Derby Works: Prototype BR mixed-traffic diesel-electric locomotive no 10800 in a siding at Derby Works on 27 August 1960. NBL built 10800 was ordered by the LMS in 1946 but did not appear until 1950 following nationalisation. Intended as a replacement for steam on secondary branch lines (pre-Beeching) orders for a total of 54 similar locomotives were placed in 1955 (eventually becoming the short-lived BR classes 15 and 16). See image [[2884]]

Derby Works: Preserved Midland Compound 4-4-0 no 1000 stands in the sidings alongside Derby Works in August 1960.

Edinburgh Waverley: Dunblane bound DMU about to depart Waverley, shadowed by an unidentified Peppercorn pacific on 27th August 1960. Photo by the late Donald G Wilkinson.

Hairmyres: BR Standard tank 80051 approaching Hairmyres on Saturday 27 August 1960 with an East Kilbride train.

Thorntonhall: An East Kilbride - St Enoch DMU photographed running north between Hairmyres and Thorntonhall on Saturday 27 August 1960.
See query 2141

Walkinshaw Branch Junction: A Gourock - Glasgow service eastbound approaching Walkinshaw Branch Junction on 27 August 1963. Locomotive in charge is Fairburn 2-6-4 tank no 42695.

Blackstone Junction: Fairburn tank no 42263 heading south east between the former Georgetown station and Blackstone Junction on 27 August 1963. The train is on its way from Gourock to Glasgow Central.

Blackstone Junction: BR Standard tank 80121 crossing the Black Cart Water on the approach to Blackstone Junction on 27 August 1963 with a Glasgow - Wemyss Bay express.

Paisley St James: View east from Paisley St James station on 27 August 1963, with Black 5 4-6-0 no 44830 approaching at speed with a train for Gourock. The footpath provided direct access to the westbound platform from Murray Street.

Bishopton: Fairburn tank 42241 arriving at Bishopton on 27 August 1963 with a Gourock - Glasgow Central train.

Langbank: 42263 approaching Langbank station from the east on 27 August 1963 with a Glasgow - Gourock express.

Ballachulish: A BRCW Type 2 diesel awaits departure from Ballachulish, with the branch service to Connel Ferry, in August 1963.

Whinhill: 42243 leaving on Glasgow - Wemyss Bay express. Cartsburn Twin Tunnels.

Johnstone Junction: A mixed freight train, behind Clayton D8504, approaches Johnstone (High until 1962) from the Elderslie direction on 27 August 1963. In the formation is Wemyss Private Railway No.16, which is doubtless heading for Andrew Barclay's in Kilmarnock for overhaul.

Blackstone Junction: 42210 runs west through Blackstone Junction on 27 August 1963 at the head of a Glasgow Central - Gourock express.

Haymarket Shed [2nd]: J36 no 65243 Maude on shed at 64B Haymarket on 27 August 1963.

Ballachulish: Ballachulish station in 1963, with a BRCW Type 2 diesel on the branch service to Connel Ferry.

Connel Ferry: Services to and from Ballachulish at Connel Ferry in 1963. BRCW Type 2 D5365 is about to leave and, on the left, a Type 2-hauled service has arrived from the branch, the locomotive shortly to run round to continue to Oban.

Blackstone Junction: 42261 runs east through Blackstone Junction at the head of a Gourock - Glasgow train in the summer of 1963.

Connel Ferry: An eastbound Swindon DMU leaving Connel Ferry on a summer evening in 1963.

Cartsburn Tunnel: Fairburn tank 42243 leaving Cartsburn Tunnel with a Glasgow Central - Wemyss Bay train on 27 August 1963.

Bishopton: A Gourock - Glasgow train pulls away from Bishopton on 27 August 1963 behind Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42241.

Glenlochy Crossing: View from an eastbound train at Glenlochy Crossing in August 1963. A BRCW Type 2 (later Class 27) heads in the opposite direction with a westbound freight.

Paisley St James: Black 5 4-6-0 no 45148 runs east through Paisley St James on 27 August 1963 with a Gourock - Glasgow semi-fast.

Langbank: Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42277 passing Langbank on a bright and sunny 27 August 1963 with a semi-fast from Glasgow Central bound for Wemyss Bay.

Oxford: Ex-GWR Hall class 4-6-0 no 5933 Kingsway Hall waiting to leave Oxford in the summer of 1964, having just taken over a train bound for York.

Oxford: 6926 Holkham Hall brings a lengthy freight north through the centre road at Oxford in August 1964.

Oxford: Churchward 2-6-0 6309 stands at at signals at the north end of the down platform at Oxford station on 27 August 1964 while 6154 passes with a southbound freight.

Oxford: West Country Pacific no 34103 Calstock stands on the centre road at Oxford in the summer of 1964. The locomotive is awaiting the arrival of the southbound Pines Express ex-Manchester which it will take over for the final leg to Bournemouth.

Oxford: 6904 Charfield Hall brings a train for Bournemouth into Oxford in August 1964 under a gantry of lower quadrant signals.

Oxford: GWR modified Hall 4-6-0 no 6979 Helperly Hall takes an up fast freight through the centre road at Oxford in the summer of 1964.

Arkleston Junction: Polmadie based BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 no 76071 hurries past Arkleston Junction with a train for Glasgow in the summer of 1965.

Eastfield Shed: LNER J38 0-6-0 65901 at Eastfield in August 1965.

Eastfield Shed: Glen Douglas at Eastfield shed, awaiting railtour duty the following day. 27/8/65

Eastfield Shed: Preserved NBR 4-4-0 No 256 'Glen Douglas' at Eastfield in August 1965. The following day the 'Glen' took charge of an SLS railtour to Fife.

Bournemouth Central: A view of the now preserved, but then in a run down condition, former Southern Railway Bulleid designed Merchant Navy 4-6-2 35028 'Clan Line' departing Bournemouth with a service to London Waterloo on the 27 Aug 1965, the twilight period for steam on the Southern. It was withdrawn by BR in July 1967, after 18 years 7 months service. See image [[26799]] of it, post restoration, whilst hauling a special working at York on 14 October 1978.

Bournemouth: Unrebuilt Bulleid West Country Pacific 34038 'Lynton', with steam sanders in use, is seen starting out from Bournemouth Station heading for London Waterloo Station on 27 August 1965. The loco looks a tad tired, with a section of top casing missing, and it was withdrawn from service in June the following year. It was cut up at Cashmore's in Newport in September that year, exactly 20 years to the month from when it entered service.

