Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten http://glen.fotopic.net/ 27 rows en-gb 60 The Latest Shots - Bath and Badminton http://glen.fotopic.net/c1778098.html A couple of Class 67-hauled tours through Bath, plus a '60 on the fuel tanks on the 'Top Road' near Badminton. These shots will be removed to relevant collections in due course. Saturday 31 October 2009: A couple of Class 67-hauled tours through Bath, plus a '60 on the fuel tanks on the 'Top Road' near Badminton. These shots will be removed to relevant collections in due course.

67022 at Bathampton with empty stock of a Machester to Bath 'Northern Belle' working. 31/10/09 An Arriva Trains Wales class 150 with a southbound working passing Newton Meadows, Bath. 07/11/09. 67006 'Royal Sovereign' passing Newton Meadows west of Bath with a tour from Ealing Broadway to Victoria via Gloucester, where 'Tornado' took over. 07/11/09. 67006 'Royal Sovereign' passing Newton Meadows west of Bath with a tour from Ealing Broadway to Victoria via Gloucester, where 'Tornado' took over. 07/11/09. 60085 'Mini - Pride of Oxford' with 6B33, Theale to Margam empty fuel tanks, passing Farleaze Farm near Alderton on the Badminton Route. 07/1/09. 60085 'Mini - Pride of Oxford' with 6B33, Theale to Margam empty fuel tanks, passing Farleaze Farm near Alderton on the Badminton Route. 07/1/09.

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]]> Sat Oct 31 2009 Lymington and the Isle of Wight http://glen.fotopic.net/c1667210.html A collection featuring vintage EMUs, starting with SWT's 'heritage' blue-grey liveried CIG unit at Lymington and crossing the Solent to examine the former London Transport '1938 stock' currently plying between Ryde and Shanklin. Linking the two sections, appropriately enough, is a shot of 'Cedred', one of the old BR 'Sealink' Isle of Wight ferries making her final voyage from Lymington to meet her fate at Southampton. Tuesday 10 March 2009: A collection featuring vintage EMUs, starting with SWT's 'heritage' blue-grey liveried CIG unit at Lymington and crossing the Solent to examine the former London Transport '1938 stock' currently plying between Ryde and Shanklin. Linking the two sections, appropriately enough, is a shot of 'Cedred', one of the old BR 'Sealink' Isle of Wight ferries making her final voyage from Lymington to meet her fate at Southampton.

'Heritage' 3-CIG unit number 1497 at Lymington Town working the 11:59 Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier '3-CIG' no 1497 at Lymington Town working the 12:14 from Lymington Pier to Brockenhurst. 483006, delivered to London Transport in 1940, waits at Ryde Pierhead station on 11 March, 2009. 483006, delivered to London Transport in 1940, waits at Ryde Pierhead station on 11 March, 2009. 483008 arrives at Brading forming the 15:17 from Shaklin to Ryde. 11/03/09. 483008 disgorges schoolchikdren and their bikes at Brading on 11 March '09. 483008 leaving Ryde Pierhead forming the 15:49 to Shanklin. 11 March, 2009. 483006 leaves Ryde Tunnel working the 08:17 from Shanklin. 13/03/09. 483006 leaves Ryde Esplanade for Shanklin on 13 March, 2009. This area is due to be redeveloped to form a new transport interchange during 2009. 483006 approaches the landward end of Ryde Pier. 13 March 2009. 483004, forming the 08:36 from Shanklin is captured leaving Ryde Tunnel and climbing towards Ryde Esplanade station. 13/03/09. The 08:35 from Shanklin arrives at Ryde Esplanade station before proceeding onto the pier on 13 March, 2009. This area is due to be redeveloped to form a new transport interchange during 2009. 483004 at Ryde Esplanade on 13 March, 2009. This area is due to be redeveloped to form a new transport interchange during 2009. The 09:08 Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin descends from the esplanade towards Ryde Tunnel and St John's Road station. 13/03/09. The former BR 'Sealink' ferry 'Cenred' leaves Lymington for the last time en-route to Southampton and, in all probability, the breakers' yard. These 'C' class ferries, introduced in the early 1970s, were finally replaced on the Lymington-Yarmouth route in early March, 2009. '3-CIG' set number 1497 on the viaduct between Lymington Town and Pier stations. 13 March, 2009. 1497 on the causeway between Lymington Town and Pier stations. 13 March, 2009. SWT's heritage '3-CIG' EMU number 1497 on the viaduct between Lymington Town and Pier stations. 13 March, 2009. 1497 on the viaduct between Lymington Town and Pier stations. 13 March, 2009. 1497 on the viaduct between Lymington Town and Pier stations. 13 March, 2009. Set number 006, new to London Transport in February, 1940, climbs from Ryde Tunnel towards Ryde Esplanade station and the pier.

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]]> Tue Mar 10 2009 Archive Corner: Western Region http://glen.fotopic.net/c1664007.html A selection of scanned transparencies and negatives from the end of the hydraulic era to the 1980s. More recent shots can be found in the relevant 'rail route' or 'rail centres' collections. Thursday 1 January 1976: A selection of scanned transparencies and negatives from the end of the hydraulic era to the 1980s. More recent shots can be found in the relevant 'rail route' or 'rail centres' collections.

Unidentified (until I find my notes!) class 31 waits at Barnstaple in the spring, 1978. 50010 'Monarch' at Bodmin Rd, July 1978 A lucky shot from the window of a Mk1 crossing the Tamar Bridge with a Gunnilake branch DMU passing beneath. Taken in July 1979. D1056 'Western Sultan' at Paignton, May 1976. It's not only the loco in this view that has since vanished. 50047 passes Penzance signal box on 24 July 1979. 46004 arrives at St Erth with a down working on 23 July 1979. The St Ives branch is on the left. Unidentified Class 47 with an up service near St Erth, July 1979. 45007 at Penzance, July 1979. 25057 at St Erth, 27 July 1979 45007 departs Penzance with a service to Bristol Temple Meads, 24 July 1979 50015 with a Paddington-Penzance service on a very wet 28 July, 1979 46038 leaving St Erth with an up service, 23 July 1979. 50021 at Long Rock with a Penzance service on 24 July 1979. 50048 near Hayle with a down service, July 1979 Class 31 with a local service passes the now vanished signal cabin at Teignmouth. 11 August 1981 50021 in the loco bay at Penzance. 24 July 1979 Refurbished DMU high abovet Carbis Bay on the St Ives branch, July 1979. An unidentied 'rat' at Newton Abbot in July 1978. D1053 'Western Patriarch' basks in the afternoon sun at Newton Abbot in July, 1976. The locomotive had just four months left in traffic, being withdrawn on 11 November that year. D1053 'Western Patriarch' basks in the afternoon sun at Newton Abbot in July, 1976. An undated shot of 45040 at Bristol Bath Road depot. An unidentified Sulzer class 25 waits at Newton Abbot with an up local service in 1978. These two tracks have since been removed and the space used to expand the car park. Clas 117 DMU set number P464 arrives at Torquay from Paignton in 1977. 46019 at Exeter St David's, Apr 1977 50030 'Repulse' between duties at Penzance stabling point in July 1978. 50008 at Starcross with a Paddington-bound service in July 1978. D1072 'Western Glory' at Torquay in 1976 with a Paignton to Paddington service. Unidentified 'Western' on the down through road at Dawlish Warren with empty 'clay hoods' in 1976. Class 121 at Looe, Apr 1977 47148 at Starcross with a down working, Jul 1978 An unidentified class 25 waits at Barnstaple with a mixed freight in spring, 1978. A DMU waits at Gunnislake in 1977, when the station, apart from the removal of trackwork, was still pretty much in its original condition. 'Western Glory' storms away from Torquay, her acceleration demonstrating the efficiency of hydraulic transmission. Gradient? What gradient?

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]]> Thu Jan 1 1976 Non-UK Railways: Germany (South) http://glen.fotopic.net/c1661600.html A collection of scanned 35mm transparencies from holidays and business trips to the Schwarzwald, Stuttgart, Munich and surrounding areas. Saturday 17 July 1999: A collection of scanned 35mm transparencies from holidays and business trips to the Schwarzwald, Stuttgart, Munich and surrounding areas.

The railbus arriving at Metzingen, where the Bad Urach branch joins the main line between Stuttgart and Tubingen. 101 047-9 sweeps into Stuttgart Hpf with an IC service in July, 1999. 110 198-9 in blue and ivory livery arrives at Stuttgart Hbf with a train of steam-age 'silverfish' coaches in July 1999. Wearing the attractive TEE crimson and ivory livery, 110 504-8 arrives at Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof on 17 July '99. 'Silverfish' control car with turquoise and ivory cab at Tubingen on 18 July '99. A former-DR class 143 near the terminus at Seebrugg with a push-pull working to Freiburg. 20/7/99. Looking quite model-like, a class 101 electric with a long-distance through working to Seebrugg beside the Schluchsee lake in the Schwartzwald. It is possible to spend a pleasant day walking around the lake on footpaths, with frequent refreshment stops for local weissbiers! 20/7/99. A double-deck driving trailer in typical Black Forest scenery at Altglashutten. 24/7/99. A former Deutsch Reichbahn class 143 Bo-Bo electric locomotive at Altglashutten on the Seebrugg branch. 23/7/99. Tubingen depot was the final stronghold of the DB's once-ubiquitous 'little red railbus'. The branch from Metzingen to Bad Urach employed one of the last remaining sets on a weekend tourist service until July 1999 when the line was modernised and equipped with new railcars. These photos were taken on 24 July '99, the last day of the old railbus operation. This view shows the terminus at Bad Urach. The halt at Bad Urach Wasserfall (waterfall), a short distance from the terminus. These railbuses were introduced by DB from the mid-1950s and inspired the experiment which saw similar vehicles introduced onto a number of rural branch lines in the UK. The German-built Waggon und Maschinenbau vehicles used in East Anglia had the closest resemblance to their Deutsche cousins. In an almost timeless scene, the little red railbus trundles along the Bad Urach branch in the hot summer sun. A class 627 DMU at Wendlingen forming the Lenningen branch service. 24 July 1999. The railbus sets off from Bad Urach for the junction at Metzingen. The unpowered centre car was on this occasion being used to serve beer. Which was nice! 218 225-1 at Munich Hbf on 1 November, 2001. 218 304-4 waits in the hot July sun at Freiburb, Breisgau, in 1999. What a pity DB Schenker didn't adopt this shade of red in the UK!

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]]> Sat Jul 17 1999 Rail Routes: The 'Box Route' - Wootton Bassett to Bristol via Bath http://glen.fotopic.net/c1660917.html This is Brunel's original route to Bristol via Chippenham, Box Tunnel and Bath Spa. Other photographs of this line can be found under the collection titled 'Rail Centres: Bath' but I hope to cover most of the locations here at least once. Images are organised in route order from east to west. Saturday 30 August 2008: This is Brunel's original route to Bristol via Chippenham, Box Tunnel and Bath Spa. Other photographs of this line can be found under the collection titled 'Rail Centres: Bath' but I hope to cover most of the locations here at least once. Images are organised in route order from east to west.

