Brighton Shed: Busy scene in the shed yard at Brighton in the summer of 1961. Centre stage is departmental locomotive DS377 'Brighton Works'. The 0-6-0T Terrier (previously numbered 32635) was built at the nearby works in 1878. On the left is Billinton 0-6-2 Radial Tank 32580, another product of the same works in 1903. The relatively modern member of the trio, BR Standard class 4 2-6-4T 80068 was built here in 1953.

Balgreen Halt: The view east from the footbridge of Balgreen Halt on the Corstorphine branch, with the main Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway to the right.

Balgreen Halt: Class A2 60532 'Blue Peter' passing Balgreen Halt on the main line with a car carrying train in August 1961.

Barmouth: Collett 0-6-0PT no 7405 photographed at Barmouth in the summer of 1962, a year and a half before its final withdrawal from Carmarthen shed.

Aberystwyth: No 8 Llywelyn on shed at Aberystwyth (Vale of Rheidol) in August 1962.

Aberystwyth: The shed yard at Aberystwyth in the summer of 1962. 7823 Hook Norton Manor carries the headboard of the Cambrian Coast Express, during a period when the locomotive's home shed was at Machynlleth. Standing alongside is no 3200, a long term Cambrian lines locomotive.

Dovey Junction: 6368 stands at Dovey Junction in August 1962 with the 10.25am ex-Pwllheli

Pwllheli: BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T 80101 standing in the shed yard at Pwllheli in the summer of 1962.

Dovey Junction: Ex-GWR 4-6-0 no 7807 Compton Manor photographed near Dovey Junction on 14 August 1962 with the 9.45am Whitchurch - Aberystwyth.

Aberystwyth: The 10.00 to Devils Bridge stands at Aberystwyth on 14 August 1962.

Dovey Junction: BR Standard class 3 2-6-2T no 82005 with a train at Dovey Junction in August 1962.

Aberystwyth: Ex-GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank no 7428 stands alongside the shed at Aberystwyth in August 1962. Attempts to obliterate the locomotive's pre-nationalisation markings appear to have been half-hearted.

Aberystwyth: 7801 'Anthony Manor' photographed on Aberystwyth shed in the summer of 1962.

Machynlleth: 5306 stands at Machynlleth station on 14 August 1962 awaiting its departure time with the 8.5am to Aberystwyth.

Whitrope Bank: A1 Class No. 60118 Archibald Sturrock at the head of the 8.18 pm Millerhill to Kingmoor Class 'C' freight climbing up Whitrope bank on 14th August 1963, with the distinctive shape of one of the Maiden Paps (1,673 ft and 1,640 ft) in the background. This photograph is used on the rear cover of David Spaven's book Waverley Route: The battle for the Borders Railway. See image [[51040]] See article!

Edinburgh Road Bridge Junction: 45473 approaches Edinburgh Road Bridge, Perth, on a Glasgow train. The carriage and wagon works is on the right.

Perth: 60012 leaves Perth on 3 hour train from Aberdeen to Glasgow.

Perth: 46166 London Rifle Brigade leaves Perth with a southbound parcels train in the summer of 1963. See image [[38550]]

Perth: 44719 enters Perth in August 1963 with a Dundee train.

Tay Viaduct [Perth]: 73154 crosses the Tay into Perth Princes Street with a train from Dundee.

Ardrossan Montgomerie Pier: BR Standard class 4MT 2-6-0 no 76114 awaiting departure time at Ardrossan Montgomerie Pier in the summer of 1964 with a boat special for Glasgow.

Ardrossan Montgomerie Pier: Scene at Montgomerie Pier, Ardrossan, on 14 August 1964 with a Glasgow bound boat train awaiting its departure time. At the head of the train is one of Corkerhill shed's BR Standard class 4MT 2-6-0s no 76114.

Carlisle: Black 5 4-6-0 no 44671 taking on water at the north end of Carlisle station on a wet morning in August 1965. The train is the summer Saturday 8.15am Morecambe Promenade - Glasgow Central.

Carlisle: St Margarets V2 no 60955 at Carlisle on 14 August 1965 with the 9.50am Edinburgh Waverley - Leeds City.

Carlisle: Holbeck Jubilee no 45608 Gibraltar leaves Carlisle on 14 August 1965 with the 9.50am Edinburgh Waverley - Leeds City.

Inverness: HR 103 stands at Inverness in August 1965 with the two preserved Caledonian coaches forming a return special to Forres. This was part of the shuttle service operated by the train between Inverness and Forres twice daily throughout that week as part of the Highland Railway centenary celebrations.

Carlisle: A wet summer evening at Carlisle in August 1965 as Black 5 no 44681 stands in south end bay platform 5 awaiting its departure time with the 7.45pm service to Carnforth.

Carlisle: BR Standard class 5 73121 stands alongside Carlisle platform 1 on 14 August 1965 with the summer Saturday 9.25am Blackpool North - Glasgow Central via Dumfries, Kilmarnock and Paisley Gilmour Street.

Carlisle: Jubilee 45608 Gibraltar sporting a 55A Holbeck shed plate, on manoeuvres at Carlisle station on 14 August 1965. The locomotive later worked home as the relief engine for the 0950 Edinburgh Waverley - Leeds City see image [[48724]].

Carlisle: The 0837 Glasgow Central - London St Pancras waiting to leave Carlisle on a grey Saturday morning in August 1965. Locomotive in charge is Black 5 4-6-0 44672.

Carlisle: The 0950 Edinburgh Waverley - Leeds City stands at Carlisle on 14 August 1965. Recently attached for the journey over the Settle & Carlisle is Holbeck Jubilee no 45608 Gibraltar, with just one month to go before withdrawal.

Carlisle: The 8.55am ex-Blackpool North stands at Carlisle's platform 1 on Saturday 14 August 1965 behind Kingmoor Black 5 no 45120. The train is preparing to restart its journey north to Glasgow Central, running via Kilmarnock and Paisley Gilmour Street.

Carlisle: Ivatt 2-6-2T no 41222 is station pilot at Carlisle on 14 August 1965, seen here shunting the sidings on the west side of the station. [This push-pull fitted locomotive had arrived at Upperby shed around 6 months earlier, having been used on the Newport Pagnell branch until its closure the previous year.]

Carlisle: Gresley V2 2-6-2 no 60955 stands at Carlisle platform 4 on 14 August 1965, having just brought in the 9.50am Edinburgh Waverley - Leeds City.

Berwick-upon-Tweed: A unidentified class 47/4 arrives at Berwick upon Tweed from Edinburgh with a Kings Cross service in August 1976.

Cromer Beach: Twenty-two years after the 1954 closure of Cromer High station, the remaining Midland and Great Northern station in the town was still signed 'Cromer Beach' to distinguish it from the former Great Eastern terminus. The present day station is now just plain 'Cromer', and the replacement signage on this street corner reads 'Welcome to Morrisons'.

