Photographs by Steve http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/ 124 rows en-gb 60 That was 2009 - My personal favourites http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1798630.html Another year has already dawned, blimey, where did 2009 go!! Mind you, looking back at some of these pictures they seem like they were taken ages ago. I have tried to include images from every month of the year and looking back it seems the best for weather were April,May and September with November being a virtual wash out. We did get some nice days in the Summer as well and i hope these images stir up a few good memories of 2009. You will note a distinct 'Local' theme to a lot of the pictures as time constraints meant i didnt get North of London at all this year Friday 1 January 2010: Another year has already dawned, blimey, where did 2009 go!! Mind you, looking back at some of these pictures they seem like they were taken ages ago. I have tried to include images from every month of the year and looking back it seems the best for weather were April,May and September with November being a virtual wash out. We did get some nice days in the Summer as well and i hope these images stir up a few good memories of 2009. You will note a distinct 'Local' theme to a lot of the pictures as time constraints meant i didnt get North of London at all this year

14th January - 73205 drags 33012 'Stan Symes' from the Swanage Railway to Eastleigh Works for the Crompton to undergo a Heavy Overhaul 2nd February - Winter came to Dorset and most of Southern Britain and the DESIROs didnt like the cold weather with services disrupted for at least 3 days and an emergency timetable was put into operation. Here, 450s 087 and 094 shiver in the snow at Bournemouth 2nd February - The cold weather didnt seem to affect the Lymington Branch where 1498 was in operation. It is seen at the Pier waiting to work the 10.14 service to Brockenhurst 13th February - I took up a kind offer from a work colleague who wanted to show me parts of the infrastructure that still remained from the S&D and Castlemans Corkscrew lines closed by Beeching. Here at Corfe mullen an origional set of Level Crossing gates still remain 14th February - Tornado pays its first visit to the South and worked a Waterloo-Waterloo 'Valentine's Day' special. Here the Peppercorn is seen passing Lee near Southampton 21st February - There was an announcement from the Council at Weymouth that the old Tramway to the Quay was to be lifted so i decided on a trip to Weymouth to take some piccies before the work started to remove it. This view is taken not far from the Terminus 7th March - Water still drips out of the water pipe at Swanage long after 30053 has filled its boiler and departed for Norden 7th March - An almost timeless shot of a DMU arriving at Swanage, passing the Loco shed on its way in to the Terminus 19th March - The Network Measurment train formed of a redundant HST set was een in the Dorset/Hampshire area in March. Here, the NMT stables in the 'Extension' platform at Bournemouth next to a DESIRO in the middle sidings 19th March - Judging by the Daffodils at Lymington Pier, Spring has sprung. 1497 laps up the sun before heading back to Brockenhurst 21st March - SWT Route Learner 960012 is heading to Swanage from Bournemouth Depot before being roaded away to Derby for an overhaul. Named 'John Cameron' the Bubble Car is seen on the exit road of Bournemouth Depot 2nd April - On April fools day a spot of history was made when 66152 worked the first diesel hauled pasenger train onto the Swanage connection at Worgret Jn. The Tour sold out and was repeated the following day and here 66152 is seen arriving at Corfe 2nd April - 66152 arrives at Swanage with its railtour from Waterloo 8th April - 1497 awaits departure from Brockenhurst with the ECS back to Bournemouth after a days work on the Lymington Branch. The moon spookily pokes through the clouds 23rd April - Earlier in 2009 a major upgrade of the North London line began and this meant that Electric hauled Liners were to be Diesel dragged away from the wires between Willesden and Temple Mills via Gospel Oak. Here, 66536 drags 90048 through Harringay Green Lanes. Even the Semaphore in the background is now history due to a recent signalling upgrade 23rd April - 66431 heads the 4M71 'Sugarliner' through Hampstead Heath 2nd May - 34067 Tangmere storms across Corfe Common with a Victoria-Swanage charter. The Dorset outpost of Swanage became a very popular destination for Railtours during 2009, lets hope 2010 sees many more visits to this scenic line 10th May - During the Swanage railways 2009 Diesel Gala, a Deltic and a 31 sit in Swanage station seen here from East Hill 10th May - 26007 rasps away from Corfe with a Swanage bound service during the Diesel Gala 10th May - 20107 powers past Knitson during the 2009 Swanage diesel Gala 10th May - Split Box 45060 coasts downhill towards Swanage at Knitson during the Diesel Gala 23rd May - The Railway event of the year was staged at Eastleigh Works to celebrate the Works Centenary. Bruce Knights and his staff did an excellent job of arranging a wide and varied line up of Locos and the organisers were also blessed with glorious weather as can be seen here. 73006, 73109 and 73119 all sparkle in the early morning sun 23rd May - A classic Traction line up at Eastleigh 100. These Locos need no introduction 23rd May - A FlyBe jet swoops in to land during the Eastleigh 100 Open Weekend 23rd May - Another panoramic view across the Eastleigh Works site on the Saturday of the Open weekend 31 May - Fertis liveried Grids 56059 and 095 were dumped in Eastleigh Yard after arriving in an Enterprise service from Wembley Yard. The Grids were stored at Old Oak which was being cleared out ready for the Crossrail project 5th June - 67029 and 67002 were on VSOE duty in June, working a Bournemouth-Basingstoke trip then ECS to Southampton Parkway before forming another special back to Victoria. Here 67029 waits departure from Bournemouth with the ECS 7th August - 59205 is seen through the undergrowth at Hamworthy making its way onto the Goods branch to uload stone bought in from Whatley Quarry 9th August - Slug 37905 arrives at Alresford working a service during the Thomas the Tank Engine Gala which only produced 1 steam Loco due to poor availability 1st September - A 10 car 442 set glides through Clapham Jn working a Non-stop service to Gatwick Airport. It would have been scandolous if these quality units had stayed in Store after being abandoned by SWT in 2007, well done Southern!! 1st September - The great British Summer!! After a beautiful start to the day it clouded over and as 66524 passes Willesden Jn on the 6M80 Dagenham-Calvert Bins the heavens opened 5th September - One of the Loco hauled workings of the year took DB Schenkers 2 servicable 37s to Weymouth on the Summer dated service from Bristol Temple Meads. Here the 37s 670 and 401 await departure with possibly the final Loco hauled service from Weymouth 16th September - The beginning of the end for the Slam Door units on the Lymington Branch?! Timing and loading trials were conducted using a 158 which is supposed to replace the 400 stock on weekdays from the end of May 2010 26th September - Another railtour to Swanage produced 2 WCRC 37s from Crewe. The Tractors are seen at Brockenhurst 4th October - WCRC 47s 245 and 760 stable in Poole yard for the weekend due to Engineering work blocking the main line near Winchester. 47760 was unfortunately a failure on a Railtour on the Saturday and limped as far as Salisbury where 47245 was sent to rescue its Classmate 8th October - 59101 has just run round its Stone wagons at Hamworthy Goods and awaits departure. Note the plush flats and yachts 11th November - 66598 crosses Holes bay with the 6M42 Sand train from Wool MOD sidings to Neasden