67013 at Neston, between Box and Chippenham, with a charter from Lichfield to Bath and Bristol on 9 May 07 67030 at Bristol Temple Meads after arriving with the 15:41 shuttle from Chippenham. 15 Dec 07. 67030 at platform 13 at Bristol Temple Meads after arrival with the 15:41 from Chippenham. 15 Dec 07. 'Royal' 67005 at Saltford with the 09:25 Chippenham to Bristol Temple Meads with the Kelston Hills in the background. D1015 'Western Champion' at Bristol Temple Meads after arrival with an excursion from Dartmouth. 30 Aug '08. 60082 in the famous Sydney Gardens, Bath, with coal empties from Westbury Cement Works on 1 Sep '08. 60009 westbound at Langley Burrell on 3 Dec '08. A level crossing here has been replaced by a concrete overbridge, designed for pedestrians and cattle. 66137 at Bathampton with 6V62 on 30 Dec '08. The location is known locally as 'Candy's Bridge' and is best reached by parking at The George pub and walking west along the canal towpath to a bridge that takes a private road over the canal. The trees on both sides have since been removed changing teh character of the shot. 67005 'Queen's Messenger' sweeps through Chippenham with a 'Northern Belle' shopping excursion from Cardiff to Kensington Olympia on 28 Feb '09. The same train as featured in the previous image, photographed a few seconds later. The location is Cocklebury Lane, Chippenham. 66957 at Bathampton with 6A21, Pengam-Theale stone, viewed from Candy's Bridge. 9/05/09. 43384 at Bathampton leading a diverted Cross Country service. The shot was taken from the bridge near The George pub. 09/05/09. 60065 passing Bathampton at 05:50 on 9 May '09 with 6B11, loaded fuel tanks to Theale. This appeared a few minutes after D444 on a tour to Aberystwyth - see 'Rail Centres - Bath Area' collection. This shot was taken at ISO1600, 'smoothed' with 'Neat Image' software and then adjusted to boost contrast and saturation, hence the slightly 'artificial' look. 66546 at Bathampton with 6A21, Pengam-Theale stone. 30/05/09. 66056 at Newton St Loe with ballast. 30/05/09. 67016 at Bathampton with 2V67, the 16:55 Weymouth-Bristol Temple Meads. 06/06/09. 37760 and 37401 at Oldfield Park, Bath, on 5 September with the last 2009 summer Saturday loco-hauled relief service from Bristol to Weymouth. 37760 and 37401 at Oldfield Park, Bath, on 5 September with the last 2009 summer Saturday loco-hauled relief service from Bristol to Weymouth.

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]]> Sat Aug 30 2008 Rail Routes: Waterloo to Exeter http://glen.fotopic.net/c1652802.html The Southern Railway's route to the West, via Andover, Salisbury and Yeovil Junction. Just a couple of scanned 35mm transparencies at the moment; I will add further material as time permits. COLLECTION ADDED 12 FEBRUARY '09. Saturday 15 August 1992: The Southern Railway's route to the West, via Andover, Salisbury and Yeovil Junction. Just a couple of scanned 35mm transparencies at the moment; I will add further material as time permits. COLLECTION ADDED 12 FEBRUARY '09.

47142 'The Sapper' at Buckhorn Weston with a Waterloo-Exeter service, 15 August, 1992. 47707 'Holyrood' leaves Buckhorn Weston Tunnel, near Gillingham, with an up service. 15 August, 1992.

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]]> Sat Aug 15 1992 Rail Centres - Wolverhampton http://glen.fotopic.net/c1642087.html Wolverhampton, with its canals and 'post-industrial' landscape, offers plenty of potential for railway photography. My visit in July 2003 coincided with engineering work on the WCML which resulted in services to and from Euston being 'dragged' by Virgin '57s and hired-in '47s. Class 47s were also working Birmingham-Holyhead services while Arriva struggled with its new DMU fleet. The day was blessed with sun, and was rounded off nicely by a journey back to Bristol in a VXC HST! Saturday 12 July 2003: Wolverhampton, with its canals and 'post-industrial' landscape, offers plenty of potential for railway photography. My visit in July 2003 coincided with engineering work on the WCML which resulted in services to and from Euston being 'dragged' by Virgin '57s and hired-in '47s. Class 47s were also working Birmingham-Holyhead services while Arriva struggled with its new DMU fleet. The day was blessed with sun, and was rounded off nicely by a journey back to Bristol in a VXC HST!

57302+86247 at Wolverhampton with ECS off the 12:50 ex-Euston. 12/07/03. 47830+87008 at Wolverhampton with stock for the 15:19 to Euston. 57308+87031 at Wolverhampton with the 13:50 from Euston to Wolverhampton. 12/07/03 57308 leading ECS for the 14:19 to Euston. How much neater the 57/3s looked without the hideous Dellner coupling systems! 47743 'Atlantic College' dragging a DVT set and Class 87 on a working to Euston. 12/07/03 57302 taking ECS from Oxley to Wolverhampton for the 16:19 to Euston. 12 Jul 03

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]]> Sat Jul 12 2003 Archive Corner: Cross Country Loco-Hauled Remembered http://glen.fotopic.net/c1640926.html A collection of scanned transparencies from the last years of locomotive haulage on the 'Cross Country' services to the south west. The Class 47s gave way to 'Voyagers' at the end of the 2002 summer timetable. To celebrate the 47s'' long service on the routes, a handful were repainted into historic liveries: two-tone green, XP64 blue, standard 'rail' blue and 'large logo' blue, attracting huge attention from enthusiasts and photographers. Loco-haulage made a brief return in 2004 when class 67s were utilised on 'Holidaymaker' summer Saturday services to Torbay. Photos here are organised in route order, north to south. UPDATED 30 JANUARY '09. Saturday 6 April 2002: A collection of scanned transparencies from the last years of locomotive haulage on the 'Cross Country' services to the south west. The Class 47s gave way to 'Voyagers' at the end of the 2002 summer timetable. To celebrate the 47s'' long service on the routes, a handful were repainted into historic liveries: two-tone green, XP64 blue, standard 'rail' blue and 'large logo' blue, attracting huge attention from enthusiasts and photographers. Loco-haulage made a brief return in 2004 when class 67s were utilised on 'Holidaymaker' summer Saturday services to Torbay. Photos here are organised in route order, north to south. UPDATED 30 JANUARY '09.

47851, repainted by Virgin into two-tone green, arrives at Bristol Temple Meads with 1M59. 03/08/02. 47853, repainted in 'XP64' livery, leaves Bristol Temple Meads with 1V43. 03/08/02. 47818 on the rear of 1V43 about to pass under Bath Rd bridge. 03/08/02. 47848 near Nailsea with 1V50. 04/08/02. Before being repainted into royal claret livery, 67006 was captured at Aller, Newton Abbot, with an empty stock working from Paignton to Old Oak Common. 24 July '04. 67001 at Aller with 1Z19, BTM-Paignton, after a failure at Crewe. 24/07/04. 67027 at Long Ashton, Bristol with the 08:43 Paignton-Preston 'Holidaymaker' service on 31 July '04. 67006 at Wickwar with 1V15, 07:08 York-Paignton. 07/08/04. 67006 at Wickwar with 1V15, the 07:08 York-Paignton. 07/08/04. 67001 at Exeter with 1V15 to Paignton. 14/08/04. 67005 at Langstone, Dawlish with 1M89, 08:43 Paignton-Preston. 14/08/04. 67016 at Teignmouth with 1E99, the 09:05 Paignton-Newcastle. 28/08/04. 67006 at Paignton with ECS to OOC off 09:51 to Paignton. 28/08/04. The last class 47-hauled down working. 47847 pilots 47840 away from Bristol Temple Meads with 1V84. 18/08/02. 47828 at Livermead, Torquay, with 1V50. 06/07/02. 47828 at Whiteball with 1V45, 09:16 Manchester Piccadilly-Paignton. 29/06/02. 47817 descends Filton Bank with 1V45, the 09:13 Liverpool-Plymouth, 06/04/02. This photo was taken from Lockleaze footbridge which has since been fitted with 'caging' making photography impossible. Uniformly branded loco and stock accelerate up Filton Bank towards Bristol Parkway. 06/04/02. 47831 at Croome Perry Wood, Besford, with 1V50. 31/05/02. 47847 at Brent Knoll with 1V50, 13 July 02 47829 at Lockleaze with 1E67, 10 Apr 02 67014 at Wickwar with 1M89, 08:43 Paignton-Preston. 07/08/04.

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]]> Sat Apr 6 2002 Rail Centres - Cardiff http://glen.fotopic.net/c1633186.html Cardiff as a rail centre needs no introduction. Photographically, Cardiff Central station benefits from an elevated position, reducing the problem of shadows. It also enjoys an intensive train service, including some freight and loco-hauled passenger trains operated both by First Great Western and Arriva Trains Wales. Tuesday 30 December 2008: Cardiff as a rail centre needs no introduction. Photographically, Cardiff Central station benefits from an elevated position, reducing the problem of shadows. It also enjoys an intensive train service, including some freight and loco-hauled passenger trains operated both by First Great Western and Arriva Trains Wales.

47847 at Coedkernew, east of Cardiff, with a Newport-Cardiff rugby special. 04/03/05. 67028 after arriving with the 11:02 FGW service from Taunton on 31 December '08. 57316 on platform 1 prior to heading the 16:17 to Holyhead. 31/12/08. 57314 on the rear of the 16:17 to Holyhead. 31/12/08. 57316 waiting to head the 16:17 to Holyhead on New Year's Eve, 2008.

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]]> Tue Dec 30 2008 Preserved Railways: The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway http://glen.fotopic.net/c1630884.html The 'GWR', currently operating over the former double-track main line between Cheltenham Race Course and Toddington, has an 'enlightened' attitude to diesels with regular diesel-only events, mainly using the Railway's home fleet. This collection of images is arranged in route order starting at the Toddington end. Saturday 27 December 2008: The 'GWR', currently operating over the former double-track main line between Cheltenham Race Course and Toddington, has an 'enlightened' attitude to diesels with regular diesel-only events, mainly using the Railway's home fleet. This collection of images is arranged in route order starting at the Toddington end.

47105 at Hailes, putting its steam heat boiler to good use! 27/12/08 47105 at Didbrook. 27/12/08 D5054 near Hailes with a Toddington-bound train. 27/12/08. 37324 at Hailes. 27/12/08 D5054 at Stanley Pontlarge. 27/12/08 47105 at Stanley Pontlarge. 27/12/08. 37324 at Stanley Pontlarge. 27/12/08. D5580 at Dixton with an eastbound working. 27/12/08 Seesn in monochrome, one could perhaps believe that this is the Cotswold Line in the 1980s. In fact, it's 47105 at Dixton near Gotherington, 27/12/08. D5054 catches the very last of the winter afternoon sun as seen from the field at Precott. The attractive rare-breed sheep that occupied the field unfortunately refused to stay in shot! 27/12/08. 37324 at Prescott. 27/12/08.

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]]> Sat Dec 27 2008 Rail Centres: Banbury http://glen.fotopic.net/c1526488.html Banbury, on the Didcot to Coventry route, continues to boast two fine, operational, signalboxes and a number of semaphore signals. As well as container traffic, the route also now sees regular class 67-powered Wrexham & Shropshire Railway passenger services. So, head for Banbury if you're into loco-haulage and mechanical siganalling! Sunday 8 June 2008: Banbury, on the Didcot to Coventry route, continues to boast two fine, operational, signalboxes and a number of semaphore signals. As well as container traffic, the route also now sees regular class 67-powered Wrexham & Shropshire Railway passenger services. So, head for Banbury if you're into loco-haulage and mechanical siganalling!

A reminder of times past with Chiltern Railways' 'bubble car' 960014 approaching Banbury station on 7 June 08. 66592 heads south with 4O54, a Leeds-Southampton Freightliner, on 7 June 08. 67012 in W&SR livery leads 1P03, the 08:55 Wrexham to Marylebone service, on 8 June 08. This phto was taken from the overbridge immediately north of Banbury station. 67015 speeds towards Kings Sutton a few miles south of Banbury with 1P13, the 12:55 Wrexham to Marylebone W&SR service. 7 June 08. With Kings Sutton village and church in the background, 67003 heads towards Banbury with the W&SR 14:53 Marylebone-Wrexham service. 7 June 08.

