Mainline South http://Mainline.fotopic.net/ 84 rows en-gb 60 Thumper on the Move http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1781950.html 205205 was moved south from the NYMR to its new home at the Epping Ongar Railway. Here is one of the 'cars' seen near Newark on the A1, 16Nov09. Monday 16 November 2009: 205205 was moved south from the NYMR to its new home at the Epping Ongar Railway. Here is one of the 'cars' seen near Newark on the A1, 16Nov09.

205205 heading south on the A1. 205205 being passed by some class 37 'tractors' also bound for the EOR (joke!). Further view of 205205. Final view, as I stopped in a layby to watch it pass.

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]]> Mon Nov 16 2009 Euro; Czech Republic 12Sep09 to 17Sep09 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1773472.html A second visit to the Czech Republic, staying in the beautiful city of Brno. Tuesday 27 October 2009: A second visit to the Czech Republic, staying in the beautiful city of Brno.

141 054 7 draws to a stop at Prostejov, working is Os3808 10.30 Olomouc - Nezamyslice on 13Sep09 363 023 3 pacing through Kralicky on 13Sep09. Working is R904 11.07 Olomouc - Brno 'Jesenik'. 141 018 2 at Kralicky, working OS3810 11.30 Olomouc - Prostejov Hlavni on 13Sep09 141 023 2 at Vrahovice, OS3812 12.30 Olomouc - Nezamyslice on 13Sep09 T478 1001 at Stepanovice, working a the return leg of a charter from Nedvedice to Veselin nad Moravou, 13Sep09 750 022 6 Prudka zastavka 13Sep09, Os14921 16.41 Sdar nad Sazavou - Brno 754 066 9 at Stepanovice on SP1767 15.42 Sdar nad Sazavou - Brno, 13Sep09 714 220 1 at Stepanovice on OS14920 17.41 Tisnov - Sdar nad Sazavou, 13Sep09 141 054 7 stabled at Olomouc shed, 15Sep09 749 253 1 at Bohunovice working OS13716 13.29 Unicov - Olomouc, 15Sep09 749 257 2 at Bohunovice working Os13718 14.29 Unicov - Olomouc, 15Sep09 Bring the Noise! Unsilenced 749 107 9 at Bohunovice, on 15Sep09. Train is Os3621 15.13 Olomouc - Sumperk. 851 028 1 at Bohunovice, working OS13720 15.44 Unicov - Olomouc, 15Sep09 742 279 3 at Unicov, a real pleasant surprise! It is on Os13724 16.44 Unicov - Olomouc, 15Sep09 742 1605 ~ 742 104 3 at Ujezd working an afternoon freight towards Olomouc, on 15Sep09. 141 037 2 at Nezamyslice on 15Sep09, having worked Os3824 18.30 Olomouc - Nezamyslice. 141 037 2 has run round its three coaches, and will work Os3827 19.40 Nezamyslice - Olomouc. The guard & shunter have a chat, 110 007 2 is on a freight in the background.

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]]> Tue Oct 27 2009 Underground: District Line http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1767844.html Hopefully over time this gallery will grow... 'D' Stock dating from 1978 on the District Line, the last line with silver stock on LUL, now sadly all gone from every day service. Tuesday 13 October 2009: Hopefully over time this gallery will grow... 'D' Stock dating from 1978 on the District Line, the last line with silver stock on LUL, now sadly all gone from every day service.

Unidentified 'D' Stock at Richmond, 10Oct09

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]]> Tue Oct 13 2009 Euro; LKW http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1767540.html Selection of Liaz and Tatra HGVs seen in Czech Republic, September 2009 Monday 12 October 2009: Selection of Liaz and Tatra HGVs seen in Czech Republic, September 2009

Railway engineering Liaz, seen at Prostejov Liaz and Man, Prostejov The second Liaz seen at Prostejov Round the front of Prostejov station, major works relating to a station forecourt remodelling scheme. Close up of two Tatras Tatra trio, Prostejov station forecourt Seen parked in Strelice, a quiet dormitory town near Brno, this fine rigid Liaz. May date from the '80s or ealr y'90s? This Tatra (assuming it was actually the same one) worked several times to and fro accross the level crossing at Strelice. Ex military Tatra, seen at Bohunovice, 15Sep09 Tatra T148, classic profile, Olomouc station forecourt on 15Sep09 Tatra T148 seen at Olomouc station forecourt, another major remodelling scheme. Second vview of the classic Tatra T148

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]]> Mon Oct 12 2009 Euro; Deutsche Bahn - Munchen, Buchloe, Stetten, Turkheim, Altstadten, Oberstdorf, Kaufering 31Jul09 to 04Aug09 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1737980.html It's good to see 218s in normal everyday service. Pictured here on diagrams between; Munchen ~ Buchloe ~ Memmingen Augsburg ~ Buchloe ~ Memmingen ~ Hergatz ~ Lindau Augsburg ~ Lindau (IC) Munchen ~ Lindau (IC) Oberstdorf ~ Ulm Also ALX Munchen ~ Lindau/Oberstdorf In due course I hope to upload more from Muhldorf, Tutzing & Landshut. Saturday 8 August 2009: It's good to see 218s in normal everyday service. Pictured here on diagrams between; Munchen ~ Buchloe ~ Memmingen Augsburg ~ Buchloe ~ Memmingen ~ Hergatz ~ Lindau Augsburg ~ Lindau (IC) Munchen ~ Lindau (IC) Oberstdorf ~ Ulm Also ALX Munchen ~ Lindau/Oberstdorf In due course I hope to upload more from Muhldorf, Tutzing & Landshut.

1016 038 0 Keifersfelden 31Jul09, EC84 09.53 Rimini - Munchen 111 040 2p Munchen 31Jul09, RE30040 19.18 Salzburg - Munchen 218 214 5 RE32676 11.51 Munchen - Memmingen, 218 457 0 RE32984 12.19 Munchen - Buchloe 218 416 6 ~ 218 400 0 Geltendorf 01Aug09, EC194 12.34 Munchen - Zurich 218 432 3 Turkheim 1Aug09, IC2085 13.56 Augsburg - Oberstdorf 218 489 3 Turkheim 1Aug09, RE32682 13.51 Munchen - Memmingen 218 489 3 Sontheim (Schwab) 01Aug09, RE32685 16.35 Memmingen - Munchen 218 471 1 Sontheim (Schwab) 01Aug09, RE32684 15.51 Munchen - Memmingen 218 472 9 Sontheim (Schwab) 01Aug09, RB32810 17.03 Augsburg - Lindau 218 459 6 Sontheim (Schwab) 01Aug09, EC190 18.34 Munchen - Zurich 320 001 1 Buchloe 1Aug09: HENSCHEL!!! 223 069 Kaufering 1Aug09, ALX38714 19.19 Munchen - Lindau 223 067 Kaufering 1Aug09, ALX38715 17.58 Lindau - Munchen & ALX39951 18.16 Oberstdorf - Munchen 223 071 Altstadten 2Aug09, ALX39661 14.19 Oberstdorf - Munchen Krupp trackwork at Altstadten 2Aug09 612 086p Altstadten 2Aug09, RE32654 15.01 Oberstdorf - Munchen 218 434 9 Oberstdorf 2Aug09, IC2085 13.56 Augsburg - Oberstdorf 218 464 6p Stetten 2Aug09, RE32687 18.36 Memmingen - Munchen 218 457 0 ~ 218 471 1 Stetten 2Aug09, RE32688 17.51 Munchen - Memmingen 218 406 6 ~ 218 400 0 Stetten 2Aug09, EC190 18.34 Munchen to Zurich 218 356 4 ~ 218 457 2 Dorfen 3Aug09, RB27071 19.46 Munchen - Muhldorf

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]]> Sat Aug 8 2009 Euro; SNCF - Day Trip 18Jul09 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1728020.html A jaunt to the land of SNCF for some classic electric locos, and diesel loco and stock. Didn't manage to catch any diesels working, but they are about so hopefully can track them down for next time :) Sunday 19 July 2009: A jaunt to the land of SNCF for some classic electric locos, and diesel loco and stock. Didn't manage to catch any diesels working, but they are about so hopefully can track them down for next time :)

Looking unloved, 92061 has terminated at Boulogne Ville with TER842655, the 14.33 from Calais Ville 67626 stabled at Boulogne Ville 67606 and 67618 stabled at the head of a rake of Corail stock. I assume they will form the 17.42 to Paris 16630 at Boulogne Ville, having arrived on 13.38 Lille Flandres to Boulogne, TER844851. Loco was built between 1958-64 and is allocated to Lens (LE) depot. TGV 23177 departs Boulgne Ville with TGV844410 16.00 non stop to Lille Europe Altshom plastic units 334 and 614 at Boulogne Tintelleries with TER844857 14.21 Lille Flandres - Boulogne Ville

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]]> Sun Jul 19 2009 Euro; Czech Republic 26Apr09 - 1May09 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1691748.html A superb week sampling Czech workings; gotta love those 749s! I stayed in Ceske Budejovice (Hotel Gomel) which makes a good base for a rail based holiday. North is Plzen, and line 200 for Praha with 749 hauled regional trains. North-east for Praha, with the hourly regional services, east for Veseli nad Luznici, Jindrichuv Hradec (narrow gauge line) and Jihlava, and south-east for Gmund NO, south for Summerau/Linz. I didn't make it west for Volary. I saw loco hauled diesels on; Plzen-Domazlice (754) Praha-Ceske Budejovice (749) Ceske Budejovice-Gmund NO (limited) (749) Veseli nad Luznici-Gmund NO (749 & wheelie bin) Jindrichuv Hradec-Obratan (narrow gauge) Jindrichuv Hradec-Nova Bystrice (narrow gauge) Jihlava-Brno (754) Also, a 742 hauled working in to Jihlava, probably from the Havlickuv Brod direction. All in all, a beautiful country with superb railways. Sunday 3 May 2009: A superb week sampling Czech workings; gotta love those 749s! I stayed in Ceske Budejovice (Hotel Gomel) which makes a good base for a rail based holiday. North is Plzen, and line 200 for Praha with 749 hauled regional trains. North-east for Praha, with the hourly regional services, east for Veseli nad Luznici, Jindrichuv Hradec (narrow gauge line) and Jihlava, and south-east for Gmund NO, south for Summerau/Linz. I didn't make it west for Volary. I saw loco hauled diesels on; Plzen-Domazlice (754) Praha-Ceske Budejovice (749) Ceske Budejovice-Gmund NO (limited) (749) Veseli nad Luznici-Gmund NO (749 & wheelie bin) Jindrichuv Hradec-Obratan (narrow gauge) Jindrichuv Hradec-Nova Bystrice (narrow gauge) Jihlava-Brno (754) Also, a 742 hauled working in to Jihlava, probably from the Havlickuv Brod direction. All in all, a beautiful country with superb railways.

749 146 7 Praha Hlavni, R1144 13.25 to Tanvald (13.14 from Praha Vrsovice) 749 255 6 at Veseli nad Luznici, running round before working a train to Gmund NO. 242 216 0, Protivin R665 10.03 Plzen - Brno Protivin signalbox 27Apr09 Two lines at Protivin, the line nearest me is for Plzen, the one behind for Zdice and Beroun. 749 244 0 at Protivin on R1246 09.41 Praha - Ceske Budejovice 749 039 4p Cizova 27Apr09 749 218 4 at Cizova, R1253 15.08 Ceske Budejovice to Praha 242 269 9 Ceske Budejovice 28Apr09 231 Plzen 28Apr09 754 057 8 Chotestov u Stoda 28Apr09, R352 'Jan Hus' 13.11 Praha-Nurnberg 754 019 8p Chotestov u Stoda 28Apr09,OS7417 14.34 Domazlice - Plzen 754 059 4p Tlucna 28Apr09, OS7419 15.46 Domazlice - Plzen 1044 071p Summerau 29Apr09, EC101 Praha - Summerau - Salzburg 242 216 0 Dolni Skyrchov 30Apr09,'Vajgar' R662 09.20 Brno - Plzen T47 018 Dolni Skyrchov 30Apr09. The track here is dual gauge (narrow & standard). R665 'Jakub Krucin' 10.03 Plzen - Brno with power provided by 242 239 2, seen at Dolni Skyrchov on 30Apr09 210 030 3p at Jihlava Mesto on OS8348 16.22 Horni Cerekev - Havlickuv Brod R668 'Junak' 15.20 Brno-Plzen at Ceske Budejovice, hauled by 242 202 0 on 30Apr09 R1246, 9.41 Praha - Ceske Budejovice with 749 011 3 up front, seen at Mirovice on 1May09 R1250, 13.41 to Ceske Budejovice at Beroun with 749 008 9 up front. 363 083 7 Beroun 1May09

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]]> Sun May 3 2009 Euro; SNCF & SNCB weekend 21Feb09 - 22Feb09 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1668357.html Quick spin on the mighty Eurostar for a night in Lille via Bruxelles. Apparently the weather in England was superb, whilst it was grey and overcast during my visit! I wanted to catch SNCF's Bo-Bo 676xx diesels, although only caught one at Lille Flandres, weekdays are much better than weekends for them. I didn't fare much better for the 167xx electrics, but caught a few running around. Bruxelles was an enjoyable place to visit, probably better to visit on a weekday for the rarer locos, but still good. Monday 16 March 2009: Quick spin on the mighty Eurostar for a night in Lille via Bruxelles. Apparently the weather in England was superb, whilst it was grey and overcast during my visit! I wanted to catch SNCF's Bo-Bo 676xx diesels, although only caught one at Lille Flandres, weekdays are much better than weekends for them. I didn't fare much better for the 167xx electrics, but caught a few running around. Bruxelles was an enjoyable place to visit, probably better to visit on a weekday for the rarer locos, but still good.

67605 at Lille Flandres, with an arrival from St Pol. Platforms at Schaarbeek, 21Feb09 Class 21, No. 2102 at Schaarbeek with the 16.06 IC Schaarbeek-Doornik/Tournai/Mouscron service. 689 deaprting Scharbeek, 21Feb09 309 'Break' set passing through Schaarbeek, 21Feb09 Schaarbeek Station 21Feb09 SNCB Class 11, No. 1189 at Bruxelles Midi with the 18.15 IC express to Amsterdam Centraal, 21Feb09 252 at Bruxelles Midi on the 18.14 to Nivelle, 21Feb09 516711 on the 10.17 Lille Flandres-Dunquerque, at Hazebrouck, 22Feb09 Rare birds, A1A-A1A locos 68523 and 68527 stabled at Hazebrouck, 22Feb09 Train 843838 17.05 Lille Flandres-Tergnier hauled by 516603 at Lille Flandres, 22Feb09

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]]> Mon Mar 16 2009 Steam; Three Valentines Day Excursions 14Feb09 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1654689.html Tangmere, Tornado and Clan Line all ran specials on 14Feb09 Monday 16 February 2009: Tangmere, Tornado and Clan Line all ran specials on 14Feb09

1Z27; 'The Somerset Explorer' 09.20 Paddington to Yeovil and Salisbury hauled by 34067 'Tangmere' seen at West Ealing. 1Z94; 'The Valentines Day Special' 09.40 Waterloo-Overton-Waterloo hauled by 60163 'Tornado' seen at Syon Lane 1Z82; 'VSOE Valentines Lunceheon Special' 12.08 Victoria-Guildford-Victoria, hauled by 35028 'Clan Line' seen crossing Cremorne Viaduct

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]]> Mon Feb 16 2009 Euro; Deutsche Bahn - Berlin, , Strausberg, Saarmund, Kostryzn (Poland), 15Nov08 to 18Nov08 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1615445.html Shprt hop from Luton to Schoenfeld with EasyJet, and three nights at Inter City Hotel, Berlin Ostbahnhof. The main reason for visiting was the closure of the main line to Poland at Rzepin, and diversion of Inter Cities to Poland and Soviet Union via Kostryzyn. Up front were DBs superb Kolumnas. On the Monday I visited the Saarmund/Schoenfeld line, which was apparently very quiet for freight that day, but the sunshine and quality of traction made up for volume. Even got a double headed NOHAB, operated by Eicholz Rail. As ever, DB magic :) Sunday 23 November 2008: Shprt hop from Luton to Schoenfeld with EasyJet, and three nights at Inter City Hotel, Berlin Ostbahnhof. The main reason for visiting was the closure of the main line to Poland at Rzepin, and diversion of Inter Cities to Poland and Soviet Union via Kostryzyn. Up front were DBs superb Kolumnas. On the Monday I visited the Saarmund/Schoenfeld line, which was apparently very quiet for freight that day, but the sunshine and quality of traction made up for volume. Even got a double headed NOHAB, operated by Eicholz Rail. As ever, DB magic :)

Train D343 again, this time with 232 403 6 on Sunday 15Nov08 NE99801, 21.52 to Kostryzyn in the hands of NEB's VT737, Lichtenburg 15Nov08 232 704 7 restarts from Strausberg with train EC445, 11.34 Gesundbrunnen to Woschodnia. NEB's VT736 in a rare patch of good light on the Sunday, with the hourly service to Berlin Lichtenburg. Another 234 was caught by my lens, 234 551 0. It is seen at Fredersdorf S-Bahn station. It was cold and windy waiting for it (plus it was late) so I had given up to the point I was actually standing at the end of the platform when it came in to view. After a sprint I just got to the bridge in time! Train is D245 11.34 Berlin Gesundbrunnen to Moscow! In abysmal light, after the sun (what there was of it) had set, 232 543 9 works through Birkenstein on Sunday 16Nov08 232 083 6 at Berlin Gesundbrunnen with train D343, 21.12 Gesundbrunnen to Kiev, Monday 16Nov08. 151 033 8 at Berlin Schoenfeld Flughafen 17Nov08 155 194 4 heading east through Berlin Schoenfeld Flughafen, 17Nov08 155 201 7 at Genshagener Heide, 17Nov08. Long shadows meant photogprahy was restricted, coupled with the fact this was the only train I saw in an hour there. 152 153 3 at Saarmund, with a long trailer train. One of the green 'Hangartner' trailers had a 'F' for Finland sticker, so presumably the train had come a long way. 155 211 6 at Saarmund, hauling Maersk containers. 140 535 6 is part of a class threatend with withdrawal, so it was a pleasure to catch it hauling a nicely mixed freight, seen at Saarmund on 17Nov08 189 011 0 at Saarmund, with another container train. Highlight: Kolumna 233 206 6 at Saarmund hauling a rake of flat wagons, loaded with Mercedes Sprinter vans The superb sight and sound of two Nohabs: Eicholz Rail 1131 and 1143 haul a loaded train of bogie hoppers through Saarmund, 17Nov08 Another U4 at Nollerndorfpolatz. car 581 on 17Nov08 BVG's car 529 at Nollendorfplatz, the termination point for U4. 481 469 5 at Berlin Ostbahnhof, with a terminated S-Bahn service, 17Nov08. BVG tram 1030 at Alexanderplatz, on the cold night of 17Nov08 PKP's EU07-377 is stabled at Kostrzyn, 18Nov08 EC446: 07.13 Warszawa Wschodnia to Berlin Gesundbrunnen, at Kostrzyn. PKP's EP09 040 will be removed and replaced by 232 403 6 for the final leg to Berlin, 18Nov08 EC446: 232 403 6 running round its train. EC446: 232 403 6 propels the loaded train out of Kostrzyn station. EC446: 232 403 6 takes the freight only chord from the low level to the high level, where it will work onwards out of Poland and in to Germany. SM42 918 during a shunting move, heading back to the yard at Kostrzyn, 18Nov08 DB's small class of 234's are being withdrawn, and Seddin's 234 180 8 was a welcome sight. It is seen on EC445 11.34 Gesundbrunnen-Warszawa Wschodnia at Kostryzn. EP09 040 took over the train and worked back towards Warszawa, Tuesday 18Nov08 Kostrzyn low and high level, with three different operators in this view: NEB's VT736 waiting time before working the 13.58 ti Lichtenburg, DB's 234 180 8 stabled, and PKP's EP09 040 on EC445, and EN57 1953 ra about to depart with a service for Szczecin Glowny. CTL Rail's ST44 R010 and SM42 23x propel a long rake of open box wagons back in to Kostzryn yard, at the high level station, 18Nov08

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]]> Sun Nov 23 2008 Bekonscot: Model Village http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1601136.html I think it's still as good as it used to be, if not better. A miniature vision of Utopia, with loads of trains flying about, so can't be bad. Located in Beconsfield: WWW.Bekonscot.com Sunday 26 October 2008: I think it's still as good as it used to be, if not better. A miniature vision of Utopia, with loads of trains flying about, so can't be bad. Located in Beconsfield: WWW.Bekonscot.com

An 060 tank with two carriages slows for the stop at Greenhally Straight through! An express powers through Greenhally. The station master takes pride in the appearance of Bekonscot Town, as can be seen by the attractive flower display. A loaded coal train with four wheel wagons rumbles past the attractive harbour. A delightful scene; 060 tank with loaded four wheel coal wagons, telegraph poles, immpecably kept lineside vegetation and even some rabbits playing in the Spring sunshine... A mixed freight on the single track line, passing Hanton Aerodrome A portrait of Hanton Aerodrome, with a twin prop bi-plane ready for boarding. He shoots, he scores! Hanton has a fine station building, and this single car tram shuttles backwards and forwards to serve the tourist cafe and beach, pictured here. That looks fairly cold to me... A short mixed freight passing Gully Junction Signalbox. Prestige train, The Bekonian powers round a sharp curve A fitting tribute to Roland R Callingham, 1879 to 1961, founder and creator of Bekonscot 1929.

