This day in history 16 August

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Innellan Pier: PS Juno II is seen off Innellan Pier on 16 August 1939. The steamer was built at the yard of Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering for the CSPC and launched on 25 May 1937. Requisitioned by the Admiralty for mine sweeping, the steamer became HMS Helvellyn. Unfortunately she was lost after being bombed and sunk in the River Thames in April 1941. Photo taken by A McIntyre.

Piers, Slips and Staiths
John McIntyre Collection 1939


Muirend: A train from Whitecraigs approaching Muirend on 16 August 1951 en route to Glasgow, hauled by McIntosh ex-Caledonian 0-4-4T no 55235. See image [[59103]]
See query 2112

Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1951


Giffnock: 55219 leaving Giffnock for East Kilbride on 16 August 1951.
See query 2088

Busby Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1951


Wemyss Bay: The Caledonian Steam Packet Company's MV Arran, berthed at Wemyss Bay in the summer of 1957.

Greenock and Wemyss Bay Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1957


Wemyss Bay: The former Caledonian Steam Packet Company paddle steamer 'Jupiter', approaching Wemyss Bay in August 1957.

Piers on the Firth of Clyde
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1957


Hawick Shed: Scott class 4-4-0 no 62422 Caleb Balderstone photographed on its home shed at Hawick in August 1958, approximately 4 months before withdrawal by BR.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1958


Cowes: Scene at Cowes, Isle of Wight, on 16 August 1961 where Adams class O2 0-4-4T no 30 'Shorwell' has recently arrived with a train from Ryde.

Cowes and Newport Railway
K A Gray 1961


Cowes: A train for Ryde stands at Cowes, Isle of Wight, on 16 August 1961. The locomotive is Adams class O2 0-4-4T no 30 'Shorwell'. The 1862 station at Cowes closed in 1966 and, after being put to use as a car park for a number of years, a supermarket now stands on the site.

Cowes and Newport Railway
K A Gray 1961


Southampton Docks Sidings: SR E2 0-6-0T no 32106 in Southampton Docks, thought to have been photographed on 16 August 1961.

London and Southampton Railway
K A Gray 1961


Cowes: Adams class O2 0-4-4T no 30 'Shorwell' stands with a train at Cowes, Isle of Wight, on 16 August 1961. Cowes station was closed in 1966, a supermarket now occupies the site.

Cowes and Newport Railway
K A Gray 1961


Ryde: Stroudley class E1 0-6-0T no W4 Wroxall stored at the rear of Ryde shed (71F) in the summer of 1961, approximately ten months after withdrawal. The locomotive, dating from 1878, was one of four of the class which had been transferred to the Isle of Wight in the early 1930s.

Isle of Wight Railway
K A Gray 1961


Cowes: Adams class O2 0-4-4T no 30 'Shorwell', photographed at Cowes, Isle of Wight, on 16 August 1961. Cowes station closed 5 years later and the site is now occupied by a supermarket and car park.

Cowes and Newport Railway
K A Gray 1961


Ryde Pier Head: Adams 0-4-4T no 30 Shorwell simmers at the buffer stops at Ryde Pier Head station in the summer of 1961.

Isle of Wight Railway
K A Gray 1961


Aberdeen: North end of Aberdeen Joint with D8028 for Fraserburgh/Peterhead and D6141 for Elgin

Denburn Valley Line (Great North of Scotland Railway)
John Robin 1963


Buchanan Street: 44960 for Inverness and 44998 for Aberdeen at Buchanan Street.

Buchanan Street Extension (Caledonian Railway)
John Robin 1963


Elderslie: The east end of Elderslie station is host to Rebuilt Royal Scot No 46166 'The Rifle Brigade', heading the regular postal vans and parcel train. The date is 10 August 1964, and the Scot is sporting a yellow stripe, which bars it from travelling south of Crewe, due to electrification.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Colin Kirkwood 1964


Fraserburgh: NBL Type 2 D6144 shunting in the yard at Fraserburgh in August 1965. Like most of the class this loco had a very short life. Into service in 1960, long periods in store, withdrawn 1967 and cut up the following year.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
Brian Haslehust 1965


Fraserburgh: Fraserburgh in the summer of 1965. NBL Type 2 D6123 is preparing to depart with a service for Aberdeen whilst sister locomotive D6144 shunts in the yard. In 1963 D6123 had been rebuilt with a Paxman power unit (later Class 29) but, unlike the others that were re-engined, was not fitted with a headcode panel.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
Brian Haslehust 1965


Maud: NBL Type 2 D6123 calling at Maud, with a train from Fraserburgh, in August 1965.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
Brian Haslehust 1965


Dentonholme South Junction: Class 50 No 429 and the 10.00 Linwood to Gosford Green car component containers service look quite out of place at Dentonholme South Junction on the Carlisle good avoiding lines in a scene which could otherwise have been taken in the 1950s rather than August 1971. Dentonholme Goods in the background still seems to be doing reasonable business at that time.

Carlisle Goods Loop (Carlisle Goods Traffic Committee)
Bill Jamieson 1971


Murthly: 40006 approaches Murthly heading an Inverness - Edinburgh service and is about to cross 26037 + 26010 awaiting clearance.

Perth and Dunkeld Railway
Graeme Blair 1978


Beningbrough: 40016 with a northbound train on the ECML near Beningbrough, north of York, in the summer of 1980.

Great North of England Railway
Peter Todd 1980


Beningbrough: Deltic 55002 The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at the head of an up ECML train passing the Edinburgh - London half way sign at Shipton, on the northern approach to York, on 16 August 1980

Great North of England Railway
Peter Todd 1980


Banavie Swing Bridge: Black 5 Alderman A.E Draper 5305 crossing Banavie swing bridge on its way to Mallaig in August 1987. Thirty years later this loco is still on the main line.

West Highland Railway
Gordon Steel 1987


Aviemore Speyside: LMS Black 5 no 5025 departs from Aviemore Speyside station of the Strathspey Railway with a train for Boat of Garten in the summer of 1989. The former Garve West SB has been rebuilt on the right.

Inverness and Perth Junction Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Aviemore: A class 47 takes an Inverness express north out of Aviemore in the morning of 16 August 1989.