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]]> Sun Jun 8 2008 Rail Centres: Shrewsbury http://glen.fotopic.net/c1522053.html Shrewsbury is a wonderful rail centre with a full complement of semaphore signals, an amazing track layout and, thanks to the Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway, a regular service of loco-hauled passenger trains every day of the week. Saturday 31 May 2008: Shrewsbury is a wonderful rail centre with a full complement of semaphore signals, an amazing track layout and, thanks to the Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway, a regular service of loco-hauled passenger trains every day of the week.

67014 on the rear of the 08:17 Marylebone to Wrexham W&SR service. 66554 bypasses Shrewsbury station taking the south chord of the traingular junction with a Portbury to Rugely coal working. 31 May 08. 67014, in the W&SR silver-grey livery, heads away from Shrewsbury towards Wolverhampton with the 12:55 Wrexham to Marylebone service. How nice to see blue-grey coaches again! 31 May 08. Viewed from the castle parapet, 175004 on a Machester to Carmarthen service takes the route to Hereford and Newport. 31 May 08. 67003 curves into the station past the fine signal box heading the 12:17 Marylebone to Wrexham service. 31 May 08 Another shot of 67003 approaching the station with the 12:17 Marylebone to Wrexham service. 31 May 08

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]]> Sat May 31 2008 Preserved Railways: The Severn Valley Railway http://glen.fotopic.net/c1501445.html This collection features the scenic 17 mile preserved line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth in the West Midlands. Photos are displayed in route order from Kidderminster northwards. Thursday 24 April 2008: This collection features the scenic 17 mile preserved line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth in the West Midlands. Photos are displayed in route order from Kidderminster northwards.

One of the SVR's attractive Class 108 DMU sets at Hampton Loade. 24 April 08. D1013 'Western Ranger' approaches Hampton Loade with a southbound working on 23 April 08, during the SVR's 2008 Diesel Gala. 50149 heads north from Hampton Loade en-route to Bridgnorth on 24 April 08, during the line's Diesel Gala. D1013 'Western Ranger' approaches the station at Highley on 24 April. This is a new vantage point created by the opening of a museum adjacent the station with a superb viewing terrace and cafe balcony. 37906+37901 burst from Bewdley Tunnel with a down working on 25 April 08. The pilot loco was detached at Bewdley as double-headers are not permitted on Victoria Bridge. The Derby 'power twin' DMU crosses Hay Bridge with a local working to Bridgnorth on 26 April 08. D1013 powers throatily away from the Sterns speed restriction with a down train on 26 April 08 D1013 edges across Victoria Bridge high above the River Severn near Arley. 26 April 08. A pair of 'whistling wardrobes' near Bewdley with a northbound service. 8/10/09. SVR resident 73006, normally employed on humble PW work, was given a repaint for her passenger role at the Gala. The 'ED' is seen approaching Bewdley Tunnel. 8/10/09. The Stratford Diesel Group's superb 47580 'County of Essex' at Dowles, near Bewdley. 8/10/09. D821 complements the autumn colour at Dowles, north of Bewdley, with a service for Highley. 8/10/09. 50044's 'might have been' livery is not to all tastes but certainly complements the autumn shades in this shot at Northwood. 8/10/09. 50135 near Northwood. Hmm... 10/10/09. D1013 'Western Ranger' near Northwood with a southbound working. This was expected to be the loco's final passenger working before being stopped for a major overhaul. 8/10/09. D821 prepares to work a service to Kidderminster in this atmospheric scene captured at Highley. 9/10/09. D821 'Greyhound' at Highley. 9/10/09. D821 at Highley with the stock of a working to Kidderminster. 9/10/09. 50026 'Indomitable', which took no part in the gala, posed for the camera at Kidderminster. 9/10/09. D1062 'Western Courier', which returned to traffic earlier in 2009, was captured approaching Bewdley Tunnel with a southbound working. 10/10/09. Possibly the shot of the event, D821 made a stunning sight and sound accelerating up the gradient towards Bewdley Tunnel. 10/10/09. 37234 made its maiden run in preservation at the 2009 gala. Still awaiting numbers and logos, the loco is seen on Rifle Range Heath heading for Kiddermister. 10/10/09. The final shot of the gala was D821 on an up working at Arley. 10/10/09.

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]]> Thu Apr 24 2008 Rail Routes: The 'Badminton Route' http://glen.fotopic.net/c1398397.html Also known as the 'Top Road', this is the route from Bristol Parkway to Wootton Basset Junction, west of Swindon. Images in this collection are organised in route order from Swindon. Saturday 27 October 2007: Also known as the 'Top Road', this is the route from Bristol Parkway to Wootton Basset Junction, west of Swindon. Images in this collection are organised in route order from Swindon.

47703 with a Paddington-Plymouth tour catches the light at Acton Turville on 01 Apr 06 66141 at Farleaze, Hullavington on 12 June '06 with coal empties from Avonmouth to Didcot. 66503 at Farleaze, Hullavington with the Wentloog to Southampton Freightliner on 12 June, 2006 In miserable weather, D1015 passes Hullavington with the 'Western Refiner' railtour on 27 October 07. The loco carried the number D1016 and the name 'Western Gladiator', as well as a 'Pembrokeshire Coast Express' headboard. 66079 heads 6Z83, an 11:45 Machen-Acton stone, near Acton Turville. 04/09/08. Acton Turville shakes as 66135 lugs another load of coal from Avonmouth Docks to Didcot Power Station on 4 September 08. 66185 passes Acton Turville with empty HTAs from Didcot Power Station to Avonmouth on 4 September 08. 66005 at Acton Turville with 4D10, empty HTA coal hoppers from Didcot Power Station to Avonmouth. 11 Oct '08. 60062 at Acton Turville with 6B33, empty fuel tanks from Theale to Margam. 11 Oct '08. The photo was taken from the easternmost of the two occupation bridges and the bridge carrying the road to Sherston can be seen in the distance. 60066 at Acton Turville in heavy frost on 10 January '09 with 6B33. What a difference three months can make to a scene! Significant vegetation clearance by Network Rail west of Alderton Tunnel has opened up a new vantage point from the Fosseway overbridge. Here, 66142 passes westbound with 4D10, a Didcot-Avonmouth empty coal working. 7/03/09. 60031 'ABP Connect' at Alderton with 6B33, the Theale-Margam empty fuel tanks. 7/03/09.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Sat Oct 27 2007 Rail Routes: East Anglia http://glen.fotopic.net/c1337054.html The former GER routes from Liverpool Street to Essex and the rest of East Anglia are well worth a visit, both for the frequent loco-powered passenger services to and from Norwich and for the freight traffic to and from the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich. UPDATED 24 JANUARY '09. Saturday 28 July 2007: The former GER routes from Liverpool Street to Essex and the rest of East Anglia are well worth a visit, both for the frequent loco-powered passenger services to and from Norwich and for the freight traffic to and from the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich. UPDATED 24 JANUARY '09.

Liverpool St - gateway to the East! 90014 waits at the terminus to power the 10:30 to Diss, 28 July 07 90015 propelling the 11:00 from Liverpool St to Diss, 28 July 07. The location here is Admirals Park, a few minutes walk from Chelmsford station. The view across the lake is properly lit for most of the morning. Unidentified class 90 at Chelmsford with a Down service, 28 Juy 07 90044 heads 4L97, the 05:55 Trafford Park-Felixstowe 86223 at Manningtree powering the 14:00 Liverpool St-Norwich, 20 Jun 03 86235 'Crown Point' near Wivenhoe with the 'Angia 86 Farewell' tour - Clacton leg. 30 Oct '04.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Sat Jul 28 2007 Rail Routes: Bristol to Weymouth http://glen.fotopic.net/c1326401.html The Bristolians' route to the seaside via Bath, Westbury, Castle Cary, Yeovil and Dorchester. Images in this collection are organised in route order from Bristol to the south and include the 2008 Glastonbury Festival extras. So why not select 'slide show' and enjoy a trip to the Dorset coast spanning a decade of loco-haulage? Saturday 14 July 2007: The Bristolians' route to the seaside via Bath, Westbury, Castle Cary, Yeovil and Dorchester. Images in this collection are organised in route order from Bristol to the south and include the 2008 Glastonbury Festival extras. So why not select 'slide show' and enjoy a trip to the Dorset coast spanning a decade of loco-haulage?

31601 at Berkley with a Swindon-Castle Cary Glastonbury Festival special. 24/06/04. 31601 pauses at Freshford with the 14:40 Bristol TM-Weymouth. 21/05/05. 31454 at Hummer with the 11:10 Weymouth-Bristol TM. 03/09/05. 31454 approaches Maiden Newton leading the 14:00 Bristol TM-Weymouth. 03/09/05. 67021 leads the 08:34 SO Bristol-Weymouth extra near Queen Camel, 14 July 07. This long-lens shot requires a stepladder! Turn off the A359 by the church. 'Royal' 67005 heads 2V67, the SO (dated) 17:47 Weymouth-Bristol service at Berkley Marsh, Frome, on 14 July 07. 67006 passes Avoncliff Halt with the 08:34 Bristol to Weymouth on 21 July, 2007 67005 approaches Chetnole station with the 17:47 Weymouth-Bristol during a heavy shower on 21 July, 2007. 31454 arriving at Maiden Newton with an Excursion from Minehead, 26 Aug 07 31128 and 31452 double-head an excursion returning to Minehead after a day at Weymouth. 26 Aug 07. 67019 at Bath Spa on 31 May '08 replacing a unit on the 17:30 Weymouth to Bristol service. Not actually a Weymouth service but a FGW special for the Glastonbury Festival. 67020 heading 2Z30, 09:46 Swindon-Taunton shuttle at Upton Noble on 26 June 08. 67021 with another 2008 Glastobury special. 2Z51, the 11:35 Taunton-Swindon shuttle, is captured at Cole near Bruton on 26 June. 67005 at Newton St Loe with 2O72, 09:09 BTM-Weymouth, on 12 July 08 67006 at Berkley Marsh near Frome with the 16:58 Weymouth-Bristol 'extra' on 12 July 08. 67006 near Limpley Stoke with the 16:58 Weymouth-Bristol 'extra' on 12 July 08. 67025 captured at World's End Bridge, Saltford, with 2O72 on 26 July 08. 67001 passes Chetnole at the head of 2V67 on 26 July 08. 67021 leading 2V67 out of Twerton Tunnel on 2 August 08. 67003 at Weymouth on 8 August after arrival at the head of the 09:09 from Bristol. 67003 at Weymouth on 8 August after arrival at the head of the 09:09 from Bristol. 67003 on the rear of what would form the 16:55 to Bristol. 8 August 08. 67021 at speed near Witham Friary with 2O72 on 16 Aug 08. 67022 at Cockhill, south of Castle Cary, with 2V67 on 16 Aug 08. This photo was taken in driving rain and poor light at ISO1000! 'Royal' 67006 on the summit of Brewham Bank with 2O72 on 23 August 08. 67027 with 1V67 on 23 August 2008. Memories are made of this! Regional Railways-liveried 37414 at Claverton with the 14:33 Bristol-Weymouth working on 13 March, 1999. Scanned from a medium format transparency. 31601 at Bath Spa with the 17:18 from Weymouth to Bristol, 15 Jul 04 31454 at Newton St Loe with the 08:28 Bristol-Weymouth, 31 May 04 67016 at Bathamton with 09:09 BTM-Weymouth. 30/05/09. 67017 at Chetnole with 2V67, 16:55 Weymouth to Bristol on 30 May 09. 67017 at Saltford with 2O72, FGW's 09:09 Bristol-Weymouth 'refief'. The location is known as 'World's End' bridge, reached by following a footpath at the end of a lane of the same name that branches off of Pixash Lane. 67016 passed Bathampton with 2V67, 16:55 Weymouth to Bristol. 67017 at Cockhill with the 09:09 BTM-Weymouth on 27 June '09. 67016 on the 16:55 Weymouth to Bristol 'relief' on 27 June '09. A 'going away' shot of 67017 on the rear of the 16:55 Weymouth to Bristol 'relief' on 27 June '09. 67016 leading 2O72 near Bathampton Junction. 4 July '09. 67017 catches he dappled sun heading past Claverton Weir with 2V67. This was taken from the small, private, car park adjacent to the gated crossing leading to Claverton Pumping Station. 67025 approaching Bathampton Junction with 'The Weymouth' on 15 August '09. 67005 at Berkley Marsh with 2V67, 16:55 Weymouth to Bristol on 15 August '09. 67005 at Glass's Crossing, Bathampton, with 2V67, 16:55 Weymouth to Bristol on 15 August '09. I'm not sure the sun ever lights the subject from this angle but in dull conditions it makes a useful location, and has recently benefited from some (official!) cutting back. 67005 at Oldfield Park, Bath, with the 09:09 Bristol to Weymouth on 22 August '09. Another shot of 67005 at Oldfield Park with the 09:09 Bristol to Weymouth on 22 August '09. If you visit the area for a shot, have a look in the Oldfield Park Bookshop in nearby Morland Road - they do a good selection of local interest railway books. 67025 and 67005 at Bathampton with 2V67 on 22 August '09. 67016 at Oldfield Park with the penultimate 2O72 working of the 2009 summer timetable, 29 August, 2009. 67016 at Oldfield Park with the penultimate 2O72 working of the 2009 summer timetable, 29 August, 2009. 67016 at Oldfield Park with the penultimate 2O72 working of the 2009 summer timetable, 29 August, 2009. 67016 at Oldfield Park with the penultimate 2O72 working of the 2009 summer timetable, 29 August, 2009. 67016 at Oldfield Park with the penultimate 2O72 working of the 2009 summer timetable, 29 August, 2009. 67005 'Queen's Messenger' approaching Frome on the single line with the penultimate 2V67 working of the 2009 summer timetable, 29 August, 2009

