Once again a top all-action gala, and perfect weather to match, although the wind could have been turned down a bit. Thanks to all at GCR for this super show. The debut of 47406, with 70013, 5690, 45231, 44767, 48305 (as 48476), 42968, and 78019.

A few shots in cold and sunny conditions on 1/1/2010 and 3/1/2010. LMS 4F no.44422 on the trains - at Lynch Bridge, Yarwell, and Longueville Junction..
10.1.2010 More shots of the LMS 4F in wintry conditions at Yarwell and Wansford.
17.1.2010. 44422 at Peterborough NV station.
24.1.2010. 44422 yet again, at Wansford, Ferry Meadows, and Lynch bridge in the drizzle.

As a rest from festive over-indulgence I paid a visit to the GCR despite the gloom and drizzle to catch up on events there. 78019 and 70013 in steam.

The Santa Specials are topped and tailed with 73050 and a class 14 diesel. A few shots in the snow on 19th December 2009.

A number of mainline excursions are scheduled for November and December, principally featuring 60007 and 60019 on the ecml and in East Anglia. Shots will be added from time to time over this period.
26.11.09 60163 at Essendine. KX-York.
27.11.09 60163 at Lolham. KX-York.
28.11.09 60007 at Offord Cluny. Newcastle-KX.
03.12.09 60019 northbound at Offord Cluny. KX-Lincoln
05.12.09 D1072 'Western Glory' (D1015) at Tallington. KX-Scarborough.
06.12.09 60007 at Greatford Crossing. KX-Lincoln via Newark.
08.12.09 34067 at Soham and March. Waterloo-Ely.
12.12.09 60007 at Peterborough and Tallington, also the diesel 67021.
13.12.09 60007 at Stretham. Downham Market-KX.

A morning visit to the LBNGR as they celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the line.
'Doll', various diesel and petrol engines, and RB10 face shovel in action.

Sunny weather prompted a quick visit to the GCR as it is some time since I clocked a Black 5.
Unfortunately 45231 faces north and the sun shone from a cloudless sky in the morning making a reasonable 'image capture' of the engine most difficult. 63601 on the other train and 78019 on Dalex runs and carriage shunting. Quorn occupied by thousands of excited Brownies.

A visit between 11.00hrs and 13.00hrs to see 'Clan Line', plus a short visit to the Railway Centre, which was very quiet.

7.10.2009. The visiting LMS 4F no.44422 had a loaded test run today after its repairs at Crewe, in readiness for the NVR's End of Steam Event.
18.10.2009. 44422 in action operating the green timetable. It seemed to be running very well in the autumn sunshine.
24 and 25 Oct 09. 44422 in action again.
27 Oct 09. 44422 around Wansford station.
14.Nov.09. 44422 on a driver experience run.

17.10.09. 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' at Westwood, Peterborough and Offord Darcy with the 'London Explorer', and the Electric Traction pair 86702 'Cassiopeia' and 86701 'Orion' at Offord Darcy with a GBRf staff charter train.

9.10.09 Friday. - 4 1/2 hours at the GCR between 09.00am and 1.30 pm in overcast conditions. 92203, 42085, and 90733 in action.
11.10.09 Sunday. - Full gala programme, after an overcast start a lovely sunny afternoon. 6 hour visit this time. Trains each way every 20 minutes. Top event. Thanks GCR.
92203, 70013, 42085, 78019, 48305, 63601, and 90733.

73050, 44422, 1800, D9009, D5185, D306 in action.

A collection for NVR photos taken in the last quarter of this year.
5.10.2009 IT'S HERE. A sight for sore eyes as the LMS 4F 44422 finally arrives from Crewe. As the NVR's only steam visitor for over a year it is so welcome after all this Thomas and diesel stuff. Also, some shots of the diesels in the yard after the 4-day dieselfest last weekend, and D9009 on driver experience runs which have proved very popular.
6.10.2009 More shots from Wansford yard. Smoke from 44422 and even more smoke from 50008.
14.11.09 D9523 on a works train, and 44422 on a driver experience run.

The NNR ran a mixed traction gala with 50 train movements a day, but how many people knew about it ?? - the carriages were almost empty, just a handful of people on the stations, and despite the great sunny morning (with a thin north wind) hardly any fotters. 3 steam engines, two diesels, a railcar, and a dmu-- 3440, 69621, 65462, D31 207, D24081, railbus E79960, and dmu 101681. Full marks for putting on the all-action show, and for the punctuality, none for pre-event publicity.

A visit on Thursday afternoon, Friday, and Saturday morning to the WSR. Sunshine, punctuality, full timetable, crowds, everything for a great gala. Sat in the garden at SR station as Nunney Castle stormed through non-stop. Its copper chimney gleamed in the sunlight, the sound of the exhaust blast echoed back off the hillside and the ground trembled. It brought a sudden lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. Memory for a lifetime. Thanks WSR.

29.9.09 56311 brings 45133 and 31108 to Wansford for the forthcoming NVR diesel gala.
30.9.09 60163 passes E+C on the main line, and 31190 visits the NVR to collect 56311.

Drove through Ely on Friday 25.9.09 and spent from 2.00pm to 2.30pm on the station fotting whatever passed by.
Saturday 26.9.09. 60163 at Tallington on the KX-York Cathedrals Express.

19.9.09. 60163 at Offord Darcy on the Steam Dreams KX-York Cathedrals Express excursion, and Deltic D9009 on duty all day on the NVR as 73050 had failed with a leaking tube.
20.9.09 NVR. 31271 on duty all day after the failure of 73050.

5 hours spent in the sunshine at the Swanage Railway Grand Steam Gala on the first day, Friday. Engines in operation S&DJR no.88, BB no.34070 'Manston', WC no.34028 'Eddystone', M7 no.53, Standard 4MTs nos. 80078 and 80104, GWR 5600 class no. 6695. Very busy timetable with various engines on the shuttles Norden-Harmans Cross in between services to Swanage. Unfortunately I missed the freight which ran between Swanage and Harmans Cross, probably worked by no.53. Well done to all involved for the hard work and timekeeping.

A visit to the NNR for the last day of the Steam Gala. Poor light to start with but the sun appeared in the afternoon. A very busy event and timekeeping held up well. Congratulations to all for the non-stop action. GWR 2-6-2T no.5521 had failed and was replaced by Sulzer type 2 diesel no.24081. Hunslet saddle tank 'Ring Haw' no. 1982, GNR 0-6-2T no.1744, GWR 4-4-0 no.3440 and 0-6-2T no.6619, LNER 0-6-0 no.65462 and 0-6-2T no. 69621 all in action. A mild disappointment was that the N2 only ran with the quad-arts as part of a double-header with 65462 leading, and once alone bunker-first on this day.

Returning from Bude to Oundle I called in at Bodmin for the first 2 hours of the Friday Steam Gala. Up to noon and no doubt for longer, this is a very difficult place for photography as the sun shines straight into the terminus, which all engines face too, so shadows are a challenge. Bunker-first shots are the only ones lit by the sun. Need to spend a day around here to do the line justice, but faced with a minimum 6 hour drive I did not have time. Engines in steam- 5552, 5619, 6435, and 30587. The two Port of Par 0-4-0STs 'Alfred' and 'Judy' were on display.

A passing visit on 28th August 09 on the way to the annual Bude Jazz Festival. 'Covertcoat' working the trains, and the Darjeeling engine no.19 on shed.
A return visit on 2 Sept 09 to see the Darjeeling engine no.19 in steam together with 'Lilian'. 'Velinheli' on shed.

GWR 0-6-0PT no.9466 is making its summer visit to the Mid-Norfolk Railway, and 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' passed Wymondham with a London-Norwich excursion.

1- Morning spent at the GCR. Fairburn 42085, Stanier 48305, dmu, and class 25 D5185 in action, plus Leicester canopy.
2- Afternoon brief visit to the Nene Valley Railway with 73050 and D9009 in action.
Two railways for the price of none- only on this site!

A few snaps at Didcot Rly Centre on a brief visit, whilst in the Oxford area. 60163 'Tornado' was unfortunately not on display as it was undergoing minor maintenance inside the shed.