Inverness and Perth Junction Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Lamington: An unidentified class 90 in Railfreight Distribution livery with a southbound freight at Lamington in August 1996, seen shortly after crossing the viaduct over the Clyde. [Ref query 3 September 2017]

Caledonian Railway
John Furnevel 1996


Leadhills: O&K 0-4-0T&WT No.22 'Montalban' on a train to Glengonnar on 16th August 1997 while visiting the Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
John McIntyre 1997


Glengonnar: Visiting O&K 0-4-0T&WT No 22 Montalban has a rest at Glengonnar, the summit of the former Wanlockhead and Leadhills Railway, on 16 August 1997. This was the highest point reached by adhesion working on the UK standard gauge network.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
John McIntyre 1997


Kings Cross: GNER Regional Eurostar set 3304 at Kings Cross on 16 August 2002 with a morning service to Leeds.

London to Peterborough (Great Northern Railway)
Ian Dinmore 2002


Leicester: The refuelling point north of Leicester station on a sunny summer evening in August 2002. The locomotives in attendance are EWS 66545 and 60063, the latter carrying the name James Murray.

Midland Counties Railway
Ian Dinmore 2002


Leicester: A neglected looking 58005, in Midland Mainline livery, standing in the sunshine at the end of a siding behind Leicester TMD on 16 August 2002. Built at Doncaster Works in 1983, the locomotive was named Ironbridge Power Station in 1986. Following withdrawal it was stored for a lengthy period before being sold on. It was subsequently exported to France together with several classmates.

Midland Counties Railway
Ian Dinmore 2002


Derby: Preserved class 08 no 08631 (formerly D3798) photographed at Derby in August 2002.

Midland Railway
Ian Dinmore 2002


Leadhills: Bellpits by Shortcleugh, looking south east from the trackbed.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Leadhills Shed: Locomotive shed with inspection pit to the east of Leadhills.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Granton Gasworks [Station]: The private station at Granton Gasworks in August 2006. Staff trains used the platform on the right which once ran through the now bricked up (white) section of the station. Access to the works was via a footbridge from the 1st floor spanning sidings to the left. The new Scottish Gas HQ stands in the background.

Edinburgh and Leith Gas Commissioners
John Furnevel 2006


Pilton West Junction: Looking north east towards a misty Firth of Forth from West Granton Road in August 2006. View is along the former Caledonian route (now a walkway), with the trackbed of the line from Pilton West Junction into Granton Gasworks (and station) branching off into the site on the left. In the right background stood Breakwater Junction with the left fork continuing on towards the western breakwater and the right running down to the CR's Granton Goods station see image [[3220]].

Granton Branch (Caledonian Railway)
John Furnevel 2006


Granton Gasworks [Station]: The former station at Granton Gasworks, photographed on 16 August 2006. Built by the Edinburgh & Leith Gas Commissioners in 1902 for the use of headquarters staff and still displaying the appropriate corporate seals on the front of the building. What is now an arched window in the centre of the upper floor originally provided access to an integral footbridge which crossed various lines and sidings to reach the works. The building will be retained as part of the Waterfront Development with various alternative uses currently being considered.

Edinburgh and Leith Gas Commissioners
John Furnevel 2006


Edinburgh Waverley: A GNER HST arrives at Edinburgh Waverley with a service from the south on 16 August 2006.

North British Railway
John McIntyre 2006


Granton: The former NB approach to Granton from the east along Lower Granton Road in 2006. The curve onto the pier and the link with the Caley line coming down from the Gasworks are now obscured by new developments.

Edinburgh, Leith and Granton Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Elderslie Fly Under: Looking South East, loaded coal hoppers from Hunterston trundle over the bridge at Elderslie Fly Under behind an EWS Class 66 going in the direction of Glasgow

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Graham Morgan 2006


Granton Gasworks [Station]: Site of Granton Gasworks in 2006, with the Edinburgh & Leith Gas Commissioners 1902 station building and platform still intact. The line ran alongside the wall through what was originally an open structure (now bricked up at both ends), with the platform connected by an internal stairway to the upper level. From there a footbridge spanned the sidings to access the works and offices off to the left. The new Scottish Gas HQ stands in the background beyond the station. See image [[10312]]

Edinburgh and Leith Gas Commissioners
John Furnevel 2006


Granton: Eastern Breakwater looking across the Forth from Lower Granton Road in 2006. The missing bridge carried the line along the shore to Granton Harbour.

Edinburgh, Leith and Granton Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Elderslie: Work continuing on WH Malcolms Elderslie Freight Terminal. The whole area is being concreted and extra lines added so that longer freight trains can use the site

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Graham Morgan 2006


Elderslie: Work continuing on WH Malcolms Elderslie Goods Yard. Extra lines are being added so that longer freight trains can use the site and an extra loop added to give better access to the main line. Here new sleepers wait to be put to use.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Graham Morgan 2006


Elderslie: Loaded flatcars at WH Malcolms Elderslie Freight Tertminal. Note the gate in the new fence put in place by WH Malcom to help make site more secure.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Graham Morgan 2006


Granton Gasworks [Station]: Close up showing the platform and south face of the station building at Granton Gasworks in the summer of 2006, with refurbishment work in progress. The large modern structure visible in the background is the new headquarters of Scottish Gas at 1 Waterfront Avenue, officially, opened 3 years earlier. The top of a gasholder is visible just beyond.