Greenock Central: A grimy looking Fairburn 2-6-4 tank about to depart from Greenock Central with a Glasgow bound train on 27 August 1965.

Glasgow St Enoch: Bank Hall Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0 75026 was unusual power for the 17.20 to Busby, seen leaving Glasgow St Enoch on 27th August 1965. The loco had been overhauled at Cowlairs works and was being borrowed by Corkerhill depot before returning south.

Greenock Harbour: TS Duchess of Montrose and PS Jeanie Deans side by side at at Greenock in August 1965. Both vessels were withdrawn awaiting disposal at this time.

Wemyss Bay: TS Duchess of Hamilton approaching Wemyss Bay pier on 27 August 1965.

Gourock Pier: [[PS Caledonia]] approaching Gourock Pier in August 1965.

Buchanan Street Tunnel East Signal Box: 73149 emerging from the Buchanan St tunnel on the 15.15 Glasgow - Dundee. 44874 descends to Buchanan St with empty stock. 27/8/65

Belfast York Road: No 97 standing in the yard at York Road works, Belfast, on 27 August 1965.

Glasgow St Enoch: An unusual visitor to Glasgow St Enoch, on 27th August 1965, was Bank Hall's Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0 75026, fresh from overhaul in Cowlairs Works. It had brought in a local service and would shortly take charge of the 5.20pm to Busby. The loco was at one time based at Machynlleth for Cambrian Coast duties, and had been fitted with a double chimney during a visit to Swindon in 1962. Swindon also applied BR green paintwork and this was duly retained during the Cowlairs overhaul.

Largs Pier: DEPV Talisman leaving Largs on 27 August 1965.

Eastfield Shed: GNSR no. 49 'Gordon Highlander', inside the shed at Eastfield on 27th August 1965, with NBR no. 256 'Glen Douglas' outside. The 'Glen' was being made ready for a railtour the following day but, as far as I can recall, 'Gordon Highlander' was not scheduled for any work that weekend.

Corstorphine [2nd]: In August 1966 the Railway Society of Scotland sponsored a 'J36 Railtour' which started at Corstorphine and toured the suburbs of Edinburgh. The locomotive was Thornton's 65345, seen here at Corstorphine before departure.

Nitshill: The fireman's work being done for the moment, he's having a seat as Jubilee 45593 'Kolhapur' speeds downhill towards Glasgow with the summer Saturday 6.40 from Birmingham. The photograph was taken at the north end of the Levern Water viaduct, between Barrhead and Nitshill.

Musselburgh [2nd]: The Railway Society of Scotland J36 Rail Tour at Musselburgh terminus on 27 August 1966. No 65345 is in charge, as it was throughout the tour.

Pollokshields East Junction: The summer Saturday 11.05 Glasgow – Blackpool passes Pollokshields East junction on 27th August 1966. Black 5 45061 has Standard 2-6-4T 80004 as pilot as far as Kilmarnock.

Haymarket: The Railway Society of Scotland organised a tour of suburban railways around Edinburgh on 27th August 1966, with J36 65345 in charge. The train was photographed approaching Haymarket on the first stage of the tour, en route from Corstorphine to Portobello.

Corstorphine [2nd]: The Railway Society of Scotland August 1966 'J36 Railtour' started at Corstorphine and toured the suburbs of Edinburgh. The locomotive was Thornton's 65345, seen here before departure from Corstorphine.

Carlisle Upperby Shed: Standard Class 4 No. 75027 on Upperby shed in August 1967. The locomotive was held in reserve for banking duties from Tebay, to which shed it was nominally allocated from April 1967 until closure at the very end of the same year. However, with six of the class available at 12E to cover a dwindling number of banking duties, the call never came.

Wetheral: A4 Pacific no 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley eastbound on the Newcastle & Carlisle line near Wetheral on 27 August 1967. The train is an A4 Locomotive Society special returning from Kingmoor to Leeds via Newcastle and York.

Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: Sunday 27 August 1967 on Kingmoor shed. Face to face in the the north yard are Black 5s 45038 and 44674. The Britannia in the background is 70038 Robin Hood which had been officially withdrawn by BR a couple of weeks earlier.

Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: Framed between the tenders of Ivatt Class 4 2-6-0 No. 43121 and Stanier 8F No. 48158 at the north end of Kingmoor shed on Sunday 27th August 1967 is the now-preserved Black 5 No. 45000.

Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: The shed yard at Kingmoor in the summer of 1967. Stanier 8F No. 48158 appears to have worked up to Carlisle from Leeds with a special Class 8 freight judging by the chalked reporting number on the smokebox. Why it should be running with a mini-snowplough, even over the S&C, in the middle of summer is not clear - but it wouldn't serve any further useful purpose as the loco didn't survive the demise of steam in the West Riding that autumn.

Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: Black 5 No. 44674 sits out the last Sunday of August 1967 in the north yard at Carlisle Kingmoor shed. At this stage the locomotive had 4 months to go to official withdrawal, following which it was cut up at Wards of Inverkeithing the following March.

Carlisle Upperby Shed: Black 5 No. 44910 stored at Upperby on 27th August 1967. The painted shed code 8L is prominent on the smokebox door but the loco had been transferred to Kingmoor some weeks earlier on closure of Aintree shed. 44910 was later transferred to Newton Heath from where it was eventually withdrawn in June 1968.

Carlisle Durranhill Shed: 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley on the eastern approach to Carlisle on 27 August 1967 with an RCTS Railtour from Leeds. The train is westbound on the Settle & Carlisle line at Durranhill with the remains of the old MR yard and shed nearest the camera and the sprawling Botchergate housing estate forming the backdrop. Just out of sight beyond the train and running in parallel with the S&C at this point is the Newcastle and Carlisle route. The two will meet at Petteril Bridge Junction, less than a mile to the west. See image [[14721]]

Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: Any of the half a million inhabitants of the ancient Indian city of Kolhapur visiting Kingmoor shed on Sunday 27 August 1967 would likely have taken great offence at the painted nameplate being carried by 45593 at that time. The Jubilee had worked into Carlisle the previous day, bringing in the 09.20 St Pancras - Glasgow Central from Leeds see image [[27938]]. Standing nearby, attempting to disassociate itself from the Jubilee, is Black 5 no 45437.

