Ibrox: Fairburn tank 42241 hurries through Ibrox in September 1951 at the head of a train for Wemyss Bay.

Cart Junction: Caley 'Jumbo' 57266 with the SLS Paisley - Barrhead District Tour on 1 September 1951. At this point the locomotive is propelling the special between Cart Junction (signal box in left background) and Johnstone High, following a visit to Kilbarchan. [Ref mystery image 25 July 2018]

Connel Ferry: Black 5 no 45177 climbs away from Connel Ferry on 1 September 1960 and begins to turn south west as it gets to grips with the last leg of its journey to Oban.

Connel Ferry: Black 5 No. 45359 and two ex-Caley tanks occupy the platforms at Connel Ferry station on 1st September 1960.

Connel Ferry: An ex-Caledonian Railway McIntosh Standard goods pulls away from Connel Ferry with a Ballachulish-Oban local passenger service on 1st September 1960. Part of the Connel Bridge can just be seen in the background.

Connel Ferry: Shortly after leaving Oban on 1 September 1960, two Black 5s are pictured on the way down from Glencruitten heading for Connel with the 12.05 service to Glasgow. See image [[27076]]

Connel Ferry: Ex Caledonian Railway 0-4-4 tanks at Connel Ferry station on 1st September 1960, with 55173 on the left.

Doncaster: Ardsley based A1 Pacific 60135 Madge Wildfire about to pass the Doncaster Works clock on the approach to the station on 1 September 1962. The train is the 3.35pm Kings Cross - Leeds Central.

Doncaster: Gresley A3 Pacific no 60110 Robert the Devil speeds south through Doncaster with the 10.10am Waverley - Kings Cross in September 1962 passing a York - Colchester train standing at the platform.

Doncaster: Gresley A4 Pacific no 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower prepares to leave the Doncaster stop on 1 September 1962 with the 9.08am Kings Cross - Leeds Central service.

Doncaster: With only three weeks to go before withdrawal, Gresley V2 2-6-2 no 60896 takes an up 'pigeon special' through Doncaster on 1 September 1962.

Doncaster: Copley Hill Black 5 45219, heading home with the 2.23pm Skegness - Leeds Central, approaching Doncaster from the south on Saturday 1 September 1962.

Doncaster: An up ECS working runs through Doncaster on 1 September 1962 behind Gresley A3 Pacific no 60054 Prince of Wales.

Doncaster: WD Austerity 2-8-0 no 90522 runs south through Doncaster in 1962 with a coal train.

Doncaster: A4 60014 Silver Link pauses at Doncaster on 1 September 1962 with the 2.40pm Kings Cross - Leeds Central.

Doncaster: K3 2-6-0 61985 leaves Doncaster on 1 September 1962 with the 7.55am Leicester Central - Scarborough.

Doncaster: Gresley A4 Pacific no 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower arrives at Doncaster on 1 September 1962 with the 3.43pm service to Kings Cross ex-Leeds Central.

Kings Cross: Plenty of interest at Kings Cross station as D0280 Falcon backs down past the distinctive signal box to join its train on 1 September 1962. The shadows suggest it was around mid-day. 'Falcon', built by Brush in 1961 as a one-off prototype, had twin Maybach engines like the Westerns but electric rather than hydraulic transmission. In 1970 it was purchased by British Rail and ran for a further five years as a Class 53 numbered 1200. It was scrapped in 1976.

Doncaster: The 3.43pm Leeds Central - Kings Cross at Doncaster on 1 September 1962. The locomotive in charge is Gresley A4 Pacific no 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower of Kings Cross shed.

Doncaster: K3 2-6-0 no 61954 with an up goods passing through Doncaster in September 1962.

Doncaster: A2 no 60523 Sun Castle at Doncaster on 1 September 1962 with the 1.10pm Kings Cross - Leeds.

Doncaster: A3 Pacific 60065 Knight of Thistle arriving at Doncaster from the south on 1 September 1962 with a train for Edinburgh. For the full SP See image [[22899]]

Doncaster: The 3.43pm Leeds Central - Kings Cross heads south away from Doncaster on 1 September 1962 behind Gresley A4 Pacific 60008 Dwight D Eisenhower.

Doncaster: Class A1 Pacific no 60139 Sea Eagle takes a down express past Doncaster North box in September 1962.

Doncaster: Retford based class O2 2-8-0 no 63971 takes a down goods through Doncaster on a grey September day in 1962.

Doncaster: 60014 Silver Link ambles through Doncaster light engine on 1 September 1962. The A4 had just over 3 months of operational life remaining at this stage, being eventually withdrawn from Kings Cross shed in December of that year and cut up at Doncaster Works the following month.

Crewe Works: 6233 Duchess of Sutherland freshly 'outshopped' at Crewe Works on 1 September 1964 awaiting transfer to Butlins, Heads of Ayr. See image [[45559]]

West Wycombe: Stanier Coronation Pacific 46245 City of London with an Ian Allan Railtour from Paddington to Crewe heads through West Wycombe on 1 September 1964. The train was routed via Birmingham Snow Hill and Shrewsbury. [Ref query 17338]

Crewe: 46245 City of London standing at Crewe on 1 September 1964 (the month that all locomotives carrying a yellow cab stripe were banned from operating on the WCML south of here). The Pacific was about to return to Paddington with an Ian Allan railtour.

Arrochar Pier: The 'Jeanie Deans' at Arrochar Pier, at the head of Loch Long on 1st September 1964. After years of declining patronage the pier became disused and today only ruined sections remain.

Spean Bridge: A Branch Line Society DMU special to Mallaig stands at Spean Bridge on 1 September 1968 awaiting the passage of a freight, which is running past at speed behind a pair of EE Type 1s. Unfortunately, the lad with the camera bottom right appears to have just missed it. See image [[33953]]

Mallaig: A DMU stands in the autumn sunshine at Mallaig with a BLS special on 1 September 1968. See image [[25028]]

Kilcreggan Pier: MV 'Maid of Skelmorlie' calling at Kilcreggan in the summer of 1970.

Glasgow Central: Rain - Glasgow Central - 1971.

Glasgow Central: Did you say straight on at Carlisle...? Leading locomotive of the up Royal Scot, Glasgow Central, September 1971.

Crailsheim: The post-war class 23 2-6-2 was developed by DB to replace ageing ex Prussian Railways P8 4-6-0s. In the event the last P8s managed to hang on into 1974 with the final survivors of class 23 succumbing the following year. Crailsheim was one of their last strongholds and here 023 012 leaves the shed late on the morning of Sunday 1st September 1974 to work the 12:27 stopping service to Lauda.

Crailsheim: Crailsheim is an important junction between the Nürnberg to Heilbronn main line and cross country routes north to Lauda and south to Aalen. In the summer of 1974 the shed still had a large steam allocation but the diesel usurpers were already present and a visit on Sunday 1st September that year found only a handful of locos in steam, including one of the last-built class 50s, 053 089.

Crailsheim: The 12:27 Crailsheim - Laude, seen here with 023 012 in charge on the eastern outskirts of the town in 1974. The single track on the right diverges from the double track of the Stuttgart to Nürnberg main line just behind the camera and heads north to Lauda, an important junction on the Stuttgart to Würzburg line.