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]]> Sun Oct 26 2008 Euro; Swiss Trip - September 2008 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1587917.html Schweiz; Two words can describe this country; * Fan and * Tastic Tuesday 30 September 2008: Schweiz; Two words can describe this country; * Fan and * Tastic

620 0612 -11185 Goeschenen 16Sep08. Erstfeld at 22.50 on 16Sep08, 11185 - 620 061 2 mirror a line of n/b containers. 11688 heads light, north through Wassen on 17Sep08 Andermatt! Seen from a passing train... Rhätische Bahn 627 at Castrich on 19Sep08 Rhätische Bahn 705 at Castrich, with the afternoon freight heading towards Ilanz, 19Sep08. The conist is bogie tank wagons, and flat bed cement wagons. Rhätische Bahn 611 at Versam Safiem on 19Sep08. Rhätische Bahn 623 at Chur on R1453 1608 Chur-Arosa, 19Sep08. That's a roundabout the train is crossing... Rhätische Bahn 628 at Chur on train R1452 1548 Arosa-Chur, 19Sep08

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]]> Tue Sep 30 2008 Euro; Slovakia, August 2008 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1572729.html Would recommend a trip to Bratislava, not only for the rateable traction but also the city :) Tuesday 2 September 2008: Would recommend a trip to Bratislava, not only for the rateable traction but also the city :)

Unlike in Blighty, freight traffic seems to run on a Sunday in Slovakia. 230 040 6 and 230 103 4 approaching Bratislava Hlavana on 17Aug08 230 035 8 at Bratislava Hlavna station, on a Sunday container train, 17Aug08 240 134 7 Bratislava Hlavana 17Aug08, train is from Split to Praha! Date is Sunday 17Aug08 263 009 1 brings up the rear of the 14.40 Hlavan/Nove Zamky service, Sunday 17Aug08. 263 005 1 was up front. 742 216 1 at Sladkovicovo, 18Aug08 560 013 5 at Galanta on train 4562, 11.41 Galanta to Leopoldov. Date is 18Aug08 and the sun is shining :) 742 024 3 and 712 119 6 are viewed from a passing train, at Sala on 18Aug08 I had a ride behind this loco from Bratislava, train 4205 10.45 Bratislava to Nove Zamky, at journey's end. 242 234 3 provided the power, and it was a welcome introduction to Slovakian railways. 742 235 5 shunting ECS at Nove Zamky on 18Au08 750 183 6 rolling in to Nove Zamky with train 5002; 09.59 from Prievidza, 18Aug08 Nice. 242 222 7 in CD livery I believe, on train R802 15.06 to Bratislava, from Levice/Banska Bystrica. Location is Surany on 18Aug08 750 151 3 at Surany on train 5034; 14.24 Nitra to Nove Zamky, 18Aug08 240 092 7 and 812 028 9 at Surany with train 5722; 14.50 Levice to Nove Zamky 'Wheelie Bin' 011 652 5 and 810 661 9 pased at Surany station, before working 16.46 to Leopoldov. 740 674 7 - 740 407 2 Leopoldov 19Aug08 Train Zr1733; 15.30 Bratislava/Nitra which 754 004 0 took forward from Leopoldov, seen at Nitra 19Aug08 Station Nitra 19Aug08 The shadow of 363 102 5 on a freight headed up by 751 084 5, Leopoldov 19Aug08

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]]> Tue Sep 2 2008 Euro; Slovakia Tram, August 2008 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1569342.html A pleasant surpise on my first visit to Bratislava in Slovakia was a tram network, plus a trolleybus network, in addition to service buses :) I'm not a total ned and did check out the sights of the city but my shutter kept clicking when a tram rumbled by... Wednesday 27 August 2008: A pleasant surpise on my first visit to Bratislava in Slovakia was a tram network, plus a trolleybus network, in addition to service buses :) I'm not a total ned and did check out the sights of the city but my shutter kept clicking when a tram rumbled by...

skoda articulated 6617 Bratislava Hlavna 17Aug08 7715 Bratislava 17Aug08 7773 Bratislava 18Aug08 Skoda trolleybus 6261 Bratislava 18Aug08. Note the legitimate lack of number plate. 6310 Bratislava Hlavna 18Aug08 6628 Bratislava Hlavna 18Aug08 NZ-46680 Nové Zámky 18Aug08 KN-788BL Nové Zámky 18Aug08 7107 Bratislava Hlavna 19Aug08 Unusually operating as a single car, 7720 Bratislava Hlavna 19Aug08 2643 Bratislava (Hlavana) 19Aug08 1631 Bratislava (Hlavna) 19Aug08 TT-951CP Leopoldov 9Aug08 NM-322AE Nové Mesto nad Vahom 19Aug08 NM-328AE Nové Mesto nad Vahom 19Aug08 NR-073AO Nitra 19Aug08 7120 Bratislava 20Aug08 Skoda trolleybus 6222 Bratislava 20Aug08 6303 Bratislava 21Aug08 7843 Bratislava 21Aug08 7933 Bratislava 21Aug08 7787 Bratislava 21Aug08 7801 Bratislava 21Aug08 7720 Bratislava Hlavana 19Aug08 Allover advert liveried 7739 Bratislava Hlavna (Stanica) 21Aug08 7933 Bratislava 21Aug08 7909 Bratislava 21Aug08 Rare bird? Early 7084 Bratislava 21Aug08 Auto Skola 8137 Bratislava 21Aug08 7909 Bratislava Vinohrady 21Aug08 38 Bratislava Vinohrady 21Aug08 7937 Bratislava Vinohrady 21Aug08 7775 Bratislava 21Aug08 7901 Bratislava 21Aug08 7109 Bratislava Hlavna 21Aug08 7801 Bratislava 21Aug08 7819 Bratislava Hlavna 21Aug08 7084 Bratislava Hlavna 21Aug08 7706 Bratislava Hlavna 21Aug08 4034 Wien 21Aug08 4023 Wien 21Aug08

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]]> Wed Aug 27 2008 Euro; Deutsche Bahn - Munchen, Muhldorf, Kastl, Paindorf, Ostermunchen, Turkheim 1Jun08 to 5Jun08 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1529388.html More DB magic Monday 16 June 2008: More DB magic

Double header! 120 150 8 - 120 159 9 form 19.35 to Koebenhaven, 1Jun08 218 223 6 which had terminated with an evening Memmingen/Munchen RegionalExpress RE32767 20.50 from Buchloe. 115 159 6 having bought in ECS to Munchen Hbf, 1Jun08 A further view of 115 159 6 at the blocks, Munchen Hbf 1Jun08 CNL318 22.42 Munchen to Amsterdam hauled by 101 098 2, 1Jun08 218 223 6 shunting around the station confines, with the iconic control tower in view, 1Jun08 115 152 1 has worked in the short hop from Munchen Ost, on CNL1288 22.54 Munchen to Hamburg, 1Jun08 113 309 9 has worked in from Munchen Ost, on a CNL1200 23.07 Munchen to Berlin (101 058 6 on front), 1Jun08. Pure German klass. CNL1200 23.07 Munchen to Berlin, with 101 058 6 at the helm, 1Jun08 225 806 9 and 217 002 5 head towards Munchen from Muhdlorf at Dorfen. The rake of tanks would probably have originated from Wackerwerk (Burghausen), 2Jun08 With a friendly wave anfd toot from the driver, LTE's 2016 904 1 heads through Dorfen with a short rake of hoppers heading for Munchen, 2Jun08 Dorfen signalbox (disused), 2Jun08 A view of Tussling signalbox, the junction for the line to Burghausen and Rosenheim, 2Jun08 Classic DB traction, 217 013 2 and 217 018 1 pound through Kastl with a tank train from Burghausen (Wackerwerk) to Muhldorf. Some freights seemed to work through to Munchen, others stopped in Muhldorf yard where the locos were detached. 233 451 4 branches of the main line in to the sidings at Kastl with a peculiar rake of green tanks. The 233 detached and an industrial shunter took the consist in to the huge plant here. Soviet beast, 233 588 3 at Kastl with a long rake of tanks for Muhldorf from Wackerwerk (Burghausen), 2Jun08 Comfortable interiors? That'll be the 628s. For a local DMU these are surprisingly good in terms of comfort, epecially when you consider some of the tat on our network. 628 612 1 is on RB27163 14.37 Muhldorf to Burghausen,and 628 569 3 is on RB27164 14.47 Burghausen to Muhldorf. Seen at Kastl on 2Jun08 Portrait of 233 451 4 in the sun at Kastl, 2Jun08 Steam in the 21st century! Oil powered steam loco is still in use at Kastl, 2Jun08 Still looking good in azur blau, 364 776 5 shunts a single coach at Muhldorf on 2Jun08 Result! A decent engine 139 145 7 on a long rake of 'cars' from Ingolstadt (a major vehicle producing plant) towards Munchen, 3Jun08 101 059 4 at Paindorf with an express service from Nurnberg to Munchen, 4Jun08. 151 160 9 operated by Railion Logistics, at Paindorf on 3Jun08 HGK's 145 CL 012 at Paindorf with a long rake of tanks, 3Jun08 111 199 6 at Paindorf with a Regional Express service from Nurnberg to Munchen, 3Jun08. 110 292 0 with a peak hour service from Munchen to Rosenheim, 3Jun08 OBB 1144 215 with a long mixed freight from Rosenheim Yard, 3Jun08 151 005 6 at Ostermunchen, with a rake of tanks from Munchen heading towards Rosenhiem. This was one of many freights which rumbled through in the hour or so I was there, 3Jun08 EBW's V130.16 awaits its next duties at Trudering on 3Jun08 218 440 6 at Munchen waits time before heading in to the night to Muhldorf, 3Jun08 Alex (Arriva) 223 071 at Munchen Hbf

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]]> Mon Jun 16 2008 Chiltern Views; Quainton to Aylesbury http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1516797.html All photos were taken on 5May08, when the Quainton Railway Centre held a fine open day. Running between Aylesbury and Quainton was Chiltern's bubble, 55020. I had a ride and although I have set the photos in the order of Quainton to Aylesbury, in reality I was in the rear of the train which was travelling in the opposite direction Saturday 24 May 2008: All photos were taken on 5May08, when the Quainton Railway Centre held a fine open day. Running between Aylesbury and Quainton was Chiltern's bubble, 55020. I had a ride and although I have set the photos in the order of Quainton to Aylesbury, in reality I was in the rear of the train which was travelling in the opposite direction

#12 Journeys end (or in reality start as I was sitting at the rear of the train facing backwards), Aylesbury Station. Gone are the semaphores and oily tracks, but happily at least 55020 still rattles on, keeping the first generation traction dream alive... #11 On the approach to Aylebsury with the Chiltern depot visible on the right #10 The approach to Aylesbury beneath the signal gantry and main road to Oxford. Worth noting is the footpath which runs between the foot crossing at the previous photo, and the road bridge ahead. You can get the odd photo where the vegetation is not so thick. #9 Foot crossing on the outskirts of Aylesbury, note the double track, refelecting the once proud status of the line #8 Another view of the works at Aylesbury Parkway #7 The new Aylesbury Parkway station will be in the vicinity of this shot, preparatory works have already commenced. #6 Crossing the A41, on the edge of the new development to the north of Aylesbury #5 Mid way between Waddesdon Manor and the site of the new Aylesbury Parkway station #4 Long straight downhill gradient, with jointed track #3 The over bridge at Waddesdon Manor (a decent location for a shot) #2 Approaching the site of Waddesdon Manor Station platform 1# Departing Quainton with L44 (now L1) on the left. 55020 shortly after arrival at Quainton Road, with the 'Quaintonian' shuttle. The race is on, as 55020 overtakes BR tank 2087 at Quainton

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]]> Sat May 24 2008 Chiltern Main Line http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1516777.html Happily, now that Wrexham & Shropshire services are operating with loco hauled stock, the line has become much more interesting. Furthermore, with a number of weekend closures for engineering work on the WCML, some freight is being diverted through the Chilterns. What is bad news for some, is good news for others... So what with the bins to Calvert, and a spoil train which started in Spring 2008, the line has become an interesting one to visit. Sunday 25 May 2008: Happily, now that Wrexham & Shropshire services are operating with loco hauled stock, the line has become much more interesting. Furthermore, with a number of weekend closures for engineering work on the WCML, some freight is being diverted through the Chilterns. What is bad news for some, is good news for others... So what with the bins to Calvert, and a spoil train which started in Spring 2008, the line has become an interesting one to visit.

67029 and 67026 at Wembley Stadium working 1P03, 08.55 Wrexham to Marylebone, Sat 4May08 67026 and 67029 at West Hampstead on 4May08. Working is 1J87 15.17 Marylebone to Wrexham. 66039 on 6A56 10.05 Calvert to Northolt RTS, at Seer Green on 16May08 Fullo dullo as 66171 powers up the gradient through the Chilterns at Seer Green. Working is 6Z47q 10.03 Willesden/Calvert on 16May08 Freightliner's 66951 on 6M22 09.21 Cricklewood/Calvert up the gradient at Saunderton Lee, 16May08 Wrexham & Shropshire Railway's 1J86 12.17 Marylebone to Wrexham service on 24May08 at Denham Golf Club. The trains are currently top and tail working, on this occasion with 67013 and 67014 both in WSMR colours. EWS liveried 67025 with 67012 on the rear, at Denham Golf Club. Working is 1P03 08.55 Wrexham to Marylebone on 24May08 Chiltern divert; 66194 pilots DIT Euro Shed 66042 on 4M17 12.34 Wembley to Trafford Park at Denham Golf Club, 24May08 66188 on 4O70 which was running about two hours late, 09.16 Hams Hall to Dollands Moor blue Norfolk Line containers, 24May08 at Denham Golf Club 67012 and 67025 on 1J87 15.17 Marylebone to Wrexham service, 24May08. The strange blue backdrop and bright lush greens are caused by sunshine. Sunshine is a rare occurance, even this was lucky as the clouds hid the sun until about 1minute before the train arrived... 66723 66719 on 6B65 2157 West Ruislip-2237 HotH 10 HQA Autohoppers, 19Jul08 Voyager's 221144/110 head south for Euston, at Denham Golf Club on 2Aug08. 67019 67028 at West Ruislip, where the train had terminated, due to engineering works at Northolt Park, Sun 3Aug08. 67014 and 67013 at Harefield, crossing the Grand Union Canal, Sun 3Aug08. I hardly ever clone anything out, but on this shot a pylon, some wires and a tree have been erased! 57313/57309 on 1Z40 11.00 Euston-Wolves in the misty drizzle at Northolt 31Aug08 67013 and 67022 on 1J86, 12.17 Marylebone to Wrexham General, Northolt Park on 11Oct08 67029 with 67006 DoR at West Ruislip, with 1Z81 07.29 Liverpool Lime Street to Wembley Stadium footex. It took an interesting route to reach Wembley, running via West Ealing, Acton Main Line and Neasden. Everton lost the FA Cup Final 2-1 to Chelski. 67014 on 1J86, 12.24 Marylebone - Wrexham, on 30May09 at Northolt Park

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]]> Sun May 25 2008 Euro; Deutsche Bahn - Hamburg, Westerland, Buxtehude, Tostedt and Lubeck 6Jun07 to 10Jun07 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1508323.html 218s all the way. My second visit to Germany, staying in Hamburg and sampling the superb selection of traction in the region. At the time 218s worked to Cuxhaven, and 143s to Stade, although these services are now worked by Metronom. 218s also worked the Hamburg to Lubeck services, with a shuttle to Travemunde Strande. Electrification was underway and time running out for diesel haulage, and Lubeck depot. NOB work services from Altona to Westerland with a mixture of immaculate stock and locos. DB work the Autozug services to Westerland from Niebull, and IC services from Westerland to Altona, with stock being hauled by electric power onwards. On the last day I spent time at Itzehoe, half way between Hamburg and Bremen. Varied hauled stock including Metronom double deck stock, Inter Cities, and 143s on the local Itzehoe to Harburg service. Freight was incessant, and on a Saturday. Saturday 10 May 2008: 218s all the way. My second visit to Germany, staying in Hamburg and sampling the superb selection of traction in the region. At the time 218s worked to Cuxhaven, and 143s to Stade, although these services are now worked by Metronom. 218s also worked the Hamburg to Lubeck services, with a shuttle to Travemunde Strande. Electrification was underway and time running out for diesel haulage, and Lubeck depot. NOB work services from Altona to Westerland with a mixture of immaculate stock and locos. DB work the Autozug services to Westerland from Niebull, and IC services from Westerland to Altona, with stock being hauled by electric power onwards. On the last day I spent time at Itzehoe, half way between Hamburg and Bremen. Varied hauled stock including Metronom double deck stock, Inter Cities, and 143s on the local Itzehoe to Harburg service. Freight was incessant, and on a Saturday.

Buxtehude station, with a Trabant parked in the station car park. RB24038 15.56 Hamburg Neugraben/Stade at Buxtehude, with 143 616 1 providing the power, 6Jun07 143 062 8 Winsen, RB24230 18.34 Luneburg to Hamburg HBf on 6Jun07 NOB DE2700 08 at Hamburg Altona 7Jun07, 363 141 3 is in the background. NOB's one car DMU on the infrequent service to Tonder (Denmark), at Niebull on 7Jun07 218 462 0 and 218 494 3 at Niebull on IC2181 11.56 Westerland/Gottingen, 7Jun07 218 157 6 (still in an earlier version of the DBlivery) and 218 220 2 at Morsum, 7Jun07. It is intersting to note that the occupants are still in their cars...! 218 490 1 - 218 158 4 Morsum 7Jun07 215 911 9 and 215 912 7 at Morsum with an Autozug service from Niebull to Westerland, 7Jun07 Cloud and Train; NOB DE2000 02 at Keitum, 7Jun07 218 182 4 and 218 184 4 at Keitum, 7Jun07 NOB DE2700 07 entering the double track section, still controlled by semaphores. CFL's former DB V100 working the afternoon freight from Westerland towards Niebull, 7Jun07. Vroom; 218 349 9 and 218 495 0 are given the road at Keitum on 7Jun07, working an IC service. 215 901 0 stabled at Westerland, 7Jun07 218 182 4 and 218 184 4 are stabled at Westerland, having finished theor duties for the day, 7Jun07 One of my favourite shots of the trip, NOB's DE2700 08 at Langenhorn, with NOB80526 18.33 Altona/Westerland, 7Jun07 628 683 5 at Hamburg HBf on 8Jun07. Working is RB21342 00:47 Hamburg/Lubeck DSB 5077 speeding south through Bargtehiede with an IC service that would have originated in Denmark and used a train ferry to reach German soil at Puttgarden, 8Jun07 218 315 0 on RE21317 12.30 Bad Oldesloe/Hamburg at Kupfermuhle, a truly delightful station with grass covered platforms. Ludmilla 232 596 6 powering through Kupfermuhle with a container train from Lubeck towards Hamburg, 8Jun07 218 485 1 pushes out of Lubeck on 8Jun07 with the Travemunde Strande shuttle. 628 686 8 Lubeck 8Jun07 218 431 5 Lubeck on 8Jun07 with RE21427 17.05 Lubeck/Hamburg HBf. 140 774 1 runs light through Hamburg Harburg and its imposing signal box on 9Jun07 155 181 1 at Tostedt, 9Jun07 Metronom ME146 02 and 152 156 6 race along side by side at Tostedt on 9Jun07 152 036 0 at Tostedt with a lengthy rake of bogie tankers, 9Jun07 Metronom's ME146 10 at Tostedt with a Hamburg/Bremen service, 10Jun07

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]]> Sat May 10 2008 Footex http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1496400.html Footex Sunday 20 April 2008: Footex

1Z86; 67026 on the 13.42 Euston/Lime Street Footex - this ran for the Chelsea/Everton game later that evening. 1Z87: 67017 and 67029 on the 14.43 Euston to Lime Street footex. 67029 on the rear of 1Z87 with 67017 up front. Stock was a nice mix of Virgin and Anglia Mark IIs. 90024 (with 67001 DoR) on 1Z91 xx.xx Liverpool to Wembley, 19Apr09 at South Kenton. Everton won 4-2 on penalties, beating Man U. 57308 - 47786 and 47826 dor on 1Z85 09.16 Glossop - Wembley Central, seen at Headstone Lane on 10May09. Match was the FA Vase final between Glossop North End and Whitley Bay, which Whitley Bay won 2-0.

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]]> Sun Apr 20 2008 Ruislip; local railways http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1478691.html Good Friday 21st March 2008; due to the West Coast Main Line being closed for engineering, some freight was due to be diverted up through the Chilterns. 66171 worked 4Z17 through West Ruislip at about 15.40, running approx one hour late. Also seen are shots from the Ruislip Lido Railway which started running services again today, following the Winter break; http://www.ruisliplidorailway.org/ Friday 21 March 2008: Good Friday 21st March 2008; due to the West Coast Main Line being closed for engineering, some freight was due to be diverted up through the Chilterns. 66171 worked 4Z17 through West Ruislip at about 15.40, running approx one hour late. Also seen are shots from the Ruislip Lido Railway which started running services again today, following the Winter break; http://www.ruisliplidorailway.org/

Couple of shots of the Ruislip Lido Railway, number 7 'Graham Alexander', first day of the new season, 21Mar08 Second view of 'Graham Alexander' Number 6 'Mad Bess' just after leaving Haste Hill station. 165016 West Ruislip 21Mar08 66171 on 4Z17, MX 13:31 Wembley-Trafford Park diverted via the Chiltern Lines due to an engineering blockade on the WCML. 168004 165035 with a Birmingham/Marylebone service, West Ruislip 21Mar08 66085 on 6A42 powering through Denham Golf Club, bank holiday Monday 24Mar08. 6A42 is 12.33MO warrington/Wembley, and diverted through the Chilterns due to an engineering blockade at Rugby.

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]]> Fri Mar 21 2008 Euro; Deutsche Bahn - Ulm, Augsburg, Munchen, Kempten, Buchloe & Muhldorf 18Feb08 to 20Feb08 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1470155.html Superb; DB at its best, trains on time with 111s and 218s for haulage. Friendly people, fine beers and a fine country. Wednesday 5 March 2008: Superb; DB at its best, trains on time with 111s and 218s for haulage. Friendly people, fine beers and a fine country.

