Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/ 52 rows en-gb 60 Trains in the wet http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1781891.html There has been an interesting debate on a couple of the enthusiast forums recently on the merits of conventional versus digital photography. As I've never used a medium format camera I can't really comment on those who assert that a medium format slide produces a much better image than a digital SLR. But one advantage digital photography has over slide film - medium format or 35mm - is the ability to take usable images in less than perfect light. I am not making any claims of artistic excellence with these pictures but I thought I'd start a gallery of random shots taken in what I'd consider bad weather. It starts on Saturday November 14th, a truly awful day... Saturday 14 November 2009: There has been an interesting debate on a couple of the enthusiast forums recently on the merits of conventional versus digital photography. As I've never used a medium format camera I can't really comment on those who assert that a medium format slide produces a much better image than a digital SLR. But one advantage digital photography has over slide film - medium format or 35mm - is the ability to take usable images in less than perfect light. I am not making any claims of artistic excellence with these pictures but I thought I'd start a gallery of random shots taken in what I'd consider bad weather. It starts on Saturday November 14th, a truly awful day...

Saturday 14th saw the Hastings Diesel Group's 1001 on a Sevenoaks to Sheringham excursion, passing Alexandra Palace at 08:03. Ok, the conditions are pretty awful but the working is a bit unique so it seemed an opportunity not to mix. The 4L(?) sporting a BIG buffet in a tadpole impression. It was followed by Grand Central's 07:57 from King's Cross. It was brightening up, if the Thumper had been five minutes late it would passed in quite reasonable light. Can't win 'em all. Rumours had been circulating on the railfan grapevine that the weekly Peak Forest to Crawley stone train is going over to 66 haulage as it is being reclassified as a Class 4 (75 mph) on the return, in an effort to ease pathing on the Midland Mainline. And on Friday a 66 had been rostered. But, in the event, it remained a 60 turn with 60073 doing the honours. It was just starting to rain after a spell of brighter weather when the 6M34 approached Streatham Common, 60071 emitting a cloud of noxious fumes as the signal cleared for the junction. The rain which started just as the 6M34 appeared at 11:50 intensified so that by the time I was back at Clapham Junction the station gutters were unable to cope. None of this deterred England Rugby fans making their way to Twickenham. Finally on Saturday, after a fruitless wait for 6M34 at Clapham (it turned out to have been diverted to Acton) I went to Kensington where I got 92009 on the 6E32, the empty steel from Ebange to Scunthorpe. Almost two hours after I'd seen the 60 and it was still raining!

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]]> Sat Nov 14 2009 Autumnal trains http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1778619.html Autumn finally arrived in London on November 1st, the wind and rain blowing most of the remaining leaves off the trees. In between the showers we enjoyed some sunshine and by Saturday the sun shone all day, although the temperature was very much down on the previous week. Saturday 31 October 2009: Autumn finally arrived in London on November 1st, the wind and rain blowing most of the remaining leaves off the trees. In between the showers we enjoyed some sunshine and by Saturday the sun shone all day, although the temperature was very much down on the previous week.

Monday 2nd November. 7Z98 passing Wandsworth Road on time at 07:55. Later on Monday I went to Redhill in the hope of catching the 4Z91, but without any luck. This MPV was setting off en-route to Tonbridge on RHTT duties. Tuesday 3rd. Meet Loco Toledo, a Mexican wrestler who is the 'new' Southern Railway's answer to the 'old' Southern's Sunny South Sam. 'Time for Fiesta, not Siesta!' replacing 'the sun shines most on the Southern coast'. I wonder what the ghost of Sir John Eliot thinks? Back to the trains, the 7Y36 approaching Horley at a snails pace... ...on account of having to wait for the 13:30 Gatwick Express from Victoria. Wednesday 4th. The 12:31 Three Bridges to London Victoria gliding to a halt. The 442s sit out the daylight hours in winter here at Three Bridges, whilst a London Bridge to Horsham stopper approaches platform 3 The route is set for the 12:31 to cross from slow to fast, whilst a Bedford to Brighton FCC train passes at speed. Shortly after the 3S91 Brighton Mainline RHTT approaches Three Bridges from the South Saturday 31st. A pair of 350s at Ledburn. Thursday 5th. At Willesden I watched the 4L02 getting going from its normal signal stop on a greasy rail. The 66 laid down some sand but there was no sign of a slip as the train started to move. The 4E32 crossing the river at Imperial Wharf... ...passing the gardens which have been laid out round the development. 15 minutes later and bang on schedule the 4Z91 crossing the Thames... ...behind the ubiquitous 56312.... ...and carrying a refridgerated 45' container, possibly full of melons. Saturday 7th. A chilly morning, the first time the car's frost warning had bleeped when I set off from home. Just west of March the 06:52 Norwich to Liverpool canters across the Fens Five minutes behind came DBS Ipswich to Burton on Trent intermodal... ...fully loaded with a colourful consist of containers as it heads west past Otter's Holt Farm. The 07:45 Nottingham to Norwich passing Australia Farm between Three Horseshoes and March The fens have become home to a number of windfarms. The 4E22 is dwarfed by the turbines and the pylon as it toils across the fens en-route to Leeds. Like the DBS train the 'Liner was well filled. 66578 doing the honours I have a soft spot for the design of the 66, I like the relatively high waisted body with the bogie detail on show. 6 pocket wagons brought up the rear of the train with the oversize containers. A change of pace. In the afternoon we went to Cley Marshes NNR, where I took this female stonechat... ...and her attentive mate. Tuesday 10th. 66842 en-route to Ashford passing Crawley. Thanks 59001

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]]> Sat Oct 31 2009 The ongoing Indian Summer http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1774880.html It is ironic but a year ago London enjoyed (if that's the right word) its first October snowfall in almost 80 years. Roll on a year and it's shirtsleeves weather. These pictures were taken whilst at work and on an afternoon out along the WCML and MML in Bedfordshire. Monday 26 October 2009: It is ironic but a year ago London enjoyed (if that's the right word) its first October snowfall in almost 80 years. Roll on a year and it's shirtsleeves weather. These pictures were taken whilst at work and on an afternoon out along the WCML and MML in Bedfordshire.

Tuesday 27th. We're on the bridge of the M23 link road, awaiting the 7Y36. An Easyjet Airbus landing as a Portsmouth Harbour and Barnham to Victoria semi-fast approaches Gatwick Airport. A track inspector is passed by the 13:06 Victoria to Brighton express. An FCC Bedford train chases a Horsham to London Bridge stopper. The 7Y36 approaches, the DBS shunter watching it's arrival. This train often carries different grades of aggregate, the first few wagons always carries the finer stuff. The train starts to set back, as an FCC 319 passes by en-route to Brighton It is a very slow operation as the train zigs or zags its way into the yard. 66147 has almost cleared the main line, the shunter watches intently. My first MPV of the season, the 3S91, a Horsham based working, getting underway from Redhill... ...and heading up the Brighton Line towards Merstham 56312 on the 4Z91 with another Unit45 reefer three from the back (you can just see it on the curve at the back of the train) In the path normally used by the 7Y36 GBRf 66725 Sunderland on a Ferme Park to Tonbridge train. Halloween, the day started very damp but with the promise of a fine afternoon. 66591 on the 4L90 Lawley Street to Felixstowe at Old Linslade. Five minutes later the sky was brightening as a pair of 221s speed towards Linslade Tunnel whilst a north-bound Pendolino emerges A pair of 350s in the autumn light. The 3J93 RHTT from West Hampstead to Toton passing Ampthill Park House on its way north... ...67029 is looking very grubby. 60051 on the 6M34 at the same location, which is just north of Ampthill Tunnel, south of Bedford. Back to Old Linslade and my first sight of a 321 in LM livery. The new 4L22 Ham's Hall to Colchester, passing Old Linslade on time at 15:03 Four minutes later, and somewhat behind schedule the balancing working, 4M23 Felixstowe to Ham's Hall behind 66730. After one surprise, another. 92041 Vaughan Williams on a northbound inter-modal train. The loco list of Freightmaster Interactive (thanks SS) shows this as the 4Z46 to Daventry, which I guess probably originated in Novara, Italy. A Virgin Pendolino racing past Ledburn as the sun sets.

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]]> Mon Oct 26 2009 An Autumnal Week http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1773122.html A variety of freight and passenger trains plus the odd airliner and a rainbow. Monday 19 October 2009: A variety of freight and passenger trains plus the odd airliner and a rainbow.

At South Tottenham on a murky Monday morning the Colas-operated 7Z98, complete with hired in DRS 47832 leading 47739 Robin of Templecombe on a lengthy Silla to Dagenham Transfesa inter-modal. On Thursday I had hoped to see the 3S91 RHTT but it didn't run. In compensation a Horsham to London Bridge stopping train approaching Crawley through the autumnal colours. The 12:32 Victoria to Southampton and Bognor leaving Crawley. The signal box is in the hands of a preservation society who open it at weekends. The disused platforms are those of the old Crawley station, closed when the new station was opened nearer to the centre of the 'New Town' in the late 1960s. Friday 23rd. A pair of 442s arrive at Gatwick on the 10:45 from Victoria. A 460 set awaits to leave on the 11:20. An Easyjet Airbus on its final approach to Gatwick. The face of trains on the Brighton Line (all that's missing is the FGW Turbo). A pair of 319s approaching Gatwick on a Bedford train whilst the 66250 on the 6V50 to Acton creeps into the picture. The train originated as the 6O50 at Mark's Tey at 00:55, and is now returning empty to Acton Yard. A FlyBE Embraer 195 landing whilst the 6V50 trundles towards Gatwick Airport station. Saturday 24th. Saturday morning was terrible in East Anglia but the afternoon, so the forecasters promised, would be better. And it was (surprisingly). Here the GBRf Felixstowe to Peterborough convoy approaching Ely Dock Junction off the line from Chippenham Junction. The three 66s would have been involved in inter-modal workings to and from Felixstowe. 66715 is named after Great Central Railway 9P 4-6-0 no. 1165 which was the Company's war memorial engine. GBRf have perpetuated the tradition and on Armistice Day (Wednesday November 11th) 66715 will be the centrepiece of a remembrance ceremony at Marylebone. Within five minutes 66572 approaches the Ouse River bridge on the 4L85 Leeds to Felixstowe. Larger containers from Leeds are either carried in pocket wagons or on these Lo-liners. The 3S63 RHTT, based at Stowmarket and allocated to DRS, approaching Ely behind 57003 and 007. 57003 is looking quite work stained. Owing to engineering work on the Norwich line the train reversed at Ely and returned from whence it came at 16:01. For the remainder of daylight hours the weather in North Norfolk remained very changeable. This was taken from Knights Hill, on the outskirts of King's Lynn looking towards Roydon and Grimston. Monday 26th. The return to GMT (and the opening of Imperial Wharf station) offered an opportunity of a morning shot of a train crossing the river at Chelsea Harbour. I was expecting the Colas 7Z98 but instead was treated to 92022 on the 4B14, a train from Novara disrupted by French strike action. A gull gives 92022 the once over. A snatched shot of 56312 Artemis passing through Redhill on the 4Z91 this afternoon.

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]]> Mon Oct 19 2009 The best laid plans... http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1769506.html A day on which nothing quite worked out as expected. Saturday 17 October 2009: A day on which nothing quite worked out as expected.

It wasn't supposed to be this way. 180112 on the 06:53 from Sunderland, passing Offord about 20 minutes late. I was expecting the Adelante to form the 09:29 and had planned to shoot it at Welwyn North. And this wasn't meant to happen either. Duchess of Sutherland was supposed to follow the 86/7s from Conington. In fact she was ahead. Immediately behind the Duchess came the 1Z30... ...with 86702 doing the business. Not happy taking three almost identical pictures. With the GC 180 already accounted for and the A1 closed southbound around St Neots for resurfacing, the next stage of my plan for the day saw a re-route and cross country dash to Souldrop. A pair of 222 racing downhill from Sharnbrook summit on the 10:27 from Sheffield. The 11:02 from Nottingham descending the bank from Sharnbrook It was a cold day with not as much sun as the Met Office had cheerfully predicted. No way 99.9% cloud cover could be described as 'sunny spells'. But it did brighten occasionally, heightening the autumn colours. The 12:28 from Nottingham approaching Back Lane down the grade. I like the EMT livery on the 222s. Another nice shot at Souldrop is this one from the field to the west, a pair of 5 car 222s form the 12:55 St Pancras to Sheffield. The brightness of the LED signal on the up fast is very noticeable, even from this distance. I love this sign. How much in excess of 100 mph? A break. Running early 66129 on what I thought might be the 6D32. This was confirmed by another FMi subscriber, deltic15. But this is what I was really waiting for. The appearance, a few minutes behind schedule, of the Crawley to Peak Forest stone empties, with celebrity 60074 in charge. And the skies brightened too. Suddenly I didn't feel cold anymore. And to wrap things up, the 3J93 RHTT train on the low level line heading back to Toton with DBS 'Executive Train' DVT and 67029. A very posh ensemble!

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]]> Sat Oct 17 2009 The working week http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1768929.html This weeks crop of shots taken whilst at work. Monday 12 October 2009: This weeks crop of shots taken whilst at work.

Monday 12th. 56312 entering Clapham Junction on a late running 4Z91 Tuesday 13th. An FCC Bedford to Brighton train passing Salfords The Southern Railway was a great user of reinforced concrete. This p.w. hut, complete with stove chimney, survives alongside the Brighton mainline at Salfords A London Bridge to Horsham train approaching Salfords whilst an FCC Bedford train is nearing Earlswood. A pair of FCCs 377s in full City Lights livery en-route to Gatwick Airport and Brighton. A Southampton and Bognor Regis to Victoria semi-fast is overtaken by a Victoria bound Brighton Express, whilst the 13:45 Gatwick Express from Victoria heads south. The tower on the right is the former Royal Earlswood Hospital, a psychiatric hospital which closed in the 1990s and is now an upmarket housing development. On Thursday the 4Z91 was on schedule as it passed Holmethorpe. Friday 16th. Off to Ally P at lunchtime for the 86701 and 702. As a warm up the 3J33 put in an appearance, taking the Up Goods just south of the station. The 13:22 Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City is overtaken by a Hull Trains 180. Unfortunately the 86 and it's empty stock was running on the Down Slow, at least as far as Ally P where it switched to the Down Fast. Love the livery. The following down FCC service was stopped by the 86 switching to the fast. Nice that it happened to be a 321. Looking north from the Elephant and Castle. A Sutton/Wimbledon train heading south from Blackfriars. All services are currently running on the tracks usually reserved for the SE Sevenoaks services, on account of the Thameslink upgrade. FCC trains regain the other tracks at the junction north of Elephant and Castle.

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]]> Mon Oct 12 2009 (Mainly) Freight Week http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1767272.html The sun came out on Thursday so to celebrate I went looking for the new Colas trains (again). Saturday found me between Ipswich and Felixstowe. It was a good day as all the trains on the Freightmaster On Line Trimley table between the 4R98 and 4E45 ran. :-) Thanks go to Steve Clark, a fellow FMi member, for helping me identify both locomotives and workings. Thursday 8 October 2009: The sun came out on Thursday so to celebrate I went looking for the new Colas trains (again). Saturday found me between Ipswich and Felixstowe. It was a good day as all the trains on the Freightmaster On Line Trimley table between the 4R98 and 4E45 ran. :-) Thanks go to Steve Clark, a fellow FMi member, for helping me identify both locomotives and workings.

Thursday 9th. 4L02 at Gospel Oak with 66724 Drax Power Station in charge The commuters awaiting LOROL trains pay no attention. The 7Z98 produced Robin of Templecombe and a leased 47805, which was a nice surprise. Later in the day 56312 approaching Redhill from the east on the 4Z91. The ex SER is almost straight for much of its length, the train is entering the curve which will take it into Redhill station to join the Brighton mainline. It normally sits outside Redhill for 15 minutes or so, awaiting its path behind the 13:21 to Charing Cross The delay gave me enough time to walk back to the station and catch it passing through the station... ...at the start of the ascent to the summit of the North Downs in Merstham Tunnel. Saturday. The day started dull and cold, with the promise of better to come. The latter hadn't materialised when I caught 66530 on the 4R98 Tilbury to Felixstowe at Levington. At Morston Hall a kestrel was keeping a beady eye on proceedings. Approaching Morston Hall from the Felixstowe direction 66731 and 66719 on the 4A03 empty flats to Parkeston Quay. It was followed a few minutes later by a late running 4M87, the clouds were starting to break up allowing a few shafts of sunlight through. A chaffinch in winter garb. The 4L95 from Ditton approaching Morston Hall crossing. Branch passenger service was in the hands of this tin rocket, 153309, still in Anglia livery and seen here at Thorpe Lane, Trimley St Martin. As expected the 4L02 was in the hands of 66724, seen on Thursday at Gospel Oak. 66517 approaching Felixstowe North Terminal on the 4L83 from Leeds Plenty of warning to keep off the track. The pocket wagon is a sure sign of a Leeds train as the route to and from Leeds via Ely and the ECML is not yet passed for 9'6 This came as a surprise. I was waiting for the 4L89 but the sound of a labouring 66 heralded the appearance of a 4R41 behind 66517, which had only just arrived on 4L83. The undergrowth is quite thick on Clickett Hill nowadays, maybe next time I'll take some gardening tools. 66572 on the 4L89 approaching Trimley... ...and taking the North Terminal track... ...whilst the 13:56 from Felixstowe approaches Some 10 minutes later 66095 climbs from Felixstowe South on the 4E45, the whereabouts of this train became something of a mystery. I headed for Belstead for another shot of the 4E45, but firstly a 321 hurrying down the bank towards Ipswich The 14:00 from Liverpool Street passing a London bound 321. After an hour there was no sign of the 4E45, turns out it went via Bury and Ely. :-( In compensation the 15:00 from Norwich climbing the bank.

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]]> Thu Oct 8 2009 Welsh Marches and Welsh Highland http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1764125.html After train chasing in Switzerland this weekend brought another change of scene, courtesy of my in-laws who were holidaying in the Welsh Marches near Bishop's Castle. Being so near to the Welsh Highland was too good to be true so I took myself off to Beddgelert on Saturday and was rewarded by a few shots of the Belgian Garrett no.87 on a lengthy train. At this time of the Year the WHR run a two train service, leaving Caernarfon at 1000 and 1430. The weather was pretty grim to begin with but, as promised, it picked up in the afternoon, although the blustery wind lasted all day. I also managed some pictures on the Marches line of the ATW Holyhead to Cardiff Express and its late afternoon return. Friday 2 October 2009: After train chasing in Switzerland this weekend brought another change of scene, courtesy of my in-laws who were holidaying in the Welsh Marches near Bishop's Castle. Being so near to the Welsh Highland was too good to be true so I took myself off to Beddgelert on Saturday and was rewarded by a few shots of the Belgian Garrett no.87 on a lengthy train. At this time of the Year the WHR run a two train service, leaving Caernarfon at 1000 and 1430. The weather was pretty grim to begin with but, as promised, it picked up in the afternoon, although the blustery wind lasted all day. I also managed some pictures on the Marches line of the ATW Holyhead to Cardiff Express and its late afternoon return.

The 06:30 from Manchester to Milford Haven speeds past Bromfield's northbound starter. The signal is classic BR(W) although the block instruments in Bromfield Box are actually GWR c1947. ATW's 05:32 Holyhead to Cardiff express passing Bromfield's outer home. It used to control access to a loop, hence the bracket as it would have had two dolls, rather than the single one which remains. The 16:15 Cardiff to Holyhead speeding through Craven Arms NGG16 no.87, built by the Belgian company Cockerill heading down the Aberglaslyn Pass with the 10:00 from Caernarfon. Bringing up the rear, and well filled, is the Pullman observation car Another treat on the Afon Glaslyn was this young male red breasted merganser, one of two on the river at Beddgelert on Saturday. 87 climbs past Meillionen (Forest Campsite) halt on the 11:55 from Hafod y Llyn, the current temporary terminus of the line pending completion through to Porthmadog in 2010. On the final portion of the climb to Rhyd Ddu, which had been the temporary terminus until April this year. The scenery through which the railway runs is pretty breathtaking, especially along the upper reaches, here between Rhyd Ddu and Swondon Ranger, both on the flanks of Mount Snowdon itself. The predessor of the WHR was the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway, originally promoted to exploit both the tourist potential and slate deposits. Neither provided enough income to sustain the railway, but the remains of the slate workings are still very apparent. 87 drifting down to Snowdon Ranger. The 14:30 on the S curve between Waunfawr and Betws Garmon. Approaching Snowdon Ranger halt, which is also the site of a Youth Hostel and is the start of a path up to the summit of Snowdon. Another picture with the old slate workings Approaching Rhyd Ddu. About to enter Beddgelert forest on the down grade towards Beddgelert and the Pass of Aberglaslyn. The first vehicle is an open wagon for carrying bikes, the second is a replica of a North Wales Narrow Gauge coach. The train entering the Pass of Aberglaslyn, taken from the river. As luck would have it the sun briefly shone. And another picture of the observation saloon.

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]]> Fri Oct 2 2009 Switzerland - making up for lost time http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1762014.html A weekend in Filisur back in May only served to remind me just what I have missed since getting hooked on Swiss railways as a small boy and then, rather inexplicably, losing interest as I grew older. It was always the narrow gauge which really excited me, and it still is, and so this weekend I set off to further explore the RhB network in the southern Canton of Graubunden, with an aperitif of standard gauge action on the northern approach to the Gotthard tunnel. I must be hooked again as, after two days back home I can't get the sound of cow bells out of my head :-) Many thanks go to fellow Freightmaster Interactive subscribers, Gatehousedc and OyW1nstonl1nk, whose listings of RhB freight from May were massively helpful in identifying the trains I saw on Monday. Any mistakes are mine, and mine alone. Saturday 26 September 2009: A weekend in Filisur back in May only served to remind me just what I have missed since getting hooked on Swiss railways as a small boy and then, rather inexplicably, losing interest as I grew older. It was always the narrow gauge which really excited me, and it still is, and so this weekend I set off to further explore the RhB network in the southern Canton of Graubunden, with an aperitif of standard gauge action on the northern approach to the Gotthard tunnel. I must be hooked again as, after two days back home I can't get the sound of cow bells out of my head :-) Many thanks go to fellow Freightmaster Interactive subscribers, Gatehousedc and OyW1nstonl1nk, whose listings of RhB freight from May were massively helpful in identifying the trains I saw on Monday. Any mistakes are mine, and mine alone.

