seen to the right), and now makes a handsome house - highly suitable for commuters to Marks Tey. Someone seems to have left their organ pipes on the roof.

Willesden Junction Low Level [New Lines]: A Watford junction train leaving Willesden Junction on 20 July, seen from the low level platforms shared with the Bakerloo Line.

Borough Market Junction: View over Borough Market Junction on 20 July with trains on the Charing Cross / Blackfriars route (left) and the cross-Thames lines from Cannon Street. The new east-west viaduct seen under construction will enable quadrupling here, with the southern pair of lines handling trains to and from Charing Cross and the northern pair providing Thameslink trains with a dedicated route to Blackfriars - essential in providing the planned 24tph peak service on the route. London Bridge station is just off picture bottom right.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: The station master's house (right) and original station (left) keep the signal box (extreme left) company at the East Anglian Railway Museum on 20th July. See image [[44933]]

Sible and Castle Hedingham: Ignore the modern plasticky stuff and Disabled Parking sign. Just look at that corrugated iron roof, and the partly-refinished paintwork, and imagine the occupant drying his face on the curtains - like Dan Taylor in The Titfield Thunderbolt.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: First class and not quite - something of a contrast between a Pullman coach and a parcels van on the Halstead platform at Castle Hedingham on the Colne Valley Railway in July 2013.

London Bridge: The new viaduct being constructed over Borough Market currently comes to a sudden end outside London Bridge station. View north on 20 July 2013 with the tower of Southwark Cathedral prominent in the background. See image [[43904]].

Chappel and Wakes Colne: Good job they left the handbrake on. This 0-4-0 saddle tank, with a few bits missing, seems to be content to be a 'gate guardian' at the East Anglian Railway Museum on 20th July.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: Something shiny in the goods shed at the East Anglian Railway Museum - two four-wheeled vehicles, being a GE First Class coach and a luggage/guards van respectively.

Willesden Traincare Centre: General view south east over Willesden depot on 20 July from the high level platforms at Willesden Junction.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: He'll never make senior management - he's thinking inside the box. View looks South-West - vaguely towards London.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: This grounded coach body (I believe CVMR stands for Colne Valley Miniature Railway) serves as a compact waiting shelter at Sible and Castle Hedingham. Notice the platform support construction in the left background.

Lairg: The luxury Pullman Northern Belle pictured climbing the gradient between Invershin and Lairg on 20 July hauled by Class 37's 37423 Spirit of the Lakes and 37409 Lord Hinton. 37425 is attached at the rear of the train.

London Bridge: Temporary speed restrictions in place on the South London platforms at London Bridge station on 20 July 2013, during works in connection with the Borough Market widening project. See image [[43904]]

Sible and Castle Hedingham: My notes say: D2700 has works number 27426 from 1955 and contrasts nicely with the red coach behind it. Other platform must be near France: has sign Toulouse. If only I could remember who made the engine.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: An AC railcar looking rather dour at the Colne Valley Railway in July 2013. The destination blind - reading Nunnery Halt - is apposite.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: Something different on the motive power front - a 4-wheel mechanical shunter based on a Fordson tractor at the Colne Valley Railway centre in July 2013. The name Henry seems appropriate somehow.

Highbury and Islington: A train for Stratford arriving at Highbury and Islington from the west on 20 July 2013.

Clapham Junction: Overground train waiting to leave Clapham Junction for Stratford on 20 July 2013. The train will use the West London Line / North London Line route via Kensington Olympia, Willesden Junction and Highbury & Islington. See image [[43881]]

Chappel and Wakes Colne: Looking up past the gate guardian see image [[45354]], the footbridge to the East Anglian Railway Museum looks like it's always been there; whereas in fact, it was recently transplanted (pun entirely intended) from Sudbury.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: How it might have been: the 17.07 to Sudbury heads north by north-east, surrounded by a pleasant clutter of preserved items. Despite appearances, the signal box is out of use. see image [[37953]]

Kensington Olympia: Looking south west across the running lines at Kensington Olympia on 20 July towards the main hall of the exhibition centre. A District Line train for High Street Kensington stands in the bay platform.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: A virtuoso display of brick (and stone) laying see image [[32166]] on a reconstructed station chimney breast on the Colne Valley Railway.

Willesden Junction Low Level [New Lines]: View east from the low level platforms at Willesden Junction on 20 July 2013, with a Stratford bound Overground service passing above on the North London Line.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: You shunt your way, and I'll shunt mine. D2700 see image [[44573]] and D2184 give an impression of great busyness at the Colne Valley Railway in July 2013. It's a complete illusion - the station site was formerly a field - but convincing... and enjoyable!