Railion, a selection of locos in between duties at Munchen-Berg am Laim stabling point, 18Feb80 Railion's 151 048 6 is seen between bogie hopper wagons at Munchen-Berg am Laim, 18Feb08 185 238 3 in between jobs at Munchen-Berg am Laim, 18Feb08 OBB's sleek looking 1116 047 0 at Munchen HBF, 18Feb08. Working is IC83 15.30 to Verona 'Paganini' 111 166 5 at Munchenb HBf on 18Feb08; RE4284, 15.24 to Passau 218 223 6 (p) at Munchen, 18Feb08. Working is 15.51 to Memmingen, RE32684 111 051 9, 111 031 1 and 218 223 6, all at Munchen HBf in perfect lighting conditions. 111 031 1 at Munchen HBf in superb sun-light, 18Feb08 111 030 3 at Munchen HBf, 18Feb08 218 241 8 propels a Munchen service away from Buchloe, 18Feb08 For me, this is the real railway; a decent loco up front and proper (comfortable) coaching stock. This view is of 218 199 8 departing south from Buchloe, 18Feb08. The low sun set about 15 minutes after this shot was taken, and the rabbit is casting an enormous shadow. 218 475 2 with an unidentified evening service from Buchloe towards Kempten, 18Feb08 Fantastiche; 218 404 2 and 218 418 2 power away from Buchloe with EC192 16.32 Munich to Zurich, formed of SBB stock. This is a Kempten diagram. 111 032 9 at Ulm, with an evening service for Regensburg, 18Feb08. If you want a room with a view, the Station Hotel at Ulm is superb; my room on the 3rd floor overlooked the HBf... :) 110 322 5 and a 365 shunter, releasing its stock. The 110 had worked 21.35 Augsburg-Ulm, and the shot is taken at journeys end. Ulm is what can be described as a 'real' station. It is busy with various passenger workings, be they Inter City (there is even a TGV to France), Regional Express, Regional Bahn. Various classes of traction, 218, 101, 110, 111, and freight. Of course, it also has a busy yard and stabling point, plus loco depot. Magic. In this view, 365 683 2 shunts a rake of double deck stock, the shunter is controlling the loco by remote control. 218 223 6 at Kempten 20Feb08 363 116 5 and 218 223 6 at Kempten 20Feb08 Alex 223 064 slowing for the stop at Immenstadt. The front two coaches work forward to Lindau whilst the reat three were worked up the branch to Oberstdorf by 223 070. 612 074 4 on the single track line to Oberstdorf, having just left the mainline at Immenstadt, 20Feb08 218 389 5 powers at speed through Martinszell, IC2085 13.56 Augsburg to Oberstdorf, 20Feb08 Possibly my favourite loco class, the 120; Inter-City 120 120 1 waits departure time with the 19.30 Munchen to Kobenhaven, 20Feb08

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]]> Wed Mar 5 2008 Euro; SNCF - Day Trip 3Dec07 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1435050.html On 3Dec07 I took a day trip on the Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille, travelling first class both ways no less. It was superb quite frankly, one of the first trips by rail in a long time I actually enjoyed, worth paying a few bob extra for the privelege. Shots were taken at Lille Flandres, and Libercourt. Lille SNCF has some rateable traction, including BoBo 67xxx diesels, 16xxx electrics and I did see one 85xx wannabe Thumper. Superbe! Thursday 3 January 2008: On 3Dec07 I took a day trip on the Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille, travelling first class both ways no less. It was superb quite frankly, one of the first trips by rail in a long time I actually enjoyed, worth paying a few bob extra for the privelege. Shots were taken at Lille Flandres, and Libercourt. Lille SNCF has some rateable traction, including BoBo 67xxx diesels, 16xxx electrics and I did see one 85xx wannabe Thumper. Superbe!

67590 waits time at Lille Flandres on 3Dec07. 16773 waits at Lille Flandres with a delayed service for Lens 67626 with the 13.10 Lille Flandres to Don Sainghin. General view of Lille depot, various units and push pull stock on display. Its's a bl&&dy long walk from the city centre. TGV 23179, all things considered it looks pretty sleek. Two double deck EMU varieties, 315 on the left and 92054 with a Lens service on the right. 16766 at Lille Flandres. When I asked the SNCF chap if it was ok to photograph the train 'pas probleme!' was the reply :) 92053/95054 passing through Libercourt non stop. 16642 propels a push/pull set in to Libercourt. Working is TER 843251 15.56 Lens/Lille Flandres, all stations to Libercourt then non stop. Going away shot of 16642. Libercourt is roughly mid way between Lille Flandres & Lens. Elderly DMU 8548, with what I presume to be an evening peak service to a more remote destination. 67617 waits time before propelling the 17.10 Lille to Don Sainghin service. Don and Sainghin-en-wheppes are two places.

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]]> Thu Jan 3 2008 Lady Luck Shining at West Ealing (and Hanwell and Barnes) http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1414848.html Riviera's 47805 on a Colas Rail job to West Ealing's Plasser works. Whilst 805 reversed in to the yard, 67026 hauled royal skips 67005/67006 off the Greenford branch to head east. All this in me lunch break with no 'gen' or helpful hints :) Monday 26 November 2007: Riviera's 47805 on a Colas Rail job to West Ealing's Plasser works. Whilst 805 reversed in to the yard, 67026 hauled royal skips 67005/67006 off the Greenford branch to head east. All this in me lunch break with no 'gen' or helpful hints :)

47832 (with 47802 on the rear) at Paddington, with the return leg of a Pullman from Ludlow. Sat 24Nov07 47805 at West Ealing on 6Z48 Westbury-West Ealing hauling Seco Rail's DR76601, 28Nov07 DR76601, an impressive piece of kit. 47805 shunting the train in to the yard Whilst 47805 was shunting, 67026 hauling 67005 & 67006 came off the Greenford branch. The 67's joining the main line, with 67006 nearest the camera. Portrait of 47805. 47727 rolls through Hanwell & Elthorne on 6Z47 Bescot/West Ealing SECO ballast cleaner. Somewhat rainy 21Jan08 66621 on 6Z98 11.45 Eastleigh-Barrow Hill, with a rake of HIA wagons. Manor Farm 28Jan08 Horn of Thunder! I half hoped 6Z32 might be running, but didn't expect a 47 on the front. 47828 works 6Z32 11:00 Ripple Lane-Cardiff Tidal through Acton Main Line, 31Jul08. It's the first time in years I have seen a 47 on what I would call a 'real' freight (as opposed to a stock move, or wagon transfer). 31454 31459 1Z06 West Ealing 13Aug08, 1Z06 1800 Old Oak Common - Derby RTC via MML. 31459 31454 1Z06 West Ealing 13Aug08, 1Z06 1800 Old Oak Common - Derby RTC via MML. Dusk on the 13Feb09, as an HST heads towards Ealing Broadway. Dusk again, as a westbound HST chases the last rays of the day, Ealing Bwy 13Feb09 Large logo on a Stratford engine. What more could you ask for? 47580 hauls 50026, 37308 and 50135 on their way from Old Oak to Eastleigh, seen at a very dull West Ealing on 17Apr09 47727 47749 on 6Z48 at Acton Main Line, 4Jun09 Phwooargh! D1015 working a Serco road learning trip through Acton Central, heading to Richmond.

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]]> Mon Nov 26 2007 England 2 - Croatia 3 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1412005.html Oh dear. Wednesday 21 November 2007: Oh dear.

Thinks... A glimmer of hope... ...and yet more hope. Ciao. Ciao, ciao. Hmmm.

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]]> Wed Nov 21 2007 An 'oover at 'atch End: Silverlink Swansong 10Nov07 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1405441.html Crikey, 50049 and 37410 on the DC lines...even better than last weeks tour with 37410/37417! Saturday 10 November 2007: Crikey, 50049 and 37410 on the DC lines...even better than last weeks tour with 37410/37417!

The monkey doesn't look to happy to see a pair of 37s at Kentish Town North, 3Nov07 37417 gently eases to a halt at Leyton Midland Road, 3Nov07 37410 trailing on the rear of the Silverlink Swansong tour, above the roof tops at Leyton Midland Road, 3Nov07 150130 slowing for the stop at Leyton Midland Road, on 3Nov07 313117 at Headstone Lane with a late afternoon Euston service, 3Nov07 Blimey.

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]]> Sat Nov 10 2007 Thunderbirds are Go! Go! Go! (on a Sunday) http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1379925.html Activity on a Sunday? Wos all this then? NMT working from Derby to Blackpool via Euston. Also seen was 57302 hauling a dead Pendo, not something I've seen before. I believe that it was a service train as there passengers seemed to be on board. Sunday 30 September 2007: Activity on a Sunday? Wos all this then? NMT working from Derby to Blackpool via Euston. Also seen was 57302 hauling a dead Pendo, not something I've seen before. I believe that it was a service train as there passengers seemed to be on board.

57302 hauls a dead Pendo through Headstone Lane, Sun 30Sep07 NMT 43089 'Hayabusa' and 43062 'John Armitt' with 1Q21 12.00 Euston/Blackpool, Sun 30Sep07

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]]> Sun Sep 30 2007 Underground : 1938 stock 'Starlight Express' http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1371924.html Well done LUL for running a tour of the Stanmore branch of what was once the 'Bakerloo Line' Sunday 16sep07. The four car 1938 stock formed of car numbers 10012 012556 12048 11012 performed throughout. The full diagram was from Ealing Common to Charing Cross, via Harrow, Stanmore, Charing Cross, Stanmore, Charing Cross and Ealing Common via Harrow. Monday 17 September 2007: Well done LUL for running a tour of the Stanmore branch of what was once the 'Bakerloo Line' Sunday 16sep07. The four car 1938 stock formed of car numbers 10012 012556 12048 11012 performed throughout. The full diagram was from Ealing Common to Charing Cross, via Harrow, Stanmore, Charing Cross, Stanmore, Charing Cross and Ealing Common via Harrow.

First shot of the day and first journey, Ealing Common to Charing Cross, via Harrow on the Hill, where this photo was taken. Shot two, Neasden. Down the tube, the tour passes through Swiss Cottage, much to the surprise of one of the passengers. I spun up to Wembley on the Met, and just had time to get another view of the second northbound working of the day. Running slightly late, the final southbound working at Kingsbury. Going home after a successful days touring, seen here at Harrow on the Hill, heading for Rayners Lane and Ealing Common.

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]]> Mon Sep 17 2007 1Z55: Whistling through West London (supporting cast of 31s & DRS47s) http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1365359.html Large logo 40145 passed through West Ruislip on 1Z55 06.39 Banbury to Kingswear today, 8sep07. Superb. Equally superb, 31454/452 and 47501/802 touring through London on Sat29Sep07. Weather was crud though... Saturday 8 September 2007: Large logo 40145 passed through West Ruislip on 1Z55 06.39 Banbury to Kingswear today, 8sep07. Superb. Equally superb, 31454/452 and 47501/802 touring through London on Sat29Sep07. Weather was crud though...

40145 powers through West Ruislip on 1Z40 Salisbury/Manchester return, Saturday 25Nov06. Shot settings are 1/160 sec at f2.8, ISO1600, one of my first hand held night shots of a moving subject. The approach of the 40 could be heard from miles away on this cold November night. 40145 slowing for the stop at West Ruislip. A quick dash up to South Greenford for another shot (in rancid light). The Banbury/Old Oak ECS (5Z56) was diverted through High Wycombe instead of along the GWML, seen at Denham on 9Sep07. Big up TR on RailGen for the heads up. 31454 31452 on 1Z91, 07.05 Minehead to Canterbury West, via Kensington Olympia. Seen at Hanwell & Elthorne on 29Sep07, right time. 47501 rolling gently in to Euston with 5Z32 12.43 Wmbley Train Care to Euston empty stock working, 29Sep07 47802 powers the 'Stobart Express' through Harrow & Wealdstone on 29Sep07. Headcode was 1Z32, 13.40 Euston/Carisle VIP special. 40145 at West Drayton (Stockley Park) on 12Apr08. Working was the 05.15 Birmingham to Lowestoft. Sun, true to form, disappeared shortly before the whistler arrived, still a nice toot from the driver was a bonus :)

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]]> Sat Sep 8 2007 6H50 and Friends, Ledburn & Hatch End http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1363426.html Big up FMi members for the heads up on 6H50 today, it finally ran when I had a day off. The sun shone for most of the afternoon but was in when the empty cement tanks arrived, but you can't have everything in life I guess. Another bonus was 37069/37607 on 1Q95 15.03 Etches Park/Euston. Victa Westlink's 4M89 (12.45 Tilbury/Ditton) was another highlight with DRS 66412 providing the power. It is currently being trialled at a new time and daily service. Pleased to say it had some boxes today. Tuesday 4 September 2007: Big up FMi members for the heads up on 6H50 today, it finally ran when I had a day off. The sun shone for most of the afternoon but was in when the empty cement tanks arrived, but you can't have everything in life I guess. Another bonus was 37069/37607 on 1Q95 15.03 Etches Park/Euston. Victa Westlink's 4M89 (12.45 Tilbury/Ditton) was another highlight with DRS 66412 providing the power. It is currently being trialled at a new time and daily service. Pleased to say it had some boxes today.

The Green Team's 66587 powers south through Headstone Lane on 4L93 10.08 Lawley Street to Felixstowe, 3Sep07. 66184 on 6A51 11.40 Coventry ProLogis to Wembley on 5Sep07, Headstone Lane. 6H50!!! 60021 'Star of the East' provides the power for 13.10 Willesden/Tunstead cement empties, Ledburn 21Aug07. GBRF's 66714 on a heavily loaded 4M23 10.59 Felixstowe/Hams Hall, Ledburn 21Aug07 Still in BR's RFD grey complete with double arrows, 90043 powers 4M88 08.49 Felixstowe/Crewe, Ledburn 21Aug07 66412 on 4M89 12.45 Tilbury/Ditton Victa Westlink Intermodal (trialled daily service), Ledburn 21Aug07 66206 on 6X82 15.02 Wembley/Washwood Heath Ford cars, Ledburn 21Aug07. Solo loco 86501 on what may have been 4M87 11.43 Felixstowe/Trafford Park, Ledburn 4sep07 3214xx depart from Cheddington station, the locals seem unimpressed. 'If only it was an AM10', you can here them think... 56303 on 4O90 at Blings Langley on 4Sep07 Going away shot of 1Q95 with 37069 up front, and 37607 trailing is nearest the camera. Watford Junction 4Sep07 GBRF's 66714, a solid performer on 4M23 so far this week, Headstone Lane 5Sep07 90045 on 4M88 at Hatch End on 5Sep07 66418 on 4M89 at Hatch End, 5Sep07 66055 heads north on 6X82, 15.02 Wembley to Washwood Heath 'Ford cars'. Headstone Lane on 5Sep07 Finally managed to catch 6H50 again, this time with 60063 seen bang on time at Hatch End, 13Mar09 66535 4O13 Headstone Lane 16Jun09 90004 90020 6L48 Headstone Lane 16Jun09 90029 1S25 Headstone Lane 16Jun09 56311 4Z92 Headstone Lane 16Jun09

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]]> Tue Sep 4 2007 Metronet RIP http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1329353.html Not intended as a cheap dig, just a degree of frustration from someone who has suffered by many delays over the years. Bring back London Transport! Thursday 19 July 2007: Not intended as a cheap dig, just a degree of frustration from someone who has suffered by many delays over the years. Bring back London Transport!

Hmmm.

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]]> Thu Jul 19 2007 GBRF - Weekend Excursions http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1316400.html Yowser! 87022 & 87028 on a stock transfer move from Wembley to Doncaster, and double headed 73s on an engineers train from Dover to Hoo Jcn via London Bridge. Also added are a selection of other shots from the day, Sunday 1st July 2007. Sunday 1 July 2007: Yowser! 87022 & 87028 on a stock transfer move from Wembley to Doncaster, and double headed 73s on an engineers train from Dover to Hoo Jcn via London Bridge. Also added are a selection of other shots from the day, Sunday 1st July 2007.

313057 and 313029 slow to a stop with the 11.43 service to Welwyn Garden City, 1Jul07 GNER power on full blast, Welham Green 1Jul07 87022 and 87028 on 4Z77 10.34 Willesden/Doncaster stock transfer move, Welham Green on 1Jul07 313027 & 313026 at Welham Green with the 12.36 to Kings Cross, 1Jul07 73206 'Lisa' and 73208 'Kirsten' make a fine site at London Bridge with an engineers train from Dover to Hoo Jcn via London Bridge. Here they ran round the rake of empty JNAs and headed off to Hoo. 1Jul07 Shortly after running round at London Bridge, 73208 and 73206 worked back towards Hoo Jcn, seen here at St Johns on 1Jul07 87002 at Alstom's premises in Willesden, view from a passing Bakerloo Line train, 1Jul07 73208 & 73206 on 6G13 13.10 Hoo Junction to Twickenham. Seen passing Barnes on 19Jan08. Big up M.E. on SE-Gen. 73208 on 6G15, 13:45 Hoo Jn Up Yard - Shepherdswell loaded track panels (on Salmon flat wagons) at Newington, 27Jun09 73212 ~ 73213 at Chipstead, with the Tattenham Corner leg of the 'Caterham Corps' railtour, 10Oct09 Hastings DEMU 1001 with 73213 on the rear, depart Richmond with the 'Caterham Corps' tour, returning to Victoria via Kenny O.

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]]> Sun Jul 1 2007 Underground: Metropolitan Line - No. 12 Sarah Siddons http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1304876.html She's a fine looking lass is number 12, and what a credit to LUL/Metronet for returning her to the Met where she belongs. Here are a few shots of an outing from Harrow to Amersham and return via Watford. Instead of running empty to Neasden, a quick trip north was undertaken, beforer heading to Neasden and then as planned to Ruislip depot. Blinding. Saturday 16 June 2007: She's a fine looking lass is number 12, and what a credit to LUL/Metronet for returning her to the Met where she belongs. Here are a few shots of an outing from Harrow to Amersham and return via Watford. Instead of running empty to Neasden, a quick trip north was undertaken, beforer heading to Neasden and then as planned to Ruislip depot. Blinding.

67005 powers north with 67006 (nearest camera) dead on rear with the Royal Stock, presumably heading for Wolverton. Headstone Lane 5Jun07 1a) Do what John? When was the last time the Met had such unusual traction? Now all we need is 20227 to act as thunderbird and rescue the odd A60...dream on. Chorleywood Sun10Jun07 1b) Going away shot of 12 passing Chorleywood's former signalbox, Sun 10Jun07 2a) Number 12 at Northwood, Sun 10Jun07 2b) Going away shot of 20227 about to pass the iron bridge over Rickmansworth Road, Sun 10Jun07 3a) Empty stock, 12 runs through West Harrow en route to Ruislip Gardens depot, Sun 10Jun07 3b) 20227 at West Harrow on the rear of the formation, Sun 10Jun07. Good to meet a former E2 passenger here! Eh? What's this doing here?! No reason really, but it's a nice local shot of 66716 at Headstone Lane on 12Jun07

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]]> Sat Jun 16 2007 Steam; 6024 'King Edward I' Paddington 17Jun07 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1304867.html Went out for D1014 (photos included in the gallery) and this fine GWR engine also turned up. Ignore the HSTs, wires and 165s and Paddington's past was alive once more. Sunday 17 June 2007: Went out for D1014 (photos included in the gallery) and this fine GWR engine also turned up. Ignore the HSTs, wires and 165s and Paddington's past was alive once more.

Former BR Western Region hydraulic, D1015 at the blocks on platform 9 after successfully completing an out and back tour to Minehead. Aint she sweet! 43169 on the blocks, Paddington 17Jun07 Old and new at the end of the line. 6024 has just drawn to a gentle halt. Portrait of 6024 King Edward I, Paddington 17Jun07 at 22.45 approx

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]]> Sun Jun 17 2007 Underground: Metropolitan Line Engineers http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1278546.html One or two lucky shots of GBRF worked LUL engineering trains, seen at West Ruislip (on a Thursday evening unusually) and 4M64 on Sun 13May07 Sunday 13 May 2007: One or two lucky shots of GBRF worked LUL engineering trains, seen at West Ruislip (on a Thursday evening unusually) and 4M64 on Sun 13May07

Metronet 66720 66722 on 6E73 13.58 Aylesbury/Ferme Park, West Ruislip 21Jan07 66722 66709 on 6A63, approximately 2 hours later than scheduled. Little Missenden 4Feb07 66709 on the rear of 6A63, Little Missenen 4Feb07 HQA in the consist of 6A63 HQA 380706 with 66709 onthe rear of 6A63 Portrait of 66726 on 6M64 at Northwood, sat 10Feb07 'Slinger' DR92561 in the consist of 6M64 hauled by 66726 at Northwood, 10Feb07 Lucky encounter with 66727 at West Ruislip on Thurs 10May07. Well worth a soaking to get this shot! With the day's work done, 66727 and 66714 depart Harrow on the Hill on the return leg to either Ferme Park or Wellingborough 66714 Cromer Lifeboat with 66727 on the rear, 4M64 at Sudbury Hill & Harrow on Sun 13May07 Going away shot of 66727 and 66714 on 4M64, with an immaculately manicured embankment on the right. Get shots whilst you can, Wood End Road Sudbury Hill. 66728 66718 6M64 Moor Park 19Jul08 66723 66730 6D71 West Ruislip 19Jul08 GBRF; 66723 & UID sister on 6B65 21.57 West Ruislip to 'Arrah on the 'Ill, West Ruislip 19Jul08

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]]> Sun May 13 2007 Steam; The Chiltern Steam Express 5May07 (complete with a Hoover and bridge mural at Kilburn...) http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1272037.html The wonderful sight of GWR 'Hall' 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" on former Great Central metals. Train details are 08.23 Birmingham Moor Street to Maryebone and 17.03 return. For me the bonus was 50049 working the ECS as 5Z58 from Marylebone to Wembley. After running round 50049 worked 5Z59 back in to Marylebone, an incredibly rare visitor. Meanwhile "Rood Ashton Hall" worked tender first out of Marylebone light engine on a loop round North West London to back in to Maryelbone tender first to haul the express back to Birmingham. Well done Chiltern Railways for running the train and big up gen posters on Freightmaster Interactive, without their comments I would have not had a clue about the ECS. Thank you :) Saturday 5 May 2007: The wonderful sight of GWR 'Hall' 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" on former Great Central metals. Train details are 08.23 Birmingham Moor Street to Maryebone and 17.03 return. For me the bonus was 50049 working the ECS as 5Z58 from Marylebone to Wembley. After running round 50049 worked 5Z59 back in to Marylebone, an incredibly rare visitor. Meanwhile "Rood Ashton Hall" worked tender first out of Marylebone light engine on a loop round North West London to back in to Maryelbone tender first to haul the express back to Birmingham. Well done Chiltern Railways for running the train and big up gen posters on Freightmaster Interactive, without their comments I would have not had a clue about the ECS. Thank you :)

Rood Ashton Hall pounds former Great Central metals at Kilburn, near the journeys end, 5May07 168219, more standard fare for Chiltern's Clubman service to Birmingham. Kilburn on 5May07 Gawd! 50049 Defiance makes a fine sight working 5Z58 ECS to Wembley, at Kilburn with London's high rise skyline in the background, 5May07 Running tender first, 4965 runs light through Willesden Green on its turning manouvre, 5May07 50049 Defiance working empty stock back to Marylebone, passing the fine Metropolitan Railway station at Willesden Green, 5May07 50049 Defiance at Marylebone, 5May07!!! 4965 with the return leg; 1Z59 1703 Marylebone/Moor Street And meanwhile, the adjacent Network Rail structure has an escapee scaling bridge MCJ1/21 The Metropolitan Railway bridge over Kilburn High Road, but look closely... ...and you will see a Metropolitan Railway bridge plate MR16, 7May07

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]]> Sat May 5 2007 Rico Tours: April 2007 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1256704.html Gaw blimey, aint it splendid. Sunday 15 April 2007: Gaw blimey, aint it splendid.

