Carlisle Upperby Shed: Wigan based Black 5 45026 in the shed yard at Upperby in the summer of 1960.

Carlisle Upperby Shed: Locomotives on shed at Carlisle Upperby on 30 July 1960 include Fowler 4F 0-6-0 44490.

Carlisle Upperby Shed: Black 5 no 45158 Glasgow Yeomanry, photographed in July 1960 on Upperby shed.

Carlisle Upperby Shed: Jubilee 4-6-0 no 45580 Burma photographed on 12B Upperby shed in the summer of 1960.

Woodhall: BR Standard tank no 80086, photographed shortly after leaving Woodhall station on 30 July 1963 with the 5.43pm Glasgow Central - Gourock.

Port Glasgow Goods: BR Standard class 5MT no 73072 passing the goods yard at Port Glasgow Junction on 30 July 1963. The train is the 5.25pm service from Glasgow Central, destined for Gourock.

Castle Yard Ground Frame: Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42170 photographed at the east end of Port Glasgow Goods on 30 July 1963 with a Glasgow - Wemyss Bay service. The connection to the eastbound line here had been taken out and the siding in the foreground was retained as a headshunt for the Fyfe Park breaking yard and Lamont's Castle Yard (see image [[78610]]).

Woodhall: The 6.10pm ex-Glasgow Central photographed heading west near Woodhall on 30 July 1963. The Gourock bound train is hauled by Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42261.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The empty stock of the Fridays-only 9.15 am York-Glasgow is taken out of Queen Street, with banking assistance from the train engine, Gresley V2 2-6-2 60813.

Buchanan Street: The crew of Black 5 44903, photographed at Glasgow Buchanan St on 30th July 1965. Fifty-five years later, if anyone recognises them, please tell me! I didn’t keep a note of their names – all the more inexcusable as they kindly allowed me a footplate ride through the Buchanan St tunnel with the empty stock they were about to take to Sighthill sidings.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The advertising fraternity knew their Glasgow target audience only too well, to judge from the posters seen from the buffer stops at Glasgow Queen St High Level in 1965. Cigarettes and alcohol took up rather more space than milk, though I have to say that the 'Drinka Pinta' slogan was quite catching in its day. The train just arrived was a Friday/Saturday only summer service from York, brought in by V2 2-6-2 60813. The stovepipe chimney and associated smoke deflection system on this locomotive were unique and, at least to my mind, rather disfiguring.

Carlisle: An unidentified summer Saturday service for the south stands alongside Carlisle platform 4 on 30 July 1966. At the head of the train is Britannia Pacific 70014 Iron Duke.

Carlisle: Kingmoor Black 5 4-6-0 no 45120 standing at the north end of Carlisle platform 1 on 30 July 1966 with the summer Saturday 1S58 11.10am Blackpool North - Kirkcaldy.

Crawford: 45593 light engine north of Crawford viaduct.

Carlisle: Holbeck Jubilee 45593 Kolhapur recently arrived at Carlisle platform 1 on Saturday 30 July 1966 with the 0640 Birmingham New Street - Glasgow Central. The train had travelled via the Settle & Carlisle line and will continue its journey north via Dumfries and Kilmarnock.

Carlisle: Black 5 45444 takes on water at Carlisle platform 3 with a summer Saturday Blackpool - Glasgow train on 30 July 1966. The carriage board on the train alongside at platform 4 reads 'Birmingham - Edinburgh'.

Carlisle: Summer Saturday at Carlisle. Corkerhill Standard Class 5 4-6-0 no 73079 obliterates Black 5 shedmate 44723, and much else besides, at platform 1 on 30 July 1966. The pair will shortly head north with train 1S93.

Glasgow Central: Jubilee 45675 Hardy leaves Glasgow Central for Polmadie on 30 July 1966 having earlier brought in the 1S67 9.20am St Pancras - Glasgow relief to the Thames Clyde Express.

Carlisle: Join the queue. A busy summer Saturday at Carlisle on 30 July 1966. Train 1M21, a mid-morning Glasgow Central - Blackpool North service, has recently arrived at platform 4 behind BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73059.

Beattock Summit: Black 5 44796 starts to pick up speed on 30 July 1966 after passing Beattock Summit.

Carlisle: Polmadie's Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73059 arrives at Carlisle from the north on 30 July 1966 with an unidentified working. Brush Type 4 no D1976 (delivered new to Haymarket the previous November) is standing in the bay.

Carlisle: A summer Saturday Heads of Ayr - Newcastle Central train runs into Carlisle platform 4 on an overcast 30 July 1966. Locomotive in charge is Ayr based Black 5 4-6-0 no 45167.

Carlisle: Looking north from Carlisle platform 1 on 30 July 1966 as 44884 arrives alongside from Kingmoor shed. The Black 5 was rostered to relieve a northbound service shortly thereafter.

Carlisle: One of the 1200hp Co-Bo diesel locomotives, D5701, built by Metropolitan Vickers in 1958 as part of the BR modernisation plan, stands at Carlisle with a southbound train in the 1960s. Notoriously unreliable machines, of the 20 examples in the class, 19 had disappeared by December 1969 (8 to McWilliams, Shettleston and 11 to Cashmores, Great Bridge) with the remaining example now preserved on the East Lancs Railway see image [[18211]].

Symington [2nd]: Black 5 44669 about to pass through Symington with a northbound freight in pouring rain on 30 July 1966, some 18 months after the station was closed to passengers.

Carlisle: Crewe South's Black 5 no 45243 in the west sidings at Carlisle station on 30 July 1966, shortly after arrival from the south with a terminating parcels train.

Abington: Perth based Black 5 no 44797 south of Abington on 30 July 1966 with a down special.

Glasgow Central: Britannia Pacific no 70045 Lord Rowallan (minus nameplate) arrives with a WCML service at Glasgow Central in the summer of 1966.

Bodsberry Level Crossing: After passing over Bodsbury level crossing, Black 5 45478 drops down towards Elvanfoot on 30 July 1966 at the head of a short goods train.

Carlisle: A summer Saturday at Carlisle in July 1966, with Polmadie Black 5 no 44796 at the head of train 1S60 at platform 1. The locomotive has just taken over for the last leg of the journey to Glasgow Central.