A second visit this year to Crich for the 1940's weekend. Tram photos on this gallery- Military Cavalcade stuff and the Woodland Walk scenery on my non-rail gallery. Glorious sunny day packed with a variety of entertainment in perfect surroundings. Trams in operation- LT 1622, Leeds 399, Blackpool 40, Glasgow 22, Johannesburg 60, Glasgow 812, Berlin 3006, Liverpool 869.

NNR's red timetable operated by small prairie 5521 and 0-6-2T no.6619. Diesel 24081 was also in action for the last 2 trains of the day. Complete change from the normal motive power, and very refreshing to see.

A morning spent at this busy event before the weather deteriorated after lunch. Big attraction was the Fairburn 2-6-4T no.42085 ably supported by 48305, 78019, 30777, D123, D5401 and D 5185. Because of very indifferent light a lot of these shots better in black and white.

Electric-hauled and steam-hauled trains and other services on the ECML. Flamboyant Charters 87002 southbound, UK Railtours 92017, and Transport Trust 60019 'Bittern' northbound at Sandy in the morning, and 60019 southbound at Offord Cluny in the evening. Super sunny conditions.

The 2ft gauge railway held its annual steam event over this weekend. Visitors from the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway were VBT 'Chaloner' and 0-4-0ST 'Peter Pan'. Another VBT- replica 'Paddy' from Daventry also starred.

A collection for photos of the NVR during July, August, and September 2009.
11.7.09 Deltic D9009 'Alycidon' in action during the Vintage weekend.
18.7.09 Mixed Traction Day with 73050 and Class 40 D306 'Atlantic Conveyor' in action at Wansford.
4.8.09 73050 at Ferry Meadows.
9.8.09 73050 near Castor.
26.8.09 73050 at bridge 56, Wansford.
20.9.09 Stanton no.50 at Wansford.
23.9.09 Shed scenes at Wansford.
27.9.09 Railway defended by German troops at the 1940's event

Recording the passage of 70013 over the Bletchley-Bedford line was a must for me as I grew up hereabouts. The forecast of 'cloud' should have been 'very low cloud and misty drizzle'. As I drove to Lidlington the Airship hangers at Cardington were barely visible in the mist.

9.7.09 NNR's red timetable this week. 69621 and 65462 in action, plus the diesel railbus E79960.
21.6.09 Also 2 photos of 'Ring Haw' taken whilst passing through Sheringham on a non-railway visit.

A short visit to the GCR to see the 4-BIG set no.7059, and the N2, which unfortunately was not in steam. 78019 and 48305 on the trains with the 4-BIG propelled by 33116. I think the diesel in action was D 5401.

60019 northbound at Sandy, the NVR Rail Mail event with D9009 on the postal rake, apparently for the first time in 38 years, and 60019 returning near Sandy in the evening.

A first visit to this wonderful railway, it certainly will not be my last- (and my first venture into Yorkshire since I was served a hot pork pie at the Kirklees Light Railway at 1.17pm on 20th May 2006. As a hard southener I eat pork pies cold, chips without gravy, and will venture on to any moor without a hat).
The KWVR packs everything into its 5 mile length, and the shuttle to Settle was worth every penny. Thanks to everyone involved.
Home fleet- 85, 967, 1704, 41241, 47279, 80002, 90733.
Visitors- 5690, 63601, and diesel 37516.

Deltic 9009 was towed today 23.6.09 from Barrow Hill by 66722 'Sir Edward Watkin' to the Nene Valley Railway for the summer season. The engine will stay until just after the NVR Diesel Gala 4/5 October 09.
24.6.09 For a few weeks at this time of year the evening sun sets north of the NVR. A small collection of photos after the day's work in Wansford yard.

19.6.09 Arrival on the NVR of 66723 'Chinook' and 73207 plus 325Postal 325002 for the event.
20.6.09 Photos from the morning of 66723 and 73207 in action, plus the Spitfire and Hurricane over Oundle carnival.

On 13.6.1959 passenger services were withdrawn on the Rushden-Higham Ferrers Branch, although the line lasted as freight only for about another 10 years. The Society is to be congratulated on running an inaugural passenger train over a short stretch of track exactly 50 years to the day after passenger services ended. Class 31 no.31206 and Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST 'Edmundsons' did the honours.

M.Bernard Neveux of Ajecta has kindly forwarded photos of the Nord and its journey in France 14-18 May to Longueville, where it will be restored for main line running in France.

a). 11.6.09- A short visit to the Marston Vale line, at Lidlington, Stewartby, and Millbrook. 150124, 153364 on passenger services, 66089 on Bletchley-Peak Forest, and 66728 with barriers 6379 and 6378 on 5Z77 Wembley-Derby.
Also, an unusual aircraft in the skies.
b).Publicity for the RailFuture leaflet which I have received via the BBRUA about reopening of Oxford-Cambridge. Links to Railfuture and the East-West Rail Consortium are added in the links box.

An exploratory trip to Banbury combined with a visit to Didcot Railway Centre which the weather did its best to frustrate. A first visit to Didcot in the preservation era- I went in the 1950s with a Kodak Brownie and 'bashed' the shed so pleasant memories here despite the rain. A grainy set of shots but an enjoyable day out. 3650, 3738, and 5322 in steam.

A visit to the GWR for the last day of the Cotswold Festival of Steam. 92203, 3440, 5526, 5619, 7903 and 5972 seen in action. Generally sunny day but a steady breeze and fast- moving clouds added an element of chance to the photography.

After a morning at the nearby Peak Rail I spent the afternoon at the Tramway Museum, Crich, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary since inception. Thanks to the tram crews who gave informative talks during stops at passing points.

First ever visit to Peak Rail in Derbyshire to see 8F no.8624 in LMS maroon. First weekend of steaming. WD 0-6-0ST no.150 also in action on freight trains. Spent the morning only here, then moved on to the Tramway Museum, Crich for the afternoon.

23.5.09 60163 northbound at Sandy.
23.5.09 60007 southbound at Essendine 50 years after its 112mph run down Stoke bank- a post-war steam speed record.

An all-too-brief visit on the morning of 23.5.09 to the LBNGR for their WWI weekend 'Narrow Gauge At War'. 3 engines in steam, on a freight train and a double-headed passenger train. The main running days will be Sunday and Monday. Very enjoyable though short visit.
A unique gathering of World War I locomotives from USA, France, Germany and others.

Some small low res. photos taken from the Ajecta website of the journey of the Nord 4-6-0 (or, as the French say - Le ten-wheeler) from Cherbourg to Longueville. Photos by J.Tasma, T.Wagner and P.Berger.
For the full story (en francais) and a video of the arrival by road see www.ajecta.org., also the SNCF Society website.

16.5.09 'The Coronation' Day 1. 60163 'Tornado' northbound at Tallington.
18.5.09 'The Coronation' Day 3. 60163 'Tornado' southbound at Offord Cluny.

50008 arrived at the NVR today for overhaul by the Hanson people for eventual main line use. It arrived in convoy with 56311, 56312 and D9516.
In dieselspeak something about hoovers, grids and teddybears- whatever.

The Nord 4-6-0 no.3.628 or SNCF no.230D116 was today transported to Poole-Cherbourg from the NVR. The locomotive hauled one of the first passenger trains on the NVR on 1.6.1977. Privately owned, it was sold to the Science Museum, but a change of policy meant that it was sold again to a private owner. It has sat in the NVR sidings for many years but has now gone to a good home in France, AJECTA at Longueville where it should be restored for main line running. No mention of its departure on the NVR website, which is rather sad, really. Free running, free steaming, it was much liked by the crews that worked it, and the design, dating from about 1911 greatly interested Sir William Stanier when he was redesigning the Royal Scot class for the LMS. Anyone interested in following the progress of this locomotive should refer to the SNCF Society website.

9.5.09. To catch 70013 on the Midland Main Line was a must, here seen at Souldrop, and Gretton. Afternoon spent at the GCR 40th Anniversary of Closure, with mixed steam and diesels.
10.5.09 70013 at Tallington on the Barrow Hill-Dereham light engine movement.

First ever visit to the MNR. This line normally uses dmus and heritage diesels, but the attraction this weekend was the visit of the appropriate N7 no.69621. The current line is 11 miles long with the real prospect of extension to 17.5 miles soon, and maybe even further. With a main line connection at Wymondham, this is a line with great potential. Operated almost entirely by volunteers it is a friendly place. Until the passing loop at Thuxton is completed the MNR can only run one train at a time for now- or one every 2 hours. The line runs through green Norfolk countryside, where old-fashioned farming methods seem to prevail- the fields have proper hedges, and there are smallholdings with turkeys, geese and steeds. At one place a deer was seen.