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Sat Jul 14 2007 Rail Routes: Cogload to the West http://glen.fotopic.net/c1304962.html Covering the former Great Western routes south and west of Cogload Junction to Plymouth and Penzance, including the branch lines. This collection, organised in route order, includes the famous sea wall section between Exeter at Newton Abbot - where better to spend a sunny day with a camera? Monday 29 May 2006: Covering the former Great Western routes south and west of Cogload Junction to Plymouth and Penzance, including the branch lines. This collection, organised in route order, includes the famous sea wall section between Exeter at Newton Abbot - where better to spend a sunny day with a camera?

08641 at Plymouth ready to add Plymouth coach to up sleeper. 17/06/04. 31105 and 31106 top and tailing a Network Rail test train at Teignmouth on 22 April, 2006 37411 on the sea wall at Dawlish with a tour on 29 May, 2006 GNER HST (comprising 43118+EC60+43039) heads past heavy seas at Dawlish, 15 July 06 'Skip' 67015 at Cockwood on 15 July 06 with an up 'Edenex'. 47703 at Whiteball on 2 September 2006 with Compass Tours charter. 50049 races through Creech St Michael en-route to Paignton, 16 June 07 43066+43083 at Langstone, working 1V29 07:25 Manchester Piccadilly-Newquay. 7 July 07 47818 with 1Z47, a Colchester to Kingswear 'Steamy Affairs' excursion on 7 July 07. 67013 leaves the coast at Langstone with a VSOE working on 7 July, 2007 43053 and 43102 powering 1E47, the 09:40 Newquay-Newcastle. Langstone, 7 July 07. 67013 at Dawlish with a down VSOE working on 7 July 2007. 43077 at Dawlish with the 12:35 Paddington-Paignton, 7 July 07. 67013 approaching Dawlish Warren with an empty VSOE stock working from Plymouth to Exeter. 7 July 07 47813 storms past Langstone Rock with the returning Colchester to Kingswear charter on 7 July 07. 67013 passes Dawlish Warren with an evening tour from Exeter St Davids to Kingswear. 7 July 07 31452 at Creech St Michael with the 11:10 Minehead-Bristol Temple Meads 'Butlins Express' on 11 Aug 07. 31454 leads the down 'Butlins Express' at Creech St Michael, between Cogload Junction and Taunton. 11 Aug 07 31454 and 31452 at Exeter St Davids on 20 October 07 with an Okehampton to Paignton special in connection with the Dartmoor Railway's diesel gala. D1068 'Western Reliance' sweeps through Totnes with the 'Royal Duchy' 07:12 from Paddington to Penzance on 5 April '08. (The loco was in reality D1015, the only main-line registered class 52.) D1015 at Dawlish Warren with the return 'Royal Duchy' tour on 5 April 08. 47805 and 47815 approach Kennaway Tunnel with a Compass Tours charter from Preston to Paignton on 17 May 08. 43007 and 43184 at Teignmouth with the first Arriva XC HST hire-in of the 2008 summer season. 17 May 08. 47815 and 47805 in harness storm through Teignmouth with the Compass Tours return charter from Paignton to Preston on 17 May 08. 55022 'Royal Scots Grey' at Dawlish with Pathfinder's 'Cornish Explorer' tour from Birmingham International to Penzance on 28 June 08. 43087 beside Marine Parade, Dawlish, at the head of the 09:20 Paignton-Paddington on 28 June 08. 66622 at Dawlish Warren with empty box wagons from Reading West Yard to Hackney Yard on 28 June 08. The train was booked to continue on the Monday to Burngullow to collect quartz sand for Olympic construction works in East London. 55022 'Royal Scots Grey' at Dawlish Warren with the return 'Cornish Explorer' tour on 28 June 08. 6024 'King Edward I' storms through Dawlish with the 'Torbay Express' on 24 August 08. 47773 and 33025 approach Kingswear with a tour from Tyseley on 30 August 08. D1015 waiting at Kingswear with the stock of the 'Dart Arrow' from Bristol on 30 August 08. 40145 at Saltern Cove with the return 'Torbay Whistler' tour from Tame Bridge Parkway. 20/09/08. 34067 'Tangmere' near Britannia Crossing, Kingswear, with an up 'Torbay Express' on 21 September 08. 150263 near Carbis Bay on the approach to St Ives on 3 October '08. 150263 at Lelant on the St Ives branch with a service to St Erth on 3 October '08. 43207 heads 1V19, the 06:00 Leeds to Plymouth Cross Country service, at Creech St Michael on 22 December, 2008. 67028 at Charlton near Cogload with FGW's 11:02 Taunton-Cardiff on 22 Deceber '08. 43301 leads 1V23, 06:32 York-Plymouth at Cogload Junction on 22 December, '08. 67017 at Creech with5Y10, 10:10 WSM to Taunton empty stock. 22 Dec 08. 47813 at Whiteball with 1A34, 07:30 Plymouth-Paddington on 19 August '02. Scanned from a medium format transparency. 66118 at Dawlish with china clay(6M68), 14 Jun 03. Scanned froma medium format transparency. 50031 and 50049 at Aller with a Pathfinder tour to Par. 66556 at Creech St Michael with 6C73, Westbury-Fairwater Yard. 28/04/09. 43357 at Creech St Michael leading 1V31, 06:08 Edinburgh-Plymouth. 28/04/09. 43384 at Charlton leading 1S51, 12:21 Plymouth-Glasgow. 28/04/09 Mid-July saw FGW suffering (further) problems with its class 57 fleet, leading to an HST being pressed into service on the Sunday evening 'down' service. On the Monday, however, 57312 'The Hood' was on loan from Virgin and is seen here at St Austell on the morning of Tuesday 14th July en-route to Penzance. 57312 pulling away from St Austell on 14 July 09. 57605 'Totnes Castle' at St Austell with the down sleeper on 16 July '09. 57605 'Totnes Castle' restarts the down sleeper at St Austell on 16 July '09. Still in FGW 'fag packet' green livery, 57604 'Pendennis Castle' was captured in heavy rain at Par on 17 July '09. The train is, of course, the down sleeper.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Mon May 29 2006 Rail Routes: Westbury to Salisbury http://glen.fotopic.net/c1300150.html The picturesque 'Wylye Valley' route in Wiltshire sees relatively little regular locomotive-hauled traffic, except when Freightliner traffic to and from Southampton is diverted via Westbury. Take the unclassified road between Tytherington (Wilts) and Wilton to explore the line and while you're there, try the Ginger Piggery farm shop at Boyton for fantastic bacon! Images in this collection are organised in route order from Westbury. Saturday 20 May 2006: The picturesque 'Wylye Valley' route in Wiltshire sees relatively little regular locomotive-hauled traffic, except when Freightliner traffic to and from Southampton is diverted via Westbury. Take the unclassified road between Tytherington (Wilts) and Wilton to explore the line and while you're there, try the Ginger Piggery farm shop at Boyton for fantastic bacon! Images in this collection are organised in route order from Westbury.

66503 on 4O02, 11.14 Lawley St-Southampton liner, at Sherrington, Wilts. 20 May, 2006. 66569 at Hanging Langford with 4O54, the 04:40 Leeds-Southampton liner. 18 Nov 06 40145 at Norton Bavant, 25 November, 2006. 59102 at Norton Bavant with 7040, the 13:40 TFO Merehead-Eastleigh stone working, 27 Mar 07 47812 and 47853 at Great Wishford returning a charter from Salisbury to Liverpool on 21 April 07. 57601 at Upton Scudamore returning a 'Green Express' tour back to Wakefield from Salisbury. 66592 at Norton Bavant with 4O14, 01:35 Ditton-Southampton liner, diverted due to engineeiring work between Basingstoke and Winchester. Note the autumn colour provided by adjacent beech trees. 3 November 07. 66502 with 4O27 (Garston-Southampton) at Norton Bavant on 3 November 07. 66572 with 4O54 (Leeds-Southampton intermodal) at Norton Bavant on 3 November, 2007 66588 at Little Langford with a diverted 4O02, Lawley St-Southampton liner, on 3 November 2007. The church is 'St Nicholas of Mira', the parish church of Little Langford. 66594 with 4O27, the 05:29 Garston to Southampton liner, diverted via Westbury due to engieering work on 'the Southern'. The location is 'Granada Bridge' on the A350 near Upton Scudamore village. 60053 at Norton Bavant on 10 November 07 with 6X26, a Didcot to Eastleigh PW train. 66189 on 10 November with 4O43, Washwood Heath to Southampton EWS inter-modal, re-routed via the B&H due to engineering work between Basingstoke and Winchester. The location is near Old Dilton between Dilton Marsh and Upton Scudamore. 66587 at Old Dilton, near Westbury, with 4O02 (Lawley St to Southampton Freightliner), diverted via the B&H route on 10 Nov 07 66623 made a rare visit to the route on 3 September 08 with a rake of EWS wagons conveying spoil from Crewe to Southampton. 159004 at Sherrington leading the 11:15 Waterloo-Exeter St David's service, diverted via Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill due to PW work at Milborne Port. 14 Dec '08. 66198 at Sherrington with 6N96, JNAs from a Yeovil Junction to Eastleigh Yard. 14 December '08. 66187 at Little Langford with 6N97, an engineers' working from Yeovil Junction to Eastleigh Yard. Note the bulldozer on the front wagon, employed on relaying at Milborne Port near Sherborne. 14 December '08. 67006 'Royal Sovereign' with a VSOE to Bath on 24 January '09. 67006 'Royal Sovereign' with a VSOE to Bath on 24 January '09. 66169 near Upton Scudamore with a load of armoured, tracked, vehicles from Haverfordwest to the Defence Support Agency depot at Warminster. 21/02/09. DB Schenker-liveried 59206 at south Newton with the 15:38 Woking-Merehead empties. 23/04/09. 59206, a second or so after the last shot. South Newton is at the Salisbury end of the valley, not far from Wilton. 67025 at Sherrington with a VSOE from Truro to Victoria on 26 April '09. Just for once, the sun appeared through a crack in the blanket cloud just as the train approached - like one of those biblical epics! 70013 Oliver Cromwell at Sherrington with a tour from Poole to Bath and Bristol. 06/06/09.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Sat May 20 2006 Archive Corner - Eastern, London Midland and Scottish Regions http://glen.fotopic.net/c1300005.html Some scanned slides from the days of 'proper trains' in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of the slides have deteriorated over the years, and despite a lot of work with Photoshop, they aren't perfect. But their historical and nostaligic value more than justifies their inclusion. Monday 1 January 1979: Some scanned slides from the days of 'proper trains' in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of the slides have deteriorated over the years, and despite a lot of work with Photoshop, they aren't perfect. But their historical and nostaligic value more than justifies their inclusion.