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]]> Fri Jan 1 2010 Wintery Images from the past http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1794875.html With much of the Country blanketed by snow i decided to dig out some old shots that ive taken in the Snow. These also include a couple of images of the Festive Fiasco Railtour that i went on in December 1996 which involved a track bash around the Southern Region behind 31407, 37194 and 33019 (no pics of the 33 as the light had gone!). This will be my last update for this year so i wish everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thanks for viewing my Fotopic site Tuesday 22 December 2009: With much of the Country blanketed by snow i decided to dig out some old shots that ive taken in the Snow. These also include a couple of images of the Festive Fiasco Railtour that i went on in December 1996 which involved a track bash around the Southern Region behind 31407, 37194 and 33019 (no pics of the 33 as the light had gone!). This will be my last update for this year so i wish everyone and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thanks for viewing my Fotopic site

91010 and 89001 are seen at a snowy Bounds Green depot 31407 worked the first leg of the 'Festive Fiasco' Railtour from Victoria to Orpington. Note the Festive headboard waiting to go on the train The Snowman headboard now adornes 37194 at London Bridge. The 37 would would work the next leg of the tour back in to Victoria where 33019 would take over 37248 is seen at Woking 'Hurdles' sidings with a dusting of snow 47575 sits at Reading with Vans for Paddington 47841 powers away from Reading with a Manchester bound I.C. working 37137 whips up some powdery snow as it races through Reading L/E 47727 waits at Reading while its Vans are loaded and unloaded An Inter City service arrives at Reading from Brighton 47781 is seen stabled at Reading 47519 awaits its next job at Reading With the platforms at Waterloo well salted, 73101 awaits departure with a SERCO test train A classic line up of old EMUs at Wimbledon Park which were converted into Sandite and De-Icer units Locos sit on Doncaster Depot during a snow shower in 2001. Classes 47,56,58 and 66 can be seen 37375 is seen stabled at Doncaster during some snow in January 2001 Withdrawn Locos are seen in Doncaster Wood Yard including 37s and 47s awaiting scrap 60015 plods through Newport with the late afternoon enterprise working from Alex Dock Jn to Wembley 56088 passes through the bleak landscape at West Rounton near Teesside with the very late Seal Sands-West Burton tanks 37695 heads to Lackenby from Tees Yard and passes a Pacer unit just outside Middlesbrough station 37674 passes Cargo Fleet L/E en route to Tees Yard 66144 is seen just about to depart from Lackenby with the 6V37 slabs to Llanwern 60040 chugs away from the wintery wonderland of Grangetown with a Tees Dock to Boulby working of empty Potash wagons

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]]> Tue Dec 22 2009 My travels in 2003 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1789781.html Looking back through some of my pictures, i realised how many miles i clocked up in 2003 travelling the country in search of the remaining Class 37 and Class 56 workings. These have been shown elsewhere in other collections so these are 'The best of the rest'. I have tried to show a diverse range of liveries and workings in these photos and these 71 images were taken from 2,500 pictures i took during 2003!! Monday 7 December 2009: Looking back through some of my pictures, i realised how many miles i clocked up in 2003 travelling the country in search of the remaining Class 37 and Class 56 workings. These have been shown elsewhere in other collections so these are 'The best of the rest'. I have tried to show a diverse range of liveries and workings in these photos and these 71 images were taken from 2,500 pictures i took during 2003!!