Carlisle Upperby Shed: BR Standard class 4 no 75027 at Upperby in August 1967, almost eight months after the shed had closed. Contrary to appearances, the locomotive is in store, rather than dumped, and would subsequently move to Carnforth, seeing out the end of steam there in August 1968. Stanier 8F no 48400, nominally allocated to Carnforth but actually in store at 12B, also survived until the end of steam, in this case at Rose Grove shed.

Carlisle Kingmoor Shed: Fifty years ago today; having secured permission to go round Carlisle Kingmoor, this was the melancholy sight which greeted my father and myself as we made our way towards the shed building on 27th August 1967 - Black 5 No. 45120 which had been withdrawn two months previously, with classmate No. 44928 to its left, also a June 1967 casualty. Behind 45120 is a withdrawn 9F, possibly No. 92080 which had succumbed in May. While the peripheral sidings were full of withdrawn locos, a fair proportion of the 105 locos seen were still active, including two Holbeck Jubilees (45562 and 45593) which had arrived in Carlisle the previous day on dated SO workings over the S&C. In fact it was difficult to believe that 12A was due to close just four months later. I wonder who the young chap on the left is - probably he's now one of these grey haired old geysers still to be seen at Citadel station whenever steam is due on a special!

Carlisle Upperby Shed: Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 No. 46470 (with classmate 46522 beyond) in store at Carlisle Upperby MPD on Sunday 27th August 1967. Supposedly transferred from Upperby to Kingmoor on the closure of the former at the end of 1966, and withdrawn from 12A in May 1967, it seems very unlikely that the loco had ever left Upperby in the intervening period.

Kefermarkt: A pair of Kriegsloks battling uphill near Kefermarkt on the Linz - Summerau line in August 1974 with heavy freight No. 45094, which was booked to depart Linz at 11.17. The train's eventual destination would be in Czechoslovakia but the 2-10-0s would give way to CSD diesel power at Summerau. The leading loco, No. 52 6288, is fitted with a Giesl ejector while its classmate No. 52 7061 still has the conventional arrangement. The line was in the course of electrification as evidenced by the poles behind the train

Hythe: Two almost new Class 312 EMU sets seen just after passing Colchester Hythe station in August 1977 on a Liverpool Street to Walton (front unit) and Clacton (rear unit) working. While the line remains, virtually every other part of this scene has been transformed. The Colchester Lathe company on the right is long gone (inevitably replaced by a Tesco car park and Superstore), a road bridge has been built across the foreground to bypass the level crossing seen in the distance, and huge blocks of commuter flats have arisen on the left.

Filey Holiday Camp: Happy campers heading for the station concourse at Filey HC on a summer Saturday in August 1977. There they will join one of the Butlins Road Trains which will ferry them via a tunnel below the A165 coast road to reach the camp itself. Photographed from the window of a Hull bound DMU recently arrived at platform 2. Standing alongside is the 0900 (SO) ex-Leeds, which arrived here at 1126 and will continue forward to Scarborough at 1212.

Filey Holiday Camp: Leaving platform 2 at Filey Holiday Camp station on 27 August 1977, with the route set for Royal Oak South Junction thence the Yorkshire Coast line to Hull. This was the station's final summer season and a significant amount of track lifting had already taken place (see image [[32264]]). This included the lines serving platforms 3 & 4 which had been out of use since 1974. The last scheduled departure took place one week later on Saturday 3 September 1977 when train 1M48 left as the 1240 (SO) to Leicester.

Royal Oak South Junction: Approaching Royal Oak South Junction and signal box on a summer Saturday in 1977. Photograph taken from a train coming off the branch from Filey Holiday Camp and heading for Hull. Part of the town of Hunmanby stands in the background.

Royal Oak South Junction: View from a train shortly after rejoining the Yorkshire Coast line at Royal Oak South Junction after coming off the branch from Filey Holiday Camp. The train is the 1132 (SO) Scarborough - Hull and the date is thought to be 27 August 1977, the Saturday prior to closure of the branch. The signals protect the southern approach to the junction, with Royal Oak South signal box just off picture to the right.

Filey Holiday Camp: A close-up of Filey Holiday Camp signal box in August 1977, standing on the north side of the line alongside the station approach. The new 4-platform station was opened by the LNER in 1947 to serve the large post-war 'Butlins' holday camp located nearby.

Filey Holiday Camp: View forward from a DMU leaving Filey Holiday Camp station, thought to have been taken on Saturday 27 August 1977 during the station's final days of operation. The 1132 (SO) Scarborough - Hull had left the Yorkshire Coast line at Royal Oak North Junction (situated along the embankment to the right) with the main line continuing between Royal Oak North and Royal Oak South Junctions via the single arch bridge visible in the centre background. The train was now about to take the curve towards Royal Oak South Junction where it would rejoin the main line to Hull.

Filey Holiday Camp: Looking back from a window of the 1155 arrival from Scarborough standing at platform 2 of Filey HC on a warm summer Saturday in August 1977. The DMU will continue its journey to Hull following a 5 minute stopover here. The overgrown track on the far left is the platform 1 engine release line. All four platforms here were approximately 1,100 feet long.

Tyseley: A DMU bound for Birmingham Moor Street calls at Tyseley in August 1980.

Löbau: Rebuilt Kriegslok No 52 8200, the last of 200 examples so treated by the East German DR, makes a smoky departure from Löbau (in the far south-east of the DDR between Görlitz and Dresden) on 27th August 1981 with a long westbound freight.

Skinningrove Locomotive Shed: Filled in loco shed pits at Carlin How with Skinningrove Rolling Mills to right. View North 27 Aug 1985.

Skinningrove Steelworks: A trainload of steel sections stands alongside Skinningrove rolling mill in August 1985 behind 37013 sporting the West Highland Scottie symbol.

Butterley: A former BR and then Dutch electric loco. This is a BR Class 77 Co-Co, formerly E27000 'Electra' when used on the Woodhead 1500v DC route. It was sold to the Dutch NSB around 1970 running as 1502 and returned to the UK for preservation at the Midland Railway Centre after withdrawal. 27 August 1986. (See image [[20965]])

Boat of Garten: Strathspey Railway's Austerity No 60 and Bagnall 2996 'Victor' at Boat of Garten on 27 August 1989. 