On a warm and sunny Saturday in July, 1976, a class 104 BRC&W DMU ticks over at Southminster, terminus of the sleepy rural branch line from Wickford in Essex. I spent countless hours on this line in my youth, enjoying cab rides and signal box visits. Today, the line is an electrified commuter route with extended platforms and frequent services, some direct to London Liverpol Street. But I shall never return, preferring to remember the line as I knew and loved it. 31317 leaves Chelmsford with an up service in the late-1970s. Just look at those cars in the car park of the College of Further Eduction - 'Life on Mars'! Racehorse at Edinburgh Waverley An unidentified 'Whistler' arrives at Dunkeld on the Highland main line, 12 May, 1980 26037 at Kyle of Lochalsh, 4 June, 1981. 25076, Inverness, May 1980 26039 at Inverness, May 1980 Northbound HST at Hadley Wood, 1979 'Racehorse' Finsbury Park-allocated Deltic at Hadley Wood in 1979. EMU at Colchester on New Year's Day, 1979. Unidentified 'Whistler' with a down service at Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire, in 1979. 27026 and 27028 at Inverness, 6 June 1979. The old order at Euston with an unidentified 'AL6' in 1979. Sulzer Class 26 at Dingwall in 1980. 55017 at York, 19 August, 1981 Unidentified Brush Type 2 leaving Norwich Thorpe, 19 May 1984. One of the stylish class 310 (formerly 'AM10') units calls at Bletchley with Birmingham to Euston service in the early 1980s. One of the LNER-designed class 306 EMUs that once provided the backbone of GE suburban services from Liverpool St to Shenfield, seen here outside the London terminus in the late 1970s. The units never saw blue-grey livery. One set has been preserved in green livery and is kept at Ilford depot. A pair of BRC&W DMUs crossing at Fambridge, half-way along the Wickford to Southminster branch. These units had a very distinctive gearbox whine, and superb forward views from the leading passenger saloons. I used to commute on these comfortable, fast EMUs that operated between Liverpool St and Clacton, Frinton and Walton on the Essex coast. It was possible to stand adjacent to intermediate drivers' cabs and watch the speedometer. The units often topped the magic 'ton' at Mountnessing, just before the brakes were applied for the Chelmsford stop. This photo of 'AM9' number 611 on an up working was captured at Witham in September, 1977. The units were later to lose their stylish 'wrap-round' cab windows which were considered too vulnerable to projectiles. 47337 shunting a train of seacows at Colchetsr in February, 1977, when Brush Type 4s were almost too common to waste precious film on! 37050 outside Colchester MPD in February, 1977, photographed from the long 'up' platform - always a cold, windswept place to watch trains! What's your favourite colour? Many deplored the tide of corporate 'rail blue' that flooded BR from the late-1960s but this shot of 08228 and 08258 at Colchester depot in February 1977 shows how drab the old green livery could look with a few years of grime. An unidentified '37 near Witham with a down service in Septrember, 1977. For many years, services from Liverpool St to Ipswich, Norwich and Harwich were in the hands of 31s, 37s and 47s. The '37s were regulars on the boat trains serving Parkestone Quay, Harwich. A Cravens DMU at Sudbury in Essex. Until the mid-1960s, the line continued via Long Melford and Haverhill to Cambridge, with branches to Bury St Edmunds and Audley End. A rather muddy scan of an old shot of Sudbury. The site has since been redeveloped and a new station with a 'bus shelter' erected behind and to the right of the camera. A Stratford '47 with the depot's trademark silver roof restarts its Liverpool St-bound train and will shortly plunge into the darkness of Ipswich Tunnel. Taken in the late 1970s, before electrification reached the Suffolk county town.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Mon Jan 1 1979 Preserved Railways: The West Somerset Railway http://glen.fotopic.net/c1299440.html A selection of steam and diesel subjects on the preserved Taunton to Minehead branch, including through workings from the main line. Images have been arranged in route order from Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead to help those planning a photographic trip along the line. But please remember to buy a train ticket to put something in the coffers - without income, there won't be any trains to photograph! Monday 28 May 2007: A selection of steam and diesel subjects on the preserved Taunton to Minehead branch, including through workings from the main line. Images have been arranged in route order from Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead to help those planning a photographic trip along the line. But please remember to buy a train ticket to put something in the coffers - without income, there won't be any trains to photograph!

The WSR's 'home made' mogul, 9351, on a down service near Blue Anchor Bay, 28 May 07 47840 'North Star' at Blue Anchor Bay with an excursion from Derby on 28 May 07. North Star immediately entered 'retirement' on the WSR where she now forms part of the line's diesel fleet. 45112 near Blue Anchor on the Derby tour, 28 May 07 DMU at Leigh Bridge between Stogumber and Crowcombe, 28 May 07. With the exception of the leading car's headcode panel modification, this effetively recreates a scene on the branch in the mid-1960s. 45112 at Leigh Bridge returning an excursion to Derby on 28 May 07. Photographed between Stogumber and Crowcombe during a heavy spring shower. Resident 'rat' D7523 leaving Crowcombe, 15 June 07 Visiting D7076 on a demonstration PW train, Leigh Bridge, 15 June 07 D7076 at Leigh Bridge, 15 June 07 D832 'Onslaught' near Leigh Woods, 15 June 07. D1661 'North Star' near Stogumber, 15 June 07 D832 'Onslaught' at Water Farm near Stogumber, 15 June 07 D1015 'Western Campaigner' near Stogumber, 15 June 07 D1010 'Western Campaigner' approaches Blue Anchor bay, 15 June 07. Nearly there! D1015 'Western Champion' at Creech St Michael near Taunton with a Paddington-Minehead tour, 16 June 2007. Perfectly recreating a scene of the early 1960s, a green DMU leaves Crowcombe Heathfield working the 09:35 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service on 11 August 07. 3850 at Water Farm, 25 Aug 07 1450 with the auto-train near Cedar Falls forming the 9.20 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service on 29 December, 2007. The Quantock Hills provide a backdrop for 3850 hauling the 2.30pm Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service. The location is Nornvis Bridge near Crowcombe and the date 29 December 07. 1450 with 2 beautifully restored auto-coaches at Nornvis Bridge forming the 3.15pm Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. The occasion was the WSR's 2007 Winter Steam Festival on 29 December. D832 near Leigh Bridge with a demonstration goods on 13 June 08 D832 leaving Watchet on 13 June during the line's 2008 Mixed Traffic Weekend. 290-D7523 at Nornvis Bridge with a demonstration goods on 13 June. D832 near Bicknoller with the 09:05 from Minehead. The loco was sounding more like a 'rat' at the time and was to fail a few minutes later at Stogumber, being replaced for the rest of the day by D1661. 14 June 08. 1105-D6566 approaches Washford with an up working on 14 June 08. 'Rats' D7523 and D7612 storm through Washford with a recreation of the 'Cambrian Coast Express' of the early '80s. D7523 at Blue Anchor Bay with a service from Minehead on 14 June 08 1290-D1661 at Bicknoller with a down working on 14 June 08. D832 leaves Washford with the 11:30 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on 13 September 08. Head for the hills! D832 leaves Washford with the 11:30 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on 13 September 08. D832 by the coast at Doniford with the 14:05 Minehead-Bishops Lydeard on 13 September 08. A DMU operating the 15:15 Bishops Lydeard-Minehead service. 13/09/08. D832 'Onslaught' after leaving Williton with the 16:00 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. 13/09/08. D832 near Crowcombe with the 10:55 from Minehead on 25 Oct 08. D832 at Kerr Moor with the 12:25 from Bishops Lydeard on 25 Oct 08. D1661 at Blue Anchor on 25 Oct 08 with the 14:20 Minehead-Bishops Lydeard. The loco's battery failed the following day and the line's class 25 took over its diagram. D832 arrives at Blue Anchor with the 16:10 from Minehead. 25 Oct 08. DMU awaiting departure from Minehead on 25 October '08. D1661 at the stocks beside Minehead's newly-installed turntable. 26 Oct '08. 1960s atmosphere at Minehead on the evening of 25 October 08. The Large Prairie awaiting preparation outside Minehead shed on the morning of 26 October '08. D832 waiting in Minehead MPD for the stock of the 10:55 to Bishops Lydeard on 26 October '08. A small child looks on as the second man couples D832 to the stock of the 12:25 to Minehead. 26 October '08. The cab of D7018 in the works at Williton. 26 October '08. Late '60s recreated at Minehead on 26 October '08. Cravens DMU at Roebuck Farm after a flurry of snow. The unit has since left the railway. 7802 at Nornvis Bridge, 30 December 2000. D7325 at Leigh Bridge with the 08:20 Minehead-Bishops Lydeard demonstration goods. 12/06/09. D1661 at Leigh Bridge with the 09:15 Bishops Lydeard-Minehead working. 12/06/09. D832 at Leigh Bridge with the 09:05 Minehead-Bishops Lydeard. 12/06/09. D7017 leaving Crowcombe with the 10:15 Bishops Lydeard-Minehead. 12/06/09.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Mon May 28 2007 Main Line Steam http://glen.fotopic.net/c1298500.html Preserved steam on the National network in the west and south west of the UK. Thursday 25 May 2006: Preserved steam on the National network in the west and south west of the UK.

6024 'King Edward I' at Barton Hill, Bristol, with 'The Red Dragon' on 25 May 06 6024 'King Edward I' at Thingley near Chippenham, 24 June 06 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' at Buckhorn Weston near Gillingham in Dorset. 9 July 06 45231 at Witham Friary, Somerset, 30 September, 2006 6024 at Cole, near Bruton, 18 November, 2006 6024 at Freshford on 12 May with a tour to Bristol from London. Freshford is the first station on the route from Bath to Westbury. This photo was taken from the quiet station approach road. Up trains can be photographed from the station footbridge. There's a nice pub and a small shop in the village, which is signposted from the naerby A36. 6024 leaving Bath on 12 May 07 - through a cloudburst! The location could be anywhere but is in fact 'Candy's Bridge' in Bathampton, accessible from a private road that descends from Bathampton Lane, or by walking along the canal towpath towards the George Pub. In sunny conditions, the location is properly lit until about mid-morning. 76079 at Bradford-on-Avon with 'The Brighton Breezy' from Taunton to Brighton on 1 July 07 850 Lord Nelson at Bristol Temple Meads, 8 July 07. The locomotive was later to fail at Westbury with a collapsed brick arch. 6024 storms through Malago Vale with the down 'Torbay Express' on 22 July 2007. This photo location, from the bridge carrying the entrance to Parson Street station, became viable following the recent removal of a telephone cable which formerly stretched over the line in the foreground. 34067 'Tangmere' making steady progress climbing Upton Scudamore bank on 15 September 07. 6024 'King Edward I' storms through Dawlish with the 'Torbay Express' on 24 August 08. 60009 at Langley Burrell with a down 'Cathedrals Express' to Bath on 3 Dec '08. 7802 makes a fine sight storming through Limpley Stoke with a diverted Torbay Express. 31 August 2008. 34067 'Tangmere' at Manningford Bruce on the Berks & Hants route with 'The Somerset Explorer' from Paddington to Yeovil on St Valentine's Day, 2009. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' at Newton St Loe with the 'Bath and Bristol Steam Express'. Fortunately, the headboard carried a more authentic title! 30/05/09. 70013 Oliver Cromwell at Claverton with the return working of a tour from Poole to Bath and Bristol. 06/06/09.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Thu May 25 2006 Rail Routes: Reading to Cogload Junction http://glen.fotopic.net/c1292156.html This collection features the 'Berks and Hants' route including locations around Crofton, Westbury, Frome, Bruton and Castle Cary. Images are presented in route order from east to west. The line carries significant volumes of aggregates from the Mendip quarries, plus weekend engineering trains and excursion traffic to the South West. Saturday 19 March 2005: This collection features the 'Berks and Hants' route including locations around Crofton, Westbury, Frome, Bruton and Castle Cary. Images are presented in route order from east to west. The line carries significant volumes of aggregates from the Mendip quarries, plus weekend engineering trains and excursion traffic to the South West.