Saturday 26th. An early flight from Luton got me to Zurich at 09:30. A three hour drive south and I arrived near the north portal of the Gotthard Tunnel. Ascending the hill towards Wassen a double headed mixed freight behind what I think are an Re 4/4 and an Re 6/6, although I stand to be corrected. An Re 4/4 descending through Wassen on the 11:45 William Tell Express from Locarno to Basle. The same train a couple of minutes later... It was followed by the slower 12:09 Zurich to Locarno IR train ....and curving under the motorway. One of the SBBs new ICN tilting trains climbing towards Wassen on the 11:03 Basle to Lugano. A southbounbd freight was bowled by a northbound passenger train. So here is a going away shot... ...and a pciture of the Re 6/6 banker. CIS19, the 13:09 Zurich to Milan, an Italian designed and built Pendolino. Reliability problems have been very apparent, so much so that the Swiss and Italians are going their own way and dissolving the Cisalpino joint venture they set up to run these trains. Another conventional IR train, the 12:03 from Basle to Locarno. A pair of DB Schenker 185s heading north with some track equipment. A southbound Hupac inter-modal service behind a pair of DBS 185s, still in Railion guise. The flats carry both full size trailers and containers. A flurry of trains followed. Firstly another DBS powered service made up of these red containers front and back and box cars in the centre... ...another 185 provided a shove. Popping out of the tunnel and into Wassen's closed station comes an Re 4/4 on the 13:45 Locarno to Basle. Hee it is again a couple of minutes later. the third car is the observation car with a panoramic glass roof. Two minutes later another southbound Hupac intermodal, this time SBB powered; an Re 4/4 leads an Re 6/6 through Wassen. I made up my mind that I ought to head off to Chur as the cloud was descending and I didn't fancy driving far through fog. But at Goschenen I made the fatal error of stopping and was rewarded by a northbound intermodal with four locos (presumably a ferrying move). So I gave chase and managed to get a picture of it near Erstfeld... ...some of the containers and trailers are familiar sights here in the UK, but others are not. I need not have worried about the fog. Climbing from Goschenen it really was dense until, as you emerge at Andermatt, it simply vanished and the remainder of the day was bright with an occasional shower and some brilliant rainbows. Here at Oberalp a Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn train heads towards Andermatt and Brig. This used to be the Furka Oberalp Raiwlay but has been merged with the Brig Visp Zermatt to form the MGB. The loco was sandwiched between the push pull set and an extra car. The bleakness of the surroundings is reminiscent of Scotland. Sunday 27th. Up and out with the lark. The weather forecast was not marvellous, it promised to be better in the morning so I thought I would get a nice early start. The 07:48 Chur to Thusis local at Rodels-Realta, the sun is starting to make its way down the mountainside. The 07:58 Chur to St Moritz, RE1121, approaching Rodels-Realta along the Hinterrhein. Mist is still rising off the river. RE1120 the 07:04 St Moritz to Chur between Thusis and Cazis... ...is followed by 1524 the 08:36 Thusis to Chur local. A walk of 500m brings a more open, less built up aspect. Ge 4/4 II 629 'Tiefencastel' on another of the RhB's prestigious trains, the Bernina Express, from Chur to Tirano (in Italy) climbing over the Bernina Pass on the steepest adhesion railway in Europe. A couple more shots in the Thusis/Cazis area. Firstly the 08:58 RE Chur to St Moritz and... ...secondly the 09:36 local to Chur. It was a perfectly still day and thus ideal for hot air ballooning. Alongside the Hinterrhein the 09:58 from Chur to St Moritz and... ....a Thusis to Chur local. A drive further south brought me to Alvaneu, between Surava and Filisur. A Ge 6/6/ II 706 'Disentis / Mustér' is in charge of the 10:58 from Chur to St Moritz, with 10 cars the longest ordinary passenger train I saw. All trains seemed to have been strengthened, with one or two extra carriages. There were plenty of people out taking advantage of the fine weather, and many travelled by train. From the opposite direction the 11:04 from St Moritz approaching Alvaneu. You could be fooled into thinking that this is in Montana or Idaho. But the red shrouded structure in the back ground gives it away, that's the world famous Landwasser Viaduct, having some beauty treatment, befitting a celebrity of UNESCO world heritage status. South of Filisur is the attractive village of Bergun/Bravuogn (the Romansch version of the name). The railway zig-zags down into the town. The 12:04 from St Moritz makes its way down the hairpin bends. The red structure at the station is a UNESCO sponsored viewing platform, a preserved Ge 6/6/ I - Crocodile - is on the right. The 12:04 leaves Bergun. The 11:58 from Chur departing Bergun and beginning it's climb. Between here and Preda the railway climbs via a series of hair pin bends and spiral tunnels and bridges, a most impressive example of Swiss railway engineering. I literally turned round from taking the previous picture to get this one... ...the train carries a pair of restaurant cars... ...and here is the train at the third elevation. A northbound, the 13:04 ex-St Moritz negotiating its way along the gorge of one of the tributaries which form the Hinterrhein. At one of the spirals a train from Chur crooses the river and enters the tunnel... ...before appearing a couple of minutes later on the viaduct above. You can see the floodlights which enable these structures to be illuminated at night. Descending from Preda a Ge 6/6 II on one of the viaducts which spans the valley prior to entering the second (or third) spiral. And this is what the railway climbs towards; the Albula Pass. The train actually passes through the Albula Tunnel, beneath the pass itself. At 7595 feet the summit of the pass marks the European Continental Divide. To the west the rivers flow north to join the Rhine and empty into the North Sea, to the east they flow into the Inn (En) which joins the Danube and flows into the Black Sea. It is a spectacularly forbidding place to be. In the Engadine Valley alongside the river which becomes the Inn. the 14:34 from Scoul Tarasp to Pontresina descends towards La Punt Chaumes, with the loco sandwiched between the normal push pull set and soem other cars, including a diner. The same train leaving Samedan... ..clearly the trailing cars were dropped at Samedan. The Samedan intermodal facility, we'll see that loaded flat tomorrow.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Sat Sep 26 2009 Back home http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1758130.html After a week chasing trains in the US it's back to the more genteel and arms length experience of being a rail-fan here at home. Wednesday 16 September 2009: After a week chasing trains in the US it's back to the more genteel and arms length experience of being a rail-fan here at home.

Back on August 28th the 7Z91 was in the hands of 56311 at Wandsworth Road. Wednesday 16th. 86501 passing Dudswell on a well loaded 4M87 from Felixstowe to Trafford Park. Another reliable performer is GBRf's 4L22, here behind 66704 'Colchester Power Signalbox' A northbound LM service exiting Watford Tunnel at Abbots Langley Friday 18th. Colas 47s Robin of Templecombe (47739) and Rebecca (47727) on schedule on Friday's 7Z98 from Silla, passing Earl's Court. Later in the afternoon the ECML was in a state of chaos owing to an earlier fatality. It was far enough north not to bother FCC. Here a Peterborough train is approaching Alexandra Palace... ...and is followed by the 16:45 to King's Lynn. At about 17:00 a southbound GC HST, presumably the 16:05 arrival at King's Cross running about an hour late. Of the 16:50 to Sunderland there was no sign. An 08 shunts a NXEC set at Ally Pally. Saturday 19th. In the heart of Thetford Forest 1Z39 The Broadsman from King's Cross to Wroxham approaches the level crossing. A little later a Cambridge to Norwich 170 accelerating from the Brandon stop. This butterfly settled on the bridge over the River Little Ouse (very low at the moment). It's a Comma, one of our most common varieties. Still very beautiful. Later in the day a 156 approaches Elmswel on a Cambridge to Ipswich service.l It was followed by my old friend 66722 Sir Edward Watkin on what I assume was the 6T67, 14:35 Whitemoor to Audley End, presumably routed via Ipswich, Stratford and Bishop's Stortford. Another 156 on an Ipswich local nearing Elmswell on a hazy afternoon. Rather later than expected (16:45) the 4L85 crosses the open farm land on the approach to Elmswell. Eccles Road is little changed from Great Eastern days. More trains I suppose, but the signalman's routine is still pretty traditional. Attleborough has just sent Train on Line for the returning Broadsman. And here it is, 1Z40 running on schedule The 4Z91 crossing the M25 at Merstham. Even the 56s noisy progress is drowned out by the roar of the motorway traffic. Tuesday 22nd. The 7Y36 is usually a solid 66 turn. Therefore when 59203 turned up on Tuesday's train it was a cause for surprise, here crossing the M25 north of Merstham. Wednesday 23rd. Another Wednesday and another meeting in Watford. I had to pick up a colleague from the station but firstly I scouted out a couple of potential locations. This Southern 377 looks out of place beneath the 25kV catenary as it accelerates away from watford Junction on a Milton Keynes to East Croydon train. After the meeting a brief stop at Abbots Langley. I was rewarded by, firstly, the 6A18 (WFO-Q) from Bletchley Cemex to Wembley on the approach to Watford Tunnel... ...and, secondly, emerging from the tunnel at a snail's pace, 90045 on the 4M87, a turn which lastw eek produced 86501. No such luck today. Friday 25th. And another visit to Watford, this time by train. At Gospel Oak the new order on a Stratford to Richmond train. Crowds alighting off the train from Barking. Compare this scene with the line in 1976, an hourly service on weekdays of empty trains stopping at empty stations. The 4L02 was running late, on account of a lineside incident which required the attention of the emergency services, and was delaying eastbound services. On my way back from Watford I stopped off, firstly at Headstone Lane where 90042 passed on the 4L75 Crewe to Felixtowe... ...and, secondly South Kenton. A Super Voyager on a Holyhead to Euston service was followed... ...by the 4O35 Crewe to Southampton... ...which in turn was passed by the 4M58 Southampton to Crewe. Final picture of the day was at King's Cross, to watch the 16:50 to Sunderland depart. Happy to report that the 5 car Adelante was full and standing.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Wed Sep 16 2009 Chasing trains in the Upper Midwest http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1755096.html These pictures were taken on a nine day holiday which started in Chicago and became a road trip through the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa before returning to Chicago. Much of what operates in the upper midwest is now owned either by Canadian Pacific or Canadian National, including relatively new operations such as the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (IC&E) which is now CP. CN owns the former Wisconsin Central, Duluth Missabe and Iron Range (DM&IR) and Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E) whilst the CP has absorbed the Soo Line, which it already controlled, and which had acquired the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific (the Milwaukee Road) and the Dakota Minnesota & Eastern (which controls the IC&E). Many railfans give the midwest a miss, I guess they think it's not scenic enough. I think this is a mistake, there is a huge variety of both landscapes and rail operations throughout the region which make it worthwhile exploring. There are also plenty of historic towns to explore, out door activities to enjoy and a whole host of friendly people to meet. Friday 4 September 2009: These pictures were taken on a nine day holiday which started in Chicago and became a road trip through the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa before returning to Chicago. Much of what operates in the upper midwest is now owned either by Canadian Pacific or Canadian National, including relatively new operations such as the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (IC&E) which is now CP. CN owns the former Wisconsin Central, Duluth Missabe and Iron Range (DM&IR) and Elgin, Joliet and Eastern (EJ&E) whilst the CP has absorbed the Soo Line, which it already controlled, and which had acquired the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific (the Milwaukee Road) and the Dakota Minnesota & Eastern (which controls the IC&E). Many railfans give the midwest a miss, I guess they think it's not scenic enough. I think this is a mistake, there is a huge variety of both landscapes and rail operations throughout the region which make it worthwhile exploring. There are also plenty of historic towns to explore, out door activities to enjoy and a whole host of friendly people to meet.

At Duplainville, west of Milwaukee a CP local (Canadian Pacific now own the former Milwaukee Road) clatters over the ex-Wisconsin Central mainline. Friday September 4th. Train 336, the 13:00 Hiawatha Service to Chicago leaving Milwaukee. The cab control car (DVT to us) is an ex EMD F40PH loco suitably ballasted. US railroads are not as welcoming as they used to be. From Duplainville we followed the ex-WC north through Fond du Lac until we reached Oshkosh. In the late afternoon a southbound behind an SD70M-2 crosses the Fox River. We gave chase. A few miles south of Oshkosh the train slowly approaching an overpass at Van Dyne... ...it was right on the heels of another southbound (which we had contrived to miss) and was running at very restricted speed. After not seeing anything for about four hours now it was trains a go go. The southbound heads towards Fond du Lac whilst a northbound approaches. The former WC mainline is a major artery of CN, linking its other US properties with the Canadian west. These empties are presumably bound for the Canadian border at International Falls via the Duluth Winnipeg and Pacific (another CN operation). 5711 is an SD75I from EMD whilst 2271 is a GE ES44DC Driving back to Oshkosh to await the northbound we were surprised by another southbound, running along the shore of Lake Winnebago and led by 5763, another EMD SD75I These CN trains always carry a great range of different car types, this box car still wearing the livery and herald of 'fallen flag' Wisconsin Central. A car carrying Canadian potash Autoracks are some of the most impressive cars on US railroads. TFM is a Mexican subsiduary of Kansas City Southern The products of Canadian forest make up a major traffic item on CN trains in the upper mid west 10 minutes after the southbound had passed the northbound we had seen at Van Dyne crossed the Fox River. Saturday 5th. For the next few days trains were off the agenda as we spent the weekend in Sayner, WI canoeing, fishing, trail bike riding and boating on Plum Lake. Whilst canoeing around Little Plum Lake I crept up on this bald eagle It was seemingly unconcerned as I paddled closer... ...until I bumped into a small rock which disturbed it and it flew off. Sunday 6th. We were out on Big Plum Lake fishing when these Loons appeared. We call these birds Great Northern Divers and they are present around our coasts during the winter Here in Wisconsin they are common breeding birds, migrating south in the winter Another bald eagle kept its eye on us. They are fish eagles and keep a close watch on fishermen. A wounded fish offers a tasty meal. Everyone is out fishing... ...including this juvenile bald eagle Water skiing is another popular pastime on the lake. Thuis was one of a pair of juveniles which were calling for food from their parents One obliges, carrying a fish to their roost... ...whilst the other (the father?) looks on. Tuesday 8th. Today the party split up and Mel and I set off on our train chasing odyssey, firstly heading towards the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to seek out the Lake Superior and Ishpeming iron ore carrier which ships ore to Marquette, MI for loading on freighters on Lake Superior. En-route we stopped at Channing for a picture of the Escanaba and Lake Superior (E&LS). As luck would have it they were in the process of preparing a train, which set out towards Ontonagon (on the former Milwaukee Road) behind an EMD SD9, here at Kiernan a few miles west of Channing. As it turned out this was the only moving train we found all day. Back in Channing we stopped by the engine house where an EMD GP in the E&LS Great Northern inspired paint job sat with an F unit. There was no sign of life at the LS&I and since our previous visit in 2001 the amount of fencing and security prevented us finding anyone to ask what, if anything was moving. There was no boat at the Presque Isle ore dock so we decided to press on west a day earlier than planned and head towards Superior, WI. At one time the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic (DSSA) provided a west-east link from one end of Lake Superior to the other. Today that no longer exists. What remains are parts of the old DSSA, operated by the CN and E&LS. Here at Nestoria a CN freight awaits a new crew. It is on the old DSSA line which served the Keweenaw peninsula and which today only reaches as far as L'Anse and Baraga. Nestoria is being used to store some old box cars, all still sporting their Milwaukee Road origins. Looking down the line towards Marquette The old DSSA mainline west from Nestoria. Some of the infrastructure is very old. 70lb rail dating back to 1901 Our final train of the day was further west, near Ironwood, again on the former DSSA. CN operate a branch line from Ashland to White Pine. And today the local was headed by an ex-WC geep still in WC livery, which I think was a bit of a result. We used the truck's headlights to illuminate the nose of the local. I'm sure O Winston Link would have done it much, much better :-) Wednesday 9th. An overnight front brought cloud and the occasional tropical like downpour to the Upper Great Lakes. In Superior a pair of UP geeps in transfer service are preparing to leave Itasca Yard. This was forner CNW territory. Across the St Louis River from Superior is Duluth, MN. A pair of CP geeps are switching a scrapyard along the Duluth waterfront. The bridge in the background is the 1.5 mile John A Blatnik road bridge which connects Duluth with Superior. A little GE 44 tonner switching the Holcim cement silos. The most impressive feature of the docks in Duluth are the Ore Docks. This is the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range RR Dock 6 (now disused). Trains run out along the docks and discharge into hoppers below the dock from where they are discharged into freighters. Dock 5 is still in use, having been adapted for the discharge of taconite pellets. This Canadian freighter was loading. The boom is actually the conveyer which is used to unload the ship, but which is not needed during the loading process. The DM&IRRR herald At last a moving train! From Duluth we drove north, firstly to Proctor Yard (which was empty) and then along Highway 7, which parallels the railroad for miles, to Fairlane Taconite plant at Forbes, MN. A loaded taconite train was just leaving when we arrived so we gave chase. The taconite, which is an iron bearing ore processed into round pellets, was still steaming from the processing. It proceeded south at about 45 mph, 120 cars weighing approximately 6000 tons. The leading unit is an ex-DM&IR SD38-2 now sporting corporate CN livery. The train passes a traditional searchlight signal... ...with the ore cars still steaming. Pacing the train from the car is relatively straightforward, the road is pretty empty and the railway follows the road closely for many miles.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Fri Sep 4 2009 Felixstowe Bank Holiday Diverts http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1748597.html August Bank Holiday weekend saw all the Freightliner, DBS and GBRf inter-modals too and from Felixstowe diverted via Bury St Edmunds. All in all it was a busy day with 11 trains between 0730 and 1430. As usual Freightmaster came up trumps with advanced timings for Bury which proved invaluable for plotting locations. And thanks to fellow FMi member James W for identifying some of the motive power. Saturday 29 August 2009: August Bank Holiday weekend saw all the Freightliner, DBS and GBRf inter-modals too and from Felixstowe diverted via Bury St Edmunds. All in all it was a busy day with 11 trains between 0730 and 1430. As usual Freightmaster came up trumps with advanced timings for Bury which proved invaluable for plotting locations. And thanks to fellow FMi member James W for identifying some of the motive power.

90008 pushing a Norwich bound train at Haughley Junction at 07:30.Owing to engineering work the GEML was closed west of Manningtree, all the intercity trains running between Ipswich and Norwich only. As soon as the Norwich train passed the points were realigned accompanied by the sound of a 66 getting underway. Within 30 seconds 66559 appeared on the 4L42 from Doncaster. From Haughley I headed to Elmswell, missing the 4L95 from Garston by a whisker at Wetherden. At 07:54 66129 appeared on a late running 6M28, here approaching the level crossing at Elmswell station. Unusually the Ipswich to Cambridge trains were in the hands of 170 units, I think this was as a consequence of engineering work on the Ely to Norwich line which curtailed the Norwich to Cambridge services to which they are usually allocated. 4L02 wasn't in the advanced timings which were published on Freightmaster during the week, I guess GBRf were late filing a path. But it ran nevertheless, here approaching Elmswell behind 66711. At 08:22 the 4E22 to Leeds passed behind THREE 66s, obviously a ferrying move. I stayed hoping to see the 4L27 but all that passed was this Peterborough to Ipswich train, whilst a border collie and its owner played a game with a stick. I was looking for an overbridge at Thurston when, at 09:50, the 4L27 from Trafford Park roared through. I gave chase along the A14. Crossing the line north of Stowmarket I could see 4L27 slowing for the station so I headed for the overbridge on the A14 link road just south of Stowmarket, where I met fellow FMi member Phil Wright. Bizarrely 4L02 was in the up platform, so 4L27 was put in the loop, where it waited for an Ipswich to Peterborough 170 to pass, after which it emerged... ...heading towards Ipswich and was duly followed some 8 minutes later... ...by 4L02. I can only assume some unloading issues at Felixstowe required the 4L27 to take precedence. Whatever else it was certainly fun. Off to Bury for the next series of pictures. East Anglia is a predominantly agricultural region. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Bury with the British Sugar factory dominating the town. Trains climb out of Bury heading east, this is a Peterborough to Ipswich service with the beet silos in the background. The region has three beet sugar plants, here at Bury, at Cantley east of Norwich and at Wissington south of King's Lynn. All used to be rail connected but today the rail connections have been removed and most raw materials and all finished products move in and out by road. At 12:04 the 4L87 climbs away from Bury behind 66541... ...breasting the summit and heading east towards Thurston. Another switchback is between Elmswell and Wetherden, just before this pair of units appeared the GBRf Felixstowe to Peterborough convoy had passed including a pair of Carless TEAs. It was followed by a late running 4M87 behind 66531 and 66518 At Lancaster's crossing Stowmarket the 13:30 from Norwich behind 90008. The catch of the day, 4L89 with 86501 in tow behind 66588. Unfortunately the sun did the same disappearing act as it had for the same train the previous Saturday at Manningtree The usual paraphenalia at crossings frames the 14:00 from Norwich. In no time at all the passenger was followed by the 4L90 from Lawley Street with 66542 in charge.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Sat Aug 29 2009 The end is nigh...August Week 4 http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1746139.html Sunday was a day for doing all those things I should have done round the house on Saturday, but I still sneaked out for a couple of ECML pictures. Monday was a complete wipe out thanks to work, on Tuesday I managed a solitary picture and Wednesday was washed out thanks to the rain. Not going too well so far. Thursday was much better, both the 4Z91 and 7Y36 ran at lunchtime. Sunday 23 August 2009: Sunday was a day for doing all those things I should have done round the house on Saturday, but I still sneaked out for a couple of ECML pictures. Monday was a complete wipe out thanks to work, on Tuesday I managed a solitary picture and Wednesday was washed out thanks to the rain. Not going too well so far. Thursday was much better, both the 4Z91 and 7Y36 ran at lunchtime.

The 1A21 09:30 from Newcastle passing Bounds Green en-route to King's Cross. If, as expected NXEC gives up the ECML franchise this livery will soon go the way of GNER, Connex, Central Trains and the other 'fallen flags' The 09:30 is closely followed by the 10:12 from Hull, approaching Alexandra Palace just as the 12:26 King's Cross to Stevenage via Hertford North crosses the flyover. The 15:44 King's Cross to Hull passing NXEC's Bound's Green depot. 56311 on the 7Z81 passing Gospel Oak about 20 minutes late in the fading light. All services through Gospel Oak were running late on account of unspecified signalling problems. Thursday's 4Z91 was a very lightweight affair, 47739 and a pair of Norfolk Line swap-bodies, here crossing the M25 at Merstham. Less than 15 minutes later 66155 approaching Redhill on the 7Y36.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Sun Aug 23 2009 Brantham and Manningtree http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1744059.html A return visit to these two spots on the GEML between Colchester and Ipswich. Plenty of action - NXEA, Freightliner, DBS and GBRf - and almost all loco hauled (or pushed). The weather was great to start off but cloud slowly increased, although it remained bright and pretty warm, a nice late summer's day. All the trains listed in Freightmaster's Ipswich timetable ran, one was 30 minutes early and one two hours late, but in both cases I had to sprint down the hill to get a decent shot when I heard them climbing the bank from Manningtree. Saturday 22 August 2009: A return visit to these two spots on the GEML between Colchester and Ipswich. Plenty of action - NXEA, Freightliner, DBS and GBRf - and almost all loco hauled (or pushed). The weather was great to start off but cloud slowly increased, although it remained bright and pretty warm, a nice late summer's day. All the trains listed in Freightmaster's Ipswich timetable ran, one was 30 minutes early and one two hours late, but in both cases I had to sprint down the hill to get a decent shot when I heard them climbing the bank from Manningtree.