Borough Market Junction: View north east along Borough High Street SE1 on 20 July 2013 towards the new viaduct. Just beyond, the lines from Charing Cross and Blackfriars meet those from Cannon Street at Borough Market Junction. London Bridge station stands off to the right. See image [[43904]]

Chappel and Wakes Colne: The replacement station at Chappel and Wakes Colne is definitely grander than the original see image [[45342]]. Notice the 'gate guardian' on the right.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: All is not as it seems in this picture. The 14-lever Chappel South box was formerly located at Fotherby Halt, Lincs. Notice the miniature railway coach to the left.

Metropolitan Junction: View west over Metropolitan Junction from The Shard on 20 July. Trains are passing on the lines running to Waterloo East and Charing Cross, while turning off to the right are the lines to Blackfriars Junction. Also heading for Blackfriars Junction are the lines from Elephant & Castle on the LCDR route - seen crossing the L&G formation in the centre background. The combined route will then cross the Thames on Blackfrars Bridge just off picture top right.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: What a glorious clutter! It truly boggles the mind to think that every structure in this view at Sible and Castle Hedingham was built or re-erected by volunteers. Prior to preservation, this was a bare trackbed in a field. View looks North-West, in the general direction of Haverhill.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: A bird cage and a dog box: the former being the glassy upper section allowing the guard to see over the train, the latter being quite literally a place to store pasengers' dogs (the hinged doors can be seen below the cage). 1912 North London Railway grounded coach body.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: Toby the Tram Engine hitched to Henrietta at Chappel and Wakes Colne in July 2013 see image [[45318]]. Alternatively, this is something similar to a Wisbech and Upwell tramway locomotive. I suspect the original would not have been a diesel; and would have had a more thoroughly concealed motion.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: Artistry in cast iron at Sible and Castle Hedingham in July 2013. This is the 'Halstead' side of the station. see image [[44707]]

Sible and Castle Hedingham: All we need now is an ergonomist and an interior trim engineer. Even in 1962, car interiors looked better than this. A cab view of shunting engine D2184 on the Colne Valley Railway in July 2013.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: I am not familiar with the class 306, but apparently it invokes considerable nostalgia among former commuters in South East England. Unit number 017 pauses at platform 3 (built by preservationists) at the East Anglian Railway Museum at Chappel and Wakes Colne on 20 July 2013.

Chappel and Wakes Colne: The train staff and passenger at Chappel and Wakes Colne (old branch line economics) seem to have lost something. They didnt find it before the 14.39 left for Marks Tey. The location of the viaduct is indicated by the slewed track in the background.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: Life is a bed of roses - so watch out for the sharp bits. A successful passage of the stock loading line into the car park on a recent BLS visit to the CVR was slightly marred by this vegetation intrusion. Notice the absence of puns about Branch Lines. Oops.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: Scandal on the Colne Valley Railway: this chap can bearly drive! Good job he's in the second man's seat.

Sible and Castle Hedingham: An interesting display of rail chairs, clips, and fishplates at the Colne Valley Railway in July 2013. There's a candidate for 'world's shortest monorail' there. see image [[30642]]

Sible and Castle Hedingham: The stock loading point see image [[45498]] in the old car park at the CVR on 20th July. Relocation of the car park allowed safer road vehicle access - and averted potential clashes with rail vehicle arrivals and departures.

Sittingbourne Viaduct: W.G. Bagnall narrow gauge 0-6-2T no. 2624 'Superb', dating from 1922, just arrived at Sittingbourne Viaduct 'station' with a Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway train from Kemsley Down, on 20th July 2014. This line originally opened in 1905 from Ridham Dock on the river Swale to just north of Sittingbourne before being extended further into the town along Milton Regis Viaduct in 1914. It was originally built for the transportation of raw materials for the manufacture of paper at the mills in Sittingbourne.

Milton Regis Viaduct: Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway train from Sittingbourne Viaduct to Kemsley Down, making its way along the twisting 2985 yards long Milton Regis Viaduct on 20th July 2014. This dates from 1914 and consists of 118 spans and 6 bridges. By 2008, closure of the line became a distinct possibility and no trains ran at all in 2009. For a few weeks in October 2010, trains were reinstated between Kemsley Down and the north end of Milton Regis Viaduct but did not cross the viaduct which needed substantial repairs. Between May and September 2011, trains again ran on this truncated section but once the repairs had been carried out, the whole line from Kemsley Down to Sittingbourne Viaduct reopened on 27th May 2012.