Elbergen: A southbound 2000 tonne iron ore train passing Elbergen, West Germany, on 14 August 1976 behind a DB class 043 3 cylinder 2-10-0 oil burner no 043-100-7.

Berwick-upon-Tweed: A unidentified class 47 at Berwick upon Tweed with an Edinburgh to Kings Cross service on 14th August 1976.

Battlesbridge: Aided by vigorous local support (and perhaps nuclear flask traffic), the line from Wickford to Southminster survived a difficult time in the 1960s and 1970s to achieve electrification and an upswing in fortune. Shown is a Southminster bound DMU entering Battlesbridge, the first station out from Wickford, in August 1977. Waiting for a train here in bad weather was a particularly miserable experience - at the time there was no passenger shelter whatsoever.

Barnstaple: Platform scene at Barnstaple Junction in the summer of 1977.

Rathen: A class 26 powers up the gradient past the abandoned station at Rathen with the daily goods from Fraserburgh to Aberdeen, in August 1978.

Church Fenton: Peak 45050 takes a train through Church Fenton heading for Pontefract on 14 August 1980

Little Water of Fleet Viaduct: Wee Fleet viaduct from the west after closure of the line.

Selby: Scene at Selby in August 1980 as Deltic 55017 The Durham Light Infantry prepares to depart with a northbound InterCity service and head for the swing bridge over the River Ouse. This section was subsequently bypassed by ECML services from 1983, when main line trains were switched to a newly commissioned route between Colton and Temple Hirst.

Church Fenton: 37119 passing Church Fenton in August 1980 with a freight heading towards York.

Kirkham and Wesham: A Brush Type 2 A1A-A1A heads east between Kirkham and Salwick on 14th August 1982, with a Saturdays Only seven coach train from Blackpool North, for a destination over the Pennines on the Eastern Region.

Salwick: Swindon class 120 and BRCW Class 104 DMUs pass Salwick on a service from Blackpool North in 1982. Not the best quality photograph but it does show the long gone station canopy to good effect, albeit by this time the station buildings that sat under it had been demolished. See image [[26633]].

Kirkham and Wesham: 37122 bowls seven MkIs along between Salwick and Kirkham on a hot August day in 1982. The train is 1M89, the 0928 (SO) Sheffield to Blackpool North, which would return to South Yorkshire after a quick run round. 37122 later became 37692 but was scrapped by Booths at Rotherham in 2009.

Kyle of Lochalsh: 26.026 leaves for Inverness. The dark Cuillins are the magnificent backdrop.

Crianlarich: A view south along the side of the Class 37, on an Oban to Glasgow service, at Crianlarich in August 1985. On the left is the p-way engineer's yard including the former engine shed.

Oban: 37049 waits at Oban with the afternoon train to Glasgow on 14 August 1985.

Glen Douglas Halt: A token exchange takes place at Glen Douglas signal box in August 1985. Locomotive no 37049 is in charge of an Oban to Glasgow Queen Street service.

Crianlarich Lower Junction: A Class 37 with an Oban to Glasgow service takes the road to Crianlarich (Upper) station on a dull and wet afternoon in August 1985. The track to the left was all that was left of the original C&O line to the Lower station.

Helensburgh Upper: Passengers wait to catch the morning service from Glasgow to Oban service at Helensburgh Upper on a wet summers day in August 1985.

Bremhill Defence Fuel Storage Depot: During 1985, BR ran a series of Specials from Gloucester and Swindon to celebrate the 150 years of the GWR. GWR Collett Castle 4-6-0 5051 'Drysllwyn Castle' heading north to Gloucester, passing the MOD Bremhill fuel sidings, on 14 August 1985. (In 2023 5051 carries the name 'Earl Bathurst')

Aviemore Speyside: A view south from the bottom of the platform ramp at Aviemore Speyside on a wet day in August 1989. On the right is the Highland Main Line and Aviemore (North) SB while a Class 08 is on one of the shed roads to the left.

Merryton: Completed service drawing after bridge strengthening work at Merryton carried out by South Lanarkshire Roads department prior to the line to Larkhall reopening. Bridge Number 15 carries the B7078 (old A74) and various works were carried out on this structure, more pictures to follow. This was works that I was lucky to be in charge of. Drawing shows repositioned/replaced service ducts/pipes after strengthening completed

Symonds Yat: Just visible in the car park are the old platform edge stones at Symonds Yat (closed to passengers in 1959) on the former Ross and Monmouth Railway, photographed in August 2001.

Unitrition, Selby: Looking over the curved track towards the former BOCM Unitrition grain processing plant at Selby in 2002, with the site's Unimog road rail vehicle over on the left at the head of a rake of eight loaded 2 axle high capacity wagons it has propelled from the overhead loading facility behind the camera. See image [[50763]]

Unitrition, Selby: The overhead loading facility for the BOCM Unitrition grain processing plant at Selby in August 2002, with a pair of wagons seen being loaded. The line from the processing plant, see image [[50907]], crosses an access road and runs in from the left. The Unimog road-rail vehicle hauls empty wagons along the left side spur and then propels them back through the loading structure. The grain is transported across the Leeds to Hull line by an overhead conveyor from the main BOCM facility. The disused points alongside the access road were on a run round connection with the main line.

Unitrition, Selby: A Unimog road rail vehicle is seen attached to a rake of loaded wagons it has propelled from the nearby loading facility, along the small self contained rail system that served the former BOCM Unitrition grain processing plant at Selby. See image [50944]] The plant was located between the Leeds to Hull line to the left and the rail served Potter Logistics depot off picture to the right.

Mallaig: 62005 leaving Mallaig in August 2005.

Mallaig: 62005 at Mallaig with backdrop of Eigg and Rum.

St Rollox Works: View of the former St Rollox Works in August 2006 - looking east across Springburn Road.

Chatelherault: An afternoon service from Dalmuir approaching Chatelherault in August 2006 on its way to Larkhall.

Possil: View west through the barbed wire alongside Glasgow's Balmore Road, looking over the entrance to the scrapyard that now occupies what was once Possil goods yard. Photograph taken in the summer of 2006, with the old goods shed still standing. Another surviving structure, just off to the right is the boarded up main station building, closed to passengers in 1964 - see [[14982]].

Bathgate STVA Aborted Siding [West]: ''Ehhhh... Thats all Folks!''. Preliminary trackwork in connection with the planned relocation of the Bathgate STVA car terminal in August 2008. View is west through the bridge carrying Blackburn Road, with the site of the new Bathgate station just over a mile away. As it turned out the relocation plan was abandoned, the STVA terminal closed down and the trackwork was subsequently removed.

Airbles: The 11.42 Milngavie - Lanark service calls at Airbles (opened 1989) on an August afternoon in 2006. The station name sign here is claimed by some to hold a record, see image [[30440]].