90014 pushing the 06:30 from Liverpool Street to Norwich at Brantham 90015 passing the foot path crossing at Brantham on the 07:00 from Norwich to Liverpool Street. I think the corporate NXEA livery suits the 90s pretty well. 66539 on the 4R98 Tilbury to Felixstowe. NXEA have been hiring a spare 90 from DBS. Today it was 90026, here approaching Brantham at the head of the 07:30 from Norwich... ...which goes on to form the 10:00 from Liverpool Street through to Great Yarmouth, one of the summer 'drags'. Running about 30 minutes early 66587 on the 4L95 from Garston on Merseyside to Felixstowe. I raced down the hill and scrambled over the stile to get up to the crossing just in time. And now some shots taken from the hillside overlooking the line; firstly a 170 on the 08:38 to Peterborough Now this was a surprise, a 90 taking a Mk 3 car and DVT to, presumably, Crown Point depot. The return of the 4R98, the 4R97 to Tilbury. As yesterday 66707 Sir Sam Fay was on the 4L02 Hams Hall to Felixstowe. 90008 pushing the 09:00 from Liverpool Street to Norwich, cloud cover is increasing. 66090 on a late running 4L27 intermodal from Trafford Park. Due through Ipswich at 08:25 it passed Brantham at 10:12. A repeat athletic performance was necessary to get the shot. The 'classic' Brantham morning shot, this is the 09:30 from Norwich... ...which was followed some 20 minutes later by what I think was the 4M41 Felixstowe to Daventry, 66593 in charge. Down at Manningtree the 10:00 to Great Yarmouth is pushed across the River Stour bridge by 90026. Just as I arrived I heared the unmistakeable sound of a class 66 approaching from the west, it proved to be 66596, coming off the Harwich branch at Manningtree North Junction. 90001 on the 10:30 from Norwich is slowing down for the Manningtree stop. This was a real catch, shame the sun wasn't directly shining. 66576 with 86501 and 90048 in tow on the 4L89 from Coatbridge. The 11:30 from Norwich behind 90008 crossing the Stour, the tide is well in by now. Finally from Manningtree, by now cloud cover was all but 100%. This is 66541 on the 4L97 from Trafford Park. OK it's not at either Brantham or Manningtree, but as the cloud cover was clearing I wandered over the Alexandra Palace station for a shot of the 16:50 back to Sunderland. Looks great.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Sat Aug 22 2009 Week 3....is summer almost over? http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1742162.html Monday and another crack at 4Z91, this time at Merstham. On Tuesday the 7Y36 and an assortment of units plus Grand Central's new evening departure from King's Cross. Wednesday yielded a number of surprises both old (56311) and new (FCC 377/5s and LO's 378 ). On Thursday I paid a return visit to Merstham, this time for the 7Y36 and some Quarry Line action. Friday saw me at Willesden first thing and Harringay on my way home. Monday 17 August 2009: Monday and another crack at 4Z91, this time at Merstham. On Tuesday the 7Y36 and an assortment of units plus Grand Central's new evening departure from King's Cross. Wednesday yielded a number of surprises both old (56311) and new (FCC 377/5s and LO's 378 ). On Thursday I paid a return visit to Merstham, this time for the 7Y36 and some Quarry Line action. Friday saw me at Willesden first thing and Harringay on my way home.

A Charing Cross to Tonbridge via Redhill stopping train on the descent from Merstham Tunnel A brief shaft of sunlight illuminates a Southampton/Bognor to Victoria semi-fast entering Merstham Tunnel. On time the 4Z91 roars through Merstham and over the M25 on the climb to Merstham Tunnel 56312 was in good voice as it climbs the 0.38% grade. There aren't many places in the UK where the sound of a 56 on a heavy train are still experienced on the national network. The tail of the train trails into Merstham Tunnel Tuesday. A lunchtime trip to Earlswood to catch the 7Y36 and, if possible, FCCs 377/5s. But first a trio of Southern trains. From Left to right; a Portsmouth Harbour and Bognor to Victoria semi-fast, a London Bridge to Horsham stopper and, on the Quarry Line, a Brighton to Victoria fast. 7Y36 on time with the breeze catching the light sand in the first few box wagons. The fields on the North Downs behind Redhill have just been harvested. Strange seeing a tractor pulling a trailer full of grain in the streets of what is, after all, a London suburb. No 377/5s just a pair of 319s coming off the Quarry Line through the redundant fast line platforms at Earlswod. They were removed when the curve was eased in readiness for the Gatwick Express. A 377 passes a Gat Ex set as the latter accelerates out of the 80 mph speed restriction. From Monday 17th Grand Central introduced a new later departure from King's Cross at 19:18. On Tuesday the empty HST set makes its way down the Up Goods towards King's Cross from Alexandra Palace A few minutes later 180 113 in Hull Train's Dynamic Lines livery approaches Ally Pally on the 18:50 from King's Cross Southern normally keep their 377s in tip top condition but unfortunately the vandals have made a mess of this unit, leaving Gatwick this morning. At last. Not sure what the train was, it is not a First Capital Connect service I normally see at Gatwick between 08:19 and 08:25, whilst changing trains. 377 512 and 377 509. And later in the day yet another new Bombardier product, this time London Overground's 378 005 leaving Gospel Oak en-route to Stratford Catch of the day?. 56311 approaching Harringay Green Lanes on the 7Z99... ...running in the approximate times of the old 7O81... ...and passing two other rail fans out for the show. Thursday; an FCC 377/5 emerging from Quarry Tunnel. Between London and Brighton there are six tunnels in 51 miles; Quarry, Redhill, Balcombe, Haywards Heath, Clayton and Patcham. And up to the 1960s there was also the Cane Hill Covered Way, an artificial tunnel which hid the 'new' Quarry Line from the patients of the Cane Hill Mental Hospital in Coulsden. Total length is about four and a half miles, a greater % underground than any other mainline. From feast to famine. Within minutes a pair of 377/5s on a Brighton to Bedford train climbing towards Quarry Tunnel. The train is crossing the M25, the houses are in South Merstham. the 13:20 Gatwick to Victoria formed of a pair of 442s passing a couple of track workers on the Quarry Line. 66138 makes a welcome return appearance on the 7Y36 from Cliffe to Crawley. The train carries three different types of aggregate of varying degrees of 'fineness', the sand is in the first few wagons and accounts for the haze. And finally Friday; 66707 Sir Sam Fay - Great Central Railway on the Kensal Green spur on the 4L02 to Felixstowe. The old and the new; 378013 on a Stratford service passing a 313 heading for Richmond. This is what I was at Willesden for, 47739 on the first 7Z98, Colas (for SNCF) operated Ford train from Valencia. Those expecting 56313 were in for a disappointment, but it was a very light load, I counted 11 flats At Three Bridges a little later a pair of 442s are berthed in a siding after their morning rush hour activities. Possibly the most stylish looking train in Britain? Grand Centrals class 180 on the 16:50 King's Cross to Sunderland at Harringay.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Mon Aug 17 2009 August...now it's week 2 http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1739621.html Week two started in ho-hum fashion, the 4Z91 was late so I could only get it at Redhill (again), on Tuesday a dull morning was transformed by lunchtime so I went out for my perennial favourite, the 7Y36. Wednesday was quite quiet until a fellow FMi subscriber posted that Advenza were running a Sheerness to Shipley empty scrap. At that point the balloon went up. Thursday by way of contrast was quite dull, no 4Z91, no 7Y36 and no Hitchin scrap. Monday 10 August 2009: Week two started in ho-hum fashion, the 4Z91 was late so I could only get it at Redhill (again), on Tuesday a dull morning was transformed by lunchtime so I went out for my perennial favourite, the 7Y36. Wednesday was quite quiet until a fellow FMi subscriber posted that Advenza were running a Sheerness to Shipley empty scrap. At that point the balloon went up. Thursday by way of contrast was quite dull, no 4Z91, no 7Y36 and no Hitchin scrap.

Monday; Redhill remains a complicated junction, the 4Z91 comes off the Tonbridge line past the site of Redhill shed, whilst the line to Reigate and Reading crosses the Brighton mainline in the foreground. These flat junctions were a constant source of annoyance to the LB&SCR, along with the fact they were controlled by the South Eastern Railway, so in 1899 they opened the Quarry Line to by-pass the Redhill bottleneck altogether, a function it continues to perform today. No reefer on Monday's train, simply Norfolk Line and Murfitt curtain-sided swap-bodies. Tuesday; 7Y36 approaching Horley... ...I was very lucky to get this as the Horsham to London Bridge stopping train was within a few seconds of ruining the shot. The Brighton main line is one of the busiest in the country, the four track section north of Horley seeing 18 trains each way every hour. Here the 13:32 Victoria to Bognor and Southampton is being overtaken by the 13:36 Victoria to Brighton fast. An FCC Bedford to Brighton train slowing for the Gatwick stop. The Brighton line abounds with gradients. Horley is in a dip between the ascent towards Quarry Tunnel in one direction and Balcombe Tunnel Junction in the other. This was the racing ground of the LB&SCR, where B4 4-4-0 no. 70 Holyrood reputedly reached over 80 mph on its 48 minute dash from Victoria to Brighton in July 1903. Here a GatEx set is slowing for the approach to Gatwick Airport, whilst a Bognor/Southampton to Victoria semi-fast is climbing towards Salfords. Wednesday; like the Brighton Line the former GER Lea Valley line through North London sees an enormous volume of trains, 9 in each direction every hour. And yet it is littered with level crossings and footpath crossings. A pair of 317s approaching Cheshunt whilst a pedestrian crosses the line. The early WAGN livery was one of my favourites of the post-privatisation era, it even gave the non-descript 317/6 units some character. Alas no livery change will ever redeem the 317/5s, the most woebegone of the BR-era EMUs engineered from the Mk 3 carriage. The redundant Cheshunt Junction signal box still bears its Network Southeast sign. NXEA's 18:08 from Liverpool Street via Seven Sisters and the Southbury Loop arrives in the bay platform at Cheshunt whilst Advenza 66844 approaches on the 6E94 from Sheerness to Shipley. And here it is, accelerating after a signal check behind a Liverpool Street to Hertford East train. Thursday; a meeting in London offered the chance of another shot at the 7Y36 at Clapham Junction. But it didn't run. So by way of compensation is 159001 on the 13:20 to Yeovil Junction with a representative sample of other SWT and Southern units normally seen at Clapham. An evening visit to Highbury & Islington. The usual crowds cramming onto a Stratford bound 313s. the new class 378s can't come too soon. GBRf's 4L22 from Hams Hall to Felixstowe drifts through Highbury, hot on the heels of that 313. 4L22 barely warrants a glance from the hordes waiting for the next Overground train absorbed(?) by their copies of London Lite and The London Paper

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]]> Mon Aug 10 2009 Midsummer Madness - SWT variety http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1738132.html A day out in Teignmouth for Ł16 was a real bargain, thanks to South West Trains. Admittedly it's a fairly long journey (07:10 to 10:50) on what is a long distance stopping train with 23 intermediate stops. But SWTs 159s are well looked after with well upholstered seats and matching windows which made for a very pleasant journey. And once in Teignmouth I caught both 60163 on the Tamar Tornado and NXEC's HST set on XC Manchester to Newquay service. All in all a really enjoyable day out. Saturday 8 August 2009: A day out in Teignmouth for _16 was a real bargain, thanks to South West Trains. Admittedly it's a fairly long journey (07:10 to 10:50) on what is a long distance stopping train with 23 intermediate stops. But SWTs 159s are well looked after with well upholstered seats and matching windows which made for a very pleasant journey. And once in Teignmouth I caught both 60163 on the Tamar Tornado and NXEC's HST set on XC Manchester to Newquay service. All in all a really enjoyable day out.

Waterloo 06:50. It takes four pages to display all 26 stops of the 07:10 to Paignton. It's 07:30 and we're approaching Woking. The train was reasonably well filled leaving Waterloo, difficult to tell how many were taking advantage of the Ł10 fare and how many were regulars. Approaching Teignmouth along the Teign estuary, the 08:42 Cornish Riviera Express from Penzance. Owing to earlier problems (at Paignton I think) most trains were running late. The 09:06 Paddington to Penzance passing Teignmouth Through the heat haze a 143 and 153 form the 10:55 Paignton to Exeter St Davids. A pleasant surprise was the appearance of NXEC HST on the 07:00 Manchester to Newquay, presumably the vans were full of surf boards. The HST makes its way along the river estuary en-route for Newton Abbot Also running a few minutes late was 60163 on the Tamar Tornado, making its first trip over Dainton and Rattray banks to Plymouth. I would guess that it made the gradients look (relatively) easy. Another shot looking along the estuary. Along the sea wall a family watch an FGW HST on the 09:55 Penzance to Paddington After the 07:10 the next SWT train is the 09:20 from Waterloo to Plymouth, here approaching Teignmouth on the sea wall. The 12:29 Plymouth to Exeter St Davids, formed of a pair of 153s (a 155 that was) leaving Teignmouth And in the opposite direction comes the 12:23 Exeter to Paignton. Plenty of holiday makers (and their dogs) on the sea wall on Saturday. The 12:58 Paignton to Exmouth formed of a class 143 rail-bus. Close to Parsons Tunnel the 11:06 Paddington to Penzance is catching up a local train. A Voyager emerging from Parsons Tunnel on the 06:12 Edinburgh to Plymouth XC HSTs were plentiful on Saturday, but this was the only one which appeared when I was in a position to take a picture. I think this is 13:25 Plymouth to Edinburgh service. A pair of buzzards were using the thermals to soar along the line of the cliffs. The 11:20 Waterlo to Paignton slowing for the Teignmouth stop. The 14:30 Paignton to Paddington accelerating from the Teignmouth stop. And home we go, only 21 stops back to Waterloo (arrive 19:49) And here is the 159, the same one which formed the 09:20 to Plymouth. We actually stopped outside Waterloo about 6 minutes early but had to wait for a platform and so eventually arrived right time.

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]]> Sat Aug 8 2009 August...Week 1 http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1735909.html The first working day of August - Monday 3rd, started off pretty well. First thing I caught the 1M16 Highland Sleeper on its last diversion down the ECML, the 4Z91 Colas inter-modal (again) and a new Harwich to Acton empty stone working. And no rain. Monday 3 August 2009: The first working day of August - Monday 3rd, started off pretty well. First thing I caught the 1M16 Highland Sleeper on its last diversion down the ECML, the 4Z91 Colas inter-modal (again) and a new Harwich to Acton empty stone working. And no rain.

First group made quite a splash on the ECML at Harringay this morning. First off was First Hull Train's 07:20 from King's Cross, overtaking a pair of First Capital Connect 313s heading back to Hertford North or Gordon Hill for another load of commuters. Shortly after First Scotrail's 1M16, the Highland Sleeper from Inverness, Fort William and Aberdeen and diverted off the normal route down the WCML, passed another pair of empty 313s heading north. I had intended to try another location for the 4Z91 but fate, in the form of a serious signalling problem at Victoria, interfered and limited me to another half an hour at Redhill. 56312 appeared dead on time with the inbound train. The 56s have never been a favourite class, they are a bit lumbering but it is nice to see that they still have a role to play in the competitive freight scene. One of the curtain sided swap bodies the train hauls. As a consequence of the mayhem elsewhere on the Brighton Line (my return to Crawley was on the 13:00 from Redhill which left at 13:40!) we were treated to an empty 442 waiting for the Hams Hall to clear the junction. A brief shaft of sun illuminated the unit. Thanks to fellow FMi member Grid Nutter I managed this picture of a new-ish Q working, the 6Z19 empty box wagons from Harwich to Acton The low sun caught the shiny sides of the MRL box wagons as the train took the Gospel Oak line at Camden Road Junction. Thursday 6th; it was hot and sultry at Clapham Junction this afternoon as the 7Y36 to Crawley New Yard headed through the station Passenger information old and new.

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]]> Mon Aug 3 2009 Home Counties Sunday http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1735253.html After the wash out that was Saturday I decided to spend Sunday along the ECML starting at home in North London and getting as far as Offord in Cambridgeshire. Plenty of variety what with First Capital Connect, First Hull Trains, Grand Central, National Express and DBS all putting in an appearance. And generally fine, if not always sunny weather. Sunday 2 August 2009: After the wash out that was Saturday I decided to spend Sunday along the ECML starting at home in North London and getting as far as Offord in Cambridgeshire. Plenty of variety what with First Capital Connect, First Hull Trains, Grand Central, National Express and DBS all putting in an appearance. And generally fine, if not always sunny weather.

Grand Central's 09:07 King's Cross to Sunderland passing Alexandra Palace in bright morning sunshine. By late morning there was more cloud about. First Hull's 10:44 to Hull crossing Welwyn Viaduct. Looking down from the top of the first of two Welwyn Tunnels, the hourly Cambridge to King's Cross stopping train has just made its stop at Welwyn North. The signal for the junction at Digswell is routing the train onto the Up Slow for the stop at Welwyn Garden City. And from Welwyn Garden City station the 10:12 from Hull. The 180 is in FHT's Dynamic Lines livery. WGC was rebuilt by the LNER between the wars. Its not a very interesting station architecturally. A Grand Central HST, forming the 09:10 from Sunderland, chases the tail of Hull's 180. Offord consists of two adjoining villages - Offord Cluny and Offord D'Arcy. 91111, unique in NXEC livery (and likely to remain so if NXEC do give the franchise up) flashes past Offord Cluny's All Saints Church en-route for London. Another shot of the medieval church, this time with Hull's 12:12 service to King's Cross The ECML is blessed with one scheduled freight train on a Sunday, the 6M33 (14:47) from Stevenage to Mountsorrel self-discharge train. Today it ran very early, passing Offord at 14:30. An NXEC 91 at full speed, pantograph at almost maximum reach on account of the level crossing at Offord. And here approaching the level crossing (over the Offord to Buckden road) is FHT's 14:10 from Hull Whilst from the other direction comes a late running 15:44 King's Cross to Hull Whilst the 91s and Mk4 coaching stock remain in GNER blue, NXEC have almost completed re-branding their HST fleet, this southbound set is approaching the level crossing. I had resolved to only take one picture at the crossing but this 365 being chased by a IC225 set was worth another shot. Back at Digswell another HST set reflects the sun off it's NXEC livery crossing the viaduct. Most Sunday services beyond WGC are in the hands of 365s, so this 317 on a Cambridge train, drawing to a halt at Welwyn North was a bit of a surprise. The local was running a few minutes late, consequently GC's 18:20 from King's Cross dawdled across the viaduct waiting for the local to clear out of the way at Woolmer Green.

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]]> Sun Aug 2 2009 My Week http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1734167.html The week started with a not too successful sortie in the fens, after the early morning 4E28, 4L42 and 4L83, which, if they ran (and I saw the tail end of one) were all extremely early. Weekday pictures are the usual stuff taken on my way to and from work, with the added bonus of 70013 Oliver Cromwell on Thursday's Cathedrals Express to Chichester. Saturday 25 July 2009: The week started with a not too successful sortie in the fens, after the early morning 4E28, 4L42 and 4L83, which, if they ran (and I saw the tail end of one) were all extremely early. Weekday pictures are the usual stuff taken on my way to and from work, with the added bonus of 70013 Oliver Cromwell on Thursday's Cathedrals Express to Chichester.

05:25 Stansted Airport to Peterborough crossing the 100' Drain Nenta Railtours Norwich to Liverpool train behind.. ...47804 ...WCRC 47826 and... The 05:54 from Nottingham, near Black Bank. 6M28 at Second Drove west of Ely A Peterborough to Liverpool Street passing a fenland wind farm near Three Horseshoes A refurbished 158 in EMT livery crossing the 20' River at Beggars Bridge. A CWR train heading towards March. The 08:52 Liverpool to Norwich between Whiittlesey and March The Felixstowe to Peterborough convoy nearing Whittlesey The ever reliable 4L85 cresting an undulation between Whittlesey and Three Horseshoes 4Z91 accelerating through Redhill on Monday... ...it's an impressively long train of curtain sided swap bodies. No reefer today. The Euroscout unit eastbound on the NLL between Highbury & Islington and Canonbury. Number 1 and 2 track has gone, except a stub from the spur from Finsbury Park Tuesday morning's 4L02 picks up a GBRf member of staff at Camden Road Oliver Cromwell races the 10:06 Brighton Express and the sun south of Gatwick Airport. 70013 is on its way to Brighton, Chichester and Portsmouth Harbour on a Steam Dreams Cathedrals Express

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]]> Sat Jul 25 2009 Shropshire and Sir Drefaldwyn; a weekend in the Marches http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1729378.html Away from East Anglia Shropshire and the bordering counties of Wales are some of my favourite parts of Britain. A long weekend near Bishop's Castle offered the opportunity of picture taking along both the Cambrian and Marches mainlines and the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway. Until this weekend the latter was an unknown quantity. I had followed its reopening during the 1960s and 70s, and back in 1999, on our first visit to the Marches, had stopped off at Raven Square station after an afternoon at Powis Castle, to see the last train of the day depart. But that was it; this time though I wanted to see more and to get to ride. Saturday 18 July 2009: Away from East Anglia Shropshire and the bordering counties of Wales are some of my favourite parts of Britain. A long weekend near Bishop's Castle offered the opportunity of picture taking along both the Cambrian and Marches mainlines and the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway. Until this weekend the latter was an unknown quantity. I had followed its reopening during the 1960s and 70s, and back in 1999, on our first visit to the Marches, had stopped off at Raven Square station after an afternoon at Powis Castle, to see the last train of the day depart. But that was it; this time though I wanted to see more and to get to ride.

On Saturday 18th the W&LLR was running a four train service. 822 The Earl, one of the two identical 0-6-0Ts which comprised the entire loco stud throughout the lines pre-preservation history, between Castle Caerinion and Sylfaen on the 09:45 from Llanfair. The Earl is in her GWR condition. Originally built by Beyer Peacock for the nominally independent W&LLR, although the line was worked (unprofitably) by the Cambrian Railways. Both the Cambrian and W&LLR were absorbed by the GWR in 1922. On the mainline, the 09:30 from Aberystwyth/07:28 from Pwllheli en-route to Shrewsbury near Trewern Back on the W&L the 11:15 from Welshpool approaching Castle Caerinion Passengers enjoying the ride on the balcony of the Romanian-built replica Zillertalbahn coach. The countryside through which the raiwlay runs is wonderfully green, a tribute to the quantity of rain which falls. And falls. The weekend of the 18th and 19th was one of three during the summer when the vintage train of the two replica Pickering carriages is operated, this time with The Countess, which sports GWR Brunswick Green. The W&L only ever owned three carriages, all built by Pickering, and they were scrapped shortly after passenger services were withdrawn in 1931. The Ffestiniog Railway built the replicas for the W&L.. At Heniarth The Earl heads east on the 13:00 from Llanfair... ...and crosses the only noteworthy piece of civil engineering, the bridge over the River Banwy. Also at Heniarth the vintage train returns... ...with The Countess in fine form. At Cilcweydd a pair of 158s cross the River Severn, forming the 12:09 from Birmingham International to Aberystwyth (arr 15:26) and Pwllheli (arr 17:09). On board the 14:15 from Welshpool. Golfa Bank, immediately west ofRaven Square is pretty fearsome. This sign dates fromthe days when unfitted freight trains operated. At it's worst Golfa's gradient is 1 in 29. Leaving Sylfaen, our train consists of two utilitarian Hungarian bogie coaches and a four wheel replica Zillertalbahn car with end platforms. Nearing journey's end. the Llanfair fixed distant is in the distance. At Llanfair The Earl prepares to give way to The Countess for the 15:45 return to Welshpool. Driver and Station Master discuss the finer points of driving technique. The Earls smoke box is cleaned. The W&L has a very close relationship withAustria's Zillertalbahn. Here an ZB transporter wagon is being converted to carry engineering plant for the railway A fan engages in some rivet counting before departure As we leave Llanfair we pass The Earl taking a well earned breather Past the carriage shed and some happy volunteers The first couple of miles takes the railway along the banks of the Banwy At Castle Caerinion the fireman flags us across the road... ...whilst the driver strikes a time honoured pose. Racing down to Welshpool at all of, maybe, 20 mph. The Countess takes a well deserved break whilst a young fan is introduced to the mystery of the steam engine by his dad. It's Britain, it's four o' clock so naturally it's time for tea. Whilst the crew enjoy their brew Countess simmers in the late afternoon sun. She needed the breather, the journey back to Llanfair commences with the 1 in 29 ascent of Golfa Bank. Countess was a stirring site as she pounds out of Welshpool. The 16:09 Birmingham International to Aberystwyth passes Abermule, the sight in 1921 of the worst single track collision in British railway history. On Monday 20th the 06:30 from Manchester Piccadilly to Milford Haven passing Bromfield. It was followed a few minutes later by ATW's prestige train of the day, the 05:32 from Holyhead to Cardiff. The 06:27 from Holyhead passing Bromfield's outer home signal The 08:30 from Manchester was running about 10 minutes late; due into Ludlow at 10:15 it passed the Bromfield distant (a colour light) at 10:19. And was followed shortly after by a very early 6V75 empty steel from Dee Marsh... V75 was slowed by the late running passsenger but even so I couldn't get another shot of it. I did manage this though, the last few wagons revealing a pair of 175s on the 06:05 Milford Haven to Manchester Piccadilly ...whose progress appeared to be being followed by this Red Kite, surely not a rail-fan? Whatever, it is marvellous to see these charismatic birds in ever increasing numbers. Back at the Bromfield distant, the 08:05 from Holyhead. I think this was the 6M61 to Rugeley Power Station, Clee Hill in the background. A 175 on the 07:05 Pembroke Dock to Manchester Piccadilly approaching Craven Arms. Seen from the opposite side of the track, another 175 passing Stokesay Castle at Craven Arms on the 11:30 Manchester Piccadily to Carmarthen. With the Long Mynd in the background a 158 heads south on the 10:33 Holyhead to Cardiff. Craven Arms is also junction for the scenic Heart of Wales line to Swansea. An end to end journey from Shrewsbury to Swansea takes 4 hours for 121 miles with 10 compulsory and 22 conditional stops. Here the 14:05 from Shrewsbury approaches Craven Arms. Back on the Cambrian, a pair of 158s ascending to Talerddig summit, between Machynlleth and Caersws on the 13:42 Pwellheli/15 And finally, before setting off back to London another look at the W&LLR. Countess crosses the Banwy on the last train of the day (17:05) from Welshpool. Chuffing along with a three person crew.