Elvanfoot: Black 5 44828 with a down express passing Elvanfoot on 30 July 1966. The spur to the Wanlockhead branch is on the right.

Carlisle: 70038 Robin Hood waits on the centre road at Carlisle to take over a northbound service on a July evening in 1966.

Carlisle: 73105 + 45025 bringing a train from the north into Carlisle platform 3 on a wet 30 July 1966.

Elvanfoot: Sunshine and showers were the order of the day on 30 July 1966 as Black 5 44792 approaches Elvanfoot with a Glasgow - Manchester train.

Carlisle: An unidentified double-headed train stands alongside platform 1 at Carlisle on a wet 30 July 1966. The locomotives are Black 5s 44833 and 45107.

Abington: A pair of Black 5s, led by no 45359, held in the up loop at Abington on a wet and windy 30 July 1966 with a lengthy train of empty stock.

Glasgow Central: 70002 Geoffrey Chaucer backs out of Glasgow Central on 30 July 1966 and makes its way towards Polmadie shed.

Motherwell Shed: Black 5 no 45029 in the sidings alongside Motherwell shed. Thought to have been taken in the summer of 1966, some 3 months prior to withdrawal.

Glasgow Central: A hard-working 70042 (minus its Lord Roberts nameplates) casts a dark cloud over Glasgow Central on 30 July 1966 as it takes a train out of the station. The Pacific was withdrawn from Kingmoor shed the following May and cut up at McWilliams, Shettleston, 5 months later.

Motherwell Shed: BR Standard class 4 2-6-0 no 76000 stands alongside an EE Type 1 diesel locomotive in Motherwell shed yard on a sunny Saturday afternoon in July 1966.

Glasgow Central: The station approach to Glasgow Central on Saturday 30 July 1966, featuring Jubilee 45675 Hardy, seen here shortly after backing out of the platforms on its way to 66A. The 4-6-0 had arrived earlier on train 1S67, the 9.20am St Pancras - Glasgow Thames Clyde Express relief service.

Glasgow Central: Looking south across the Clyde from Glasgow Central station in July 1966 as Britannia Pacific no 70002 Geoffrey Chaucer backs out of the platform and prepares to head for Polmadie shed.

Abington: Black 5 45359 and an unidentified classmate struggle to restart a long train of empty stock from the up loop and on through Abington station on 30 July 1966 during heavy rain. See image [[51334]]

Carlisle: Black 5 no 45135 with a northbound train at Carlisle platform 3 on Saturday 30 July 1966.

Buckfastleigh: A line up of locos and carriages in the yard at Buckfastleigh in the early days of the then Dart Valley Railway. Lined up in this July 1969 photo include ex GWR 0-4-2T no 1420, an unidentified 0-6-0 PT and 2-6-2T no 4555, with an interesting clerestory coach beyond.

Buckfastleigh: Former Devon Belle observation car no SC280M photographed in the yard at Buckfastleigh on 30 July 1969 awaiting restoration.

Newton Abbot: A sidelong glance at class 42 Warship diesel-hydraulics 803 Albion and 814 Dragon at Newton Abbot on 30 July 1969. The locomotives were waiting to depart with an early evening up express passenger service for Paddington.

Staverton: A 2+2 push-pull working with an 0-6-0PT sandwiched in between approaching Staverton on the Dart Valley Railway on 30 July 1969.

Newton Abbot: The crew of NBL Type 2 diesel hydraulic (Class 22) D6334 sit in the cab of their loco between turns at Newton Abbot on 30 July 1969. Note the tail lamp sitting on the right of the adjacent platform.

Buckfastleigh: A view from Buckfastleigh yard towards Ashburton on 30 July 1969 along the then Dart Valley Railway before the trackbed in the distance was taken over for the upgraded A38 trunk road.

Totnes: A member of the train crew opens the crossing gates between Staverton and Totnes on 30 July 1969 on what was then the Dart Valley Railway. The view is from the front of the Auto coach of the train in which the locomotive, an ex GWR 0-6-0 Pannier Tank, was sandwiched between 4 coaches.

Buckfastleigh: Looking north along the platform at Buckfastleigh on 30 July 1969 in the early days of the then Dart Valley Railway.

Newton Abbot: A maroon Western class diesel hydraulic arrives at Newton Abbot with an eastbound parcels train on 30 July 1969.

Newton Abbot: Brush Type 4 no D1928 stands at Newton Abbot on 30 July 1969 ready to depart with the 2050 hrs Motorail service to Edinburgh.

Newton Abbot: Cross-platform view at Newton Abbot station in July 1969, with D1012 Western Firebrand hauling a rake of carriages through the washing plant.

Staverton: A train from Buckfastleigh calls at Staverton on the Dart Valley Railway on the afternoon of 30 July 1969. At that time the train continued south towards Totnes but there was neither access to the BR station, nor had the DVR built their own station at Totnes Riverside, so push-pull working was a distinct advantage.

Boulogne Maritime: Against the summer sunlight, coal-fired SNCF 'Mikado' 141R1215 looks spectacularly black as she cautiously enters the platform at Boulogne Maritime with a boat train. On the left, sister locomotive 141R682 will shortly depart with a Paris-bound service.

Boulogne Maritime: SNCF, American-built, Mikado 141R682, ready to leave Boulogne Maritime with an afternoon boat train for Paris on 30th July 1970. The 2-8-2 would haul the train as far as Amiens before handing over to electric traction.

Bristol Temple Meads: Class 45 no 99 3rd Carabinier and Class 47 no D1660 City of Truro at Bristol Temple Meads on 30 July 1971.

Bristol Temple Meads: Brush Type 4 no 1995 waits for the mailbags to be loaded before heading west from Bristol Temple Meads on a fine and sunny 30 July 1971.

Bristol Temple Meads: Warship class 42 no 808 'Centaur' arrives at Bristol Temple Meads with a parcels train from the West of England on 30 July 1971.

Barton Hill MPD: A pair of Class 35 Hymeks, nos D7003 (in green) and D7038 (in blue) on shed at Bristol on 30 July 1971.