Maryhill: Not stopping. A service off the West Highland Line runs through Maryhill station on a warm and sunny August afternoon in 2006 with just over 4 miles to go on its journey to Queen Street. The passengers on the platform are awaiting the next Anniesland - Queen Street shuttle.

Duke Street: Leaving Duke Street, Glasgow, in August 2006, westbound SPT liveried 334040 enters Duke Street Tunnel.

Possilpark and Parkhouse: A 158 on the short trip from Anniesland to Queen Street arrives at Possilpark and Parkhouse station on 14 August 2006. The bridge in the background carries the busy A879 Balmore Road.

Possil: The old station building at Possil (closed 1964) puts on a brave face to Balmore Road in August 2006.

Duke Street: A Springburn - Dalmuir train arrives at Duke Street on a sunny August afternoon in 2006. The towers beyond the wall on the right are part of the large Hovis Bakery site.

Chatelherault: A train from Dalmuir approaching Chatelherault station on the south eastern outskirts of Hamilton in August 2006, some 9 months after the reopening of the line south to Larkhall.

North Johnstone: Looking North, this shows the what was left of the embankment, and also the bridge where the Johnstone North line dived under the Kilbarchan Loop line (The station was on the other side of the embankment) near the station during works to clear the site. The whole area is being cleared and a supermarket built at the site.

North Johnstone: Looking North, this shows a smoky bulldozer at work helping to flatten the embankment that once carried smoky trains at the same location. The whole area is being cleared and a supermarket built at the site.

Maryhill: Maryhill station in August 2006 with a train for Glasgow Queen Street coming off the line from Anniesland at Maryhill Park Junction.

St Rollox Works: Former St Rollox Works office building seen here in August 2006, now headquarters of the Glasgow North Association.

Larkhall: View south over Larkhall station from Raploch Street bridge in August 2006 with a train about to leave for Dalmuir. At this point the station had been open for nearly 9 months.

Maryhill: A ScotRail 158 comes off the Anniesland line and crosses over to the up platform at Maryhill to pick up the waiting passenger on a sunny afternoon in August 2006. The train is passing the building which was built as a replacement for the original signal box here, which stood opposite and was seriously damaged by fire in 1980 (see [[57404]]).

St Rollox Works: A panorama showing the rear of the former St Rollox Works looking towards the Sighthill flats in August 2006. Much of the old railway land here has now been put to other uses, in this case as a Tesco car park.

Maryhill: 158712 accelerates east after leaving Maryhill station with an Anniesland - Queen Street service on an August afternoon in 2006. The train has just passed below Maryhill Road. See image [[10851]]

Chatelherault: Two stops out from its destination at Larkhall, a train from Dalmuir arrives at Chatelherault on 14 August 2006.

Maryhill: A Queen Street service picks up passengers at Maryhill in August 2006 immediately after coming off the Anniesland line at Maryhill Park Junction.

Tay Bridge: Superstructure of the High Girders being renovated. 14.08.07. The supports look longer as it is neap tide.

Barry Links: View looking south. The left platform is out of use, previously used for troop trains serving Barry Buddon Firing Range.

Montrose: Resignalling work is imminent. The North Cabin has been switched out, with engineers working on the roof. This building will be the local signalling Centre.

Montrose: The 1406 turbostar for Glasgow loading at Montrose.

South Esk Viaduct: 170414 about to cross the South Esk Bridge heading for Glasgow, haar lying about all day.

Barry Links: North view toward Carnoustie.

Montrose: Looking to the south, whilst the Montrose South cabin on right of line, will be by-passed, the semaphore signals will be missed.

Tay Bridge: North end work well underway on 14 August 2007, with a safety boat and the works craft from nearby Newport Pierhead.

Barry Links: Station building at Barry Links - August 2007, view south.

Montrose: To the south of the station a contractors van sits near a batch of new colour light signal posts lying in wait.

Montrose: Ten Down, the 1406 to Glasgow leaves the southbound platform at Montrose.

Bathgate East Junction [2nd]: A Bathgate - Edinburgh ScotRail service, photographed shortly after passing Bathgate East Junction on 14 August 2008. The line that once diverged at the junction, a mineral line running south east towards Blackburn, is now the pathway on the right. Both routes are about to pass below the A7066 Starlaw Road.

West Calder Branch Junction: After leaving the Bathgate - Edinburgh line at West Calder Branch Junction the branch to Seafield Oil Works turned south to pass below the A7066 Starlaw Road see image [[71984]]. Following closure in 1955 the route became a walkway, seen here looking north towards the main line in 2008.

West Calder Branch Junction: Trackbed of the former Seafield Oil Works branch, which left the Edinburgh & Bathgate route behind the camera at West Calder Branch Junction. View is south from the A7066 road bridge in August 2008. The old trackbed is today crossed by the M8 Motorway just beyond the trees. Drivers on the M8 will recognise the grassy pyramids on the left, which now form part of a land sculpture alongside the motorway.

Bathgate East LMD: Recent tracklaying half a mile east of Bathgate in August 2008 during work on the Airdrie - Bathgate reopening. View north across the formation showing part of a siding and connection alongside the double track main line. Note the siding's wooden sleepers, also the rail length inscribed 'NB BATHGATE 7004 A PTS.' The new junction and siding had been installed as part of a planned link into a relocated STVA Bathgate Car Terminal. In the event the relocation plan was subsequently abandoned, the car terminal closed down and the junction/siding later removed (see image [[70166]]).

Livingston South: It's Festival time again! An attractive combination of liveries at Livingston South station on 14 August 2008. The train looks nice too - in this case the 1215 Glasgow Central - Edinburgh Waverley.

Livingston North: Ongoing work at Livingston North on 14 August 2008 as a 4-car 158 combination pulls out with the 1218 Waverley - Bathgate service.

Livingston North: Progress at Livingston North on 14 August 2008. View southwest over the station from Deans Road North as a train leaves for Bathgate.

Bathgate LMD: View west on 14 August 2008 as a 158 heads towards Bathgate. New track and signalling are in place on the existing single line, the new westbound line and the line on the left which will serve the light maintenance depot. In the background ballast is being laid through the cleared area created by the recent demolition of Rennies Bridge. The eastern end of the existing STVA vehicle compound is visible in the middle distance.