6D66 Immingham-Doncaster Belmont 'Enterprise' awaits the road at Wrawby Jn. The studious amongst you will be able to pick out the Peg is 'Off' for something to come off the Lincoln line before 6D66 can proceed 56006 rattles over the pointwork at Hatfield and Stainforth with the 6D95 Doncaster Belmont-Goole Docks Corus Silver liveried 60006 is gainfully employed on the Tees Dock-Boulby trains, seen here on the descent towards Crag Hall 60027 passes numerous Semaphores at Barnetby with a Scunthorpe CHP-Immingham Bulk Terminal 1 empty set of HAAs 66612 passes Barnetby 'East' Box with the 6M00 Humber-Kingsbury Oils 37684 brings up the rear of a 7Z07 Healey Mills-Healey Mills 'Weedkiller' at New Barnetby. The lead loco was 37521 'English China Clays' 66192 is captured between the trees at Hillam gates whilst working the 6V36 Lackenby-Llanwern slabs 60089 shunts the 6M46 Redcar to Hardendale empty Lime Hoppers back in to Tees Yard. The wagons then wait for a further portion to arrive as 6N32 from Lackenby then the combined train departs as 6M46 60042 'The Hundred of Hoo' smokes away from a signal check at Mount Pleasent crossing with a single LPG 'Cripple' which is heading to Eastleigh Yard for attention CEP unit 1533 crosses the River Itchen between St Denys and Bitterne with a Southampton-Portsmouth service Connex used to run their services along the Coast as far as Bournemouth. Here a 3 Car CIG unit speeds through Millbrook not far from journeys end XP64 liveried 47853 is seen taking the consist of the 6M16 Southampton-Crewe Cars into the Western Docks where it will run round 08575 sits at Millbrooks Freightliner Terminal in between shunting duties Having now run round, 47853 departs the Docks and is passed by 66035 with an Oil working off Fawley Refinery 90030 'Crewe Locomotive Works' is seen at Kings Cross during a spell on hire to GNER 08682 busies itself shunting a 91 into Doncaster Works Ex Works 08580 is seen resting at Bescot Engineers sidings Mainline branded 60072 is seen recieving attention on Bescot TMD Healey Mills Yard near Wakefield has become a bit of a dumping ground for Locomotives in recent years. Here, a line up of Class 58s is lead by 58006 37375 and 66147 are seen stabled at the head of their respective trains at Healey Mills 60013 'Robert Boyle' exits Tees Dock with a trip working of BDAs to Tees Yard 57012 passes the classic view of Middlesbrough's Transporter bridge at St Hilda's with the 4D07 Wilton-Leeds 'Liner 66534 is captured at speed at Stenson Jn with a Millbrook-Leeds Freightliner Before going over to Voyager operation, Virgin XC 'short formed' some HST sets and rebranded them as 'Challenger' sets, as seen here at Stenson Jn Freightliner took over the operation of the LPG trains that worked off the Humber refinery shortly before they ceased running altogether. 66605 passes Stenson Jn with the 6E99 from Baglan Bay 60098 'Sir Charles Francis Brush' will never be seen again as it has been severly robbed of parts to keep other 'Tugs' operational. Here, 60098 passes Barnetby in better times with an MGR to Scunthorpe 60083 'Mountsorrel' is about to pass Classmate 60009 at Wrawby Jn. 083 is on the Iron Ore circuit whereas 009 is on the Selby-Immingham Vans 60053 passes New Barnetby with a loaded MGR for Scunthorpe In an almost timeless shot, 2 of the Mid Hants Railways DMUs 'chatter' away to each other at Alresford Freightliners 47152 and 296 await their fate at Southampton Maritime. The 'Duffs' were surplus to requirements after an influx of Class 66s which took over their duties The unmistakeable location of Didcot sees 37503 sitting in the yard waiting its next turn 90005 coasts into Carlisle station with a Glasgow bound passenger service. These locos looked very smart in the 'Virgin' livery with matching MK3 coaches DRS were hiring some 66s in from GBRf to see how they performed on their heavy Intermodals from Grangemouth to Daventry and return. Here, 66710 crew changes with the 4M30 from Grangemouth. Also note the DRS stickers on the cabsides of the Shed 90022 stands at Carlisle station with a Southbound Mail train Normally confined to the Lymington Branch, 1199 passes Millbrook whilst en route to Wimbledon Park Depot for tyre turning A short lived freight flow was a Piggyback operation to take Blue Circle cement lorries from Millbrook to Westbury for the cement works. Here 47843 arrives at Millbrook with the empty wagons A very smart new DESIRO stands at Northam Depot during a Staff open day Mail trains were still a common feature of the WCML in 2003 and a pair of 90s pass Heamies Farm towing a 12 car Class 325 formation Making a fine sight racing down the WCML, 87001 'Stephenson' hauls a Liverpool bound passenger service at Heamies farm A new Pendelino gets hauled through Stenson Jn by 47279 whilst en route to the Old Dalby test track 73096 passes a rather crowded station at Sway near Brockenhurst with a Cathedrals Express special to Bournemouth 66540 winds its long Freightliner around the curves approaching Thornaby station. The working is the 4L79 Wilton-Felixstowe More evidence here of GBRf helping out another FOC with motive power. 66716 heads South at Colton Jn with Freightliners 6M25 Seaham Harbour-Earles sidings A GNER express races South at Colton Jn Before its large Logo treatment, 37425 runs round its stock at Fishguard Harbour 'Pasty' liveried 158827 is seen at Cardiff Central Due to a shortage of Class 66s, several 47s were drafted in to work 'Liners and here we see Fragonsets 47355 powering North at Winchester on the 4S59 Maritime-Basford Hall/Coatbridge A busy view of Tees Yard sees 66023 and 66032 on empty HTAs waiting to head to Redcar for loading as 60030 arrives L/E The infamous 'Bullring' sidings at Thornaby were used to house withdrawn Locos as seen here with 56007 at the head of 3 Loadhaul classmates 60014 speeds past Grangetown with the 6M46 Redcar-Hardendale empty lime hoppers. The dust thrown off the hoppers was still hanging around a good minute after the train had gone by