Sittingbourne Viaduct: Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway narrow gauge train waiting to depart for Kemsley Down from Sittingbourne Viaduct on 20th July 2014. By 1969, with the rundown of the paper mills which had been the line's 'raison d'etre', it was facing closure but in the following year the section up to Kemsley Down was saved and for the first time it became a passenger-carrying heritage line. However, the Kemsley Down to Ridham Dock section was abandoned. In 2008, there was another closure threat but it was eventually saved again in 2012 (see my photo of Milton Regis Viaduct for details).

Queenborough: Queenborough station on the Isle of Sheppey, seen from 466025 with a Sheerness-On-Sea to Sittingbourne service, on 20th July 2014. Until 1950, this station was the junction for the Sheppey Light Railway that wandered off east across the island via Minster and Eastchurch to Leysdown.

Cinderbarrow: The miniature railway operated by the LMMES is a hidden gem tucked away in the North Lancashire countryside between Carnforth and Milnthorpe. It operates on Sundays (and BH Mondays) between Easter and September but isn't widely advertised. A J94 is signalled into the station platform by the box that controls the whole circuit and adjacent level crossing.

Kemsley Down: W.G. Bagnall 0-6-2T no. 2624 'Superb' dating from 1922, just arrived from Sittingbourne Viaduct at Kemsley Down station, the northern terminus of the 2ft. 6ins. gauge Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway in Kent, on Sunday, 20th July 2014.

Shawfair: Platform construction work at Shawfair well advanced on 20 July 2014. The station site was used to host a Borders Railway media event complete with track-laying demonstration in October that year (see image [[48984]]).

Shawfair: Looking north along the trackbed from Shawfair towards Newcraighall on 20 July 2014 with the new station under construction immediately behind the camera.

Crewe: Former long term stored EWS branded Channel Tunnel spec' Co-Co electric locomotive 92024 J S Bach is on the through road between platforms 11 and 12 at Crewe Station on 20 July 2014. The working had come off the Chester line from Crewe EMD, heading for Bescot Yard, with an assortments of repaired rolling stock. The loco was later exported to Romania by DB.

Shawfair: The under construction platforms at Shawfair on 20 July 2014, looking north towards Newcraighall, with the new flyover running in from Millerhill Road crossing the formation.

Hardengreen Viaduct: Train 2Z41, the 0959 Tweedbank - Newcraighall ScotRail crew training turn, crossing Hardengreen Viaduct on 20 July 2015.

Blaenau Ffestiniog: The 1457 scheduled departure from Blaenau Ffestiniog awaits the arrival of the 1445 ex Porthmadog under a heavy sky on 20 July 2015.

Blaenau Ffestiniog [FR]: Birds Eye view of Double Fairlie Merddin Emrys at Blaenau Ffestiniog on 20 July 2015.

Hardengreen Viaduct: Heading for Tweedbank. A 158 on ScotRail crew training duty southbound in light rain on 20 July 2015. Unit 158786 is crossing Hardengreen Viaduct between Eskbank and Newtongrange.

Honiton: SWT 159105, on a Waterloo bound service, pulls away from the Honiton stop on 200715. Platform 2 is only used when trains have to pass here so most services use Platform 1 where the booking office and waiting room are situated.

Callander (Dreadnought): Looking west from the Ancaster Road over the site of Callander (Dreadnought) Station on 20 July 2015, with tour buses standing where trains once called. See image [[22795]]

Cambusavie Platform: The remains of Cambusavie Platform, alongside the minor road to Skelbo at the A9 junction, in July 2016. The old fencing can be seen on top of a mound (no pun intended) alongside the overgrown Dornoch line trackbed overlooking Loch Fleet. Just behind the clump of trees the fencing slopes down, presumably in line with the old platform ramp.

Tain: 158704 stands in the down platform at Tain after arriving with an evening terminating service from Inverness on 20th July 2016.

Meikle Ferry: 158715, on a Wick to Inverness service, has just passed through the closed station at Meikle Ferry and is seen under the approach road for the Dornoch Firth bridge. 20th July 2016

Tain: The Platform 1864 restuarant at Tain station in July 2016. The passenger entrance to the platforms is on the left behind the old weighbridge hut. This view compares favourably with See image [[11649]] taken before restoration of the semi-derelict station building.