Bristol Temple Meads: Class 45 'Peak' class loco no.93 sits outside the Bath Road diesel shed opposite Bristol Temple Meads station on 30 July 1971. A class 35 Hymek and an 08 are visible on the left with a few enthusiasts observing locomotive movements.

Bristol Temple Meads: On a beautiful summers evening on 30 July 1971, D1058 Western Nobleman pauses at Bristol Temple Meads with a service for the south-west.

Scarborough: Scarborough in July 1973, looking towards the signal box and the Seamer end of the platforms. Busy on a summer Saturday.

Kirby Cross: Class 312 EMU meets Class 105 DMU at Kirby Cross on 30th July 1983. A rare sight on the Thorpe le Soken to Walton on the Naze line, the DMU was forming the “Great Eastern” railtour which included Sudbury, St Botolphs, Walton on the Naze, Clacton and Felixstowe in its itinerary.

Trimley: In 1983, before the construction of the direct line from Felixstowe docks to Trimley, the up platform at Trimley was still in use for passengers. An Ipswich-bound DMU has just crossed another bound for Felixstowe Town. Passengers on this platform had to be alert to the signalman cycling back and forth to operate the crossing gates.

Burntisland East Dock: The sparsely populated Burntisland Docks in July 2002.

Burntisland [1st]: The once grand 1847 Burntisland terminus of the former Edinburgh & Northern Railway that once formed a key part of the rail and ferry route between Edinburgh and Dundee. Ferries from here linked with the Edinburgh, Leith and Newhaven Railway at Granton, which in turn provided a rail connection to the centre of Edinburgh at Canal Street (now Waverley) while at the northern end of the route the Tayport - Broughty Ferry crossing provided a connection with the Dundee and Arbroath Railway. The station became redundant on the opening of the Forth Bridge when a new through station was built just to the west on a new alignment. Photographed in July 2002.

Inverkeithing East Junction: An Edinburgh bound train at Inverkeithing East Junction in July 2002.

Aberdour: A reminder that other seasons are available...Aberdour, 30 July 2002.

Dumfries: A pair of ScotRail class 156 DMUs passing just north of Dumfries station on 30 July 2004. A Stranraer Harbour - Newcastle service is about to call at the station, while the northbound train has just restarted its journey from Carlisle to Glasgow Central and is about to pass below the bridge carrying the A701.

Moffat: Looking south along the surviving section of platform at the site of Moffat station in July 2004.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Looking towards the buffer stops at Glasgow Queen Street in July 2005.

Glasgow Central: Cross platform view at Glasgow Central in the summer of 2005, with trains for Edinburgh Waverley and London Euston awaiting departure.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: ScotRail 156449 taking a break between turns at Glasgow Queen Street station in July 2005

Paisley Gilmour Street: An SPT liveried ScotRail 334 EMU from Ayr calls at Paisley Gilmour Street platform 3 on the afternoon of Saturday 30 July 2005. The train is about to pick up a considerable number of passengers for the 11 minute final leg of the journey to Glasgow Central.

Westerton Junction: A Glasgow bound train coming off the Milngavie branch at Milngavie Junction on 30 July 2005, photographed from the end of the platform at Westerton station.

Paisley Gilmour Street: 334034 on an Ayr - Glasgow service at Paisley Gilmour Street in July 2005.

Paisley Gilmour Street: East end of Gilmour Street station on Saturday 30 July 2005 with a colourful street market in operation. View is north from County Square.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Three liveries. Scene at the buffer stops at Glasgow Queen Street in July 2005.

Glasgow Central: East end of Glasgow Central in 2005 with trains for Euston, Kings Cross and Edinburgh at the buffer stops.

Glasgow Central: Approaching Glasgow Central station from the east, heading along a crowded Argyle Street on a warm and pleasant Saturday afternoon in July 2005.

Glasgow Central: View from the concourse at Glasgow Central on 30 July 2005 with a Virgin Pendolino service for London, Euston, standing at platform 1.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: General view of Glasgow Queen Street looking out from the concourse in July 2005.

Glasgow Central: GNER service to Kings Cross via Edinburgh Waverley at Glasgow Central in July 2005.

Glasgow Queen Street Low Level: SPT liveried 318261 about to exit High Street Tunnel and enter Glasgow Queen Street Low Level station in July 2005 on a Springburn - Dalmuir service.

Paisley Gilmour Street: A family and 3 pigeons await the next train at Gilmour Street on a warm Saturday afternoon in July 2005, as a Hunterston - Longannet coal train rumbles through the adjacent platform.

Paisley Gilmour Street: Panorama - Paisley Gilmour Street - view west on 30 July 2005.

Paisley Gilmour Street: Platforms 1 and 2 at Paisley Gilmour Street, looking west in July 2005, with class 334s destined for Wemyss Bay (left) and Glasgow Central ready to depart.

Glasgow Central: A Virgin Pendolino service for London Euston stands at Glasgow Central in July 2005.

Glasgow Queen Street Low Level: Milngavie train leaving Glasgow Queen Street Low Level in July 2005.

Paisley Gilmour Street: Welcome to Paisley Gilmour Street - main northside station entrance in July 2005.

Paisley Gilmour Street: The striking station building at Paisley Gilmour Street in 2005.

Okehampton: Tea break at Okehampton, 30 July 2006. The driver takes a break after bringing in a train from Meldon Quarry.

Edinburgh Waverley: Entrance to Waverley station from Calton Road in July 2006. At one time a choice existed at the top of the steps between either a right turn onto the footbridge leading into the station itself, or straight ahead for the elevated walkway across to Jeffrey Street, the supporting stone pier of which can still be seen here with the covered framework above. The gated compound was once used by the Royal Mail. See image [[44229]]

Okehampton: The 14.10 (summer Sundays) FGW service from Exeter St Davids arrives at Okehampton station on the Dartmoor Railway on 30 July 2006

Bathgate [4th]: A 4-car 158 service to Newcraighall stands at Bathgate on 30 July 2008.

Brunstane: 158 724 prepares to leave Brunstane on 30 July for the final leg of its journey to Newcraighall.

Craigentinny Depot: A rather out of date sign still clings to a lamp post in Mountcastle Crescent on 30 July 2008.