London Bridge: Looking back towards the train shed at London Bridge station in August 2002.

Norham:   Platform scene at Norham on the Kelso to Tweedmouth line - taken on 27th August 2004 looking east.

Bad Lauterberg: The station at Bad Lauterberg must have been a very attractive location at one time but has clearly gone to seed by 2004, following the withdrawal of freight services around the turn of the millennium. In fact the short branch from Scharzfeld, of which it was the terminus, has since closed completely, and Bad Lauterberg is now served by a halt on the nearby Northeim to Nordhausen line. On 27th August 2004 dmu set 628 + 928 204 waits to depart on the 11:05 through working to Braunschweig.

Norham: Signal box and non-original signal at Norham on 27 August 2004. View west towards Kelso.

Partick Central: The former Partick Central booking office in August 2006.

Partick: Entrance to Partick station from the bus interchange during extensive alterations being carried out during the summer of 2006.

Partick: Temporary entrance and ticket hall at Partick station during work being carried out in August 2006.

Eastfield TMD: Part of Eastfield depot looking southwest in August 2006. The line linking Cowlairs East and North Junctions can be seen above the shed.

Partick Central: View south along Benalder Street on 27 August 2006, showing the surviving Partick Central station building perched over the remains of its platforms.

Partick Central: The old booking office at Partick Central standing above the overgrown platform remains in August 2006. View is east along the bridge carrying Benalder Street over the River Kelvin, running directly below the camera. At this stage planning was well advanced on redevelopment of the area and the whole site would be cleared within 6 months see image [[13369]].

Eastfield TMD: Edinburgh bound shuttle passing Eastfield depot on an August morning in 2006.

Lyness Submarine Base: Although most of the massive former Royal Naval base at Scapa Flow, Orkney, has been demolished since World War II, there is a visitors Interpretation Centre located at Lyness on the island of Hoy. The photograph, taken in August 2006, shows part of the Lyness centre and various exhibits, including wagons that were once used to transport supplies and equipment around the base on the internal military railway system.

Murthly: Murthly cabin (2006).Part of the former south bound platform is seen in this former 2 platform station & crossing point.

Errol: An NX liveried turbstar is heading for Perth

Partick Central: A Sunday morning stroll through Partick on 27 August 2006 heading north across Benalder Street bridge, with the River Kelvin and the abandoned platforms of Partick Central* (1896-1964) below. The developers' cranes seem to be closing in on this area of the city and the building would only survive for another 5 months See image [[13369]]. (*The old station was renamed Kelvin Hall for the last 5 years of its operational life).

Partick Central: Looking east across the overgrown platforms at Partick Central in August 2006, with the old booking office standing above on Benalder Street. The station opened in 1896 and closed to passengers in 1964, after undergoing a name change to Kelvin Hall for its final 5 years. The building was demolished 5 months later see image [[13369]].

Eastfield TMD: A Glasgow Queen Street - Dunblane service runs past the washing plant at the north end of the new ScotRail depot at Eastfield on 27 August 2006. Note the fenced off embankment beyond the train, from which an 8-span plate girder viaduct once carried the Caledonian freight line actoss the E&G. See image [[9082]]

Kildonan: An Aquarius PW Roadrail vehicle approaching Kildonan station on 27 August 2007, having reversed north along the section from Rogart on an inspection trip see image [[20547]].

Kinbrace: A northbound service arriving at Kinbrace on 27 August 2007.

Dunrobin Castle: Platform view looking north at Dunrobin Castle on 27 August 2007.

Kildonan: An Aquarius PW Roadrail vehicle reverses north along the Strath of Kildonan on 27 August 2007.

Kinbrace: Next stop Forsinard! A 158 on the far north line heads for the hills on 27 August 2007, shortly after leaving Kinbrace.

Loth: Approach to the closed station at Loth, Sutherland, in the summer of 2007. View is south west towards Brora with the Far North line running past on the left and the A9 off picture to the right. Loth station closed to passengers in June 1960.

Golspie: Part of the station yard at Golspie on 27 August. The entrance road from the A9 can be seen in the left background while the station itself is directly behind the camera.

Kinbrace: A northbound train on the shores of Loch an Ruathair in August 2007 on the section between Kinbrace and Forsinard.

Golspie: The station building at Golspie, seen from the forecourt on 27 August 2007. The date on the stone is 1868. The road bridge on the right carries the A9 over the line.

Helmsdale: Station building and parking area at Helmsdale in the summer of 2007. View west from the station approach road.

Helmsdale: The boarded up station building at Helmsdale on 27 August 2007.

Rogart: The 1237 from the far north to Inverness approaching a level crossing in Strathfleet on 27 August 2007. The 158 is 3 miles west of Rogart making for its next scheduled stop at Lairg.

Golspie: Scene in the former goods yard at Golspie in the summer of 2007, with the local coal merchant still in business. View is south east, with the station in the right background.

Dunrobin Castle: View south at Dunrobin Castle on 27 August 2007, looking over the old bay.

Forsinard: View northeast through Forsinard station on 27 August from the open level crossing. The former station building is now a visitor information centre run by the RSPB which has a reserve here and the young lady in blue watering the platform plants is a student from Norfolk doing a holiday job.

Rogart: Inverness train southbound through the heather in Strathfleet in the summer of 2007.

Kinbrace: With the rain just starting to fall, the 10.37 Inverness - Wick / Thurso accelerates north away from Kinbrace in August 2007 heading for its next stop at Forsinard.

Helmsdale: The old box at Helmsdale in August 2007. View north from the footbridge.

Kildonan: Going... going.. A road-rail vehicle is halfway through its metamorphosis at Kildonan station on 27 August 2007 as it prepares to exit the railway via the level crossing. The front end of the Aquarius Rail Rover has reverted to pneumatic tyres while the rear is still on flanged wheels.

Loth: The closed station at Loth on the Far North line between Brora and Helmsdale. View east across fields in August 2007 - the coast lies just over the hill.

Rogart: Platform scene at Rogart, summer 2007.

Golspie: Approaching the station at Golspie, Sutherland, in August 2007.

Forsinard: Back to nature...the mosses and lichens have already started the inevitable on the wooden steps of Forsinard north box in August 2007.