170273 at Norwich on 3Apr07 57003 at Ipswich in a rare spot of sunshine that day, 3Apr07 158760, Newport 5Apr07 185103 at Preston with a Blackpool service, 11Apr07 66520 on 6M11 Beck House, 11Apr07 60083 on 6E13 at Greengate, 11Apr07 37510 37087 on 6K73 at Arnside on 11Apr07 150211 after terminating at New Mills is out of service at New Mills South Jcn, 12Apr07 156429 Furness Vale with a Buxton service, 12Apr07 60044 on 6A55 20.03 Northolt RTS to Calvert loaded bins, West Ruislip on 17Apr07

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]]> Sun Apr 15 2007 Honks a Lordy! It be 2007. http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1190136.html Gawd luv a duck. Time flies by... Sunday 21 January 2007: Gawd luv a duck. Time flies by...

silver D78 stock, 7502 at Earls Court on 20Jan07 Nice. 37196 Tre Pol and Pen slows to pick up the shunter and give the token to the signalman, Lostwithiel April 1987. The red stripe grey liveried tractor was hauling a rake of 4 wheel clay hoods. What the?! This minimal layer of white stuff had caused disruption to the Met. 165001/0xx passing through Chorleywood on 24Jan07 960301 at Aylesbury in the snow, 24Jan07 Staff tour: 2412 makes a rare appearance on a lunch time tour from Waterloo to Windsor, Shepperton and return, 3Feb07 A convenient red signal allowed a change of lens and this record shot, 3Feb07 Deep blue: 47839 and two GNER 91s at Kings Cross, 3Feb07. The 47 was top and tailed with 47853 and about to work ECS following a tour from Buxton 47853 TandT with 47839 on 1Z92 from Buxton at KX, 3Feb07 90028 and 90019 [cheers TM!] on a late running 1M16, Headstone Lane 6Feb07 at about 09.45 960301 at Aylesbury in more snow, 8Feb07. 121020 departs for Risborough with the 08.45 departure to Risborough. Bard & Birch: 37411 37425 1Z38 to Quainton, at Banbury on 17Feb07 Bard & Birch: After reversing at oxford North Junction the tour gained access to the Claydon line and is seen approaching Claydon L&NE junction, 17Feb07 Bard & Birch: at Calvert having just completed a reverse at Claydon L&NE junction, 17Feb07 Bard & Birch: destination reached, 37425 at Quainton 17Feb07 Bard & Birch: my final shot of the day, 37425 at Risborough shortly before erupting with a lively restart. My lords! 17Feb07 66523 at Aylesbury on 6M80 13.11 Dagenham/Calvert bins 1Mar07 47815 and 47812 at North Acton with empty stock from Norwich to Old Oak 2Apr07 1S96 with a seven on the front! 87022 at Ledburn on 4Apr07 90020 on 1G21 1651 Euston/Brum at Ledburn on 4Ap07. New Measurment Train on 1Z93 pounds through Cheddington at near enough full speed, 4Apr07 67016 67002 at West Ealing with ECS from a Hull/KX footex, 26Sep07

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]]> Sun Jan 21 2007 Buffer Puffer 20Jan07 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1189433.html Top and tailed 37s 37410/37406 worked Pathfinder's Buffer Puffer tour round various London terminii via Ardingly. Shots are from North Acton, Kensington Olympia, and Victoria. I tried to get a shot from Battersea Park [the sun was spot on here] but due to late running the section via Clapham was cut. Saturday 20 January 2007: Top and tailed 37s 37410/37406 worked Pathfinder's Buffer Puffer tour round various London terminii via Ardingly. Shots are from North Acton, Kensington Olympia, and Victoria. I tried to get a shot from Battersea Park [the sun was spot on here] but due to late running the section via Clapham was cut.

8.50am: In dull conditions 37410 and 37406 passing North Acton station on 1Z37 20Jan07 10.30am: After a pause of about 40 minutes, 37410 and 37406 restart from Kenny O, 20Jan07 67002 and 67025 await a green light, Acton Main Line 20Jan07 Green light received, 67002 and 67025 heading towards [? I would guess Wembley for stabling] 59204 stabled at Acton Main Line, 20Jan07 59205 rolling slowly up to signals at Acton Main Line, 20Jan07 2.28pm: 37406 leads 37410 on 1Z38 in to Victoria 20Jan07 2.44pm: 37406 at the buffer stops, Victoria on 20Jan07 2.50pm: 37410 at Victoria on 20Jan07

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]]> Sat Jan 20 2007 Euro; Hungary [Kommarno] - Feb1995 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1183442.html Whilst on a short trip to visit a friend in Gyor I took some shots at Kommarno, a small town near the border with Slovakia. Of particular interest is the carriage heating unit, a converted steam engine. The shots were taken on a point and poke camera so aren't of the best quality, plus the weather was dull, but all in all a fascinating place to be. Hungary seemed to be full of plinthed steam engines, and I wonder just how many are left in 2007. Glorious place! Glorious country! Glorious people! Saturday 13 January 2007: Whilst on a short trip to visit a friend in Gyor I took some shots at Kommarno, a small town near the border with Slovakia. Of particular interest is the carriage heating unit, a converted steam engine. The shots were taken on a point and poke camera so aren't of the best quality, plus the weather was dull, but all in all a fascinating place to be. Hungary seemed to be full of plinthed steam engines, and I wonder just how many are left in 2007. Glorious place! Glorious country! Glorious people!

Passengers alighting from the train, Feb95 Kommarno depot as a carriage heating unit is shunted in to place for re-coaling, Feb95 General view of the engine shed, Feb95 Once in position the tender is coaled by narrow gague wagons, Feb95 Standard and narrow gauge, Feb95 M62 110 and friends, Kommarno Feb95. I liked the fact you could just walk around without being quizzed as to your intentions, Feb95 M41 2119 and M41 2147 attached to hauled stock - real trains M44 043 and V43 1339, stabled at Kommarno Feb95

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]]> Sat Jan 13 2007 Nene Valley Railway - Oct06 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1150596.html Couple of shots from a superb gala. Grids, McRat, Whistler, Ped and Teddy Bears :) Saturday 2 December 2006: Couple of shots from a superb gala. Grids, McRat, Whistler, Ped and Teddy Bears :)

56057 British Fuels and rail blue McRat 27066 form an unusual double headed combination Loadhaul 56003 at Ferry Meadows 27066 at Orton Mere 27066 at Wansford 27066 on ECS duties, Wansford Portrait of 56057 with one of the last workings of the weekend, Wansford Teddy bear on a short pick up freight

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]]> Sat Dec 2 2006 ECML: Tours and the Like. Nov/Dec 06 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1146364.html Selection of tours with power provided by classes 31, 33, 40, 47 and 67 seen in November and December 2006. Also on view were some additional postal workings and GBRF's 66 powered water cannon. The shot of 40145 is nothing to do with the ECML but she's a damn fine beast and has been included for good measure... Sunday 26 November 2006: Selection of tours with power provided by classes 31, 33, 40, 47 and 67 seen in November and December 2006. Also on view were some additional postal workings and GBRF's 66 powered water cannon. The shot of 40145 is nothing to do with the ECML but she's a damn fine beast and has been included for good measure...

Race horse LNER V2 4771 'Green Arrow' just before coming to a complete stand. The working was 1Z40 07:10 York/LX 'London Lights Express' Something I've not seen before, a Crompton at KX. 33025 on 5Z40 empty stock to Ferme Park. LNER 4771 'Green Arrow' had worked 1Z40 'London Lights Express' tour in from York. Kings Cross on Saturday 18Nov06 Second view of 33025 Silver skip 67029 on 1Z21 06:41 Morpeth/Kings Cross on Saturday 25Nov06. Scores of passengers alight from the GNER arrival on the left. 67012 waits time before releasing the empty stock of 1Z29 317342 at Kings Cross on 25Nov06 31128 on the rear of 'The Capitals Express' at Kings Cross on 25Nov06 47703 'Hermes' upon arrival at Kings Cross with 'The Capitals Express' Sat25Nov06 General view of The Cross, with 31128 on the left. The tour was approximately 2hrs late due to a fatality on the line. 91117 powering through Welham Green, 9Dec06 67016 1Z50 KX/Lincoln excursion, 9Dec06 BSC Cargo Fleet - BR 1977. Track at Welham Green, 9Dec06 325005 325012 325016 1Z14 08:20 Willesden/Shieldmuir via ECML at Welham Green. Big up WNXX for the posting. 47854 & 57601 through Arlesley on 1Z29 Scarborough/Windsor Green Express, 9Dec06 67003 Arlesey with 08:30 Victoria/LN VSOE Pullman, 9Dec06 47712 47709 1Z43 Arlesey, 10:10 KX/Lincoln Blue Pullman 9Dec06 47709 47712 1Z43 Arlesey 9Dec06 GBRF Bluebirds 66704 66705 on 3J32[?] southbound through Arlesey 9Dec06 325006 325001 325007 1Z23 06:20 Shieldmuir/Willesden via ECML at Arlesey 9Dec06 An AL6 at The Cross, in service, in rail blue and with blue/grey stock. Strewth. 86101 rolls to a stand on 1G97 20.21 Doncaster/KX, Friday 18Jan08 'Tornado', a modern day work of art at Brookmans Park, on 7Feb09 with a special from Darlington to The Cross.

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]]> Sun Nov 26 2006 Underground: Engineers, Tubes, City and Mountain http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1134433.html I set out to photograph some LUL engineers workings from Hampstead to Ruislip, and was lucky enough to catch one working at Ravenscourt Park. Thought I'd then head in to town to try and catch another working but got distracted by the superb art by Chiho Aoshima at Gloucester Road. If you've not seen it I would certainly recommend it, I thought it was superb. Also included are some other shots I took today, 1973 stock working on the Piccadilly Line. Saturday 11 November 2006: I set out to photograph some LUL engineers workings from Hampstead to Ruislip, and was lucky enough to catch one working at Ravenscourt Park. Thought I'd then head in to town to try and catch another working but got distracted by the superb art by Chiho Aoshima at Gloucester Road. If you've not seen it I would certainly recommend it, I thought it was superb. Also included are some other shots I took today, 1973 stock working on the Piccadilly Line.

L32 Northwood 13Mar04, this battery loco was built in 1965 by Metro Cammell. L22 and L28 head through Ravenscourt Park station with an engineers train from Hampstead to Ruislip. Both battery locos date from 1965 and were built by Metro Cammell L28 trails L22 as they head towards Acton Town ...and... ...bl**dy marvellous!!! Overview of the work by Chiho Aoshima at Gloucester Road... ...a few more... 5549 deoarting Gloucester Road with an Edgware Road service, 11Nov06 ...views of... ...as... ...what I would describe... 5733 slows for the stop at Gloucester Road whilst working on Circle Line duties. L23 and L29 at Ruislip Manor with a train of spent ballast from Southgate, 17Mar07 Close up of the former BR Turbot wagons, Ruislip Manor 17Mar07 L52 and L26 with a Ruislip/Southgate ballast train, 17Mar07. The shot was fired in to weak hazy sunshine disguised by conversion to b/w. L21 and L46 at Sudbury Hill with a train of spent ballast from Southgate, 17Mar07 L45/44 passing through South Harrow at exactly midnight on 10Aug07 L44/46 passing through Rayners Lane on 21Jun08 at about 12.45pm. L44/26 passing through Alperton, late night on 12Jul08 L29/51 passing through Alperton, 13Sep08 L19 L15 at Alperton with a rake of ex BR Turbot wagons, 20Jun09 L17 L22 L45 at Alperton on 20Jun09 L27 abd L32 at Rayners Lane on 20Jun09

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]]> Sat Nov 11 2006 EDs: Charlton/Deptford Track Renewal 29Oct06 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1123170.html EDs: Charlton/Deptford Track Renewal 29Oct06 Sunday 29 October 2006: EDs: Charlton/Deptford Track Renewal 29Oct06

73109 after being uncoupled from 6G10 has a clear path to run round its train. SWT on SET territory: 73109 on 6G10 at London Bridge, Sun29Oct06 GBRF FEAS640689 London Bridge 29Oct06 GBRF FEAS640644 with life expired track, London Bridge Sun29Oct06 73136'Perseverance' and 73204 'Janice' idling at Greenwich Feeling comfy? AirCon class. 73204 73136 on 6G13 restart from a pause at Greenwich, 29Oct06 73208 73206 on 6G12 approaching London Bridge with 1500 North Kent East Junction to Hoo, 29Oct06 The consist of 6G12, a long rake of ZBA RUDD ballast wagons 73208 and 73206 'Kirsten' and 'Lisa' run round the consist of 6G12

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]]> Sun Oct 29 2006 Bradford Forster Square 21Mar91 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1114625.html Couple of shots from Thursday 21nd March 1991 at Forster Square. The station had been recently modernised, although pre-electrification. The old platforms were out of use and another piece of railway history sold for c£sh. The Inter City service[s?] were class 47 hauled from Leeds and 142s were the norm. Thursday 19 October 2006: Couple of shots from Thursday 21nd March 1991 at Forster Square. The station had been recently modernised, although pre-electrification. The old platforms were out of use and another piece of railway history sold for c_sh. The Inter City service[s?] were class 47 hauled from Leeds and 142s were the norm.

Couple of Provincial liveried 142s seen at the 'new' platforms. To the left is the attractive but forlorn old station View from the main station concours, my word it would have been good to visit before the 101s and other first generation traction [including 03s at the parcels bay I believe] disappeared Passengers no more...How many other once grand stations have fallen by the wayside? Morecambe is one I can think of. 47524 at Bradford Interchange with a rake of parcels vans, 21Mar91

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]]> Thu Oct 19 2006 Lines: North Woolwich to Silvertown http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1091393.html Due to be closed shortly, well worth a visit before this happens [written in sep 06]. Track is jointed giving a pleasant clickety/clack by the train's wheels. there are relics from the past still visible, examples include: delapitated crossing gates for a disused double track at Silvertown disused semaphore bracket at silvertown fascinating railway museum at North Woolwich oh yes, and a plaque at Silvertown marking a station upgrade in 1989 reopened by the Minister for Transport, Michael Portillo...! Future? Well, in my opinion it would be a perfect line for the third rail to remain in situ and run preserved DC stock. What a bright future for the line if preservationists move in. Saturday 23 September 2006: Due to be closed shortly, well worth a visit before this happens [written in sep 06]. Track is jointed giving a pleasant clickety/clack by the train's wheels. there are relics from the past still visible, examples include: delapitated crossing gates for a disused double track at Silvertown disused semaphore bracket at silvertown fascinating railway museum at North Woolwich oh yes, and a plaque at Silvertown marking a station upgrade in 1989 reopened by the Minister for Transport, Michael Portillo...! Future? Well, in my opinion it would be a perfect line for the third rail to remain in situ and run preserved DC stock. What a bright future for the line if preservationists move in.

313105 at Silvertown Station with a working for Queens Park, 23Sep06 313114 accelerates away from North Woolwich with the 15:07 short working to Queens Park, 23Sep06

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]]> Sat Sep 23 2006 4O90: Grid Resurrection http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1090576.html In May 2006 Jarvis Fastline broke in to the container market with haulage by 3 refurbished grids. The initial working was MWO Doncaster/Grain via the WCML, and subsequent T/Th jounreys have been added from Birch Coppice to Grain. Southbound loadings were very light although they are steadily increasing. Keep freight on the rails, especially with a Grid up front :) Friday 22 September 2006: In May 2006 Jarvis Fastline broke in to the container market with haulage by 3 refurbished grids. The initial working was MWO Doncaster/Grain via the WCML, and subsequent T/Th jounreys have been added from Birch Coppice to Grain. Southbound loadings were very light although they are steadily increasing. Keep freight on the rails, especially with a Grid up front :)

First working to Grain, 56302 on 4O90 at Headstone Lane, 10May06 56302 on MWFO 4O90 11:01 Doncaster/Grain at Kings Langley 12May06 56303/56302 on 4O90, Kings Langley 2Jun06 56301 on 4O90 11.01 Doncaster/Grain, 26Sep06, Headstone Lane 56302 on 4O90 13:36 Birch Coppice/Grain through Harrow and Wealdstone on 29Nov06 My first shot of 4O90 in daylight in 2007: 56302 powers south with an impressively full load, Cheddington 9Mar07 Brute force: panned shot of 56302 at Headstone Lane on 2Apr07 Hurrah! It is now light enoough to catch 4090 on film at the southern end of the WCML again. 56301 is at Headstone Lane on 11Apr08

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]]> Fri Sep 22 2006 Pullman Mini Gallery http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1086124.html Some shots of today's Pullman from Victoria to Folkestone Harbour, worked by 67020/67028, 17Sep06. Sunday 17 September 2006: Some shots of today's Pullman from Victoria to Folkestone Harbour, worked by 67020/67028, 17Sep06.

67020 and 67028 at Victoria on 1Z83 14:40 Folkestone Harbour to Victoria, Sun 17Sep06 377444 escaping from Victoria, Battersea Park 17Sep06 67028 67020 at Battersea Park on 5Z83, empty stock frm Victoria to Sterwarts Lane via Grove Park Portrait of

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]]> Sun Sep 17 2006 Black and White: miscellaneous railway scenes http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1072713.html I've always been a fan of black and white photography, here is a collection of pictures, mostly digital. My tip for any 'duff' shots in to the sun is to convert them to black and white before deleting, as you may find you actually have a decent picture onyour hands. Sunday 3 September 2006: I've always been a fan of black and white photography, here is a collection of pictures, mostly digital. My tip for any 'duff' shots in to the sun is to convert them to black and white before deleting, as you may find you actually have a decent picture onyour hands.

Back in time? Delete the wires and think of more interesting times...60009 at The Cross, 4Feb06 5690 & 48151 pound through Northolt Park, Sat 1Apr06 5690 heads for Wycombe at Harefield. Sods law, the bright sun hid when the train arrived 53171 51911 wait time before heading to Helsby, whilst 2x Class 20s pause on a hopper train, Chester 13Jun91 45141 at St Pancras, May 1988. This was a shot 'rescued' by Neat Image. the print was poorly exposed, horrible colours and ridiculously grainy, but a spin through Neat Image and Photoshop plus convers No wonder our trains are so overcrowded today, there is no spare capacity! Unlike in this view of Clapham Yard full of rolling stock, including hauled mark Is. Good old progress. Taken some cold day in 1988 072 Sallins & Naas, possibly 15:00 Heuston/Galway, 26Jul06 146 160 restarting after a signal check at Kildare, 28Jul06 60079 6D43 Raskelf 28Aug06 66237 6A55 West Ruislip 21Aug06 66097 Headstone Lane 28Aug06 66536 Headstone Lane 28Aug06 313107 Headstone Lane, 25Aug06 86614 86604 4L92 Headstone Lane 28Aug06 170507 Langham Jct, 26Aug06 66060 Ketton 26Aug06 View of the NVR yard at Wansford, 26Aug06 166220 165121 Langley 28Aug06 313114 at North Woolwich/Silvertown on 23Sep06 Experimental shot: The 17.37 ex Euston formed by an UID 313 at Headstone Lane, 26Feb06. In a month or so it will be light enough to phot this train, should you want to. West Ruislip 18Jul07 73208 on 6G15, 13:45 Hoo Jn Up Yard - Shepherdswell loaded track panels (on Salmon flat wagons) at Newington, 27Jun09 An unidentified class 450 at Richmond, 10Oct09

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]]> Sun Sep 3 2006 Eire - The Iron Road http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c1036551.html Lovely country with friendly people, plus of course proper traction. Sunday 30 July 2006: Lovely country with friendly people, plus of course proper traction.

086 Sallins & Naas 26Jul06 134 and 124 Sallins & Naas 26Jul06 at 18:30. Cement from Waterford? 078 Sallins & Naas, 18:25 Heuston/Waterford 26Jul06 088 powering through Portlaoise with a westbound evening freight [Guiness?], 26Jul06 at 19:40 175 shunting the stock for the 14:10 to Heuston, 27Jul06 086 Limerick, 09:50 from Heuston, 27Jul06 086 & 175 Limerick 27Jul06 Bonus: 146 and 160 double head an eastbound freight through Kildare, 28Jul06 at about 08:55, looked like mepty timber bolster wagons. 086 powers through Kildare with horns sounding, 07:30 Wateford/Heuston 28Jul06 170 light through Kildare heading from Waterford, 28Jul06 at 09:30 203 approaches on an unidentified working, whilst 231 prepares to leave with the late running 08:00 Heuston/Cork service, Kildare 28Jul06 Seen later in the day, 170 and 142 at Waterford Yard, 28Jul06 206 arriving at Waterford with the 11:30 fro Heuston, 28Jul06. Shortly before this one arrived, two baby GMs left with a cement train. 080 Portarlington, 17:10 Heuston/Athlone, 28Jul06. Cravens stock. Baby GM 189 collecting the stock of 09:30 Cork/Heuston 29Jul06 Fullo dullo, 087 leaving Dublin on the 13:10 Saturdays only to Tralee - Cravens stock! 29Jul06

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]]> Sun Jul 30 2006 Euro; Deutsche Bahn - Leipzig, Zwickau, Grosskorbertha and Konigstein, 16May06 to 20May06 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c965322.html 4 days in Deutschland: Day 1 - Leipzig to Zwickau, Limbach, Reichenbach & Plauen Day 2 - Leipzig to Grosskorbertha, Leichling, Grossheringen and Leipzig Leutszch Day 3 - Leipzig to Kotzshchau, Leipzig, Dresden, Konigstein, evening excursion to Halle Day 4 - Leipzig to Frankfurt, Hanau and home Apart from the classic traction and constant flow of proper trains, the most striking feautre of German railways is the lack of pathetic HSE culture that we endure in England. Long live DB :) Sunday 21 May 2006: 4 days in Deutschland: Day 1 - Leipzig to Zwickau, Limbach, Reichenbach & Plauen Day 2 - Leipzig to Grosskorbertha, Leichling, Grossheringen and Leipzig Leutszch Day 3 - Leipzig to Kotzshchau, Leipzig, Dresden, Konigstein, evening excursion to Halle Day 4 - Leipzig to Frankfurt, Hanau and home Apart from the classic traction and constant flow of proper trains, the most striking feautre of German railways is the lack of pathetic HSE culture that we endure in England. Long live DB :)

612 632 0 Zwickau 17May06 218 178 2 and 218 350 7 at Plauen 17May06 218 178 2 have a clear road from one of Plauen's semaphores, which looked like they were being replaced imminently. 218 178 2 and 218 350 7 now being replaced at Reichenbach by a 101 electric, 17May06 101 111 3 Reichenbach 17May06 Line 881: 218 357 7 and 218 178 2 have just passed Limbach Halte in a heavy downpour on 17May06. Train IC2060 16:15 Dresden/Karlsruhe. 143 865 4 Leipzig Hbf 17May06 101 040 4 Leipzig 18May06 101 113 9 Leipzig Hbf 18May06 241 449 8 Grosskorbertha 18May06 155 161 3 with a tank train, Grosskorbertha 18May06 140 003 5 dating I believe from the late 1950s, Großkorbertha, 18May06 232 416 8 and 232 254 3 at Grosskorbertha during a shunting move, 18May06 MEG 208 207 Grosskorbertha 18May06 DB Cargo 152 001 4 Leichling 18May06 155 119 1 Leichling 18May06 155 240 5 at Leichling with an eastbound freight, 18May06 145 047 7 and 155 264 5 DIT at Leichling, 18May06 Soveits 232 055 4 and 233 285 6 at Grossheringen with a lenghty westbound freight, 18May06 Line 560: 143 124 6 Großheringen 18May06, RB 16929, 14:21 to Saalfeld 232 230 3 at Grosskorbertha 18May06 233 281 5 and 232 230 3 at Grosskorbertha await next duties, 18May06 155 029 2 Leipzig Leutszch in the pouring rain with a long heavy freight. Soviet built 232 592 6 through Leipzig Leutszch in the pouring rain, 18May06 140 432 6 at Kötzschau 19May06 Line 582: 143 079 2, RB 27712 10:25 Weissenfels to Eilenburg Ost, at Kötzschau 19May06 204 641 5 Leipzig 18May06, with a departmental train 101 141 0 and 115 307 1 Leipzig Hbf 18May06 101 109 7 Dresden Neustadt 19May06, Mav stock 143 562 7 approaching Königstein with a train for Schöna, 19May06 101 109 7 Königstein 19May06 180 010 1 in DR livery with a Hanjin container train for Dresden from Czech Republic, 19May06 CD 372 012 5 Königstein with a freight for Dresden 19May06 143 116 2 Königstein 19May06 101 138 6 Königstein 19May06 180 008 5 leaving Königstein for Dresden, 19May06 363 444 1 at Hanau Hbf, 20May06 111 096 4 Hanau Hbf 20May06 401 568 1 at Hanau Hbf, 20May06 363 832 7 and 120 139 1 at Frankfurt Hbf with stock for Moscow, 20May06 143 243 4 Königstein 19May06 218 178 2 and 218 350 7 at Plauen with a train for Dresden which they will work as far as Reichenbach, 17May06

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]]> Sun May 21 2006 Ah well, 1984 is gone, now it's 2006. Or aint they one and the same? http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c957792.html Shots from 2006 - don't time fly? Sunday 14 May 2006: Shots from 2006 - don't time fly?