Dornoch: Dornoch station in July 2016, still in business use fifty six years after closure and with the platform facing clearly visible.

Kirkham and Wesham: One of the few through services during the week from Blackpool to Liverpool departs from Kirkham and Wesham on the evening of 20 July 2016.

The Mound: A 158 on a Wick to Inverness service skirts Loch Fleet and heads towards the site of The Mound station, marked by the modern bridge that carries the road from the causeway over the line. Behind the camera the trackbed of the old Dornoch branch runs along the southern shore of the loch See image [[56133]]. 20th July 2016.

Dunrobin Castle: A short length of track has recently been laid in the old bay at Dunrobin Castle, as seen here looking towards Golspie on a very wet 20th July 2016.

Edinburgh Waverley: 10 years ago Waverley got extra platforms and the chance was taken to rationalise the numbering. The numbers 5 and 6 however weren't used presumably to future-proof the numbering to allow for the 'half' platforms between 4 and 7 to be extended and come into passenger use. Although I pass through the station regularly this is the first time I've noticed that 6 and (implicity) 5 are signposted already, though on the ground nothing has changed and I can't see that extra capacity at the east end is needed. Can anybody help with this one?

Skelbo: An old permanent-way hut of the Dornoch Light Railway still stands alongside the road at Skelbo, long after the track bed itself has disappeared under the farmland. This view, alongside Loch Fleet, looks towards Cambusavie and The Mound on 20th July 2016.

Edderton: 158721 passes the closed station at Edderton, and the Balblair Distillery, heading for Thurso and Wick with a service from Inverness on a misty 20th July 2016.

Embo: This footpath at Embo runs along the line of the Dornoch Light Railway trackbed, starting alongside the garden of Station House. This view looks towards Skelbo and The Mound in July 2016. Behind the camera a road now runs through the site of the small station.

Skelbo: Between Skelbo and Cambusavie much of the Dornoch branch formation has disappeared under the road and farmland but this short stretch of embankment, alongside Loch Fleet, is very noticeable. View towards Skelbo on 20th July 2016.

Broomhill Junction: Disused embankment of the former GNoSR Speyside Line from Boat of Garten to Craigellachie, closed in 1965. Seen from Strathspey Railway train to the north of Boat of Garten on 20th July 2017.

Gorgie East: Looking north towards the bridge over Gorgie Road carrying the Edinburgh South Suburban Line, on 20th July 2017. The line closed to passengers in 1962 but survives for freight and occasional passenger diversions and has been the subject of much speculation regarding a reopening to passengers in recent years but so far to no effect. Gorgie East station, opened in 1884 as Gorgie and renamed in 1952, was on the embankment on the right.

Aviemore: Departing from Aviemore with the 10.35 Strathspey Railway service to Broomhill, under a fine head of steam, on 20th July 2017. On the left is the direct Highland Railway main line to Inverness via Carrbridge which has since been modified and re-signalled.

Broomhill: Caledonian Railway No.828, dating from 1898, at Broomhill station at the head of a Strathspey Railway service to Aviemore, on 20th July 2017.

Forth Bridge: A view of the Forth Bridge, from between houses in South Queensferry, on 20th July 2017.

Dalmeny: Exterior of Dalmeny station, just south of the Forth Bridge, seen through front upper deck windows of a bus from South Queensferry to Edinburgh, on 20th July 2017.

Narvik: A Kiruna ore loco at Narvik.

Hest Bank: Having just left the chord from Bare Lane, 68029 and 68022 accelerate past the closed box at Hest Bank and return to Sellafield with a single wagon load from Heysham Power Station. 20th July 2017.

Narvik: A preserved steam loco at Narvik.

Narvik: The Stockholm sleeper arrives at Narvik.

Riksgränsen: Customer information at the Swedish border station.

National Museum of Scotland: Wylam Dilly, one of the world's two oldest surviving steam locomotives, built in 1813 by William Hedley (1779-1843) and Timothy Hackworth (1786-1850) to haul coal along the Wylam Waggonway near Newcastle Upon Tyne, seen here in the National Museum of Scotland at Edinburgh on 20th July 2017.

Broomhill: Having completed the run-round in the loop just north of Broomhill, on the alignment of the hopeful extension to Grantown-on-Spey, Caledonian Railway 0-6-0 No.828, dating from 1898, is returning to the station in readiness for the return Strathspey Railway journey to Aviemore, on 20th July 2017.