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]]> Mon Dec 7 2009 GeeBee's at Sunrise http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1786258.html Several GBRf Locos arrived at Eastleigh yesterday for booked Engineering trains over the weekend. 66's 702,731,732 and on hire 844 plus 73's 205,206 and 213 were all present in the sidings adjacent to the station. My job at work meant that i wouldnt be in the area until first light and then it was a gamble if the overnight rain had blown away leaving the promised clear skies. Thankfully ,the forecasters were right and the Sun made an appearence shortly after 8.15am and the following images were taken between then and 8.45am Saturday 28 November 2009: Several GBRf Locos arrived at Eastleigh yesterday for booked Engineering trains over the weekend. 66's 702,731,732 and on hire 844 plus 73's 205,206 and 213 were all present in the sidings adjacent to the station. My job at work meant that i wouldnt be in the area until first light and then it was a gamble if the overnight rain had blown away leaving the promised clear skies. Thankfully ,the forecasters were right and the Sun made an appearence shortly after 8.15am and the following images were taken between then and 8.45am

A chilly Eastleigh at 8.15 on a Saturday morning is not everyones idea of fun but it was worth getting cold for! The sun just peeps up over the top of the 7 GBRf Locos assembled in the sidings The nameplate on 66732 pays homage to the MD of GBRf and his first 10 years in charge. The Loco sparkles in the sun beneath a cloudless blue sky Two 'Barbie' liveried 66s were present at Eastleigh along with newly painted 73213. This view shows 66731 66844 is seen minus its 'Advenza' branding now that it is on hire to GBRf Showing off its origional GBRf livery is 66702 'Blue Lightning' 73205 'Jeanette' is seen alongside 66702. The orange livery really glows in the early morning sun Wonder if these were here for Tyre turning!! Arty view of 66702,66844 with 'Lisa' (73206) glimpsed in the background The light was improving with every minute that passed so another shot of 66732 was bagged One of the many signs that are dotted around Eastleigh station and yard area It would be a couple of hours before the sun managed to illuminate the ED's so i had to make do with this shot due to time constraints A brisk walk towards East yard produced a shot of 60022 which was parked adjacent to the Shunters cabin. Note the 'skirting' under the buffers that is missing The 4 66s are nicely illuminated by now, another hour or two and the sun would be gone, as can be seen by the build up of cloud to the left of the Locos Unusually, 08482 was used to drag dead Shed 66099 from the Yard and on to Eastleigh Depot

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]]> Sat Nov 28 2009 Eastleigh Yard's Super Shunter http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1782856.html I heard the Gen that 60022 had worked to Eastleigh from Hinksey yard on Tuesday and thought it would have dissapeared by Wednesday. Anyway, i poodled up to Eastleigh for my Break whilst at work on Wednesday and was treated to 60022 'throbbing' past on 3 occasions as it had been comandeered to act as a Super Shunter in East Yard in the abscence of one of the regular 08's. An hour there produced 66709 stabled, 60022 passing 3 times plus a few Freights, a very productive spell Thursday 19 November 2009: I heard the Gen that 60022 had worked to Eastleigh from Hinksey yard on Tuesday and thought it would have dissapeared by Wednesday. Anyway, i poodled up to Eastleigh for my Break whilst at work on Wednesday and was treated to 60022 'throbbing' past on 3 occasions as it had been comandeered to act as a Super Shunter in East Yard in the abscence of one of the regular 08's. An hour there produced 66709 stabled, 60022 passing 3 times plus a few Freights, a very productive spell

I had only just arrived at Eastleigh station for my break when i heard a familiar thudding noise approaching. From behind the wagons in the virtual quarry, 60022 appeared with marker lights ablaze. The Tug is on Special Tests as a Super shunter at Eastleigh East Yard in the abscence of one of the usual 08's 60022 trundles through the pointwork and off into East Yard to collect some more wagons. Note the 40B painted Shedplate which would have been done by one of the fitters at Immingham TMD Some very watery Sunshine just illuminates the bodyside of Medite Shipping liveried 66709 which was stabled at Eastleigh station Yard. Note the 'FIRST' Group stickers under the cabside window Another front end view of 66709, the Orange and black livery could almost be a variation on the much loved Loadhaul livery worn by 37s,56s and 60s 60022 brings another rake of wagons from East Yard through the station area to stable adjacent to the Virtual Quarry 66573 slows for a crew change at Eastleigh with the 4O27 Liner from Garston Having deposited its wagons in the sidings next to the Virtual Quarry, 60022 passes 66709 again and heads back to East Yard where it stayed The Tug catches a ray of Sun as it wends its way back to East Yard 66129 powers its way North after a crew change with the 6M58 Cartics from Eastern Docks to Bescot Another mainline Loco forced to do its own shunting was 66118 which propels a rake of NLUs back in to one of East Yards numerous sidings