Red Timetable at the NNR meant 2 steam engines and a diesel providing a 45 minute service. 65462 and 90775 in action with Class 31 no.31 207. Well patronised trains, not many fotters about, in what were good conditions.

Thursday 23rd was 4-4-0 day, with 3440, 9017 and 246 on 45 minute interval services. Just time for a short morning session before heading home. Grateful thanks to all at the Llangollen Railway, and everyone else for a superb event, expertly presented.

Wednesday 22nd was the quietest day. 3440 and 9017 double-headed all day on Ian Allan specials, and 5526 worked the auto train,but was not between the stock. A few shots of Pontycysyllte aqueduct thrown in for variety, before the rail action began.

Tuesday 21.4.09 was Scottish Day, with B1 no. 1306, D49 no.246, and resident Black 5 no.44806 renumbered as 44801 doing the business.
Berwyn station was renamed 'KILLIN' in white letters on a sky-blue field for the day, and a strange red-headed figure in a large tartan bonnet wandered about there. Travelled up to Carrog in the beavertail, and returned in the non-corridor suburban stock.

A 3 night stay in Llangollen for the quieter part of SSSII in mid-week away from the madding crowds. Apart from 6100 all the visitors in action during the period. Monday 20th was Cambrian day. 5526, 5199, and 9017 in action.
Dur, ager a seren.II

60163 'Tornado' passing Offord Cluny, and a quick visit to the NVR for the mixed haulage weekend.

Time to head home before the crowds build up, but not before a few shots of S&DJR 2-8-0 no.88 which I found very elusive on my first visit here. Same squally showers which made it a bit of a lottery, but at one point I cursed the heavens and things improved.

With a mixture of sun and showers a day to spend lineside and find some of the many locations on this railway for photography. Mainly at the seaside end of the line.

The first day of the 2nd weekend. The weather forecast was rather negative so a day for riding on trains. 'Royal Scot' in action, and all the other visitors including 34028, 60019, 45231 and 4936.

I arrived at Minehead the day before the second weekend of the Gala, and this coincided with the first loaded test run of 6100 'Royal Scot'.

Sunshine all day. Pity about the non-appearance of the Fairburn tank, but a steady flow of action with 78019, 63601, 63395, and 48305, plus D5401, D5830, and D1705. Parcels, mixed freight, and mineral trains in between the passenger services.

15th March 09.A second visit to the Harringworth area for the East Midlands Trains Sunday diversions, and a first look at the new Corby station.
22nd March 09. A third visit to Glaston tunnel and Harringworth.

A couple of hours in the morning at Harringworth to catch a few East Midlands Trains diversions over the viaduct, and a couple of hours in the afternoon to catch the last few trains of the NVR Spring Diesel Gala. Strong winds and sudden squally showers made life difficult. Nothing to inspire in this collection.

A return visit on Sunday 1.3.2009 with the intention to cover the Holt-Weybourne section of the line, but the very dismal weather had other ideas, so it was a day to travel on trains, and mix with the seething masses on the stations. A few shots taken in the murk.

Shots of 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' on The Great Northern excursion from Cleethorpes, at Essendine and Offord Cluny.

A superb gala with 5 appropriate visiting engines, and vintage Eastern Counties buses to mark the rail replacement service. Thank you and congratulations NNR/MGN Society.
On Friday the visitors only were in action - B1 no.1306 'Mayflower', L and Y no.1300, Midland 4F no.44422, Standard 4 76079, and Standard 2 78019. A brief encounter with Cliff Jones making his first visit here. The weather was probably the best of the 3 days this weekend.

Beautiful sunny morning as 60163 'Tornado' heads for Kings Cross. A few shots at Offord Cluny.

1. Frustrating Friday. 30777 Sir Lamiel was declared a late failure. 48773 facing north substituted, and the sun failed to break through the thin cloud cover.
2. Sunny Saturday. 30777 back in action together with 70013, 63395, 63601, 4141, 78019, and the Stanier 8F carrying number 48773 for the weekend. 4 great hours spent along the line. Thanks GCR once again.

A collection for NVR photos during the first quarter of 2009.
1. 14.1.09. The tender of the Nord 4-6-0 leaves for France.
2. 18.1.09. 73050 on a chilly but sunny afternoon.
3. 18.2.09. Half Term with 56311 and 'Thomas' in action over a flooding River Nene .
4. 3.3.09 10 photos of the class 117 dmu leaving for the Gwili Railway as the class 107 arrives in replacement from the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway.
5. NVR HEAVY OVERHAUL WORKSHOP. 2 photos.
6. Pre Diesel Gala photos. D5401 arrived from GCR.

For the 3rd and final instalment of my Railways beyond the NVR collections I cover the old GNR branch from Wansford to Stamford East. This was opened by the Stamford and Essendine Railway in 1876 and run by and absorbed into the GNR by 1886. Passenger services ceased in 1923 and the line finally closed in 1929, finished off by the General Strike, although it was probably never economical. Once again I am indebted to the NVR Archives for permission to show a few photos, but there are very few around to choose from.

19.12.08. 30777 'Sir Lamiel' at Tallington 08.51hrs on its way to York. 3 shots.
20.12.08. 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' east of Ely with the Cathedrals Express.

I braved the cars, the mud, and the screaming kids to grab a couple of shots of the Santa Specials with the added bonus of the return to base of 56311/312

This line is well-documented in railway literature but I enjoyed researching the Rugby line so this one will be completed over the next few weeks, as weather and time allow. From Peterborough to Thrapston is local for me, beyond to Wellingborough and Northampton will take longer.
The journey starts with LNWR features on the preserved Nene Valley Railway, (some of my shots have appeared in earlier collections, but with different captions) and will continue into the country following the old route. Please return from time to time to see additions.
I am again indebted to the NVR for use of some archive photos, and I used the LM Region Summer timetable 1962, table 61 for other information.

First visit to the Melton area, and first sight of Earl of Mount Edgcumbe.

Well-known photographer Cliff Jones recently did a very interesting 'photo-essay' in November 2008 of the old LNWR line from Rugby to Market Harborough.- See link to his site in the links box. As the line continued to Peterborough East, with branches at Seaton Junction to Stamford, and to Uppingham, I have continued the story, as the Nene Valley Rly is a small surviving part of that line. I have used an LMR timetable for 1962, table 63 for some information. There were 8 or 9 trains each way on weekdays, and curiously on Sundays only, a service departing Rugby at 2.56am calling at Market Harborough 3.20am, Seaton 3.48am and arriving at Peterborough East at 4.30am.- the only train on a Sunday with no service the other way. I am indebted to The Nene Valley Rly Archives for permission to show 7 black and white photos of steam trains on this line.

Between 27/11/08 and the end of 2008 there are several main line railtours within reasonable driving distance so photos will be added from time to time in this period.
1.- 27.11.08 UK Railtours KX-Worcester excursion at Ketton.2x67.
2.- 27.11.08 Steam Dreams Cathedrals Express KX-Scarborough at Tallington. Cl.47
3.- 29.11.08 60019 'Bittern' at Offord Cluny and Tallington, and 67005/6 again at Tallington.
4.- 5.12.08 67005 on the 8 Counties excursion to Lincoln at Millbrook, Beds. and 34067 'Tangmere' also bound for Lincoln at Spalding.

Remembrance Sunday at the GCR.
5690 was temporarily renumbered 5700 and renamed 'Britannia' at Leicester North, but did not run as such, 70013 has been renamed and renumbered 70048 'Territorial Army 1908-2008', and 63601 was on Dalex runs. A watery sun to start with, but by early afternoon torrential rain and hail swept across the landscape.

29.10.08. A beautiful sunny and cold autumn day could not go to waste so I photographed Hudswell Clark 0-6-0T no.1800 alias 'Thomas' and 73050 in the sunshine- and not an engine face to be seen!
01.11.08. On a cold,wet and windy day Class 56 no.56311, privately overhauled here, makes its debut on NVR services and hauls its first passenger stock ever. A little something to wow diesel fans.