Bathgate East Junction [2nd]: An eastbound service from Bathgate approaching Boghall on 14 August 2008 runs past the site of Bathgate East Junction. A branch turned south at this point, passing under the A7066 road (behind the camera), and running to Seafield Oil Works east of Blackburn. The walkers on the left of the picture are on the trackbed of the former branch which closed in 1955. See image [[20274]]

West Calder Branch Junction: Looking north along the trackbed of the former North British Railway freight only branch from the Seafield Oil Works near Blackburn, West Lothian, about to pass below this substantial bridge carrying the A7066 road over the line near the Boghall roundabout. Approximately 100 yards beyond the bridge the branch joined the Edinburgh & Bathgate Railway westbound at Bathgate East Junction. The branch closed in 1955 and the trackbed is now a walkway/cycleway. See image [[20270]]

Morecambe: A Leeds, via Lancaster and Skipton, service departs from Morecambe. Just beyond the bridge is the junction with the Heysham Port Branch See image [[26921]] but 142096 is on the independent single line to Bare Lane station.

Dortmund: Edinburgh take note: this is how the professionals do it. The street-level tram system in central Dortmund is being lifted and replaced with a cut-and-cover underground immediately below street level. This view looks over the disused tracks with the brand new Reinoldkirche station just beyond. This frees land to expand the shopping district, reduces congestion and noise.

Morecambe Euston Road: The Heysham Boat train passes the site of Morecambe Euston Road, the substantial yellow brick five platform LNWR terminus in the town. This was sited at an angle alongside this connecting link to Morecambe Promenade station in the area now occupied by housing. Euston Road closed after the 1962 summer season although from 1957 onwards it had only been open from June to September each year for excursion traffic. Nothing remains of the passenger station but the goods shed still stands in a builders merchant's yard and can be seen from passing trains. 142016 will reverse at Morecambe to access the Heysham branch by the blue building in the distance.

Princes Street [Tram]: Looking west through the rain over Princes Street on 14 August 2009 with tram works well advanced. On the horizon to the left is the north stand built above the Castle Esplanade to accommodate visitors to the 2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Streethouse: Level crossing gate on Whinney Lane to the west of Streethouse station on the abandoned branch to Sharlston Colliery (closed 1993). The connection to the Pontefract - Wakefield line was approximately 100m to the left of the crossing.

Streethouse: Northern Rail's 15.07 service to Wakefield Kirkgate comprising single unit 153301 leading a Class 150/2 DMU departs Streethouse Station over Whinney Lane level crossing

Coatbridge Central: Coatbridge Central has experienced a varied level of service over its existence, from good to a period when the service was skeleton and the station lost all its platform buildings. The station still has a somewhat bleak appearance, but is currently served by hourly trains on the Cumbernauld to Motherwell line and one or two electric services in the morning and evening peaks start or terminate here (extended from the Blantyre side of the Hamilton Circle). A Cumbernauld to Motherwell service pulls into the southbound platform on 14 August formed by 156 474.

Musgrave: Musgrave, on the link from Penrith to the Stainmore Line between Kirkby Stephen East and Appleby East, served a very rural location and closed in 1952, ten years before passenger services actually ceased on the line itself. The small station building, dating from 1860, has made a very attractive residence as seen in this view from the road in August 2010.

Carstairs: With its sparse service Carstairs does well to retain a ticket office, albeit with less character than the one it had last century see image [[25230 for the view thirteen years earlier]]. It is surely Scotland's least used ticket office, though Carstairs' comparative isolation must mean that average takings per ticket are fairly high.

Newton: Caverns measureless to Man.  The subway linking the platforms at Newton is more generously proportioned than most, and no 'Mind your head' notices are needed here.  The access to the right leads to Newton Station Road, which gives a clue that the station isn't really in Newton which is not in any case a substantial village; it's really in Hallside.  Surprising then that it's the station bearing Britain's commonest placename. See image [[6285]]

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: A look across the platforms at Queen Street on 14 August. As can be seen this is very much Class 170 territory (as opposed to Glasgow Central where they're unknown). Usually however one or both of the other two DMU classes in Scotland is around somewhere, with 156s forming all WHL services, and 158s the usual fare on the Maryhill line.

Airdrie: View over the buffers along bay Platform 1 at Airdrie on 14 August.  This platform is to be retained when Airdrie gets full through running on the (re)opening of the second through platform in December.  I believe only every other through service from Edinburgh will serve stations between here and Glasgow, so to maintain the four per hour stopping service on this stretch there will have to be trains originating from Airdrie.  Could they be going to Milngavie, to replace the services currently originating from Bellgrove?  Let's see.

Warcop: 37250, in faded Transrail livery, stands amidst the Southern Region EMUs in Warcop station yard, but on an isolated length of track. This well travelled loco had a spell operating in France prior to its withdrawal by EWS in 2000. It was purchased privately and moved to the Eden Valley Railway in 2008.

Motherwell: 224 027 approaches Motherwell on 14 August with a circle service which has come via Hamilton. All such services in both directions are announced as terminating at Motherwell, though in fact trains wait only a few minutes before continuing in the same direction to return towards Glasgow.

Euxton Junction: LMS Stanier Pacific no.6201 'Princess Elizabeth' approaches Euxton Jct on 14 August 2010 with southbound ECS move from Carnforth to Crewe.

Linlithgow: The solid (and stolid) exterior of Linlithgow station in August 2010. No fripperies here.

Rutherglen: Temporary decks are down on the bridge carrying the M74 extension over Rutherglen station further changing the character of the formerly rather exposed platforms. It will change even more when traffic starts thundering overhead (whenever that might be). 334 013 pulls in with a southbound service on 14 August.

Newton: The driver of 314 205 has changed ends at Newton on 14 August and is ready to return to Glasgow, this time via Maxwell Park.  There is no reason why these trains from the Cathcart lines can't continue towards Motherwell, as they have done in the past see image [[30117]], but for decades now these services have stuck to their rigid timetable, leaving the lines beyond Newton East Junction to Argyle Line services. 

Appleby East: The station building at Appleby East, closed in 1962, still stands in excellent condition. The local school car park wall almost conceals the fact that, even though the line to Warcop hasn't been lifted, the whole of the station area is now occupied by a vehicle dismantlers with scrap cars covering the site. This view looks south towards Warcop. See image [[18204]] showing the same location in 1983.

Appleby: Negotiations at Appleby as the unfortunate passenger who missed rejoining the Cumbrian Mountain Express after its water stop See image [[30291]] is talked on to the following Leeds service train by a member of the Princess Elizabeth support crew. I hope he managed to catch up with the steam special at some point.

Whifflet: 156 445 in retreat from the platform lines at Whifflet on 14 August 2010. The unit is stabled behind the station pending a scheduled return working to Glasgow Central.

Appleby East: Just to the north of Appleby East, on the now disused line to Penrith, is this level crossing beyond which the rails continue to a headshunt with a trailing link to Appleby (West). The line closed to passengers in 1962 but this section remained open for freight to Warcop until 1989. See image [[21207]] for the view in the opposite direction from the same point.

Coatbridge Sunnyside: 320 315 stands at the eastbound platform at Coatbridge Sunnyside with an Airdrie service. In a few short months lucky Coatbridgers will be able to catch a regular service from that platform to Edinburgh (should that be their wish).