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]]> Thu Nov 19 2009 Stormy Saturday http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1780711.html An early turn on the Lymington branch beckoned with an equally early start as my turn was altered thanks to weekend engineering work and at 4.30am i found myself in a taxi to Southampton to collect the unit! Despite heavy overnight rain and driving winds there were no trees down but the wind made its prescence felt all morning and there were plenty of places in the New Forest that were waterlogged as these pictures show Saturday 14 November 2009: An early turn on the Lymington branch beckoned with an equally early start as my turn was altered thanks to weekend engineering work and at 4.30am i found myself in a taxi to Southampton to collect the unit! Despite heavy overnight rain and driving winds there were no trees down but the wind made its prescence felt all morning and there were plenty of places in the New Forest that were waterlogged as these pictures show

444028 berthes at the Country end of Platform 3 at Southampton Central station, seen shortly after 5am on a wet saturday morning My steed for the morning was a rather tidy 1497 which was unusually stabled in the down bay platform, this is due to an Engineers block between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth which meant the unit could not run from Bournemouth Depot 1497 is all prepped and brake tested and about to depart on the 5J01 empties to Brockenhurst A trio of DESIROs are seen at Southampton awaiting their next turns, 444017 nearest the camera is on the 05.30 service to Brockenhurst Lymington Pier on a wet and windy morning and not suprisingly there were no passengers! 1497 is ready to leave with 1J02 the 06.14 from the Pier to Brockenhurst. Wightlink Ferry 'Wight Light' sits alongside the Pier The first we saw of daylight was at gone 7am due to the bad weather that was rolling along the South Coast. 1497 gets ready for departure on 1J06 the 07.14 from the Pier Taken in poor light from a moving train is this shot of the edge of a weather front that had brought so much wind and rain along the South Coast An extremely hide tide was forecast at 6am with the Avon and Stour both on flood alerts in the Christchurch area. Here, the Quay at Lymington is literally inches from spilling out into the road where the shop fronts are Evidence of just how much rain has fallen in the New Forest More waterlogged ground at Milepost 94 and with more showers forecast for Saturday then heavy rain on Monday i expect to see these waterlogged areas get larger Something i have never seen at Lymington before is a barricade erected to keep people away from the slipway. Maybe this is the New Forest Councils answer to flood defences?! On my last trip i spotted a herd of 12 Deer who were totally oblivious to the howling wind! I managed to get a photo of them as they roam through the New Forest near Brockenhurst

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]]> Sat Nov 14 2009 Half Term Week http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1773432.html Half Term week went in the blinking of an eye! Blessed with some gorgeous weather we managed to keep the kids busy with a variety of things. On Monday, a few hours were spent down at Swanage where i got some pics of Locos in and around Swanage station. Tuesday was a trip to the Cinema, Thursday i managed a day out in London to 'Fot' various trains, then a welcome break was spent in Crewkerne with the In-Laws with trips to Wooky Hole Caves and Yeovilton Air museum. The following 34 images tell the week in pictures Tuesday 27 October 2009: Half Term week went in the blinking of an eye! Blessed with some gorgeous weather we managed to keep the kids busy with a variety of things. On Monday, a few hours were spent down at Swanage where i got some pics of Locos in and around Swanage station. Tuesday was a trip to the Cinema, Thursday i managed a day out in London to 'Fot' various trains, then a welcome break was spent in Crewkerne with the In-Laws with trips to Wooky Hole Caves and Yeovilton Air museum. The following 34 images tell the week in pictures