A short visit on Saturday 25.10.08 to the GCR.
Windy and dull day with occasional weak sunshine meant I had had enough by lunchtime, when the rain came to stay. Top line-up of engines however.

My 3rd visit to this Railway centre, and as usual the sun did not shine until it was time to go. An enjoyable 4 hours wandering about. The 4 wheel vertical boiler Sentinel steam shunter was in steam, with Peckett 0-4-0STs 2105, 2073 and GWR 9466.

Visited 2 new spots at Little Bytham and Offord Cluny, long shadows were a problem on this sunny morning.

Friday 10 Oct. Sunshine all day. 60163, 5690, and 70013 in action. Surprisingly huge crowds and full car parks for a Friday.
Sat. 11 Oct. Full gala with 850, 78019, 63601, 4141 and the dmu, as well as the big names. For the first time met fotters Cliff Jones on Friday, and Simon Lathlane on Saturday around Quorn. Nice to put faces behind the excellent photos they both take. Gave up trying to travel on the trains- standing room only. The experience re-created. Thanks to all for a very busy Gala which ran like clockwork.

As I was travelling to Lidlington, Bedfordshire to take part in an anti eco town protest I called in at Wolverton to catch Sir Lamiel on its way from Carnforth to Southall.

First visit to the WSR. All sorts of weather, top heritage line, and much info learned for future visits. Star of the show 34046 'Braunton'. Thanks to all involved in the Gala, and for friendliness everywhere.
Mainly station shots, the variable and increasingly hostile weather hindered my lineside efforts. The GWR and WSR seem to like abbreviations for place names so they are used in the captions- saves typing.

As I have chosen the smell of steam at the WSR to diesel fumes this coming weekend this collection will hopefully have some pre-diesel gala shots before the event, and I shall add odd shots for the period Oct-Dec 2008.
30.9.08 56312 on a loaded test run and 37518 in the yard.
1.10.08 The J94 0-6-0ST departs and D25057 arrives for the Gala.
2.10.08 Diesel 20069 arrives from the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
14.10.08 25057 returns to Norfolk and D 9516 operates a TPO run for schools at Yarwell.
17.10.08 73050 on a driver experience run.

27.9.08.Not very good shots on a very foggy morning at Little Bytham as 60019 heads north to Doncaster.
28.9.08 A few shots from the NVR's 1940s weekend including the big highlight- the Battle of Britain Flight.

First view of 'Tornado', and on the first day of public service trains at the GCR. Murky day with organised rain at lunchtime. 60163 magnificent, and 63601 in excellent supporting role. Someone mentioned that 63601 was an anagram of 60163- too early in the day for me. Not too many people lineside, but weather was inclement, and as we left the rain had organised itself into beefy showers.

A first time visit to the SVR. The trip was about exploration rather than photography. Travelled from Bewley to Arley, Bridgnorth and Highley, then back to Bewdley taking snaps along the way. Of 17 different trains photographed 11 were tender-first, so I think of this as the tender-first gala not the Cambrian. 6024 failed to show but the LMS saved the day with 42968. Thanks to all for a great show, which of course carried on for another continuous 48 hours.....

First day of the NVR Steam Gala. A dull misty start and a half-hour delay at Orton Mere meant things got off to a low key start, but the sun broke through mid-morning. SR Schools 30926 Repton was the visiting star, ably supported by 73050 and the J94 2183. The Polish tank was withdrawn earlier in the week as repairs could not be guaranteed in time.
As Sunday morning was sunny I went to locations missed the day before. Use of the turntable gives a variety of changes.
Thanks to all who took part in the Gala.

A humid hazy lunchtime at Ely to see 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' en route to Norwich.

3 engines from the home fleet 65462, 69621, and 90775, plus visiting GWR engines 0-6-0PT no.1638 from the Kent and East Sussex Rly, and 0-6-2T no.5643 from Lakeside and Haverthwaite Rly., plus the quad-art set and a vintage Crosville Bristol bus. Nice also to see diesel shunter 12131, which was around in steam days, busy at Weybourne on stock marshalling. A dull start weatherwise, but the sun shone brightly in the late afternoon. A very busy gala, with many things happening at Weybourne. The timetable fell away by about 50 minutes. Thanks to all involved for an enjoyable day.

Visiting Bude for the annual New Orleans jazz festival, my brain was full after 5 days of non-stop music, so spent a pleasant 4 hours at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. GWR 7F 2-8-0T no.4247 was working the trains and the Southern Railway T9 3P 4-4-0 was on display outside the shed. Also some more relics of the railway at Bude, to supplement those taken last year included in the Launceston collection of 1.9.2007.
76 photos of the bands at the Bude Jazz Festival are in my Travel and General Gallery.

A first visit to the delightful Tramway Museum at Crich. 1940s Weekend so it was about WWII and the 1940s as much as trams. These photos concentrate mainly on the trams. With 10 different vehicles on the road during my time there there was no lack of variety. Plenty of military and 1940s display, as well as the trams, made for a highly enjoyable day.

Sweltering day, hopeless for steam effects. Lord Nelson definitely the star as Oliver Cromwell has gone and the Robinson O4 is still in the shed. Mark 1 TPO stock too.
850, 4141, and 78019 only in steam plus D123 D5185 and the dmu. Only stayed for 3 hours. Typically busy but low key event after all the hype, or maybe the heat got to me. Thanks to all involved.

4936 'Kinlet Hall' with The Ely Explorer at Ketton and Stamford, and at Stamford and Ketton again for the evening return.

Being involved in a week-long family reunion railways took a back seat but managed a walk along the N.Norfolk coast and the NNR just happened to be close by. 60009 passed through Peterborough the next morning at breakfast time with the 'Scarborough Flyer'. Missed the quad-arts and Wicksteed Park but there is always another time.

ECML shots all taken in rain or poor light at Greatford (morning) 5.7.08, Essendine and Holme Fen (evening) 6.7.08.

A collection for photos on the NVR for July-Sept.08.
1. 2.7.08 Polish 0-6-0T 'Karel' arrives for the Poles Apart weekend. 5,6 July.
2. 4015 and 5485 on shed, and some river boats visit the new landing stage. 4.7.08
3. 5.7.08 'Poles Apart' Weekend. 4015 and 5485 in action, plus the Nord.
4. 8.7.08 230D116 and 73050.
5. 2.8.08 IT'S BACK! 73050 on a loaded test run after 14 months out of service.
6. 14.8.08 73050 on a Mark I service train.
7. 19.8.08 73050 now in regular service with the Mark 1s.
8. 20.8.08 73050 in service at Wansford tunnel and Yarwell.
9. 12.9.08 SR Schools 'V'class 4-4-0 no.30926 'Repton' arrives for the NVR Steam Gala. 13-14 Sept.
10. 16.9.08 31271 on special duties, and the Kreigslok.
11. 21.9.08 Mixed traction day with 73050 and 31271.
12. 24.9.08 Polish tank back in service and 37518.

8 days in Portugal on holiday. Not an enthusiasts trip, but one featuring travel within Portugal by rail, from Porto to Coimbra, thence to Lisbon. Highlights for me were a visit to Porto Tram Museum, and Oriente Station Lisbon.
See the excellent 'Luso Pages' link now added for all Portuguese railway and travel matters; much information in my captions taken from this website.
110 photos of non-railway scenes in Portugal in my Travel Gallery.

I grew up on this line in the 1950s travelling daily to Bedford. Steam ruled, and diesels were a far-off threat which we hoped would never come. Stations ranged from those with sidings and coal yards, to simple halts, served only by the push-pull service. Afterwards traffic declined, and the outer lines to Oxford and Cambridge were closed. The LNWR station at Bedford St Johns fell into decline and was closed but re-direction over the freight link to Bedford Midland Rd gave a more convenient arrival in Bedford.
With the advent of dmus platforms at the halts were raised, but all the sidings were lifted. In 2004 semaphores and manual crossing gates were swept away in an expensive upgrade, and today only certain station houses with their distinctive architecture survive to give the line its individual character.
Now, in 2008, Government plans for eco-towns (strongly opposed in the local villages) and the expansion of Bedford and Milton Keynes threaten to absorb more countryside, further eroding the rural nature of the line.
The last brickyard in Bedfordshire still stands with its 4 chimneys but has closed finally, and may well be demolished totally. I am taking this series of photographs before it all changes again, and to show the remnants of what was. The line however, looks to have a good future.