43157, 43193, 47818 and 47714, Gloucester 14Apr06 Two syphons! 37406 'The Saltire Society' and 37417 with ECS from Old Oak to Crewe for a tour tomorrow, 236Jun06 at Headstone Lane. 85019 Carlisle 2Jul89 67006/67005 'Queen's Messenger' Harrow & Wealdstone southbound from Wolverton with The Royal Train, 29May06 @ 19:35 66078 on 6A55 20:04 Northolt/Calvert loaded bins, Denham 30May06 Low, late evening light: 86609/86622 on 4L92 13:58 ditton to Felixstowe, Headstone Lane 31May06 4x DRS locos, 37607,37606, 20312, 20310 on 6K51 power through Harrow and Wealdstone, 5Jun06 66536 on 4L90, Bushey [for Oxhey] 7Jun06 66952 on 6M22 09:17 Cricklewood/Calvert loaded bins, Aylesbury 9Jun06 66722 and 47832 on the rear, 08:30 Ealing Bwy to Barrow Hill at Craven Park, Harlesden 10Jun06 66952 on 6M22 Aylesbury 23Jun06 Beasts! 20305 / 20301 on 6K51 at Harrow & Wealdstone 29Jun06. The noise from the restart shook some life in to the place. 315860 restarting from Hackney Downs, Sat 15Jul06 317502 fast through Rectory Road Sat15Jul06 86637 86610 and 90048 through Harrow and Wealdstone on 4S83 18:22 Tilbury to Coatbridge, 19Jul06 Beasts! 20310 / 20315 on 6K51 full bore through Harrow and Wealdstone 19Jul06 59003 on 7A09 06:56 Merehead/Acton Yd Mendip Rail jumbo train, Hanwell & Elthorne 24Jul06 66715 on 4L22, Headstone Lane 31Jul06 92034 6X77 Headstone Lane 31Jul06. The train had new TEA tanks in the consist, see pic below. New TEA tanks in consist of 6X77,31Jul06 Headstone Lane 66563 on 6L81 empty Calvert/Dagenham bins, West Ruislip. ISO1600, 1/250sec at F2 - moving train. 37405 at Marston on 5Z27 Wembley/Immingham scrap TPO vans. 3x lucky: a] I had no idea this train was running. b] I arrived five minutes before the 37. c] The camera was still set to 1/20sec at F22 from the previous evening's shots and had to be set up pronto. Currently one of four operational EWS 37s. 66076 on 6A55 through West Ruislip, right time on 8Aug06 37405 returning to Bristol from Eastbourne air show, Hanwell & Elthorne on 17Aug06 166218 at Hanwell & Elthorne, racing towards the last rays of sunlight, 17Aug06 Royal skip 67006 and EWS red/gold 67017 on the Avonmouth/Wembley enterprise, Hanwell & Elthorne 17Aug06. Now there's a sight you don't often see - a loco through Rickmansworth. 66703 on 6M63, a ballast train from Wellingborough. Several Bluebirds invaded the engineers posession between Rickmansworth and Amersham, 19Aug06 66722 on 6M60 23:55 Wellingborough/Harrow and Amersham at Amersham in a heavy downpour. Three to the sea? Not quite, three to Kettering, 20306 20309 20314 at Rushton, 26Aug06 20314 20309 20306 returning to Preston, seen at Egleton 26Aug06 Creatures of the night! 20310 / 20315 on 6K51 shatter the peace at Harrow and Wealdstone, 5Sep06 47812 heading back to Old Oak from Canton with ECS, Sun 10Sep06. ISO 100, 1250sec at F7.1. Big up SPT. Dusk: EWS 66123 deputising for a 92 on 6A42 15:15 Bescot/Wembely enterprise, Headstone Lane 22Sep06 47841 with an unidentified 456 heading for Wolverton, 9Oct06 31106 'Spalding Town' and 31105 heading through Wandsworth Road on 18Oct06 20313 and 37609 head through 'Arrah on 6K51 18Oct06 20301 20304 on 3S11 RHTT, Bolton Percy 20Oct06 20303 20302 on 3S21 RHTT Bolton Percy 20Oct06. Nice shades. Nose end view of 20302, 02Oct06 90049 4L97 05:24 Trafford Park/Felixstowe, Headstone Lane 29Nov06 67030 67003 Liverpool Lime Street/Euston Northern Belle, Headstone Lane 29Nov06 66578 4M93 14:13 Felixstow/Lawley Street, Harrow and Wealdstone 29Nov06 960301 on 3S75 at Denham Golf Club on 4Dec06 66511 6M91 Hanwell and Elthorrne 4Dec06 86501 on what is believed to be 4M88, Headstone Lane 5Dec06 90044 on 4L92 Harrow and Wealdstone 5Dec06. The train was worked by 47769 and 478xx as far as Crewe, was hoping they would have stayed on it... 37229 37510 20312 20308 on 6K51 Harrow & Wealdstone 6Dec06. The 37s had come from Dungeness, and the 20s ran light from Stowmarket to Willesden Brent as 0Z21 earlier in the day. 66704 / 66705 on 3J32[?] Arlesley 9Dec06 165008 168112 on 0906 Aylesbury/Marylebone at Aylesbury 22Dec06 And here's why the dutieshave finished, the leaking water from the jet has turned to ice, 22Dec06

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]]> Sun May 14 2006 Steam; Chiltern Centenary 1 & 2 April 2006 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c909454.html LMS 5690 and British Railways 48151 top and tailed on 3 shuttles from Marylebone to High Wycombe on Saturday 1Apr06. Repeated again tomorrow... big up Chiltern Railways for organising the day. Saturday 1 April 2006: LMS 5690 and British Railways 48151 top and tailed on 3 shuttles from Marylebone to High Wycombe on Saturday 1Apr06. Repeated again tomorrow... big up Chiltern Railways for organising the day.

48151/5690 head through West Ruislip in the sunshine, first trip from Wycombe Graceful lines of Leander, looking magnificent in LMS crimson The second southbound working, 48151 leads 5690 through Seer Green and Jordans 48151 leads 5690 through Northolt Park on the first train from Wycombe, Sun 2Apr06

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]]> Sat Apr 1 2006 Steam; 60009 'Union of South Africa' http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c851249.html A shot of 60009 heading towards Old Oak Common from Kidderminster, Friday 3Feb06 at Hanwell & Elthorne. Then luckily the next evening, at Kings Cross after terminating following working The Fenman railtour. The route was: Kings Cross to Ely, then return via Sleaford and Grantham. [All shots at the Cross were hand held with no tripod, ASA400. You can get away with 1/30sec or even 1/50 with a low aperture. Numerous beers in Nottingham earlier didn't help much with keeping the camera steady!]. Sunday 5 February 2006: A shot of 60009 heading towards Old Oak Common from Kidderminster, Friday 3Feb06 at Hanwell & Elthorne. Then luckily the next evening, at Kings Cross after terminating following working The Fenman railtour. The route was: Kings Cross to Ely, then return via Sleaford and Grantham. [All shots at the Cross were hand held with no tripod, ASA400. You can get away with 1/30sec or even 1/50 with a low aperture. Numerous beers in Nottingham earlier didn't help much with keeping the camera steady!].

Union of South Africa runs unacompanied through Hanwell en route from Kidderminster to Old Oak, Friday 3Feb06 Gently letting off steam on a cold February night. The next evening at journeys end, 60009 at The Cross. Looking towards the old clock and the buffer stops A 67 was at the far end drawing back the stock out of the platform. Luckily for me it was a slow process enabling this sequence to be taken. Beneath the impressive roof.

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]]> Sun Feb 5 2006 Units: DMUs Second Generation http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c798060.html Common and usually overlooked.... Sunday 18 December 2005: Common and usually overlooked....

144021 at Shipley Weds 11Mar92. 'Super Sprinter' 156461 at Skipton, Thurs 21Mar91 158835 158825 pass the delightful location of Pontrilas, 27Aug05 158820 heads south in to Abergavenny station, 27Aug05 142083 142069 on 2F06 at llanbradach with a Sunday service train in between specials, 4Dec05 142065 departing Sheffield with a late running Lincoln service, Sat 10Dec05 166220 speeds through a freezing cold hanwell & Elthorne, 3Feb06 222022 after arriving at Nottingham with the 0755 from St Pancras via Corby and Melton Mowbray, 4Feb06 168002 at West Ruislip, with 6A55 20:04 Northolt/Calvert bins, 3May06 168005 speeds through Denham with an evening fast to Birmingham, 30May06

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]]> Sun Dec 18 2005 Growling in the Valleys! Farewell Class 37s! http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c785374.html Trip to Rhymney on Sat 3rd and Sun 4th December. Monday 5 December 2005: Trip to Rhymney on Sat 3rd and Sun 4th December.

37419 passing an old grounded van at Pontlottyn, 3Dec05 37425 working 2R18 at Lisvane, 29Oct05 Super dull weather, 37405 on 2F22 1114 Rhymney/Cardiff at Caerphilly, 29Oct05 Nearly the end; 37405 at Ystrad Mynach 29Oct05 37405 backing on to its train, 2F46 1715 Rhymney/Cardiff, 29Oct05 Large logo 37425 'Balchder y Cymoedd' heads north at Gilfach Fargoed, Sat 3Dec05 37425 at Aber, Sat 3Dec05 37411 after arriving at Rhmyney, Sat 3Dec05. Last train south for the night. 150285 is clearly not a 37, but still worth a punt, seen at Lisvane on 2Y85 Sun 4Dec05 37419 on 1Z25 on the approach to Lisvane 33207/47854 speed through Llanishen on 1Z29, 4Dec05 37411 'Caerphilly Castle' and 50049 on 1Z33 at Llanbradach, Sun 4Dec05 33207/47854 at Llanbradach, 1Z40 'Going away shot' of 33207/47854 at Llanbradach, 1Z40 37419/37425 with both locos under power, Llanbradach Sun 4Dec05 My favourite shot of the day, 37411 trails 50031 at Ystrad Mynach on 1Z44 to Rhymney, Sun 4Dec05 37425 'Pride of the Valleys' at Llanbradach 3Dec05 47854 and 33207 of West Coast Railways on 1Z29 at Lisvane and Thornhill Sun 4Dec05

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]]> Mon Dec 5 2005 Locomotives: Class 57/0, 57/3 and 57/6 Brush http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c730193.html A small fleet of locos rebuilt from Class 47 by Brush Traction at Loughborough. They are currently in Freightliner's Green/Yellow livery and good locations to see them include Didcot, Watford, Ipswich and Trimley. 57001 [47356] Freightliner Pioneer 57002 [47322] Freightliner Phoenix 57003 [47317] Freightliner Evolution 57004 [47347] Freightliner Quality 57005 [47350] Freightliner Excellence 57006 [47187] Freightliner Reliance 57007 [47332] Freightliner Bond 57008 [47060] Freightliner Explorer 57009 [47079] Freightliner Venturer 57010 [47231] Freightliner Crusader 57011 [47329] Freightliner Challenger 57012 [47204] Freightliner Envoy Monday 17 October 2005: A small fleet of locos rebuilt from Class 47 by Brush Traction at Loughborough. They are currently in Freightliner's Green/Yellow livery and good locations to see them include Didcot, Watford, Ipswich and Trimley. 57001 [47356] Freightliner Pioneer 57002 [47322] Freightliner Phoenix 57003 [47317] Freightliner Evolution 57004 [47347] Freightliner Quality 57005 [47350] Freightliner Excellence 57006 [47187] Freightliner Reliance 57007 [47332] Freightliner Bond 57008 [47060] Freightliner Explorer 57009 [47079] Freightliner Venturer 57010 [47231] Freightliner Crusader 57011 [47329] Freightliner Challenger 57012 [47204] Freightliner Envoy

57304 'Gordon Tracy' 87028 'Harrow & Wealdstone 4Aug04 57603 Paddington, 3Sep04 Raw Power: 57005 'Freightliner Excellence' heads south through Harrow & Wealdstone 24Dec04 57005 4L90 08.43 Lawley Street to Felixstowe, Headstone Lane 19Mar05 57008 'Freightliner Explorer' on 4O28 05.24 Trafford Park to Southampton, South Moreton 24Mar05 57010 at Headstone Lane, 13Aug05 57007 'Freightliner Bond' stabled at Ipswich 24Aug05 57006 on 4L93 1008 Lawley St / Felixstowe 25Aug05 57002 is seen on 4O24 [?] at South Moreton, Sat 15Oct05 57601/47854 on 1Z28 0640 Harrogate to Windsor, crossing the Thames at Windsor, 11Feb06 Portrait of 57601, Windsor & Eton Riverside, 11Feb06 57004 'Freightliner Quality' on 4M41 14:48 Felixstowe/Daventry at Harrow & Wealdstone 8May06 57009 'Freightliner Venturer' on 4L90, in for a 66, Kings Langley 2Jun06 57305 hauling 87002 back towards Wembley, Harrow & Wealdstone 17Jul2006 57012 4M94 07:30 Felixstowe/Lawley Street, Headstone Lane 29Nov06 57011 4L93 10:08 Lawley Stree/Felixstowe, Headstone Lane 29Nov06

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]]> Mon Oct 17 2005 World of Shunters http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c701189.html The humble shunter is something I wish I had paid more attention to, but here are some shots of the little fellows... Friday 23 September 2005: The humble shunter is something I wish I had paid more attention to, but here are some shots of the little fellows...

08571 'Wabtec Rail Ltd' seen at Bounds Green on Sun 7Aug05 08495/60030 at Tees Yard, 15Aug05 Portrait of 08495.Tees Yard 15Aug05 Super gronk, 09205 Tees Yard 15Aug05 One of 26 at the time, 09005 is alongside 1 of 6, 73001 in large logo blue livery, Clapham Junction 21Mar87. Rail Blue: 09005 and 73001 at Clapham Junction 21Mar87 08011 'Haversham' at Aylesbury on Sun 20May90 08533wn at Euston in the summer of 1986. Note the old lion and wheel emblem through the faded paintwork, and the unofficial name 'Noddy One One Cup'. Behind is an AM10/310 set. 08804 at Didcot, 15Oct05 09017 at Newport with an afternoon Llanwern/Newport trip working (8F05?) 5Apr07

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]]> Fri Sep 23 2005 Instamatic! Me mums camera from the 1970s http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c701180.html When I were a wee nipper I never had my own camera and borrowed my mum's old Instamatic, a basic pont and poke which used 126 film. The shots aren't great but they are from a time when British Rail used to have passengers and not customers, and trains were mostly 'propah'. Anyway, happy memories for me... :) Friday 23 September 2005: When I were a wee nipper I never had my own camera and borrowed my mum's old Instamatic, a basic pont and poke which used 126 film. The shots aren't great but they are from a time when British Rail used to have passengers and not customers, and trains were mostly 'propah'. Anyway, happy memories for me... :)

25xxx at Watford Junction, possibly in 1984. Them were the days... 501159 at Hatch End, possibly in 1984. The 'Dartmoor' units used to bump along the tracks but they were more comfortable than the 313s which replaced them. The iron bars across the windows gave them t A class 104 DMU waits time before departing to St Albans Abbey, sometime in Summer 1984 A class 120 has just crossed Barmouth Bridge and is heading for Barmouth Station - probably in 1983 The 120 again, entering a short tunnel after the bridge. 150122, in nearly new condition at Shrewsbury, in 1985 or thereabouts. Cheers to my bruv for taking this pic for me travelling to Aberystwyth Uni. 309616 is seen at Liverpool Street Station in 1985 Close up of Essex Express 'Jaffa Cake' livery adorning 309616, seen at Liverpool Street in 1985 47457 'Ben Line' a glowing Stratford large logo engine, Liverpool Street in 1985. Stratford's locos used to have smart silver roofs, 47591 is probably making for the shunt siding before working its next train - 86s were running to Ipswich so I guess it would have been a Cambridge or Kings Lynn service, 1985. 370xx is seen at Liverpool Street in 1985 8624x and 309xxx in blue/grey livery, Liverpool St 1985

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]]> Fri Sep 23 2005 Lines: Bury to Manchester Victoria prior to closure (14 photos) http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c691075.html Here are some shots from this fascinating line shortly before closure and conversion to Metrolink tram operaition. The Class 504 units were built in 1959 for 1200v DC operation. All were allocated to Bury Depot, coded BQ. Unit numbers ranged from 504444 to 504461. Wednesday 14 September 2005: Here are some shots from this fascinating line shortly before closure and conversion to Metrolink tram operaition. The Class 504 units were built in 1959 for 1200v DC operation. All were allocated to Bury Depot, coded BQ. Unit numbers ranged from 504444 to 504461.

Preserved class 110 Calder Valley unit at Bury Bolton Street, 8May91 31206 passes through Heaton Park on its way to pick up two 504s, I suspect for scrap, 8May91 504444 & 504460 stabled in front of the depot. 504445 enters Besses O'Th'Barn station with a Bury/ManVic service 504445 pauses at Heaton Park 504449 & 504453 are seen heading south from Bury to Manchester Victoria End of the line, Manchester Victoria station, with 504450 & 504457 departing with an evening rush hour train. 504452 approach the buffers at Bury Interchange station 504454 is seen inside Bury depot End of the line, 504455 shows signs of vandalism and dereliction 504456 on depot at Bury 504457 seen through the railings at Interchange Station View of Bury depot with 504460 & 504444 on the right with one car of 504456 on the left 504461 & 504450 await departure time for the next trip to Manchester

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]]> Wed Sep 14 2005 Locomotives: Class 60, Brush http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c683498.html Ordered in the late 1980s, Brush built 100 class 60 locos, powerful co-co freight locos, now in the hands of EWS. Harsh inroads in to the fleet has seen many engines stored whilst their sisters slog on. Solid class 60 turns in the south are 6B33 1330 Theale to Robeston empty Murco tanks T/Th/F, and 6E38 1440 M/W/Fo Colnbrook to Lindsey empty tanks. Thursday 8 September 2005: Ordered in the late 1980s, Brush built 100 class 60 locos, powerful co-co freight locos, now in the hands of EWS. Harsh inroads in to the fleet has seen many engines stored whilst their sisters slog on. Solid class 60 turns in the south are 6B33 1330 Theale to Robeston empty Murco tanks T/Th/F, and 6E38 1440 M/W/Fo Colnbrook to Lindsey empty tanks.

60051 on 6B33 Theale Robeston passes 66501 South Moreton, 17Aug04 60001 Melton Ross 60018 56115 60030 Newport 60058 at Spawd Bone Lane crossing, Knottingley 60080 'Long Eaton' Melton Ross 60043 Shotlock Hill Tunnel 60081 'IKB' Cossington 25Apr04 6M14 1130 Harlow to Bardon Hill 60009 Cossington 25Apr04, 6B30 1348 Mountsorrel to Northampton 60068 'Charles Darwin' Cossington 25Apr04, 6M96 08.15 Llanwern to Corby 60079 'Foinaven' Neasden 13Aug04 60030, Wandsworth Road 3Dec04 60002 'High Peak' at Worting Jcn, 20Dec04 60059 'Swinden Dalesman' 6B33 Theale to Robeston Murco bogie tanks, South Moreton 23Dec04 60004 on 6E70 11.18 Westerliegh to Port Clarence empty red bogie tanks, Besford 23Mar05 60005 'BP Gas Avonmouth' on 6V92 10.10 Corby to Margam empty steel, Littleworth 23Mar05 60087 'Slioch' on 6B33 Theale to Robeston, South Moreton 24Mar05 60048 'Eastern' in early evening Spring sunshine, Didcot 24Mar05 60005 'BP Gas Avonmouth' 6V92 10.10 Corby/Margam and 60086 'Schiehallion' 6M41 15.07 Llanwern/Round Oak pass on slow moving steel trains at Severn Tunnel Jcn 3May05 60086 on 6M41 at Severn Tunnel Junction, 3May05 60091 'An Teallach' on 6B33 Theale to Robeston tanks, Servern Tunnel Junction 3May05 60053 on 6G77, Colton Jcn Sun15May05 60088 'Buachaille Etive Moor' on 6D11 at Colton Jcn, Sun15May05 60071 with VTGs in tow, Barnetby 16May05 60080 at Barnetby with heavy loaded iron ore 'JUA' wagons in tow, 16May05 60049 rolls through Barnetby with Santon/Immingham iron or empties, 16My05 60023 at Swinderby on Lindsey bound tanks, 16May05 60057/60085 still running for EWS, seen at Thrornaby 15Aug05 On of EWS's rapidly disappearing 60s, 60030 at Tees Yard, 15Aug05 Transrail 60066, EWS 60057 and RFD grey 60096, Thornaby 15Aug05 60049 passing the crossing at New Barnetby, 17Aug05 60010 on 6E38 1440 Colnbrook/Lindsey empty bogie tanks, 22Aug05 60031 on 6V75 Dee Marsh/Margam, seen near Pontrilas 27Aug05 60099 on 6B33 heading west with a Theale/Robeston tank train, Lower Basildon 2Dec05 60058 Harrow & Wealdstone 21Jun06, 21:10 60038 'AvestaPolarit' on 6E38, Hanwell and Elthorne 24Jun06 60054 'Charles Babbage' on 6E38 Hanwell and Elthorne 4Dec06 60096 on what I beleive to be 6Z20 09.45Whatley/St Pancras, Hanwell & Elthorne 2Jul07. You would never guess that it rained for most of today! 60096 at Greenford running light from Acton Yard to Northolt, prior to hauling 6A55. Date is 3Jul07 60041 on 7L23, 09:31 Dollands Moor-Dagenham Tansfesa 'blue train', running 3hrs late at Kensington Olympia, 4Jul08.