Boat of Garten: The ex-10.35 Strathspey Railway service from Aviemore to Broomhill, calling at Boat of Garten, looking back towards Aviemore, on 20th July 2017.

Lea Road: Catenary masts are now being erected in various places along the Preston to Blackpool North line although it will be a little while before the wiring is installed. Northern 158793, running from Blackpool to York, approaches Darkinson Lane bridge between Salwick and Lea Road on 20th July 2017.

Lea Road: A four-car Pacer Class 142, heading from Manchester Victoria to Blackpool North, passes through the site of Lea Road station and approaches Darkinson Lane bridge on 20th July 2017. The Blackpool line was in the early stages of electrification at this time. Leading unit 142036 lasted in service with Northern into 2020 but is destined to be preserved on the East Kent Railway.

Broomhill: Broomhill station, current northern terminus of the Strathspey Railway on 20th July 2017.

Didcot Parkway: EWS liveried 66063 idling in the sidings at Didcot on 20th July 2018.

Didcot Parkway: 59206 & 59004, double heading a stone empties train from Acton to Whatley Quarry, pass Class 387 EMUs in Didcot on 20th July 2018.

Didcot Parkway: DB Schenker 66041 passing through Didcot with an eastbound stone train from Whatley Quarry to Acton Stone Terminal on 20th July 2018.

Avignon [TGV]: The lofty and airy concourse at Gare Avignon [TGV] on 20th July 2019.

Nuneaton North Chord: In theory, in the 1960s, it was relatively simple to take a snap like this - there were freight trains everywhere all the time. Now you have to consult Real Time Trains and hold your camera over a palisade fence. 66014 (how old fashioned the EWS livery looks now) hauls train 624J from Middleton Towers to Arpley sidings. Only 14 bogie wagons, but sand is very dense.

Brock: 60103 'Flying Scotsman' runs between Garstang & Catterall and Brock with the first of two 'Northern Belle Diners' to run from Preston to Preston via Hellifield and Bentham on 20th July 2019. The second was due to pass this point at 2245hrs.

Leyland: 6201 'Princess Elizabeth' approaches Leyland on 20 July 2019 with a Crewe to Carlisle railtour. With the WCML closed at Acton Grange Jct for major engineering work the tour had travelled from Crewe to Liverpool Lime Street hauled by 37685 and with 6201 on the rear. The rest of the journey had the Stanier pacific doing the work and the Class 37 was dropped off at Lostock Hall Junction.

Garstang and Catterall: A colourful cutting to the north of Garstang & Catterall sees 66095 pass with a Daventry to Coatbridge intermodal on 20th July 2019. This had been diverted via Stockport and the Chat Moss line to avoid the Warrington blockade.

Farington Curve Junction: 'Scotsman' was hardly flying as it hauled the second Northern Belle dining train of 20 July 2019 up the short climb on a sweeping curve from Farington Curve Jct to Engine Shed Jct. This was the circular part of the trip with 60103 working from Preston to Preston via Blackburn, Hellifield and Carnforth. Diesel was used between Manchester Victoria and Preston in both directions.

Nuneaton Abbey Junction: Three bridges, but not in Sussex. I was looking out from a subway under the WCML in July 2019; the first bridge is on the Nuneaton North chord, while the footbridge spans the Nuneaton to Birmingham passenger line(L), and the freight spur from that line to the WCML(R). Traffic on the latter two lines cannot be seen from this angle.

Gregson Lane Crossing: 60103 'Flying Scotsman' is working hard with the Northern Belle dining train as it passes Gregson Lane crossing on the climb to Hoghton on 20 July 2019. The large building behind the smokebox is the former Brindle Cotton Mill which was rail connected with a signalbox controlling the level crossing and access to the sidings. The mill today continues in use but now as a saw mill in the ownership of Mike England Timber.

Leyland: Stanier Pacific no.6201 'Princess Elizabeth' approaches Leyland with the return RTC tour from Carlisle to Liverpool and Crewe on 20 July 2019.

Avignon [TGV]: Soaring architecture at the Gare Avignon {TGV}, seen on 20th July 2019.

Avignon [TGV]: OUIGO Train 7842, to Lille Flandres, formed of two double deck TGV sets arrives at Avignon TGV station on 20th July 2019.