FirstGBRf Class 73 no.73204 visited the NVR briefly for a Company function; and 3/4 hour on the ECML at Marholm for the Stobart Pullman KX- Berwick railtour.

I faced up to the Brummie road system and made my first ever visit to the GWR Toddington. It was an exploratory trip with much time riding on trains and getting my bearings, so I did not get a lineside pass. The photos are mostly station shots and suffer accordingly. Got frustrated jostling with the masses on the stations. Different people here, curly Cotswold and sour brummie accents, and quite a few who parade up and down platforms in their hi-viz raiment. Good day though and a great Gala. Thanks to all.

1/2 hour at Greatford crossing this a.m. to catch the northbound Cathedrals Express hauled by class 47 47760.
Southbound this evening 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley at Little Bytham 18.34hrs and Huntingdon 20.07hrs after the Connington water stop.

The NNR ran its red timetable this week with steam hauled trains every 45 minutes so I took advantage of a small break in the rain to spend 4 1/2 hours there today. WD 90775 and N7/4 no.69621 running, but by 2.00pm the rain returned.

With 3 railtours scheduled to pass by the Peterborough area I spent an hour between 9.00am and 10.00am at Essendine. Disappointing cloudy morning with a strong crosswind at this exposed bridge. 2x47s, a 92 and a 67 on the specials.

Last chance to see Oliver Cromwell for a while. Spent the day in the area around Quorn as I missed it on my previous visit. Good day with alternating sun and cloud. 30777, 78019, and 70013 plus diesels class 25 D5185 and class 47 D1705.

Annual trip with Bedford-Bletchley Rail Users Assoc. This year by train from Bedford to Hastings then coach to the K&ESR at Tenterden. A grey and wet day and Network Rail delays meant only time for a return trip on the line and 25 minutes for a look around at Tenterden. Most of these photos are opportunist snaps from a moving train window and unsatisfactory, but I hope they give an idea of the line and the atmosphere of the day.

A hot and hazy day at the GCR to see 'Oliver Cromwell'. The visit was cut short by a vicious attack of gout. Walking on ballast lineside definitely a no-no, which caused me to avoid the Quorn area.

Just as 53809 leaves the NVR the boiler of 73050 was craned on to the frames today 7.5.08. Hopefully the engine will be back in service in June.

3.5.08. 53809 spends an extra weekend on the Nene Valley Railway.
4.5.08 60019 on the Ely-Norwich line through Shippea Hill.
5.5.08 Final shots of 53809 at the NVR. Visit to the GCR and Oliver Cromwell held over to next weekend.

Visiting 53809 and D5301, with D1971 and D306 from the home fleet, and the Austerity 2183 which is a season's visitor. Great weather, and a busy and varied event which ran smoothly until the failure of D5301 on Saturday afternoon.
53809 was the undoubted star, ably assisted by 2183, which rescued the failed D5301, (an unplanned 1960 event). Weather less good on Sunday and a generally quieter day. D5301 back in service.

Between 9.20 am and 10.13 am fotted 2x47 DRS, 3 pairs of 67s and a pair of 37s at Werrington and Marholm, just north of Peterborough.
At 19.47hrs caught the 2x37s again at Ketton. About 24 minutes down and just before the light failed.

Diesels in the drizzle. D306 and 40145 feature in the weekend anniversary gala for class 40 locomotives.

A few alternative images converted to black and white taken over the 3 days. A grey weekend. Grayscale images.

The full Gala programme with 42968, 44422, 44806, plus GWR 3802, 7822, 5643, and 6430 on the auto run. Also running, the strong east wind and scudding grey clouds.

Overnight the weather changed and grey skies with an unrelenting easterly wind prevailed for the rest of the weekend.
Visitors 44422 and 42968 in steam together with local 44806 and the auto-train with 6430.

Travelled to Llangollen on the Thursday before the Gala. Thanks to the valuable 'Trainspots' website, I paused briefly at Gobowen and Chirk to explore there. On arrival at Llangollen 3802 was out on driver experience duties.

A collection for main line tours April 2008.
5.4.08- 67024 at Wellingborough.
7.4.08- 60019 at southbound at Tallington.
10.4.2008- The Stobart Pullman was cancelled but I went anyway in the hope of catching the Bletchley-Peak Forest instead, but that also failed to show. Shots from the Marston Vale line at Lidlington and Sharnbrook on the MML.
12.4.08- 6233 departing Loughborough, a 5 minute visit to the GCR, and 60019 at Essendine, all before 10.00am.
12.4.08- D 40145 on the East Anglian at Ketton.

A collection for occasional visits to this line in 2008. I grew up here so I have a certain affection for it despite the lack of variety. The line has a number of good photographic locations however.
2.4.08 My first shots of the boring class 153s at Lidlington.
10.4.08 Class 150 no.150106 at Lidlington.
6.6.08 Class 153 no.153356; Class 66 no.66168; and class 150 no.150126 in networkwestmidlands blue livery.
9.6.08 66238, 153356 and 150126 in action.
1.7.08 150125 and 153333 in action between Aspley Guise and Bow Brickhill, plus 66053 light engine.
19.10.08 Sunday freight train with 66186 at Lidlington.
11.12.08 Units 153371 and 150126 at Millbrook.

A collection for NVR shots April-June 2008.
2.4.2008. The ex-LT Sentinel DL83 at work.
6.4.08 Wemyss saddletank no.2183 (or no.15) with the Mark I stock.
15.4.08. Turned up at NVR for volunteer duty and found I was pressed into service as a film extra. Also, the arrival of 40145 for the weekend Class 40 50th Anniversary event.
24.4.08 Visitors D5301 and Midland Railway 7F 53809 arrive for the 1960s event.

First visit this year to the North Norfolk Railway.
Yellow timetable operated by visiting GWR 2-8-0T no.5224 and the dmu. Dismally wet to start with, the sun appeared at lunchtime. New developments at Holt to investigate.

A collection for main line shots to be taken in the first half of 2008.
14.2.08 - The Stobart Pullman from Finsbury Park to Bournville. Passing Ketton on time 11.48hrs. Murky day.
23.2.08 - The Stobart Pullman again, this time at Essendine on the KX-Carlisle railtour.
13.3.08 - Half-an-hour spent at St.Pancras in the early evening.
15.3.08 - A diversion relief from a shopping trip to catch 92022 'Charles Dickens' at Lolham ECML with a Pathfinder Tours excursion.
21.3.08 Stobart Pullman yet again on the KX-Edinburgh excursion, double-headed by 47501 and 47802 at Tallington crossing, ECML.
25.3.08 Bittern goes north and some main line activity at Lolham bridges.

A brief visit to the GCR on Sunday in the wind and rain. Stayed 1/2 hour for these few shots, which will be transferred to the Winter Gala collection soon.

29 Feb 08. 60019 at Holme ECML, and Wansford NVR.
01 Mar 08. 60019 leaves NVR, passing diesels (The Cheshireman) over Harringworth Viaduct, 60019 (The Talisman) at Essendine, and a few NVR diesel gala shots.
02 Mar 08. 30 snaps of diesels at the NVR DIESEL GALA.
03 Mar 08. 60019 returning south, at Lolham foot crossing, and Holme Fen.

Photos to be taken on the NVR over the next 3 months.
Not much activity just now but the overnight visit of 60019 and the diesel gala to look forward to.
2.2.2008. King Haakon 7 on Driver Experience duties.
9.2.08.- Polish tank no.5485 on the 'Day Continental' at Yarwell.
10.2.08 - 5485 running near Castor.
12.2.08 - 5485 at the Lynch bridge.
17.2.08 - 5485 Lynch bridge again. Lovely sunny day.
20.2.08 - 377 at Wansford.
26.2.08 - GBRf 66 708 and metronet wagons.
27.2.08 - GBRf 66 708 more shots at Wansford.
8.3.08 - Last weekend at the NVR for King Haakon 7. Here seen with the Norwegian coach.
18.3.08 - New landing stage arrives at Wansford.
21.3.08 - ex Wemyss Private Railway 0-6-0ST no.15 (2183) arrives at the NVR for the season.
24.3.08 Easter Monday- with the Polish tank on the DSBs and 2183 on the Mark Is.
30.3.08 - 2183 at Yarwell and Ferry Meadows.