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]]> Thu Sep 8 2005 Vic Berrys, and Leicester Central http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c622161.html Here are some shots from the early 1990s of the famous yard in Leicester where many rail blue locos met their fate. Tuesday 19 July 2005: Here are some shots from the early 1990s of the famous yard in Leicester where many rail blue locos met their fate.

Class 101s 53162 and 51510 amongst others, Berrys Sun 3Jun90 Ayr or Chester? CH609 [53520] still had Ayr allocation codes, parked alongside 4TC 8021, Sun3Jun90 Sad to see 53520 in such a forlorn condition, still carrying all over rail blue T026, 53006/54010 a class 114 unit originally allocated to Lincoln Depot, Leicester Sun 3Jun90 Second view of T026 54010/53006 B469, class 117 driving motor 51326 and generator 47404, 15Aug90 Cabs from 20150 / 20201, 15Aug90 Slam doors disappeared from the Eastern a long while ago, here are some class 302 vehicles RDB975010 [Test Coach Iris] is hauled by 31907 in RTC colours, 15Aug90 47281 in Railfreight Distribution livery, Leicester Central, 15Aug90 47415 in forlorn condition, Sun3Jun90 As a comparison with the previous picture, 47415 is seen under the roof at Marylebone Station, 6Dec86 47419 awaits the cutters torch, Sun3Jun90 3 cabs from class 47s with a pile of rolling stock behind, Weds15Aug90 Roarer 85019 awaits its fate alongside CIE 208, Sun3Jun90. 85006 has survived in preservation under the care of the AC Locomotive group: http://www.aclocogroup.org.uk Hurrah! 97201 'Experiment' was there for asbestos removal and is now preserved, Sun3Jun90 CIE 208 & 202 had been shipped from Ireland to Leicester, seen on Weds 15Aug90 CIE 225 alongside a Mark II dubbed by FELL, Sun3Jun90 Still in LT red, COP stock is dumped on top of former BR Western Region Mark I W18613. In the late 1980s, this coach [corridor/compartment stock] would have been used on Paddington/Oxford services, with a 50 on the front.

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]]> Tue Jul 19 2005 Rico Tours: June 2005 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c602211.html Shots from a week visiting northern railways. The full sun was replaced by full dull but I don't care, plenty of 60s in the north east. Locations include Cumbria, S&C, Teeside, North Lincs and York :) Sunday 3 July 2005: Shots from a week visiting northern railways. The full sun was replaced by full dull but I don't care, plenty of 60s in the north east. Locations include Cumbria, S&C, Teeside, North Lincs and York :)

Sleaford West signalbox, Newark/Skeg Line, 26Jun05 Sleaford East signalbox, Newark/Skeg Line, 26Jun05 170513 at Sleaford, Sun 26Jun05 153376 at Sleaford, 26Jun05 47832/47703 seen stabled at East Holmes, Lincoln 26Jun05 Saxilby signalbox, Lincoln/Gainsborough Line, 26Jun05 156427/153358 at Askam, 27Jun05 153316 at Millom, 27Jun05 156461/153360 head accross Eskmeals Viaduct 27Jun05 156464 in Northern's experiental livery is seen at Drigg, 27Jun05 156425 at Green Road, Cumbria 27Jun05 144007 on the last Carnforth Leeds trip of the day, 27Jun05 156480/156489 head north to Carlisle at Hellifield, 28Jun05 66011 on 6E24, heads south through Hellifield 28Jun05 66559 on 6E36 Hunterston/Eggborough PS at Settle Jcn 28Jun05 JPG 66132 on 6M33 at Ribblehead, 28Jun05 156480/156489 head south over Arten Gill viaduct, 28Jun05 142021 is about to pass one of the oldest working signalboxes in Blighty, Norton South 29Jun05. It's difficult to photograph this box. 60049 at South [cold, windy and bleak] Bank, 29Jun05. 08495 shunting BEA steel bolster wagons past 60083 'Mountsorrel', Tees Yard 29Jun05 Load Haul liveried 60059 'Swinden Dalesman' waits to pass through the yard and shunt back to Thornaby TMD 29Jun05 Tug City:) Thornaby TMD with 60083 nearest and 60031, 0xx, 058, 096 30Jun05. 60036 'GEFCO' draws out of the sidings at Tees, 29Jun05 66151 leaves the Tees Yard heading east on a steel train, 60036 behind waits for its driver, 29Jun05 153331 at Hatfield & Stainforth, 30Jun05 60001 'The Railway Observer' at Barnetby on a loaded Immingham/Santon ore train, 30Jun05 67022 heads for Immingham through Barnetby with 3902 and 3908 in tow, 30Jun05 60017 'Shotton Works Centenary Year 1996' cuts through a downpour at Ulceby with a rake of bogie tanks, 30Jun05. The driver of 60052 gives a wave as he passes through Ulceby with a rake of bogie tanks, 1Jul05 142050 stabled in York station, 1Jul05 156481 shortly before working a York/Hull service, 1Jul05 158973 at York on 1Jul05 FM Rail's 45112 takes on more coal, York 1Jul05 26020, a rare and superb survivor at NRM York 1Jul05 144021 on the 17.17 to Leeds, Harrogate 1Jul05 66601 on 6M25 WFo Seaham/Earles cement tanks, Bolton Percy 1Jul05 60046 'William Wilberforce' on 6E70 12.57 Bedworth/Port Clarence FO red bogie tanks. Full dull at Bolton Percy 1Jul05

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]]> Sun Jul 3 2005 Lines: The Gilberdyke to Hull Line (21 photos) http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c556434.html What to see: Semaphore signalling for most sections with frequent DMUs and a sprinkling of freight. How to get there: Gilberdyke station for Oxmardyke, Broomfleet station for Cave [walking or cycling in between]. Crabley Creek is very remote and best reached by car. Sadly I didn't have time to visit the Brough to Hulll section. Boxes not visited included Brough East, Welton [crossing] and Melton Lane. General comment: For info about signalboxes, I recommend the excellent 'Signalling Atlas and Signal Box Directory of GB and Ireland' by Peter Kay and Derek Coe. For freight timetables Freightmaster online is unbeatable. Saturday 28 May 2005: What to see: Semaphore signalling for most sections with frequent DMUs and a sprinkling of freight. How to get there: Gilberdyke station for Oxmardyke, Broomfleet station for Cave [walking or cycling in between]. Crabley Creek is very remote and best reached by car. Sadly I didn't have time to visit the Brough to Hulll section. Boxes not visited included Brough East, Welton [crossing] and Melton Lane. General comment: For info about signalboxes, I recommend the excellent 'Signalling Atlas and Signal Box Directory of GB and Ireland' by Peter Kay and Derek Coe. For freight timetables Freightmaster online is unbeatable.

156491 has just left the station at Gilberdyke, heading for Hull 16May05 66551 passing Gilberdyke Jcn on what may have be 4Y99 11.10 Ferrybridge PS/Hull bulk haul coal empties, 16May05 Gilberdyke Junction signalbox, dating from 1903 has 55 levers of the same age, built by the North Eastern Railway. 158783 comes off the Goole line at Gilberdyke Junction, 16May05 158783 passes 156471 at Gilberdyke Junction, 16May05 156471 takes the line for Saltmarshe and Goole at Gilberdyke Junction 16May05 Oxmardyke crossing box, dating from 1901 has 16 levers from 1956. A North Eastern Railway design. Second view of Oxmardyke, which is easily visible from Gilberdyke Station footbridge. Hull Trains' 170395 passing Oxmardyke crossing, 16May05 158784 passing a semaphore protecting Oxmarydke crossing, 16May05 150274 passes Broomfleet station and signalbox, 16May05 Broomfleet signalbox dates from 1904, as does the frame/equipment. It has 60 levers and was built by the North Eastern Railway. A second view of Broomfleet's fine signalbox 156491 again, this time heading for Doncaster at Broomfleet, 16May05 158766/158781 speed past Cave crossing, 16May05 Cave crossing box dates from 1904 and has 16 levers from the same date. Built by the North Eastern Railway. Crabley Creek box dating from 1891 of North Eatern Railway design. The 14 levers date from circa 1956. Second view of Crabley Creek. I was told the staircase is due for replacement because of safety regulations. 156468 heads for Doncaster at the remote and fantastic location of Crabley Creek, 16May05 158904 passing Brough signalbox, 17Aug05 158790 heads for Hull at Brough, 17Aug05

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]]> Sat May 28 2005 BoB's Grand Day Out and GatEx Real Air Special http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c503661.html Big Up South West Trains and their staff for running 73109 with an 8 car slam door in normal service between Alton, Waterloo and Basingstoke on Sat 16th April 2005. Also added are the last GatEx 73s on the 1315 Victoria Gatwick and 1350 return. These immaculate locos ran with 'Gatwick Express, Victoria to Gatwick in 30 minutes' headboards which the first service in 1984 carried. Saturday 16 April 2005: Big Up South West Trains and their staff for running 73109 with an 8 car slam door in normal service between Alton, Waterloo and Basingstoke on Sat 16th April 2005. Also added are the last GatEx 73s on the 1315 Victoria Gatwick and 1350 return. These immaculate locos ran with 'Gatwick Express, Victoria to Gatwick in 30 minutes' headboards which the first service in 1984 carried.

450015 leaves Waterloo with 73109 waiting time for the 11.53 to Alton Portrait of 73109 'Battle of Britain' at Waterloo. Environmentaly friendly transport. 73109 at Waterloo Ash Vale Junction signalbox. There is also a signalbox at Farnham but I didn't photograph it, too busy drinking a can of Stella... Aldershot signalbox BoB on tour and running on diesel power, Aldershot 73109 at journeys end, Alton. In the background is the Watercress Line 73109 and 1398 - streamlined they aint! Another view at Alton's neat and tidy station 73109 heads for Waterloo at Clapham Junction 73109 heads through Vauxhall with the 15.12 to Basingstoke 73208 73202 'Dave Berry' pass Salfords on 1D53, 1300 Victoria/Gatwick 28Jul05 Newly named 'Dave Berry' 73202 is on the rear of 1D53, Salfords 28Jul05 1U56, the 1350 Gatwick/Victoria return with 73202 leading 73208, Salfords 28Jul05 Final view of yet another chapter of railway history closing, 73208 tails 73202...for more views click here: http://photos.m-t-p.org.uk/c637575.html After 40145 arrived at Euston, 73136 & 73204 worked 1Z41, a mini tour from Euston to Guildford and return via Redhill, here they are seen at Old Oak Junction 5Nov05

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]]> Sat Apr 16 2005 Open Days: Coalville 3rd June 1990 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c458564.html In June 1990 Coalville held an open day with a supreme selection of locos including classes from 09, 20, 25, 26, 27, 31, 33, 37, 40, 45, 47, 55, 56, 58, 60, 90, & 97 [a 47 and a 46]. Later that day I went to Vic Berrys in Leicester and walked round the famous yard. What a grand day out! Thursday 10 March 2005: In June 1990 Coalville held an open day with a supreme selection of locos including classes from 09, 20, 25, 26, 27, 31, 33, 37, 40, 45, 47, 55, 56, 58, 60, 90, & 97 [a 47 and a 46]. Later that day I went to Vic Berrys in Leicester and walked round the famous yard. What a grand day out!

53171 and 53826, idling between shuttle duties LO260 54488 and 5xxxx on an open day shuttle train. 20163 in large logo railfreight grey livery 25322 'Tamworth Castle', BR/Sulzer Type 2 built between 1963-67 26005, McRat heads south for Summer 31101 [I think this is 101, please let me know if not] 33050 in trainload construction livery 37513 of Thornaby, note the Kingfisher 37517 in large logo red solebar railfreight grey livery 37517 in the sun, 60010 is behind 37800 'Glo Cymru' 45133, superb 1co-co1 47401 'North Eastern' an unusual variation of large logo livery 47489 'Crewe Diesel Depot' shortly after naming 47489, note the cast cheshire cat above the nameplate 47971, large logo departmental Brush 55015 'Tulyar' with Finsbury Park white window surrounds - aint she sweet! 56008 [?] still in rail blue livery 58028 in Trainload Coal livery 58049 'Littleton Colliery' passing Mantle Lane signalbox 60003, nearly new condition 60010, 58049 and 56008 [?] 97403 'Ixion', formerly 46035 built between 1960-63 by BR at Crewe or Derby Works.

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]]> Thu Mar 10 2005 Lines: The Island Line, Ryde/Sandown http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c438157.html Ryde Rail, as the line was known, uses trains built in 1938 for London Transport between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. The \'new\' stock replaced some even more elderly trains dating from 1924, also ex London Transport. The line itself is mainly single track and controlled by colour lights from Ryde St Johns signalbox, although a couple of semaphores remain at Ryde St Johns. Sunday 20 February 2005: Ryde Rail, as the line was known, uses trains built in 1938 for London Transport between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. The \'new\' stock replaced some even more elderly trains dating from 1924, also ex London Transport. The line itself is mainly single track and controlled by colour lights from Ryde St Johns signalbox, although a couple of semaphores remain at Ryde St Johns.

483008 Ryde Esplanade in the early 1990s 485042 Brading late 1980s. Sadly the character of this scene is lost as the semaphores have gone and the line is singled. 485042 Brading, late 1980s 485043 Ryde Pier Head, late 1980s. This 5 car unit was still in blue/grey livery at one end, NSE livery the other 485043 Ryde Pier Head late 1980s. 485045 Brading, late 1980s. The signalbox still stands in a forlorn state behind the island platform 483004 heads towards Ryde Pier Head from Shanklin 19Feb05 483007 in London Transport red livery arrives at Shanklin 19Feb05 483002 at Ryde St Johns Depot 19Feb05 483009 stabled in the bay platfom at Ryde St Johns 19Feb05 483001 in withdrawn condition, Ryde St Johns 19Feb05 483004 leaves Ryde Pier heading for Shanklin 19Feb05. Here you can ride in a 65 year old tube train above the sea...! 483006 Ryde Pier Head in the early 1990s. 485044, former 1924 stock repatriated to the mainland for restoration, Ruislip Depot 28Oct90

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]]> Sun Feb 20 2005 Lines: The Peterborough to Ely Line http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c408384.html On the 22nd January 2005, 40145 passed along this line on the Silver Jubilee railtour from York to Norwich via, Liverpool Street. Getting off my lazy backside for a change, I got out early to catch the train at Manea, and then spent the rest of the day photographing trains along the line. From Peterborough to Ely there are 6 signalboxes: The first is Kings Dyke [1899] and then Whittlesea [1887], Three Horse Shoes [1901], March East Jcn [1885], March South Jcn [1927], and Manea [1883]. There is also a Portakabin at Stonea [1984] which I did not visit. All pictures were taken from public land. Sunday 23 January 2005: On the 22nd January 2005, 40145 passed along this line on the Silver Jubilee railtour from York to Norwich via, Liverpool Street. Getting off my lazy backside for a change, I got out early to catch the train at Manea, and then spent the rest of the day photographing trains along the line. From Peterborough to Ely there are 6 signalboxes: The first is Kings Dyke [1899] and then Whittlesea [1887], Three Horse Shoes [1901], March East Jcn [1885], March South Jcn [1927], and Manea [1883]. There is also a Portakabin at Stonea [1984] which I did not visit. All pictures were taken from public land.

66181 Whittlesea 22Jan05 170206 Manea 22Jan05 40145 on the Silver Jubilee railtour, Manea 22Jan05 Manea signalbox dating from 1883, 25 levers. 170114 Manea 22Jan05 March East Junction signalbox, dating from 1885, 61 levers 170638 March 22Jan05 March South Junction signalbox dating from 1927, 51 levers A second view of March South Junction signalbox, an LNER design Three Horse Shoes signalbox in the village of Turves [Cambs], dates from 1901 with 30 levers 66570 Three Horse Shoes [Turves] 22Jan05 Whittlesea signalbox dating from 1887, 23 levers. Nearby are manually operated gates for a level crossing 66714, 66708, 66711, 66710 Kings Dyke 22Jan05 Kings Dyke signalbox dating from 1899, 19 levers

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]]> Sun Jan 23 2005 Units: DMUs Class 104, 105 and 108 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c399688.html Here is a small collection of Class 104 & 105 DMUs, including 'The Mexican Bean' specially repainted for the Oban line and a 104/108 on the Barking Gospel Oak shuttle. The 105 at Liverpool Street on parcels duties. The shot was taken before redevelopment, hence the station retained its antiquated charm. Saturday 15 January 2005: Here is a small collection of Class 104 & 105 DMUs, including 'The Mexican Bean' specially repainted for the Oban line and a 104/108 on the Barking Gospel Oak shuttle. The 105 at Liverpool Street on parcels duties. The shot was taken before redevelopment, hence the station retained its antiquated charm.

104325 'The Mexican Bean' Taynuillt, Mon 17Aug87 104457 Edinburgh Waverley Aug1987 104704 53477[104] 51571[108] at Blackhorse Road Sat 10Aug91, 14.31 to Barking 53453 in rail blue livery, dumped following accident damage at Old Oak Common,05Aug90. Note the 119/104 units behind together with Mark 1 coaches. 59144 in rail blue livery at Settle, Thursday 06Jul89 105xxx at Liverpool Street, 17Jan87. Snow disrupted trains on that day and some class 33s & 73s were seen working trains from Victoria later on. 108945 51925/59380/53645 on the 13.23 Crewe to Shrewsbury, 26Jul90 51175, 59144 and 51194 at Settle station, 6Jul89 Parcels unit formed of 51430 and 51xxx, St Pancras 23Dec89 Class 120 [or 126?], set number 533 at Edinburgh Waverley, Aug87.

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]]> Sat Jan 15 2005 Lines: AC/DC Watford to Euston http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c378927.html This is intended as a photographic record of the AC/DC lines between Watford and Euston, unusual because tube and suburban-locals share tracks running parallel to top link express and heavy freight. The lines split at Bushey as the DC lines branch off to serve Watford High Street rejoining the main line at the Watford Junction. The Bakerloo Line stopped running through to Watford from September 1982, although it still reaches Harrow & Wealdstone. Some suburban stations are run down, but Hatch End station is particularly attractive, and largely original, as is the newly restored Harrow & Wealdstone station. Here you can still see the platform for the Belmont line, which used to branch off to the south of the station. Good stations for photography include the southbound platform at Headstone Lane where you can see all four tracks sweeping round the curve, and Harrow & Wealdstone. Sunday 26 December 2004: This is intended as a photographic record of the AC/DC lines between Watford and Euston, unusual because tube and suburban-locals share tracks running parallel to top link express and heavy freight. The lines split at Bushey as the DC lines branch off to serve Watford High Street rejoining the main line at the Watford Junction. The Bakerloo Line stopped running through to Watford from September 1982, although it still reaches Harrow & Wealdstone. Some suburban stations are run down, but Hatch End station is particularly attractive, and largely original, as is the newly restored Harrow & Wealdstone station. Here you can still see the platform for the Belmont line, which used to branch off to the south of the station. Good stations for photography include the southbound platform at Headstone Lane where you can see all four tracks sweeping round the curve, and Harrow & Wealdstone.

85106 at Harrow & Wealdstone, creeping past a rake of derailed coaches 21Jul89. 86xxx at Harrow & Wealdstone 1991, northbound express 313101 at Headstone Lane 12Apr03 Willesden TMD 22Apr03, note the Porterbrook liveried Deltic 508303 at Watford Junction 26Apr03, shortly after refurbishment and transfer to London Hatch End Station 20Jul03, beautifully restored and showing off its LNWR ancestry. NMT Harrow & Wealdstone 4Aug04 377204 heads for the seaside, Harrow & Wealdstone 2Oct04 377213 at Harrow & Wealdstone 30Oct04 313120 at Euston 30Oct04 321422 at Euston 30Oct04 86613 & 86612 'Elizabeth Garrett Anderson' at Headstone Lane 11Dec04 321437 at Watford Junction on the 14.30 to Bletchley, 11Dec04 3550/3263 head south for Elephant & Castle at Stonebridge Park on 8Apr05 508303 and 3532/3266 pass at Stonebridge Park 8Apr05 508301 heads for Watford, Stonebridge Park 8Apr05. RFD grey 90036 lurks in the background, waiting to roll in to Euston with ECS for 1S16 21.15 to Inverness. 313121 at Kensal Green 16Apr05. The main line is on the left and you can just about get shots of southbound trains on the slow lines 3252/3555 head for Harrow at Kensal Green, 16Apr05 321334, drafted in from the GEML is seen at Hatch End on Sat 3Sep05. Rail blue: 40145 on 'The Capital Crusader' 1Z40 0630 Liverpool Lime St to Euston, at Headstone Lane on 5Nov05 67012/185115 Headstone Lane 10May06 87019 on 1S96 at Headstone Lane 10May06 Rail Blue: 85024 81014 86xx Euston 1986 4 car 3231 with 3 car 3557, Harrow & Wealdstone Sat 15Jul06 1972 stock with car No. 3542 leading, at Willesden Junction on 4Jul08. The service worked up to Harrow & Wealdstone. A view of the down fast as 90028 races north on 1G21, 16:51 Euston-Birmingham New Street, 4Jul08 66719 'Metroland' on 4L22 heading south through South Kenton, 4Jul08 Lucky shot of 47787 powering north through South Kenton with ECS for Northampton, 4Jul08 Regular runner 6X77, the 17.31 Wembley-Mossend Enterprise and loaded cars, South Kenton 4Jul08 31454 31459 1Z06 Headstone Lane 12Aug08 31459 31454 1Z06 Harrow and Wealdstone 12Aug08 20314 & 37601 (DIT) on 6K51 at Harrow & Wealdstone, one bitterly cold 11Feb09

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]]> Sun Dec 26 2004 Locomotives: Classes 20, 56, 59 & 66 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c258136.html A collection that will grow as I capture more of these locos on 'film'. I would highly recommend Freightmaster to help with identifying and locating freight workings. Friday 13 August 2004: A collection that will grow as I capture more of these locos on 'film'. I would highly recommend Freightmaster to help with identifying and locating freight workings.