Hythe: A special seaside excursion to Clacton is seen approaching Hythe station in Colchester on its evening return journey behind 31 145. Whether it was an “Adex” or “Mystex” is not known, but those on board had been very lucky with the weather that day, 1st September 1977.

Haymarket Central Junction: Preserved A4 Pacific 60009 Union of South Africa with a railtour westbound between Haymarket station and Haymarket MPD. The train is about to pass a class 40 on its way from 64B to Waverley. The date is thought to be 1 September 1979, with the special heading for Aberdeen. [Ref query 2919]

Haymarket East Junction: A railtour special for Aberdeen westbound passing Haymarket at speed in September 1979 behind preserved A4 Pacific no 60009 Union of South Africa. Part of [[Haymarket Coal Yard]] stands in the background.

Haymarket Central Junction: 'Welcome to Marlboro Country...' Preserved A4 Pacific 60009 Union of South Africa with a special heading for Aberdeen in September 1979. The train is about to pass Haymarket shed, with the locomotive alongside the concrete base of the former Haymarket Central Junction signal box.

Haymarket Central Junction: 60009 Union of South Africa passing Haymarket coal yard on 1 September 1979 with a railtour heading for Aberdeen. St Mary's Cathedral is centre background.

Trent: Brush Type 4 No. 47189 brings a long MGR service past Trent Power Box (just out of sight beyond the railway cottages) in September 1981. The train is taking the Toton line. The Class 47 looks very presentable but only had a further eight years service ahead of it before withdrawal from Tinsley in 1989 and scrapping at MC Metals, Glasgow in 1992.

Kings Cross: The unique prototype Brush loco 89001 leaves Kings Cross hauling a Leeds service on 1st September 1988 in its original, Intercity Executive, livery. OHLE was completed as far as West Yorkshire but this was the only AC loco working trains until March 1989 when the Class 91 fleet was introduced. It was later named Avocet and repainted in Intercity Swallow livery to fit in with the new Mark IV coaching stock.

Kings Cross: You could be forgiven for thinking that this 1988 line-up of HSTs at a London terminal was Paddington. The OHLE was in use, see image [[63541]] for a photo of the available AC loco in the starting line up, but only IC125s were visible in this shot.

Kings Cross: Among the line up of HSTs in September 1988, 89001 was the only AC loco in Kings Cross. After many months of testing and a visit to the Hamburg IVA in May and June it entered service in Summer 1988.

Crewkerne: There was just time for this shot of the train after arrival at the Somerset town of Crewkerne in 1988 before being whisked away in a waiting car. The distinctive outline of the Class 50 loco with a single headlight gives away both the area and era. This is the nearest station for West Dorset destinations such as Bridport and Lyme Regis when arriving from London although Taunton could be more convenient for other destinations. [Ref query 14 May 2018]

Hinderwell: View east on 1 September 1990 of a long redundant complete crossing gate installation on the west side of Browns Terrace in Hinderwell village, on the Whitby to Loftus line. In the right background are the roof and chimney of the yard office by the coal drops alongside the A174 coast road See image [[27126]], whilst on the left are 1-4 Railway Cottages. The crossing gate is still in situ as of June 2016.

Burntisland: 60009, running as 'Osprey' rather than UoSA, powers through Burntisland with the 'SRPS Forth Bridge Centennial' on 1 September 1990. The A4 was on the main line for a further thirty years or so after this date before retirement.

Hinderwell: The former coal yard and drops at the south end of Hinderwell Village on the Whitby to Loftus line. Photographed in September 1990, with an autumn mist hanging over the North Yorkshire Moors.

Oban: Oban, McCaigs Folly can be seen on top of the hill. The afternoon train for Glasgow leaves shortly. The 37 is Strathclyde Region. (1 September 1995)

Glasgow Central: EWS 47 758 Regency Rail Cruises at the head of a Virgin Trains service about to leave Glasgow Central platform 1 in September 1999.

Lower Lydbrook: Before the Severn and Wye Railway was built, tramroads took coal out of the Forest of Dean. This one (the double trackway) ran to a chute that dropped coal near what is now 'The Courtfield Arms' to load onto barges. The Severn and Wye itself ran just to the right of the white house before crossing the Lyd valley on a tall viaduct (now demolished) and continuing to Lydbrook Junction. Lower Lydbrook Halt (closed 1903) was just to the right of the camera.

Lingostiere: The Chemins de Fer de Provence is a 151 km long metre gauge line connecting Nice with Dignes-les-Bains in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The photograph was taken at Lingostiere in the northern suburbs in September 2004 and shows two of the line's railcars - the slightly more modern one on the right is X305, which was built in 1977.

Lingostiere: Railcar No. X301 of the Chemins de Fer de Provence is seen stabled at Lingostiere in the northern suburbs of Nice in September 2004. There seemed to be a lot of railcars standing around doing nothing - the CP runs a fairly sparse service with most stations seeing just five trains a day in each direction while some of the suburban stations in Nice are only served by three.

Annot: The small town of Annot is situated in the valley of the Vaire river midway between Nice and Digne-les-Bains on the Chemins de Fer de Provence. Here the mid-day train from Nice has stopped to detach the rear railcar, allowing passengers to stretch their legs. Occasional Railscot contributor Ingrid Jamieson is standing in front of the luggage trolley.

Strass: On the 760mm gauge Zillertalbahn in Austria, B-B diesel hydraulic No. D14 approaches Strass station with an afternoon Jenbach to Mayrhofen train in September 2005. There can be few other diesel designs which so clearly deserve the box epithet as much as this one, a 2004 product of the Gmeinder factory.

Hadfield: From electrified mainline to footpath: looking east from the buffer stop at Hadfield towards Woodhead.

Easterhouse: City bound train leaving Easterhouse in September 2006.

Lamington: The most powerful and sophisticated locomotive built in the UK at that time, the 6,760 HP dual voltage class 92, carried a price tag of almost £3m per unit. Here one of the class takes 2 tanks south through Lamington in September 2006.

Lamington Viaduct: A Virgin Voyager runs north across the River Clyde at Lamington in September 2006 on a Birmingham New Street - Glasgow Central working.

Easterhouse: Train for Drumgelloch about to leave Easterhouse in September 2006 and pass below traffic queued on the M8 Motorway.

Lamington Viaduct: A dark and dangerous looking River Clyde at Lamington, photographed during the early evening on 1 September 2006. In the background a Virgin Voyager crosses the viaduct southbound, heading for Birmingham New Street.

Lamington Viaduct: A Virgin CrossCountry Voyager runs north over the River Clyde at Lamington on 1 September 2006 with a Plymouth - Glasgow Central working.

Easterhouse: Westbound train arriving at Easterhouse in September 2006 formed by 320321.

Garrowhill: SPT liveried 320317 pulls up below the booking office at Garrowhill on 1 September 2006 with an Airdrie - Helensburgh Central service.

Lamington: A featherweight load for Britain's most powerful locomotive. 92013 'Puccini' sails through Lamington with an up WCML freight, late one afternoon in September 2006.