Slateford: View west from the platform at Slateford on 30 July as a slightly late running 1532 for Glasgow Central passes the 1534 for Edinburgh Waverley.

Edinburgh Park: 158 735 calls at Edinburgh Park on 30 July with a Waverley - Bathgate service.

Bathgate STVA Aborted Siding: The 1125 ex-Bathgate runs past what is planned will become part of the new link into the STVA vehicle compound on 30 July 2008.

Slateford: A National Express East Coast train on the Kings Cross - Glasgow Central route accelerates west through Slateford on 30 July 2008.

Ashchurch for Tewkesbury: A Worcester to Swindon direct service formed of 153305 calls at Ashchurch. The former Evesham line, closed in 1963, is now a siding into Ashchurch MOD Depot and can be seen trailing in from the right. The station itself closed in 1971 but reopened in 1997.

Blair Atholl: The 16.11 Glasgow Queen Street-Inverness service formed by 170 413 enters Blair Atholl on 30 July.

Blair Atholl: Freightliner 66601 The Hope Valley slows for a signal check at Blair Atholl with the 6B31 Inverness-Oxwellmains empty cement tanks on 30 July. This train currently runs only once or twice a month due to the recession.

Fouldubs Junction Yard: DRS 66401 is about to move a container train through Fouldubs Junction and past the W H Malcolm Grangemouth depot on 30 July 2008 before heading for Aberdeen. Meantime, a classmate is standing at signals in the background awaiting the road into the depot.

Blair Atholl: NXEC service from London Kings Cross to Inverness enters Blair Atholl on 30 July 2009.

Lochearnhead [2nd]: On the way out of Lochearnhead to St Fillans the first bridge is this one over the trackbed about half a mile from Lochearnhead Station. In common with most bridges on this line it is made of concrete.

Glenbeich Viaduct: Near Dalveich the steel bridge over a farm access road has been removed for scrap, slight detour here. Glenbeich Viaduct is to the east.

Glenbeich Viaduct: Looking east along the trackbed at Dalveich, the weeds and grass are waist high. The short Glenbeich Viaduct is in the distance.

Glenbeich Viaduct: At Dalveich, about two miles out of Lochearnhead, is this combined bridge that carried the railway over a burn and a farm road.

Ardveich Wood Viaduct: A view of the viaduct about half way between Lochearnhead and St. Fillans,this time from the south side looking west and showing the depth of the piers.

Glenbeich Viaduct: There are many of these small bridges between Lochearnhead and St Fillans, this one has a waterfall immediately to the north with a steep drop down to Loch Earn. Glenbeich Viaduct is to the west.

Ardveich Wood Viaduct: This concrete viaduct is about half way between Lochearnhead and St Fillans. Not easy to photograph because of trees it spans quite a deep gully. View looking west.

Ardveich Wood Viaduct: This view is about three miles from St Fillans showing the trackbed on the left, Loch Earn on the right and St Fillans in the centre distance.

Glen Tarken Viaduct: An unexpected hitch. Not visible on Google Earth as it is hidden in the trees, the steel span of this bridge near St Fillans has been removed for scrap. This requires a long detour in order to regain the trackbed on the other side of a gorge. See image [[69470]]

Glen Tarken Viaduct: Next to the trackbed about two and a half miles west of St Fillans Station is this derelict platelayer's hut with a roof garden, a little way east of Glen Tarken Viaduct.

Glentarken Wood Viaduct: Beneath all the greenery near St Fillans is this five span viaduct over a steep gorge with a fast flowing burn. Loch Earn can be seen in the middle distance with a caravan park beyond.

Clifton Bridge: The trackbed and tunnel under Brunel's suspension bridge on Bristol's Portbury branch. You will note the vegetation getting a grip. I spoke to a passing PW ganger  who informed me that, as the line runs through a SSSI zone, they are not allowed to use weedkiller. So long as the growing grass/weeds do not affect the passage of freight trains it will not be touched.

Long Buckby: From the subway to the countryside - looking east from Long Buckby station subway in the summer of 2010. UPDATE 2020: an enlarged station car park and house building on the fields have now 'urbanized' this view.

Long Buckby: No shortage of cant at Long Buckby as the 15.06 to Birmingham New Street stops at this country station to the north of Northampton in July 2010. The tarred felt platform surface is a lot less slippery when wet than the original planks!

Southport: A Merseyrail EMU leaves Southport (Chapel Street) and heads towards Liverpool in 2011, the line itself obscured by trees. The stabling sidings alongside the line of the old chord are still in place, although not in use at that time. See image [[35056]] for the same location in 1980.

Southport: The approaches to Southport station from the Wigan direction in July 2011. See image [[35065]] for the same location in 1979. Today the sidings are no longer used and the Central 12 shopping complex has been built on the site of the old coal yard and steam shed.

Oban Station Pier: CalMac Ferries MV Clansman and MV Isle Of Mull berthed at Oban on 30 July 2011. The railway station stands just beyond and to the left. See image [[23295]]

Carlisle: 46115 Scots Guardsman stands in the loop sidings at Carlisle with the ECS of 'The Waverley' on 30 July 2011. The special had arrived earlier from York via the S&C.

Carnforth: Two railtours, both steam hauled, stand side by side in the loops at Carnforth on 30 July 2011. On the right is LMS pacific no 6201 Princess Elizabeth which stopped for water on the 'Cumbrian Mountain Express', on its way from Crewe to Carlisle via Stockport, Manchester and Bolton. On the left is LMS Black 5, no 44932 which has just taken over from a diesel on 'The Lakelander', running from Lincoln to Ravenglass.

Carlisle: Stobart Rail's 92017 Bart the Engine, runs through Carlisle platform 4 on 30 July with the well loaded 4S43 Rugby - Mossend Tesco containers. The ECS of the 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' stands at the adjacent platform 3.

Silverdale: A single car Class 153 calls at Silverdale on 30 July with the 14.22 Northern Rail service from Lancaster to Carlisle via the Cumbrian Coast. The Silverdale village shuttle bus stands in the station car park on the left.

Clitheroe: 153301 and 150147 prepare to return to Manchester while sat at Clitheroe on 30 July 2011. The original station building, now the Platform Gallery, is on the right.