66614, Shipton Lee [6M80 13.10 loaded Dagenham-Calvert] 11Mar05. Passes thru AY at about 16.30 M-Fr Ah, that's more like it rail blue on a grid. 56006 rumbles through with a loaded MGR train at Brocklesby Junction, 22May03 56104 passing the small station at South Bank on 5Sep03 66232 Hoveton and Wroxham 16Mar04 67003 Hanwell 1Aug04 67025 Harrow & Wealdstone 4Aug04 66711 Wandsworth Road 16Aug04 59204 'Vale of Glamorgan' Wandsworth Road 16Aug04 59202 'Vale of White Horse' Wandsworth Road 16Aug04 66576 South Moreton 17Aug04 66706 'Nene Valley' at Harrow & Wealdstone 24Dec04 20311/302 6M56 Besford, 23Mar05. Big up the driver for the revs! 66122 top and tailed with 66065 on 7V38 Gerrards Cross to Acton, at Denham Golf Club 24Mar05 66241 with 4 wheel hoppers in tow, passing through South Moreton, 24Mar05. 166208 is on the fast lines. 66065/66122/66058/66176 on 0Z60 14.00 Acton yard to Didcot, South Moreton 24Mar05 66619 on 6M16 13.50 S'oton to Gresty Lane, South Moreton 24Mar05. This engine had just arrived in the UK and was working its second revenue earning service. 66001 on 6Z50 10.47 Penmaenmawr to Acton Yard, loaded Hanson Hoppers [JHA], Headstone Lane 26Mar05, cheers Mr B! 66712 on 4L25 07:21 Hams Hall-Felixstowe GBRf Intermodal, Headstone Lane 2Apr05 66129 on 7C79 10.10 Parc Slip to Westbury in the rain at Magor, loaded HAA coal wagons, 3May05 66086 on 6B86 11.15 Westbury yd to Newport ADJ departmental, Magor 3May05 66031 on 6C02 Bristol/Newport ADJ through Magor towards Llanwern, 3May05 66005 on 6B79 15.12 Westbury Yard to Tower 'hippo' box wagons, 3May05 66212 on 6V02 13.21 Round Oak/Llanwern steel, STJ 3May05 66033 on 6V70 Cliff Vale to Cardiff empty ECC tanks, Severn Tunnel Junction 3May05 66001 on a southbound steel train, Colton Jcn Sun15May05 66712 with British Gypsum containers in tow, Swinderby on 16May05 66613 on 6F95 0906 Meldon to Hinksey VQ loaded ballast boxes, South Moreton 17May05 59202 on 6A55, 20.04 Northolt to Calvert loaded binliner, West Ruislip 10Jun05 Sacre Bleu! 66215 on 6A55 at West Ruislip 17Jun05. This loco is currently being modified to work in France [04Aug05] 66103, light engine at Newport 18Jun05 66576, possibly on 4L90, running north through Chelmsford Sat23Jul05 66136 on 6Y36, one of few freights throug Salfords, 28Jul05. 66139 on 6N85 0800 Roundwood/Tees Dock loaded steel coil, 15Aug05 66041 [probably on 6V36 Lackenby/Margam] with loaded steel slabs at Colton Junction 15Aug05 66559 northbound near Colton Junction, 15Aug05 56088, withdrawn fromservice at Thornaby, 15Aug05 66077 draws a rake of lime hoppers in to Tees Yard, 15Aug05 66077 [one of few named EWS sheds] and 66201 wait for the road at Tees Yard, 15Aug05 66169 at Yarm, 15Aug05 66095 with a rake of HAAs at Raskelf, 15Aug05. 66221 at Monk Fryston with a southbound bulk haul coal, 17Aug05 45104 at Scarborough in 1986 before working a trans pennine express service. Grids line up at Knottingley, with 56047 seen in trainload coal livery, Feb1992 66132 on 6V97 1200 Beeston/Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap, Magor 20Aug05 66951 on 4Z26, 1441 Dagenham/Garston Ford Cars, Headstone Lane 25Aug05 DRS 66402 on lightly loaded 4L46, Headstone Lane 26Aug05 66538 on 4L90 being overtaken by a Pendo at Hatch End, 8Oct05 67005/67012 at Headstone Lane, 22Oct05 66557/66555 on 6M22 passing Dudding Hill signalbox, Cricklewood/Calvert bims, 3Feb06 Plenty of time to reach South Greenford and catch 6M22 again, 3Feb06

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]]> Fri Aug 13 2004 Locomotives: Class 50, English Electric http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c242108.html Here are some shots of class 50s, from the good old days when you could catch a train and enjoy the ride: Monday 26 July 2004: Here are some shots of class 50s, from the good old days when you could catch a train and enjoy the ride:

50001 'Dreadnought' Penzance 23Apr87 50007 'Sir Edward Elgar' Honiton 6Jul91 50008 'Thunderer' Lostwithiel xxApr87 50009 'Conqueror' Paddington 1988/89 50018 'Resolution' Clapham Jcn 14Aug90 50021 'Rodney' Cheltenham 5Jan87 50029 'Renown' 50017 Royal Oak Salisbury 3Apr91 50031 'Hood' Lostwithiel xxApr87 50033 'Glorious' Honiton 6Jul91 50033 'Glorious' West Ealing 16Oct89 50033 'Glorious' Woking 15Jul90 50037 'Illustrious' Old Oak Common open day 17Aug91 50040 'Leviathan' Oxford 29Nov85 50040 'Leviathan' Paddington summer 85 50042 'Triumph' Laira 1Jul91 50047 'Swiftsure' Penzance 23Apr87 50049 'Defiance' 50031 'Hood' roll in to Kenny O's long platform, knee deep with Chelsea fans, Sun7Aug05 Old Oak or Eastfield? The Scottie dogs are a fine adornment to these large logo 50s 50049 'Defiance' and 50031 'Hood' double head 1Z71 1035 Kensington Olympia to Cardiff. The sun hid behind a cloud the split second they left! For the record the Blues beat Arsenal 2-1, and the Hoovers beat the 165s 50-nil! 50049 'Defiance' looks like a 'proper' train on at Abergavenny, 14Apr06 50045, Waterloo late 1980s

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]]> Mon Jul 26 2004 Units: Electric http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c209758.html Berwick is a great place to visit because it retains the rural charm of a small English country station and has a well kept signalbox with semaphores. It's on the line between Eastbourne and Lewes. In January 2005 I visited Warnham [between Horsham and Dorking] and the signalbox here may close soon because installation work for new colour lights is under way. Warnham box dates from 1877 and has 20 levers, and the station itself is a delightful country station. The box at neighbouring Holmwood has already closed, also dating from 1877. Saturday 19 June 2004: Berwick is a great place to visit because it retains the rural charm of a small English country station and has a well kept signalbox with semaphores. It's on the line between Eastbourne and Lewes. In January 2005 I visited Warnham [between Horsham and Dorking] and the signalbox here may close soon because installation work for new colour lights is under way. Warnham box dates from 1877 and has 20 levers, and the station itself is a delightful country station. The box at neighbouring Holmwood has already closed, also dating from 1877.

1889 1519 Woking 30Mar03 375711 375626 Wadhurst 4Apr04, Charing Cross to Hastings service. 375611 373305 Stonegate 4Apr04, Hastings to Charing Cross service 1859 Hastings 4Apr04 1725 Clapham Jcn 3May03 456009 Victoria 3May03 3483 Clapham Jcn 5Jun03 1752 1727 1904 Victoria 22Jul03 319453 Horley 24Jul03 1697 Waterloo 15Aug03 3915 xxxx 1857 Salfords 24Aug03 1888 3427 Waterloo 20Dec03 3574 Ashford 3Jan04 455850 455912 Clapham Jcn 10Apr04 2315 Eastleigh 23Apr04 1853 xxxx Glynde Crossing 23May04. 1861 3545 Berwick 23May04 377134 Berwick 23May04 1905 Berwick 23May04 205205 Winchelsea 31May04, Ashford to Hastings service. 377131 Normans Bay 23May04 3435 1859 Clapham Jcn 16Aug04 3495 Wandsworth Road 16Aug04 3012 Wandsworth Road 16Aug04 1860 1836 Wandsworth Road 16Aug04 3810 Clapham JCN 16Aug04 3572 465029 London Bridge 2Oct04 8011 & 8020, 5739, 5902 Waterloo 31Oct04 3553 66214 Wandsworth Road 2Dec04 3423 Wandsworth Road 3Dec04 465176 465033 Wandsworth Road 3Dec04 67027 3422 3xxx 3566 South Moreton 5Z40 Margate to Caerwent 23Dec04 455829 Warnham 8Jan05. The new signalling equipment is being installed. 455823 Warnham 8Jan05, Horsham service 1411 Bognor Regis 8Jan05, Bognor/Barnham shuttle. 377xxx & 377xxx at Billingshurst on the 17.10 to Victoria 08Jan05. The signalbox dates from 1876 and is still in use. 1001 Winchelsea 29Jan05, 16.27 Hastings to Ashford service. 1304 3540 3417 Guildford 12Feb05 - twelve car slam doors in the 21st century! 450049 450077 Woking 12Feb05 455868 455865 Clandon 12Feb05 444010 at Haslmere/Portsmouth Harbour shuttle 19Feb05 465920, recently refurbished, at Borough Green in Kent, Sun17Jul05 508207 at Godstone on 28Jul05 377163 at Edenbridge on a Victoria/Tonbridge service, 28Jul05 508201 at Edenbridge, 28Jul05 NSE liveried 465047/465030 at London Bridge, 28Jul05 376011/465236 in Summer evening sunshine, London Bridge Thurs28Jul05 4CEP 1621 in blue/grey livery at Charing Cross, 21Mar87. It's waiting time for the 1330 to Margate. OK, it's not electric, full dull in the 1980s! 207018 leaves East Grinstead in December 1987, long gone are the semaphores and Thumpers... Bit of 303 madness, 303045 at Wemyss Bay in the Summer of 1991

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]]> Sat Jun 19 2004 Rico Tours June 2004: Semaphores in Lincs and Loco Haulage http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c204097.html In June 2004 I toured round with the aim of photographing some of the last few diesel loco hauled passenger trains in the UK. My shots include 47s on the North Wales line, 31s on the Manchester to Blackpool run, and 37s on the York to Carlisle via Leeds diagram, notably with 37042 in operation. Other locations included Lincolnshire, with its fine mechanical signalling, Yorkshire and North Wales showing a mixture of freight and DMUs. Saturday 12 June 2004: In June 2004 I toured round with the aim of photographing some of the last few diesel loco hauled passenger trains in the UK. My shots include 47s on the North Wales line, 31s on the Manchester to Blackpool run, and 37s on the York to Carlisle via Leeds diagram, notably with 37042 in operation. Other locations included Lincolnshire, with its fine mechanical signalling, Yorkshire and North Wales showing a mixture of freight and DMUs.

60055, Chirk Viaduct 10Jun04 156411, Heckington [Lincolnshire] 5Jun04 153334, Metheringham [Lincolnshire] 5Jun04 144001, Lincoln Central 5Jun04 158771, Thorne 7Jun04 60015, Barnetby 7Jun04 60094, Melton Ross 7Jun04 66245, Melton Ross 7Jun04 Market Rasen Station 7Jun04 60005, Howsham [Lincolnshire] 7Jun04 144019, Kirk Hammerton [North Yorkshire] 7Jun04 150272, Knaresborough 8Jun04 37411[37042 not visible], Knaresboorugh 8Jun04 37042, Knaresborough 8Jun04 144003, Giggleswick 9Jun04 37411 & 37042, Ribblehead 9Jun04 142019, Bentham 9Jun04 Wennington signalbox, 9Jun04 31602 & 31459, Adlington [Lancashire] 9Jun04 47750 & 47830, Bagillt 10Jun04 47826, Abergele 10Jun04 175103, Abergele 10Jun04 66501, Abergele 10Jun04 47826, Colwyn Bay 10Jun04 158818, Chirk 10Jun04

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]]> Sat Jun 12 2004 Open Days: Bounds Green 4th May 1987 + D200 on the Corby Cutler http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c196435.html On the 4th May 1987, Inter City held an open day at Bounds Green to celebrate its 21st anniversary. Locos present included 08873, 31411, 37116, 43057, 43116, 44004, 45104, 47406, 47500, 55015, 73125, 86426, 87101. Also on that day, 40122 worked 'The Corby Cutler' railtour, and luckily for me I took an excessive amount of pictures of the clean green machine! My notes say that 45132 and the nicely named 31423 'Hob-Nob' were in the station that day. Wednesday 2 June 2004: On the 4th May 1987, Inter City held an open day at Bounds Green to celebrate its 21st anniversary. Locos present included 08873, 31411, 37116, 43057, 43116, 44004, 45104, 47406, 47500, 55015, 73125, 86426, 87101. Also on that day, 40122 worked 'The Corby Cutler' railtour, and luckily for me I took an excessive amount of pictures of the clean green machine! My notes say that 45132 and the nicely named 31423 'Hob-Nob' were in the station that day.

Newly painted 08873sf in Inter City livery. 31411: A small boy had just switched off the motor of the elevated platform, much to the distress of the hardy soles marooned in mid air... 35028 Clan Line 37116sf and 45104to posing behind the queue to 'cab' an IC125 37116sf, Statford's celebrity loco. Check out the chap with a brief case on the left, urgently marching towards his next busy appointment... 43057, shortly after naming 'Bounds Green' Peak 44004 and GW150 liveried Duff, 47500oc 'Great Western' 47406gd, 'Rail Riders' in the classic Inter City livery. 55015 Tulyar, with a slightly smaller and less powerfull 55020 'Nimbus' on the miniature railway Gatwick Express 73125 of Stewarts Lane depot 86426, repainted in to original livery, 87101 Stephenson and 73125 86426 of Willesden depot Highlight of the day was seeing Kingmoor's 40122 on the Corby Cutler railtour. D200 - clean, green fab machine! Waiting for the off. Just about to leave... ...away she goes Heading north to Corby.

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]]> Wed Jun 2 2004 Underground: Piccadilly Line http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c151703.html Here are some shots of 1973 stock currently running on the Piccadilly line. Chiswick Park is a good location to get photographs of Underground trains. Signalboxes still stand at Boston Manor and Ruislip, and you can include the train and box at both locations, but Boston Manor is not shown. Saturday 10 April 2004: Here are some shots of 1973 stock currently running on the Piccadilly line. Chiswick Park is a good location to get photographs of Underground trains. Signalboxes still stand at Boston Manor and Ruislip, and you can include the train and box at both locations, but Boston Manor is not shown.

893 234 Ruislip 13Mar04 894 157 South Harrow 13Mar04 194 207 Acton Town 13Mar04 106 115 Chiswick Park 13Mar04 205 120 Boston Manor 13Mar04 234 893 Eastcote 13Mar04 Northfields Depot 1Aug04 Northfields Depot 1Aug04 No less than 3 rakes of 1973 stock at Rayners Lane. 1XX and 110 approach, whilst 199 and 104 in the siding will follow shortly after. 195 and 138 passing through Turnham Green with a Heathrow service, 11Nov06 161 and 106 passing non stop through stamford Brook with a heathrow service, 11Nov06 172 and 881 at Stamford Brook, heading for Central London and on to Cockfosters 1973 stock 219/196 approaching Sudbury Hill station on 17Mar07 A second view of 219 and 196 returning to Arnos Grove, 17Mar07 Portrait of a classic design: London Transport's roundel

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]]> Sat Apr 10 2004 Underground: Central Line, Ruislip Depot Open Day http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c136556.html On the 28th October 1990 London Underground held an open day at Ruislip Depot. It was held around the time when orders for replacement of the 1962 stock were placed. Various items of rolling stock, infrastructure trains/plant, and 2 green deltics were on display [D9000 & D9016]. Aslo seen were two early electric sleet locos, dating from around 1907, plus 1924 stock recently retired from the Isle of Wight. Tuesday 16 March 2004: On the 28th October 1990 London Underground held an open day at Ruislip Depot. It was held around the time when orders for replacement of the 1962 stock were placed. Various items of rolling stock, infrastructure trains/plant, and 2 green deltics were on display [D9000 & D9016]. Aslo seen were two early electric sleet locos, dating from around 1907, plus 1924 stock recently retired from the Isle of Wight.

In the late 80s, early 90s LUL ordered 3 experimental tube trains from different manufacturers. They were in red, green and blue liveries. Interior of the 1985 stock 2492m, a Mercedes emergency support vehicle Q38 ex pilot motor L127 4416 55022 'Royal Scots Grey', shuttling along the tracks Circle Line stock 5533 6533 in unrefurbished condition. 1479 inside the depot 1503 outside the depot. These units were starting to look tired by then, although being sprayed by taggers didn't help L147, converted from 1938 stock and still in engineer's maroon livery L18 [dating from 1971] and the other end of L147 L38, battery electric loco. L35 dates from 1938 and is happily preserved at Acton depot, I'm wondering if this loco was of the same era L50, built by BREL Doncaster in 1974 L85, a rare Unimog which was still in service with LUL in October 04 55016 'The Gordon Highlander' sits quietly at the back of the depot ESL107, converted in 1939 to an 'Electric Sleet Locomotive' to clear tracks of ice and snow. L31 is a battery loco dating from 1965, and 773 [I believe] was used on the Met as a Road/Rail vehicle for sucking up leaves in Autumn. L33 , now withdrawn from LUL metals, has had a bit of a knock L59 is now withdrawn from LUL, and is parked alongside a fleet of smart brake vans L61 looks to be fresh from repainting, now withdrawn from the Underground L62 and L50 under various states of repair L62 looks more modern than the other battery locos shown and dates from 1985, built by Metro Cammel

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]]> Tue Mar 16 2004 Units: DMU Class 115 (26 photos) http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c131672.html The majority of 115s worked routes out of Marylebone from new and destinations included Banbury, High Wycombe, Aylesbury and even Nottingham. Two car 108s arrived in the late 1980s and broke up the monotony of class 115s. My shots were taken around the time of total route modernisation and work included new signalling, new rolling stock and a new depot at Aylesbury with closure of Marylebone depot. The magnificent array of semaphores at High Wycombe was swept away by colour light signalling during 1990 or thereabouts. I've added a shot of ETHEL2 at Marylebone for good measure. It was taken from the window of a mark 1 hauled by 45110 on "The Red Brick Rambler" railtour. Monday 8 March 2004: The majority of 115s worked routes out of Marylebone from new and destinations included Banbury, High Wycombe, Aylesbury and even Nottingham. Two car 108s arrived in the late 1980s and broke up the monotony of class 115s. My shots were taken around the time of total route modernisation and work included new signalling, new rolling stock and a new depot at Aylesbury with closure of Marylebone depot. The magnificent array of semaphores at High Wycombe was swept away by colour light signalling during 1990 or thereabouts. I've added a shot of ETHEL2 at Marylebone for good measure. It was taken from the window of a mark 1 hauled by 45110 on "The Red Brick Rambler" railtour.

51644 59676 59759 51666 High Wycombe 15May91 51651 59767 59xxx 51831 High Wycombe 25Jan90. The white pole in the foreground is a felled semaphore. 51675 59763 59x54 51894 Aylesbury 24Jan90 51855 54222 59671 51872 High Wycombe 15May91 51857 59656 59678 51679 and 51890 59676 59657 51871 at Aylesbury 24Jan90 51863 59655 59749 51871 High Wycombe 15May91, 16.45 to Aylesbury 51871 59669 59749 51869 Denham Golf Club 25Jan90. A new signal awaits completion. 51869 59749 59669 51871 departing Denham Golf Club, 25Jan90. The GWR pagoda huts still stand in 2005. 51894 59654 59749 51900 Aylesbury 20May90 51894 51894 59654 59749 51900 Aylesbury 20May90 51900 59740 59xxx 51878 High Wycombe 15May91, 16.23 to Marylebone 51xxx 54254 59750 51xxx High Wycombe 25Jan90 51xxx 54254 59750 51xxx High Wycombe 25Jan90. I believe that semaphore giving permission for the road ahead was an original GWR signal, and very rare on the railways at that time. 51xxx Aylesbury 28May90 [note the semaphores] 51xxx Harrow on the Hill 21Apr92 51xxx on an Aylesbury service at Wendover, 24Jan90 51xxx West Ruislip late 1980s. The long closed signalbox still stands at West Ruislip today. 54123, withdrawn class 108 dumped at Aylesbury 24Jan90 59678 in blue/grey livery, Aylesbury 24Jan90 97252 Ethel2 Marylebone 15Nov85 Aylesbury station, 24Jan90. This view contains so much railway character - the old flagstones, grubby glass in the awning, a set of scales and a semaphore slap bang in the middle of the platform. Aylesbury station looking towards the signalbox, 24Jan90. Today the semaphores have gone and signals are controlled from Marylebone. Aylesbury down passenger loop frame, 24Jan90 High Wycombe's semaphores 25Jan90 It's a sea of semaphores! High Wycombe 25Jan90, shortly before the lights were switched on... Not the best of shots, but a rare view of Class 15 ADB9680xx [Number 15?] at Marylebone with green class 08, 08556, Marylebone's station pilot. Some time during 1985.

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]]> Mon Mar 8 2004 Locomotives: Class 47, Brush Type 4 http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c131028.html Here are some shots of Class 47s taken during the mid 1980s onwards. For me the most interesting picture is of 47579 hauling a train from Marylebone to Banbury. At the time, 115s and 108s worked almost exclusively out of Marylebone. Sunday 7 March 2004: Here are some shots of Class 47s taken during the mid 1980s onwards. For me the most interesting picture is of 47579 hauling a train from Marylebone to Banbury. At the time, 115s and 108s worked almost exclusively out of Marylebone.