Garrowhill: 320317 calls at Garrowhill on the first day of autumn 2006 with a Balloch - Airdrie service. View west from the station footbridge towards Shettleston.

Mintlaw: Up platform of Mintlaw Station on the Maud to Peterhead section of the Formartine and Buchan railway.

Mintlaw: The front of Mintlaw Station on the Maud to Peterhead section of the Formartine and Buchan railway.

Peterhead: The site of Peterhead goods yard and passenger station, now occupied by Peterhead Academy. The goods yard more or less covered the area now taken up by the car parks, while the school buildings on the right are situated where the passenger terminus used to be.

Moy: The imposing former station masters house at Moy on 1 September 2007. The southern end of the station building can be seen in the left background.

Alloa: View looking east over Alloa (New) looking exactly as it did two weeks ago.

Tulloch: How about an RTR model Bachmann, Hornby? 61994 pauses at Tulloch awaiting the right of way and two hours late. At least it was dry here.

Crianlarich: 61994The Great Marquess complete with a wreath of flowers is seen arriving at Crianlarich with The West Highlander on 1 September.

Aultnaslanach Viaduct: An Edinburgh - Inverness service crossing the last remaining timber bridge on a main line railway in Scotland north of Moy on 1 September 2007.

Tulloch: 61994 accelerates away from Tulloch. Crossing Rannoch Moor has not done the floral wreath any good and its battered remains hang from the smokebox door.

Aultnaslanach Viaduct: Bridge no 289, Aultnaslanach, north of Moy. First crossed by a train in 1897 and seen here 110 years later looking west along the Aultnaslanach burn. It is the last remaining timber bridge in Scotland to carry a main line. Having suffered from serious fungal decay for a number of years, a project was launched in 2003 to address the problem and, at the same time, strengthen the bridge with a view to ensuring its long-term use. This resulted in a specialised treatment being applied to the timbers, while a new reinforcing structure was sympathetically constructed within the framework of the bridge itself. The completed project was widely acknowledged as a notable success and subsequently received a number of heritage, design and engineering awards.

Alloa West Junction: New footbridge at (the former) Alloa West LC.

Kilbagie: It is just about ready, bar the signal cabling.

Alloa: Progress has been such that this is pretty much the last sign to the works.

Hilton Road Level Crossing: Revenge of the railway! This is what a closed road looks like.

Alloa [1st]: Once the junction between the routes to Kinross and Dunfermline. Then an overgrown bit of rusty track and now nearly ready for use again.

Glasgow Central: 221141 Amerigo Vespucci passing by 92016 and the empty Caledonian Sleeper with 90018 at the rear

Alloa West Junction: Alloa West LC, er, except that it is not anymore. View looks east over former level crossing.

Glasgow Central: 92016 hauling the empty Caledonian Sleeper away from Glasgow Central

Moy: Approaching the forecourt of the former Highland Railway station at Moy on 1 September 2007. The station was opened in July 1897 and closed in May 1965 and is now used as self catering holiday accommodation.

Newseat Halt: The fine building at the former Newseat halt on the Maud to Peterhead line has been restored as a private dwelling. The mile-post finishes it off nicely. View looking west on 1 Sepember 2007.

Aultnaslanach Viaduct: The 5-span wooden trestle Aultnaslanach Viaduct, half a mile north of Moy, about to be crossed by a southbound First ScotRail 170 DMU en route from Inverness to Glasgow Queen Street. Photograph taken looking west from a layby alongside the B1954 in September 2007.

Manchester Victoria: The fearsome Platting bank, mainly at 1 in 47, starts immediately at the eastern platform end of Manchester Victoria. Of course it is much less of a challenge to Sprinters than their predecessors. 156444 drops down the bank heading for the bay platforms.

Partick: Partick Area Map of 1914 showing Hyndland, Crow Road, Partick and Partick West Stations also Merklands Wharf.

Glasgow: Glasgow Map of 1914 showing Queen St, St Enoch, College Goods, Bridgeton Central, Glasgow Green, High St and Goods Stations.

Walkden: Walkden still retained its signal box and semaphores when this image was taken in 2008 but in 2013 they were replaced by colour lights controlled from Manchester. 150147 approaches from Atherton on a Southport to Rochdale service and the starter is off for a Kirkby service.

Walkden: All the original L&Y stations on the direct 1888 Wigan (Crow Nest Junction) to Salford line have distinctive island platforms. Swinton, Atherton and Walkden also retain their impressive L&Y canopies. The waiting shelter under the canopy at Walkden looks superfluous but the station is on an embankment, the platforms are exposed and it keeps the wind out.

Livingston North: 158786 arrives at Livingston North on 1 September with the 1055 ex-Bathgate to find much of the new westbound platform has now been removed. The 158, formerly in South West Trains livery, is currently running in unbranded blue.

Lancaster: Morecambe and Millom services in Platforms 1 and 2 at Lancaster, bays on the down side of the station. 142093 is on the Morecambe run and 156454 is waiting to depart for Millom via Barrow in Furness.

Walkden: Formerly a four track main line through the heart of the Lancashire coalfield (Walkden was the NCB North West Area HQ) but all freight lines have gone now. By 2008 there was just a simple two track layout, albeit with semaphores still controlled from the refurbished signal box. 150147 heads away from the island platform for Salford and Manchester.

Maxwelltown: Shortly after leaving Dumfries northbound, trains on the Port Road to Stranraer turned west and crossed a bridge over Nunholme Road. The remains of that bridge mark the start of what is now the Maxwelltown Railway Path. This particular part of Dumfries stands within a loop formed by the River Nith, with Nunholme Road continuing north to reach a car parking area on the south bank; while 150 yards to the west the path crosses the river on the former Nith Viaduct, now renamed Queen of the South Viaduct see image [[25379]].
See query 2189

Kingussie: Malcolm Rail liveried 66412 southbound near Kingussie with the Stobart Rail container train.

Plumley: Plumley Station looking west towards Chester. Building now used as private offices with signal in grounds at either end. Home on west end by station approach path, and distant on east end as in shot.

Urr Viaduct: The River Urr flows south through Kirkcudbrightshire towards the Solway Firth a mile west of Dalbeattie on 1 September 2009. Trains on the former Dumfries - Stranraer Port Road crossed the river here prior to closure of the route in 1965. The old piers of Urr viaduct still stand and can be seen running across the centre of the photograph.

Winsford: DB Schenker EWS liveried 60096 on coal empties, held at signals south of Winsford Station. Possibly running to Liverpool Docks for loading for Fiddlers Ferry Power Station working

Wrexham: Site of the former GWR Croes Newydd shed (latterly 89B) with the southern spur of the Brymbo branch triangle curving off centre left by the tall tree. See image [[28292]]

Queen of the South Viaduct: View over the Nith from the pathway on the east bank of the river on 1 September showing the bridge that once carried the Dumfries - Stranraer line. The bridge was refurbished and reopened in July 2008 as the Queen of the South Viaduct for the use of pedestrians and cyclists as part of the Maxwelltown Railway Path. The route follows the trackbed west as far as Cargenbridge see image [[15525]]

Croes Newydd South Junction: Wrexham & Shropshire Railways on time 06.45 service from London Marylebone runs by former Brymbo branch South Junction on final approach to Wrexham General Station.