47815 at Berkley Marsh with a Paddington to Castle Cary extra for the Glastobury Festival. Wot, no rain? 24/06/04. 43136 leans into the sharp curve at Crofton leading the 13:57 Paddington to Plymouth service. Taken on 19 March '06, this was one of my first few shots with the 5D. 66129 at Berkley Marsh with 6V62, Fawley to Tavistock Junction fuel and bitumen tanks. 23 June 06. 59101 'Village of Whatley' at Berkley with 6C79, 14:17 Acton to Whatley empty stone wagons. 23 June 06 47709 at Berkley on 1 July 06 with the Blue Pullman en-route to Paignton D1015 at Witham Friary on 21 October, 2006. This was the Western's debut in maroon. The monochrome adopted here is intended to create a late-60s feel when combinations of maroon and blue-grey coaching stock were commonplace. D1015 at Castle Cary, 19 Mar 05. This is a scan from a medium format transparency. 66564 at Berkley with 6A75, Westbury to Fairwater Yard ballast, 29 May 07. Two minor roads cross the line at Berkely Marsh, a short distance from the A36. This shot was taken from the bridge nearest to Westbury, which offers good views in both directions. Take care on these local lanes, they suffer heavily from fly-tipping on an industrial scale! 66115 at Styles Hill, Frome, with 6V62, bitumen and fuel oil from Fawley to Tavistock Junction, Plymouth. Taken 29 May 07. The vantage point here is the A3098 road bridge that spans the Frome avoiding line on a high brick bridge not far from Blatchbridge Junction. Parking is possible on the bridge itself or nearby. The hazard here is that trains may unexpectedly be diverted through Frome station to allow faster traffic to overtake - keep a swear-box handy for such occasions! XP64-liveried 47853 at Styles Hill, Frome, with a Paddington to Minehead special on 9 May 07. This photo was taken from a footbridge reachable from Styles Avenue. 67026+67013 at Wyke Champflower with a charter from Paddington to Paignton, 14 July 07. 67026 was on the back when the train left London but ran round at Reading following the failure of 67013. 47810 'Captain Sensible' with Blue Pullman stock passes Wyke Champflower with a charter from Northampton to Kingswear on 14 July, 2007. Wyke Champflower overbridge, between Bruton and Castle Cary, is best for down trains from late-morning. 47813 at Berkley returning a Kingswear charter to Northampton. 14 July 2007 67015 passes Wyke, diverted from the LSWR line and substituting for 'Tangmere' on an Exeter-bound tour due to gauging problems at Sherborne. The 'spam can' worked the tour east of Westbury in both directions. 66087 heads 6W41, a Westbury to Exeter Central PW train on 22 September 07. Even 'sheds' look nice in such light! 60048 at Berkley Marsh with a Westbury-Exeter Central PW train (6W42) for work on the Exmouth branch. 22 September 07. 60083 accelerates away from Blatchbridge Junction with 6Z20, 10:18 Whatley to St Pancras aggregates working. 5 October 2007. 59102 at Wanstrow, just off the main line on the branch from Witham Friary to Merehead. The train is 6V07 and the date 5 October 2007. 66143 with 6V62 near Cole on 5 October, 2007. 66143 with 6V62 near Wyke Champflower on 5 October, 2007. 66196 in fine autumn sunshine approaching Fairwood Junction, Westbury, with 6W38, a ballast working to Exeter. 10 November 07. Sporting an 'Advenza Freight' headboard, 47237 passes Great Cheverell with a Laira to Old Oak Common stock move for FGW. 26 Jan 08. 60022 near Hawkeridge with spent ballast en-route from Swindon to Hinksey - going the long way round! 26 Jan 08. 60024 at Hawkeridge Junction, Westbury with 6C80, the Machen to Westbury ballast working on 26 Jan 08. Purists will point out that Hawkeridge is not quite on the Reading-Cogload route! 47237 passes Gant's Mill near Bruton with a Laira to Old Oak Common barrier vehicle move on 16 Feb 08. 66117 at Berkley with a Westbury to Camborne ballast train on 16 Feb 08. 66605 at Great Cheverell with 6Z28, the Pengam to Theale stone working, on 15 March 08. The train was captured in a lucky patch of brightness - the first and last of the day! 67019 at Great Cheverell with 5Z30, ECS for the 10:30 Westbury to Cardiff special for some rugby match or other on 15 March 2008. 67021 at Great Cheverell with 1Z31, the 09:22 Paddington to Cardiff 'ruggex' on 15 March '08. 67006 'Royal Sovereign' at Great Cheverell with 1Z32, the 10:22 rugby extra from Paddington to Cardiff via Westbury on 15 March 08. The shot was taken from the shelter of the car in pouring rain and has benefitted from 'Neat Image' treatment. 67006 'Royal Sovereign' rounds the curve beside Crofton Pumping Station with 1Z30, the 09:22 Paddington-Cardiff rugby special on 22 March '08. The other 'royal', 67005, was bringing up the rear. 67025 heads through Crofton with 1Z31, the 10:22 Paddington to Cardiff 'ruggex' on 22 March '08. 67025 with 1Z31 again, a shot taken a few seconds after the last one! Traces of snow can be seen on the meadow behind; brrr! 60047 at Wootton Rivers with a diverted 6B33 Theale-Margam empty bogie tanks. This shot was taken from the 'wrong side' for the sun, but a heavy snow cloud had just made such considerations academic! 60063 at Manningford with 6M20, 10:37 Whatley-St Pancras stone on 22 April 08. 59202 at Manningford heading 6C74, 13:15 Theale-Whatley empties. 2 April 08. 59204 and 59004 double-head 6V18, the 12:43 Hither Green-Whatley empties, near Woodborough on 22 April 08. 67029 rushes through Berkley with a 'footex' from Exeter to Paddington on Sunday, 18 May 08. 66603 at Berkely Marsh en-route from Westbury to Fairwater Yard on 8 August '08. 59001 in the new Aggregate Industries 'Ice Cream Van' livery passing Styles Hill, Frome, with 7C77 on 8 August '08. 59102 with a Whatley to Theale extra on 15 Aug 08. 66603 heads east with 6C72, 08:25 Fairwater-Westbury HOBC on 15 Aug 08. 66168 with 6M20 on 15 Aug 08. 59002 westbound with 7C31, 09:45 Theale-Merehead on 15 Aug 08. 47851 at the summit of Brewham Bank at Upton Noble heading 1Z25, a Norwich-Plymouth NENTA tour on 23 August 08. 33207+33025 at Upton Noble with a Pathfinder Crewe to Weymouth tour ('The Dorset Coast Explorer') on 23 August 08. 43029 leads the 10:00 Penzance-Paddington at Manningford Bruce on 3 September '08. 59101 at Manningford Bruce with 6V67, 10:38 Sevington-Whatley. 03/09/08. 159102 leads the 09:15 Waterloo-Exeter St David's at Berkley on 14 Dec '08, diverted via Castley Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill due to PW renewal work at Milborne Port. 66198 at Berkley with 6N96, JNAs from Milborne Port to Eastleigh Yard. 14 Dec '08.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Sat Mar 19 2005 Rail Routes: Bristol to Cogload Junction http://glen.fotopic.net/c1291943.html The broadly north-south line between Bristol Temple Meads to Cogload Junction, near Taunton, where the 'Berks and Hants' line joins from the east. Images are organised in route order, staring from Bristol and including the Weston-Super-Mare loop. Thursday 1 March 2007: The broadly north-south line between Bristol Temple Meads to Cogload Junction, near Taunton, where the 'Berks and Hants' line joins from the east. Images are organised in route order, staring from Bristol and including the Weston-Super-Mare loop.

31601 at Long Ashton with a special for the 'T4 on the Beach' event at Weston-Super-Mare on 15 June '05. More shots of this location in the 'Cross Country Loco-Hauled Remembered' collection. 47811 at Long Aston with an HST buffet coach sandwiched between a couple of barrier vehicles, en-route from Laira to St Philip's Marsh, Bristol, on 31 July '05. 47847 and 47839 passing Brent Knoll double-heading a stock move from Derby to the West Somerset Railway. 10 Mar 07 31454 heads a 'Butlins Express' from Bristol Temple Meads to Minehead on 21 July, 2007. This location is the overbridge on Crooked Lane, off Station Road in Brent Knoll, Somerset. 31452 at Malago Vale with empty stock from Weston-Super-Mare in connection with the 'T4 on the Beach' event, 22 July 07. Malago footbridge is currently being rebuilt and will probably be 'caged' which will effectively preclude photography. For now, the location is best visited with a stepladder! 31454 at Malago Vale with a 'T4 on the Beach' special to Weston-Super-Mare on 22 July, 2007 31452 approaches Parson Street station with a 'T4 on the Beach' shuttle from Weston-Super-Mare, 22 July 2007. The shot was taken from Bedminster Down Road overbridge. 31452 heads a 'T4 on the Beach' special from Weston-Super-Mare. The wall to the left of the loco is the site of the former 'South Liberty' signal cabin. 22 July 07 31454 with empty stock returning to Weston-Super-Mare in connection with the 'T4 on the Beach' pop music event, 22 July 07. Taken from the footbridge near the crematorium. The bridge can be reached either from Bedminster Down or from South Liberty Avenue. 31454 sets off from Bristol Temple Meads with the 14:07 to Minehead on 18 Aug 07. 31454 about to dive under Bath Road bridge with the 14:07 to Minehead on 18 Aug 07. 37410 and 37417 at Parson Street, Bristol, on 2 Sep 07. The Type 3s were substituting for 6024 followng failure of the King's 'fitness to run' exam the previous day. A close-up of D1015 wearing name and number plates commemorating long-lost sister locomotive D1005 'Western Venturer' D1015 at Temple Meads before heading the 'Dart Arrow' tour to Kingswear on 30 August 08. AXC 221122 at Brent Knoll forming the 10:25 Newcastle-Plymouth. The location is an overbridge on Crooked Lane, a good place for Blackberrying! 02/09/08. 66092 at Brent Knoll heading 6V62, the 08:10 Fawley-Tavistock fuel tanks, routed via Bristol since June 08. 02/09/08. 43 285 leads the 06:08 Edinburgh-Plymouth Cross Country service at Brent Knoll on 22 December '08 67017 at Weston-Super-Mare with 2C79, the 14:00 Cardiff-Taunton FGW service, on 22 December 2008. 67028 leaves Weston-Super-Mare on the rear of 2C79, FGW's Cardiff-Taunton. 67017 'Arrow' at Kenn Moor Gate with 2Y10, 09:13 Bristol Parkway to Weston-Super-Mare on 29 January 2008. The location is an overbridge between Nailsea and Yatton. 43378 leads 1V19, 06:00 Leeds-Plymouth. at Kenn Moor Gate. 29/12/08 43285 leading 1V29 (06:32 York-Plymouth) at Kenn Moor Gate. This shot was taken towards the 'long end' of a 200mm zoom with a full-frame sensor. Looking south from the bridge at Kenn Moor Gate, 67028 was captured heading the 11:02 Taunton-Cardiff service on 29 December, 2008. It is also possible to get a shot from the other side on summer afternoons/evenings. 47847 at Brent Knoll with 1V50, 13 July 02 Flat-out but with barely a breath of exhaust, D1015 'Western Champion' crosses Kenn Moor with the 07:45 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance 'Great Britain 2' railtour on 7 April '09. 67016 leading 2D04 (07:28 Taunton-Bristol Parkway) at Kenn Moor Gate on 7 April '09. 67017 on the rear of the 11:02 Taunton-Cardiff (2V24) at Yatton on 7 April '09. 43304 leading 1V39, Cross Country's 06:32 Dundee-Plymouth, at Flax Bourton on 7 April '09. 67017 at Flax Bourton with 2C79, the 14:00 Cardiff-Taunton service. 7/04/09. 66201 passing Flax Bourton with 6V62 on 7 April '09. 67016 on the rear of the 16:13 Taunton to Cardiff service passing Flax Bourton on 7 April '09. 67016 at Bankland Farm with the 14:00 Cardiff-Taunton on 28 April '09. 66158 with 6V62, the 'Fawley Tanks', at Bankland Farm on 28 April '09. 37401+37670 at Malago Vale, Bristol, with Pathfinder's 'Cornish Parker' from Crewe to Parkandillack. 16/05/09. 37401+37670 near Parson St, Bedminster, with 'The Cornish Parker'. The Photograph was taken from the road bridge opposite Parson Stree station. 16/05/09. 37401+37670 at Parson St with 'The Cornish Parker'. The train had been cautioned with single yellow singles due to photographers being sighted on the lineside by the driver of a passing unit. 16/05/09. 43303 at Brent Knoll leading 1S51, XC's 12:21 Plymouth to Edinburgh. 26/05/09 67017 leading 2C79, 14:00 Cardiff-Taunton. 26/05/09 66043 at Brent Knoll with 6V62 Fawley-Tavistock Junction tanks. 26/05/09. 66043 at Brent Knoll with 6V62 Fawley-Tavistock Junction tanks. 26/05/09.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Thu Mar 1 2007 Rail Routes: Gloucestershire, Worcestershire & South Wales http://glen.fotopic.net/c1291936.html Covering the South Wales Main Line and the routes from Bristol and Newport to Gloucester. The Newport-Gloucester line follows closely the west bank of the river Severn providing fine vantage points at locations such as Purton and Gatcombe, while the route from Bristol includes several rural locations around Wickwar. Sunday 1 April 2007: Covering the South Wales Main Line and the routes from Bristol and Newport to Gloucester. The Newport-Gloucester line follows closely the west bank of the river Severn providing fine vantage points at locations such as Purton and Gatcombe, while the route from Bristol includes several rural locations around Wickwar.