Airbles: Those who are old enough will remember when a station name sign told you the name of the station and nothing else. Nowadays the trend seems to be to include more and more information. Here at Airbles on 14 August seven letters of station name are followed by eighty letters of other text. A record, perhaps?

Carmyle: No doubt it's local pride that leads Nancy to consider adjacent Carmyle station to be 'The Main Stop' on the Whifflet line.  In fact in terms of bookings the honour among the intermediate stations goes to Kirkwood with its more populous catchment area. August 2010.

Motherwell: 318 254 pulls into Platform 3 at Motherwell on 14 August on its rather convoluted route from Lanark to Dalmuir via the Hamilton Circle.  These workings alternate with the direct services which leave Motherwell in the 'right' and opposite direction. The VT car stop sign is a bit of a red herring as this is not the main line and non-SPT services would only come via Hamilton during a rare diversion.

Bo'ness: 0-6-0T Lord Roberts arriving at Bo'ness from Manuel on Saturday 14 August with 3-coach train.

Inverkeithing: The afternoon East Coast service from Aberdeen to King's Cross pulls into Inverkeithing round about tea-time on 14 August, as it has done for many years under several operators. The HSTs look set to stay for another few years yet.

Airdrie: Looking east from the platform at Airdrie on 14 August 2010. The added track (left) looks more complete than the 'existing' track.

Bo'ness: 37025 Inverness TMD moves forward to take over for the final run of the day from Boness on 14 August 2010.

Carmyle: 156 514 pulls into Carmyle heading for Whifflet on 14 August. Although it is five miles from Glasgow Central there are no intermediate stations (a surprisingly long stationless stretch in Glasgow terms) and running is mostly fast.  Passengers can therefore get into or out of Central Glasgow in only a few minutes.

Cumbernauld: Rail was not seen as the future at the time New Towns were planned and as a result their stations are not always conveniently placed.  Cumbernauld station, seen here in August 2010, is on the south-eastern edge of the sprawling town and that taxi rank and bus stop are essential. It was (and is) 2 miles from the original Cumbernauld village - so it's perhaps surprising that it ever had a station in the first place.

Motherwell: Looking south over Motherwell station on 14 August 2010.  Main line platforms are on the left, with Hamilton Circle platforms 3 and 4 and then stabling at the far right.  Platform 3 is considerably longer than Platform 4, but having no main line services is rather unlikely to see its full 12-carriage length filled!

Appleby: A late running afternoon S&C service for Leeds approaches Appleby from Carlisle passing the North signalbox with its junction for the link to the disused Warcop line. This semi-fast service was around 45 minutes down and so the Cumbrian Mountain Express, with 6201 Princess Elizabeth, had been allowed to run ahead of it including taking water at Appleby.

Motherwell: 334 016 pulls into the up main platform 1 at Motherwell on 14 August with a service to Lanark.

Airdrie: Platform 3 at Airdrie takes shape on 14 August 2010. A recent arrival stands at platform 2 while a westbound service is in the process of departing from bay platform 1.

Newton: On 14 August unit 334 024 calls at Newton with a services for Motherwell. On the far right are the wires of the WCML, which also carries local services as far as Uddingston Junction.  A connection exists allowing eastbound trains through Newton station to rejoin this line and vice-versa.  It is shown on the ScotRail network map as 'Limited Service', but in the current passenger timetable this is limited to no service at all.

Appleby: Water stop at Appleby for 6201 Princess Elizabeth on the Cumbrian Mountain Express. The twelve coach train had arrived on time and stopped just long enough to take on water and get underway again as it was being followed by a late running Carlisle to Leeds service See image [[30269]]. Unfortunately one passenger hadn't heard the revised arrangements, rushed back onto this platform just as the train departed and had to be accommodated on the DMU that arrived a few minutes later. View south towards Ormside and Kirkby Stephen.

Coatbridge Sunnyside: On 14 August the main station building at Coatbridge Sunnyside is caught in the middle of repainting with fresh FSR colours on the woodwork while the ironwork is still in SPT maroon and cream. The effect is almost that of a doctored image. (It isn't!)

Cumbernauld: 66 147 rumbles north through Cumbernauld with a train of hoppers on 14 Aug 2010.

Craignure: 'Victoria' departs from Craignure with the 12.10 to Torosay on 14 August. With Torosay Castle remaining closed to the public, trains are carrying fewer passengers than usual during this brief window of operation, pending the proposed relocation to Balloch and Loch Lomond.

Chippenham: Power car 43.025 The Institution Of Railway Operators heads the late-running 20.25 to London Paddington out of Chippenham on 14 August 2011.

Causeland: Causeland halt, looking towards Liskeard in the beautiful Looe valley, in August 2011. For many years there was no lighting here at all.

Pass of Brander Stone Signals: Hm, worrying. The signals were dropped in the Pass of Brander on Sunday the 14th and naturally the driver dropped to near walking pace. View from the 18.11 ex Oban service for Glasgow.

Chippenham: Station entrance at Chippenham on a pleasant summer Sunday evening in August 2011: a warm welcome.... but few passengers about.

Oban: View from what would have been the end of the trainshed looking towards the station throat at Oban in August 2011. The trainshed and original platforms were to the left and the existing platforms date from the opening of the Ballachulish Branch.

Torosay Castle: Having just arrived with the first train from Craignure on 14 August, 2-6-2T 'Victoria', built in 1993, runs rounds at Torosay on the Mull Railway. The railway closed in December 2010 following the decision to put Torosay Castle up for sale, thus depriving the line of the majority of its custom. However, the railway was granted a brief reprieve and will work Sunday to Thursday until 1st September.

Torosay Castle: 'Victoria' waits at Torosay on the Isle of Mull Railway with the stock of the 11.40 to Craignure on 14 August 2011. It is understood that negotiations are continuing regarding the proposed move of the railway to Balloch, using a route that should include some of the old trackbed of the line down to Balloch Pier. See image [[31760]]

Craignure: The 15.10 Torosay Castle Express heads south shortly after leaving Craignure. The view looks east across the Sound of Mull to Rubha an Ridire.

Lady Victoria Pit Signal Box: Looking north along the Waverley trackbed on 14 August in the direction of Newtongrange. The bridge on the right spanned the lines serving the Lady Victoria Colliery, which can be seen in the distance.

Lady Victoria Pit Signal Box: Looking north during the evening of 14 August with the Waverley route on the left and the headgear of the Lady Victoria pit glinting in the evening sun. The Lady Victoria Colliery signal box formerly stood on the left hand side of the cutting close to here see image [[6108]].