Aachen: Adtranz built Bo-Bo electric 145 035 awaits departure from Aachen Hbf on 1 September 2009 with a rake of double deck coaches forming a morning limited stop Regional Express service to Hamm.

Princes Street [Tram]: View over the tramworks on Princes Street from the Scott Monument on 1 September 2009.

Killywhan: The former station at Killywhan on the Port Road between Dumfries and Castle Douglas (closed to passengers 1959). Photographed on 1 September 2009 looking south west from the site of the level crossing towards Dalbeattie. The building has been modified considerably since final closure of the line in 1965 and now extends over much of the platform, part of which can still be seen beyond the gate.

Killywhan: The hamlet of Killywhan, between Dalbeattie and Dumfries, photographed looking east in the autumn of 2009. The old station survives here as converted residential accommodation, with much of the platform still visible between the two metal gates. See image [[12945]]
See query 2121

Nith Viaduct: High water on the Nith at Dumfries looking north in September 2009 following a period of heavy rain which resulted in local flooding. In the background is the bridge that carried the Port Road across the river on its journey to Stranraer, with the short section serving the former ICI Works at Cargenbridge, finally closing in 1994. The bridge is now the Queen of the South Viaduct, part of the 'Maxwelltown Railway Path' see image [[25379]].

Wistaston, Crewe: Home Signal at danger by The Rising Sun public house on A530 Nantwich to Middlewich Road on outskirts of Crewe some 1.5Km before crossing the Crewe to Chester line.

Queen of the South Viaduct: View west over the Queen of the South Viaduct spanning the Nith in Dumfries on 1 September 2009. The refurbished and resurfaced former railway bridge is now part of the Maxwelltown Railway Path see image [[27186]].

Kirkgunzeon: Close up of the 1859 station at Kirkgunzeon, between Castle Douglas and Dumfries, in September 2009. Some refurbishment has taken place since my previous visit, with the last of the platform remains now covered by the patio, although the station clock has reappeared. Much of the surrounding area, including the former goods yard, is now part of a caravan park.

Maxwelltown Goods Junction: Descending the ramp to join Nunholme Road from the eastern end of the Mawelltown Railway Path in September 2009 (see [[71016]]). On the other side of the road is the remains of the lowered eastern abutment of the bridge and embankment that carried the route on its last 250 yards to join with the G&SWR main line north of Dumfries station (see [[6007]]).

Kirkgunzeon: The former station at Kirkgunzeon (1859 - 1950) on the old Port Road, 10 miles west of Dumfries. Photograph taken in September 2009 looking south, with the A711 Dumfries - Dalbeattie road crossing the picture immediately beyond the building.

Winsford: Freightliner duo 86614 & 86605 are seen being overtaken by a northbound Virgin Pendolino whilst held at signals south of Winsford Station on 1 September 2009.

Grosmont: Britannia Pacific no 70013 Oliver Cromwell propels a support coach from Grosmont station over the level crossing towards the shed on 1 September 2009.

Plumley: Decorative east-bound waiting shelter at Plumley Station on Stockport to Chester line, with long bench seat along most of back wall.

Castle Douglas (St Andrew Street): The bridge carrying the A713 Abercromby Road over the trackbed of the former Kirkcudbright Railway as it left Castle Douglas. View is south west towards the next station at Bridge of Dee. The site was also home to the short lived St Andrews Street station, a basic facility operating between 1864 and 1867 pending finalisation of KR access to the towns main CD&D station . The Kirkcudbright branch itself was eventually closed by BR in 1965.

Fort Matilda: James Miller was a noted architect with many railway commissions including the chalet-style station buildings of the WHL.  His 1889 Fort Matilda is similarly not your standard idea of a late-Victorian station.  The chimneys reach high above an already steeply pitched roof making for a prodigiously tall single-storey building!  The station is unstaffed but in excellent condition.  334 015 calls at this colonial-sounding Greenock location with a Glasgow service on 1 September.

Paisley St James: Paisley St James has recently reopened after a two-and-a-half month closure for refurbishment.  334 002 stands with a Gourock to Glasgow stopping service on 1 September as a semi-fast, which didn't stop, retreats. See image [[20078 for a comparison.]]

Gourock: 334 002 approaches journey's end at Gourock on 1 September, heading, so the indicator on the signal behind me says, for platform 1.  The leafiness belies the fact that the sea is only 100 yards away.

Cupar: Medieval fortifications? No, just ongoing work on what must be well on its way to becoming an impressive disabled access to the southbound platform at Cupar. Progress on 1 September 2010.

Kelvin Bridge: The former Glasgow Central Railway station at Kelvin Bridge is adjacent to the Subway station called Kelvinbridge (one word). Although the trackbed is filled in at this point the platforms survive and the edge of the northbound platform can be seen here on 1 September, looking north towards the next stop, Botanic Gardens.  The daylight seen through that door lasts for only a few yards as the line went into a tunnel directly under and following Great Western Road. See image [[30544]]

Greenock West: On 1 September 334 011 bursts out of Newton Street tunnel into Greenock West station, heading for Glasgow. This is Scotland's longest tunnel at 1 mile 350 yards, or 1925 metres as the sign says. The disused tunnel of the Greenock Princes Pier branch crosses above it. The work going on behind the train seems to be a very modest platform extension: unlike other affected locations not much work is needed here to accommodate 8-car Class 380s come December.

Kelvin Bridge: View from the site of the Glasgow Central Railway's Kelvin Bridge station see image [[30540]] in September 2010 - looking towards the tunnel under Great Western Road. Part of the old southbound platform can just be made out on the right.

Wemyss Bay Junction: Wemyss Bay Junction is one of those junctions named after the place they're the junction for, rather than where they are situated; Wemyss Bay station is 10 miles away from the evocatively named junction which is in a workaday location between Port Glasgow and Bogston or Whinhill stations.  On 1 September 334 029 comes off the branch heading for Glasgow Central.

Kelvinbridge [Subway]: Looking along the platform at Kelvinbridge Subway on 1 September as an Outer Circle service is expected. As so often in the university quarter stations the other passengers make one feel especially old.

Paisley Gilmour Street: Paisley Gilmour Street is in line for a £9m refurbishment next year, but meantime all is maroon and cream and with lots of original features (which I hope aren't refurbished away).  They are however welcome to remove the unsympathetic corrugated awning edges.  Class 314s on Inverclyde services certainly will soon be thing of the past as 380s are phased in from next month.  314 208 is seen during a prolonged stop at Platform 1 with a Gourock to Glasgow service on 1 September.

Troon: A Network Rail twin-tanked (and twin ended) maintenance vehicle passing north through Troon station on 1 September 2010. Seems a little early in the year for it to be on leaf blasting duties, so it is presumably operating as a weed-killing train on this occasion.