Carlisle: 6201 Princess Elizabeth stands at Carlisle platform 4 having just drawn in the ECS of 1Z42 'The Cumbrian Mountain Express' and is about to run round to the South end of the station prior to departure. It had arrived earlier at platform 3 and then, unusually, reversed the ECS out to the start of the Tyne Valley route prior to turning around at Upperby and then returning to draw the ECS into platform 4!

Carlisle: Northern DMU 142079 ready for departure from Carlisle with the 13.30 to Newcastle on 30 July.

Bolton: Brush Type 4 no 47760 accelerates south through Bolton station on the evening of 30 July 2011 with the return 'Lakelander' railtour heading for Lincoln. Judging from the amount of exhaust, the diesel was trying to emulate some of it's steam cousins at WCRC!

Clitheroe: A Class 150 and 153 combo departs north from Clitheroe ecs to Horrocksford Junction on 30 July 2011. At the junction the pair will cross to the up line and return to the station to form the next service to Manchester Victoria.

Bolton: LMS Pacific no. 6201 brings the return 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' into Bolton station on 30 July 2011. The train was returning to Crewe from Carlisle via Manchester.

Oban: With a belch of diesel fumes the 12.10 service for Glasgow Queen Street gets underway from Oban on 30 July 2011.

Blackburn: A York - Blackpool service pulls into platform 2 at Blackburn station on 30 July 2011. On the right is the currently out of use platform 4 which is having work carried out to create shelter for passengers during inclement weather.

Wennington: The 1034 hrs service from Morecambe to Leeds departs from Wennington on 30 July 2011. Wennington was once the junction between the closed Midland Railway route to Lancaster & Morecambe via the Lune Valley and the Furness & Midland Railways joint line to Carnforth.

Wennington: Northern 144013 approaches Wennington on 30 July 2011 while working from Leeds to Heysham Port. After a further nine years of service this Pacer is now at the Telford Steam Railway.

Silverdale: A single car Class 153 arrives at Silverdale with a service to Lancaster on 30 July 2011.

Balloch: All aboard the 10.53 to Airdrie on a grey Monday morning at Balloch on 30 July 2012.

Nuneaton North Chord: The rail bridge over Stoney Road, Nuneaton, looks rather more substantial now its buttresses are finished see image [[39223]]. This photograph was taken on 30 July 2012, the day before the North Chord was originally due to be finished. That's a down Pendolino in the background.

Oxheys: Looking north along the WCML towards Barton & Broughton on 30 July 2012 as Freightliner 66606 brings an engineers train into Oxheys loop. A southbound Pendolino can be seen waiting patiently (?) at the previous signal near the M55 overbridge in the background.

High Barnet: A close inspection of the High Barnet platforms will reveal that the awnings were in fine leak-free order when we visited in 2013. The chaps in orange coats were busy doing track work, if I recall correctly. View looks South towards London.

High Barnet: It's not every day that you see a PW gang at work on the tube; especially in daylight. These chaps at work alongside High Barnet station in July 2013 seem to be fettling the carriage sidings. Notice the unusually 'green' background.

Prestwick Town: An Ayr to Glasgow Central class 380 service heads north, dead on schedule, shortly after calling at Prestwick Town on 30 July 2013. The graveyard of the 12th Century St Nicholas Church is in the foreground, with Old Prestwick Golf Course on the seaward side of the line.

Borwick: The Heysham to Leeds daily Boat Train heads east through beautiful North Lancashire countryside at Borwick between Carnforth and Wennington on 30 July. The jointed track on this section heralded the approach of Pacer 142024 long before it could be seen.

Newtongrange: The site of Newtongrange station on 30 July 2013 looking south. The rain over the past week has created some additional water features here. Demolition of several of the buildings associated with the former Deans Oilworks has been carried out.

Hardengreen: Approaching Hardengreen roundabout from the south on 30 July 2013 with work now underway on the roundabout itself see image [[42076]].

Forth Bridge: A view of the Forth Bridge taken from the Road Bridge on 30 July looking east over North Queensferry. A Turbostar is heading north into Fife.

Largs Pier: PS Waverley nears Largs pier on 30 July 2013.

Largo Viaduct: The Fife coastal village of Largo was served by the railway that ran from Thornton Junction to St Andrews. The line was a victim of the Beeching cuts, closing in stages between 1965 and 1969. The surviving four arch viaduct, seen here looking west in July 2013, is still a landmark in the village. It spans the Hatton Burn and seems to be in good condition. Both ends are fenced off, so there is no public access. The nearest arch frames Largo Harbour, with the Firth of Forth in the distance.

Bowland: Loooking east towards the site of Bowland station on 30 July 2013 from the road bridge taking the B710 over the Gala Water. Earth moving equipment is currently employed on the site and the deck of bridge no 80 has recently been removed. The road junction with the A7 lies just beyond the trees.

Falahill Summit: View north from the lay-by at Falahill on 30 July 2013 with the Waverley trackbed on the far right and the A7 running across the picture. Falahill cottages are hidden by the trees. Work planned here is currently described on the Transport Scotland website as follows... The proposed development involves reinstating the Borders Railway .... and realigning the A7 to the east of Falahill cottages. The realigned road will cross the railway using a simple bridge structure. (Update - an alternate planning proposal is now under consideration which would see the A7 staying close to its present course - with a bridge structure way beyond simple - August 2013). Additional : for the final version see image [[56265]].

Kings Cross: First Hull Trains Adelante unit 180113 alongside an HST at Kings Cross on 30 July 2014.

Barton and Broughton: Two elderly Class 86 electrics, still in front line Freightliner service, head south at Barton and Broughton with Coatbridge to Crewe containers on 30th July 2014. 86609 was the second of the class and emerged from Doncaster in 1965 as E3102, while trailing loco 86604 followed as E3103.

Selkirk: The 1856 station at Selkirk saw its last passengers in 1951, with the line back to Galashiels closing completely in 1964. Nothing remains of the station, although various reminders survive - not least in this view in July 2014. Photograph taken looking south east along Station Road, with the station site behind the camera.