47119 47424 [Leeds train] Carlisle 7Jul89 47186 'Tinsley TMD Silver Jubilee 1965-1990' Crewe 26Jul90 47205 [preserved at the Northampton Railway] 08936 Oxford 29Nov85 47315 Old Oak Common 15Oct89, the drab grey departmental livery was fairly new at the time 47340, 474xx and 47368 Paddington 21Jul89, probably in the station following an accident on the WCML and diversion of some trains to other stations 47341 Stafford 22Sep93 47368 Paddington 21Jul89 47426 Kings Cross late 1980s 47473 Waterloo 20Dec88 47484 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel' 47334 Marylebone 27Oct90. 47484 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel', 14:08 to Penzance with 4 First Class Mk II coaches, a Mark I buffet car and a further Mark I on the rear, Reading 22Jun90 47509 St Pancras late 1980s 47566 Old Oak Common 15Oct89 47579 'James Nightall GC', Marylebone 21Jun91 about to work a Banbury service with a full rake of Mark I coaches. 47579 'James Nightall GC' West Ruislip 21Jun91 heading for Banbury 47628 'Sir Daniel Gooch' Paddington 28Dec89. 47484, 47500, 47628 and 50007 were painted in GWR lined green livery for the Great Western 150 celebrations. 47632 47655 47477 Kings Cross 16Dec86 47836 Reading 22Jun90 on the 11.00 Poole to York, departed Reading at 13:57 47851 'Traction Magazine' Euston 25Jul03 47840 'North Star' Wolverhampton 2Aug03 dragging between Wolves and Rugby 47851 'Traction Magazine' Shotlock Hill tunnel 17Jan04 [1M22 07.30 Glasgow Central to Euston] 47358 47303 Ipswich 24Jan04 [4L90 08.40 Lawley St to Ipswich Yard] 47279 in RFD Distribution livery hauls a Speedlink comprised of VTGs through Kenny O, 14Jul89 47403 'The Geordie' Paddington 8Sep86 47436 slowing for Oxford and afternoon Manchester service, Friday 17Nov89. Loco hauled Mark I coaching stock vs Voyager. Votes please... 47709 is bound for Waterloo, seen at Exeter Riverside, Feb93. Another one for votes: loco hauled vs 159... 47847 'Brian Morrison/Railway World' St Pancras 1May04 [This shot was published in Traction Magazine] 47802 leads 37059 in to Kings Langley on 0Z47. Crewe's 47543 seen stabled at St Pancras on 21Mar87. Grubby, worked stained - rail blue, BR through and through. 47839 top and tails with 47847 on 1Z47 0802 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff at Pontrilas. For completeness, coaches are: 9537 6051 6141 5969 5955 5946 1250 6101 5997 47841 hauls a rake of IC liveried stock south through Pontrilas on 1Z48, 0830 Manchester/Cardiff Virgin cross country? 47843 'Vulcan' on 1H98 0930 Crewe/Cardiff, Pontrilas 27Aug05 After arriving from Manchester, 47847 worked some round trips on the Cardiff/Rhymney circuit, seen at Pontlottyn on 27Aug05 47847 returns to Cardiff on the 1515 from Rhymney, 27Aug05 47851/47826 on 1Z55 from Doncaster to Salisbury, South Moreton Sat 15Oct05 47840 57603 on 5Z36 from Bristol to London, GBRF mail special, Lower Basildon 2Dec05 Portrait of 47854, Windsor & Eton Riverside, 11Feb06 Large logo 47550 of Inverness shed at Kings Cross in 1986; bring back the good old days with a class 47 on the front and Vauxhall Viva on the highway! Lousy shot but quite rare; 47811 on the Calvert/Cricklewood bins, West Ruislip 5Apr06, 20:45. ASA1600, 100sec f2.8 47714, 47818, 43193 and 43157 after arriving at Gloucester 47033 stabled at Gloucester, closed by BR 47813 'John Peel' Paddington 23Jul06 47813 'John Peel' Paddington 23Jul06 47828 'Joe Strummer' Paddington 23Jul06 47703 on 6Z59 11.00 Wembley/Robeston, new tanks for delivery. Hanwell & Elthorne 24Jul06 47832 at Hanwell & Elthorne with empty stock to Old Oak, 1Jul07

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]]> Sun Mar 7 2004 Locomotives: Class 37, English Electric http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c130984.html Class 37s are still running on Network Rail metals today, on passenger and freight work. Here they are seen at a variety of locations including Saltash, Caerphilly, Wandsworth Road, Aylesbury, Coalville, Horton in Ribblesdale, Carlisle, Taynuillt, Oban and Fort William, ie from one end of the country to the other. Sunday 7 March 2004: Class 37s are still running on Network Rail metals today, on passenger and freight work. Here they are seen at a variety of locations including Saltash, Caerphilly, Wandsworth Road, Aylesbury, Coalville, Horton in Ribblesdale, Carlisle, Taynuillt, Oban and Fort William, ie from one end of the country to the other.

37014 Oban 16Aug87 [note MkII coach 5249 of Norwich] 37116 Basingstoke 27Sep87 [Stratford's celebrity loco] 37203 37191 Carlisle 7Jul89 37218 Taynuilt xxAug87 37379 37xxx 37013 Aylesbury mid 1990's 37403 'Isle of Mull' Oban 16Aug87 37405 'Strathclyde Region' Fort William 17Aug87 37408 'Loch Rannoch' 37411 Horton in Ribblesdale 26Aug04 37411 'The SRPS' Oban xxAug87 37430 'Cwmbran' Manchester Victoria 20Feb92 37517 37513 Coalville 3Jun90 37675 37699 St Germans 6Feb93 37904 Shrewsbury 2May88 37425 heads for Canton, 7Aug04 37425 Cardiff Central 7Aug04 37419 Caerphilly 7Aug04 37419 Caerphilly 7Aug04 37230 with a rake of HEA [?] coal wagons passing 33039 at Kensington Olympia Aug or Sep87 37109 Wandsworth Road 16Aug04 37408 'Loch Rannoch' 37411 Leeds 25Aug04 37203 37109 Wandsworth Road 3Dec04 [1ZO6 Serco test train heading to Blackfriars] 37109 37203 Wandsworth Road 3Dec04 DRS 37059 and 47802 on 0Z47 Crewe to Willesden LE move, 21Apr05. 37229/37029 on 6K73 with 4 flasks cross Eskmeals viaduct, 27Jun05 37673, 56129 amongst others, Thornaby TMD 29Jun05 37229/37029, superb DRS locos at Carnforth on 6C51, 16Aug05 37229/37029 approaching Morecambe, where they change ends and head down the single track to Heysham, 16Aug05 37029/37229 at Sandylands, Morcambe, 6C51 Sellafield/Heysham 16Aug05 37405 is seen heading south from Rhymney at Gilfach Fargoed, Sat 20Aug05 Clean and Green! 37411 running round its train at Rhymney, 20Aug05 37405 arriving at Pengam station, 20Aug05 37419 growling through Llanbradach 20Aug05 37405 at Llanbradach with an afternoon departure from Rhmyney, 20Aug05 Full sun! 37419 gleams at Aber with the 1515 from Rhymney 20Aug05 The shunter walks past 37419 at Rhymney, 27Aug05 37427 on 1Z89, 1644 Cardiff/Crewe ruggex, seen at Abergavenny on 27Aug05 37612 / 37059 on 4L46 through Headstone Lane 15May06 37401 37405 1Z37 Knaresborough, 5Apr08. The tour was 'The Pennine Fellsman' from Wolves/York/Wolves, operated by Compass/EWS. 37059 on 6Z04 Colchester - Ashford stoneblower move. This was a fluke for me, as I had no idea it was running, a real pleasure to see. Location is Kensington Olympia on 4Jul08. 37601, 37688, 37667, 37609 and 37605 on 6K51 Harrow and Wealdstone 25Feb09. My lords. FIVE locos!!

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]]> Sun Mar 7 2004 Locomotives: Class 31, Brush/English Electric http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c129190.html These locos could be seen on a variety of trains in a variety of locations on the Western, Eastern and London Midland regions. My shots illustrate them at Kings Cross, Paddington, Bletchley, Liverpool Lime Street, Marylebone, Romsey and Southampton. During the 1980s you could often see a loco stabled at Marylebone, presumably in connection with the steam specials to Stratford. Train heating locos were also stabled at Marylebone, including ex class 25s (ETHELs) and even a former class 15. As at March 2004 class 31s still operate on Network Rail tracks, not bad for a loco class introduced in the 1950s. Thursday 4 March 2004: These locos could be seen on a variety of trains in a variety of locations on the Western, Eastern and London Midland regions. My shots illustrate them at Kings Cross, Paddington, Bletchley, Liverpool Lime Street, Marylebone, Romsey and Southampton. During the 1980s you could often see a loco stabled at Marylebone, presumably in connection with the steam specials to Stratford. Train heating locos were also stabled at Marylebone, including ex class 25s (ETHELs) and even a former class 15. As at March 2004 class 31s still operate on Network Rail tracks, not bad for a loco class introduced in the 1950s.

31191 Marylebone 1988/89 31207 Kings Cross 1985 31240 Kings Cross late 1980s 31403 Liverpool Lime Street 22Feb92 [the 08 behind was the last 08 overhauled by BREL Derby] 31424 Bletchley 17Mar90 31465 Paddington 1988 31128 Romsey 23Apr04 31454 31128 Southampton Central 23Apr04 31413 'Severn Valley Rilway' at Paddington Fri3Feb89 31445 and 31420 wait at Kings Cross before heading north with a parcels trains. Gateshead's 47520 was at the buffer stops awaiting release. 21Mar87, 60sec F2 Newly arrived at Cotswold Rail's new depot at Gloucester from storage at Brush, 31206 on 14Apr06

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]]> Thu Mar 4 2004 Locomotives: Class 33, BRCW/Sulzer http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c129137.html The Class 33s were a versatile class of loco that spread their wings during the 1980s away from their home patch on the Southern, to the Western Region and the London Midland as far as Manchester. They were common around London, and you could often see them at locations including Waterloo, Kensington and Clapham. Remarkably today, Direct Rail Service operates a small fleet in the north-west. Fragonset also operate them in a wider sphere, including their old London haunts. Thursday 4 March 2004: The Class 33s were a versatile class of loco that spread their wings during the 1980s away from their home patch on the Southern, to the Western Region and the London Midland as far as Manchester. They were common around London, and you could often see them at locations including Waterloo, Kensington and Clapham. Remarkably today, Direct Rail Service operates a small fleet in the north-west. Fragonset also operate them in a wider sphere, including their old London haunts.

33008 'Eastleigh' stabled at Waterloo 1987/88. This loco was specially repainted in to BR green 33048 33023 head west through Reading 22Jun90 33050 stabled at Waterloo late1980s 33060 of Stewarts Lane and 33113 of Eastleigh, Waterloo 6Dec86. The BR employee trudging along with his bag helps complete the scene of oil and grime in a Winter sunset... 33060sl Waterloo 6Dec86, taken with a Zenit 12XP camera 33053 on a short engineers train at Clapham Jcn 1988/89 33103 Waterloo late 1980s. Waiting time for the next working, probably to Salisbury. 'Bagpipe' 33107 8007 8004 Waterloo 21Mar87 33117 at Basingstoke 27Sep87. This would have been a Portsmouth to Reading shuttle which I think was loco hauled on Sundays only. This was the day of Basingstoke Railfair. 'Slim Jim' 33202 Waterloo late 1980s 33204 33052 'Ashford' roll through Kensington Olympia 1987, still signalled by semaphores 33002 and 73108 in drab engineer's grey livery, Woking 15Jul90 33022/33021 at St Pancras 21May89 33202 of FM rail spins light through Salfords, 28Jul05

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]]> Thu Mar 4 2004 Units: DMUs Class 121 and 128 'Bubble Cars' http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c128147.html As at March 2004, only one first generation DMU operates on the entire Network Rail system, a class 121 DMU. Although the 121s were a small class, they were a common sight on the Western Region and are seen at Greenford, Ealing Broadway, Reading, Oxford, and Plymouth. A couple of single-car interlopers are included: An unidentified Royal Mail liveried class 128 DPU (diesel parcels unit) and RDB975010 Test Coach Iris, in the Railway Technical Centre livery. If my memory serves me correctly Iris was converted from a class 100 DMU. Tuesday 2 March 2004: As at March 2004, only one first generation DMU operates on the entire Network Rail system, a class 121 DMU. Although the 121s were a small class, they were a common sight on the Western Region and are seen at Greenford, Ealing Broadway, Reading, Oxford, and Plymouth. A couple of single-car interlopers are included: An unidentified Royal Mail liveried class 128 DPU (diesel parcels unit) and RDB975010 Test Coach Iris, in the Railway Technical Centre livery. If my memory serves me correctly Iris was converted from a class 100 DMU.

12899x Ealing Broadway 1998 55003 51141 Plymouth xxFeb93 55020 [GWR 150 livery] 55033 Oxford 29Nov85 55022 Ealing Broadway late 1980s [Greenford-Ealing shuttle] 55024 Reading 22Jun90 55027 Greenford 21Jun91 55030 Oxford late 1980s RDB975010 [Test Coach Iris] Oxford 17Nov89 128993 [55993] is seen at St Pancras on 21Jul89 - strange to think that this will soon be home to Eurostars, slight contrast with the old DMUs then... AM: 121020 prepares to leave Aylesbury with the 0809 to Risborough, 10Feb06 PM: As the sun sets, 121020 takes up duties with the 1644 ti Risbrough Close up of two first generation units, 10Feb06 55020 Smokey Row 4May06

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]]> Tue Mar 2 2004 Underground: Metropolitan Line http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c127559.html The Metropolitan currently operates with a fleet of A60 and A62 stock built by Cravens of Sheffield. Branches from London reach out to Uxbridge, Amersham, Chesham and Watford. Running from Harrow on the Hill is shared with Chiltern's service to Aylesbury, a throwback to when the Great Central and the Metropolitan shared tracks. The ride to Amersham is unusual in that you pass through rural Buckinghamshire countryside in an LUL operated train, far removed from the deep tubes through Central London. Replacement for the A60s is likely to be during 2010, after nearly 50 years of reliable [if bouncy] servce. Monday 1 March 2004: The Metropolitan currently operates with a fleet of A60 and A62 stock built by Cravens of Sheffield. Branches from London reach out to Uxbridge, Amersham, Chesham and Watford. Running from Harrow on the Hill is shared with Chiltern's service to Aylesbury, a throwback to when the Great Central and the Metropolitan shared tracks. The ride to Amersham is unusual in that you pass through rural Buckinghamshire countryside in an LUL operated train, far removed from the deep tubes through Central London. Replacement for the A60s is likely to be during 2010, after nearly 50 years of reliable [if bouncy] servce.

5010/5xxx Harrow on the Hill 4Oct03 80079 Harrow on the Hill, part of Steam on the Met in 199x 5022/5132 with a Watford service at Pinner Green 17May92 5034 at Harrow on the Hill, 199x 5201 at Harrow on the Hill 199x 5xxx at Amersham, the northern extremity of the Metropolitan Line. Croxley heading for Baker Street, mid 1990s. 5xxx Harrow on the Hill 29Jul90, note the steam engine in the background Interior view taken at Rickmansworth open day, mid 1990s Southbound semi-fast through Pinner Green one summer's evening in 1989 Units passing at Rayners Lane in 1993 5xxx at Croxley in 1993 taking the Watford branch rd branch. The site of the closed line to Watford tip is on the left and the train has just passed over the lifted branch from Watford LMR to Rickmansworth. 5120 New Cross 27Mar03 5130 5141 Rickmansworth 11Jan04 5165/5044 Pinner 21Feb04 5082/5213 Amersham 21Feb04 5097/5135 and 5058/5177 Harrow on the Hill 13Mar04 5130 5179 Ruislip 13Mar04 5191/5042 and 5070/5197 Northwood 9Apr04 5000/5xxx Uxbridge sidings 12Apr04 5225/5xxx Uxbridge 13Apr04 5199/5134 West Harrow 9Apr04 5132/5055 Kilburn 27Apr04 5111/5045 Wembley Park 2Jul04 5221/5000 Pinner 16Aug04, Watford service 5233 Moor Park, 21Oct04. A rare sighting of the 'Sandite' unit heading south towards Harrow. 5090 on the main line, in between working Chesham/Chalfont shuttles at Chorleywood 30Apr05 5006/5118 at Chorleywood, working an Amersham/Harrow shuttle, 30Apr05 5199/5020 head south from Amersham, 30Apr05. On the left is the single line spur to Chesham 5090 between Chesham and Chalfont, at Amersham 30Apr05 5177/5027 head to the siding at Amersham 9Jun05 5002/5194 passing Chorleywood's fine signalbox in supreme evening sunshine, 11Jul05. We are not afraid. 5175/5087 Pinner 31Jul06 5229/5xxx depart south with a morning peak service, Rickmansworth 8Feb07 5010/5141 depart Northwood with 66726 and 66712 at the head of 6M64 [slinger] and 6M63 [MRA ballast], Sat 10Feb07 A rare view of C69/77 stockat Ruislip on 17Mar07. I saw the stock at South Harrow earlier and beleive it visited the siding at Ruislip before returning south. 5115 working south at Surrey Quays on 1Jul07 Crikey, the sun shone! 5067 with a New Cross service at Surrey Quays on 1Jul07 5114 works a northbound service at Surrey Quays on 1Jul07 5063 at Surrey Quays on 1Jul07. Six months to go...5063 at Shadwell Station on 1Jul07 5113 at Surrey Quays, 22Dec07 5060 approaching Wapping Station on 22Dec07. No flash used, and taken from the station platform! One of my favourite photographs from 2007. 5095/5032 at Northwood, all stations to Baker Street, 3Feb09 5219/5xxx at Croxley, nearly at journeys end on an all stations Baker Street-Watford service, 17May09 5219 on the left and 5187 await departure from Watford, 17May09 5063/5034 at Moor Park with a Watford service, 17May09 5191/5090 (Baker Street - Watford) and 5177/5168 (not in Service) at Northwood, 17May09 5024/5175 at Pinner with an all stations Baker Street service, 10Oct09 5059/5040 at Northwood Hills with an all stations Baker Streer service, 10Oct09

Published in Mainline South

]]> Mon Mar 1 2004 Locomotives: Electric http://Mainline.fotopic.net/c126498.html Electric traction on the West Coast Main Line, Anglia, and an RFD liveried class 90 at Wakefield Westgate. Sadly the 86s are disappearing from passenger work, as are the class 87s. A shot of an EWS parcels train to Dover top and tailed by 2 x 73s was thrown in for good measure... Sunday 29 February 2004: Electric traction on the West Coast Main Line, Anglia, and an RFD liveried class 90 at Wakefield Westgate. Sadly the 86s are disappearing from passenger work, as are the class 87s. A shot of an EWS parcels train to Dover top and tailed by 2 x 73s was thrown in for good measure...

73131 73133 'The Bluebell Railway' West Brompton 30Apr04, one of the last Dover TPO trains. 86260 'Driver Wallace Oakes GC' Crewe 26Jul90 87001 'Stephenson' Watford Junction 12Jun03 87012 'The Olympian' on 1A44 12.44 Crewe to Euston at Harrow & Wealdstone 5Mar05 87019 'Sir Winston Churchill' Carlisle 7Jul89 90025 Wakefield Westgate 5Jun92 90026 Roade 21May04, southbound sleeper 90034 Brock 20Jun03, southbound parcels. 900xx near Tring 17Mar90 91109 'The Samaritans' Kings Cross 2Jan04 91124 'Reverend W Awdry' 313025 Kings Cross 24Jan04 81002 Euston Aug1986, this loco was from Glasgow Shields Road TMD 90021 Watford Junction 26Apr03 86233 'Alsthom Heritage' Milton Keynes 18May03 86228 'Vulcan Heritage' Milton Keynes 18May03 90024 in GNER livery, Tring 20Jul03 87017 'Iron Duke' Watford Junction 12Jun03 86247 'Abraham Darby' Watford Junction 12Jun03 86212 'Preston Guild' Euston 26Jul03 86229 Euston 18Sep03, very near the end of class 86 operation on the WCML. 87013 'John O'Gaunt' 87031 'Hal o' the Wynd' Euston 24Dec03 90007 'Keith Harper' Milton Keynes 10Jan04 90046 47309 86609 Ipswich 24Jan04 86227 'Golden Jubilee' Manningtree 15Mar04 87031 'Hal o' the Wynd' Harrow & Wealdstone 4Aug04 86246 'Royal Anglian Regiment' 86238 'European Community' Liverpool Street 19Aug04. Norwich via Cambridge service hauled by 47xxx throughout. 86238 'European Community' Norwich 19Aug04 92031 'The Institute of Logistics and Transport' at Harrow & Wealdstone, 11Dec04 87006 and 87022 in the colours of DRS at Willesden TMD 5Feb05. Hurrah for DRS! 866607/86620 give a blast on the horn passing through Harrow & Wealdstone, 8Apr05. May have been 4L75 MX 10:04 Trafford Park-Felixstowe 90042/047/044 & 57001 stabled at Ipswich, Sat23Jul05 90015 with a rake of Anglia Mark II stock, Ipswich Sat23Jul05 86637 on 4L98 Crewe/Tilbury, Headstone Lane Sat30Jul05 86627/86638 at Headstone Lane, Sat13Aug05. 86638/86627 head south through Headstone LAne on Sat13Aug05 Green Freightliner, 90041 on 4L75 1004 Trafford Park/Felixstowe at Headstone Lane 25Aug05 92042 'Honegger' 92012 'Thomas Hardy' and 90024 in GNER blue livery head for Willesden from Crewe, seen at Headstone Lane 25Aug05 90026/90029 on the 1611 Euston/Birmingham New Street, Headstone Lane 25Aug05 86235 'Crown Point' aka 'Novelty' heads south through Manningtree on the 1030 from Norwich to Liverpool Street, the last day of scheduled Class 86 traction, 17Sep05 90010 in 'one' livery at Manningtree, 17Sep05 Ex Virgin liveried engine, 90014 at Maningtree Sat 17Sep05. There's a superb bar on the platforms selling pub grub snack and real ales... Green light: 90001 has a clear road south from Manningtree on 17Sep05 90001 seen later that afternoon at Stowmarket, with a full rake of Anglia Mark II stock. In my opinion, one of few lines left where train travel is a pleasure :) 15 seconds to go: 86235 'Crown Point' makes one final trip from Liverpool St to Norwich, Sat 17Sep05 at 1800hrs 90043 'Freightliner Coatbridge' at Headstone Lane on what may have been a late running 4L97, 0509 Trafford Park/Felixstowe, 5Nov05 86501 on 4M87 at Watford Junction, 8Apr06 92019 'Wagner' on 6X77 Wembley/Mossed 'Enterprise' 10May06 92042 'Honegger' on 6X77 17:31 Wembley/Mossed 'Enterprise' plus cars, Kings Langley 12May06 92002 'HG Wells' on 6A42, Headstone Lane 31May06 87002 on 1G21, Headstone Lane 17Jul06... sadly the train failed at Milton Keynes

Published in Mainline South

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