Kelvinhall [Subway]: Stations in Partick have a habit of changing their names.  The old Partick Cross Subway station became Kelvinhall when the system reopened in 1980, and Merkland Street became plain Partick.  There doesn't seem to have been much justification in making Kelvinhall one word: Kelvin Hall station (previously Partick Central) had long closed by then, and there's no locality called 'Kelvinhall'.  It's perhaps easy to see, with single barriers here for entry and exit, why visitors used to the Tube find the Glasgow Subway quaint to say the least. See image [[14498]]

Paisley Gilmour Street: A class 318 bound for Largs passes an incoming 334 at the Ayrshire platforms at Paisley Gilmour Street on 1 September.  I'm not sure to what extent the forthcoming 380s will take over Ayrshire and Inverclyde services when they are introduced in December, but I can't imagine this sort of scene - or one including a 314 - will be too common.

Gourock: The swish new ticket office, customer and train crew accommodation at Gourock is being built substantially outside the current building and train services are unaffected.  It is due to open in November, but work on the remainder of the station hasn't yet started and it's looking sorry indeed.  On 1 September 334 002 prepares to depart from Platform 1 for Glasgow.  The disused buildings and the wall on the right are to be demolished and replaced with a glass wall to give views of the sea and ferries.

Glasgow Central: The Argyle Street entrance to Glasgow Central seen here on 1 September 2010. Situated underneath the mainline station, this entrance provides escalator access to both it and the low level platforms.  Bright artificial lighting is permanently switched on under the 'umbrella' formed by the width of all 15 platforms.  Across the road is another entrance which leads to nothing but a passageway under the road and up to this side.  Needless to say it is far and away the least used of the 5 street entrances to Central, which cover all four sides of the station.

Troon: On a fine 1 September 156 467 pulls away from Troon with a lightly loaded (as usual) Kilmarnock to Girvan service.  The station building dates from 1892 and the architect was James Miller.  Having supporting girders spanning the tracks was no doubt designed to keep the platforms clear of canopy columns, but it also had the unforeseen benefit of providing handy catenary supports 90-odd years later.  And no, that isn't a Nestle's chocolate machine.

Greenock West: I must say that the ticket hall at Greenock West looks a great deal more inviting than it did when I first visited some years ago, though that wouldn't be difficult. The transition to the red sandstone of the rest of the station is tastefully done. The security camera appears to be trained on the cafe's sole, bunnetted customer but I'm sure it isn't really...

Gourock: There is a three-platform terminus on either side of the Firth of Clyde, but the contrast between Helensburgh Central and Gourock is marked.  The former is smartly turned out with a lively air, whereas Gourock, although it sees more trains, is - well see for yourself in this photograph taken from the concourse on 1 September 2010. There is no glazing in the platform canopies, and the building is unoccupied with the ticket office etc in Portakabins (TM) outside.  Happily though an impressive new permanent ticket office nears completion and the platform area is due for a makeover in 2011. 

Prestwick Town: A fine late summer day, and the canvassy smell of warm Ayrshire golf links wafts across Prestwick Town station.  The Ayr-bound 6-car 334 has had little chance to build up any speed from its previous stop at Prestwick International Airport station less than half a mile away. Town station is one of the few with platforms long enough to safely accommodate the forthcoming 8-car 380s, so no lengthening work in eviidence here. 

Port Glasgow: 314 208 approaches Port Glasgow with a Gourock to Glasgow service on 1 September 2010

Troon: A Glasgow service pulls into Troon on a sunny weekday afternoon on 1 September.  The Class 318 set looks as though it might be stretching all the way back to Ayr, though it is only in fact 6 coaches long (count 'em).

Troon: The coming of 4-car class 380s in December will mean that platforms along their routes, in Inverclyde and Ayrshire, will have to be able to accommodate 8-car trains rather than the current 6. Many if not most are therefore being extended. Here at Troon on 1 September a 6-car Juniper approaches bound for Ayr, passing the extension works. That hardware on the northbound platform (the smaller one is an 'OFF' indicator) will have to be moved along a bit.

Cupar: ScotRail 170 416 forms the 16.05 to Dundee, on time at Cupar on 1st September 2010.

Whittingham Hospital: The old hospital railway engine shed at Whittingham, which hasn't seen a locomotive for over fifty years but remains in use as an NHS workshop. See image [[35694]] for a picture of the shed when in use in the 1950s.

Whittingham Hospital: The view into the old railway yard at Whittingham Hospital from the site of the passenger station, the limit of normal passenger services. Although closed in 1957 the bridge that stood in the foreground was only recently removed. Beyond is the old weighbridge house and through the blue fence the former engine shed can be seen. Wagonloads of coal continued beyond the yard through the hospital grounds to the boilerhouse.

Whittingham Hospital: A direct Then and Now comparison with David Hindle's 1950s view of the approaches to Whittingham Hospital station. This view looks along the ash embankment towards Grimsargh from the end of the old platform and shows fifty five years of tree growth since closure in 1957. See image [[35480]] for the same location in operational days. Access to grounds by kind permission of NHS staff.

Glasgow Central: 47841 at the head of the 'Cruise Saver Express' coaching stock being brought into Glasgow Central on a special service. Cruise Saver Travel, who run the service, arranged for the train to be brought to Glasgow Central for a special Q&A session for a couple of hours. The train was used next day on it's normal scheduled service, going from Glasgow Central to Southampton

Shettleston: Start of work on the new footbridge at Shettleston on 1 September, seen from under the present rusting structure.

Shettleston: View through a hole in the station footbridge at Shettleston on 1 September 2011. Work on a replacement is currently underway.

Whittingham Hospital: The old engine shed at Whittingham Hospital, seen here in 2011, over fifty years after it last housed a locomotive. After the railway closed in 1957 this building continued in use as a NHS store and workshop. This view from the rear shows the curious shape of the building, lined up with the low wall. Locomotives accessed the building from the other end. See image [[35694]] taken when the building was in railway use.
See query 2265

Shettleston: Preparatory work being carried out alongside Shettleston station on 1 September 2011 in connection with the replacement of the station footbridge.

Thornton North Junction: Looking west at Thornton North Junction at the beginning of the branch to Leven - out of use since the 1990s, but now being mooted for re-commencement of freight services to a new intermodal railhead at the former Kirkland Yard (serving Diageo's nearby bottling plant) and possibly also the private sidings serving Diageo's massive grain distillery at Cameron Bridge see image [[20530]]. [With thanks to Jim Watson, Andrew Wallace and Mark Poustie]

Manila: When I first visited the Tutuban terminus of PNR see image [[36982]], the station interior was cool and clean, but rather empty. When I heard a rumour that all passenger services had been withdrawn from this station, I was sad, but not surprised. But the rumour was false; and among many other positive developments, the Filipinos have found their history. This restored railcar has just four seats, and appears to be a petrol-engined maintenance vehicle. The relaxed passengers visible on the right probably arrived on an overnight train; but they could be waiting for the next one!

Manila: Scene at Alabang, the outer limit of daytime commuter trains from Tutuban terminus. If you can't afford 30p for the 28km ride to Tutuban on a Hyundai DMU see image [[40307]] it's best to wait for one of these second hand Japanese DMU's to turn up. They may substitute whirling ceiling fans for the full air conditioning of the Hyundais, but the fare is a more reasonable 25p. Please don't ask what the fishing nets are doing on the left. It's a Philippines thing.