Wirksworth: Derby Lightweight single unit M79900 in Platform 3 at Wirksworth on 14 August 2012. This is the starting point for the shuttle service up the 1:30 gradient to Ravenstor on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Duffield: Despite the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway having no physical connection with Network Rail, a 'junction' station has been created at Duffield, with main line interchange. Here an EVR Metropolitan Cammell DMU is seen at Duffield connecting with an East Midlands Class 156 on a Matlock service. The heritage set will return to Wirksworth along the 10 mile preserved line.

Wirksworth: A general view of Wirksworth station from the overbridge with a 3-car DMU about to depart for the junction at Duffield. On the right is the platform serving the short 1:30 branch to Ravenstor with an elaborate trap point arrangement in place for any overshoots. See image [[35791]]

Pant: A flying visit to the Brecon Mountain Railway on 14 August just caught Baldwin 4-6-2 No 2 about to depart from Pant Station.

Bath Green Park [2nd]: I can never get enough of Green Park. The elegant structure catches the light in different ways according to ambient conditions - this is summer dusk, as opposed to winter dusk. see image [[41560]]

Brackley Central: The tyre fitting centre at Brackley see image [[52362]] is more recognizable as a former station from track level - despite the brick structure built on the down platform. Notice the abbreviated footbridge, top right.

Brackley Central: Here is a closer view of the bricked up entrances and exits see image [[52448]]. The upper one was the footbridge, the lower one would be to the platform, and the one on the right... also to the platform!

Bicester Town: Another shot see image [[52322]] of work in progress at Bicester Town station in August 2015. The line has since re-opened, so it wouldn't be a good idea to try and repeat this shot; which looks East.

Haymarket [Tram]: Edinburgh trams passing at Haymarket on a damp 14 August.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: Borders - liveried unit 170414 at Glasgow Queen Street on 14 August 2015.

Beattock Summit: A nine-car Pendolino approaching the loops at Beattock Summit with a Glasgow to Euston service on 14 August 2015.

Bicester Town: Currently closed to passengers, there is clearly a major upgrade in progress at Bicester Town in August 2015. The rebuilt station is due to open in October, with trains running between Oxford and London Marylebone via High Wycombe, via the new curve to the east of the town see image [[47183]]. In the longer term the station will also be served by trains on the Oxford-Bletchley-Bedford section of the East-West Rail Link, due to open by 2019.

Brackley Central: The former station at Brackley, Northants, on the Great Central Railway's London Extension, seen here on 14 August 2015. This view looks East from the road side, well above track level. The building was first converted into a car dealer, Sprinzels; whose name was displayed in white bricks on the North (left) end of the building; and is now a car tyre fitting centre. [Ref query 42301]

Bath Green Park [2nd]: All lit up, but nowhere to go - better have a drink then. Thank you Bath City Council, for restoring this wonderful building instead of allowing it to be demolished.

Hardengreen Viaduct: A northbound ScotRail service on the Borders Railway between Newwtongrange and Eskbank on 14 August 2016. The train is about to cross Hardengreen Viaduct.

Becconsall: Visiting Hudswell Clarke locos from Statfold Barn Railway are seen at the West Lancashire Light Railway on 14 August 2016. On the left is 0-6-0T works number 1172 of 1922 'Alpha' while 0-6-0WT works number 1643 of 1930 backs onto the train in the platform.

Hardengreen Junction: Passing the site of Hardengreen Junction on the approach to Eskbank station on Sunday 14 August 2016 is the ScotRail 1011 Edinburgh - Tweedbank.

Hardengreen Viaduct: 46100 Royal Scot crossing Hardengreen Viaduct on 14 August 2016 with the first of the two Sunday morning runs of the ScotRail 'Borders Line Steam Special' heading for Tweedbank.

Gorebridge: 46100 nears Gorebridge with the second Borders steam trip of the day.

Portobello Junction: 67009 draws the empty stock for the Borders steam special at Portobello Junction.

Brunstane: 46100 'Royal Scot' lays over on the 'Sub' between runs to Tweedbank, seen from Brunstane Station platform.

Eskbank: Long lens shot of a ScotRail 158 approaching Eskbank station on the Borders Railway in the summer of 2016 with a service to Tweedbank. The abandoned platforms of the original 1849 station can be seen just beyond the bridge in the background. The bridge still carries considerable soot stains resulting from many years of passing steam locomotives.

Abbeyhill Junction: 46100 Royal Scot passing Abbeyhill eastbound on Sunday 14 August 2016 shortly after leaving Waverley with the ScotRail 'Borders Line Steam Special' heading for Tweedbank.

Dumbarton Central: Barrel train, advert for the coffee shop and tree clearance in the disused platform.

Dumbarton Central: Tantalisingly close ... 'Lancashire Fusilier' en route north presumably from working the Tweedbank railtour in August.

Helensburgh Central: A 'mosquito' seen at Helensburgh Central.

Dundee: The station entrance at Dundee on 14th August 2017. This was closed in the late 1950s but has since been modernised and reopened.

Lancaster: A very clean DRS 57309 Pride of Crewe runs light engine through Lancaster on 14th August 2017 making its way from Crewe to Carlisle Kingmoor.

Ardrossan Harbour: 380 111 at Ardrossan Harbour with a service to Glasgow Central, on 14 August. On the left is the red funnel of MV Caledonian Isles with a Brodick sailing.

Dundee: 170408 calls at Platform 4 in Dundee station with a northbound service on 14th August 2017.

Bridge of Orchy: The NELPG support car suffers a broken clutch near Black Mount on Rannoch Moor.

Tom-na-Faire Depot: The K1 passes its support coach as it accelerates past Tom Na Faire depot with the morning Jacobite on 14/08/17.

East Linton [1st]: One of the former stations on the Edinburgh - Berwick route being considered for reopening is East Linton in rural East Lothian, some 20 miles out from Waverley. The station here opened in 1846 as plain Linton, with the name change taking place in 1864. East Linton closed to all traffic in May 1964. The former station buildings are seen here on 14 August 2018, with the LNER 0930 ex-Kings Cross about to run through en route to Edinburgh, where it is scheduled to arrive 16 minutes later.

Reston [1st]: Scene at Reston, Berwickshire, looking south on 14 August 2018. The Virgin East Coast 0800 Kings Cross - Edinburgh has just run through the site of the former station. This is one of the locations on the Edinburgh - Berwick section of the ECML being considered for reopening. Part of Main Street can be seen running through the village on the left.

Kirkby: A Pacer Sprinter combination leaves Kirkby, heading for Wigan and Manchester, on 14th August 2020. 142087 is passing DB 66039, locked into the Knowsley Freight Terminal, on a train of waste containers bound for Teesside once the single line section to Rainford is clear.

Meols Cop: Two Sprinters grind round the sharp curve at Meols Cop, while working from Southport to Manchester on 14th August 2020. Bullhead rails are still in place on both tracks. The train is passing the site of the east junction of the triangle that contained the L&YR Meols Cop electric train depot, and led on to the old Preston line. The line to Preston closed in 1964 but the junction lasted until the electric depot closed in 1970. Trees now completely obscure this and the triangle itself is now occupied by a school.