Ballinhassig: The very inconveniently sited Ballinhassig Station, a stiff climb up from Halfway around half a mile away. The platform is visible and the former station masters house is now a private dwelling. Bandon is to the left and Cork to the right with the track entering Ballinhassig or Goggins Hill Tunnel, now blocked by a new house and garden. There was a ropeway here from Ballinphellic Brickworks about 3.5 miles distant down hill which gives some idea of the steep gradient. This was the temporary eastern terminus of the line from Bandon between 1849 and 1851 when the extension to Cork was opened. Closed 1961.

Chetwynd Viaduct: View north towards the impressive remains of Chetwynd Viaduct with Cork to the right and points west to the left. 20 July 2020.

Bantry: Site of Bantry station, now a Supervalu supermarket, in July 2020. Remarkably, the ruined single road engine shed survives in the car park, just visible in the right of the photo. Bantry closed on 31 March 1961 along with the rest of the former CB&SCR system.

Crossbarry: Crossbarry, previously Kinsale Junction, looking west to Bandon with the up (Cork) platform visible but now on private land. This station was opened with the branch to Kinsale in 1863 and closed in 1961 (the branch closed in 1931). The layout here was quite extensive with an island platform for down trains and Kinsale branch trains on the left, now covered by containers used by a local sports club and some mobile homes. Three tracks passed between the platforms, the middle one subsequently being lifted.

Crossbarry: Crossbarry, formerly Kinsale Junction, in July 2020. This is a view from the former trackbed just east of a level crossing over what were originally 4 tracks at the east end of the station. A small turntable was sited in the space bounded by the walls.

Crossbarry: Crossbarry, formerly Kinsale Junction looking east to Ballinhassig and Cork from a former level crossing. There were originally four tracks here heading east, although three were sidings. Crossbarry was opened in 1863 and closed in 1961 although the Kinsale branch closed much earlier in 1931. The station was quite inconveniently sited for the village of Crossbarry, being a fair walk to the east.

East Fife Central Junction: A view of the Methil branch at Kirkland Yard in July 2020. This section of track was cleared of vegetation earlier in the year in preparation for the reopening project.

Halfway Viaduct: Halfway Viaduct, west of Ballinhassig station on the way to Bandon, seen in June 2020.

Crossbarry: Site of level crossing, Crossbarry, looking west towards Upton. While trying to find the site of Crossbarry station, I found a short stretch of walkable trackbed about half a mile west of the station site. This would have been a much more convenient location for the station, being close to the village centre but of course the station was designed as a junction for the Kinsale branch. The hump in the road clearly indicates the site of the crossing and beyond the trackbed is occupied by a house and garden.

Cameron Bridge [1st]: The site of Cameron Bridge station on 20 July 2020. The platform edge and rails just visible bottom left.

Crossbarry: Trackbed at Crossbarry looking towards the former station, just over half a mile to the east. Access to the former station from this section is not possible as it is blocked by private farm land. Few sections of the former trackbed of the CB&SCR are walkable, the longest being a dedicated cycle and walkway section further west between the former Innoshannon (now Innishannon) Viaduct and Bandon.

Craigendoran Pier: An aerial view of the rather sad remains of Craigendoran Pier in July 2021. MV Captayannis and Greenock can be seen in the background left and Rosneath off to the right.

Larkfield Junction: 156430 and 156508 approach Larkfield Junction, on the non-passenger link line from Muirhouse South Junction, with an East Kilbride - Corkerhill (via reversal at Clydesdale Loop) empty stock working on 20th July 2021.

West Street Tunnel: 156430 and 156508 have just passed Larkfield Junction with an East Kilbride - Corkerhill (via reversal at Clydesdale Loop) empty stock working, now heading towards West Street Tunnel and Shields Junction. The abutment of the bridge which carried the GSWR main line into St Enoch station is on the left.

Eglinton Street Tunnels: 318269 and 318256, with the 18.50 from Glasgow Central to Lanark, passing the abutments of the GSWR main line bridge at Eglinton on 20th July 2021.

Bay Horse: 20th July saw 45690 'Leander' used on The Dalesman for the first time in 2021. The 4-6-0 was positively gleaming as it crossed the embankment at Bay Horse with the outbound excursion.

Eglinton Street Tunnels: 221138, with the 19.00 CrossCountry service from Glasgow Central to York, having just exited Eglinton Street Tunnels on 20 July 2021.

Balshaw Lane Junction: 46115 Scots Guardsman out again on 20 July 2021 with RTCs Welsh Mountaineer from Preston to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Scot is making easy work of the short train on the climb from Balshaw Lane to Coppull. On this day 10 years ago 46115 was out on the Fellsman from Lancaster to Carlisle; see image [[34934]].