Gregson Lane: The chime whistle of A4 Pacific no 60009 'Union of South Africa' could be heard as far away as Bamber Bridge on 1 September 2012, long before it was photographed passing Gregson Lane with the Cumbrian Mountain Express en route to Carlisle.

Whitby: BR Class 4MT 4-6-0 no 75029 'The Green Knight', built at Swindon Works in 1954 and purchased by artist and steam enthusiast David Shepherd following its withdrawal by BR in 1967. Now owned by the NYMR the locomotive is seen here at Whitby on 1 September 2013, awaiting its departure time with a train for Grosmont. Definitely looking much better than it did for much of 2010... see image [[28429]].

Manila: Be honest: when did you last see a pilgrimage train advertised in the UK? I was tempted by this track bashing opportunity; but the thought of getting up at 3am, and not getting back to bed until probably 10 the following morning, rather put me off. But full marks to PNR for tapping into the pilgrim market - and utilizing track not normally used by passenger trains in daylight hours.

Leith North Goods: Site of the CR Leith North yard as seen looking west from the Ocean Terminal shopping centre in September 2012. The passenger station was out of shot to the left see image [[24799]]. In the distance are abutments for the Granton branch of the Edinburgh Tramway, presently suspended.

Leith North Goods: A short section of surviving track from the old Caledonian Leith North yard. View towards Ocean Terminal in September 2012. See image [[40179]]

Whitby: Steam bus 'Elizabeth', converted from an original 1931 Sentinel steam wagon, photographed on 1 September 2012 during one of her regular sightseeing tours around the town of Whitby. Northern Star

Whitby: Awaiting departure from Whitby with a train for Pickering on 1 September is ex-LMS Class 5 4-6-0 no 45428 Eric Treacy. Built by Armstrong Whitworth at Newcastle upon Tyne in 1937, the locomotive returned to traffic in 2010 after a full overhaul carried out at Grosmont MPD. Named in 1969 after Eric Treacy, Bishop of Wakefield and renowned railway photographer.

Manila: A 2009-built Hyundai Rotem DMU arrives at Alabang, which is the outer limit of commuter services from the Tutuban terminus. There is a wealth of detail in this picture - notice the informal platform seating, the motorcycle and sidecar taxis, the vividly painted building on the left; and last but not least, the array of domestic electricity meters conveniently grouped together for reading purposes, atop the wooden pole on the right. The mesh cover on the windscreen is interesting: knowing the locals as I do, I consider it more likely to protect against accidents than against vandalism.

Whitby: 'Back a bit... back a bit more...' NYMR train being guided into the platform at Whitby on 1 September 2012.

Harlington: East Midlands 5-car Meridian 222009 passes northbound non-stop through Harlington in September 2013.

Harlington: East Midlands Meridian set 222102 passes Harlington with a St Pancras bound service on 01 September 2013.

Harlington: Looking south towards St Pancras over the station at Harlington, Bedfordshire, on 1 September 2013.

Harlington: Class 319 unit 449 approaches the next stop at Harlington whilst working a service to Bedford on 01 September 2013.

Harlington: Looking south at Harlington, Bedfordshire, on 1 September as First Capital Connect Class 319s meet on services between St Pancras and Bedford. Platforms 1 & 2 are on the slow lines, normally used by FCC services, whilst over on platforms 3 & 4 the non stop EMT services rush pass.

Harlington: An East Midlands 7-car Meridian set heads south towards St Pancras on the up fast through Harlington on 1 September.

Sheriffhall City Bypass Overbridge: Borders Railway meets Edinburgh City Bypass. The southern approach to Sheriffhall on Sunday 1 September 2013. Diversion of traffic away from this section of the bypass to allow construction of the railway route under the dual carriageway is scheduled to commence later this month see image [[44347]].

Bridge of Allan: An Edinburgh to Dunblane service approaching Bridge of Allan on 1 September 2014 with Stirling castle in the background.

Shawfair: Sleepers being set out through Shawfair station on 1 September 2014, view south.

Bridge of Allan [1st]: A Nairn - Millerhill freight passes though the site of the original Bridge of Allan station on the morning of 1 September 2014.

Shawfair: View north from Shawfair on 1 September 2014 with sleepers in place.

Stirling: The southbound Highland Chieftain about to leave Stirling platform 3 on 1 September 2014. The DMU waiting in bay platform 7 will form the 11:23 service to Glasgow Queen Street.

Stirling: The 09:34 service to Dundee draws into platform 2 at the well preserved Stirling station on 1 September 2014.

Stirling: A look across the generously-platformed Stirling station in September 2015 showing, left to right, platforms 2, 3, 7 (with Glasgow-bound 158), 8, 6, 9 and 10. The photograph might have been better composed had I not just, like the young man from Dundee, been stung on the neck by a wasp (while failing to photograph a down freight).

Romiley: The fine looking station building at Romiley is still fully staffed and the station enjoys regular services to Manchester Piccadilly via both Hyde and Reddish. Here a Pacer heading for the Rose Hill branch meets a Sprinter going into the city on 1st September 2015.

Hadfield: Class 323 25kv EMU 323228 at Hadfield on 1st September 2015 about to depart for Manchester. See image [[21021]] from 1983 at this location.

Hadfield: Looking back towards Manchester from the platform at Hadfield. This was once of course the Woodhead main line but is now a single track from the Dinting triangle. The Hunslet Class 323 units are the standard stock on the Glossop Hadfield services.

Thurso: About to board the 1307 service to Inverness at Thurso on 1 September 2015.

Glossop: Northern EMU 323225 slows for the stop at the Glossop branch terminus on 1st September 2015. It is on a service from Hadfield that will reverse here and continue to Manchester Piccadilly.

Romiley: Three lines once radiated from Romiley Junction but the link to Stockport Tiviot Dale is now closed. The remaining two lines to Manchester are busy though with four passenger trains an hour each way plus freight workings. 66076 powers through Romiley on 1 September in a sudden downpour, taking the Hyde line with a stone train from Briggs Sidings at Hindlow to Ashburys. The line to the left runs through Reddish North.

Glossop: Part of Glossop station has been tastefully incorporated into a supermarket, built in matching stone, and the railway now only occupies the extreme right of the building. Everything beyond the arched door under the blue sign is now in retail use. The station is still staffed and enjoys a 30 minute frequency service to Manchester.

Nuneaton: Perhaps they bricked up the door because the steps were worn out? These steps are located to the right of Nuneaton's main station entrance, below the clock tower. See image [[35705]]

Rose Grove: Northern Sprinter 150214 approaches Rose Grove on 1 September 2016 with a service to Colne. The wooded area behind the train conceals the M65 motorway which at this point cuts through the site of what was latterly known as 10F, Rose Grove shed. See image [[27219]] for a view towards the bridge that this photo was taken from.

Bamber Bridge: A pair of WCRC Class 47s lead the Scarborough Spa Express through Bamber Bridge on 1 September 2016, on the first leg of the tour to York.

Edinburgh Gateway: Progress at Edinburgh Gateway on 01/09/2016. Commuters may see the opening in December as a mixed blessing (or an unmixed curse) as the extra stop can only lengthen journey times for those not interchanging here.