Forsinard: The out of use north signal box at Forsinard in August 2007. A few years ago, before the box was boarded up, EC photographed the following scratched into the wooden surface inside... James Sinclair. Finished on railway 27/11/93 after 36 years service. See image [[16369]]

Carlisle: Britannia Pacific No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell comes to a stop at Carlisle's platform 3 on 27 August 2008. The train, which purports to be the down 'Thames-Clyde Express', is actually the terminating 'Dalesman' excursion from Hellifield.

Heysham Port: The Boat Train arrives at Heysham Port, formerly Heysham Harbour, to connect with the Isle of Man Steam Packet vessel Ben-My-Chree, seen in the background. 156480 will make two trips from Lancaster (2008 timetable) - this one arriving at 1230 to collect from the inbound sailing and then returning just before 1400 with outbound passengers for what will be a grey murky crossing. The slightly rusty line on the left is the connection into the two nuclear power stations but DRS flask traffic was light at that time as the stations were not operating at full capacity because of ongoing maintenance.

Carlisle: Driver Gordon Hodgson acknowledges the rightaway at Carlisle from 70013 Oiver Cromwell which is about to return The Dalesman charter to Hellifield on 27 August 2008.

Ropley: A4 Pacific no 60019 Bittern at Ropley on the Mid Hants Railway on 27 August 2009.

Alresford (Hampshire): Ex-SR 4-6-0 No 850 Lord Nelson, being used on a driver experience course on 27 August 2009 running into Alresford on the Mid Hants Railway.

Medstead and Four Marks: A DMU waiting to pull into the platform at Medstead and Four Marks on the Mid-Hants Railway on 27 August 2009.

Ropley: Ex-GWR 2-8-0T no 5224 running into Ropley on 27 August

Lochee: The down platform building of the former Lochee station, Dundee, closed to passengers in January 1955 and now in private use. Photographed on 27 August 2009.

Harrogate: An early afternoon service from York via Knaresborough arrives at a busy Harrogate station on 27 September 2010. The DMU will continue south from here to eventually terminate at Leeds.

Milton Keynes Central: Shiver me timbers! A Southbound 350 seen through one of the unusual 'porthole' windows on the footbridge at Milton Keynes on 27 August.

Woburn Sands: The Station Hotel, unlike the station, is still engaged in its original business; and is still named after the station. The pub sign is nice - an almost exact copy of a Don Breckon painting - so it shows a GWR pannier tank on an LNWR line!

Wolverton Works: Although much of Wolverton Works has been turned into a Tesco, they kindly preserved the original works fire station. It is now a bookshop - an ironic touch for fans of the Ray Bradbury sci-fi novel 'Fahrenheit 451', in which people live in fireproof houses, and 'firemen' are employed to burn books.

Woburn Sands: If you like your stations to be pink, try Woburn Sands, between Bedford and Bletchley, seen here in August 2010. But don't come by car - the station has been converted to offices, and the car park belongs to the tenants - even though at present, the building is vacant.

Carnforth: 'Which Scot is that?' might have been the cry of a frustrated sixties spotter looking across from Carnforth station platform to the shed. No 46115 Scots Guardsman, with a remarkable load of coal in its tender, receives attention outside the running shed at Carnforth on 27 August 2010. West Coast locomotives are kept busy at this time of year and I believe 46115 had worked the Scarborough Flyer the previous day.

Carnforth: Four DRS Class 20s (20314/307/313/303) are presently stored at West Coast Railways at Carnforth, along with three DRS Class 37s. 37605 is seen here facing the 20s in the shadow of the famous Carnforth coaling tower, as seen from the Barrow platform of Carnforth station. 37612 and 37261 were also present coupled to 37605 just out of picture.

Polmadie Depot: The first of the new 380 units, no 380106 has now arrived at the Polmadie Commissioning Facility where it is seen in the sidings on 27 August 2010.

Polmadie Depot: The first of a 38-strong fleet of Class 380 trains funded by Transport Scotland is pictured at the Polmadie Commissioning Facility sidings on 27 August 2010. It will undergo final commissioning before ScotRail brings the fleet into service under a rolling programme between October and March.

Polmadie Depot: Initial checks underway as part of the commissioning process involving the new 380 units at Polmadie on 27 August.

Langley: Looking across the trackbed to the station buildings at Langley on the Allendale branch. The station (closed 1930) is now a garden, crafts and walking centre with the Leaning Shed Cafe on the right. The upper part of the substantial former station house can be seen in the background.

Wolverton Works: My satnav is very rude about Wolverton, stating that 'there are no points of interest in this town'. I beg to differ - here is an excellent candidate for the world's shortest standard gauge railway. See also image [[30679]]. A lone EMU axle stands outside Wolverton town hall in August 2010. Parts of the doomed Works can be seen in the background.

Warton: The Carnforth Ironworks tramroad has been closed for at least 80 years but large parts of the old formation can still be seen. Here a section of embankment has been grubbbed out to afford access to the river bank but the old line can be seen stretching away northeastwards towards the point where it crosses the Furness main line and to the old quarry beyond. Map Reference SD 486714

Warton: A branch of the Carnforth Ironworks tramroad was used for tipping slag alongside the Keer estuary. The old slag heaps have now been incorporated into a local landfill site but parts of them are still visible as is this section of the old formation looking south alongside the River Keer estuary towards the sea. Map Reference SD 486714

Preston: Ex LMS Black 5 no 45305 pauses at Preston with the Cumbrian Mountain Express to Carlisle on 27 August 2011.

Preston: Black 5 no.45305 on the Down Fast, crossing the River Ribble on the southern approach to Preston while working the Cumbrian Mountain Express on 27 August 2011.

Perth: Closure of Perth platform 4 on 27 August 2011 while repair and refurbishment work is carried out.

Scarborough: The Scarborough Spa Express stands at the platform at Scarborough on Tuesday 27 August after a fine run from York via Wakefield. Royal Scot 46115 Scots Guardsman is at the head of the train.

Scarborough: Royal Scot 46115 Scots Guardsman stands at Scarborough on 27 August 2013 with The Scarborough Spa Express preparing to return to York.

Whalley Viaduct: The return Fellsman railtour crossing Whalley viaduct on the very dull evening of 27 August 2014. Black 5 no. 45231 was entrusted with the working without diesel backup and a fine job it made of it too. The train is about to start the ascent of Wilpshire bank.