Bay Horse: Bit of a colour clash but interesting to see two former LNER power cars powering the Network Rail High Speed Measurement Train from Derby to Glasgow on 20th July 2021. 43290 was leading the train as it crossed the embankment at Bay Horse with 43299 on the rear.

Eastwood: GBRf 60047, still in Colas livery, climbs through the Calder Valley with a long train of Biomass hoppers from Drax, heading for Liverpool Docks, on 20th July 2022. The train is passing the site of the long closed Eastwood station.

Camps Viaduct: Looking up at the Camps Viaduct, over the River Almond, in July 2022. This was a first visit for me to this graceful structure.

Eastwood: 70814 has just left the Copy Pit line at Hall Royd Junction and is now heading east through the Calder Valley at Eastwood with the empty bitumen tanks from Preston Dock to Lindsey Refinery. Prior to 1951 the train would have been alongside the staggered east bound platform at Eastwood.

Eastwood: Eastwood closed to passengers in 1951. It was on a cramped valley side location and the platforms were staggered either side of a level crossing. 195133, working York to Blackpool North, passes the site of the Manchester platform on 20th July 2022. The road crossing was removed many years ago and replaced by a simple one for pedestrians only. This view looking towards Hebden Bridge also shows one of the two station approach ramps.

Sandy: Damage caused by fire on the railway in Sandy during the heatwave of July 2022.

Whalley: D8107 + D8096, top and tailed with 47282, crossing Whalley Arches on the evening of 20th July 2022 with the returning 'S&C Fellsman'. They were substituting for steam due to the very dry and hot ? conditions. With plenty of power available the train was powering up the gradient, what a racket!

Summit Tunnel (Littleborough): 195119, on a Calder Valley service from Leeds to Chester, emerges from the near two mile long Summit Tunnel in July 2022. This shot into the deep cutting taken from the Rochdale to Todmorden road that crosses here over the 55yd long Summit West Tunnel.

Summit Tunnel (Littleborough): There are other examples of Victorian engineering ingenuity around the famous Summit Tunnel. Immediately west of the tunnel this stone and iron bridge still carries the River Roch over the railway. 195004 leads a pair of 195s towards the short Summit West Tunnel, with the main tunnel immediately beyond that behind the camera, on 20th July 2022.

Shawforth: Full credit to the then Whitworth Urban District Council for not sweeping away all trace of Shawforth station when a new housing development was constructed on the station site in 1968. The old subway and these steps were incorporated into the plans and now link the upper part of the estate to the rest of the village and the main road (See [[81814]]). A plaque set in the wall of these stairs commemorates the scheme. The line here had closed in 1947 but was mothballed for around twenty years before being cleared away.

Todmorden: Most views of the viaduct in Todmorden are taken from the street below ([[57131]]) but this, looking across the town's rooftops, is from the public footbridge at the site of Stansfield Hall station, near the foot of the climb to Copy Pit. A 5-car Leeds to Chester service is slowing to call at Todmorden station, on the far side of the viaduct, on 20th July 2022.

Gorton [WHR]: The Caledonian Sleeper seen going southbound through Gorton loop on a rather overcast July evening. The midges and clegs were biting.

Broadley: Although Broadley closed to passengers in 1947, and completely in 1952, the platform is almost completely intact. Much of the old Bacup to Rochdale branch is now a public trail, which opened in 1972 just five years after the last Whitworth goods train left. This view looks down the 1:60 gradient towards Rochdale with the Healey Dell viaduct about 400 yards away.

Hall Royd Junction: 195105 leaves the Copy Pit route to join the Calder valley line with a Blackpool to York service on 20th July 2022. It is just about to enter Millwood Tunnel, the first of three short tunnels in quick succession. Castle HIll is the next, just visible, with Horsfall immediately beyond that. There is no trace now of the loop that was being lifted when John McIntyre took image [[46292]] in 2014.

Shawforth: Rochdale to Bacup passenger services ceased in 1947. As goods trains only ran as far as Facit from Rochdale the line through Shawforth to Bacup was effectively completely closed but tracks and infrastructure remained in place until the 1960s. When Shawforth station site was taken over for a housing development the subway and platform access steps were retained as a feature to link to the higher level (See plaque at the far end of the old subway). It was very unusual then not to completely sweep away any trace of the railway and this remnant of the station has been a nice feature of the village for over fifty years.