Edinburgh Gateway [Tram]: A look at work at Edinburgh Gateway interchange on 01/09/2016. The soon-to-be tramstop (left) now has an overall roof. The other lines are access to Gogar Depot. Unfortunately the rather attractive wooden covering is only a backing to the metal facing currently being applied!

Dyce: An evening at Dyce.

Edinburgh Gateway [Tram]: On 1 September 2016 an Airport-bound tram passes what will soon be another stop and interchange with the ScotRail station behind. The tramstop will be the only one with an overall roof. The tracks on the left lead to Gogar Tram Depot. This location is just outside the edge of built-up Edinburgh, but as it's Green Belt I don't think we can expect the stations to become a locus for development. It's also a bit noisy here, being next to a very busy junction on the A8.

Lancaster: Would suit railway enthusiast. A top floor flat of the warehouse overlooking Carlisle Bridge at Lancaster appears to have a For Sale sign on the balcony. A Freightliner Class 70 passes with the delayed Coatbridge Daventry containers on 1st September 2016, one of over 200 trains that this bridge carries every day.

Forres: Forres open days: a noticeboard showing the visiting hours for the site office for the Aberdeen to Inverness Improvement Project which includes the relocation of Forres station.

Strathearn Community Campus: The Crieff Lines Railway Festival is happening this weekend at the Strathearn Community Campus, Crieff. (Written 01/09/2017).

Strathearn Community Campus: Crieff closure notices displayed at Strathearn Community Campus.

Strathearn Community Campus: This was the Crieff closure notice, for passengers. Seen at the Strathearn Community Campus.

Strathearn Community Campus: A Crieff Lines Railway Festival poster.

Crieff [2nd]: Glory days at Crieff. A postcard view shown at the exhibition at the Strathearn Community Centre, Crieff.

Alexandria: A Balloch service calls at Alexandria on 01 September 2018 in this view northwards along the remaining platform.

Bridge of Dun: Formerly Haymarket based D5314 backs on to the stock of the 11.35 departure from Bridge of Dun to Brechin on 1st September 2018. The former Strathmore line ran directly ahead, while the current Brechin branch veers to the right beyond the road overbridge, a new alignment compared to the route in its latter freight-only days see image [[64880]].

Bridge of Dun: Works plate of the Caledonian Railway's D5314, built by BRC&W in 1959 and still going strong.

Bridge of Dun: On 1st September 2018, D5314 accelerates the 11.35 to Brechin past a Class 08 sitting in front of the Caledonian Railway's maintenance shed. Lurking inside the latter is D5335, which hauled the penultimate Buckie-Aberdeen freight on 2nd May 1968. see image [[26157]]

Brechin: D5314 prepares to run round the stock of the 12.20 for Bridge of Dun at Brechin on 1st September 2018.

Brechin: The Caledonian Railway terminus at Brechin was opened in 1848 by the Aberdeen Railway and substantially rebuilt in the late 19th century following the construction of branch lines to Forfar and Edzell. It is claimed to be the 'only original terminus station in preservation' (Still Steaming, 2018)

Brechin: The imposing northern elevation of Brechin station adjoins Platform 1, and has been the subject of much restoration work by the Caledonian Railway. The latter is easily accessed by public transport, using Stagecoach bus service 30 from Montrose station to stops within a hundred yards of Brechin station and less than half a mile from Bridge of Dun station.

Brechin: D5314 prepares to run round the stock of the 13.40 departure from Brechin on 1st September 2018. The loco is framed by the columns of the former platform canopies, which the Caledonian Railway hopes to restore at a cost of some 250,000 pounds. Bill Jamieson can be seen taking a special interest in the loco.

Balloch: Standing next to the buffers and looking south along the platform at Balloch as 334033 waits to set off back towards Glasgow on 01 September 2018.

Midland Hotel [Morecambe]: Classic Ribble bus standing outside the LMS built, Art-Deco, Midland Hotel opposite the old Promenade station in Morecambe. The bus was one of many classic vehicles attending the two day Vintage by the Sea Festival on 1st and 2nd September 2018 and I managed to get this photo before the crowds arrived.

Brechin: Classic vehicles complement the classic traction for a period feel as D5314 rests at Brechin on arrival with the first train of the day from Bridge of Dun on 1st September 2018.

Bridge of Dun: D5314 runs round the stock of the 14.15 to Brechin at Bridge of Dun on 1st September 2018. The station building on the former Up platform of the Strathmore Line (closed 1967) will look even more impressive if further refurbishment works follow the erection of a 'new' footbridge access to this platform see image [[65440]]. To the left can be seen preparatory works for a new building on the existing operational platform.

Bridge of Dun: The impressive footbridge formerly located at Dunblane now graces Bridge of Dun station, as D5314 backs on to the stock of the 14.15 departure to Brechin. See image [[42473]]

Forth and Clyde Junction [Balloch]: 334033 passes the site of Forth and Clyde Junction as it approaches the bridge carrying the A811 over the railway, a short distance from the present Balloch station. For a view from a similar viewpoint some 61 years earlier See image [[50161]].

Balloch: 334033 gingerly enters Balloch station on 01 September 2018. Beyond the train is the original Balloch Central station building but for quite a few years now the service stops on the south side of the road and thus avoids a level crossing.

Lady Victoria Colliery: The remains of the enclosed walkway opened by the NCB in 1954 to link Lady Victoria with the new pithead baths behind the camera. The baths are long gone with the site now a modern housing cul-de-sac named Colliery View. The original line (a temporary way) left the pit via what is now the main museum entrance opposite, crossed the A7 on the level and passed to the right of the camera position. It then turned north and joined the line from Lingerwood Pit just before passing over a level crossing on Lingerwood Road.

Lady Victoria Colliery: Looking west towards Lady Victoria in September 2019, with the houses of Colliery View immediately behind the camera. The roundabout provided a turning circle for vehicles arriving off the A7 to reach the layby and bus stop in front of the Lothian Coal Company offices located over to the left see image [[70912]].

Galgate: Galgate station, at the top of this steep track on the outskirts of the village, was never going to compete with buses that stopped in the centre and it closed in 1939, along with three others between Lancaster and Preston. With all trace of the station cleared away many years ago this Network Rail sign, just beyond the access gate, is the only reference to what was once here. Distances on this stretch of the WCML are measured from Preston. 1st September 2020.

Barking: Is this a disused station? Not exactly but somebody needs to go along the tracks with a bottle of Weedol, preferably when the trains aren't running. This is the major junction of Barking, an interchange between National Rail C2C services, London Overground and LUL District Line and Hammersmith & City Line services, looking west towards Fenchurch Street from the eastbound C2C platform for trains via Upminster, on 1st September 2020.

Galgate: Viewed from the Lancaster Canal marina, a CAF 195 passes Galgate with a Barrow to Manchester Airport service on 1st September 2020. The entrance to the long closed station was at the top of a track that runs up the right hand side of the small terrace and is still a network Rail access point.

Southend Central: 357023, with a C2C service to Fenchurch Street via Basildon, arriving at Southend Central, alongside 357319 to Shoeburyness, on 1st September 2020.