25.1.08 Friday night photo shoot at the shed. Steep learning curve for me in difficult lighting. 44422, 48305 and 4953 were outside the shed. 4141 inside with 30777 behind it, and 78019 away on Burns Night duty. Gala shots to be added after Sunday's visit.
27.1.08 Glorious sunny day and a splendid gala. Thanks GCR.

At this time of year we get a few main line steam excursions on the ecml and Midland lines. The ecml is difficult to access, with overhead lines and vigilant railway staff, who will stop all trains if there is a hint of trespass at the foot crossings.
6.10.2007. 6233 on the London Explorer from Derby to KX.
17.11.07 4965 at Cossington.
1.12.07 60019 'Bittern' on the ECML around Peterborough.
7.12.07 60009 'Union of South Africa' at Holme and Spalding.
8.12.07 45407 and 76079 at Loughborough.

5.10.2007. For me, diesels fail to please, but as I did a stint in the booking office I took a few snaps during quiet periods at Wansford, during the first day of the 3-day dieselfest.
For a Friday there was an encouraging turnout of diesel folk.
First revenue-earning runs for 37 518 after much hard work in the shed. English Electric day with D306, D8007, D8137, D31271, and D37518 running.
24.10.2007. Polish tank no.5485 makes a tentative return to service.
1.12.07. First day of Santa Specials. 5485 and D9523.
11.12.07. Light engine and loaded test runs for King Haakon 7 no.377
16th and 23rd 12.07. Santa Specials with King Haakon 7 and D9523

Occasional shots taken on the Marston Vale Line during 2007.
14.4.2007. Photos from the new cycle path at Lidlington/Marston Crossing.
7.5.2007. A scanned transparency from last summer. Millbrook.
31.5.2007. Track relaying at Lidlington.
3 and 10 Nov 2007 Silverlink Swansong I.
22 Dec 2007. The Rose of the Shires Pullman excursion at Lidlington and Stewartby.

14.10.07. Sunday started with a cool breeze and broken cloud. About noon the sun broke through and there was about 3 hours of autumnal sun, much better than on Saturday I was told. 30777 back in steam and visitors 45110 and 5643, plus 4141, 78019, 48305, and the dmu.
17.11.07 A short visit after seeing 4965 at Cossington. 48305 and 78019 in action.

In the morning 6233 on the ecml, then a diesel on the NVR, and in the evening a visit to the LBNGR Steam Glow event. Should have taken a tripod for time exposure. These shots used the floodlights and a bit of tinkering on the pc. A very pleasant evening, and the weather was kind.

A trip with Bedford-Bletchley Rail Users Association to Quainton Road, although a last-minute let-down by the vintage bus people meant we travelled in our own cars. Plenty to see and a traction engine/vintage transport rally as well.
See also Railway Collection no.28 of October last year.

I took so many shots at this Gala so here are some alternative monochrome/sepia efforts. They are different to Collection 55.

Seven engines in steam, including a return to service of 44806, an auto coach making its debut after restoration, and a freight train, plus plenty of sunshine. A great gala. A big thank you to all involved in putting on this show. Some of them started at 2 a.m.

4771 is visiting the Nene Valley Railway this week for the Steam Gala on 8/9 September. Maybe in this part of the world the last chances to see it in steam.
Here are 14 shots from various angles of 4771 on the driver experience courses held on 4/5 September. 3 better shots on Steam Train Galleries.
8.9.2007 NVR Steam Gala. After a sunny start for the first train the weather clouded over until five minutes before the double-header returned in the afternoon, hence some dull shots. 73050 is still under repair, 9466 was a late withdrawal leaving 6412 and 1800 to compete with the LNER duo.
9.9.2007 Returned to get better shots of the V2 on the freight, and leading the double-header. The sun shone brightly, of course.

From the Atlantic rollers at Bude on Saturday to the placid North Sea at Sheringham on Sunday for the last chance to see 92203 at the NNR Steam Gala with 5 other engines in steam.
90775, 5643, 69621, 65462, and 34057.
Stayed from 9.30 am to 2.00 pm when the drizzle came.
Much larger crowds than expected, and all parking opportunities between Weybourne and Sheringham were occupied all day.

Down in Bude for the annual New Orleans Jazz Festival- wall-to-wall jazz for a week, I took a part day off to get a steam fix on the Launceston Steam Railway, a delightful line with friendly staff where I renewed acquaintance with 'Velinheli' which had appeared at Ffestiniog 175. A newly-opened museum in Bude Castle pays tribute to the town's railway heritage.
Anyone interested in general shots of Bude and the jazz performers check my Travel and General gallery.

In August trains on The Great Whipsnade Railway are steam hauled and run daily every 30 minutes on a 20 minute circular trip of about a third of the zoo park. The line passes through paddocks of exotic and dangerous beasts limiting the opportunity for lineside shots, but the station area is good although the afternoon sun can be awkward.

We must have had a sunny day this summer.
A few shots taken at the end of July, showing the quarry and excavators. The museum recreates the scene of an ironstone quarry, of which there were many in Northants and Rutland in the days of steam and the Corby steelworks.

Inauspicious start to the day as 4141 failed at Quorn on the first train of the day. The timetable went to pot but things recovered later. No Sir Lamiel and a residents only day.
Because of delay at Quorn failed to visit the shed or the RVP bit at Rothley, and the mail drop area was not easily to be photographed.

Photos on the NVR July-Sept 07.
1. Visitor from the West Somerset Railway GWR 0-6-0PT 2P no.6412- here until September.
2. 18.9.2007. 3 shots of 4771 being loaded for transport to the SVR. It has been a highly popular visitor at the NVR.
19 & 23 Sept. More shots of 6412 in its last few days here.

Vintage Transport Weekend at Wansford and Kettering.
At the NVR Mayflower and a diesel were handling the train and tpo services so I concentrated on the vintage vehicles.
At WICKSTEED PARK, Kettering, it was their third annual steam gala with 3 visiting engines. Definitely something different here, with double-heading VBTs. A very pleasant afternoon.

In the area for a family event, managed to grab a few hours here. First visit to this delightful line. Residents 30053, 80078 and 80104, visitors 30075, 34081, 73129, and 76079 all in steam. Photo results a bit disappointing but will know better next time. With the exception of 34081 all engines were new to me. A shuttle service between Norden and Harman's Cross in addition to the Swanage services provided a 20 minute interval only between trains. A first-class gala.

The first time that three Great Eastern designed engines have worked together in preservation. Panting Westinghouse gear and shrill whistles, and a relatively sunny day made for a great experience. Holden/Gresley 61572, Worsdell /Holden 65462, and Hill/1940 69621 starred.

A visit on 9.6.2007 with the Bedford-Bletchley Rail Users Association by rail from Bedford to Haywards Heath, then by coach to the Lavender Line and the Bluebell Railway. No chance of lineside shots but a great day out. My first visit to these lines.

On 1st June 1977 French Nord 4-6-0 no.3.628 hauled the first passenger service from Wansford to Orton Mere. USATC 2-8-0 no.5197 is the guest locomotive for the celebrations of 2nd and 3rd June. Friday 1st June 2007 saw the visit of HRH Prince Edward in the morning when he drove 1306 'Mayflower' from Yarwell to Wansford.
2.6.2007. 1306, 5197, and 31 271 in action as NVR celebrates its 30th anniversary.
3.6.2007. 1306, 5197, 1800, and class 40 D306 in action this day, as the Anniversary celebrations continue.

A stay in Blaenau Ffestiniog for the Ffestiniog Railway 175th birthday celebrations 27th and 28th May 2007. It rained, as it always does in Blyna, but the sun shone on Monday morning as England took a soaking.

En route to Ffestiniog 175 I called in at the Llangollen Railway on 25th and 28th May to check out accommodation and photo spots for future reference. Very lucky with the weather.

27.4.2007 Preparations for the weekend. 48305,61306,73050.
28.4.2007 First day of 1960's Gala and 100th birthday of Wansford signalbox. Superb weather.
29.4.2007 Second day. grey, cold and nasty. The sun appeared feebly in the afternoon. All in all a great gala, with things happening all the time at Wansford, and a credit to the organisers, to whom much thanks.