Summit Tunnel (Littleborough): 150140 is on a Rainford to Blackburn service climbing towards Summit Tunnel on 20th July 2022. After Summit it will drop down to Todmorden before swinging left for another climb to Copy Pit. The scene is dominated by the derelict but still imposing Rock Nook Mill.

Britannia: Britannia station was close to, and only 5' lower than, the 937' summit of the Rochdale to Bacup line, which was actually the highest point on the L&YR network. From here the line descended at 1:34 into Bacup. Going the other way to Rochdale was 1:40 down to Facit (and around 1:60 on to Rochdale) so it could not have been an easy line to operate. Britannia closed as a wartime economy in 1917 and never reopened as the locality was well served by trams. It did not have goods facilities and, because of the gradients, there were no regular goods services between Facit and Bacup. Uniquely on this line it was an island platform, sited in a cutting which has since been filled in. This is the 2022 view, looking towards Bacup, and the station was immediately beyond the filled in bridge.

Healey Dell Viaduct: I must visit Healey Dell again in winter when there is less foliage obscuring this beautiful structure. The single track viaduct has eight arches and an iron span over a road but is 105' from trackbed to river so it is particularly graceful. I was grateful to the local resident who pointed out that there are three straight arches, and then the three over the River Spodden are skewed to be in line with the flow. The two most southerly arches then revert to straight again to cross the valley road. For all these reasons and more it is a Grade II listed structure that saw its last train in 1967 but now carries a nature trail and a hidden sewer pipe.

Hall Royd Junction: GBRf 60021 brings a long biomass train, from Liverpool to Drax, through the Hall Royd triangle on 20th July 2022. Above the relay room Todmorden Town Hall can be seen with the station building to the right of that. The Copy Pit lines merge from the right.

Gorton [WHR]: A Glasgow-Mallaig service passes the loop at Gorton around 21.10, about 12 minutes late, on 20 July 2022. In the far background are Stob Ghabhar, Meall a' Bhuiridh and other mountains.

Stansfield Hall: A Sprinter heading from Blackburn to Rainford via Manchester Victoria passes through the site of Stansfield Hall station, of which no trace remains, as it crosses over to take the curve into Todmorden from Stansfield Hall Junction. The station closed temporarily in 1944, but in 1949 the decision was taken that services would not be reinstated.

Broadley: Although the platform at Broadley is complete, there is a large gap part way along its length. This is where the signal box stood and wooden boards bridged the gap in front of the box where the point rods and signal wires ran. Passenger services ceased in 1947, and Broadley goods yard closed five years later, but goods trains for Whitworth and Facit continued to pass through until 1967.

Hall Royd Junction: This view, from the road that runs over Millwood Tunnel, looks west to Hall Royd Junction immediately beyond the tunnel mouth. Two 2-car 195s form a Leeds to Chester service heading west on 20th July 2022.

Summit Tunnel (Littleborough): One of twelve ventilation shafts on the hill above Summit Tunnel, seen in July 2022. These shafts became nationally famous in December 1984 when a train of petrol tankers derailed and caught fire in the tunnel. Ignited fuel vented through the shafts and flames and molten metal were ejected over the hillside causing properties in nearby Walsden to be evacuated. In the intense heat, a section of the brick tunnel lining tunnel had fallen away and an examination of the geological section revealed the presence of a thin coal seam within the tunnel wall. A mining engineer from the NCB undertook a survey using an infrared camera to confirm that there was no combustion within the coal seam that would hamper repair work. Although much work was required on the track and electrical systems, the 1841 tunnel itself survived relatively unscathed and reopened to trains the following August.

Healey Dell Viaduct: Now a Grade II listed structure, Healey Dell Viaduct forms part of a linear trail in the Spodden Valley. Its survival is partly due to it carrying a hidden sewer pipe under the trail surface. Because the trackbed is now raised additional fences have been fitted to the bridge parapets, over 100' above the river below. The best way to reach the viaduct is to park at Broadley station and walk south the 400yds or so along the old line. This view looks towards Rochdale, over the former single track structure, in July 2022.

Eastwood: The cramped site at Eastwood required some ingenuity in designing the station. This excavated recess in the steep hillside housed the station building, an adjoining office and the signal box. The buildings looked directly over a level crossing with staggered platforms on either side. There was even room for a small goods siding on this side of the tracks. More surprisingly, the goods siding remained open for traffic for thirteen years after the station closed to passengers in 1951. A boarded foot crossing and the long ramps down to the main road are all that remains. In this July 2022 scene, looking towards Hebden Bridge, a Class 195 passes heading for Blackpool.