Galgate: A TPE 397 speeds through the site of Galgate station, in the deep cutting to the south of the viaduct. This closed in 1939 and early photos show two platforms and a substantial building on the down line but no goods yard, although there were goods facilities at nearby Bay Horse. This is a rather inaccessible location and this shot was taken through the gates of the Network Rail access point. Whatever remained of the station was swept away in the early 1970s for electrification.

Glasson Branch Junction [LC]: View from a boat passing at right angles, of the Glasson Branch of the Lancaster Canal on 1st September 2020. Officially this is Lodge Hill Junction but widely known by its functional name. The first of six locks on the branch, taking the canal down to the basin at Glasson Dock, lies immediately beyond the bridge that carries the main line tow path over the branch.

Southend Central: 357319, with a C2C service from Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness via Basildon, arriving at Southend Central on 1st September 2020.

Basildon: A sign of the times on the up platform at Basildon, seen from a C2C service from Shoeburyness to Fenchurch Street, on 1st September 2020. Although the New Town of Basildon was created in the 1950s, the people who resettled here had to wait until 1974 before Basildon station was added to the line.

Haymarket: A morning service from Aberdeen approaches its penultimate stop on 1 September 2021. Ninety mph is an aspiration here; a train going through Haymarket at that speed would be a little alarming.

Buckby Top Lock: This view at Long Buckby Wharf, from the A5 alternative to the M1, looks north west and includes a fine pub on the left (the New Inn) and a canal users' toilet block on the right. The Yorkshire terrier on the left had spotted me and was desperate to make a new friend, but I was equally desperate to get home for dinner.

Bristol Harbour: Stodart and Pit. steam powered, 35T dock crane at Bristol, seen from a boat trip around the harbour on 1st September 2022. It is reported to be still in working order.

Bury Castlecroft Goods: Now that 60009 'Union of South Africa' is on display in Bury Transport Museum visitors can access the cab. To make this easier the loco and tender have been separated slightly (See image [[82304]]) and the A4 is a popular exhibit.

Stranraer: Stranraer, the end of the line (don't fence me in) next stop Ireland, but only if you go to Cairnryan. Lovely view up Loch Ryan though.

Bristol Harbour: 'Balmoral', tied up alongside the A4 Hotwells Road, and seen from a boat trip around Bristol Harbour on 1st September 2022.

Stranraer: A long way for a P please Bob. The 11.29 Ayr to 12.50 Stranraer has arrived and the new driver is inspecting the train for damage, dents and scratches from the previous run. He will now take the train on the return 13.02 to Ayr arriving at 14.22. 156505 has been in the wars with trees and scrub on the way down which Scotrail will need to have a look at before some serious damage is done, also note there are no toilets in Ayr.station.

Bury Castlecroft Goods: I remember this Barclay 0-4-0ST arriving at Helmshore station in 1970, as the first steam locomotive owned by the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society. Then it was in green North West Gas Board livery but now, as a static exhibit in the Bury Transport Museum, is in the blue livery of the Burnley Corporation Gas Works that it served. I hope that the (possibly unique) works plates are also still in the care of the society as it was the memorable No.1927 of 1927.

Stubbins: Just over fifty years after the last train called at Stubbins, this is the view from an ELR DMU approaching the site heading towards Ramsbottom and Bury in September 2022. The substantial platforms are still in place but the buildings were demolished before the line and station actually closed ([[21295]]).

Caledonia Works [2nd]: Grab shot of an unidentified company's outshopped Mk2 coach, in Brodie Engineering's workshop sidings, on 1st September 2022.

Ayr: G&SWR memoriam on the wall of Ayr station.

Bury Castlecroft Goods: 60009 'Union of South Africa' has been retired from main line duties by John Cameron and is safely installed in the ELR Transport Museum, as seen here on 1st September 2022. The loco and tender have been separated slightly so that visitors can more easily access the footplate. [[82471]]

Strathbungo: September 2022 grab shot of the South abutment at Strathbungo, showing the new concrete plinth for raising the new deck for the forthcoming electrification.

Towcester: Sheep may safely graze on the trackbed of the Slow, Mouldy and Jolting. The wooden post in the background is approximately on the centre of the trackbed; the road bridge near Showsley on which I was standing was infilled well before the reign of National Highways. The road surface suffered uneven settlement around 10 years ago, and had to be remade. View looks towards Towcester and Tiffield. (See image [[27545]])

Irwell Vale: 'Railcar of the Year 2022'. The Railcar Association has just announced that BRCW Class 104 DMBS M50455 has been awarded this accolade. Part of the citation reads: 'A ten week epic effort followed with replacement ceiling panels produced, painted and fitted, followed by reupholstered seating married to powder coated seat framing. The flooring was removed, lower layers repaired and brand new lino fitted. Period materials were used throughout with the lino pattern and seat material being correct for the vehicle in late 1970s condition, historically improving on what went before. 50455 was nominated not only for the quality of the interior refurbishment, but also the historical choices of material used and the speed at which such a large amount of work was completed'. 50455 is seen at Irwell Vale just before its withdrawal for the lightning refurbishment and was back in service during the November 2022 gala.

Haslingden Tunnel: Until the mid 1970s a photograph from this spot would have been of the south portal of the 150yd Haslingden Tunnel, known locally as North Hag Tunnel. Haslingden station was immediately beyond, where the service road now joins from the right. I walked through the tunnel after the 1966 line closure, and explored the station too, but when the dual carriageway was constructed the hill was removed completely and the majority of drivers will be completely unaware that they are following a railway route here.

St Margarets Shed: Excavation work taking place on the site of St Margarets shed on 1 September 2022, seen looking north from London Road across the ECML.

Glen Douglas Summit: A Southbound sprinter passes through Gleann Culanach, the glen where the railway takes an inland route above Loch Long. Glen Douglas is in the distance. The Sprinter is turning to its right towards Loch Long and Glen Mallan and will soon be above Finnart. The dirt road seen in the foreground is the Three Lochs Way which passes under the line here.

Girvan: Ailsa Craig (Paddy's Milestone) viewed over Girvan from the 11.29 Ayr to Stranraer Sprinter on 1st September2022.

Finnart Viaduct: A northbound Highland Explorer crosses over the Finnart Viaduct, left to right. This viaduct used to be considerably easier to photograph, tree growth has pretty much blotted out the view. The vessel at the Finnart Oil Terminal is the Australis, a crude oil tanker.

Haslingden: Until 1960, this view down Station Rd in Haslingden would have been towards the railway goods yard with the station entrance just off to the left (See image [[82393]]). Half a mile from, and 75' below, Haslingden town centre meant that the station could not compete with frequent town centre buses and it closed to regular services six years before the Accrington to Bury line closed to passengers (although summer excursions continued to call). The station building and platforms survived to around 1970, but all trace was swept away by the dual carriageway that now runs through the site.

Bury Bolton Street: There is a real big station feel about Bury Bolton Street compared to many heritage railway stations. This BRCW DMU was in Platform 4, working from Heywood to Rawtenstall on 1st September 2022 but a short time earlier an 08 had been shunting a long rake of wagons and vans on this road. Over on Platform 2 were four dining coaches waiting to be added to the lunchtime steam departure. Prior to final closure by BR in 1980 the station had become very run down but has been transformed.