47812, with 'Freightliner' branding, was captured at Narroways on 12 Sep '04 with former MML 'Project Rio' HST stock en-route from Longsight to Laira for use by FGW. If anyone has the HST power car numbers, I would be grateful if you could post the in the 'comments' section! 57009 at Undy, 18 September, 2006 66062 catches the sun under threatening skies at Severn Tunnel Junction, 18 September, 2006 60031 at Besford, 19 September, 2006 50049 with a footex at Coedkernew, 11 November, 2006. 50031 bringing up the rear. 47812 at Gatcombe, 17 Mar 07 with the 10:58 Gloucester-Cardiff (1Z50). This was the final occasion when Arriva Trains Wales used locomotive-hauled trains on scheduled services. Preserved 40145 at Purton on 3 Mar 07 with the 'welsh central Liner' tour from Crewe. Car parking can be a problem here when there's something special running so leave plenty of time for a long walk! 67029 at Snipehill, Chepstow, with a Doncaster-Cardiff 'footex'. 1 Apr 07 67005 at Snipehill, Chepstow, with a Doncaster-Cardiff 'footex'. 1 Apr 07 47840 'North Star' leaves Wickwar Tunnel on 14 Apr 07 with a stock move from Derby to Laira for First Greeat Western. The loco has since been repainted in two-tone green and has entered 'retirement' on the West Somerset Railway. 60030 with 6B13, a Robeston to Westerleigh empty fuel tank train, near Wickwar on 14 April 07. This location is immediately south of Wickwar tunnel, where the line is crossed by a minor road. Shots are also possible from the foootbridge visible here, and from above the tunnel mouth. 47802 at Severn Tunnel Junction with a Paddington to Ludlow tour, 24 Nov 07 67012 heads a Westbury to Cardiff rugby special on 24 November 07. Advenza Freight 47237 and 57006 double-head a Gloucester to Penzance test train near Wickwar on 1 March 08. This shot was taken from a field north of the village on the road to Wootton-Under-Edge. 60012 at Wickwar with 6B13 on 1 March 08. Cheers, driver! 47237 at Besford with 6Z64, 10:45 Cardiff Tidal-Darlington scrap. 23 April 08. 47814 at Wickwar with the 09:45 Crewe-Plymouth, 28 Dec 2000 60021 at Wickwar with 6B13, Robeston-Westerleigh 'Murco' tanks on 10 January, 2009. 67006 at Narroways with 1E43, mail from Plymouth to Low Fell on 17 Apr 03 67006 at Narroways with 1C06, Plymouth to Bristol RMC mail, 17 Apr 03 67016 approaches Filton Abbey Wood with the 11:02 Taunton-Cardiff FGW 'stopper' on 6 February 2009. 66561 topes Filton Bank with 6M04, 10:25 Portbury-Rugely Power Station. 6 Feb '09. A 'Fastline' empty coal working to Portbury hauled by 66304 exits Wickwar Tunnel in Gloucestershire. 9/03/09. 31106 at Wickwar with a Derby RTC-Laira test train working. 9/03/09. 60065 at Wickwar with 6B13, 05:10 Robeston-Westerleigh bogie tanks. 25/04/09. 220030 at Charfield on the 07:05 Edinburgh-Plymouth service. 25/04/09. 220029 at Charfield on the 11:07 Manchester Piccadilly-Bristol Temple Meads service. 25/04/09. 43304 at Huntingford leading 1V43, the 07:29 Dundee-Penzance Cross Country service. 25/04/09. 43384 at Huntingford leading the 09:00 Glasgow-Penzance Cross Country service (1V47). 25/04/09. 43285 at Huntingford leading 1S59, the 13:25 Plymouth-Edinburgh. 25/04/09. 57313 at Coedkernew with 1V31, ATW's 05:32 Holyhead-Cardiff on 4 May '09. Note the absence of a 'tail' loco, which makes a nice change! 56312 'Artemis' and 56311 at Bishton with 1Z56 'The Retro Avon Grids' Huddersfield-Bath Spa on 4 May '09. 66015 at Bishton with 4C55, empty HTAs returning to Avonmouth on 4 May '09. It's surprisingly awkward to compose shots of trains coming off the flyover, unless there happens to be something at the right spot on the up main at the right time! 56311 and 56312 at Undy with the return 'Retro Avon Grids' tour. Who decided to send it don the relief? For once, I was glad the sun went in! 4/05/09. 37401+37670 at Wickwar with a Preston-Paignton tour. 06/06/09. 47501 and 47802 in multiple at Wickwar with a Chesterfield to Paignton Rail Blue Charters tour. Only one would return! The sun burst through just in time for this shot - thank goodness for automatic exposure! 15 August 2009. 43384 at Wickwar leading the 0800 Manchester-Paignton on 15 August '09. Sun again! 60019 at Wickwar with 6B13 0510 Robeston-Westerleigh fuels on 15 August '09. No sun for this one! 60024 at Besford with 6E41, 11:41 Westerleigh-Lindsey empty fuel tanks - 27 bogie wagons! 7/10/09. 66720 at Besford with 4V09, Ratcliffe-Portbury coal empties. 7/10/09. 66017 at Besford with 6V92, 10:10 Corby-Margam steel empties. 7/10/09. 66 at Norton Junc with 6V07, 14:26 Round Oak Margam empty steel. 7/10/09 165102 at Norton Junc on a Paddington-Gt Malvern service. 7/10/09.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Sun Apr 1 2007 Non-UK Railways: Republic of Ireland http://glen.fotopic.net/c1291920.html A selection of images from what are likely to prove the final years of locomotive-hauled passenger trains in the Republic (with the exception of Cork-dublin push-pull services, which should have a long future). ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ADDED 31 JANUARY 08. Monday 1 May 2006: A selection of images from what are likely to prove the final years of locomotive-hauled passenger trains in the Republic (with the exception of Cork-dublin push-pull services, which should have a long future). ADDITIONAL PHOTOS ADDED 31 JANUARY 08.

201 class number 222 'River Dargle' at Ballyhar, west of Killarney, with the 07:00 from Tralee to Dublin Heuston. 26/06/05 'First of class' number 071 with Cravens stock at Cork, 3 April 2006. This photo was taken from the south end of the station, from where the line continues to Cobh (pronounced 'Cove'). 'Baby GM' number 168 at Kildare with a northbound PW working. 03/04/06. 076 at Kildare with the 13:15 Dublin-Limerick service. 03/04/06. 076 at Thurles with the 13:15 Dublin-Limerick. 03/04/06. 071 Class no 086 at Thurles on 4 Apr 06 Number 145 arrives at Limerick Junction with empty Guiness kegs on 3 April '06. The signal is at a drunken angel, not the photographer! Number 085 heads north through Limerick Junction with a Cork to Dublin North Wall cement working. 03/04/06. 'Baby GM' number 147 with engineers' train at Limerick Junction. 03/04/06. Number 233 descends towards Kent station, Cork, with the 07:00 from Dublin Heuston. 5 April, 2006. There are several attractive locations on the line north of Cork. Number 148 coasts towards Cork with a Mk 4 stock test run. 05/04/06. 204 coasts down to Cork with the 09:00 Dublin-Cork. 05/04/06. Number 213 at Cork with a morning Dublin train on 5 April 2006. 086 at Limerick Junction with Guiness kegs. This traffic has since transferred to road. 06/04/06. 'Small GM' number 177 performing pilot duties at Limerick on 6 April, 2006. These attractive locomotives seem unlikely to survive the influx of new DMUs to Ireland during 2007. 085 at Limerick with the 14:10 to Dublin Heuston. 06/04/06. 071 Class no. 073 crossing the River Barrow at Monastereven on 6 Apr 06 201 class locos numbers 202 and 213 at Cork arounf midnight on 7 April '06. Number 076 arrives at Killarney with the 13:10 Fridays only service from Dublin Heuston. As Killarney is a 'stub-end' station, the train has to reverse beyond the signalbox before continuing its journey to Tralee. 7 April, 2006. 076 at Killarney with a Dublin-Tralee working. 07/04/06. Steam-heated Cravens coaches at Tralee forming the 18:00 to Cork. 7 April '06. The 07:40 Rosslare to Dublin DMU at Wexford. 15/06/06. 202 leads the 11:00 Dublin Heuston to Cork near Limerick Junction. 16/06/06. 211 north of Limerick Junction with the 11:30 Cork-Dublin. 16/06/06. Number 086 rushes through Dundrum with a Dublin-Tralee service comprising Cravens staem-heated stock. 16/06/06. Number 22 at Dundrum with the 14:10 Limerick to Dublin service. 16/06/06. Baby GMs number 142 and 171 near Dundrum with a northbound PW working on 16 June '06.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Mon May 1 2006 Non-UK Railways: Germany (North) http://glen.fotopic.net/c1291801.html A few images recorded while based in Hamburg for a short holiday in May, 2007. The scene there has since changed with electrification of the Hamburg-Luebeck route now complete and the class 218 (former V160) diesel-hydraulics ousted by privatisation of the Hamburg-Cuxhaven service. Monday 14 May 2007: A few images recorded while based in Hamburg for a short holiday in May, 2007. The scene there has since changed with electrification of the Hamburg-Luebeck route now complete and the class 218 (former V160) diesel-hydraulics ousted by privatisation of the Hamburg-Cuxhaven service.