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]]> Sat Jul 18 2009 Saturday - peering over the parapet http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1725181.html Saturday offered the opportunity of taking a few pictures in the morning around London before heading off to Wiltshire for a family event. As the weather wasn't too promising I thought I would try a few locations on the North London Line which would be difficult on a sunny day, it was reasonably bright at times and, on occasions, the sun did actually break through. There were also occasional flurries of rain so we had a bit of everything. And, as it happened, there was more action than I expected. All the pictures were taken from bridges and all but the pictures at Canonbury and Lower Addison Gardens require steps for a reasonable view over the parapet. Thanks go to fellow FMi members Grid Nutter and Cogload for gen about some of the workings which is much appreciated. 8-) Saturday 11 July 2009: Saturday offered the opportunity of taking a few pictures in the morning around London before heading off to Wiltshire for a family event. As the weather wasn't too promising I thought I would try a few locations on the North London Line which would be difficult on a sunny day, it was reasonably bright at times and, on occasions, the sun did actually break through. There were also occasional flurries of rain so we had a bit of everything. And, as it happened, there was more action than I expected. All the pictures were taken from bridges and all but the pictures at Canonbury and Lower Addison Gardens require steps for a reasonable view over the parapet. Thanks go to fellow FMi members Grid Nutter and Cogload for gen about some of the workings which is much appreciated. 8-)

07:59, Roman Way. What turned out to be the 6075 Stud Farm to Hither Green, diverted from the MML via Peterborough, Cambridge & Tottenham Hale, approaching Caledonian Road and Barnsbury. I was expecting the 4M12 08:16 Mildmay Park. I was waiting for the 4L02 when I heard an approaching EMD from the east, which was the 4M12. For a moment I cursed being on the wrong side of the road until a headlight heralded the 4L02. Bingo, two for the price of one. From Mildmay Park I walked one block west to Newington Green Road (the bridge in the background of the previous shot). You'll notice that the catenary is still strung although the lines are currently closed. I was waiting for the 4L89 from Coatbridge, but all I saw was a succession of London Overground 313s. This one at 08:40. At 09:30 I gave up and went home, planning to return for the 4L87 from Trafford Park shortly after 11:00. 11:16 Canonbury Station. I later learnt that the 4L89 was running three hours late and must have passed Canonbury about 10 minutes before I arrived at 11:10. But at least the 4L87 was on time. The clearance work prior to reinstatement of double track between Canonbury and Caledonian Road and Barnsbury is evident. The catenary ends just out of picture on my right. 11:42 Mildmay Park (looking east) with a rather sparsely filled 4M87. As you can see the LH tracks (1 and 2) are currently closed, only engineering trains are using them. The new line from Shoreditch, on the old North London Railway formation will join the NLL where the greenery is behind the second container. That's the old Dalston Western Junction. Dalston Kingsland station is behind the bridge in the background (King Henry's Walk). One last bridge. As I was heading west along the M4 later in the day, I took my final shot from Lower Addison Gardens, with the new Westfield Shopping Centre at Shepherds Bush in the background. It's 14:26 and I was about to give up when the beam of the headlight and the distinctive sound of a loaded 92 heralded a late running 6B49 from Wembley to Dollands Moor. And instead of a single 92, we got two; 92036 and 92009. The consist was 4 IWA and 2 IWB Cargowaggons and 4 FIA and 3 IKA container flats.

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]]> Sat Jul 11 2009 July Stuff http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1721846.html July's weekday one offs Thursday 2 July 2009: July's weekday one offs

56311 and 312 passing Redhill... ...as the 0Z56 Ashford to Hams Hall. Hopefully on Monday I might get them with a load. Later on Thursday Colas operated 6Z48 ThO Burton on Trent to Dollands Moor empty steel rattles through Kensington Olympia, the cognoscenti was on hand to record the occasion. In days gone by Olympia (formerly Addison Road) was a bit of a backwater. Not anymore. Both the London Overground and the Southern services were full and standing both on arrival and departure. A welcome return are regular scrap trains from Hitchin to Sheerness (6Z66). Thursday's working came through Kenny O like a bat out of hell. The 6M95 nuclear flasks is a well established working which also attracts the fans. Now it has some competition in the vintage traction stakes. The 37s put on a great show as they power through Olympia a few minutes late at 19:30. A Barking to Gospel Oak service arrives at Upper Holloway. A fellow railfan observes. This is what we were both waiting for, the 4M87 to Trafford Park with 90049 tucked in behind 66535. The 07:00 from Kings Cross in a short lived shower of rain at Alexandra Palace 30 minutes later the sun was out for the 1M16 Highland Sleeper. The sleeper overtakes an FCC Moorgate train whilst a 317 heads north on a Cambridge slow. On the down goods another pair of empty 313s returning to somewhere on the Hertford Loop for another trainload of commuters, destination Moorgate. The ECS off the 06:20 from Peterborough en-route to Welwyn GC. 56312 rolling through Redhill on a late running 4Z91, bringing a spark of interest to the Brighton Line freight scene A trio of 456s approaching Balham from the direction of Streatham Common. The line through Balham and on to Streatham Hill (in the background) is that of the erstwhile West End of London and Crystal Palace Railway, opened in the 1850s, and offering both the LB&SC and the LC&D a tortuous route to the west end terminus which became Victoria. What is now the mainline via Selhurst opened at a later date, offering a more direct route from Victoria to Croydon and the Brighton's original mainline to London Bridge. 56312 on time at 13:53 rounding the curve on the 4Z91 inter-modal to Hams Hall. I was surprised that I was the only photographer in evidence, so maybe this new service is no longer a novelty. The 6E52 on the Down Goods between Hornsey and Ally Pally. A pair of 317s races towards King's Cross The loaded 6Z66 coming off the King's Cross incline at Camden Road East. The 4S88 to Coatbridge passing through Highbury and Islington. The rails have been removed from No.1 track whilst work goes on preparing the formation for the reinstatement of two tracks in preparation for the extension of East London Line trains to Highbury in 2011. The 7O81 labours up the grade through Harringay Green Lanes... ...passing 59101 on 6L21 under Wightman Road bridge Another shot of the 4Z91 at Redhill, emerging off the Tonbridge line and taking the through line towards LOndon, following a Reigate to Charing Cross train Interestingly a refrigerated container (reefer) was on the last flat. RAIL magazine reported that it was carrying a shipment of Italian melons. Hopefully more fruit and veg will travel by train if this is a successful trial.

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]]> Thu Jul 2 2009 Scotland '09 http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1718809.html Some pictures of trains and boats taken on a week long holiday to Edinburgh and the Western Isles. Starting from London on Thursday 18th we travelled by train to Edinburgh for three days and then, picking up a hire car, drove firstly to Kingussie and from there to Uig on Skye from where we caught the Cal Mac ferry across The Minch to Tarbert on Harris. The weather in the Hebrides was almost unbelievable, it was fine and dry with plenty of warm sunshine, and at that latitude no real darkness. The journey homw was from Stornoway, on Lewis, to Ullapool, back to Edinburgh via a night on the Black Isle and then by train to King's Cross. Unfortunately all good things come to an end. Friday 19 June 2009: Some pictures of trains and boats taken on a week long holiday to Edinburgh and the Western Isles. Starting from London on Thursday 18th we travelled by train to Edinburgh for three days and then, picking up a hire car, drove firstly to Kingussie and from there to Uig on Skye from where we caught the Cal Mac ferry across The Minch to Tarbert on Harris. The weather in the Hebrides was almost unbelievable, it was fine and dry with plenty of warm sunshine, and at that latitude no real darkness. The journey homw was from Stornoway, on Lewis, to Ullapool, back to Edinburgh via a night on the Black Isle and then by train to King's Cross. Unfortunately all good things come to an end.

On Friday 19th June the 6B03 from Leith Docks to Cockenzie power station about to pass under Seafield Road after leaving the docks. The 12:30 Inverness to Glasgow Queen Street descending from the Pass of Drumochter at Dalnacardoch. In pretty terrible light the 1S25 having just crested the summit at Drumochter commences the descent towards Dalwhinnie. A couple of other shots taken between Dalwhinnie and Newtonmore... ...with 67004 Poste Haste in charge. Later in the morning the skies brightened for the 4H47 from Grangemouth crossing the Findhorn Viaduct. CalMac ferry Loch Portain arriving at Leverburgh, Harris on the first sailing of the day from Berneray on North Uist. Fulmar Towers. At the Butt of Lewis (no sniggering please) the cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds including Fulmars. They are rather endearing birds, coming back to the same nest site with the same mate year after year. They don't actually make a nest as such but simply find a nice niche or burrow into which their lay their eggs. Fulmars are related to the albatross and like albatrosses they are tube noses, being able to eject a nasty fishy oily mixture from tubes above their bills when threatened. They fly on short stubby wings, making use of updrafts and thermals. The way fulmars do it flying is easy. A small fishing vessel in the harbour at Leverburgh at 9:30 on Tuesday evening. Loch Portain arriving at Leverburgh from Berneray A trio of Kittywakes buzzes the Loch Portain en-route to Beneray. Later in the day, on the last sailing from Berneray, looking towards Harris. The Sound was like a mill pond with plenty od sea life; seals, a basking shark and lots of seabirds. A real naturalist's paradise. The MV Isle of Lewis is CalMac's biggest passenger ferry. Here she is berthing at Stornoway on the afternoon run from Ullapool. The journey across The Minch takes 160 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the North West Highlands as the ship approaches Ullapool. Like the class 60s Isle of Lewis is also powered by Mirrlees-Blackstone engines! As well as Drumochter the Highland Mainline also has to climb another 1000' plus summit, at Slochd between Aviemore and Inverness. taken on Saturday 27th I had hoped to get a picture of the sleeper passing the board but it was quite misty at this elevation despite being clearer and sunnier further down. The 1S25 from Euston crossing the Findhorn Viaduct at Tomatin, with the mountains in the background obscured by low cloud. Later in the day the Stobart inter-modal, 4N47, passses Dalwhinnie on the final approach to Drumochter.

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]]> Fri Jun 19 2009 Another early start http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1714035.html The prospect of a sunny morning plus the fact I'm not at work today was just the incentive needed to get up at 4 a.m. for another visit to Old Linslade. The forecast the previous evening had been for a clear start, clouding over later. What they didn't mention was the thick fog on the north slope of the Chiltern Hills, which extended all the way to Leighton Buzzard. It finally cleared about half a mile from my destination. I must have done something right. Thursday 18 June 2009: The prospect of a sunny morning plus the fact I'm not at work today was just the incentive needed to get up at 4 a.m. for another visit to Old Linslade. The forecast the previous evening had been for a clear start, clouding over later. What they didn't mention was the thick fog on the north slope of the Chiltern Hills, which extended all the way to Leighton Buzzard. It finally cleared about half a mile from my destination. I must have done something right.

Not what I was expecting. At 05:40 this FCC 313 headed north, I guess bound for Wolverton. The Lowland Sleeper, 1M11 behind 90026. Running early, it is only due through Rugby at 05:35 but passed me at 05:50. Taken from the new sound barrier which extends almost from the mouth of Linslade Tunnel all the way to the lane to Heath and Reach. A single Voyager (empty I think) heading towards Euston. At 06:11 the sound of an EMD 710 engine heralded the arrival of 66588 on the 4M75, a new Freightliner working from Felixstowe to Birch Coppice. The fog which was thick from Leighton Buzzard to Tring was still hanging over the ridge through which Linslade Tunnel burrows. Some 20 minutes later another Freightliner working, this the 4M52 with 66590 in charge. No sooner had the sound of the 4M52 died away than a southbound train could be heard approaching. 66715 Valour (named after the Great Central Railway's war memorial locomotive) on the 4L02... ...scaring some sheep, who until then had proved remarkably inquisitive. The sound barrier is the ground beyond the sheep enclosed by the wire fence. It does make a good location for shots of northbounds emerging from Linslade Tunnel. At 06:37 the 5A06 ECS working from Crewe to Euston scooted past, making ready to work the 07:43 Euston to Birmingham New Street. As on Tuesday 90019 is on the job. DBS inter-modal 4M46 from Novara in Italy. And another southbound Voayger, this time carrying passengers. The Highland Sleeper, 1M16 behind 90029. Personally speaking I preferred the old National Express Scotrail livery on the sleepers over the First Group scheme. Both were/are blue but the NatEx example was far more stylish. Maybe Dynamic Lines livery would look better? A pair of Desiros heads north. 66706 on the 4M21 to Hams Hall, GBRf run what is almost a shuttle service between Felixstowe and Hams Hall these days. An old favourite, the 4L89 behind 90043. Looking towards Linslade Tunnel, 66587 emerges on the 4M45 to Ditton. A nicely loaded train, in fact all the liner/inter-modals I saw had respectable loads. Beauty and the beast. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder but if nothing else privatisation has got us away from BR's 'engineered' Mk 3 designs, like the 321s and given us well designed units like the 350s. I admit the 321s are probably the best of a bad lot (the original 317s are unspeakable) but that is not saying much. 90019 returns at the head of the 07:43 to Birmingham New Street, the 1G06

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]]> Thu Jun 18 2009 Manningtree http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1711874.html Today a friend from the US and I drove down to Manningtree, ending up at Kennett near Newmarket. Using Freightmaster we saw all the freight trains listed in the Ipswich table, with the exception of the 4L93, which we didn't stay to see. One mild disappointment was the lack of any electric traction, except for 90041 on the 4L89 and that was being piloted by 66575! It was pretty warm and, for the most part, sunny as well, so all in all a very good day. Saturday 13 June 2009: Today a friend from the US and I drove down to Manningtree, ending up at Kennett near Newmarket. Using Freightmaster we saw all the freight trains listed in the Ipswich table, with the exception of the 4L93, which we didn't stay to see. One mild disappointment was the lack of any electric traction, except for 90041 on the 4L89 and that was being piloted by 66575! It was pretty warm and, for the most part, sunny as well, so all in all a very good day.

One of several near misses; we had just arrived when the sound of a fast approaching diesel could be heard. I hadn't time to change lenses and so caught 66580 speeding over the Stour bridge on the 4R98 A few minutes later the 07:00 Norwich to Liverpool Street slowing down for the Manningtree stop. The 07:47 Harwich Town to Cambridge coming off the chord at Manningtree North Junction. Disappointingly the first six flats of the 4L27 were empty, lessening the visual impact... ...they were all in the middle or rear of the train At Manningtree the 07:38 to Lowestoft speeds across the junction. Another just made it picture. After parking in the ICI car park at Cattawade we walked up to the bridge which links the Stour River Walk with Brantham Church. Only just made it and changed the lens when the 4L95 appeared a few minutes early at 09:08 From there we walked along the path which took us to the Stour River Walk. This fox was clearly using the low tide to catch a meal, in this case a Shelduck. But the fox took fright when he saw Mel and I and dropped the Shelduck in the reeds, from where it scrambled away although I doubt it would survive for very long. Taken from the river path, the 08:38 Liverpool Street to Peterborough climbing towards Brantham from the Stour crossing. The second NXEA 90 we saw yesterday. 90015 Colchester Castle is on the 09:00 from Norwich Nice to think this was the Shelduck the fox had caught happily recovered, but I doubt it. 90013 pushing the late running 09:00 from Liverpool Street towards Ipswich. Rather later than expected (10:24 against a booked time at Ipswich of 10:05) 66722 Sir Edward Watkin on the 4L02, the second time this week that I had seen it on this train. 66522 on the 4M87, simply a long train of empty flats. Moving to the popular location near the footpath crossing at Brantham, 66575 piloting 90041 on an early 4L89, I guess as a result of not stopping to detach the pilot at Temple Mills. This too was another rushed shot. We were standing on the side of the bank looking north when the driver blew for the crossing. Doing a passable imitation of Usain Bolt I managed to get down to the crossing just as the train appeared. Sometimes I feel I may be getting too old for this game. And now some pictures taken from the justly popular Essex bank of the Stour, firstly the 09:55 from Peterborough... ...then the 4A03 empty flats from Felixstowe to Harwich. 90013 again on the 11:30 from Norwich, at Cattawade... ...and then crossing the Stour, the tide had started to turn and the river was slowly filling And finally another picture of 90015, unsportingly the sun disappeared momentarily before it turned up, pushing the 11:30 to Norwich From Manningtree we drove to Stowmarket and Lancaster's crossing on the road to Bacton. The 13:10 from Great Yarmouth was the NXEA liveried set complete with the other NXEA 90. The sun shone until about 5 minutes before it turned up. So these two ladybirds, doing whatever it is ladybirds do on a summer Saturday, will have to do instead. You'll have to imagine the NXEA livery. Another snatched shot with completely the wrong aperture setting, the GBRf Felixstowe to Peterborough convoy passing Lancaster's Crossing at 14:23 Lastly, as we made our way back to London, the ever reliable 4L85 Leeds to Felixstowe approaching Kennett. Here too the sun had disappeared only minutes before the train turned up but it was probably a good thing because by this time of the afternoon Kennett is very backlit. The box is switched out, hence both up and down semaphores are off.

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]]> Sat Jun 13 2009 Thursday http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1711006.html Just an ordinary Thursday. Thursday 11 June 2009: Just an ordinary Thursday.

Thanks to the tube strike I had to travel into town via Alexandra Palace. Very surprised to see what turned out to be the 6E52 Cardiff Tidal to Hitchin empty scrap. The first DBS scrap train for many weeks. And here being passed by FCCs new 321s on the 06:20 from Peterborough. The 07:23 from Ally Pally, running a few minutes late on account of the crowds, passes the 07:20 to Hull whilst the 6E52 waits patiently After the passage of two empty EMU sets up the Hertford Loop 66009 prepares to follow them. At Camden Road the 66722 Sir Edward Watkin comes off the Gospel Oak line with the 4L02 And 66053 and 078 on a heavy 4L27, which today was running as 6L27 on account of a rake of IZA cargowaggons on the back of the train. At Tinsley Green a patch of sunlight catches a southbound FCC 319 en-route to Brighton A flyBE turbo prop lands over the 13:02 Victoria to Bognor and Portsmouth Harbour At last. The 7Y36 seems to be running even later these days, following the stopping train which leaves Gatwick at 13:55. At Wandsworth Road a Southeastern 465 heads towards Victoria The Colas operated 6Z48, empty steel carriers from Burton on Trent back to France. Well over 40 years old the 47s are something of a minor miracle, with their neanderthal-era Sulzer twin bank 12LDA28C prime mover. They'll probably be around as long as Stonehenge at this rate. At Caledonian Road the 4S88 to Coatbridge Almost full, with just a couple of empty flats and a couple of single TEU spaces, it catches the sun en-route to Camden Road.

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]]> Thu Jun 11 2009 Early morning at Old Linslade and evening at Dudswell http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1706932.html An exhibition in Watford gave me a great opportunity for an early morning (0600 to 0815) at Old Linslade and an early evening (1730 to 1840) at Dudswell. When the alarm went off at 04:45 I was almost inclined to turn over and go back to sleep but I'm glad I didn't. Although it was tempting :-). At the end of the month another meeting, this time at harwell gave me another opportunity of a couple of hours in the early evening at Dudswell. It was hot and very humid, but only occasionally sunny. Nevertheless it was worthwhile if only for the 6X77 with 37401 in the consist. Tuesday 2 June 2009: An exhibition in Watford gave me a great opportunity for an early morning (0600 to 0815) at Old Linslade and an early evening (1730 to 1840) at Dudswell. When the alarm went off at 04:45 I was almost inclined to turn over and go back to sleep but I'm glad I didn't. Although it was tempting :-). At the end of the month another meeting, this time at harwell gave me another opportunity of a couple of hours in the early evening at Dudswell. It was hot and very humid, but only occasionally sunny. Nevertheless it was worthwhile if only for the 6X77 with 37401 in the consist.

Spot the odd one out. In the evening of Monday 1st June 66134 sits on the stub end of Track 1 at Highbury & Islington with a rake of spoil wagons. A JCB has been clearing the old eastbound platform and dumping the material in the wagons. From reports of Tuesday 2nd the train had moved towards Canonbury but was still being loaded with excavated material, prior to the reinstatement of double track where track 1 had been. At 05:56 a southbound Super Voyager at Soulbury alongside the new Linslade and Stoke Hammond by-pass. At Old Linslade a northbound Pendolino passes 66039 on a southbound ballast train Another southbound Super Voyager. Not sure what service it was, possibly the 06:20 Rugby to Euston via Northampton? The Highland Sleeper, 1M16 behind DBS 90021 in Scotrail livery. The sleeper, which passed on time at 07:11 was followed 5 minutes later by a late running 4L02 Hams Hall to Felixstowe (due through Watford at 07:00) The first northbound liner, at 07:32 consisted of 66579 on what I guess was the 4M45 Felixstowe to Ditton 90016 was on another favourite, the 4L89. 66575 was on the 4M86 to Lawley Street. Due through Watford at 07:30 it passed Old Linslade at 08:00, which I guess makes it about on time. On the sandy bank on the Down side a Green Woodpecker was excavating insects, presumably to feed its brood in a nearby nest. Irt was very industrious, sending little clouds of sands into the air as it dug. The last morning picture was of the 07:43 Euston to Birmingham, 90028 and a mixed rake of ex-Virgin and repainted Cargo-D Mk 3s. Nice to see admid the Pendolinos and Voyagers The influx of the 350 class Desiros has allowed LM to run a number of 12 car trains during the peaks. This set of units was northbound at Dudswell at 18:00... ...closely followed by a heavy 6X77 Wembley to Mossend. As well as the car carriers the train consisted of 12 IZA twin box cars. I had planned to relocate to get the 4L92, in the hope of a better shot of the Cans. But it wasn't to be. The 4L92 is due through Watford at 18:35, it passed Dudswell at 18:07. I guess it could recess at King's Langley otherwise it was running nice and early. My final two shots were down by the lock at Dudswell. Firstly 66588 on what I think was the 4M93 to Lawley Street... ...and finally a not so good panned shot of 90028 pushing a late running 17:30 Birmingham New Street to Euston. Due past Watford Junction at 17:00 the 1S96 Scottish Mail passes Dudswell more or less on time at 17:11. There were problems on the North London Line which might account for the late running 4M87. I expected it about 16:50 but it was 17:40 before 86501 put in an appearance. By the time the 6X77 appeared things had brightened up. Nice to see 92031 on the point and even more interestingw ere the Celtic Energy domestic coal containers, temporarily re-routed from South Wales to Scotland via Wembley instead of over the North and West through Shrewsbury. My favourite class in service today is without doubt the 86s. Despite being well over 40 years old their no-nonsense design has held up remarkably well and being well looked after by Freightliner, they really don't look their age. Despite an inauspicious start in the 1960s they have proved to be one of the best designs bar none which BR turned out.