Lostock Hall Junction: DBS 60010 heads east at Lostock Hall Junction on 27 August 2014 with the empty tar tank wagons returning to Lindsey Oil Refinery on Humberside.

Baillieston: A class 156 DMU forming the 0844 service from Glasgow Central High level calls at an improbably picturesque Baillieston station on 27th August 2014. Electrification work is now almost complete on the Whifflet line.

Wemyss Bay: The Friends of Wemyss Bay Station have excelled themselves with their floral displays on the concourse during the summer of 2014.

Lostock Hall Junction: The last of the 2014 summer season Wednesday Fellsman railtours in brilliant sunshine at Lostock Hall Junction on 27 August 2014. Black 5 no. 45231 is on the outward service to Carlisle.

Strand Road Level Crossing: The morning commuter traffic is briefly halted on 27 August as DBS 60010 sets off across Strand Road in Preston with the bitumen empties returning to Lindsey refinery. A short distance beyond the crossing lies Fishergate Tunnel and the 1:29 climb back to the main line near Preston station.

Hest Bank: Recently returned to service with DRS, 37401 Mary Queen of Scots has retained its large logo livery and made a fine sight on 27th August 2015 propelling the 0515 Carlisle to Preston service through Hest Bank.

Edinburgh Waverley: View over the east end of Waverley from Regent Road on a wet and overcast 27 August 2015. The Voyager heading for the Calton Tunnel is the CrossCountry 0900 Glasgow Central - Penzance, a class 67 is stabled in the sleeper loco bay, while a 158 stands at platform 4 with the 1024 to Newcraighall. The waste ground bottom left is the site of the now demolished New Street bus depot, while opposite is the entrance to the Waverley car park.

Kinbrace: Mountain, moorland and big skies on 27th August 2015, as the 14.00 Inverness-Thurso/Wick coasts into Kinbrace.

Hest Bank: Cumbrian Coast loco hauled services have now gone over to push-pull operation with a single Class 37/4 replacing the previous top & tail use of two locomotives. On 27th August 2015, newly refurbished DBSO 9707 led the 0515 Carlisle to Preston service through Hest Bank, propelled by large logo 37401 Mary Queen of Scots. The train was unusually formed of only three coaches.

Edinburgh Waverley: The Calton Road entrance to Waverley, photographed looking south from Waterloo Place on 27 August 2015. The train awaiting its departure time at platform 2 is the 1000 Virgin East Coast service to London Kings Cross.

Broomhill: Ivatt Class 2 No.46512. This little engine has been the mainstay of the Strathspey Railway's steam services for the last couple of years and has proved to be a very reliable locomotive.

Donyatt Halt: Sunset against tree trunks, looking North towards Donyatt Halt see image [[52165]]. In steam days, of course, trees would never have grown to this height anywhere near the solum.

Ilminster: Ladies and gentlemen, I present the Carpet Shed - definitely a less embarrassing fate than becoming a dog grooming parlour see image [[56377]]. Notice the extension to the left.

Didcot Railway Centre: The Chassis from County Class 4-6-0 1014 'County of Glamorgan' was brought out as part of an open day, to be admired by the many financial donors.

Didcot Railway Centre: The Chassis from County Class 4-6-0 1014 'County of Glamorgan' was brought out as part of an open day, to be admired by the many financial donors.

Didcot Railway Centre: The GWR steam railcar No 93 as it shuttles to and fro on the branch line. It does make the right noises and barks away quite well.

Didcot Railway Centre: 6023 King Edward II was in steam in preparation for working their main line.

Didcot Railway Centre: GWR 6023 King Edward II in steam at Didcot on 27 August 2016 in preparation for working the main line.

Didcot Parkway: DB Schenker 66095 departing Didcot sidings with a car train for Southampton Docks.

Didcot Parkway: Freightliner 66420 en route from Crewe to Southampton, passing through Platform 4 at Didcot in August 2016. Note the new waiting room being built on Platforms 2&3.

Didcot Railway Centre: The Barclay Pug was working a shuttle freight train on the main line. On loan from the Rocks by Rail outfit near Cottesmore. Apparently it is the Pug or the King as working engines. None of their other engines are fit for service. Shame really as they have an excellent collection.

Ilminster: The station site at Ilminster offers an impressive range of facilities. The bank of brambles out of shot to the right is not unusual; but walkers with dogs can leave them to be groomed in 'Glamour Pets', a business located in the old station building. View looks North towards Taunton. [Ref query 36692]

Tiverton: We arrived in Tiverton see image [[35388]] too late to visit the town museum, but this mural encouraged us to return. It's a nice picture, presumably of one of the halts on the line; but there is considerable artistic licence.

Broomhill: Ivatt Class 2 No.46512 leaves the run round loop at Broomhill and brings the train into the station platform.

Donyatt Halt: Unfortunately the statue of Doreen and the waiting shelter have been destroyed by vandals see image [[52165]]. Nonetheless, this is still a very peaceful spot.

Craiglockhart Junction: Train 662A, the Sunday 0800 Mossend - Millerhill, runs through Craiglockhart Junction on 27 August 2017 behind Freightliner 66528. Photographed looking north from the towpath of the Union Canal.

Edinburgh Waverley: Borders steam train at Waverley on 27/08/2017.

Newington [NBR]: 66155 on the rear of a ballast train rounding the sub at Newington on 28 August 2017 heading towards Morningside.

Newington [NBR]: A PW train heads west through the site of Newington station on 27 August 2017. Newington closed to passengers in September 1962, since when the island platform has been removed and the track realigned.

Newington [NBR]: Entrance to the former station at Newington on the Edinburgh sub in August 2017. Beyond the gates a stairway, complete with handrails, descends to track level, although the island platform is long gone. Note the lamp inserts in the upper sections of the gate pillars. View west from the A701 Craigmillar Park towards Blackford. For the view from track level see image [[7601]].

Galashiels: The unveiling of a commemorative Jellicoe Express plaque at Galashiels on 27/08/2017. Border Telegraph

Inverkeithing East Junction: Who says railways today are dull? Colas 70804 and Montrose - Millerhill ballast train provide a splash of colour passing Inverkeithing East Junction.

Aberdour: 44871 emerges from Aberdour Station with 'The Forth Bridge & Scottish Borders'.

Galashiels: Galashiels 27 August 2017.