Selkirk: Rail approach to the station site at Selkirk in July 2014. View south west towards the site of the old terminus, much of which is now occupied by the modern headquarters of the Scottish Borders Housing Association. The distinctive Forest Mill, running along the edge of the station site still stands, although the building has since been converted to individual workshops and industrial/commercial premises. See image [[48174]]

Slochd Viaduct: DRS has recently started running a Class 68 on the Stobart containers. Shiny new 68005 Defiant crosses Slochd Viaduct with the southbound train on 30 July heading for Mossend.

Barton and Broughton: The extra Commonwealth Games traffic has seen Trans Pennine EMUs supplemented by London Midland sets. 350373 is seen here heading south at Barton and Broughton on a Glasgow to Manchester Airport service on 30th July in tandem with TPE 350404.

Decoy Yard: DB Schenker red 60091 Barry Needham at Doncaster Decoy yard on 30 July 2014.

Cotswold Wildlife Park: Scene at Cotswold Wildlife Park on 30 July, with their 0-4-0 steam outline diesel powered engine in action.

Barton and Broughton: League Champion 2014. The final Fellsman of the year ran on 27th August 2014 and 8F 48151 was the clear winner this year being turned out for seven of the twelve trains. It is seen here on 30th July with a returning service at Barton and Broughton. Runner up was Black 5 45231 with three appearances and Jubilee 45699 made two trips. Diesel support in 2014 included 37516, 37518, 47245 and 47580. See image [[44385]] for the 2013 league table when six different locos were used.

Cerbere: A high level view north east over a quiet Cerbere station on a late July evening, with the area signal box in centre of view, two SNCF electric locos stabled between the station and yard and two 27500 class EMUs stabled by an external platform. The lines to the bottom right are merging shortly before entering the tunnel that passes below the hills forming the border between France and Spain, running through to Portbau. Cerbere Station sites on the eastern face of a triangle that primarily serves the transhipment yard that is mainly hidden from view. Tracks used for cross border freight workings between the yards at Cerbere and Portbau can be seen at bottom right just before they enter the tunnel.

Goodrington Sands: GWR Manor 4-6-0 7820 Dinmore Manor, resplendent in BR lined black livery, is working tender first towards Kingswear as it lifts a train past the red sandstone cliffs above Goodrington on 30th July 2015

Dartmouth: Two railway related views of Dartmouth in July 2015. The first shows the 'platform side' of the old station, seen from the ferry landing stage. The second shows the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle, built for the Great Western Railway in 1924. Owned by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society this coal fired vessel spent many years on the River Medway but is now back on the Dart and in regular use on harbour and river cruises.

Fushiebridge [2nd]: Just a few weeks to go. Another route familiarisation trip on the Borders Railway about to run south through the site of Fushiebridge station on 30 July 2015. The 158 spent most of the day shuttling crews back and forth between Newcraighall and Tweedbank. Revenue earning services over the new route commenced on 6 September that year.

Cerbere: View across the bay towards the elevated Cerbere station, final station in France on the Perpignan to Barcelona Sants route, with a number of Bombardier built SNCF Ter Languedoc Roussillon Region 27500 class EMU sets in the station. The large interchange yard with RENFE is off picture to the left beyond the main running lines.

Paignton Queens Road: D3014, the steam railway station pilot at Paignton, seen between shunting duties on 30th July 2015. The loco looked quite smart in this Dart Rail grey livery but in 2019 it received a full repaint into British Railways green.

Newtongrange: Just add passengers? Newtongrange station on 30 July 2015 looking more or less complete. Arriving at the platform is the 1058 Tweedbank - Newcraighall crew training trip.

Edinburgh Waverley: Sleeper locomotive 92010 stabled in the east-end bay at Waverley on 30 July 2015.

Glasgow Central: The 08.28 ex Ayr runs into Glasgow Central on 30 July to form the 09.32 to Waverley. Dead slow via Bellshill but it does pass Motherwell MPD. Arrival at Waverley is 10.54.

Didcot Railway Centre: Which would you root for in a drag race - 66.152, or King Edward II? As the 66 was on an engineers' train, it stopped and gave the race away. [For more glamorous duties, see image 25755]

Nelson: Northern 150220 on the rear of a 4-car Sprinter heading from Colne to Blackpool South pulling away from the stop at Chaffers Siding level crossing. The barriers were previously operated by the driver see image [[17157]] but are now automatic. However, trains are still required to stop and ensure the crossing, at the foot of a steep hill, is clear. [Ref query 30873]

Didcot Railway Centre: Here is the GWR Diesel railcar see image [[56638]]. As it has an engine and gearbox from a bus, it sounds very much like one.

Didcot Railway Centre: Every so often, the chimneys at Didcot like to take a walk together.

Salwick: A pair of Class 142s head west towards Blackpool and pass Salwick No.2 signalbox on 30 July 2016. It would appear from the steelwork that the box is in need of some support so that it can continue to signal trains for a little while longer. Under the electrification work on the line to Blackpool North, Salwick No.2 will close. At the moment it works to Preston PSB in the east and Kirkham in the west.

Seligman (Arizona): Five diesel locomotives working in multiple haul a seventy nine wagon train of double deck containers through Seligman, formerly a junction on the Santa Fe Railroad in Arizona. Photo by Mark Edwards 30th July 2016

Chorley: Weekend engineering possession at Chorley on 30 July 2016. In this view north from Lyons Lane bridge towards the station, the down line is being lowered and the temporary platform on the left has been adjusted so that it is clear of the diggers which are loading the train of JNA wagons on the right. The work is in connection with the electrification of the line from Manchester.

Didcot Parkway: The chap in front of me is quite a bit younger than I am - so his sense of wonder at the Transfer Shed (broad gauge to the left, standard to the right) is even greater than mine.

Chorley: On 30 July 2016 much of the down platform at Chorley has been removed to allow for the realignment of the tracks. An RRV continues to work at the south end of the down platform and moves back and forward to deposit the rubble in one of the wagons on the adjacent line.

Didcot Parkway: 08742 appears to have had its paintwork rubbed down with a brick. Seen at Didcot in July 2016.

Didcot Railway Centre: Another view see image [[39402]] of the only turbine locomotive on the GWR (today). Notice the railcar loitering within tent, or shed, in the background.