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]]> Tue Jun 2 2009 Mad May Morning in March http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1705905.html I drove over to March on Saturday morning, primarily to catch the two early morning westbound freight trains; Freightliner's 4E62 Felixstowe to Leeds and DBS's 6M28 from Ipswich to Burton-on-Trent. As it happened I saw more than I bargained for. Saturday 30 May 2009: I drove over to March on Saturday morning, primarily to catch the two early morning westbound freight trains; Freightliner's 4E62 Felixstowe to Leeds and DBS's 6M28 from Ipswich to Burton-on-Trent. As it happened I saw more than I bargained for.

Within 5 minutes of the 4L02 I also got to see a cuckoo (a first) and two Great Spotted Woodpeckers (or one twice). And the skies around Silt Road were filled with legions of swallows. Here is one, perching on a wire over the crossing, surely one of our most attractive summer visitors? The first surprise was the appearance of 66726 and the 4L02 from Hams Hall to Felixstowe. I had assumed this would have been routed via London since the cancellation of the GEML engineering work. But it was pointed out that having planned to run it via its 'normal' diversionary route it was more trouble than it was worth to re-route. Which was good news for me, although I would have preferred a less anonymous picture, after all this could be almost anywhere. It's actually Silt Road on the eastern edge of March. Timed past Ely at 07:35 the 4E62 to Leed passed Silt Road at 07:49 I changed locations to the Badgeney Road AHB level crossing which is a 100 yards or so nearer to March South. An early morning Peterborough to London Liverpool Street 170 approaching the crossing. A few minutes later, at about the time an EMT 158 was due, the sound of a twin bank Sulzer 12LDA28C could be heard. It turned out to be that of a WCRC 47 at the head of a NENTA tour train en-route to York, Durham and Newcastle. The 158 was a block behind and had to wait at the March South outer home whilst the NENTA special made its March pick-up. Another nice surprise. And right behind the late running 158, and a little late itself came DBS 6M28 intermodal to Burton-on-Trent. Due through Ely at 08:05 it passed Silt Road at 08:28. Full except for two empty flats in the middle of the formation.

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]]> Sat May 30 2009 Bank Holiday Weekend http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1703026.html I spent most of the bank holiday weekend with family in Norfolk. But it started off in London on Friday morning, whilst on the way to a meeting in Central London. On Saturday I was up with the lark to go see Oliver Cromwell en route to Eastleigh and Poole at Ely and finished, on Sunday afternoon, with a quiet hour line-side at Manea. The sun shone throughout, I couldn't really ask for more. Friday 22 May 2009: I spent most of the bank holiday weekend with family in Norfolk. But it started off in London on Friday morning, whilst on the way to a meeting in Central London. On Saturday I was up with the lark to go see Oliver Cromwell en route to Eastleigh and Poole at Ely and finished, on Sunday afternoon, with a quiet hour line-side at Manea. The sun shone throughout, I couldn't really ask for more.

Another day, Friday, and another crack at the FCC 321s, here passing Harringay on the 06:20 from Peterborough. Followed shortly afterwards by 180113 in full First Hull Trains Dynamic Lines finery on the 07:20 to Hull... ...and passing 365s in another First corporate livery - City Lights. A pair of vinyled 365s leaving Finsbury Park on a Peterborough train. At Caledonian Road and Barnsbury yet another First group operator - First GBRf - and 66724 on the 4L02 Hams Hall to Felixstowe. Yo can see the changes made to the former 25kV lines on the right. A solitary commuter pays no attention to the passage of 4L02, fiddling with his iPod instead. The River Great Ouse was quiet ao 07:00 on Saturday morning when an EMT 158 headed out of town on the 05:52 Norwich to Liverpool Lime Street The 06:25 Stansted to Birmingham New Street crossing the water meadows north of Ely station 66724 was once again assigned to the 4L02. Passing some very uninterested looking cows... ...as the full train approached Ely station and a wait in the yard to pass the 4E62 and 6M24. An FCC 365 en-route to King's Lynn An unusually heavy 4E62 running some 25 minutes late... ..behind 66594 The 6M24 was five minutes behind, and another well loaded train. Another refurbished EMT 158 heading towards Ely North junction. On time 70013 on the Dorset Coast Express. The driver adopts the classic steam driver's pose. 70013 passes a 170 in front of Ely Cathedral as it slows for the Ely stop en-route to Poole. Manea (pronounced Mane-ee) is a quiet village in the Cambridgeshire fens, midway between Ely and March. It's a quiet place with a box which works AB to Stonea and TCB to Cambridge PSB. The box has been modernised recently with new windows, new cladding and an inside bathroom. The station isn't quite so well provided for, a garden shed seemingly the only shelter on the Up platform. But then service is pretty sparse, two trains a day. A Cross Country 170 on a Birmingham New Street train approaching the box and passing the Down Home. Only EMT was absent yesterday, owing to industrial action. Here an NXEA 170 heading for Ipswich. In the distance the line climbs to cross the Old and New Bedford Rivers and the Ouse Washes.

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]]> Fri May 22 2009 A showery weekend in London http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1698338.html Saturday May 16th was a typical spring day, sunshine and showers. It was also a day when there were no freight train diversions. The motive power on show was an eclectic mix - a 60, 66s, a 90 and a 92. Not a bad haul. On Sunday I braved the increasingly frequent showers and cold wind as London Underground were running Sarah Siddons and their leased 20s on a Harrow-on-the Hill to Amersham shuttle in connection with Rickmansworth's canal festival. Great to see her out and about again. Saturday 16 May 2009: Saturday May 16th was a typical spring day, sunshine and showers. It was also a day when there were no freight train diversions. The motive power on show was an eclectic mix - a 60, 66s, a 90 and a 92. Not a bad haul. On Sunday I braved the increasingly frequent showers and cold wind as London Underground were running Sarah Siddons and their leased 20s on a Harrow-on-the Hill to Amersham shuttle in connection with Rickmansworth's canal festival. Great to see her out and about again.

Since the 25kV freight lines closed on April 20th a considerable amount fo work has taken place, all the catenary has been dismantled, the no. 1 track has been lifted between Caledonian Road and Highbury. This is looking west from Caledonian Road. 66956 dragging 90041 on the 4L97 at Highbury & Islington. A train of C69/77 stock slows down for the East Putney stop, no doubt subjecting patrons to sundry creaks and lurches whilst doing so. At Putney a Hounslow Loop train passing underneath the District Line A Waterloo bound train leaving Putney and passing under the District Line. An A380 heads towards Heathrow 60059 on the 6M34 from Crawley to Peak Forest framed by the abutments of the dismantled flying junction between Wandsworth Town and Putney. It connected the LSWR 'mainline' with what is now the District Line at East Putney. There is still a single track connection on the down side with a flat crossing which enables Clapham bound trains to gain the up lines. A cloudburst was imminent as the 4L93 nosed through Camden Road It is noticeable that when diverted over the fens both this train and the 4L97 are very lightly loaded, clearly because the large 9' containers, which make up the bulk of the train, are not permitted on the cross country route. Not on the menu. 66545 was at West Thurrock earlier in the day so this must be cement empties returning to Earles. Routed I imagine via Willesden, Clapham Junction, Kew East, Harlesden and the MML as the GOBLIN was shut east of South Tottenham all weekend. 92005 on the 4E32 from Ebange in Eastern France crossing Gospel Oak Junction en-route to Camden Road and the King's Cross incline. On Sunday the Rickmansworth Canal Festival was enhanced by London Underground giving Sarah Siddons an outing on her old stampng ground, the Metropolitan mainline, in the company of a pair of 20s and hauling the ex-BR(S) TC set, now repainted in an imitation teak scheme, presumably to replicate the livery of the Dreadnought passenger cars Siddons used to haul. But before the star turn here's an A stock train leaving Moor Park made up of two four car sets, on a Watford to Baker Street stopping service. And here, a few minutes later, just as the heavens opened, came the special train (14:57 ex-Amersham) topped by the two 20s... ...and tailed by No.12 Sarah Siddons. For those who don't know SS is one of a class of 20 locomotives built by Metropolitan Vickers for the Metropolitan Railway in 1923 to haul the increasingly heavy residential expresses over their mainline to Rickmansworth, where steam took over for the remainder of the journey through the Chiltern Hills. Rickmansworth was the limit of electrification from 1925 to 1961 when the Metropolitan modernisation was completed, and the MV locos were withdrawn. John Hampden is in the LT Museum whilst Sarah Siddons is maintained in working order. She used to be classified as the 'brake test locomotive' but in reality she is simply a museum piece lovingly looked after by London Underground. :-) At Northwood an Amersham Fast passes the station. The four tracking north of Harrow was completed in 1961, only Moor Park has four platform faces, the fast lines avoid the other four stations entirely. Just behind the Amersham train came no.12, now doing all the donkey work, whilst te 20s burbled at the back. Between Northwood and Pinner lies Northwood Hills, a misnomer as it's pretty flat but it was a made up name for a new suburb, something the Metropolitan Railway was rather good at - Ruislip Manor is another example. Atractive suburbs for aspiring middle class families who wanted to get away from the grime and smoke of the city. Here a Chiltern Turbo is sandwiched by an Amersham fast (left) and a Watford slow (right). The Turbo is bound for Marylebone and will leave the joint trackage at Harrow North Junction. The final trip back to Harrow-on-the-Hill was on the local lines, on the heels of a Watford to Baker Street stopping train. The 20s were having a fairly easy time of it, coasting downhill... ...whilst Sarah Siddons was bathed in some unexpected sunshine. A nice way to end the day. When the Metropolitan opened their new station on Joel Street in the early 1930s it was still a muddy Middlesex lane lined with hedges and fields on either side. In a few short years all that changed and the suburb we know today as Northwood Hills grew and grew. The station is the last designed by the Met's architect, C W Clark. He was not as adventurous as the architects who worked for the Underground Group and when the LPTB was formed Clark took early retirement. But this 'garden city' style of architecture is still very pleasing, and right at home in Metroland.

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]]> Sat May 16 2009 Rhätische Bahn/Ferrovia Retica/Viafier Retica http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1696877.html The RhB or Rhaetian Railway is Switzerland's largest metre gauge operation. It operates in the canton of Graubunden in the SE of the country, on the border with Italy and within an area where the Romansch language is still spoken, hence the railway's three names. As a small boy growing up in West Sussex enthralled to all things narrow gauge I could only dream of travelling on the RhB, but it's taken over 30 years to actually see the railway first hand. These pictures were taken over two days (9th and 10th May) whilst staying at Filisur on the Albula Line and junction for Davos. A unique feature of the RhB is the Unesco World Heritage status that the Albula Line from Thusis to St Moritz and the Bernina Line from St Moritz to Tirano have been given. When I think of Unesco World Heritage sites I think of the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids or the Campo dei Miracoli in Pisa. But not a railway. In fact the RhB has earned world heritage status on two counts; the nature of the engineering and the harmonious way the engineering has been blended into the landscape. And on both accounts it is difficult to find fault. Saturday 9 May 2009: The RhB or Rhaetian Railway is Switzerland's largest metre gauge operation. It operates in the canton of Graubunden in the SE of the country, on the border with Italy and within an area where the Romansch language is still spoken, hence the railway's three names. As a small boy growing up in West Sussex enthralled to all things narrow gauge I could only dream of travelling on the RhB, but it's taken over 30 years to actually see the railway first hand. These pictures were taken over two days (9th and 10th May) whilst staying at Filisur on the Albula Line and junction for Davos. A unique feature of the RhB is the Unesco World Heritage status that the Albula Line from Thusis to St Moritz and the Bernina Line from St Moritz to Tirano have been given. When I think of Unesco World Heritage sites I think of the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids or the Campo dei Miracoli in Pisa. But not a railway. In fact the RhB has earned world heritage status on two counts; the nature of the engineering and the harmonious way the engineering has been blended into the landscape. And on both accounts it is difficult to find fault.

The 13:32 Davos Platz to Filisur local train approaching Filisur. The RhB often carries freight on the back of its passenger services. On Saturday afternoon a container of the Aldi-Suisse supermarket chain brought up the rear of the 12:02 St Moritz to Chur at Filisur Albula Line (Chur to St Moritz) trains cross at Filisur. Ge 4/4 650 advertising the world heritage status awarded to the Albula and Bernina lines by Unesco on the 11:58 Chur to St Moritz. This train conveys a full service dining car. The building on the right is the Grischuna Hotel, location of the Filisur webcam. The Landwasser Viaduct on the approach to Filisur is one of the iconic images of the RhB. Unfortunately at the moment it is covered in scaffolding and hidden by a shroud. So the approach viaduct will have to do. Here the 12:58 from Chur behind yet another Ge 4/4 of the third series approaches the Landwasser Viaduct, just below us to the right. About 10 minutes later the 13:02 from St Moritz headed towards Tiefencastel and Thusis. As you can see from the state of the blossom and leaf growth spring is about a month behind the UK. The 15:32 Davos Platz to Filisur crossing the Wiesen Viaduct which spans the Landwasser river, 88m below. The pedestrian walkway is not for those who, like me, are uncomfortable on high places We caught the next train back to Filisur, the 16:32 from Davos, here pulling in to Wiesen. Back at Filisur the onward connection to St Moritz was none other than the Glacier Express, complete with through cars from Chur and Zermatt. Here it climbs away from Filisur and is about to enter a spiral to gain height. Switzerland is amazingly well organised for outdoor activities. This footpath sign directs you to views of the viaducts and further afield and also shows public transport connections The RhB take great pride in their two named trains, the Glacier and Bernina Experesses. Here they are advertised in 6 languages. After our walk to Wiesen we stopped for a beer in the Filisur station cafe. The 17:02 from St Moritz descends towards the station . The multi-lingual nature of Graubunden is evident in the different names of the railway on the loco and the baggage car. Between Filisur and Tiefencastel the Albula line winds its way along the hillside. The 07:58 from Chur is in the hands of one of the RhB's older 6 axle power. On Sunday morning the first train of the day, the 06:48 from Chur departs Filisur at 08:02. The Hotel Grischuna is on the left. Highly recommended. The 08:02 from St Moritz All the Ge 4/4 series 3 wear advertising liveries. We saw 650 yesterday, it's promoting the railway's world heritage status. This view of the Wiesen viaduct was taken from the Davos road. The station is a long way from the village Sunday was Mother's Day in Switzerland and to celebrate the RhB ran a steam special from Landquart to Chur via Davos. The elderly 2-8-0 was given a helping hand as far as Davos, here on the approach to Klosters. The Ge 6/6 was doing all the work, the steam engine contributing the odd blast on it's whistle. At Klosters the special was passed by the 10:47 Landquart to Davos Platz. The Ge 4/4 is pulling a push pull set, routinely used on these services. The special still had its helper Which I guess is not that surprising, given the nature of the grades and the impact on scheduled trains of a slow moving steam train. The Ge 6/6 is in that no nonsense styling characteristic of Swiss locomotives The steam engine, an SLM product, is also commendably clean lined. A Landquart train heads downhill from Davos Wolfgang with a baggage car tacked on behind the loco. The steam special stopped at Davos for a 3 hour lunch break. We decided to do some walking. Here at Davos Frauenkirch the 13:32 from Davos to Filisur passes an equestrian centre. The earlier Ge 4/4s look like miniature cousins of SBB power. At Frauenkirch the 13:32 from Davos passes the 13:03 from Filisur. Both sets are push pull with the driving trailer on the Davos end of the train. A modern Ge 4/4 advertising a Romansch language TV station was applying the effort on the Davos bound train Our walk took us along the hillside, with occasional glimpses of the railway. Here the 14:03 from Filisur, the 13:32 from Davos seen earlier is running along the valley floor The special left Davos at 15:00 and arrived at Glaris to cross the 15:03 from Filisur. 107 was allowed out on its own, the Ge 6/6 followed about 5 minutes behind with the water tank. 107 Albula is a G4/5 built by SLM in 1906, one of two which remain for tourist train service. After a brief stop the 15:03 leaves Glaris. A Ge 4/4 does the pushing. If Today's Railways is right EMUs will replace the push pull sets later in the year. And finally. The Arosa line starts in the square outside Chur's station and proceeds through the streets. This is an inbound train with a Ge 4/4 doing the honours.

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]]> Sat May 9 2009 Dorset Weekend http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1692842.html We spent the bank holiday weekend with a load of friends and their children in west Dorset (within sniffing distance of JC & RH Palmer's brewery). On Saturday I took the opportunity for a few shots on the South Western mainline (including Tangmere en-route to Swanage) and of the slam door 3CIG sets living on borrowed time if the rumours are correct, on the Lymington Branch. A big thanks to SWT Steve Clark (aka Grid Nutter on FMi) who arranged to have the Lymington 150 headboard carried. As a teenager in Sussex in the mid 1960s I remember the CIGs when they were new, so riding 1497 brought back a bagful of memories. Saturday 2 May 2009: We spent the bank holiday weekend with a load of friends and their children in west Dorset (within sniffing distance of JC & RH Palmer's brewery). On Saturday I took the opportunity for a few shots on the South Western mainline (including Tangmere en-route to Swanage) and of the slam door 3CIG sets living on borrowed time if the rumours are correct, on the Lymington Branch. A big thanks to SWT Steve Clark (aka Grid Nutter on FMi) who arranged to have the Lymington 150 headboard carried. As a teenager in Sussex in the mid 1960s I remember the CIGs when they were new, so riding 1497 brought back a bagful of memories.

Micheldever and a SWT 444 races through on a semi-fast service to Weymouth.. The star attraction of the morning was 34067, Tangmere sporting a Royal Wessex headboard, on a through train from London to Swanage, a journey I first made back in 1960 on a family holiday. DBS 66238 leaving Popham Tunnel on the 4O53 from Trafford Park A Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth XC Voyager racing out of the tunnel Like British Rail SWT are not above inflicting commuter type equipment on long distance travellers, in this case a 450 trails the 444 on the 11:05 Waterloo to Weymouth. It was followed very closely by Freightliner's 4O27 from Garston. At Eastleigh a pair of GBRf 73s await their next call of duty whilst a 444 leaves bound for Southampton. The 4O54 was double headed, I guess this was a positioning move rather than an overly heavy train, although, as you can see, it was well loaded. And now for some nostalgia. 1497 in its not-quite-authentic BR corporate livery appraches the branch junction just west of Brockenhurst. Here it is some 30 minutes later, having completed a return trip to Lymington, crossing the heathland of the New Forest The CIGs were introduced in 1965 and like so much that was Southern were both modern and old fashioned simultaneously. The Phase 2 units, of which 1497 is an example were being turned out for ostensibly inter-city workings whilst elsewhere BR were introducing Mk 2ds with air conditioning. Stylistically they were an improvement on ther predecessors, the CEPs. But that's not saying alot! This picture should have included a New Forest pony and her foal, but at the last minute... ...the foal decided it was camera shy and mum followed. The 15:59 to Lymington crossing the gorse covered heathland Unlike oil seed rape, which is a similar colour the gorse doesn't look quite so alien. A CIG at rest, a scene that was common at any Southern terminus for many years. At Lymington Pier Guard Steve Clark makes sure the headcode is properly displayed and the head board secured.. The Lymington service is a true boat train, connecting with the ferries across to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. 1497 makes its way down to the Pier past a forest of masts in the harbour And finally its back at Lymington Town en-route to Brockenhurst.

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]]> Sat May 2 2009 Being Diverted http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1686679.html April 20th saw the start of the reconstruction of the North London Line between Camden Road and Dalston Kingsland to enhance capacity for the forthcoming Olympic Games and the reopening of the extended East London Line from Dalston to West Croydon. The current three/four track layout has been reduced to two, necessitating diversion of some freight services via the Gospel Oak to Barking Line (GOBLIN), from Gospel Oak to South Tottenham and then via Temple Mills to Stratford. Freightliner's electric services to and from Felixstowe are being dragged across the wireless gap. Unfortunately the improvements do not include wiring GOBLIN but do involve the replacement of Harringay Park Junction box and associated semaphores, this to take place during an extended closure towards the end of 2009. A great deal is happening and most of it on my doorstep so I shall be following the action as time permits. Wednesday 22 April 2009: April 20th saw the start of the reconstruction of the North London Line between Camden Road and Dalston Kingsland to enhance capacity for the forthcoming Olympic Games and the reopening of the extended East London Line from Dalston to West Croydon. The current three/four track layout has been reduced to two, necessitating diversion of some freight services via the Gospel Oak to Barking Line (GOBLIN), from Gospel Oak to South Tottenham and then via Temple Mills to Stratford. Freightliner's electric services to and from Felixstowe are being dragged across the wireless gap. Unfortunately the improvements do not include wiring GOBLIN but do involve the replacement of Harringay Park Junction box and associated semaphores, this to take place during an extended closure towards the end of 2009. A great deal is happening and most of it on my doorstep so I shall be following the action as time permits.