My Son Jamie relaxes and watches a 444 cross Holes Bay Viaduct, Creekmoor 30053 simmers away 'on shed' at Swanage during a beautifully bright Autumn day 34028 'Eddystone' arrives Tender first at swanage with a service from Norden 34028 waits patiently to be uncoupled from her stock 08436 was gainfully employed on Brake Van rides for all the children and Adults visiting during Half Term Quite a few of the Resident Locos were parked up in the vicinity of Swanage station. This view sees 33103 'Swordfish' which has obviously been involved in a minor scrape and needs some bodyside attention 08436 splutters away to itself in the Platform. This overall view of Swanage station shows some Autumnal colours off to good effect Just 5 minutes walk from Swanage station and you are on the beautiful Jurassic Coastline of Dorset. The weather was so inclement there were people in the Sea!! After a walk down to the beach and a Coffee break, the clouds had rolled in on arrival back at Swanage station. 33103 'Swordfish' is seen again stabled at Swanage station 80078 is also parked up near the station area for some remedial attention 08436 keeps on plodding on with its Brake Van rides. The 'Gronk' enters the station ready to find more passengers Other rolling stock recieving attention at Swange were the railways Pullman Observation Saloon, 34070 'Manston' and 33111 66728 veers away from the GOBLIN at Gospel Oak on a murky October morning with the 4L02 Hams Hall-Felixstowe containers. Pictures taken on Thursday 29th 66954 powers the 4M51 Tilbury-Daventry Liner past South Tottenham 66078 and 053 get spraying the GOBLIN on the 3S71 from Broxbourne-Upney Jn The first diesel drag of the day saw 86501 DIT behing 66534 with the 4L41 from Ditton Shortly after the 4L41, 4M54 appeared from Tilbury on the first leg of its journey to Basford Hall Yd behind 66577 and 90044 'Dusty Bin' 321424 makes its way onto the Seven Sisters line at South Tottenham on a 5Z10 Ilford-Doncaster Wabtec move. Coming out of the low Autumn sunshine at Upper Holloway is 66604 powering the 6L45 loaded cement working from Earles Sidings to West Thurrock Some brightness illuminates 66417 as it hurries the 4M71 'Sugarliner' through Upper Holloway Whilst waiting for a late running LOROL service i grabbed a quick shot of 66591 and 90048 coming off the GOBLIN at Gospel Oak with the 4M81 Liner from Felixstowe to Ditton A late arrival at Willesden Jn meant my connection to Clapham Jn had already gone! This view of Willesden TMD sees newly arrives 86401 in its NSE livery attatched to a rake of coaching stock in the depot confines The unmistakable 'Roar' of a 92 could be heard, and 92038 was glimpsed as it headed South towards Kensington Olympia with an 0Z93 L/E move back to Dollands Moor Ending a very busy few minutes at Willesden Jn was 66115 which was returning 3 DBS HOA hoppers to Acton Yard after tyre turning at Ilford. The consist was running as 6Z87 A cracking hour at Kensington produced some quality trains, starting with 56312 on the 4Z91 Dollands Moor-Hams Hall The 4Z91 was followed just 4 minutes later by 47805 and 47739 on a very late 7Z98 Dollands Moor-Dagenham Ford 'Blue ' train Another 'Z' working through Kenny O was 92013 on this 4Z46 to Daventry As the 4Z46 headed North, 92031 was running L/E the other way as an 0B43 Wembley-Dollands Moor After Kensington a quick trip to Reading ensued for a shot of the 6Z48 Burton-Dollands Moor steel. Shortly after arriving at Reading, 59002 struggled through with a monster 43 wagons making the 6A13 Whatley-West Drayton, seen here crossing from the Up main to the Up slow just East of Reading station Taken in worsening light is 47812 sat at the head of the 6Z48 from Burton Yard. Many thanks go to the obliging FGW driver for allowing me to get this shot out of his cab window A photo opportunity was taken in one of the small Villages in Somerset, North Perrott, to illustrate the lovely Autumnal colours. The War Memorial is a timely reminder that Rememberance Day is almost upon us This is the magnificent station buildings at Crewkerne station. Opened in 1860 by the L&SWR, it was designed by Sir William Tite and is now a Grade 2 listed building The latter half of the week was spent in Crewkerne at the In-Laws and a visit was made to the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton Planes and Helicopters are on display in 4 massive Halls and as can be seen here, Hall 4 is large enough to house a Concorde

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]]> Tue Oct 27 2009 Autumnal Stone http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1765680.html After doing my morning chores, the afternoon was free to go and get some pictures of the Hamworthy stone train, unusually running on a Thursday after settling into a Fridays only pattern. Thankfully the Weather was glorious giving a real Autumnal feel to the day with plenty of leaves falling in the light wind. 59101 was powering the train and a call to Hamworthy Box at 3.15pm revealed the train was already en route to Hamworthy Quay to run round as it was late arriving from Whatley. This left a further 10 wagons to unload when the train got back to Hamworthy Goods. Thursday 8 October 2009: After doing my morning chores, the afternoon was free to go and get some pictures of the Hamworthy stone train, unusually running on a Thursday after settling into a Fridays only pattern. Thankfully the Weather was glorious giving a real Autumnal feel to the day with plenty of leaves falling in the light wind. 59101 was powering the train and a call to Hamworthy Box at 3.15pm revealed the train was already en route to Hamworthy Quay to run round as it was late arriving from Whatley. This left a further 10 wagons to unload when the train got back to Hamworthy Goods.

I arrived at Hamworthy Quay just as the Loco was running round its train. Due to a late arrival from Whatley, 6 wagons had been unloaded leaving a further 10 to do. The run round was done to release the EWS shunter as he was short of hours The EWS shunter just waits for 59101 to clear the points before re-setting them With the points re-set, the shunter climbs aboard and the Loco will drop down onto its wagons 59101 creeps away and heads towards its train, seen in the distance 59101 is 'tied' onto to its wagons 59101 now waits for the driver to change ends and the shunter to walk the length of the train to perform a brake continuity test A look back up the Hamworthy Quay branch towards the Crossing at Hamworthy Park.The leaf-less trees show that Autumn is well and truly upon us!! The view the other way down the branch sees 59101 almost ready to depart At approximately 3.45pm, 59101 crawls towards Hamworthy Park crossing with part of its train still to unload on arrival back at Hamworthy Goods A last view of the train as it crosses Hamworthy Park crossing