112 155-7 near hamburg Dammtor on 14 May 07 with RE21018, the 13:20 from Hamburg Hbf to Kiel. This location is adjacent to the Planten und Blomen Park near the centre of Hamburg. Nord Ostsee Bahn (NOB) diesel-electric DE2000-03 at Hamburg Altona, 14 May 07. 218 413-3 at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) with the 22:03 service to Lubeck on 14 May 07. 120 115-1 near Hamburg Dammtor with IC2228, the 05:30 service from Nurnburg to Hamburg Altona. 14 May 07 120 115-1 at Hamburg Altona, 14 May 07. Having worked the 05:30 IC2228 service from Nurnburg, the locomotive waits with IC2478 to Rostock. 218 399-4 arrives at Lubeck with the push-pull shuttle from Travemunde on 15 May, 2007. Guess why these locos are nicknamed 'rabbits'! 218 106-3 arriving at Lubeck with the 12:03 from Hamburg on 15 May 07. This was taken from the overbridge to the south of the station. 218 260-8 leaving Lubeck with the 16:05 to Hamburg on 15 May 07. This is the 'classic' view of Lubeck, once popular with those photographing the V200s in their last days, and classic steam traction in the 1970s. The view was about to be spoiled by the erection of catenary - hence the visit! 218 399-4 at Traveminde Strand with the 16:30 shuttle to Lubeck on 15 May 07. Travemunde Strand is a very up-market coastal resort. 185 290-4 at Neumunster with a southbound freight just before the sun set. 15 May 2007. 363 852-6 at Bremen, 16 May 07 146 129-2 at Bremen Hbf with RE4423 to Norddeich Mole, 16 May 07. Okay, this one is me beside 151 066-8 at Bremen on 16 May 07. Taken by Richard 'Ferret' Farrant, just before we went for a Weissbier! 111 144-2 at Bremen Hbf, 16 May 07 110 455-3 with the 12:34 to Bremerhaven-Lehe. Bremen Hbf, 16 May 07 EVB railcar VT101 leaving Cuxhaven with RB14925, the 16:39 to Bremerhaven, on 16 May 07. Note the semaphore signals. 218 102-2 leaving Hamburg with RE21412 to Lubeck, 17 May 07 185 105-4 at Hamburg with a southbound freight, 17 May 07. This shot was taken from an overbridge immediately south of Hamburg Hbf. EVB railbus no 168, formerly DB 798 826, operating as the 'Moor Express' from Stade to Bremen, seen here at Stade on 17 May. The former goods wagon serves as bicycle accommodation. The vehicle furthest from the camera is an unpowered driving trailer. 143 616-1 arriving at at Stade with a service from Hamburg, 17 May 07. Stade is the limit of electrification on the Hamburg-Cuxhaven line. EVB 410 04 and 410 05 (former DB 211 024 and 211) at Bremervorde on 17 May 07. The private EVB company, which operates freight and commuter services in the Bremen area, owns a remarkable collection of stock, ranging from 'heritage' DB cast-offs to the most modern kit. Ex-DR railbus number 772 414-9 in the EVB yard at Bremervorde, 17 May 07 EVB 'Moor Express' heritage DMUs cross at Gnarrenburg, 17 May 07 146 101-1 at Bremen, 17 May 07, with RE4474 to Bremerhaven. EVB railbus vehicles 116 and 168 at Bremen on 17 May 07 forming the 19:05 'Moor Express' heritage service to Bremervorde 111 132-7 at Bremen with double-deck stock on 17 May 07

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

]]> Mon May 14 2007 Rail Centres: Bath Area http://glen.fotopic.net/c1291430.html A selection of photographs of railways in the Bath area, exploiting some of the best locations reachable within about 30 minutes drive from the City. Leave a comment if you would like more details on any of the locations. The images in this collection are organised in date order with most recent last. For other images of the area, see also the 'Rail Routes' series of collections in this gallery. Friday 29 December 2000: A selection of photographs of railways in the Bath area, exploiting some of the best locations reachable within about 30 minutes drive from the City. Leave a comment if you would like more details on any of the locations. The images in this collection are organised in date order with most recent last. For other images of the area, see also the 'Rail Routes' series of collections in this gallery.

31130 and 31132 at Bathwick with nuclear flasks from Winfrith in Dorset to Sellafield, 6 August, 1992. Scanned from a 35mm transparency. 31452 at Broughton Gifford with a Swindon-Castle Cary Glastonbury Festival special. 24/06/04 57006 at Newton Meadows, Bath, with a diverted 4O51, Cardiff Wentloog-Southampton Freightliner. 31/12/04. 66542 at Broughton Gifford on the Melksham line with 4O27, Ditton to Southampton Freightliner. 20 June 2006. 60032 at Claverton with coal empties from Westbury cement works to South Wales. 9 June, 2006. This location is close to Claverton Pumping Staion reachable via a steep and narrow lane off the A36. Parking is not guaranteed! 66239 at Claverton with 'The Machen' heading to Westbury with stone ballast on 12 June, 2006. This location is to the south of Claverton Pumping Station, a rough field just below the canal. Prepare for monster-sized nettles! 67018 approaches Bath with a Northern Belle excursion, 24 June 06. This shot was taken from the busy A4 road bridge. GNER 43093 (leading) and 43113 power the 07:40 Bristol-Paignton. 1 July 06. 37405 at Newton St Loe, 17 August, 2006. taken from teh A4 road bridge in the early morning. 66561 west of Twerton Tunnel, Bath, with the 'Avon Binliner'. 20 September, 2006 67028 at Newton St Loe with an up VSOE on 20 September, 2006 67027 at Newton St Loe with a Northern Belle to Bath on 21 October, 2006. The photo was taken from above the western portal to Twerton Tunnel, reachable from the A4 road to Bristol, or from the housing estate above the tunnel. 57603 hauling failed 57602 and empty sleeper stock from Laira to Old Oak Common on 5 May, 2007. 57602 failed at Long Rock on Friday 4 May prior to working the up sleeper and the service was worked by an HST. The sleeper stock was moved to Laira on the Saturday and onward to Old Oak Common on the Sunday. This location is a mile or so west of Bath on the A4 towards Bristol. 67028 at Newton St Loe with an evening 'Northern Belle' tour to Newton Abbot. 29 June 06. 66556 in Sydney Gardens with the 'Avon Binliner' on 9 August 07. Photo opportunities become limited here by about mid-afternoon as the gardens begin to fill with shadows. However, when its runs to schedule, the 'Binliner' is usually just about 'phottable' here. 60055 rumbles through Bath's Sydney Gardens with 7C64, Tuesdays only (as required) Avonmouth-Westbury stone. 14 August 07. Had conditions been sunnier, this shot would have been impossible. 40145 at Broughton Gifford, near Melksham, with a Banbury-Kingswear tour on 8 September, 2007. The 'whistler' was substituting for an unavailable Deltic, an occurence not entirely unknown in BR days! D1015 'western Champion' leaving Twerton Tunnel with a private charter to Kidderminster on 14 September 2007. 47851 in the Limpley Stoke valley on 15 September 07 with a WCRC 'Green Express' tour from Wakefield to Salisbury. The location is between Freshford and Limpley Stoke, accessible from the lane that links the two villages. Please respect the Country Code when crossing farmland. Another glimpse of 47851 in the Limpley Stoke valley on 15 September 07. At first sight, a fairly convincing recreation of 1960s BR! 47843 at Newton St Loe on 22 September 07 1Z80 Paddington-Paignton tour - 'The Torbay and Dart Pullman'. 67012 leaves Twerton Tunnel with VSOE stock on 27 October 07 67012 at Newton St Loe with VSOE stock on 27 October 07. 66603 in fine autumn colour near Freshford on 28 October 07 with a Bath to Fairwater Yard (Taunton) PW working. The location is between Freshford and Limpley Stoke. 67024 at Neston near Corsham with the 10:45 Bristol-Chippenham on 15 Dec 07. 67030 at Thingley Junction with the 13:41 Chippenham-Bristol on 15 Dec 07. 67003 near Thingley with the 14:41 Chippenham to Bristol shuttle on 15 Dec 07. 67024 near Thingley with the 12:45 Bristol-Chippenham shuttle. 15 Dec 07. 67024 at Shockerwick with the 14:45 Bristol to Chippenham shuttle on 15 Dec 07. 67003 at Bath Spa with the 16:41 Chippenham to Bristol shuttle on 15 Dec 07. 43176 with MML stock at Bradford-on-Avon on 16 Dec 07 with the 10:07 Paddington-Exeter St Davids via the B&H and Bath. 67027 near Thingley with the 11:45 Bristol Temple Meads to Chippenham shuttle on 15 Dec 07. Refurbished 158762 on a Weymouth-Gloucester working (terminatted at Bristol) passing flooded meadows at Bathampton on 12 Jan 07. 60034 head 6B33 along the little-known Wiltshire sea wall! 11 Jan 08 saw torrential rain and some snow resulting in flooded fields the next day, including this one at Bathampton. The building visible above the loco is Warleigh Manor. 60091 'An Teallach' at Freshford with a re-routed 6B33, Theale-Margam empty fuel tanks, on 2 Feb, 08. First time this year in sun! 67024 heads a Paddington to Cardiff rugby special at Bradford-on-Avon. The train was operated for the 9 Feb 08 '6 Nations' match between Wales and Scotland. The shot was taken from the ancient stone bridge within the 'country park', a few minutes walk from the railway station and adjacent car park. 60043 at Freshford with a re-routed 6B33, Theale-Margam 'Murco' tanks. Captured in full sun two weeks running! 59202 near Claverton with the Machen to Westbury ballast working on 9 Feb 08. 66507 rounds the curve between Limpley Stoke and Freshford with 6Z28, Pengam to Theale hoppers, on 16 Feb 08. 66530 at Oldfield Park with 6Z28, Pengam to Theale stone, on 23 Feb 08. 66118 passes Oldfield Park with a diverted 4D06 Didcot to Avonmouth coal empties. 23 Feb 08. 'Royal' 67005 at Saltford with 1Z30, 10:30 Westbury to Cardiff rugby extra on 23 Feb 08. The photo was taken from the Pixash Lane overbridge, near to the recycling centre. 67012 passes Saltford with the 09:22 Paddington to Cardiff 'ruggex' for the Wales v Italy 6 Nations game on 23 Feb 08. Loadhaul-liveried 60007 at Freshford with a diverted 6B33, 'Murco' empties from Theale, on 1 March 08. Nasty scrape on the loco's side! 59104 takes a rare turn on the Machen - seen here at Freshford with 6C80, the loaded run back to Westbury, on 1 March 08. 66005 at Freshford with 6O34, St Philip's Marsh to Eastleigh fuel empties on 3 March 08 60030 catches a blast of low sun with 6B63, Westbury Cement Works-Margam empty coal on 3 March 08 59204 at Freshford with 6C80, the Machen to Westbury stone working, on 8 March 08. This shot was taken from beneath the footbridge in an attempt to keep the rain off the lens! Necessarly captured using a high ISO setting, the useful 'Neat Image' software was used to reduce 'noise' levels which can be particularly noticeable on areas such as yellow cab fronts and EWS red body panels. 66621 passes Freshford in rotten conditions with 6Z29, Theale to Pengam empty hoppers. 8 March 08 47787 at Bathampton Farm Crossing with the ECS of a tour from Barrow-in-Furness to Bath on 15 March 08. Taken at ISO 1250 in pouring rain, the shot was salvaged by use of the 'Neat Image' software which reduces the mottling effect of excessive 'noise'.

Published in Railway Photo Gallery by Glen Batten

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