The 4M51 Tilbury to Daventry crossing the newly re-laid Junction Road Junction in the direction of Gospel Oak. After the train passed a resident fox picked his way across the line... ...climbed the bank and gave me a baleful stare before settling down for a snooze in the sun. 66587 followed the 4M51, light engine, towards Gospel Oak The London Overground 150s still sport Silverlink livery with London Overground transfers. LO seem to keep them in better shape than Silverlink, in whose care they did start looking rather tatty. 90047 is the train engine being piloted by 66588 as the 4L89 from Coatbridge slowly crosses the junction. At Kentish Town a pair of 319s on a Brighton train. FCC 377 and a Southern example on loan approach Kentish Town from the south on a Brighton to Bedford train. At Blackfriars only the two through lines are left. A Wimbledon train leaves heading south over the Thames, which the station will eventually span. 66539 passing Harringay Park on April 23rd with the 4M51 Tilbury to Daventry The Harringay Park Up Starter and the Harringay Park Intermediate Block Signal Distant Emerging from the short tunnel under Stapleton Hall Road and the Parkland Walk 66536 towing 90048 on the 4L89 And passing the spur to the ECML at what used to be Harringay West and is now just Harringay. Some 10 minutes later the 7L43 crept towards Harringay Green Lanes. It was held at the South Tottenham outer home for well over five minutes on account of the 4L89 missing it's slot and having to wait to access the Lea Valley line. Consequently it sat, fouling the junction at South Tottenham delaying both the following unit , the up unit and the 7L43. At South Tottenham the 4L41 behind 66578 and 90047 climbing up from the bridge under the Southbury Loop. As luck would have it the 4L41 was also held up awaiting access to the Lea Valley. Consequently 66121 was forced to wait at the home signal. An NXEA 315 on a Liverpool Street bound train heads towards Stamford Hill Having missed the 7L22 at Crouch Hill everything went quiet for over an hour. The boredom was alleviated by the appearance of 66188 running as 0M56, what should have been the Cargowagons and cubes from Ripple Lane. No sign of the 6L88 but the 6L45 loaded cement from Earles to West Thurrock appeared behind 66581. The signals are the Harringay Park IBS and the Upper Holloway Distant, both motor worked on account of the distance from the respective boxes. At Junction Road an early running 4M88 behind 66541 and 90045. Followed very shortly afterwards by the DRS operated 4M71 inter-modal train from Tilbury to Daventry carrying liquid sugar on behalf of Tate & Lyle. As it passed 66613 on the 6L60 to Bow Olympic headed east. At Junction Road Junction the 6X48 loaded Ford cars from Dagenham was double headed by 66131 and 66084. 66705 trundles over the junction a few minutes later forming the 0M91 from Ferme Park, in lieu of the 6O61 to Grain. Earlier in the day I had caught 66121 LE at South Tottenham. It was going to Lea Interchange to pick up the 6Z96, empty boxes bound for Hither Green, here at Junction Road. At Ormond Road between Crouch Hill and Upper Holloway 66578 lead cans 86605 and 604 on the 4M87 to Trafford Park. Yet another fox sunning itself on the Harringay Park to ECML spur. The embankments of GOBLIN, nice and overgrown and not troubled by humans, by and large, makes for an ideal habitat for a fox's den. Anyone spending time along the section between Gospel Oak and South Tottenham is bound to see one sooner or later. A London Overground 150 and a NXEC HST briefly pass one another. The rest of the HST was in the new corporate livery, only the back power car remained in GNER blue. And finally, back where we started, with 66536 on the return 4L57 Daventry to Tilbury. On Tuesday a brief stake-out at South Tottenham revealed 66610 on the 6L45 tanks And 66539 (with 90042) on the 4M81. On May 1st a 150 passes under the ECML and Wightman Road on the approach to Harringay Green Lanes. The FCC 313 is shunting in Hornsey Depot Behind the 150 came the 4L98 from Coatbridge, the up home has been pulled off for the next Gospel Oak bound unit. The cat is clearly a spotter. 66534 piloting 90042 on a well loaded train. At Caledonian Road 66731 sits out the holiday weekend on the former number 1 track, now oiut of service for upgrading. The work is beginning on Tuesday morning. This evening's 4S83 approaching Highbury and Islington, with the 90 tucked inside the 66. Although not 'off route' this has been diverted off the normal number 1 track. As the 4S83 passed 66596 appeared on the 4L90, due through Stratford at 19:55, it was running about 10 minutes early. On Monday evening the 4S83 passing Camden Road. The 313 is waiting for the 4L90 to clear the section to Caledonian Road and Barnsbury. A very froth-worthy working was the Stockton to Sheerness scrap operated by Advenza. Their 57005 passes 47501 on an Ashford to Doncaster stoneblower move. The Advenza assistant driver gives me an almost pitiable look. I guess they were getting used to being stars! At Caledonian Road and Barnsbury 59101 bears down on the waiting public on a late running 6Z61 Acton to Bow, carrying more stone for the London 2012 site. I had hoped to see the 4M93 but by 17:30 it had still not appeared so I consoled myself with this 313. I hopped on the 17:44 back to Highbury and as I got off what should appear round the corner from Canonbury? A late running 4M93. Not sure why it was late but it was a nicely loaded train as it plunged under the Highbury Corner bridge on track 3. On Monday 19th May the 4L90 passes Highbury & Islington. Evidence of the upgrading to reinstate double track where no. 1 track used to be. What remains of no.1 track is just a stub from Canonbury. Prior to the 19th the 4S83 had usually preceeded the 4S88, but from the 19th the former was starting at Crewe leaving the 4S88 the first westbound liner after the evening commuter rush On Tuesday 19th the 4S88 approaching Camden Road.

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]]> Wed Apr 22 2009 Sunday afternoon on the ECML http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1685595.html Sunday 19th April was a beautiful spring day. I took these pictures over a couple of hours in the afternoon between Alexandra Palace and Hadley Wood covering all four passenger operators. Sunday 19 April 2009: Sunday 19th April was a beautiful spring day. I took these pictures over a couple of hours in the afternoon between Alexandra Palace and Hadley Wood covering all four passenger operators.

Hull Trains last remaining 222 on the 14:44 approaching Alexandra Palace Within a couple of minutes the 12:12 from Hull approached from the north. The ECML was recovering from earlier problems between Stevenage and Peterborough, all up trains were running late. 91116 at speed on the 15:00 from King's Cross The 15:44 to Hull entering..... ....and leaving the 'new' tunnel north of Hadley Wood. Four tracking from New Barnet to Potters Bar was the first significant infrastructure construction project completed by BR. From Durnsford Road an FCC 313 on a Welwyn GC local approaching Wood Green Tunnel It was followed by a Peterborough train formed of two celebrity vinyled 365s The 18:15 to King's Lynn at Ally Pally, only the lead unit would go forward from Cambridge to Lynn, two units would blow the circuit breakers on the section north of Cambridge. And finally a well filled 18:20 King's Cross to Sunderland, now the only Paxman powered HSTs in passenger service. They sounded pretty good.

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]]> Sun Apr 19 2009 East Anglian weekdays http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1678261.html Most of my photography in East Anglia takes place at weekends, but on Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April a couple of weekday opportunities presented themselves. Friday 3 April 2009: Most of my photography in East Anglia takes place at weekends, but on Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April a couple of weekday opportunities presented themselves.

On Friday 3rd April the 6E88 Middleton Towers to Goole passing allotment huts at Whittlesey. A XC 170 approaching Ramsey Road crossing at Whittlesey. With the chimneys of the brick kilns which line the railway from Peterborough to Whittlesey as a backdrop, 66723 at Ramsey Road on the 4L78 On Monday 6th the 4M88 (MO) climbs away from Felixstowe North on its way to join the Felixstowe branch at Trimley. The line performs an S curve as it gains height. Later in the afternoon the 4S88 approaches the level crossing over the road to Levington Marina. The pine trees are characteristic of the sandy Suffolk coast. The line from Felixstowe North curves alongside the Felixstowe branch a few yards east of Trimley. 66714 on a full 4M02 to Hams Hall. 66714 is named 'Cromer Lifeboat'. For almost 40 years, through both world wars, the Coxswain of the Cromer Lifeboat was Henry Blogg, the most decorated lifeboatman of all time, and Cromer's most famous son. Right on the tail of 4M02 was the 4E50 to Leeds. Despite earlier sunshine by late afternoon high cloud, being blown inland by an on-shore breeze, had obscured the sun (and lowered the temperature) On Belstead Bank the sun was still shining. The 17:00 from Norwich climbs the bank after the Ipswich stop It was followed by the welcome reappearance of the 4S88 to Coatbridge, now in the capable care of 90049. Later I drove past the 4S88 languishing in Marks Tey loop, on account of a broken down train on the Up line at Hatfield Peverel. Cromer Lifeboat climbs Belstead on 4M02 Pulling a heavy train up the bank it was in full 'ying-ying' mode.

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]]> Fri Apr 3 2009 Spring in Snowdonia http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1675798.html I can't believe it but this recent weekend was only the second time I have been to North Wales, the first being almost 40 years on a family holiday to Aberystwyth. Back then I was very 'in' to narrow gauge railways, riding on the Talyllyn, Vale of Rheidol and Festiniog, on the latter to the then terminus at Dduallt. But then the focus of my railfanning changed and my interest (as well as the gauges) broadened. But recently I've started to revisit those old narrow gauge roots so it seemed natural to take a look at the railways of Snowdonia, especially the almost unbelievable rebuilding of the Welsh Highland. And truth to tell I was bowled over by the scenery of North Wales, the combination of mountains and coastline really is unbeatable, and with reasonable weather we had a very satisfying long weekend. I can't wait to return. Friday 27 March 2009: I can't believe it but this recent weekend was only the second time I have been to North Wales, the first being almost 40 years on a family holiday to Aberystwyth. Back then I was very 'in' to narrow gauge railways, riding on the Talyllyn, Vale of Rheidol and Festiniog, on the latter to the then terminus at Dduallt. But then the focus of my railfanning changed and my interest (as well as the gauges) broadened. But recently I've started to revisit those old narrow gauge roots so it seemed natural to take a look at the railways of Snowdonia, especially the almost unbelievable rebuilding of the Welsh Highland. And truth to tell I was bowled over by the scenery of North Wales, the combination of mountains and coastline really is unbeatable, and with reasonable weather we had a very satisfying long weekend. I can't wait to return.

The 12:09 leaves the bridge and enters Barmouth. Yours truly concentrating on getting the shot Monday 30th. We did a 9 mile hike starting in Beddgelert which concluded with a walk through the Aberglaslyn Pass. As luck would have it 87 was pushing a pullman saloon through the gorge, I think for filming purposes. Friday 27th. The 1342 Pwllheli to Birmingham International passing walkers on the bridge over the Mawddach estuary at Barmouth. Despite the sun there was a chill wind blowing. An hour later the 12:09 from B International crept over the bridge. And approached the former movable spans, long disused. The foot hills of Cader Idris rise up on the far bank Saturday 28th. From Harlech Castle the 06:49 Machynlleth to Pwllheli crosses the coastal plain towards Tygwyn. Later in the day rebuilt Funkey diesel Vale of Ffestiniog approaches Dinas on the ECS from Caernarfon. Dinas was where the original WHR started from, alongside the LNWR Caernarfon to Afonwen branch. Originally VoF wore a livery similar to National Power's 59/2 fleet on account of their sponsorship of it's rebuilding. Today it sports BR two tone green. It develops 335 hp which is plenty for a 2' gauge railway. Sunday 29th. Single Fairlie 'Taliesin' shunts stock in preparation for the departure of the 10:15 to Blaenau Ffestiniog The scene from The Cob looking towards the Cambrian mainline. And pounds across The Cob, the driver of Taliesin takes the air. He'll need it, the Ffestiniog is a continuous uphill slog all the way to Blaenau. A consequence of its early existence as a horse tramway. The atmosphere on the footplate after an hour of climbing must be pretty sapping. The 10:15 gets underway behind 040 'Palmerston' and 044 'Taliesin'. On the Welsh Highland a training special between Waunfawr and Snowdon Ranger behind NGG16 number 87 87 is an unusual Garrett actually being built in Belgium by Cockerill in 1936 The sheep have yet to get used to their new neighbour. The scenery between Snowdon Ranger is outstanding The flanks of Snowdon were still snow covered on Sunday morning The following 10:30 service train was in the hands of pioneer Garrett K1. Something of a minor miracle that such a historical loco is in daily service. The WHR predecessor the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railway was built to exploit slate deposits. The remains of the quarrying activity is still very evident K1 climbing towards Rhyd Ddu under the peak of Snowdon. A path to the summit starts at the station Approaching Rhyd Ddu Rounding the final bend before the station Near Beddgelert. This is what a new railway UK style looks like. Ok, it's not High Speed 2. But it is fully fenced and properly signed, just like a main line equivalent. No Trespassing signs in Welsh and English The training special arrives. Note the L plate. The volunteers alight amd are given a briefing on this section of the new line, where it passes the Forestry Commission's camp site. 87 moves gingerly forward to the next level crossing. Back at Porthmadog Palmerston and Taliesin run round the stock of the 13:35. Coupling up. And off we go. Crossing the Cei Mawr embankment, reputedly the largest dry stone embankment anywhere (although I stand to be corrected). Approaching journey's end at Blaenau. The firemen can take a well deserved breather. Sun reflects off the roofs, snow on the peak beyond. Taliesin runs round in the station shared with Arriva's Conway Valley line The town is surrounded by slate spoil heaps To reach Blaenau the Ffestiniog was faced with a flooded right of way, courtesy of the Ffestiniog pump storage HEP scheme. Their response was to build a new line, the deviation, at a higher elevation. This is the old formation where it enters the original Moelwyn Tunnel. The portal of the tunnel is towards the top left. The sheep are standing on the old line. To gain height the railway used a spiral, the only one in the UK. Looking out of the train at Dduallt we will shortly be passing through the station Approaching Dduallt the new formation is above the locos. The downhill journey is comparatively easy with both engines working under very light steam. Both K1 and 87 were at Beddgelert station at about 16:00, ready to take the training special back to Dinas. 31st March. K1 takes water at Rhyd Ddu K1 coasting downhill on her way back to Caernarfon. The sun shone briefly. With a cloud enveloped Snowdon in the background K1 approaches the bridge under the A4085 Taken as she passed under the bridge. Rounding the curve at Betws Garmon And finally, a panned shot of K1 at speed. Well about 15 mph. The Stonechat is one of our most obliging native birds, happily singing away usually on a prominant bush. This female was on a gorse bush between the golf course and railway at Harlech

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]]> Fri Mar 27 2009 Trains in the Tirol http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1669527.html The Tirol in Western Austria is renowned for its spectacular alpine scenery. Add to that a mainline railway with abundant passenger and freight trains (up to 300 per day) and a narrow gauge railway which runs steam trains for much of the year and carries standard gauge wagons on transporter bogies, and it is very close to being a rail-fan's paradise. That's what I felt when I visited back in October last year so when the opportunity came to spend two days in the area I grabbed at it. This is the result. The only regret was that there wasn't much lying snow at low levels. But in every other respect these two days were a real eye opener. One word of warning; the OBB is currently engaged in widening the Inntalbahn - the Inn Valley line - from two to four tracks between Worgl and Baumkirchen, for environmental reasons much of the new trackage will be underground which will mean freight trains disappearing from view! Work is underway at the moment with completion expected in 2011. Tuesday 17 March 2009: The Tirol in Western Austria is renowned for its spectacular alpine scenery. Add to that a mainline railway with abundant passenger and freight trains (up to 300 per day) and a narrow gauge railway which runs steam trains for much of the year and carries standard gauge wagons on transporter bogies, and it is very close to being a rail-fan's paradise. That's what I felt when I visited back in October last year so when the opportunity came to spend two days in the area I grabbed at it. This is the result. The only regret was that there wasn't much lying snow at low levels. But in every other respect these two days were a real eye opener. One word of warning; the OBB is currently engaged in widening the Inntalbahn - the Inn Valley line - from two to four tracks between Worgl and Baumkirchen, for environmental reasons much of the new trackage will be underground which will mean freight trains disappearing from view! Work is underway at the moment with completion expected in 2011.

A Mayrhofen bound train leaves Strass. A freight waits to follow it. The passenger consists of one of the push pull sets The freight soon followed, 2 empty wagons for finished wood products. Another push pull set at Schlitters The freight passes the saw mill at Schlitters Arriving at the Binderholz sawmill The loco leaves the empties ready for loading and trundles down the yard towards the empty log wagons prior to returning them to the OBB interchange Backing on to the empties A Jenbach bound DMU passes the crew of the freight sweeping the empties. Presumably to prevent timber fragments hitting members of the public. A Mayrhofen bound passenger train passes the sawmill On the main line west of Schwaz an OBB Taurus heads a mixed freight heading east. A Talent EMU on an Inntal local service nearing Schwaz With Schwaz in the background an OBB 1044 class on a west bound tank train. The RoLa rolling motorway trains carrying complete trucks are characteristic of alpine railways. RoLa trains are usually topped and tailed. The tail being provided by a 1216 Taurus A 1116 at speed with an intercity train service to Salzburg and Vienna As elsewhere in Europe there is competition in the rail freight market. These are Bombardier TRAXX units operated by Lokomotion, probably bound for Italy Another 1116 near Schwaz The only MUs to be seen are these new Talents. They look more like an urban tram design than a mainline train DB and FS run international services between Munich amd major northern Italian cities. They are hauled by 1116s as far as the Italian border. Another mixed freight. 300 trains a day use the Inntalbahn. A real railway hotspot. A west bound inter-modal train behind OBB and DB motive power. Rather sparsely loaded. RoLa trains include a passenger car, with couchettes for the truck drivers. Bringing up the rear was one of the 2008 European Championship liveried locos, in this case representing Italy. The good burghers of Schwaz are provided with sound barriers to keep the noise of the 24 hour railway at bay. With spring in the air the farmer is out muck spreading! Another Taurus and another mixed freight. None was very long but they all moved quite quickly. Yet another 1116/1216 Taurus from Siemens. A nice design with a hint of Art Deco about it. To give you some idea of how busy this railway is the previous 17 pictures were all taken in a 90 minute window in mid afternoon. It was 16:30 when I arrived at Jenbach station to find a 2043 class diesel shunting flats And a more modern 2068 class (which were actually built at Jenbach) shunting open containers which were carrying stone from a local quarry. This is one of the ZBs Gmeinder diesel hydraulics, in the front are the transporter bogies Whilst looking at the ZB facilities action on the mainline remained fast and furious. A pair of Bombardier TRAXX locos, from TK Logistik and SBB Cargo on a long intermodal train bound for Italy The trailers were either from Italian company Gruber Logistics or Transped of Austria. This was a long train of over 30 flats, each one carrying a full semi-trailer. Back at the ZB the transhipment siding, where standard gauge wagons are run onto the transporters. During loading and unloading they are all close coupled. A train from Mayrhofen arriving. D10 originated on the JZ (Yugoslav). Before the Gmeinders it used to operate in passenger service but now it's relegated to freight and shunting. On the OBB side another RoLa train heads towards Worgl with a 1216 bringing up the rear. And the final picture on Tuesday evening at about 17:40, a City Sprint regional train west of Schwaz. The following morning dawned cold but sunny. I started out on Innsbruck's famous Stubaitalbahn; a tram type operation which climbs into the mountains to the south of the city, through the villages of Natters and Mutters before terminating at Fulpmes. Whilst waiting for the 07:25 service from Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof I caught up with a male bullfinch in spring finery. But then the tram appeared. I followed it to beyond Raitis How about this for your daily commute? A tram heading towards Innsbruck Descending from Mutters towards Natters The mountains are on the other side of the Inn Valley. Back at Schwaz I caught this unidentified train of mixed day and night stock, mainly DB. 8 cars 6 liveries, not bad? This is a RoLa wagon. They are a bit like our lowliners. Each wagon is carried on 16 wheels arranged (I think) in two span bolster trucks At Terfens a few miles west of Vomp, an eastbound RoLa train behind a 1044 class. Back on the ZB I came across the two wagons which were taken down to the sawmill on Tuesday afternoon returning loaded with sawn timber. Passing Rotholz and about to cross the River Inn.

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]]> Tue Mar 17 2009 Panning in Yorkshire http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1667797.html A couple of days on family business in North Yorkshire offered me my first opportunity for almost two years for some picture taking around York. I started at Burton Salmon where the Knottingly and Castleford lines part company near Milford, went on to Ryther on the ECML Templehirst cut-off and finished up at the footpath crossing between Tollerton and Alne, some 10 miles north of York. In the days my parents lived in the area this used to be a frequent haunt on a Saturday afternoon, this was the first time I had been back since May 2007. The flat, open countryside lends itself to taking a few panned shots, I leave it to you to judge whether they are successful or not. And once again thanks to those on FMi who have provided the 'gen' that has enabled me (as far as possible) to identify the workings Saturday 14 March 2009: A couple of days on family business in North Yorkshire offered me my first opportunity for almost two years for some picture taking around York. I started at Burton Salmon where the Knottingly and Castleford lines part company near Milford, went on to Ryther on the ECML Templehirst cut-off and finished up at the footpath crossing between Tollerton and Alne, some 10 miles north of York. In the days my parents lived in the area this used to be a frequent haunt on a Saturday afternoon, this was the first time I had been back since May 2007. The flat, open countryside lends itself to taking a few panned shots, I leave it to you to judge whether they are successful or not. And once again thanks to those on FMi who have provided the 'gen' that has enabled me (as far as possible) to identify the workings

66523 on the 6R10 Immingham to Eggborough coal hoppers 66523 is named Don Raider and still carries the logo of disgraced US energy conglomerate Enron. 66012 on the 6G93, carrying gypsum from Drax to Gascoigne Wood for onward transhipment to Sherburn in Elmet. Three giant coal fired power stations dominate the lower Aire Valley, the biggest (indeed the biggest in Europe) is what is officially Drax A (the B station, of equal size, was never constructed). 66082 heads north with the 4N50. Shortly afterwards another FL66, 66523 with the 6B53 from Redcar to EDF Energy's Cottam power station in Nottinghamshire. This is what all the fuss is about, imported black diamonds. 66546 heads LE back to, I guess, Leeds for the remainder of the weekend. At Ryther I attempted to get a panned shot of a high speed train. As luck would have it Grand Central's 10:40 from Cambridge was the first to show... ...I'm not sure either picture is entirely successful, stopping trains at this speed is much harder than a slow moving gypsum train. At Alne the countryside is still quite wintery, although with a few more days like today it won't be long before buds start appearing. Looking towards Tollerton a Voyager appears out of the haze... ...a 220 to be precise, hurrying north. Another try at panning a high speed train, this time 91115. The 185 TPE unit is much easier. This field was in the process of being ploughed, I had hoped to get the tractor in the shot, but no luck. 66716 on what I think was the 4N92 from Drax to Tyne Dock Another 185 ambling along the Up Slow in the direction of Tollerton where it was routed back to the fast. East Coast express meet. This northbound had just passed a southbound (in the distance). Another sign of spring were the displaying lapwings. A headlight in the distance on the slow heralded the diverted 4S49 Daventry to Grangemouth intermodal. It was rapidly overtaken by another headlight belonging to this HST set... ...the 4S49 ambled along a minute or so later, behind 66418 Within 10 minutes 66583 appeared on another train of loaded coal hoppers, possibly also from Redcar? The cab of 221127 at speed. Grand Central ran this test train from Heaton to Neville Hill and back. Not sure what they were testing but the short formation made for an interesting sight. Earlier in the day 66014 was at Tees Yard. This is the 6D05 steel empties from Lackenby to Scunthorpe And finally, DRS flagship intermodal working, 4Z16 the southbound Tesco Express, here at Alne on diversion on account of the closure of the WCML north of Preston. Hopefully Tesco's boast of Less CO2 will influence other flagship retailers to use trains to move their stuff across the country.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Sat Mar 14 2009 London Lines in 2009 http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1659594.html This collection is based on pictures taken in and around London, usually on my way to and from work or between appointments and at weekends. It will try to capture the wide variety of trains which you can see in the capital. Thursday 26 February 2009: This collection is based on pictures taken in and around London, usually on my way to and from work or between appointments and at weekends. It will try to capture the wide variety of trains which you can see in the capital.