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]]> Thu Oct 8 2009 WCRC Dorset Duffs http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1763896.html I went out today to take some pictures of the WCRC 47 that should have been berthed in Poole Yard during Sunday however, due to the failure of the Tour on its outward leg at Salisbury, there were 2x47s to photograph. 47760 disgraced itself en route to Salisbury with an engine shut down (3 times) and it was rescued by sister Loco 47245 which was scrambled from Southall and dragged the ensemble back to Poole at 6pm Saturday evening. The 2 Locos stable at Poole Yard until early Monday morning due to weekend engineering work Sunday 4 October 2009: I went out today to take some pictures of the WCRC 47 that should have been berthed in Poole Yard during Sunday however, due to the failure of the Tour on its outward leg at Salisbury, there were 2x47s to photograph. 47760 disgraced itself en route to Salisbury with an engine shut down (3 times) and it was rescued by sister Loco 47245 which was scrambled from Southall and dragged the ensemble back to Poole at 6pm Saturday evening. The 2 Locos stable at Poole Yard until early Monday morning due to weekend engineering work

Poole signalman can keep a good eye on the 47s from his vantage point in the Signalbox The 47s are seen through a gap in between the exit dummys for the sidings and the Telephone post to contact the signalman. Some very milky sunshine illuminates 47245 slightly The disgraced 47760 is seen tucked inside 47245 A shot of the 'Ploughed' 47s in the sidings The still full fuel guage on 47760 as due to its failure it didnt use much!! No.1 Cab end of 47760 A drivers eye view of the control desk in 47760 How to find your way around a WCRC 47. Note the RES symbol still visable on the panel Data Panel on 47760 incuding all pervious numbers carried The engine room as viewed from the No.1 end cab One final shot of the 47s in Poole sidings

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]]> Sun Oct 4 2009 More Gems from the 90s http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1752093.html Hop on board a time machine as we go back 15 or so years to see another wealth of Liveries and long gone Locos!! Enjoy the Nostalgia Monday 7 September 2009: Hop on board a time machine as we go back 15 or so years to see another wealth of Liveries and long gone Locos!! Enjoy the Nostalgia

A strange line up at Hither Green on a miserable Autumnal day comprises Test DMU 'Iris alongside 37891 and Crompton 33046 09019 sports Mainline livery and is seen at Hither Green PWD. The 09 still survives in these colours today After years operating Coal trains in and around Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, the 58s went South to see out their final years in traffic and were regulars on stone trains to Angerstein Wharf and Engineers trains from Hoo-Eastleigh. 58023 'Peterborough Depot' and 58047 'Manton Colliery' stable at Hither Green 58037 powers its way past Farnham Sheds on the single line towards Alton with the Fawley-Holybourne tanks A RES 47 stables with its vans on the avoiding line through Reading station 37605 and 602 are seen stabled at Clapham Jn. These Locos were Thunderbird Locos for the Eurostar services working out of Waterloo International. 4VEP unit 3536 is seen waiting to head ECS to Waterloo for the evening Peak Mainline stickered 60083 is seen enjoying the sun at Eastleigh Depot Another example of the drab Mainline Grey livery at Eastleigh was 37137 47322 shelters from the sun inside the running shed at Eastleigh Depot in scruffy Red Stripe Railfreight livery The Depot clock seems to be on the blink as 73141 is seen at Eastleigh Depot 37798 passes Farnham station in fading light with the Fawley-Holybourne tanks An unfinished paint job on an ED is seen at Stewarts Lane Depot. This Loco will become either 73128 or 73131 but i could not find anyone to ask!! 47540 in Dutch livery passes through Wandsworth Road A rare shot of a Regional Eurostar (remember those?!) stabled at Clapham Jn alongside the EPS 37s 56080 'Selby Coalfield' passes Peterborough early on the Saturday morning of the Tinsley Open Day in 1995. The Grid is working the Plasmor empties from Bow to the nearby Yard 56035 sparkles in the Sun at Peterborough SP An ex March Depot Loco, 08529 stays local and also stays in BR Blue livery albeit faded at Peterborough 2 of Hunslet Barclays 20s were stabled on the Chipmans Weedkilling train. This view sees 20902 and 903 was at the North end of the formation 60014 'Alexander Fleming' ticks over during a break from duties at Doncaster Depot Not having a permit for 'The Plant' we had to make do with this view from the works gates. Just as i pressed the shutter, an employee walked into the frame, a shot i would probably now delete in todays digital era. 308147 and 37429 recieve attention along with Works shunter 08682 Metals,Construction,Coal and Loadhaul liveries are all on show in this view of Knottingley Depot At the Tinsley open day, 08879 is seen in a bizzare livery to commemorate Sheffield Childrens Hospital 58042 'Petrolea' stables at Worksop and is seen in late evening Sun. This was one of Nine 58s that were stabled plus a 60 and 2x08s!! 58018 'High Marnham Power Station' seen at Worksop 73101 'Brighton Evening Argus' brings the ECS into Waterloo for one of DC Tours highly popular Solent and Wessex Wanderer Railtours Ex Works Coal liveried 60086 works a Solent and Wessex Wanderer tour with 33102 coupled inside for Train Heat 47717 is seen on the blocks at Waterloo having brought ECS in from Clapham Jn for another S & WW Railtour Taking the train out of Waterloo on this occasion is 37350 and 33109 Remember the days when a line up of Locos used to stable near Eastleigh station?? Here, at least 7 Locos can be seen at the weekend 47547 gets a Paddington bound passenger service underway at Reading 47425 pauses at Reading with an Oxford bound service formed of NSE MK1's 47736 'Cambridge Traction & Rolling Stock Depot passes Reading with a Twickenham bound 'Rugby' special 37191 enjoys the hospitality of Didcot SP for the weekend Another weekend visit to Didcot produced 2x37s, an RFD 47 and a 56 seen in the Yard 37892 paid a visit to the Mid Hants Railway for a Diesel Gala and the Petroleum liveried 'Tractor' is seen waiting to leave Ropley A classic line up of Southern Region motive power is seen at Woking with 73139, 33025 and 208 present 37s were making inroads to a lot of 'Crompton' and ED workings as can be seen here with 37074 and 33025 stabled at Woking 33051 is seen at Woking Down Yard stabled for the weekend 91017 and 023 are nearest the camera in this view of Kings Cross prior to Privitisation when the 91s were painted in GNER colours An UID 47 waits to leave York with a Southbound XC service, probably to Bristol or Plymouth York NRM sees D200 and 50033 Glorious on show 73210 passes Clapham with a Gatwick Express service 56057 waits a crew change at Peterborough with a stone train from East Anglia to Mountsorrel. 158783 pauses with a local passenger service 08529 crosses the Main line at Peterborough with a rake of Presflo wagons off the Ratcliffe-Fletton flow for repair 90021 makes its booked stop at Peterborough with a Northbound Mail train Construction liveried 56059 starts up and smokes out the inside of Leicester shed RES liveried 47615 rests in between duties at Saltley 47832 'Tamar' stables at Saltley alongside 58025 with 47615 in the background 58042 lurks in the depths of Toton Depot. Note the 'Railfreight' plate on this Coal liveried Bone 56012 is outnumbered by Class 20s in the Scrapline at the rear of Toton Depot