Didcot Railway Centre: No wonder it leaked. A short length of piping from Brunel's atmospheric railway is combined with bridge rail to the appropriate gauge in this display at Didcot. see image [[29465]]

Hayes Knoll: After a year out of service the Swindon and Cricklade's Polish 0-6-0T 3135 SPARTAN has finally returned to service.

Hayes Knoll: After a year out of service the Swindon and Cricklade's Polish 0-6-0T 3135 SPARTAN has finally returned to service.

Falahill Summit: The ScotRail 0847 (Sunday) Tweedbank - Edinburgh service, photographed approximately 22 minutes into its journey north on 30 July 2017. The 6-car train has just cleared a farm access bridge midway between Heriot and Falahill and is currently 5 miles short of its next scheduled stop at Gorebridge.

Craigendoran Junction: A tree stump on the Waitrose service road is excellently placed to give a better view over the lineside fence at Craigendoran Junction. 334004 leads a six car set from Edinburgh taking the branch to Helensburgh Central on 30th July 2017.

Helensburgh Central: 334019 departs from Platform 2 at Helensburgh Central, with the 1155hrs service to Edinburgh Waverley, on 30th July 2017.

Watherston Bridge: An early afternoon ScotRail service bound for Tweedbank running south alongside the Gala Water between Fountainhall and Stow on 30 July 2017.

Croy: West Coast 37516 passing through Croy with an empty coaching movement from Fort William to Boness on 30th July 2017.

Croy: 170474 arriving at Croy with an Alloa to Glasgow Queen St. service on 30th July 2017.

Heriot: An Edinburgh bound train on the Borders Railway just north of Heriot on the approach to Falahill. The train has approximately 5 miles to run to its next scheduled stop at Gorebridge.

Gore Glen Bridge: ScotRail 170409 passing Arniston and about to enter the Gore Glen on 30 July 2017. The train is the Sunday morning 0911 Edinburgh - Tweedbank.

Edinburgh Waverley: Early days in the works to reinstate, and greatly extend, Platforms 5 and 6 at Waverley. Together with other works this is known as the Edinburgh Waverley Capacity Improvements Project, or EWCIP. Did anyone think that name through?

Kilcreggan Pier: Kilcreggan Pier, with its surviving signalling tower, on 30th July 2017. In the background the 112,000T Caribbean Princess departs Greenock on a British Isles cruise, next stop Invergordon.

Belfast Great Victoria Street: Translink Northern Ireland Railways diesel unit no. 4020 at Great Victoria Street station, Belfast waiting to depart with a service to Portadown, on 30th July 2018.

Antrim: Antrim station, seen from Translink Northern Ireland Railways diesel unit no. 3002 arriving with the ex-12.55 service from Great Victoria Street station, Belfast to Londonderry, on 30th July 2018.

Ballymena: Ballymena station, as rebuilt in 1981, seen from Translink Northern Ireland Railways unit no. 3002 calling with the ex-12.55 service from Great Victoria Street, Belfast to Londonderry, on 30th July 2018.

Ballymena: The Belfast-bound platform at the rebuilt Ballymena station, as seen from a Translink NIR (unit 3002) service from Great Victoria Street, Belfast to Londonderry on 30th July 2018.

Carrbridge: A train with no coaches - 43032 and 43168 near the end of their long journey from Loughborough to Inverness wait in Carrbridge for the Inverness to Euston Sleeper to pass.

Ballymena: Ballymena signal box, just north of the station on the Belfast bound side, seen from Translink Northern Ireland Railways unit no. 3002 just departed with the ex-12.55 service from Great Victoria Street, Belfast to Londonderry, on 30th July 2018.

Cullybackey: Passengers alighting from Translink Northern Ireland Railways unit no. 3002 calling at Cullybackey station (closed in 1976 and reopened in 1982) with the ex-12.55 service from Great Victoria Street, Belfast to Londonderry, on 30th July 2018. The main station building which can just be seen in the background is now obsolete and semi-derelict, despite being a Listed building.

Ballymoney: Ballymoney station, seen from Translink Northern Ireland Railways unit 3002 calling with the ex-12.55 service from Great Victoria Street, Belfast to Londonderry, on 30th July 2018.

Belfast Great Victoria Street: Translink Northern Ireland Railways broad gauge (5 ft. 3 ins.) diesel unit no. 3002 at Great Victoria Street, Belfast, waiting to depart with the 12.55 service to Londonderry on 30th July 2018. In the background is unit 3015 waiting to depart with the 12.45 service to Larne Harbour.

Coleraine: Coleraine station, looking towards Londonderry, seen from Translink Northern Ireland Railways unit No. 3002 calling with the ex-12.55 service from Great Victoria Street, Belfast to Londonderry, on 30th July 2018.

Ratho (Low Level): Bridge over the former Queensferry line at Ratho. The vew looks north from the former Low Level station to the High Level on the E&G.

Belfast Great Victoria Street: Three Translink Northern Ireland Railways units at Great Victoria Street station, Belfast on 30th July 2018. On the right is 3015 waiting to depart with the 12.45 service to Larne Harbour with, on the left, 3002 waiting to depart with the 12.55 service to Londonderry while, in the background, 4006 arrives with a service from Portadown.

Cullybackey: Cullybackey station, Northern Ireland, seen from the ex-12.55 service from Belfast Great Victoria Street to Londonderry, on 30th July 2018. This station closed in 1976 but reopened in 1982. Despite being a listed building, the station is semi-derelict and partly boarded-up, passengers now having to wait in the inevitable bus stop style waiting shelters.

Edinburgh Princes Street: Princes Street Station exhibition at the Caledonian Hotel. See Scotsman article. The card on the easel reads

Where it all began - Andrew Harris Boyd, a wheeltapper at the Caley Station is the grandfather of the founder of our exhibition partner, Lost Edinburgh. This photo was the inspiration behind Lost Edinburgh.

Belfast Great Victoria Street: Translink Northern Ireland Railways unit no. 3015 on the right departing from Great Victoria Street station, Belfast with the 12.45 service to Larne Harbour while, on the left, no. 3002 awaits departure with the 12.55 service to Londonderry, on 30th July 2018.

Trouble House Halt: Trouble House looks far from troublesome in this serene view looking towards Tetbury in summer 2018.