Pinesway Junction: Why the long face? Oh yes, you're a diesel. Jean makes fun of Amanda on this splendid little narrow gauge line, just South of Templecombe on the old Somerset and Dorset trackbed. 27th August 2018.

Templecombe: I always thought the Pines Express was longer (and taller, and wider). Gartell Light Railway No.9 'Jean' has brought a train up from Common Lane to Pinesway Junction, where it is running round the stock. It then goes to Tower View, where it runs round; and to Park Lane, where it runs round. Then it's back to Common Lane - and guess what...

Leyland: A new arrival on platforms 2 & 3 at Leyland in 2018 is this representation of L&Y 0-6-0 no. 52456, and brake van, carrying a few plant pots. The model has been constructed by the station Friends group and is yet another step in the excellent improvements they have made at the station.

Pinesway Junction: Locomotive number 6, 'Mr. G', runs round at Pinesway Junction; not an unusual occurrence on the Gartell Light Railway see image [[65524]].

Ramsgreave and Wilpshire: The first mainline excursion for D213 Andania, the 'Cumbrian Mountain Whistler', ran from Crewe to Carlisle via the S&C on 27th August 2018. The return route was over Shap. The superb looking (and sounding) green machine is seen passing Ramsgreave & Wilpshire station having just surmounted the climb from Blackburn.

Dunblane: In December 2018, ScotRail launched its Inter7City services based around HST stock released from the Western Region. The coaching stock was supposed to be refurbished to modern standards before its introduction, but in the event, most of it had to be deployed in its original form with manually operated slam doors and direct to track toilets. Marketed as 'Classic' HST, but quickly mocked as “Jurassic”, the station dwell times turned out to be very long. Passengers used to more modern trains struggled to open the doors from the inside and conductors had to walk the length of the train shutting the doors and raising their droplight windows. This photo shows a 'Classic' set with livery proclaiming a 'New Era' for 7 Scottish cities on a crew training run from Glasgow to Perth at Dunblane on 27th August 2018, shortly before the electrification team reached this point.

Stormy Loops: WCRC 33029, and Hastings Gauge 33207, heading down Stormy Bank with the Branch Line Society Marching Crompton outing from Crewe to Carmarthen on 27th August 2018. [Ref query 30 August 2018]

Templecombe: The coach couplings on the Gartell Light appear to be back-to-back caravan couplings. And why not, as Barry Norman used to say when reviewing films.

Pinesway Junction: 'Put yer back intae it!' The signaller heaves on the ground frame to help no. 6, 'Mr.G', to run round its stock on the Gartell Light Railway. This picture was taken 20 months ago, but in the current lockdown (April 2020) it feels like a decade or more.

Pinesway Junction: Split level steam: number 9 'Jean' is about to dive under the S&D trackbed on the Gartell Light Railway on its way to Common Lane. Notice the tiny signal box, top right.

Stormy Loops: The Branch Line Society tour from Crewe to Carmarthen emerges from the loop at Stormy heading towards Pyle with 33029 and 33207 in charge on 27th August 2018.

Wilpshire Tunnel: GBRf 66768 slogs through Wilpshire Tunnel and up the last mile or so of the long 1:82/88 bank out of the Ribble Valley. The summit is just south of Ramsgreave and Wilpshire station. The train was fifteen loaded bogie cement tanks heading from Horrocksford to Avonmouth.

Balshaw Lane Junction: A Freightliner Class 90 quartet with 90042 and 90047 doing the work, and 90043 and 90049 along for the ride, on the 4M27 Coatbridge to Daventry container train as it passes Balshaw Lane Junction in August 2018.

Barry: This cab of uncertain origin is currently located at the former EWS wagon repair depot, Barry; which has clearly seen better days. I believe this shed contains ten steam locomotives in 'Barry scrapyard condition', bought by South Glamorgan Council using Lottery money. The locos will hopefully eventually be restored; or at least used to provide parts for other locomotives.

Treforest: 143607 forms the 16.02 to Treherbert at Treforest on 27 August 2019. When I first visited Treforest, there was a heavily vandalized Ford Escort Mark 2 Ghia in the station car park. I was relieved when it was cleared away; unfortunately, its place has been taken (some 30 years later) by a vandalized Ford Fiesta. A tradition, I suppose.

Tirphil: 37421 hauls the second evening commuter train from Cardiff Central to Rhymney out of Tirphil on 27th August 2019. Fans of the class 37 exhaust note should enjoy these trains, as there are some 15 stops - especially tuneful uphill. We had risen at 04.30 to catch the 07.24 into Cardiff - a long day. see image [[25707]] for the same station looking rather less spruce over 30 years ago.

Ford Works Junction: The parting of the ways - the Ford engine factory branch leaving the Vale of Glamorgan line, one way and another.

Tondu: It's a good job the signals are down at Tondu - you know not to expect anything to come down the valley. Seriously, it is a nice surprise to see any rails still present, some 30 years after the Ogmore Valley lines closed to all traffic. Picture taken from a train to Maesteg.

Niddrie West Junction: DRS 68007 takes the suburban loop at Niddrie West Junction with stock for the Fife Circle evening commuter train on 27th August 2019.

Cardiff Central: Sparks coming. Electrification in progress at Cardiff Central in August 2019.

Cardiff Central: The main entrance hall at Cardiff, looking very smart; and somewhat reminiscent of Leeds station IIRC. Unfortunately the bus station, which was very sensibly located to the left of this view, has been relocated elsewhere.

Treforest: 150278 heading for Aberdare at Treforest in August 2019 (see also image [[70547]]).

Woodacre Crossing: Job stopped! 68004 is stationary on the Up Line at Woodacre on 27th August 2019 with the evening flask train and a TPE 350 on the Down as a Network Rail incident response crew try to round up a calf that has strayed onto the line. No doubt more palisade fencing will now appear on this stretch (Footnote: It did).

Edinburgh Waverley: 385018 brings up the rear of the 13.01 from Dunbar, passing the new platforms 5 and 6 at Waverley on 27th August 2019.

Duddingston: DRS 68006 passes Peffermill playing fields with stock for the evening commuter service to Cardenden on 27th August 2019.

Barry: Having last visited Barry in 1990, I didn't expect to find good facilities at the station. So this cafe and art display was a very pleasant surprise.

Cardiff Central: Never mind the units - give us tractors! Impatient commuters await their loco' haulage for (almost) all stops to Rhymney in August 2019. The locos and stock are stored in Canton between morning and evening trips.