Thursday 26th Feb, Crouch Hill; the alarm has sounded, the track workers stand away... ..and 60049 passes en-route from Bow Olympic. At Upper Holloway 66732 on the 6M09 Ferme Park to Wellingborough. At Junction Road Junction, 66623 Bardon Aggregates on what I think was probably the 6L88 Bardon Hill to Bow Olympic Some 10 minutes later the 6L45 Thurrock bound cement passes 6M56, the tri-weekly Ripple Lane to Wembley cargo-waggons... ...within 30 seconds the 6M56 was underway again and heading for Gospel Oak and the NLL. ...which in turn was on the flyover on the Hertford Loop as the 08:02 from Hull emerged from Wood Green Tunnel, in the form of Hull Train's last remaining Pioneer 222.104 Routed along the slow line and only a matter of minutes behind the Welwyn GC to King's Cross stopping train, 70013 was having a bit of a dawdle. Still plenty of picture taking though, note the yellow signal, the stopper still at New Barnet. On Saturday 28th, Grand Central's 06:53 from Sunderland approaching Alexandra Palace... ...passing the 10:38 to Hertford North... One of the 222s replacements, the uber-stylish 180s, emerging from Hadley Wood Tunnel on the 10:06 from Hull. Not as many lineside as for Tornado, about a dozen rail fans were present at Hadley Wood for 700013 Oliver Cromwell on the Great Northern from Cleethorpes A final Hull Trains picture; the 13:05 from Hull emerging from Wood Green Tunnel. Spring is definitely in the air when I can get a decent picture of the 07:20 to Hull at Harringay. After three attempts the first Adelante of the season; last week 222104 seemed to monopolise this service. An early appointment took me through King's Cross in time to see Grand Central's 08:04 to Sunderland leaving, accompanied by a trail of sooty Valenta exhaust. A quick time-out at Harringay at lunchtime. The 11:46 to Hertford North arrives, and obscures a King's Cross bound HST. The 313 was followed in short order by, firstly, the 11:45 to King's Lynn... ...and secondly by the 11:48 to Hull. An hour later en-route to Crawley I caught the 6Y91 Cliffe to Purley, the 'Bretts', looking rather out of place among the usual MUs... ...crossing from Down Fast to Down Slow... ...and wending its way through Clapham Junction under the gaze of some curious passengers. On the 24th March I walked to Ally Pally to catch my train. Two empty 313 sets were heading for the Hertford North branch, the one in the foreground on the Down Goods, the one behind on the Down Slow whilst a pair of 365s hurried towards King's Cross on the Up Fast. The 6L77 Enterprise trip to Ely now runs once a week (on a Tuesday). Here it is at Caledonian Road & Barnsbury with a featherweight load of two bogie cargo-waggons. With the London skyline behind a pair of FCC 319s at Elephant and Castle on lo Southeastern on the new Kentish Town to Sevenoaks service, re-routed on account of the closure of Blackfriars terminating platforms. I caught the SE train to Denmark Hill to spend my lunchbreak. 4O86 descends from Cambria Junction towards Denmark Hill through the short Denmark Hill Tunnel. And as it exits the station it's passed by my old friend, the 7Y36 Cliffe to Crawley. 15 minutes later another aggregate train appears, this is the 6Z95 Angerstein to Temple Mills And within 5 minutes the 4E24 Grain to Leeds coasts through on the coat tails of the London Bridge to Victoria stopper. The gradient from Cambria Junction through Denmark Hill is very pronounced. Another pair of 319s on a Sevenaoks train. A 456 on the 12:11 Victoria to London Bridge en-route to Peckham Rye. And finally, the former terminal platforms at Blackfriars, the track removed ready for work to begin on Thameslink expansion. A lunchtime visit to Nunhead on April 8th produced 66955 on the 4O86 The footbridge used to offer some great views of the junction but has subsequently been caged, more's the pity. In the opposite direction the 4E24 bound for Leeds approaches the junction. Between St Johns and Nunhead it follows the remaining couple of miles of the LC&DR's Greenwich Park branch, a totally needless duplication of existing lines that it closed, seemingly forever in 1916. The Southern recognised the usefulness of connecting the LCD at Nunhead with the SER at Lewisham, resurrecting and electrifying in 1929. The Greenwich Park line actually crossed the SER at St Johns station, the embankment is still visible as you descend into Lewisham. Taken from the Nunhead island platform - this Nunhead station was opened in 1925, replacing the older LC&DR station a few yards further east. The blocks of flats in the background (and behind the units in the previous picture) are built on the site of the Fyffes Banana Ripening sheds. As well as the Greenwich Park and Catford Loop lines Nunhead was also the junction for the Crystal Palace and South London Junction Railway to Crystal Palace High Level (opened 1865 and closed in 1954) which diverged where the trees are on the left. The candy striped FCC 319 (publicising the ongoing Thameslink upgrade) is on a Southeastern Kentish Town to Sevenoaks via Catford service. Tuesday 14th. Taken from what is now the Woodland Walk and what used to be the GN Northern Heights branch. A London Overground 150 heads towards Harringay Green Lanes. The Harringay Park semaphores are living on borrowed time, they will be gone by this time next year. I had hoped to see the 6M56 (MTThO) Ripple Lane to Wembley. So when the signalman pulled off his signals after the passage of the DMU I was quite excited. But all I got was a light Freightliner 66. The 1830 from King's Cross was in the hands of NXEC's solitary 91 in the corporate livery. A 180 on the 18:50 from Kings Cross to Hull passing Ally Pally. Being able to take a picture in half decent light is another sign of spring. April 29th; Hull Trains has now converted to 180s, their last 222 transferred to East Midlands at the beginning of the week. Here an unidentified Adelante at Ally Pally on the 07:20 from King's Cross. I had intended to get a picture of the 6Y92 Purley to Cliffe empty stone train, but owing to emergency engineering works on the Down Redhill all services were suspended and diverted via the Quarry Line, the 6Y92 was sitting dead at Purley when I left. So on the way home I stopped off at Harringay Park on the off chance the 7O81 Dagenham to Silla would run. It did, passing the box at 19:12 shortly after the 6L21 stone train. The light is still acceptable as it climbs towards the short Crouch Hill Tunnel. Although not technically a divert this train is relatively new for GOBLIN, previously running via the North London. On 20th May GBRf ran a pair of 325 Royal Mail units from Willesden to York and back. Whilst waiting at Harringay I caught the 18:03 to Skipton, in the form of a 100% NXEC set, including power cars. My favourite FCC 365, 365531 Norfolk - Nelson's County on an inbound train passing under the flyover between Harringay and Hornsey The special, 1M78, approaching Harringay. Earlier the train was reported running 20 minutes early but by the time it reached North London it was less than 10 minutes ahead of schedule From Harringay it is only a short hop home to Alexandra Palace, where I caught this 180 on the 18:50 to Hull. Still in old First Group livery, Hull Trains has been added to each car just below the windows. On Thursday 21st I saw my first FCC 321, on the 06:20 Peterborough to King's Cross at Alexandra Palace. After work I went to Kensington Olympia in the hope of ctaching the Colas Rail operated steel empties. Unfortunately they were running late. As compensation a heavy 6M19 - a rare runner these days - mostly VGAs put in an appearance. It halted under the gaze of some other enthusiasts before the signal cleared.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Thu Feb 26 2009 East Anglian Diversions http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1657881.html On Feb 21st Freightliner were diverting their Felixstowe bound trains via Peterborough and Bury St Edmunds on account of engineering works closing the GEML. At this time of year three daylight trains can be expected and on the 21st all showed as expected, which made for a very rewarding day. Two weeks later on the 7th March the weather was a tad more problematic, it dawned grey but the sun did get out so, whilst the car was being serviced, I spent a pleasurable morning at Middle Drove and Wisbech Road on the outskirts of March. By the 21st March Spring had finally arrived, albeit after a frosty start. Freightliner's diverts were joined by passenger operators Grand Central and Hull Trains, which were terminating at Cambridge, on account of engineering work on the ECML near Hitchin. GBRf were also much in evidence, on engineering trains to work sites on the GEML and their 4L02 inter-modal train from Hams Hall. Add to all this excitement an appearance of 46115 Scots Guardsman on a private charter from King's Lynn to Melton Mowbray and it wasn't surprising that railfans were out in force. My next opportunity was on the 18th April and for this I took myself off to Haughley in Mid-Suffolk (with a side excursion to Felixstowe). I saw all the Felixstowe bound trains although the timings of the 4L89 have changed on account of it now being routed via Daventry, Temple Mills (for the motive power change) and Cambridge. Thanks to fellow Freightmaster Interactive subscribers I was able to track the 4L89's progress and caught it at Haughley Junction. Saturday 21 February 2009: On Feb 21st Freightliner were diverting their Felixstowe bound trains via Peterborough and Bury St Edmunds on account of engineering works closing the GEML. At this time of year three daylight trains can be expected and on the 21st all showed as expected, which made for a very rewarding day. Two weeks later on the 7th March the weather was a tad more problematic, it dawned grey but the sun did get out so, whilst the car was being serviced, I spent a pleasurable morning at Middle Drove and Wisbech Road on the outskirts of March. By the 21st March Spring had finally arrived, albeit after a frosty start. Freightliner's diverts were joined by passenger operators Grand Central and Hull Trains, which were terminating at Cambridge, on account of engineering work on the ECML near Hitchin. GBRf were also much in evidence, on engineering trains to work sites on the GEML and their 4L02 inter-modal train from Hams Hall. Add to all this excitement an appearance of 46115 Scots Guardsman on a private charter from King's Lynn to Melton Mowbray and it wasn't surprising that railfans were out in force. My next opportunity was on the 18th April and for this I took myself off to Haughley in Mid-Suffolk (with a side excursion to Felixstowe). I saw all the Felixstowe bound trains although the timings of the 4L89 have changed on account of it now being routed via Daventry, Temple Mills (for the motive power change) and Cambridge. Thanks to fellow Freightmaster Interactive subscribers I was able to track the 4L89's progress and caught it at Haughley Junction.

February 21st; it's 07:55 as 66575 passes the crossing at Silt Road, March on a lengthy train of empty flats, the 4E62 to Leeds Within 5 minutes of the 4E62 the first divert appeared, 66579 and 90043 on the 4L89 Coatbridge to Felixstowe... ...on previous occasions when out photographing diverts across the fens, the Coatbridge had been a 66 duty throughout, presumably today 90043 had hauled the train as far as Peterborough. Some 30 minutes late DBS Ipswich to Burton-on-Trent intermodal, 6M28 passed Silt Road, the front was well loaded... ...as was the rear, the middle was empty. At Turves, west of March a pair of GBRf 66s, led by 66714 on the regular Saturday morning LH working from Felixstowe to Peterborough. Passing Prospect House Farm, a newly refurbished EMT 158 on a Norwich to Liverpool Lime Street train. A XC 170 bound for Stansted Airport at Three Horseshoes. Looking towards March, the line is virtually straight all the way to March West Junction. a XC 170 to Birmingham approaching Turves. One of EMTs rag bag of unrefurbished 158s gallops past Three Horseshoes To improve the amenities of boxes like Three Horseshoes Network Rail have added an inside toilet, the construction to the left of the door. Unfortunately this required re-siting and re-sizing the nameplate, with rather strange aesthetic consequences. The 4L97 from Trafford Park approaches... ...and passes the box at full speed, it was about half full... ...with containers in two groups, in the middle and at the end. A NXEA 170 on a Peterborough to Ipswich train at Beggars Bridge. Also at Beggars Bridge another XC 170 bound for Birmingham crossing the 20' River. At Eastrea the 4L90 from Lawley Street to Felixstowe. On the previous couple of times I had seen this train it was virtually empty so this made a pleasant change. 66516 in full cry at its head. One block behind the 4L90 came this convoy of 66523, 527, 599 and 591. A reliable Saturday working is the 6M70, the empty self discharge train from Chesterton Junction (Cambridge) to Mountsorrel. Here crossing The Whittlesey Dyke, just west of the station behind 66048 Eastbound trains were subject to a TSR on the approach to Whittlesey. This XC 170 was going painfully slow as it approached the station. Whittlesey's prosperity is very much tied to the brick works whose chimney;s are belching smoke. Another 170 passing through Whittlesey, approaching the advanced starter and entering the block to King's Dyke. The 4L85 approaching from King's Dyke. Of all the trains seen today this was by far the best loaded. 25 flast and all but 5 single TEU spaces had been taken. Back at Beggar's Bridge another 170 crossing the 20' River March 7th; i didn't check Anglia-gen so was surprised when the 4L89 turned up at Whitemoor Road some 90 minutes late. 66579 and 504 in charge. Within 10 minutes the sun was out. A Peterborough to Ipswich 170 approaching Wisbech Road bridge on the outskirts of March Looking west, a EMT 158 approaching Turves whilst a post office van crosses the Whitemoor Road crossing. 66720 and 723 on the weekly convoy from Felixstowe to Peterborough. Middle Drove crossing. Plenty of signs, including the painted mileage - 87 miles 75 chains from Liverpool Street. An EMT 158 approaching Middle Drove... ...still in Central's insipid green livery. Glad it's going. Under darkening skies a NXEA 170 passing Otter Holts Farm. A Stansted bound 170. Shortly after a Birmingham bound 170 passed... ...the 4L87 appeared in the distance, having just passed the DMU, somewhere near Three Horseshoes... ...66596 in charge at Otters Holt Farm crossing... ...on another sparsely loaded train... ...three 2TEU and four 1TEU boxes on the rear four flats. Mind you five minutes later 66594 and the 4M87 appeared from the direction of March entirely empty. Freightliner cannot be making much money on these trains at the moment. March 21st; an empty 4E62 to Leeds crossing the Ely water meadows. The reflection is spoilt by some dabbling ducks Appropriate that FCC rostered 365510 Visit Cambridge and Ely on this service from King's Lynn approaching Ely 66705 on 6T61 empty spoil train bound for Colchester crossing the water meadows 66705 is still looking good in its 2002 Golden Jubilee livery. Grand Central's 07:50 Cambridge to Sunderland crossing the River Great Ouse And passing the great Norman cathedral, one of the winders of medieval England. It was followed immediately by DBS 6M28 from Ipswich to Burton-on-Trent, unsportingly the first eight flats were empty. At 08:27 the 4L89 from Coatbridge appeared; I guess Freightliner can't fill these trains which would normally carry both 8'6 Immediately behind the 4L89 came a surprise, GBRf's new 4L02 from Hams Hall. 66722 Sir Edward Watkin in Metronet livery was in charge.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Sat Feb 21 2009 Valentines Day http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1654343.html It was a gala day for steam lovers in Southern England yesterday with three steam locos in action on mainline railtours - Clan Line, Tangmere and, of course, Tornado; the latter undertaking two, a lunchtime and evening Cathedrals Express on behalf of Steam Dreams. As last weekend, the interest generated by Tornado is quite amazing; the two locations I stopped at, West Dean near Romsey and Micheldever, were full of both rail-fans and members of the public curious to see what all the fuss is about. And by and large they all seemed to go away really satisfied with what they had seen. So maybe Tornado, although a throwback in many ways , might be an ambassador for the 21st century railway. Stranger things have happened. Sunday 15 February 2009: It was a gala day for steam lovers in Southern England yesterday with three steam locos in action on mainline railtours - Clan Line, Tangmere and, of course, Tornado; the latter undertaking two, a lunchtime and evening Cathedrals Express on behalf of Steam Dreams. As last weekend, the interest generated by Tornado is quite amazing; the two locations I stopped at, West Dean near Romsey and Micheldever, were full of both rail-fans and members of the public curious to see what all the fuss is about. And by and large they all seemed to go away really satisfied with what they had seen. So maybe Tornado, although a throwback in many ways , might be an ambassador for the 21st century railway. Stranger things have happened.

Tangmere made a fine sight climbing the grade towards the summit of the Berks and Hants at Savernake. Crofton, Wiltshire; whilst waiting for Tangmere a London-bound HST passed en-route to Bedwyn. About 90 minutes later, and having fought my way around Salisbury's Ring Road, Tornado made a fine sight approaching West Dean Tornado was illuminated by a patch of sunlight... ...which also caught 67028 bringing up the rear. About an hour later my final picture of Tornado was just south of Micheldever, climbing the grade towards Roundwood in fine style. What is really impressive is the ease with which Tornado appears to handle a train of 13 cars plus the 67, well over 400 tons. A little while later at Micheldever a XC 220 on a Bournemouth train. An Edinburgh bound Voyager about to enter Popham Tunnel... ...from where, half an hour later, 66572 emerged... ...on what I think was the 4O02 from Lawley Street, diverted via the WCML.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Sun Feb 15 2009 Connections - pictures from 1993, 1994 and 2000 http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1653256.html This series of seemingly random pictures fell into place after I went looking for the picture of 60019 Wild Boar Fell on the Southern. After that I went through the boat train (which is what I was actually out for when 60019 appeared) and other Southern MU shots. I then remembered the interior of Dover Western Docks I took back in 1993, which reminded me of a series of days out that summer with a good friend from the US who was flying out of Heathrow. One of the those pictures was of a Freightliner at Micheldever before the tracks were re-aligned, I then hunted for a subsequent visit to Micheldever, after the re-alignment, which turned out to be Spring 2000, which was also the time when Mel returned to London, flying 777s and we used to go out photographing on his rest day, from where some of the South Wales pictures come from. The pictures are displayed in date order, but if anyone is wondering 'why these?' I hope this explains. Saturday 14 February 2009: This series of seemingly random pictures fell into place after I went looking for the picture of 60019 Wild Boar Fell on the Southern. After that I went through the boat train (which is what I was actually out for when 60019 appeared) and other Southern MU shots. I then remembered the interior of Dover Western Docks I took back in 1993, which reminded me of a series of days out that summer with a good friend from the US who was flying out of Heathrow. One of the those pictures was of a Freightliner at Micheldever before the tracks were re-aligned, I then hunted for a subsequent visit to Micheldever, after the re-alignment, which turned out to be Spring 2000, which was also the time when Mel returned to London, flying 777s and we used to go out photographing on his rest day, from where some of the South Wales pictures come from. The pictures are displayed in date order, but if anyone is wondering 'why these?' I hope this explains.

the pictures that started this collection; 60019 Wild Boar Fell approaching Southease in Sussex's Ouse Valley on a train of sea dredged aggregate from Newhaven. Another shot at Welbeck Coliery Junction, a 58 arriving with empties for the mine in May 1993. Back in June 1993 Mel and I made a number of forays to the west of London. Here 37292 Sir Robert McAlpine is at Frome St Quentin on the 09:00 Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth I spent New Year 1994 with my parents in North Yorkshire. New Years Day was bright and cold. This Morecambe bound train is approaching Hellifield. The 12:10 Charing X to Hastings approach Frant on 5th February 1994 I am not sure, but this may have been the final time that a boat train to Dover Western Docks was diverted via the Chatham route (on account of engineering works). It's January 29th 1994 and boat trains are entering their final season, by September they will be all but finished and Dover Western Docks station closed. In truth the trains are but a shadow of themselves, either one or two standard Southern EMUs, with little of the mystique of the Golden Arrow or Night Ferry of just a few years before. A single 4CEP suffices for the 10:25 'Channel Train', here passing Shepherdswell, the last LCDR signal box on the network. Back in 1993 I took a couple of visit to the Nottinghamshire colliery lines, before closure eliminated many of the mines. Here a 56 in all-over blue passes the junction for Welbeck Colliery, the signal box a nice example of Great Central Railway signalbox design. Possibly the grandest station in the South of England, Dover Marine (by May 1993 Western Docks) was the South Eastern and Chatham's welcome mat to European visitors. By May 1993 it saw only a handful of boat train services and the hourly train to Victoria via the Chatham route. On the day this picture was taken another chapter was about to be closed as the final cross country train, to Manchester Piccadilly had just left. On 19th Feb the 13:04 Oxted to Uckfield leaving Cowden Tunnel Southeastern branded their boat train service 'Channel Trains'. Undistinguished, except for the headcode. This is the 08:55 to Western Docks, near Marden. On the French side passengers to Paris via Etaples were treated to Corail stock, over here a square wheeled 4VEP sufficed. And finally that day, a Waterloo bound train crossing the viaduct at Hurstbourne. Later in the day we caught the 08:35 Waterloo to Exeter St Davids west of Yeovil Junction A visit to Yorkshire to visit my parents in May 1994 gave me a break from boat trains. It was a beautiful weekend and mum and I went out into the Dales, stopping near Denthead for a picnic. This was the last shot on the film I remember, a Carlisle to Leeds local. I remember because about 30 minutes later a horde of railfans turned up, followed 10 minutes later by Sir Nigel Gresley! And me with no film. The Folkestone Harbour branch has had a charmed life, and still seems to cling on despite Network Rail's attempt to close it. On 26th March 1994 the 12:25 fro Victoria descends towards the Harbour station. Micheldever before the realignment. a pair of 37s on a Southampton bound train. Another day out on the LSW in June 1993, here at Pirbright a Waterloo bound Exeter train. On May 2nd 2000 66187 on a train of loaded HAAs from Avonmouth takes the Uskmouth branch at East Usk Junction bound for, what was then known as, Fifoots Power Station. the LM upper quadrant semaphores on a GW design bracket is rather unusual. A subsequent visit to Micheldever in April 2000 revealed the realigned down line, which has changed the shot of Down trains approaching from Popham Tunnel. 47258 in Freightliner finery is on a Crewe to Southampton train. A much missed operation is the former British Steel tin plating works at Ebbw Vale, which I guess closed in 2001. Back on 10th May 2000 the 11:52 Margam to Ebbw Vale passes Llanhilleth. Easter 2000, which was cold and stormy as I recall, was spent in the Welsh Marches. Here we are at Dorrington, between Shrewsbury and Craven Arms; the 15:26 Dee Marsh to Margam passing the signalbox. A nice mix of LM and GW style signals is a reminder of the North and West's 'joint' status On May 2nd 2000 a 60 approaches Alexandra Dock Junction on an Exeter Riverside to Cardiff Tidal scrap train, made of the then, new, JNAs A favourite location at lunchtime, before the footbridge was enclosed in a metal cage, was Nunhead. Freightliner have been running a Thamesport bound train through South London around mid-day or just after ever since I have subscribed to Freightmaster. In early May 2000 it was the 08:30 from Crewe, here behind 47205. Fast forward to 2000 and the 11:10 from Acton to Grain passing Wandsworth Road behind what looks like a suspiciously new 66194. On May bank holiday 1993 this Standard 4MT 2-6-4T was bound for Skegness. I had hoped the Wainfleet signalman would pull the distant off, there did not appear to be a reason for him not to. Whatever, he didn't and the loco shut off steam and just drifted past the somersault.

Published in Nick's trains of Britain, Ireland and North and South America

]]> Sat Feb 14 2009 Dudswell and Tornado http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1650091.html A morning at Dudswell in the snow was followed by the eagerly awaited appearance of Tornado on her first visit to London. Welwyn North station was stuffed with enthusiasts and those who had been alerted by local news and had come out of curiosity. The First Capital Connect booking office clerk was a bit non-plussed by all the people but she did enter into the spirit of things when she announced that Tornado had just passed Huntingdon. Saturday 7 February 2009: A morning at Dudswell in the snow was followed by the eagerly awaited appearance of Tornado on her first visit to London. Welwyn North station was stuffed with enthusiasts and those who had been alerted by local news and had come out of curiosity. The First Capital Connect booking office clerk was a bit non-plussed by all the people but she did enter into the spirit of things when she announced that Tornado had just passed Huntingdon.

The late running 4O09 from Daventry to Dollands Moor (and onward to Novara) behind 66194 A pair of Voyagers stir up the snow en-route to Euston. According to the locomotive lists on the Freighmaster Interactive forum 66539 was allocated to the 4L90, Lawley Street to Felixstowe. Due through Watford Junction at 11:35 it passed Dudswell at 10:34, at least 45 minutes early. Todays 4M05 was a very impressive train. 92017 hauling another dead 92 and dead 90 plus 34 flats. Running late, it passed Dudswell at 10:40 Taken 30 minutes before Tornado's scheduled appearance (and about an hour before she actually appeared), the platforms at Welwyn North are already crowded as the fans (and others) gather I guess the 222s will shortly be a memory in Hull Trains service. The 10:06 from Hull approaching Welwyn North some 40 minutes late. And now the star attraction. 60163 bursts out of Welwyn Number 2 Tunnel into a brief patch of sunshine... ...and here emerges from Welwyn Number One in great style.