Edinburgh and Leith Gas Commissioners
John Furnevel 2006


Chathill: The down platform at Chathill, Northumberland, on the ECML, seen in August 2007 looking towards the station exit and level crossing. No passenger facilities exist on this side of the station as train departures (one in the morning and one in the evening) to Newcastle are from the up platform, where a noteworthy passenger waiting room still stands see image [[16285]]. Until 1951 Chathill was also the western terminus of the North Sunderland Light Railway, opened in 1898, running to the village of Seahouses on the Northumberland coast.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Christon Bank: The Newcastle & Berwick Railway was responsible for some imposing station buildings - not to mention goods sheds! This is Christon Bank, standing alongside the ECML approximately 9 miles north of Alnmouth in rural Northumberland. The station closed to passengers in 1958, since when both the station and goods shed have become private residences. Photograph taken looking north across Springfield View in August 2007, showing the former station entrance with the level crossing warning lights just visible on the left.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Belford: The substantial former station at Belford looking west over the ECML in 2007.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Alnmouth: Edinburgh bound Voyager leaves Alnmouth. The former shed and platform for the Alnwick branch stood on the other side of the wooden fence.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Alnmouth: A northbound Voyager runs into Alnmouth station on the ECML in August 2007.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Alnmouth: An Edinburgh bound Voyager calls at Alnmouth on 16 August 2007. View is west over the platforms from the station entrance.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Lentran: Old station building at Lentran, now in a very run down and dangerous state. It may not be around much longer as the ground is up for sale. Photograph with kind permission of the owner.(Demolished in October 2007)

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
John Gray 2007


Cardross: Timber from Arrochar running east from Cardross.

Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway
Ewan Crawford 2007


Christon Bank: Wayside station? Entrance to the former Newcastle & Berwick Railway's station at Christon Bank, on the ECML in rural Northumberland.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Cockburnspath: An up ECML express rounds the curve north of Cockburnspath on 16 August, dwarfed by Torness nuclear power station standing on the north side of the bay.

North British Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Chathill: The ECML level crossing and signal box at Chathill, Northumberland, photographed looking east towards the coast in August 2007. See image [[21832]]

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Belford: View north west across the site of Belford station on 16 August 2007 with a Voyager passing en route to Waverley. The station closed to passengers in January 1968. See image [[16269]]

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Belford: Part of the down yard at Belford on 16 August showing a section of the remains of the 9 former double-tracked coal drops.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Belford: Another of the 'wayside' stations on the ECML in rural Northumberland. The frontage of the former Belford station, photographed in August 2007.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Christon Bank: ECML level crossing at Christon Bank, Northumberland on an extremely hot 16 August 2007. The converted goods shed stands on the east side of the crossing, with the former station building off to the left. In the background is the Blink Bonny, which has a spacious and welcoming beer garden... just thought I'd mention that..

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Chathill: Inside the very welcoming up platform shelter at Chathill on 16 August 2007. The interior is pleasant and well maintained with a shelf on the far wall containing a selection of paperbacks for the use of passengers.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Chathill: Waiting area/shelter on the up side at Chathill in August 2007. Still standing, albeit looking in need of a little support.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Chathill: HST speeds south through Chathill and over the crossing on 16 August 2007. Note the old stone signal box still stands.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Chathill: Chathill, one of the stations still open on the ECML between Edinburgh and Newcastle in 2007, albeit with one morning and one afternoon stopping train per day south.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Chathill: The level crossing and box at Chathill on 16 August 2007. The impressive building in the background with the portico entrance is the village post office.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Christon Bank: Converted goods shed at the former 1847 Newcastle and Berwick Railway station at Christon Bank on the ECML between Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed, photographed on 16 August 2007 from the east side of the crossing.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Chathill: HST heads south on the ECML through Chathill on 16 August. Behind the fence on the right was a bay platform serving the North Sunderland Light Railway running to Seahouses on the coast.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Lentran: A view of the inside of Lentran station two months before demolition.The floor is rotten and has partially collapsed by the doorway.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
John Gray 2007


Cranmore: Pair of tank engines on the East Somerset Railway near Cranmore on 16 August 2008.

East Somerset Railway
Peter Todd 2008


Stafford: Pendolino set 390003 approaching platform 1 at Stafford on 16 August 2008.

Grand Junction Railway
Don Smith 2008


Crewe Heritage Centre: Entrance to Crewe Heritage Centre in August 2008

Crewe Heritage Trust
Don Smith 2008


Carlisle: Departure time from Carlisle is imminent as 46115 prepares for the off on 16 August 2008 with the Settle-Carlisle Venturer returning to York. Scots Gurdsman would hand over to a diesel at Hellifield.

Settle and Carlisle Line (Midland Railway)
Bill Jamieson 2008


Farington Curve Junction: A Colne service with 150148 leaves the Up Slow line at Farington Curve Junction to climb the bank before heading east. At this point Ormskirk trains take the additional crossing to gain the former main line to Liverpool.

North Union Railway
Mark Bartlett 2008


Ramsbottom: BR Standard Class 9F 92214 at Ramsbottom Station in 2008, awaiting departure to Rawtenstall.

East Lancashire Railway
Norman Glen 2008


Bury Bolton Street: Although taken in 2008, processing the shot as black and white has given it a late 50s or early 60s look, as long as you don't look too closely at the vehicles in the Bolton Street car park! BR Standard Class 9F 92214 and L&YR Class 27 await their turns to head north to Rawtenstall.

East Lancashire Railway
Norman Glen 2008


Ramsbottom: BR Standard Class 9F 92214 just passing Ramsbottom signal box at the north end of the station, as it heads towards Rawtenstall.

East Lancashire Railway
Norman Glen 2008


Needlefield Carriage Sidings: It looks like the end of the line for the Inverness Carriage Cleaning Sheds as they have been fenced off and all the track has been lifted.

Inverness and Nairn Railway
John Gray 2008


Fishergate Tunnel: Looking every inch a rural branch line this is Fishergate Hill tunnel in the heart of Preston on the branch to the dock estate. Beyond the 145yd tunnel the line climbs at 1 in 29 to emerge alongside Preston station. After many years out of use the branch now sees a healthy three tank trains a week, but in 1952 it saw twelve trains a day.

North Union Railway
Mark Bartlett 2008


Bury Bolton Street: BR Standard Class 9F 92214 at Bury Bolton Street station in August 2008. The diesel locomotive visible through the bridge is BR Class 40 D335, the only surviving split headcode Class 40.

East Lancashire Railway
Norman Glen 2008


Bamber Bridge Hospital Crossing: 158759 hurries eastwards through Hospital Crossing on a Blackpool to York service. The crossing is next to a busy road junction and is not automatic but controlled and monitored from Bamber Bridge signal box. It is a cramped location for photographers though.