Craiglockhart Junction: DBC 66014 joins the Edinburgh suburban loop at Craiglockhart Junction with a long and full Grangemouth - Tees intermodal service, having taken the chord from Slateford, on 27th August 2019.

Niddrie West Junction: DB red 66185 takes the Millerhill line at Niddrie West Junction, with a Carlisle New Yard to Millerhill ballast, on 27th August 2019.

Craigentinny Depot: Blue-liveried 67002 arrives at Craigentinny Depot on 27th August 2019, having come from Doncaster West yard, purpose unknown...

Barry: I expected the sidings at Barry to be empty and run down; but on a visit just after August Bank Holiday 2019 we saw one freight train and a lot of wagons due for repair at the Freightliner depot.

Cardiff Central: A brace of class 153s surely defeats the object of their creation. They are waiting at platform 0 to form the 13.34 to Ebbw Vale (which we caught). Those who have been visiting Cardiff for a while will be pleased to observe the refurbishment of the water tower in the background - the previous mural of daffodils was applied in the 1980s and was badly faded.

Haymarket: Dark times. A notice with details of the temporary bus provision while the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway is repaired.

Dunfermline Queen Margaret: Exotic stock (for West Fife) attracts the attention of customers awaiting an Edinburgh service at Queen Margaret on 27 August 2020. The CrossCountry Class 220 was running ECS from Edinburgh to Dundee, presumably going this way to avoid the busier direct line. This caption required a rare visit to RTT so I am feeling particularly nerdy.

Hornsey: 717007 on a Great Northern service from Moorgate to Stevenage via Hertford North heading away from the camera as it departs from Hornsey on 27th August 2021. This was one of the original stations on the GNR London Extension of 1850, but rebuilt in a slapdash shoddy style with no redeeming features whatsoever during the electrification of the GN London Suburban services which commenced on 8th November 1976.

Blisworth Hill: Now here is a highly traditional cast iron boundary marker, for the Blisworth Tramroad (~1801) on the Grand Junction Canal. This tramway route was in operation before the Blisworth Tunnel was completed in 1805. This is located on the east side of the trackbed close to Blisworth village. The canal was known as the Grand Union (New) from 1929.

Blisworth Tunnel: You may notice that this tunnel vent is rather tall and narrow for a rail tunnel shaft, see image [[28210]]. Well that's because it is a vent for Blisworth canal tunnel. View looks South-East from near the tunnel tramroad in August 2021.

Whitechapel: New walkway at Whitechapel, from a spacious new concourse to the Overground platforms, recently opened, looking north on 27th August 2021. The whole station had been marred by hoardings while the work was going on but these have now been removed, in readiness for when the station becomes an interchange with Crossrail (to be reached via escalators) that is now scheduled for spring 2022. With so many delays since the setback with the original opening date of December 2018, Londoners are not holding their breath.

Whitechapel: The spacious new concourse above the District and Hammersmith & City Lines at Whitechapel, looking from the top of the steps from the new walkway to the Overground platforms (here below those of the Underground) towards the steps and lift that lead down to a revamped entrance, on 27th August 2021. To the right, steps and lifts lead to the new island platform (on surface) used by Underground trains. The almost wholesale rebuilding of this station is in connection with its forthcoming interchange with Crossrail which will be reached via escalators when it does eventually open.

Whitechapel [Metro]: The new circulating area at the Underground platforms at Whitechapel, looking east, on 27th August 2021. Originally two narrow island platforms, served by District and Hammersmith & City Line trains, a new single wide island platform has been created by linking the far outer edges of each over the site of the two lifted tracks that previously ran through the centre. These changes, recently revealed after being stuck behind hoardings for a long time, are in connection with Whitechapel's forthcoming role as an interchange with Crossrail, now due to open in spring 2022.

Uffington: West Coast Railways usually use 37s or 47s to support steam excursions but they also have two operational BRCW Class 33s and 33025 ventured out with 45596 'Bahamas' from Paddington to Worcester on 27th August 2022. The old Type 3 is seen here on the rear of the train passing near Uffington, Oxfordshire, on the GWML.

Yeovil Hendford: They do seem to have rather large dragonflies in Yeovil [see also image 47850]. Otherwise, this wood carving fastened to the underside of a skew bridge on the foot and cyclepath from Pen Mill station to Lysander Road is quite a work of art.

Yeovil Town: Sadly, the only diesel engines in the vicinity of Yeovil Town depot are now fitted to cars. The depot was on the right beyond the bridge, which carries a road heading for Yeovil Junction station. The cinema built on the site of the depot will soon close. The station was on the left of this view; there is a pleasant cyclepath from Pen Mill station to Lysander Road.

St Margarets Shed: Looking south over the excavated turntable pit at St Margarets engine shed on 27th August 2022.

St Margarets Shed: Looking east from the London Road bridge as Azuma 801225, with the 13.30 from Edinburgh to Kings Cross, passes the recently excavated turntable pit at St Margarets on 27 August 2022.

Yeovil Junction: Looking East at dusk at Yeovil Junction in August 2022.

Oaksey Halt: 45596 'Bahamas', southbound to the south of Kemble station on the Gloucester to Swindon line, approaching the site of the long gone Oaksey Halt with a returning excursion on 27th August 2022.

Yeovil Hendford: You dont expect to see farm buildings in the middle of a town, but this was probably countryside when the farm was built - let alone the railway. View looks West. (see also image [[82391]] nearby)

Yeovil Junction: The steam era water tank at Yeovil Junction still survives (see image [[59836]]). I believe it is strategically convenient for topping up steam engines on railtours.

Uffington: Jubilee 45596 'Bahamas' on a Paddington to Worcester jolly is passing near Uffington, Oxfordshire, on the GWML on 27th August 2022.

Yeovil Hendford: Yeovil is not hilly, so this cutting between Hendford and Pen Mill came as a bit of a surprise. View looks East in August 2022.

Yeovil Hendford: Something you dont see every day - a truncated telegraph pole sprouting out of a sloping brick retaining wall. View looks towards Lysander Road, near the old Hendford station.

Langho: Bullied Merchant Navy Class 35018 'British India Line' attacks Wilpshire Bank approaching Langho station with 1Z71 14:26 Carlisle to Crewe on 27th August 2022. The steam loco would be detached at Preston.