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]]> Sat Feb 7 2009 From the archives: 1997 http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1649777.html My recent journey to Bangor reminded me of a day out on the Staffs/Cheshire border back in May 1997 when I managed to ctach unique 87101 Stephenson on an EWS intermodal at Madeley. Having dug out the slide I then started browsing the remainder of the 1997 collection, hence this gallery. I really can't believe that almost 12 years has passed and so much has changed. Friday 6 February 2009: My recent journey to Bangor reminded me of a day out on the Staffs/Cheshire border back in May 1997 when I managed to ctach unique 87101 Stephenson on an EWS intermodal at Madeley. Having dug out the slide I then started browsing the remainder of the 1997 collection, hence this gallery. I really can't believe that almost 12 years has passed and so much has changed.

Later in the day the 09:40 Burngullow to Irvine passing Lostwithiel. Engineering works on the Maidstone East line in October resulted in Channel Tunnel trains being diverted three weekends in a row. In those days a train of Rover cars made their way through the tunnel to Brescia in Northern Italy every Sunday. The 6O63 12:47 from Wembley is descending from Polhill Tunnel behind 92031. Inter-model diverts were always routed via Redhill, only Enterprise and the car train were allowed over the steeply graded mainline. Another business trip to Bristol was an excuse for a very early morning visit to Newport. 56113 at East Usk on a steel train from Margam to Llanwern On 23rd May, en-route to Yorkshire I stopped off at Edwinstowe catching 58025 on a train of loaded HAAs from Thoresby Colliery. The 17:10 SuO to Wembley passing Sandling A Stevenage to Mountsorrel self discharge train approaching Welwyn Garden City where the locomotive ran round before heading back north. At Old Linslade on August 7th a lightweight 12:50 Hams Hall to Wembley (via Daventry) Three days later I was at Dollands Moor, catching 47338 and 228 leaving the yard on the 12:14 to Wembley. This inter-modal originated at Muizen in Belgium. During 1997 I used to have to go to Birmingham on business once a month. My return was always down the A5 to see what was about on the WCML. On the 17th July 90134 was on this train of Fords from Dagenham at Ledburn 37671 Tre Pol and Pen on a train of empty CDAs passing Golant in the early morning. On July 12th 47287 on the 14:35 from DIRFT to Wembley at Cow Roast On the 16th April my return from Birmingham corresponded with the 16:00 mail train to Glasgow. The day out which spurred this memory jog kicked off at Norton Bridge with 90143 on the 02:47 Ipswich to Crewe Basford Hall. No idea what the train was, but the loco is 60098 Charles Francis Brush, and the location is next to Isaak 'The Compleat Angler' Walton's cottage. Ah ha, 87101 on the 12:10 Trafford Park to Wembley a working which was habitually allocated to this unique locomotive which was scrapped in 2002. And finally on that 29th May, a stop off at Rugby for 58013 on a lengthy 15:00 Wembley to Mossend 'Enterprise'

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]]> Fri Feb 6 2009 Out and about in the snow http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1648862.html The scene on Monday morning was one that we last saw in North London back in 2002. After walking to Alexandra Palace station I took a few pictures of commuters struggling to work; although truth to tell First Capital Connect was still running a reasonable service. Later in the day I had to travel to Bangor in North Wales, returning on Tuesday. The further we travelled the lighter the snow fall. On Wednesday I was back in Crawley and later Croydon, where snow was still very thick, both in the streets and on the railway. These are just a few pictures taken on those three days, a reminder of what winter can be like. Monday 2 February 2009: The scene on Monday morning was one that we last saw in North London back in 2002. After walking to Alexandra Palace station I took a few pictures of commuters struggling to work; although truth to tell First Capital Connect was still running a reasonable service. Later in the day I had to travel to Bangor in North Wales, returning on Tuesday. The further we travelled the lighter the snow fall. On Wednesday I was back in Crawley and later Croydon, where snow was still very thick, both in the streets and on the railway. These are just a few pictures taken on those three days, a reminder of what winter can be like.

An FCC 365 passes through Alexandra Palace at the height of the storm, about 07:20 on Monday morning A fellow commuter braves the cold whilst an empty pair of 313s heads up the Hertford North branch Waiting for the 07:38 to Stevenage (which was actually running on time!) Later in the day snow was absent from Crewe where the 4S44 changed crews. And the following day the sun was out in Bangor as the 14:25 London train approached. The 08:20 Gatwick Express from Gatwick Airport arriving from Brighton a few minutes behind schedule. Whilst waiting for my train to London this NR 73 and a test car trundled through Crawley The London train was cancelled at Three Bridges, necessitating an enforced wait for a late running FCC Bedford train. In the meantime this Victoria to Brighton semi-fast (also running late) slowing for the Three Bridges stop. At East Croydon the snow remained quite thick. A 455 on a Tattenham Corner train leaving platform 6. An FCC Brighton train leaving platform 3 East Croydon station is ringed by tall buildings, here overshadowing another 455 One of the more exotic creatures through Croydon are the unique 171s on the Uckfield service. An inbound 171 unusually routed into platform 3 on account of congestion. Trains from the south were being turned and sent back south. And at least one, with the highly unusual destination of Bognor and Ore, came though non-stop, an honour usually reserved for the Gatwick trains. And finally, amid all the chaos 66145 on the 6Y91 Cliffe to Purley which was right on time.

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]]> Mon Feb 2 2009 Old Linslade in winter http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1646123.html Two weeks ago when I was out taking pictures I wore a hat; I did the same today. But two weeks ago I was in Tanjore and the hat was to keep the sun off the back of my neck, today it was to prevent extremities from dropping off in the cold. But Old Linslade was as pleasant as usual, with the added bonus - thanks to Freightmaster Online - of the Southampton trains diverted on account of engineering work between Oxford and Reading. And everything ran, more or less when I expected, with a couple of bonuses thrown in. Saturday 31 January 2009: Two weeks ago when I was out taking pictures I wore a hat; I did the same today. But two weeks ago I was in Tanjore and the hat was to keep the sun off the back of my neck, today it was to prevent extremities from dropping off in the cold. But Old Linslade was as pleasant as usual, with the added bonus - thanks to Freightmaster Online - of the Southampton trains diverted on account of engineering work between Oxford and Reading. And everything ran, more or less when I expected, with a couple of bonuses thrown in.

I arrived at about 10:50, just in time to see 92003 head north on the F'stowe to Trafford Park intermodal. It wasn't long before the southbound action started. 66954 on the 4L90 Lawley Street to Felixstowe. Apart from the two open/cradle containers and one other at the back the only load the train carried was a single 2TEU Maersk box. The 4L90 was swiftly followed by 66728, light engine. I still can't get my head around a train operating company with the word 'Midland' in the title which paints its trains green! I mean, it's simply not natural is it? It's going against the laws of nature. Nevertheless a pair of LM's 350s are well worth a picture on their way to Euston. The first divert; the 4O54 Leeds to Southampton behind 66503 A new vantage point just to the north of Old Linslade is the new Stoke Hammond by-pass which parallels the line for about four miles. This is a Euston bound Voyager from Holyhead. Now this was a surprise, 66119 on the 4M29 and hot on the heels of 66594 on 4M87, another train carrying a solitary 2TEU box on the rear flat. 4M29 was much better loaded. 66534 & 501 on the 4O02 Lawley Street to Southampton. I guess the second 66 was purely along for the ride, the train didn't warrant two 66s And finally at Ledburn another pair of 350s... ...were followed by 66142 on the Trafford Park to Didcot intermodal. Given the engineering work I wonder whether this would go through to Eastleigh to tie up for the weekend before being tripped to Southampton on Monday?

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]]> Sat Jan 31 2009 An introduction to India http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1641735.html These pictures were taken during a multi centre holiday in India in January 2009, my first visit to a truly amazing country. Starting in a cold and foggy Delhi we visited Agra, Bangalore, Mysore, the Nilgiri Hills, Tiruchchirippalli (Trichy), Thanjavur (Tanjore) and finally India's fourth city, Chennai (Madras) from where we flew home. All in all it was one of the best holidays ever. India is an endlessly fascinating country, so different and yet in many ways, so familiar. Transport was a mixture of plane, car and train. In total we rode four trains; the Bhopal Shatabdi to Agra, the Chennai to Mysore Shatabdi from Bangalore to Mysore, the steam train down the Nilgiris from Coonoor to Mettupalaiyam and the Vaigai Express from Trichy to Chennai. And like the country the railways are also a strange mixture of the exotic and the familiar. The sheer volume of passengers and size of trains is extraordinary to our eyes whilst the multiple aspect colour light signals with feathers for junctions, left hand running and cwr secured by pandrol clips would be right at home on, say, the East Coast Mainline. Most trains away from the large urban mega-cities are loco hauled, increasingly electric although many thousands of diesels remain in service. And what diesels; the vast majority are powered by domestic versions of Alco's 251 series prime mover, coming from the DLW at Varanasi. I'm not sure Alco was India's first choice, but unlike EMD Alco agreed to enter into a technology transfer agreement, which kick started the domestic loco manufacturing industry. Electric locomotives come from the other big Indian builder, Chittaranjan in West Bengal. Away from the railways the country is stuffed with so much to see and do, that it would take a lifetime to explore it in it's entirety. Our one almost disaster was when my Nikon D300 developed a fault and stopped writing images to the memory card. This necessitated a side trip to Mysore to either get it repaired or find a replacement. As it was I bought a new camera - a Sony A200 - which will now be my backup. Monday 5 January 2009: These pictures were taken during a multi centre holiday in India in January 2009, my first visit to a truly amazing country. Starting in a cold and foggy Delhi we visited Agra, Bangalore, Mysore, the Nilgiri Hills, Tiruchchirippalli (Trichy), Thanjavur (Tanjore) and finally India's fourth city, Chennai (Madras) from where we flew home. All in all it was one of the best holidays ever. India is an endlessly fascinating country, so different and yet in many ways, so familiar. Transport was a mixture of plane, car and train. In total we rode four trains; the Bhopal Shatabdi to Agra, the Chennai to Mysore Shatabdi from Bangalore to Mysore, the steam train down the Nilgiris from Coonoor to Mettupalaiyam and the Vaigai Express from Trichy to Chennai. And like the country the railways are also a strange mixture of the exotic and the familiar. The sheer volume of passengers and size of trains is extraordinary to our eyes whilst the multiple aspect colour light signals with feathers for junctions, left hand running and cwr secured by pandrol clips would be right at home on, say, the East Coast Mainline. Most trains away from the large urban mega-cities are loco hauled, increasingly electric although many thousands of diesels remain in service. And what diesels; the vast majority are powered by domestic versions of Alco's 251 series prime mover, coming from the DLW at Varanasi. I'm not sure Alco was India's first choice, but unlike EMD Alco agreed to enter into a technology transfer agreement, which kick started the domestic loco manufacturing industry. Electric locomotives come from the other big Indian builder, Chittaranjan in West Bengal. Away from the railways the country is stuffed with so much to see and do, that it would take a lifetime to explore it in it's entirety. Our one almost disaster was when my Nikon D300 developed a fault and stopped writing images to the memory card. This necessitated a side trip to Mysore to either get it repaired or find a replacement. As it was I bought a new camera - a Sony A200 - which will now be my backup.

My first picture, taken in the mist from the Red Fort, Agra. A train crosses the Yamuna River approaching Agra Fort Station. A passenger takes a shortcut at Bangalore City Junction station. This used to be the metre gauge side of the station but, like elsewhere in southern India gauge conversion has relegated metre gauge operations to the periphery of the network. My first close up of a WDM2, Indian Railway's maid of all work. Built by the Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) at Varanasi to an Alco design derived from the Century series. Thousands of these locomotives (and upgraded derivatives) have been built in the last 40 years Another WDM2 shunting passenger cars. the residential blocks in the background are witness to Bangalore's prosperity. Another WDM2 sitting at the head of ecs at Bangalore City Junction. A pair of WDG3s approaching Bangalore City Junction from the direction of Chennai. These are heavyweight freight haulers, the lead engine allocated to the shed at Erode. Right on time at 10:50 WAP4 22218 arrives in Bangalore City Junction... ...on the Chennai to Mysore Shatabdi Express The interior of an AC Chair Car on the Shatabdi. Plenty of space and lots of leg room. Food and drink is served at your seat. Mysore in Karnataka was one of the pre-independence Princely States ruled over by a fabulously wealthy king. The Maharajahs of Mysore were very interested in the development of their state and so were enthusiastic sponsors of railways, the Mysore State Railway was a metre gauge system. Today the metre gauge is no more, the broad gauge is now dominant and electrification is on the way. A WDG is the shunter in the coach yard. A pair of carriage cleaners finish their lunch and head back to work. The WDG just chunters. A typical second class car. Open cars they seat three plus three, thanks to the 66' gauge. The Shatabdi express from Chennai and Bangalore arrives in Mysore behind one of the domestically produced EMD-powered WDP4 The journey from Bangalore has taken two hours, nominally non-stop but on single track it may well have had to stop to pass other trains. The WDP4s are very different from the Alco derived WDMs An Alco WDG switching cars in the coach yard at Mysore. Out on the main line a three aspect colour light guards a level crossing near Srirangapatna. The Shatabdi heads back to Chennai (14:20 ex-Mysore), long hood first - not the WDP4s best aspect! It was followed 15 minutes later by a much longer local to Bangalore... ...behind a much more attractive WDM2 A metre gauge YDM4 sitting at Coonoor awaits the arrival of the train from Mettupaliyam (as it happens it was running 75 minutes late) A lovely lattice post home signal at Ooty, the end of the Nilgiri Hills line. The 15:00 leaves Ooty The town is no longer quite the quiet retreat it once was. The YDM4 slowly crosses the river outside the station. The same train approaching Coonoor an hour later... ...and passing the steam shed on the left. 37393 is one of the more modern engines in use. SLM built in 1949 it has now been converted to oil firing (that saddle is the fuel tank) whilst a diesel generator has been fitted in the coal bunker. The YDM has swapped platforms and now sits at the head of the 16:30 back to Ooty. Diesel are used on the non-rack section, steam being reserved for the Coonoor to Mettupaliayam section. 37393 whistles off the shed. Leaving Coonoor the 16:15 (15:00 ex-Ooty) approaches the level crossing, the closure of which causes absolute chaos throughout the town. The loco is just about to engage the rack. A freight train is pushed up the grade into Coonoor... ...behind one of the coal burning SLM locos. It was moving very slowly nad making a deafening row, the whole performance accompanied by a gentle fall of smuts down the back of my neck. The box cars are shunted into the yard. On shed were two other engines in steam. One coal burning, the other, 37393, the oil burner which operated the Mettupaliayam train the day before. Another oild burner was also preset, although not in steam. 37392 continued its shunting activity. Like 37393 it was built by SLM as recently as 1950. 37392 was attaching a brake van to the train it had brought in. Despite the ongoing shunting, the locals continued to cross the yard to get to the town via a short cut. The signals have a certain Irish quality about them The layout is strongly reminiscent of Killarney in SW Ireland. The mainline from Ooty is on the left, the station on the right. Down trains pass the station, stopping in the headshunt before reversing in to the station. Up trains do the reverse. 37392 has found its brake van. One of the original coaches, here refurbished in the attractive blue and cream livery. It too is reminiscent of Ireland's County Donegal Railway loco hauled stock. The single line tablet instrument covering Coonoor to Wellington. The 15:00 from Ooty sweeps into Coonoor, destined for the headshunt On the 13th the train consisted of the 'circus' train, rebuilt cars emblazoned with multi-colours to celebrate the centenary of the Coonoor to Ooty section. Entering the first tunnel en-route to Mettupaliayam And crossing the first viaduct. Approaching Hillgrove where the loco was watered.

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]]> Mon Jan 5 2009 Freightliner's festive diversions http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1631320.html Since Christmas Freightliner have been diverting Felixstowe services via Ely and Peterborough to avoid, firstly, the WCML blockade at Milton Keynes and, latterly, the North London Line, which is closed east of Dalston Kingsland until Friday. Today was an ideal winter's day to be out taking pictures and a great way to round off the year. A Happy New Year to you all. See you in 2009. Tuesday 30 December 2008: Since Christmas Freightliner have been diverting Felixstowe services via Ely and Peterborough to avoid, firstly, the WCML blockade at Milton Keynes and, latterly, the North London Line, which is closed east of Dalston Kingsland until Friday. Today was an ideal winter's day to be out taking pictures and a great way to round off the year. A Happy New Year to you all. See you in 2009.

It's hard to believe but some signal lamps are still lit by paraffin and require regular maintenance. The signal maintainer climbs up to exchange the lamp on the Kennett Down Home. His colleague was doing the same on the Up Home and Down Starter. Kennett is a small station on the edge of the village. It is served by a train every two hours on the Cambridge to Ipswich route. A couple of passengers are waiting for the 10:06 to Cambridge The signal is off for the 4M94 to Lawley Street The 09:55 Peterborough to London Liverpool Street passing the Kennett Up Home It was followed by the 11:11 to Ipswich, which paused for a solitary customer. Hot on the latter's heels came 66518 on what I guess was the 4L89 from Coatbridge It was running on the expectation it would be stopped, which is indeed what happened at the signal beyond the stone terminal. I managed to get ahead of it to take another picture, this time passing the closed station at Higham, between Kennett and Bury St Eds. And right behind the 4L89 came what I guess was the 4L41. It too was stopped at the signal beyond the Kennett stone terminal. The driver returning from phoning the signal man. 66590 gets underway, pulling a train of empty flats. Each divert was double manned, presumably a pilot riding with the driver. Approaching Ely Dock Junction and the bridge over the River Great Ouse, 66578 on the 4M87 to Trafford Park. 66578 climbs towards the river crossing Shortly after the passage of the 4M87 we were treated to the 4L93 from Lawley Street. Another long train of empties with but a solitary 2TEU container riding on the 16th of 20 flats The water in the Ouse Washes has subsided since my last visit on 22nd November. A XC 170 on a Stansted Airport service crossing the washes, the 100' River is in the foreground. The 4L85 is the regular Freightliner daylight working across the Fens. 66535 was in charge as it crosses the Washes... ...and the bridge over the B1411, at the foot of the 100' River bank.

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]]> Tue Dec 30 2008 From the water meadows at King's Sutton http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1629986.html After two days of feasting and merry making with the family I felt the need for some solitude. King's Sutton promised a reasonable variety on the first day back after the Christmas closure what with Wrexham & Shropshire, Chiltern, XC and Virgin West Coast's blockade busters plus any freights which might be operating. As it happened I saw two Freightliners, running in the approximate paths of the 4O54 and 4O02 respectively, both were very sparsely loaded and neither warranted a picture. Wrexham & Shropshire recommenced services with the 09:26 from Wrexham and the 11:24 from Marylebone. The former (67015) was on time but the latter (67029) passed King's Sutton 20 minutes late, both were reversed with the DVT at the London end of the formation. Chiltern were running six and seven car lash ups, on account of the engineering works at Milton Keynes which closed the WCML. And at least two of the Virgin Blockade Buster trains consisted of three 221s (15 cars). A keen easterly wind gave the day a very wintery feel. Saturday 27 December 2008: After two days of feasting and merry making with the family I felt the need for some solitude. King's Sutton promised a reasonable variety on the first day back after the Christmas closure what with Wrexham & Shropshire, Chiltern, XC and Virgin West Coast's blockade busters plus any freights which might be operating. As it happened I saw two Freightliners, running in the approximate paths of the 4O54 and 4O02 respectively, both were very sparsely loaded and neither warranted a picture. Wrexham & Shropshire recommenced services with the 09:26 from Wrexham and the 11:24 from Marylebone. The former (67015) was on time but the latter (67029) passed King's Sutton 20 minutes late, both were reversed with the DVT at the London end of the formation. Chiltern were running six and seven car lash ups, on account of the engineering works at Milton Keynes which closed the WCML. And at least two of the Virgin Blockade Buster trains consisted of three 221s (15 cars). A keen easterly wind gave the day a very wintery feel.

Wrexham & Shropshire's 09:26 from Wrexham, the first train after Christmas, with its DVT at the 'wrong' end!... ...67015 was the train engine. A 168 and 165 form a Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill train passing King's Sutton. The spire of the church of St Peter and St Paul has dominated the village for almost 600 years. Three weeks ago the Cherwell had flooded, today it was much more benign. A XC Voyager heading north. A brief shaft of sun illuminates a 165 slowing for the King's Sutton stop. 67029 at the head of WS&M late running 11:24 from Marylebone. It too was lit up by a brief shaft of sunlight. 67029 in full flight; the punters in the first car are busily watching what I'm doing. The following Voyager was brought almost to a stand by the tardy Wrexham. A Virgin Blockade-buster service to London Euston formed of three 221s.

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]]> Sat Dec 27 2008 A festive Adelante http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1628810.html On Christmas Eve Hull Train's 13;33 departure from King's Cross was formed of a 180 class Adelante high speed diesel MU. Here passing Alexandra Palace on the heels of NXEC's 13;30. Both appeared full. Finally, may I wish everyone who has accidentally or deliberately stumbled onto this site over the past 12 months a very happy and peaceful Christmas. Wednesday 24 December 2008: On Christmas Eve Hull Train's 13;33 departure from King's Cross was formed of a 180 class Adelante high speed diesel MU. Here passing Alexandra Palace on the heels of NXEC's 13;30. Both appeared full. Finally, may I wish everyone who has accidentally or deliberately stumbled onto this site over the past 12 months a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

The 13 33 to Hull approaching Alexandra Palace on Christmas Eve

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]]> Wed Dec 24 2008 White Cliffs Luncheon Express http://trainsofthewesternworld.fotopic.net/c1628196.html Last Friday the Met Office was confidently predicting that Monday would be a sunny day, consequently I thought I'd take the day off and get some last minute pictures before everything closes down for Christmas. My intention was to go looking for the extra mail trains on the WCML. But over the weekend the Met Office started to back pedal; there seem to be some climatic conditions which they are simply unable to predict with any degree of certainty. And Monday was one of those. So instead of north of London I thought I'd head south and get some pictures of Tangmere on its native heath on Steam Dream's White Cliffs Luncheon train, the last steam special of 2008. This morning the weather forecast gave some reason to suggest this was a good choice, by 15:00 East Kent was supposed to be bathed by one of those big sun symbols according to the Met Office's SE England web page. Of course nothing could have been further from the truth, it was dull and grey and drizzly. But seeing Tangmere at the head of what could reasonably pass for a Dover Marine boat train was a real thrill, and to catch her on the racing straight through Headcorn was a treat. Monday 22 December 2008: Last Friday the Met Office was confidently predicting that Monday would be a sunny day, consequently I thought I'd take the day off and get some last minute pictures before everything closes down for Christmas. My intention was to go looking for the extra mail trains on the WCML. But over the weekend the Met Office started to back pedal; there seem to be some climatic conditions which they are simply unable to predict with any degree of certainty. And Monday was one of those. So instead of north of London I thought I'd head south and get some pictures of Tangmere on its native heath on Steam Dream's White Cliffs Luncheon train, the last steam special of 2008. This morning the weather forecast gave some reason to suggest this was a good choice, by 15:00 East Kent was supposed to be bathed by one of those big sun symbols according to the Met Office's SE England web page. Of course nothing could have been further from the truth, it was dull and grey and drizzly. But seeing Tangmere at the head of what could reasonably pass for a Dover Marine boat train was a real thrill, and to catch her on the racing straight through Headcorn was a treat.

Passing the 16.5 milepost at Knockholt we could be back in the late 1950s as Tangmere raises the roof as she storms through on the ascent of the North Downs towards Polhill Tunnel. As on Saturday there were plenty of fans out to enjoy the spectacle. East of Tonbridge Tangmere was let off the leash. This footpath crossing just east of Headcorn is a great location, Tangmere stormed past at track speed, which is 75 mph. By the time the train passed through Dover and headed back towards Shakespeare Cliff Tunnel the light was pretty atrocious.

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]]> Mon Dec 22 2008