Blackburn and Preston Railway
Mark Bartlett 2008


Bamber Bridge Hospital Crossing: Hospital Crossing, lies one mile east of, and is visible from, Bamber Bridge station in a suburb of the town. There was never a station here but a substantial crossing keepers cottage survives although the busy crossing is now operated remotely.

Blackburn and Preston Railway
Mark Bartlett 2008


Stafford: A Pendolino pulls into Stafford platform 4 on 16 August 2008.

Grand Junction Railway
Don Smith 2008


Penrith: View south at Penrith station on 16 August 2008.

Lancaster and Carlisle Railway
Don Smith 2008


Penrith: The imposing station building at Penrith seen on 16 August 2008.

Lancaster and Carlisle Railway
Don Smith 2008


Cranmore: Yankee Tank on the East Somerset Railway on 16 August 2008. USA 0-6-0 Dock Tank 30075 (former Yugoslav Railways JZ 62-669), photographed on 16 August at Cranmore on the East Somerset Railway. The locomotive, which was rebuilt at Swanage in the mid 1990s, carries a 71I, Southampton Docks, shedplate. Hmmmm...

East Somerset Railway
Peter Todd 2008


Stafford: Another busy period at Stafford station on 16 August 2008, with Pendolinos at platforms 1, 5 and 6 and a Voyager occupying platform 4.

Grand Junction Railway
Don Smith 2008


Fouldubs Junction: DRS 66429 rests up at Grangemouth Intermodal container depot on Sunday 16th August 2009. The locomotive was imported through Newport Docks on board Jumboship 'MV Stellanova' from Canada in August 2007.

Grangemouth Railway (Forth and Clyde Canal)
David Forbes 2009


Forrestfield: A sleeper laying train on the shore of Hillend reservoir on 16 August 2010; close-up of the transfer unit which lifts sleepers off the wagon and shuttles them to the front of the train

New Monkland Line (Monkland Railways)
Bill Roberton 2010


Grizedale Reservoir: Close up of the narrow gauge rails that were possibly laid as a maintenance track and, long disused, are normally under the water in Grizedale reservoir but have been on show through the summer droughts. There are no quarries nearby and it may be that they were used to transport dam construction materials up the Grizedale valley around 1866. Can anyone confirm this?

Fylde Water Board
Mark Bartlett 2010


Grizedale Reservoir: Grizedale is one of four linked reservoirs in the hills above Garstang that supply Blackpool's water. Recent droughts have exposed this curious set of narrow gauge rails that seemed to have been used as a crude slipway from a long demolished boathouse and disappear deep under the water. Were these rails used in the original building of the reservoir and its dam in 1866 and then reused here? Map Reference SD 525484 Footnote: It has been suggested that the demolished building was a maintenance shed rather than a boat house and the tracks were used to get equipment to the bottom of the reservoir when it had been drained.

Fylde Water Board
Mark Bartlett 2010


Morpeth: The NER tile map in the N&B station at Morpeth in August 2010.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
Colin Alexander 2010


Morecambe Euston Road: Almost forty years after Morecambe Euston Road goods station closed, in 1972, the goods shed is still an integral part of the Travis Perkins builders merchant's site in the town centre. The loading bay awnings have been renovated and the whole building is in excellent condition. The passenger station itself closed in 1962 and residential flats cover that part of the site. Trains to Morecambe still run alongside the boundary fence of the old goods yard See image [[26601]].

Morecambe Branch (London and North Western Railway)
Mark Bartlett 2010


North Blyth Alcan Terminal: GBRf 66724 stands at North Blyth Alcan terminal on 16 August 2010.

North Blyth Branch (Blyth and Tyne Railway)
Colin Alexander 2010


Forth Banks Works: View from Newcastle Central along South Street on 16 August 2010, showing part of Robert Stephenson's former Forth Banks works, with a section of the QEII Metro bridge seen crossing the Tyne in the background. What was the world's first purpose built locomotive works opened here in 1823, in connection with the construction of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Locomotives built here included Locomotion and Rocket, with the works going on to become a worldwide exporter. Forth Banks works finally closed in 1960, but the office block and one of the worshops was subsequently restored by the Robert Stephenson Trust.

Robert Stephenson and Co
Colin Alexander 2010


Longhirst: The closed station at Longhirst on the ECML between Morpeth and Widdrington, photographed in August 2010. The station lost its passenger service in 1951.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
Colin Alexander 2010


Östersund Västra: A Norwegian Class 92 DMU leaves Östersund's second out of three stations. The joint operation of the route to and from Trondheim between NSB and Veolia, known as Mittnabotåget, finished in 2012. For a view of a similar unit in Trondheim see image [[60418]]

Mittbanan
Charlie Niven 2010


North Blyth Alcan Terminal: GBRf 66724 Drax Power Station stands at North Blyth on 16 August 2010.

North Blyth Branch (Blyth and Tyne Railway)
Colin Alexander 2010


Caldercruix: Progress at Caldercruix - view east on 16 August 2010

New Monkland Line (Monkland Railways)
Bill Roberton 2010


Caldercruix: Progress at Caldercruix - view west on 16 August 2010

New Monkland Line (Monkland Railways)
Bill Roberton 2010


Forrestfield: Sleeper laying train on the shore of Hillend reservoir between Forrestfield and Caldercruix. View west on 16 August 2010.

New Monkland Line (Monkland Railways)
Bill Roberton 2010


Morpeth [B and T]: The former Blyth and Tyne Railway station building at Morpeth, now converted to residential accommodation. The building stands on Coopies Lane, almost opposite the Newcastle & Berwick station. August 2010.

Morpeth Branch (Blyth and Tyne Railway)
Colin Alexander 2010


Moffat Mills Junction: View west towards Airdrie from Moffat Mills Junction on 16 August 2010 with the recently opened replacement bridge carrying Towers Road in the background..

New Monkland Line (Monkland Railways)
Bill Roberton 2010


Charlestown Junction: An SPT-liveried 170 approaches Charlestown Junction with Dunfermline's skyline in the background.  A south to west chord has been proposed here, passing through the old gasworks site on the left. This would accommodate direct Stirling - Alloa - Edinburgh (and Rosyth freight) trains without the need for reversal.