Collection for occasional visits to the NNR. 2007.
19.4.2007- First visit this year to see unique B12 no.61572 in action, and my first time to see it in steam.
5.5.2007- Second visit to see 6619 before its return to NYMR, also 34081.

Photos of NVR in the second quarter of 2007.
1- 73050 in various movements. The signal box is 100 years old at end of April.
2- B1 no.1306 'Mayflower' recommences service on the NVR at Easter.
3- 14,15 April. The first of several mixed traction weekends planned by the NVR. Class 31 no. 31271 and 73050 in service this time. All at Yarwell Junction.
4- LMS steam crane at Wansford.
5- 24,26 April. On the fringe of a photo charter, and a ride in a brake van.
6- 7.5.2007 73050 with the Mark1 stock.
7- 5.6.2007 Arrival of 47270 and departure of 56057.
8- 8.6.2007 USATC S160 2-8-0 no.5197 in action.
9- 23.6.2007 RAIL MAIL 2007. 1306, and 47270 with TPO set.

A less than serious visit to the GCR, a day of self-indulgence and some frivolous photos. Their 1960's weekend coincided with my birthday, but with 63601 a failure the diesels prevailed, although 4141 now faces south. Most of the day was spent in the 'Elizabethan' dining car. Recommended.

A collection for Steam on the Main Lines in 2007.
3.3.2007. 4771 at Peterborough on the NRM charter 'The Great Central'.
17.3.2007. 60009 on 'The White Rose' at Huntingdon and Greatford.
24.3.2007. 60009 on 'The Yorkshireman' at Wellingborough and Oakham- its last trip in England for a while.
7.5.2007. 34067 'Tangmere' on the 'Scarborough Flyer' in the Peterborough area.

Occasional mainline shots during 2007 whilst awaiting a steam event.
3.3.07 ecml
20.3.07 near Oakham.
25.9.07 An hour on the ecml south of Peterborough. Surprising variety in that time.

1- In the mid 1950's I travelled abroad for the first time on a school trip from Bedford to Italy, travelling by train through France and Switzerland. 'E pericoloso sporgersi' and 'Nicht Hinauslehnen' said the signs in the compartment, but such admonitions were for foreigners, not us English chaps, so I leant far out of the window with the Kodak brownie and took this shot as the train roared into the ten-minute darkness of the Lotschberg tunnel, Switzerland. The photo was mocked by my schoolmates and has lain hidden in an album for 50 years or so. Anyway, I like it, a sort of panning in one easy step, and it evokes many pleasant memories of that journey.
2- Six purchased photos of the LLANDUDNO and COLWYN BAY TRAMS, a much loved system which tragically closed in 1956. I used to go on family holidays when very small in the late 40's, and preferred to travel on the trams rather than grub around on the beach. These complement Travel Collection no.25.
From May 2007 replica tram no.7 will be on display at various events in Llandudno, marking 100 years since the beginning of the line. I hope the councillors past of the area come to realise what they lost.
3- WELSH NARROW GAUGE 1980's.Taken on family hols, not dedicated railway shots. Scanned prints. Cannot believe the sunny weather. Any help with loco and place identification will be appreciated.

The NVR is my local railway. This collection is for occasional photos taken during 2007. I normally avoid Thomas and all his Works but some of these shots show the new station at Yarwell Junction scheduled for opening on 7th April 2007, and the NVR Thomas is the real one.
One should also pay tribute to the influence of the Rev.Awdry, creator of Thomas, at one end of this line, and the Rev.Richard Paten, saviour of 73050 at the other, whose contributions in their different ways to the steam heritage movement are immeasurable.

42968 is due to leave the GCR after 4/2/2007.
Here are some farewell shots a week after the hectic Gala.

First action of 2007. The GCR Winter Gala with a heavy freight theme.A great success with full trains, full carparks, and orange jackets everywhere. For me first time sight of visitors 49395 and 42968.

OK. Proud parents posing their issue before engines and generally obstructing photographs, but what else is there to photograph apart from hit or miss main line charters at this time, and they do represent the future.
25.11.2006.
First day of such specials on the GCR. Wet, windy, kids milling about, and 63601 always on the rear of its train, but enjoyable after the frustration of trying to get 4771 on the main line at Peterborough.
20.12.2006.
Visited Nene Valley Railway on a sunny but cold afternoon to photograph 73050 on a Santa Special, but found Polish 0-8-0T no.5485 on a trial steaming in the station area after a lengthy overhaul.

A collection of modern images taken in 2006, usually taken whilst awaiting a steam event, or exploring new sites.

A first visit to Quainton Road in the wind and rain. Metropolitan no.1 in steam. An absorbing 4 hours spent here. Well presented museum and spacious site. Rewley Road station is a gem and the S.African Railways 4-8-4 is a magnificent sight.
3 further images on Steam Train Galleries.
See also Railway Collection no.59 of 22.9.07

7/10/2006. Big day on the POPPY LINE. 5 locos in action and a sunny day. 5197, 90775, 69621, 65462, and 80135. 26 photos plus 6 on Steam Train Galleries. The 2 wartime locos also shown in black and white. 5 shots.
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8/10/2006 GCR AUTUMN GALA. 35005, 4141, 45305, 48305. 3 out of 4 locos in steam facing north posed new photographic challenges. Rather dull day and 63601 was a last-minute failure. A few diesel shots thrown in for a change. 21 photos, plus 8 shots of diesels.
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90 minutes spent at Bodmin General station on 1/9/2006. Branch Line Day. Took time off from Bude Jazz Festival to visit Bodmin General station, but between 11.00hrs and 12.30hrs the position of the sun makes photography difficult. All these shots taken into the sun, but the 3 locos seen in steam are shown. Unfortunately no time to travel on the line on this visit.
14 photos.

A first visit on 3/9/2006 to the Rutland Railway Museum. Very friendly people, and where else can one get a cab ride in a diesel and a footplate ride on a steam loco. Situated about mid way between the GCR and the Nene Valley Rly it is worth a supporting visit, and it complements the 2 larger railways. It is developing as an iron ore quarry railway working exhibition. 8 photos. 3 on Steam Train galleries.

A trip arranged by Bedford-Bletchley Rail Users Association involving a journey by train to Ridgmont, then by ex-London Transport RT bus to Leighton Buzzard and a journey on the narrow gauge railway. 2ft.gauge, 2.85 miles to Stonehenge Works. 5.8.2006. Hot day and a good time.
13 photos.

Photos being taken during 2006.
1. 21/5/2006: BIG FOUR DAY -
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and first ever visit. 22 photos
2. 2/7/2006: 'SEASIDE SPECIALS' day.
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A very hot, humid day. BR 4MT no. 80105 and Stanier 8F 48305 locos in service plus a couple of class 20 diesels. 17 photos.
3. 29/7/2006: GCR SUMMER GALA 'MAIL BY RAIL' day .
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80105, 78019, 45305, 48305, Peak D123, and 4141. 20 photos. My first lineside experience- heaven. A further 6 photos are shown on Steam Train Galleries website.
See Collections nos.27 and 30 for further photos.

Photos being taken in 2006.
28/5/2006. First visit to North Norfolk Railway.
Overwhelming choice of locations. This visit limited to station shots. 17 photos.
22/8/2006. Second visit, to see the Yank in Norfolk.
Only intermittent sun and less steam, only USA 2-8-0 no.5197 in service but working hard. 13 photos. 3 further photos on Steam Train Galleries website.
See Collection no.27 for further photos.

1. 20/5/2006. Kirklees Light Railway. A day trip with the Bedford-Bletchley Rail Users Association from Bedford to Sheffield, then a coach trip to the KLR in the rain. A delightful set up which would be even better in sunny weather with walks etc. The staff coped very well with a children's birthday picnic forced indoors because of the weather, a Wild West event with chaps shooting up the trains, and a charabanc load of people from Bedfordshire. These are all scanned prints.

2006. Photos being taken during this year on Nene Valley Railway.
Easter weekend.
May Bank Holiday weekend.
Vintage Traction day.
Steam Gala 9 and 10 Sept 06. 73050, 1306, 9466, and 1800 in steam.+ 7 shots on Steam Train Galleries. Various other days.
For 1970's photos of the NVR see collection no.14.