Rainford Junction: I didn't expect to be photographing Pacers in 2020, but several have been put back into service with Northern to increase train capacity during the Covid emergency. However, they must run coupled with PRM compliant Sprinter units. 142087 is on the rear of a train departing from Rainford and joining the singled line to Kirkby on 14th August. See image [[21273]] taken forty years earlier at this spot, since when the vegetation growth has been considerable both around the signal box and on the old curving Ormskirk platform. The catch points have gone too but the time honoured handing over of the single line token continues.

Downholland: The site of Downholland station, which opened as Barton but was renamed by the LMS. It closed to passengers in 1938 and completely in 1952. This view looking south from the road overbridge in August 2020. Built on what was intended to be a main line from Preston (and Southport) to Liverpool the route was circuitous and through sparsely populated areas so it could never compete with the L&YR routes from these towns. The line between Southport and Altcar & Hillhouse soon reverted to rural branch line status with many trains terminating here at Downholland. Little remains of the station or its goods yard although the platforms are reputed to survive in the undergrowth.

Altcar and Hillhouse: Looking north west from Altcar and Hillhouse along the route to Southport Lord Street, now the Cheshire Lines trail for walking and cycling, on 14th August 2020. Just beyond the bridge the LSPJR, later L&YR, Downholland line diverged right. Beyond the site of Woodvale station the CLC trackbed now lies under the tarmac of the Southport coastal bypass.

Plex Moss Lane: When the LS&PJR opened there were four intermediate stations at Kew Gardens, Shirdley HIll, Halsall and Barton (later Downholland), and the latter two stations were less than one mile apart. In 1906, in an effort to cut costs and boost low passenger numbers, the L&YR introduced a railmotor service and opened further halts. Despite the proximity of Downholland and Halsall this included one at Plex Moss Lane, accessed by steps from this overbridge. Downholland station was situated by the first pylon on the left, only 600 yards away. The stations and intermediate halts all closed to passengers in 1938.

Bescar Lane: The 'Friends of Bescar Lane' have done a splendid job with the floral displays at this rural station. 150125 is on the rear of a Southport to Manchester Oxford Road service that hurried through without stopping on 14th August 2020.

Bescar Lane: 150122 leads a Manchester bound four-car Sprinter non-stop through the staggered platforms of rural Bescar Lane on 14th August 2020. The local 'Friends' group do an excellent job of keeping the station tidy with many floral displays. This is the replacement platform, the disused one being behind the camera on the other side of the automatic half-barrier level crossing.

Hundred End: Hundred End station, between Hesketh Bank and Banks, served a thinly populated farming district on the Preston to Southport line and closed in 1962, over two years before the line itself. This view looks across the site of the level crossing towards Southport in August 2020. The house has been built where the tracks and platforms stood.

Leyland: D8107 tows 47593 back to Crewe from Appleby on 14 August 2020. 47593 had been involved with the Staycation Express services between Skipton & Appleby but it is seen here, having just joined the WCML at Farington Junction, approaching Leyland.

Stonehaven: 'Not to be moved'. The 07:05 for Inverurie, stabled at Stonehaven, on 14th August 2020 during the Carmont closure.

Upholland Tunnel: Upholland station is in a steep-sided cutting, which continues eastwards from the station all the way to Upholland Tunnel. Two Northern Sprinters pull away from the station towards the tunnel with a Manchester bound service on 14th August 2020.

Halsall: The site of Halsall station, closed to passengers in 1938 and goods traffic in 1952, seen on 14th August 2020. The middle of these three houses is sited where the station building stood, but appears to be a modern construction rather than a rebuild. Halsall was less than a mile from Downholland, but both had full station facilities and goods yards, despite serving tiny local villages, and of course a substantial bridge to carry the road over the LSPJR rather than a level crossing.

Meols Cop: The rather unremarkable entrance to the island platform at Meols Cop, in the Southport suburbs, on 14th August 2020. The railway bridge carries a very busy four way road junction and this picture was taken during the brief all red phase of the traffic lights.

Shirdley Hill: The site of Shirdley Hill station, looking towards Halsall and Downholland, in August 2020. This view is taken from the site of the level crossing (the only one on the LSPJR line) and the tree covered mound is approximately where the Up platform and station buildings were. The housing development, Shaws Garth, is over forty years old and was named after the last stationmaster, Thomas Shaw. A plaque identifies the location - a nice touch.

Rainford: A Manchester to Kirkby service slows for the penultimate stop at Rainford (formerly Rainford Junction) on 14th August 2020. The train comprises Sprinter 150113 and reinstated Pacer 142087.

Meols Cop: A Southport to Manchester Victoria service pauses at the first calling point, the island platform at Meols Cop in the Southport suburbs, on 14th August 2020. The substantial L&YR platform canopy was removed many years ago. There was a triangular junction here with the Preston line and the junction of the rural branch to Downholland was a short distance beyond this station.

Appley Bridge: 150122, still in former FGW livery, is on the rear of a Northern service to Southport at Appley Bridge on 14th August 2020. 156425 is at the head of a Manchester Oxford Road service. Both these four car trains were almost empty although passengers did join here in both directions.

Upholland: A pair of Sprinters, working from Kirkby to Manchester Victoria, call at Upholland on 14th August 2020. Upholland station serves the West Lancashire township that is now named Up Holland, although it is actually in the settlement of Pimbo.

Bescar Lane: The disused Southport bound platform at Bescar Lane, viewed from the level crossing in August 2020. Platforms here were staggered to allow the crossing to be automated with half barriers, as was also implemented at New Lane and Hoscar.

Downholland: One feature of the LS&PJR was that, despite running for nearly eight miles through the Altcar moss, it only had one level crossing (at Shirdley Hill). All other roads and tracks crossed the line on substantial bridges that are now a distinctive feature of the local landscape. This view looks towards the CLC junction at Altcar & Hillhouse, from a bridge just south of Downholland, in August 2020. It is also surprising that, nearly seventy years after full closure, the trackbed is still so visible and hasn't been ploughed into the local farmland.

Halsall: Despite running through the middle of flat fertile farm land, seventy years after final closure the line of the Downholland branch is still easily seen. This is the route north of Halsall station towards Southport in August 2020. The trackbed follows the line of pylons but the trees in the distance, and the ramps of yet another LSPJR road bridge, mark the site of New Cut Lane railmotor halt. This opened in 1906 and closed with passenger services in 1938.

Pool Hey Junction: After travelling on straight track for many miles, trains heading for Southport face this slight 'dog leg' at the site of Pool Hey Junction. The original line went straight on at this point through Blowick, where a very busy level crossing was the prime reason for closure in 1965. These Sprinters are joining a link built in 1911 and will run parallel with the old line as they climb a gradient then diverge towards Meols Cop before looping round to join the original line to Southport Chapel Street at the site of Southport St. Lukes.