Charlestown Railway
Bill Roberton 2010


Tywyn Wharf: The 19.30 Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol additional service gets underway on 16 August 2011. The locomotive is No 4 Edward Thomas, an 0-4-2ST built by Kerr Stewart & Co. in 1921.

Talyllyn Railway
Ian Dinmore 2011


Cardross: 334034 heads east past the mid section of the first Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier en route from Govan to Rosyth.

Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway
Ewan Crawford 2011


Drem: View east at Drem station on 16 August 2011 with a North Berwick - Edinburgh service at the platform.

North British Railway
John Yellowlees 2011


Penhelig: Entering Aberdovey number two tunnel after calling at Penhelig station in August 2011.

Aberystwyth and Welch Coast Railway
Ian Dinmore 2011


Drem: Drem station on 16 August, with East Lothian Provost Sheena Richardson alongside one of the colourful new posters.

North British Railway
John Yellowlees 2011


Drem: The waiting room on the Edinburgh bound platform at Drem, featuring the colourful new posters installed on 16 August 2011.

North British Railway
John Yellowlees 2011


Pwllheli: 158839 stands at the terminus at Pwllheli in August 2011 after arrival on a service from Birmingham.

Aberystwyth and Welch Coast Railway
Ian Dinmore 2011


Riverside Museum: Cabside detail from former South African Railways NBL-built class 15F locomotive no 3007.

Glasgow City Council
Andrew Wilson 2012


Field [British Columbia]: A triple-headed Canadian Pacific freight waits its turn to tackle the spiral tunnels of the Kicking Horse Pass through the Rockies towards Alberta.

Canadian Pacific Railway
Mark Wringe 2013


Yorkhill: A westbound train on the north bank of the Clyde near Yorkhill on 16 August 2013.

Stobcross Railway
Colin Miller 2013


Tunbridge Wells: Up side exterior of Tunbridge Wells, a Grade II Listed Building since 1974, on 16th August 2013. This station opened on 25th November 1846, replacing an earlier one that had opened on 20th September 1845. It was a terminus until 1851 when the extension to Robertsbridge opened and through to Hastings in the following year. This station was known as Tunbridge Wells Central from 1923 to 1986. On the date of this photo, Sunday engineering works saw replacement buses running between here and Tonbridge until mid-afternoon.

Tonbridge to Tunbridge Wells Branch (South Eastern Railway)
David Bosher 2013


Swindon: Freightliner 66534 OOCL Express heading a PW train on the outskirts of Swindon on 16 August in connection with ongoing work on the Swindon to Kemble line, currently closed until the end of the month for re-doubling.

Great Western Railway
Peter Todd 2013


Inverkeithing East Junction: The Network Rail Test Train, sandwiched by DRS 37608 and 37606 in the up loop at Inverkeithing East Junction on 16 August.

Aberdour Line (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2013


Tay Viaduct [Perth]: The 10.38 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen St crossing the River Tay on 16 August 2013 on the approach to Perth station.

Dundee and Perth Railway
Malcolm Chattwood 2013


Perth Princes Street: The 0941 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen service, formed by a Class 170 Turbostar, leaves Perth station on 16 August and heads for the Tay Viaduct, passing the church of St Leonards-in-the-Field.

Dundee and Perth Railway
Malcolm Chattwood 2013


Kicking Horse Pass: A plan of the twin spirals of the Kicking Horse Pass on the BC/Alberta border. These are on the Canadian Pacific route, taking a more southerly course than the CNR, originally involving the very punishing 'Big Hill' with a gradient of 1:23 and reaching an altitude of 5,338 feet. In 1909 this was replaced by a system of tunnels and twin spirals with a mere 1:46 gradient. The original alignment has now been subsumed by Trans-Canada Highway 1. A panel at the viewing area beside Highway 1 explains much more clearly than the view through the trees of this feat of engineering. Trains tend to be sent through in batches, so if you hear one but miss it the chances are another will head in the same direction in about 20 minutes.

Canadian Pacific Railway
Mark Wringe 2013


Kicking Horse Pass: An early casualty of the Kicking Horse Pass, between Field, British Columbia, and Banff, Alberta.

Canadian Pacific Railway
Mark Wringe 2013


St Leonards Bridge Junction: ScotRail 158723 forms the 11.00hrs service to Edinburgh, seen heading south shortly after leaving Perth station on 16th August 2013.

Scottish Central Railway
Malcolm Chattwood 2013


Seven Sisters: 315847, with a service from London Liverpool Street to Enfield (actually Enfield Town) arriving at Seven Sisters station in north London, and an interchange with the LUL Victoria Line, on 16th August 2013. This service and those to Cheshunt via Southbury and Chingford became part of London Overground in May 2015. Many 315s have since been withdrawn but this unit was still active at the start of 2022.

Bethnal Green to Edmonton and Lea Valley Line (Great Eastern Railway)
David Bosher 2013


Tynehead Junction: Double track meets single track - the new junction section to the south of Tynehead, in position on 16 August 2014 - see image [[48371]].

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Blackpool Pleasure Beach: A Pacer/Sprinter combination runs along the level track between Blackpool South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach stations in August 2014, passing another set of tracks that are a little more undulating. Personally, I'm not so sure about the Big Dipper's new orange paint and preferred the previous traditional colour scheme See image [[23554]].

Blackpool and Lytham Railway
Mark Bartlett 2014


Glen Douglas Summit: Just south of Glen Douglas a freight train for the Lochaber Smelter heads north through Glen Culanach. This glen is high above Loch long and to the south of the NATO depot. The lineside is treelined and further planting can be seen to the left of the locomotive.

West Highland Railway
Ewan Crawford 2014


Princes Risborough: Class 121 55020/121020 draws admiring glances from a young observer in a prime position as it waits in the bay platform at Princes Risborough.

Princes Risborough, Thame and Oxford Extension and Aylesbury Extension (Wycombe Railway)
Malcolm Chattwood 2014


Cirencester Town: The 1956 extension to the left is not nearly as classy as the original 1841 building. This is probably not why the branch closed just eight years later see image [[52313]].