Main line railway shots taken in 2006.
04.02.06 60009 at Ely. 10 photos.
18.03.06 60009 at Huntingdon and Peterborough. 3 photos.
25.03.06 60009 at Sharnbrook. 3 photos.
01.04.06 61264 at Peterborough.6 photos.
08.04.06 5790 at Harringworth, Radwell, Sharnbrook. 10 photos.
28.04.06 61264 at Stamford. 5 photos.
01.05.06 61264 at Peterborough. 3 photos.
04.07.06 71000 at Bletchley. 5 photos.
24.08.06 71000 at Sharnbrook and Harringworth, and a southbound class 66. A mad 60 minutes. 8 photos+2 on Steam Train Galleries.
08.09.06 'The White Rose' 6233 at Huntingdon and Peterborough. 5 photos.
23.09.2006 'The Talisman' 60009 at Peterborough in the mist. 4 photos.
28.10.2006. The London Explorer. 6233 at Marholm and Huntingdon (slow line unfortunately). 8 shots and 1 bad one.
18.11.2006. NRM York-London charter. 4771 at Peterborough and Huntingdon. 4 images. 22.11.2006. 71000 at Peterborough. 1 image
25.11.2006. 4771 at Peterborough. NRM KX-York charter 5 images.
2.12.2006. 60009 at Peterborough and mile post 87. 9 shots, and 2 on Steam Train Galleries.
9.12.2006. 71000 at Ely. 4 shots.
9.12.2006. 60009 at Wellingborough and through Rutland.6 photos.
16.12.2006. 60009 again at Wellingborough and through Rutland. 6 photos.
23.12.2006. 71000 in the Peterborough area. 2 disappointing shots. 3 night shots on the return.

This is the fourth and final part of Ray Wardleworth's collection. Mainly GWR locos on shed and in works. c. 1954/55. Some of these complement Railway Collection no.5

This is the third group of Ray Wardleworth's photos. These were mostly taken during a school CCF summer camp at Pirbright, Surrey, in 1954. After running round the countryside in the day firing blanks, in the evenings we would assemble at Brookwood station, or travel to Guildford or Basingstoke to see the Southern in action. Southampton-Waterloo Boat Trains- John Schlesinger 'Terminus'stuff. Great days.

This is the second collection of photos by Ray Wardleworth. Midland line activity at Ampthill tunnels, north end. 1954/55.
Some of these complement Railway collection no.4.

An old school friend, Ray Wardleworth, has kindly allowed display of his photos on this site. We often trainspotted together, some of these complement Railway collections nos 2 and 3.
In those days we could travel by train directly from Lidlington to Sandy.

N.V.R Wansford. Early days. Late 1970's,early 1980's. As these photos were taken about 25 years ago they almost qualify as archive photos of a preserved railway! The French 4-6-0 is standing forlornly today in the yard. It requires a complete overhaul.
For more recent photos in 2005 of preserved steam see railway collection no.11, and for Nene Valley Railway in 2006 see collection no.18.

In 1962 I went to work in Nigeria and later, Zambia. Lots of chances missed to photograph trains but the local attitude to foreign photographers during the civil war did not help. By the time I reached Zambia in 1974 steam was nearly all withdrawn. These are just the few photos I have. Grateful thanks to Duncan Harris of wikipedia and Gavin Hamilton for helping with information on the Nigerian Kano locomotives.
In Enugu I frequently had to go to the railway station with an armed police escort and a gang of labourers in a lorry to collect consignments of cash from the Central Bank, Port Harcourt, conveyed in a security cage in the guards van, but the train, scheduled to arrive early evening was always more than an hour late and arrived at nightfall. In any case I had other things to occupy me on a bustling station so no photos. I remember the 'River' class locos (2-8-2s), pride of the steam fleet. After the massacres in the north prior to the civil war, Ibo rail staff returned to the east so drivers were recruited from India. Francis Jaekel's immense 'History of the Nigerian Railway' is a mine of information and enabled me to write informative captions on railway and technical matters.

A collection of 12 photos taken by Frank Fox in May 1964. Sadly he died at a young age soon after, otherwise he would have been my brother-in-law.

9/6/2005 - with King Edward I to Bristol. A 65th birthday and retirement present from the family, this Steam Dreams trip in premier dining class from London(Victoria) to Bristol was a superb day out. I have now caught the bug for steam photography again after 50 years.
Further preserved steam photos-
3/12/05:- 60009 at Peterborough.
4/12/05:- 45305 at Stamford.
17/12/05:- 60009 on Harringworth viaduct.
18/12/2005:- 73050 at NVR Wansford.
21/12/2005:- 45231 at Ely.

The 4th and final part of Mr.Fleming's fine photos. These are of the Midland main line in the Nottingham/Derby area. Please note that copyright passed to the National Railway Museum, York, on 9/1/2006.

A 3rd batch of fine photos by Mr.J.A.Fleming.
Midland main line from Kettering northwards.
Please note that copyright passed to the National Railway Museum, York, on 9/1/2006.

see notes for J.A Fleming collection no.1.
Some nice stuff here for a wider public to enjoy. These are Midland main line shots in the London area.
Please note that copyright passed to the National Railway Museum, York, on 9/1/2006.

These four J.A.Fleming collections are much better quality than my Kodak Brownie 127s.
Mr.Fleming sent these to me shortly before he died in 1982 with all the relevant notes. They deserve to be shown widely. All the photos are meticulously annotated and I repeat the descriptions as given. Collection 1- Photos mainly GWR in the Princes Risborough area, and Camden m.p.d. LMR.
Please note that copyright passed to the National Railway Museum, York, on 9.1.2006

A further selection of not very good Kodak Brownie 127 shots from 1954 between Stafford and Roade.

A few shots from a visit to Swindon in 1954.
Same old Kodak Brownie 127 but these are stills and a bit better. For further photos see Railway collection no.18.

A further collection of Kodak Brownie shots in 1954 at Millbrook village, Beds. at Ampthill tunnels north portals. A super setting but the subjects moved too fast for the old Brownie. Many happy hours spent here on summer weekends. Shown for nostalgic/historic reasons only, these will not win any photo competition! For further photos see Railway collection no.16.

Over-ambitious shots with a Kodak Brownie 127 in 1954 at Sandy station. After the unfortunate closure of the Bedford-Cambridge railway in the late 1960's Sandy station is now much changed as a commuter station on the ECML.
Anyone interested in campaigning for a re-opening of the Bedford-Cambridge line by whatever route is invited to visit www.brta.org.uk for further details. For further photos see Railway collection no.15.

A collection of steam photos taken with a Kodak Brownie 127 when I was 14 years old. The moving shots were over-ambitious and subject to blurring. They are shown for nostalgic and historic reasons only.For further photos in this area see Railway collection no.15.

In July 2004 the Marston Vale line was closed for a £30 million upgrade which saw the end of semaphores, gates, and crossing keepers. This collection covers a stretch of the line only 5 miles or so long, from Wootton Broadmead, through Millbrook and Lidlington up to Ridgmont, 6 road crossings in all. All gates, huts, and semaphores have now disappeared, but the line is modern, centrally controlled, and hopefully will be central to a renewal of the East-West rail link, if we ever have a government with the wit and will to do it, and a deputy Prime Minister who understands the word 'infrastructure'.
Anyone interested in learning more about this branch line is invited to visit the Bedford-Bletchley Rail Users Association(BBRUA), and Lidlington-on-line. MODERN IMAGES on the line since 2004 are occasionally added to this collection.

Between 1945 and 1949 at the ages of 5 to 9 I went regularly on family holidays to Llandudno. The steam train journeys from Bedfordshire, and on arrival, the trams of the LCBER, the steamers, and the Great Orme tram, made a deep impression which has lasted a lifetime. Too young to take photos, the ten black and white tram pictures are postcards which I bought from a street trader in Llandudno some years ago and I suspect are pirate copies. My colour photos are an opportunity to relive the past which arose on a May Bank Holiday in the 1990's when m.v.Balmoral visited the N.Wales coast. For 'real' shots of the LCBER see the links box on the r.h.side of the title page. See also Railway Collection no.34 for 6 further shots of the LCBER trams.
Explanatory Note re Copyright- This collection was created with my name as copyright and opened with my photos of m.v. Balmoral. Subsequent images from various sources have been added but my name is shown as copyright. So far I have not found a way within the fotopic system to correct this, short of rescanning the lot into separate collections. Only the 'Balmoral' photos are my copyright.