Darsham: Unstaffed Darsham station, on the Ipswich to Lowestoft line, still retains its fine station building. This view looks south towards Saxmundham on 30th July 2019.

Haymarket: Here is a pair of Class 385/1s, the four-car version at Haymarket with the First Class compartments joined.

Saxmundham Junction: A Lowestoft to Ipswich service, formed by 170272, approaches Saxmundham on 30th July 2019. The DMU is at Saxmundham Junction, where the Aldeburgh branch trails in. The presently disused tracks to the Sizewell loading point can be seen to the right of the train.

Blythburgh: 90 years after the narrow gauge Southwold Railway closed, the sole surviving building is the old goods shed at the Blythburgh station site but it is in a very run down condition. Seen here alongside the trackbed path in July 2019, the wooden building appears to be held up by the surrounding trees. It reminded me of the old station at Moniaive see image [[30761]] although it is not in such good condition!

Dunbar: I hope the Rev William Brown BD, minister of St Johns Church Hawick, who died in January 1947, does not mind me using the cross on his gravestone in Dunbar Parish Church grave yard for a better view over the wall. This is the works area associated with the new platform construction at Dunbar station, although I did not see anybody working on 30th July 2019.

Saxmundham: Greater Anglia 153314 approaches the level crossing at Benhall, to the south of Saxmundham, working from Ipswich to Lowestoft on 30th July 2019. It is reported that these single units, released by the arrival of new trains, will be going on short term lease to Transport for Wales.

Saxmundham: A direct comparison with See image [[35329]], from only eight years earlier, showing the radically different appearance of Saxmundham station following the 2019 demolition of the main station building, which had suffered a devastating fire the previous year.

Dunbar: The 17:45 Cross-Country Voyager to Aberdeen pulling in to Dunbar alongside the (under construction) new platform on 30th July 2019.

Saxmundham: The rather stark appearance of present day Saxmundham station has been brought about by the recent demolition of the main station building following a fire. This view from the new Lowestoft platform looks towards Ipswich in July 2019. It shows the East Suffolk line control centre, the two level crossings and the start of the single line section to Woodbridge. The original Lowestoft platform was staggered and on the far side of the level crossing.

Saxmundham: Sprinter 156419, working from Lowestoft to Ipswich on 30th July 2019, pauses at the Up platform at Saxmundham alongside display panels promoting the introduction of the new FLIRT trains to Greater Anglia services (which occurred later that same week).

Saxmundham: 153314, in its last summer of Greater Anglia operations, runs along the East Suffolk line at Benhall Crossing near Saxmundham. With the introduction of new Class 755 trains the single car 153s were transferred to Transport for Wales in December 2019, based at Cardiff Canton.

Saxmundham: Saxmundham signal box outlived closure of other mechanical boxes to become the East Suffolk Line RETB Control Centre, covering all signals from Westerfield to Beccles. The down platform was previously staggered and that shown here was built on the site of the old goods yard with an access path running behind the box. View northwards on 30th July 2019.

Sligo Folk Park: This ex CIE Park Royal coach of 1955 vintage, with Commonwealth bogies, on display at Sligo Folk Park has been repainted into the early CIE green livery with no obvious identification. The inset shows an enlargement of the notice fitted below the window on the right hand end door and the accompanying commentary on the handsets issued to visitors claims that this particular coach was used on the last train to run on the remaining section of the Sligo Limerick line to close. The closure to passengers occurred on 5th April 1976. [Collooney to Claremorris was officially closed in 1975.]

Aberdeen Waterloo: 70814 on a serious bit of shunting at Waterloo on 30 July 2021. I passed by Waterloo on my way into town at 09:45 and they were still at it on my return at 10:52.

Strathbungo: Local residents in the Southside of Glasgow have voted overwhelmingly for a new railway footbridge connecting Darnley Road and Moray Place in Strathbungo. Network Rail asked members of the community to help select a new footbridge design to replace the current crossing because the existing bridge will not be suitable when the line is electrified. Three artist impressions of different options were shared with approximately 5,000 residents and business owners to gain an overall design preference for the new bridge from local people. In the vote, 85% of respondents opted for bridge A - a bespoke curved design that was inspired by the current bridge, with a high metal rail on top and a toughened glass parapet to achieve a solid but open look.

Cameron Bridge [1st]: A road/rail machine passes Cameron Bridge (1st) station, propelling trolleys for loading with track panels being lifted from the Thornton Junction end of the line, for disposal at Kirkland Yard. I stopped at Cameron Bridge to check out changes since my last visit - there were none. However, I could tell there had been light traffic on the main line which I guessed had been shuttles to collect lifted track. Only had to wait 45 minutes.

North Wylam: George Stephenson was born in this cottage, and lived there for eight years; with his family, and three others - each had one room. There was a waggonway passing, which could have been inspirational to young George.

Aberdeen Waterloo: Colas 70814 shunting tanks at Waterloo on 30 July 2021.

Slaggyford: The new signal box at the recently reopened Slaggyford station is an impressive structure.

Cameron Bridge [1st]: A road/rail machine passes Cameron Bridge (1st) station, propelling trolleys for loading with track panels being lifted from the Thornton Junction end of the line, for disposal at Kirkland Yard.

Slaggyford: Walking northwards from Slaggyford towards Knarsdale Viaduct, we found this elegantly reinforced stone bridge carrying road traffic above; and walkers and sheep below. There is clearly room here for at least one narrow gauge track in future, when the South Tynedale Railway extends again. Highways England please note.

Slaggyford: The recently reopened station at Slaggyford, looking South towards Alston in July 2021.

Beattock Summit: There is a lot of clutter on the west side of the line at Beattock Summit, making photography tricky, although it was just possible to capture 88008 'Ariadne' on the northbound Tesco on 30th July 2021. The locomotive has passed the summit but much of the long train is still climbing at this point.

Inverkeithing Central Junction: A Midland Pullman excursion from Dundee to York on 30 July 2022 takes the inverkeithing East/Central Junction chord with Intercity-liveried 43049 on the rear.

Inverkeithing Central Junction: A Midland Pullman excursion from Dundee to York passes Inverkeithing East Junction, led by 43046, on 30 July 2022.