Cheltenham and Great Western Union Railway
Ken Strachan 2015


Cardross: Lower Block 04 of the new carrier Prince of Wales heads down the River Clyde en route to Rosyth and is passed by a combined Oban and Mallaig service to Glasgow.

Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway
Ewan Crawford 2015


Leven Shipyard: Two views on Castle Road in Dumbarton in August 2015. The first looks east into the old Allied Distillers yard, still awaiting redevelopment. Prior to use by Allied this site was a Blackburn aircraft factory and produced Sunderland flying boats during WWII. The second looks west at the same spot where new housing has been built across the old line into William Denny's Leven shipyard, but the tracks across the road are still very evident. [My thanks to John McIntyre for additional information on this location.] [Postscript - on a further visit in August 2017 the tracks had been covered with a patch of tarmac and housing was being built on the Allied site]

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
Mark Bartlett 2015


Cirencester Town: This station was the terminus of the branch from Kemble, now abbreviated to an engineer's siding see image [[32102]]. It is cunningly concealed in the Old Station car park, adjacent to Sheep Street. The young lady standing at the ticket office window on 16 August 2015 must be an incurable optimist, as services were withdrawn 51 years ago.

Cheltenham and Great Western Union Railway
Ken Strachan 2015


Stockholm Central: An X3 EMU of the privately-run Arlanda Express company at one of its two dedicated, step-free access, platforms on the East side of Stockholm Central. These units provide a 20 minute journey to and from the main Stockholm airport. Built in 1998/1999 at Washwood Heath, Birmingham by GEC Alsthom these trains serve the two stations under the airport terminals. A further station on a through alignment, Arlanda Central, is used by SJ and Upptåget trains from both north and south serving all terminals.

Arlanda Express
Charlie Niven 2016


Stockholm Central: At the southern end of the staion two X2000s are seen, one arriving at Platform 17a on the right with DVT leading and the other leaves with the power car leading. During the 1990s these tilting trains played a similar role to that performed by HSTs in 1980s Britain by reviving the fortunes of rail travel. The early publicity stated that journeys on these trains were 'simpler than flying, faster than the train'! Now there are many more trains with the same top speed-200km/h (125mph). Note the extended driver's 'wing mirrors' on the arriving train. Modern EMUs have backward facing CCTV cameras instead.

Västra Stambanan
Charlie Niven 2016


Possilpark and Parkhouse: The plaque at Possilpark and Parkhouse station.

Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway
John Yellowlees 2016


Possil: The street level building at Possil still stands. Other remaining freestanding buildings on this line are at Clydebank Riverside, Kelvinside and, arguably, Dumbarton Central.

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
John Yellowlees 2016


Possil: The goods shed at Possil, now within a scrapyard, still stands.

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
John Yellowlees 2016


Possil: The remaining street level building at Possil viewed from the north east.

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
John Yellowlees 2016


Possil: Goods shed at Possil with the site of the through and bay platforms to the right.

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
John Yellowlees 2016


Stockholm Central: Just passing through; a 100km/h diesel electric freight loco of type Td waits for the road on its way north possibly going onto Värtabanan to pick up wagons from a ferry. Green Cargo rebuilt several of this type of loco from T44s see image [[45996]].

Statens Järnvägar
Charlie Niven 2016


Stockholm Central: This Stadler FLIRT X74 EMU belongs to the open-access operator MTR Express. These units compete with SJ and Skandinaviska Jernbanor (Blå Tåget) for custom on the route to and from Gothenburg. MTR also has the contract to run the Stockholm subway trains (Tunnelbana).

Västra Stambanan
Charlie Niven 2016


Uppsala Central: Ställverkshus (Signal Box) II now behind the lengthened platform 1 was built in 1913. It has undergone several changes of equipment over the decades. Control of the station yard passed to a control centre in Stockholm for normal use but can still be used for local train control. The lowest floor is hidden behind the new platform.

Ostkustbanan
Charlie Niven 2016


Possil: A side view of the station building at Possil, looking north. Most of the site is now a scrapyard.

Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway
John Yellowlees 2016


Stockholm Central: Hector Rail Siemens Class 242.531 Eurosprinter brings in the Snälltåget service from Malmö. This open access train operator also runs a Summer service to Berlin from Malmö via the Trelleborg-Sassnitz train ferry. The blurb on the loco side reads Power 7MW Max speed 230km/h. The parent company of Hector Rail has just purchased GBRf. However don't expect to see this beast hauling the Caledonian Sleeper at 143mph any time soon.

Statens Järnvägar
Charlie Niven 2016


Aboyne: Aboyne Railway Station, station buildings on the left, in a view looking east. Just beyond the station is on the east side is Bonty Court old people's home, a very large building blocking any chance of reopening the line. Beyond this are council offices and a small industrial estate.

Deeside Extension Railway
Alan Cormack 2017


Conisbrough Viaduct: This magnificient viaduct was built to connect the Hull and Barnsley with GNR and GER lines. Although the track beds North and South have been 'landscaped', the viaduct itself is tarmacked. View south in August 2017. [Ref query 1675]

Mexborough to Doncaster Line (South Yorkshire, Doncaster and Goole Railway)
Ken Strachan 2017


St Germains Level Crossing: A Dunbar service crosses St Germains level Crossing in the East Lothian countryside on 16th August 2017. The ScotRail services from Waverley to Dunbar call only at Musselburgh leaving the other stations to their hourly North Berwick trains. The reason for this is not obvious to me. It's surely not a path issue?

North British Railway
David Panton 2017


Seton Mains Halt: Remains of the long-closed halt at Seton Mains are as scanty as information about it. The one picture on line has a train in the way! However at least some of it was in this picture. Seton level crossing was just to the east (right) but the road it served is no longer there. The contiguous villages of Cockenzie and Port Seton are a mile away, so maybe not too many residents used the station.

North British Railway
David Panton 2017


Lumphanan: The Deeside line and station were to the right of the picture.

Deeside Extension Railway
Alan Cormack 2017


Cockenzie Power Station: With the power station it served now a memory the short Cockenzie branch is returning to nature. There is still a physical connection with the main line (across the road behind me) at Prestonpans loop, but the branch itself is not just gated but fenced off. The semaphore signal remained right up to the end, long the only one in the area. For the same view in busier times see image [[28116]].