Altcar and Hillhouse: The site of Altcar and Hillhouse station, looking south east from the road overbridge in August 2020. Primarily serving the CLC route to Southport Lord Street the station was also a junction for the L&YR route to Southport Chapel Street via Downholland. However, both lines served sparsely populated areas and the Downholld branch closed in 1938 while Altcar and the CLC line only lasted until 1952. The Cheshire Lines cycle path now passes through the station site.

Bellgrove: A Balloch to Airdrie service arrives at Bellgrove on 14 August 2021 with 318253 leading and 320319 on the rear.

Golf Street: 170402, heading away from Golf Street, with this station's second and final Parliamentary train of the evening from Edinburgh Waverley to Arbroath, on the evening of Saturday, 14th August 2021. There will be no more trains calling here until very early on the following Monday morning with the first Parliamentary train of the week from Arbroath to Dundee.

Kingsknowe: A Glasgow Central stopper pulls away from Kingsknowe station and over the level crossing on 14 August 2021. There was obviously nowhere else to put that double arrow sign; I doubt the council would allow it to be fixed to the lamppost.

Balmossie: Balmossie, to the east of Dundee and looking towards Arbroath, on the evening of Saturday, 14th August 2021. This was opened on 18th June 1962 as Balmossie Halt with the Halt suffix removed on 16th May 1983. Since 1990, to avoid the formal closure procedure, this has had only a Parliamentary service of two trains each way on Mondays to Saturdays (no Sunday service) at 06.25 to Dundee and 08.02 to Glasgow Queen Street and then a gap until 17.59 with a service from Glasgow Queen Street and 18.39 with a service from Edinburgh Waverley, both terminating at Arbroath.

High Street: 334004 calls at High Street, with a Springburn to Milngavie service, on 14 August 2021.

Springburn: 318260, having arrived from Milngavie, waits at Springburn on the afternoon of 14 August 2021 before heading back to Milngavie.

Golf Street: Golf Street, here looking towards Dundee on the evening of 14th August 2021, was not opened until BR days on 7th November 1960 as Golf Street Halt and is situated about half a mile west of Carnoustie station. The suffix Halt was dropped on 16th May 1983 when, overnight, it became a station despite appearances. Today, it is served only by two Parliamentary trains in each direction Monday to Saturday, in the morning from Arbroath to Dundee and to Glasgow Queen Street and in the early evening from Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley to Arbroath.

Barry Links: 158712 from Glasgow Queen Street to Arbroath, departing from Barry Links with the first of two evening Parliamentary services, on 14th August 2021. Praise must be given to my friend Paul who found out about these services (there are only two trains a day in each direction, Mondays to Saturdays) and having joined this train at Balmossie, also with just the same two services, to be able to ride on both the evening trains we alighted here to catch the second to Golf Street.

Balmossie: Balmossie, opened as late as 18th June 1962 and known as Balmossie Halt until 16th May 1983, southbound platform, on the evening of Saturday, 14th August 2021. This has only two Parliamentary trains in the morning and two in the evening, Mondays to Saturdays, from and to Arbroath.

Duke Street: 318260 has departed south from Duke Street through the Duke Street tunnels on a Springburn to Milngavie service on 14 August 2021.

Glasgow Queen Street High Level: The bright and airy concourse at Queen Street High Level is no doubt helped by not having Class 27s, 37s, 40s, 47s or 101s idling at the buffers. See image [[77812]].

Dalry Road Shed: This lane runs between Dundee Street and Dalry Road. While all is leafy now Dalry Road depot used to be just over to the right with a shed right up to the wall. Over the left-hand wall is a cemetery. The name of this thoroughfare is Coffin Lane, which must once have been doubly appropriate when you think about it.

Bellgrove: Looking east along the island platform at Bellgrove as a Milngavie to Springburn service departs on 14 August 2021.

Kingsknowe: Road vehicles aren't of course allowed to occupy level crossings but trains can get away with it. There cannot be many locations though where this is scheduled to happen but it seems Kingsknowe is one of them. It's just unavoidable when a six-car train for Edinburgh has to halt at the four-car platform - and presumably can't overshoot.

Balmossie: 158712 with the first of two evening Parliamentary services to call at Balmossie, arriving on time at 17.59 on 14th August 2021 with a train from Glasgow Queen Street to Arbroath. After walking here along a field path close to the sea to access this station, we expected to be the only ones here but two other passengers were waiting for this train too.

Edinburgh Waverley: I don't know what had gone wrong (and if you do, please don't tell me) but Waverley had three sleeper trains in shortly before 0800 on Saturday 14 August 2021 instead of the scheduled one. Here is one of them; it is on Platform 19 and 92043 was in charge.

Barnhill: August 2021 view south along the platform at Barnhill and although there are no trains on the tracks to Bellgrove, a Class 385 on an Edinburgh to Glasgow via Cumbernauld service can be seen under Petershill Road bridge heading to the right to join the Springburn line at Sighthill East Junction.

Duke Street: 334033 arrives at Duke Street with a Milngavie to Springburn service on 14 August 2021.

Barry Links: Barry Links, looking towards Arbroath, on 14th August 2021. This station was once heavily used by the military with special trains to take them to a nearby training ground for which special trains were run, hence the long platform. Nowadays it is served by only two Parliamentary trains in the morning and two Parliamentary return trains in the evening, from and to Arbroath.

Barry Links: Exterior of Barry Links station with footbridge and level crossing, on the evening of Saturday, 14th August 2021. This station has only two Parliamentary services in each direction on Mondays to Saturdays, early mornings and late evenings, from and to Arbroath.

Edinburgh Waverley: On Saturday 14 August 2021 Waverley seemed to be holding a convention of sleeper trains and the station was positively throbbing with locos. I don't think I've seen so many there since I was a little girl. On Platform 2 the couplings (or something) of 73970 are the focus of attention. 66789 is behind.

Perth: 34027 'Taw Valley', at that time running in maroon livery, nears Perth on a promotional tour with the 'Hogwarts Express' in July 2000. Twenty two years later the loco featured another unusual livery when the Severn Valley painted it purple for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Broadway: Everything looks fine at Broadway, until you take a close look at platform 2, which in 2022 is not yet re-commissioned. D5081 (see image [[82410]]) has run round and is ready to depart southwards.

Broadway: D5081 tries to decide on a suitable idle speed prior to leading the 9 coach 14.10 to Cheltenham Racecourse. Steam was off limits due to the hot and dry weather. I was on my way to see a Rover 100 and Austin Maestro among other stock at H.J. Taylors garage in Willersey, then to have a drink at the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, None of these attractions are available on the M5.