Prestonpans Power Station Branch (British Rail)
David Panton 2017


Sheffield: This railman is contentedly checking messages on his 'phone, ignoring the Sprinter in the sidings and the up Javelin. He was considerably less composed when confronted with an app see image [[52974]] of youths in the booking area giving a spirited rendition of the 'Time Warp'. Such is life on today's railway.

Midland Railway
Ken Strachan 2017


Corrie Harbour: Corrie Harbour, with the trackbed on a raised plateau supported by retaining walls.

Corrie Sandstone Quarry Railway
Bill Roberton 2017


Sannox: Looking up the shallow cutting of the Sannox Tramway towards the mines.

Sannox Railway
Bill Roberton 2017


Sannox: The trackbed of the Sannox Tramway is the distant linear feature in this field close to the jetty.

Sannox Railway
Bill Roberton 2017


Conisbrough: The 18.09 to Sheffield leans into the curve as it stops at Conisbrough, four stops from its destination. The Pacers may be old and basic, but they are still providing a useful service.

Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway
Ken Strachan 2017


Paisley Canal [1st]: Installation of a Transport Trust plaque at the old Paisley Canal station on 16th August 2019 by Bill Reeve, Provost Lorraine Cameron and Jerry Swift of the Transport Trust.

Paisley Canal Line (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
John Yellowlees 2019


Salwick: Loco hauled trains are rare on the Blackpool line but the weather on 16th August 2019 was such that 37218 had to be photographed from the comparatively dry waiting shelter at Salwick station. This was a Network Rail Measurement Train heading from Blackpool North to Derby, but visiting Clitheroe and the Bentham line to Morecambe on the way with 37259 on the rear on this leg. DRS has just announced the phased withdrawal of their Class 20s and 37s and replacement by modern traction.

Preston and Wyre Railway, Dock and Harbour
Mark Bartlett 2019


Salwick: Driver training on the new Northern CAF trains continues apace. 195110 was one of two sets working out of Blackpool North on these duties on 16th August 2019, which was a very dull and wet day indeed. The new train is seen at Salwick heading towards Preston.

Preston and Wyre Railway, Dock and Harbour
Mark Bartlett 2019


Salwick: Not a day for photography, but if you hide in the platform shelter.... 319363 passes Salwick heading for Blackpool North on 16th August 2019.

Preston and Wyre Railway, Dock and Harbour
Mark Bartlett 2019


Panteg: 16th August 2019 was a horrible day in South Wales. I tried to follow up on John McIntyre's picture at Farington the previous evening of 314211 going for scrap, but only got a passing shot due to the fact that I was hiding under an umbrella in the pouring rain when it passed. It was booked to stop in Panteg loop for 40 mins but unfortunately it did not so I only managed this grab shot. I did try to follow it into Newport docks but was unable to get access.

Pontypool, Caerleon and Newport Railway
Alastair McLellan 2019


Lady Victoria Pit Signal Box: The 0947 (Sunday) Tweedbank - Edinburgh approaching Newtongrange on 16 August 2019. The train is about to run below the B704 road bridge and past the site of Lady Victoria pit.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2020


Donibristle Platform: DB 66109, in PD Ports livery, heads a Perth Muirton to Millerhill engineers train through Donibristle on 16th August 2020 with 66023 in the rear. Tree growth will soon restrict this view, I fear.

Aberdour Line (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2020


Hayes Knoll: The Swindon and Cricklade's northern extension continues. Here are the points set up from the main line into a PW siding, being created to allow PW trains to move about without interrupting normal service, visited in August 2021. It all just needs a bit of ironing.

Swindon and Cheltenham Extension Railway
Peter Todd 2021


Cameron Bridge [1st]: Cameron Bridge station site on 16th August 2021, by which time the track through the station, and as far as the former East Fife Central Junction, had been lifted, albeit with some old sidings still in place.

Leven Railway
Bill Roberton 2021


Kirkland Yard: Looking over the west end of the former Kirkland Yard on 16th August 2021. The nearer track is the demonstration line of the Fife Heritage Railway, while the track recovery train sits on the main line of the Levenmouth branch, which had been lifted back to the former East Fife Central Junction by this date.

Kirkland Yard and Leven Dock to Methil Line Widening (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2021


Constitution Street [Tram]: Extension works for Edinburgh Trams on Constitution Street, Leith, looking north on 16th August 2021.

Edinburgh Trams
David Bosher 2021


Constitution Street [Tram]: Extension works for Edinburgh Trams on Constitution Street, Leith, looking south on 16th August 2021.

Edinburgh Trams
David Bosher 2021


Euxton Balshaw Lane: GBRFs 66782 passes Euxton Balshaw Lane on 16 August 2022 working the Avonmouth to Clitheroe Castle Cement empty tank wagons.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2022


Bo'ness: The unique, now powered, former MkIII DVT seen at Bo'ness on 16th August 2022. It is officially classified as Class 19.

Slamannan and Borrowstounness Railway
John Yellowlees 2022


Euxton Junction: DBC 90026 and 90034 are seen to the south of Euxton Junction with the 4M25 Mossend to Daventry container service on 16 August 2022.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2022


Crossgates: Freightliner 66955 leads the Thornton North Junction to Ravenstruther empty ballast through the site of Crossgates station, with 66952 on the rear, on 16th August 2022. From the day before this, ballast has been dropped on the Levenmouth branch with the train top 'n' tailed.

Dunfermline Branch (Edinburgh and Northern Railway)
Bill Roberton 2022


Euxton Balshaw Lane: TPE liveried 68022, with a Mk 5, set passes Euxton Balshaw Lane with the 5Q07 Walton Old Jct Sidings to Edinburgh on 16 August 2022. The train however was terminated at Carlisle due to a signalling fault between Carstairs and Lockerbie. It returned south to Walton Old Jct Sidings during the afternoon.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2022


Events


Events from the chronology which occured on this day. This generally lists events before 1995, the creation of the website.

YearCompaniesDescription
1837Taff Vale RailwayFirst stone laid at Pontypridd by Lady Charlotte Guest, wife of John Josiah Guest, chairman.
1875City of Glasgow Union RailwayBellgrove to Springburn opened for goods, Haghill Junction to Parkhead Junction opened.
1906Campbeltown and Machrihanish Light RailwayUpgraded and opened for passenger traffic
1909Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire RailwayCaledonian RailwayLanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway absorbed by Caledonian Railway. Adjustments to ownership of Dumbarton and Balloch Joint Railway (Caledonian Railway, Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway and North British Railway Joint).
1981Northampton and Market Harborough Branch (London and North Western Railway)Line closed to passengers.
2001Slamannan and Borrowstounness RailwayArtemis motorised Mk3 Driving Van Trailer (82113 renumbered at 19001) tested on the Preserved_>Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway Preserved .

News


These are old news items which which occured on this day. This generally lists events after 1995, the creation of the website.

YearCompaniesDescription
1999Howwood to re-openAnnouncement that Howwood station (Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway) is to be re-opened. Part funded by SPTE and a housing developer.
2004Rail operator reports less delays [BBC News]Network Rail says that train delays dropped by up to 28% in July but that there was "much work to be done".
2004Van man hurt in steam train crash [BBC News]A man is airlifted to hospital after his van is hit by a train on a level crossing on the Severn Valley Railway.
2006Have your say on rail service [Scotsman]EDINBURGH commuters who travel by rail from Fife have been invited to give their views on First ScotRail^s services.
2006Call for extra rail station [Scotsman]TRANSPORT leaders have called for an extra station to be made on a new railway line to be built between the city and Glasgow.
2010Row erupts in claim over railway station bidA row has broken out between Highland Council and a north MSP over the reopening of a railway station that could help ease commuter traffic congestion.
2010Rail fares could rise by 10% following latest inflation figuresRail passengers face the threat of 10% fare rises next year following the publication of July^s inflation data today.
2011Rail fares rise condemned as ^eye-watering^ by Labour [Guardian]Commuters will have to endure an average rise of 8% in the cost of their rail tickets next year following the latest inflation figures – a price hike Labour described as ^eye-watering^.
2013Call for new Grangemouth railway station [Falkirk Herald]Falkirk Council has revealed that it is reviewing potential locations across the district which could be used for new railway stations. The news comes amid renewed calls for the reopening of Grangemouth station, which closed to passengers in 1968. The port town is still served by a working railway line, but it has been exclusively used by freight trains for more than four decades.
2013Railway boost for Shawfair [Midlothian Advertiser]Large-scale development at Shawfair is back on track thanks to a much-anticipated construction boom ahead of the Borders Rail line
opening. Plans to build a town centre and around 4,000 houses beside a new rail station had stalled as a result of the
economic downturn after 2008. However, the proposals are now set to roll forward as part of the new Midloth-ian Local Development Plan (LDP).
2013Caledonian sleeper train franchise improvements outlined [BBC News]Rail companies competing for the Caledonian sleeper franchise have been told the service must be ^emblematic of the best of Scotland^. The tender document outlines a series of improvements to be made on board. They include the introduction of en suite lavatories in business class berths, new wi-fi facilities, and improved security. Bidders have been asked to provide showers for all sleeper passengers at key stations.
2014North Yorkshire Moors Railway^s new platform opens [BBC News]North Yorkshire Moors Railway^s second platform at Whitby station has officially opened to the public. The charity launched its new timetable with the first steam train arriving into the station at 09:44 BST. The railway operates steam trains on its line between Pickering, Grosmont and Whitby. It said the number of steam trains serving the seaside town would increase from three to five each day during the spring, summer and autumn months.
2014New row for Borders Railway [Border Telegraph]A ROW has erupted over what to call the region’s new rail line, community councillors heard this week. It has emerged there is still some dispute over whether it should be named the Borders Railway or the Waverley Line - after the original line which was closed in 1969. It follows a debate over whether to call the terminus Tweedbank or Tweedbank Abbotsford.
2015Final bow for last original Midland Metro tram [Rail News]WEST Midlanders living in Birmingham or the Black Country bade farewell to a familiar local icon today, as the last of the original fleet of Midland Metro trams made its final journey. The Ansaldo Breda tram entered service as part of the Midland Metro fleet when the first line opened 16 years ago, but they have now all been replaced by a larger fleet of new trams from Spanish builder CAF. [From Richard Buckby]
2017Virgin Trains Azuma crosses Border for first time [Scotsman]A brand new Virgin Azuma which will replace 40-year-old trains on the east coast main line made its debut visit to Scotland today. The test run from Doncaster to Dunbar was the first of a series north of the Border in the run-up to the trains entering service late next year.
2018Delays as tractor ploughs over West Yorkshire rail track [BBC News]A tractor towing a trailer has damaged tracks and overhead electric wires after it rolled on to a railway line, causing major disruption to services. The vehicle demolished a gantry at Fitzwilliam, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire at 20:55 BST on Wednesday. It was removed at about 05:40 BST, but passengers were warned of delays on routes including Leeds, London, Glasgow and Plymouth due to repair work. Disruption is expected until 18:00, when all lines are expected to be open. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made, British Transport Police said.
2018Latest CalMac ferry now delayed by a year [Scotsman]CalMac^s latest new ferry could now enter service more than a year late, The Scotsman has learned
2018Network Rail gets green light to enable more freight along Felixstowe branch line [Network Rail]Network Rail has secured permission to build a new bridleway bridge across the Felixstowe branch line to provide a safe public route across the railway while enabling for more goods to be moved by rail freight and improving reliability for passenger services. 
2019Edinburgh Festival passengers from London told they will have to travel via Glasgow [Scotsman]Passengers faced with the main Edinburgh-London rail link being severed over the English August bank holiday weekend are being warned that trains on an alternative route will be full.
2019Ferguson Marine shipyard to be nationalised by Scottish Government [Scotsman]The Ferguson Marine shipyard on the Clyde looks poised to be nationalised by the Scottish Government amid an ongoing row over a £97 million ferry contract.
2019West Highland Line to re-open on Monday [Network Rail]Following earlier than anticipated completion of the work to repair damage from recent flooding, Network Rail has announced that the West Highland Line will fully re-open for start of service on Monday, August 19.