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]]> Mon Sep 7 2009 37s to Weymouth http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1750776.html About 12 days ago the Gen grapevine went into overdrive with the news that 2 DBS 37s were to be used on the Bristol to Weymouth Summer Saturdays service train for its (possibly) last run as a Loco hauled train. After much guessing about if the 37s would make it and be in position to work the train, DBS managed to get 37401 and 37670 to Barton Hill by Friday evening ready to work the stock to Temple Meads. Here are a selection of shots taken at Weymouth before the 16.55 service returned to Bristol Saturday 5 September 2009: About 12 days ago the Gen grapevine went into overdrive with the news that 2 DBS 37s were to be used on the Bristol to Weymouth Summer Saturdays service train for its (possibly) last run as a Loco hauled train. After much guessing about if the 37s would make it and be in position to work the train, DBS managed to get 37401 and 37670 to Barton Hill by Friday evening ready to work the stock to Temple Meads. Here are a selection of shots taken at Weymouth before the 16.55 service returned to Bristol

I made it into the Jersey sidings just as the 37s had been fired up. The Driver is looking between the Locos as a fitter tries to get the Locos to 'multi up' which i believe was solved by changing over the Jumper cables Close up of the front end of 37670 with its 'Westbury Traincrews' headboard, a nice touch from the Wiltshire boys This was the first time i had seen 37670 in its DB Schenker livery and the Tractor looks quite smart and certainly adds a bit of colour on a drab day As i walked back to the station, the 37s propelled the stock into the station 37670 and 37401 tick over as they await departure time from Weymouth The 2 'Ploughed' 37s at Weymouth give an interesting livery comparison A sight never to be repeated????? A Loco hauled service train ready to leave the Dorset Terminus of Weymouth Nameplate bestowed upon 37670 Only 3 mins now to departure time and most people have got their pictures and have 'bagged' themselves a window ready for departure The 37s are just a couple of mins away from departure whereas the DESIRO will form the 17.03 to London some 8 mins later. Im pleased to say the Traincrew of the 37s gave a rousing departure from Weymouth and the 37s could be heard growling up towards Bincombe Tunnel for a good few mins after they left.

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]]> Sat Sep 5 2009 London day trip, 1st September 2009 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1749248.html Another visit was made to the Capital to Fot some freight around the North London area. An early start also gave an opportunity to Fot some 442s of which i have fond memories as i worked on them between 1999 and 2007 out of Bournemouth. The following pictures show a wide variety of FOC and Liveries to be seen just in North and South London Wednesday 2 September 2009: Another visit was made to the Capital to Fot some freight around the North London area. An early start also gave an opportunity to Fot some 442s of which i have fond memories as i worked on them between 1999 and 2007 out of Bournemouth. The following pictures show a wide variety of FOC and Liveries to be seen just in North and South London

2402 leads 2421 with the 08.00 departure from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport. The 'Gatwick Express' livery really suits the 442s 465002 and a 455 show off the 'Southern' Green livery to full effect during its booked stop at Clapham Jn Another 10 Car 442 speeds through Clapham on the Down Fast heading the 08.15 service off Victoria formed of 442s 2407 and 2421 2405 sparkles in the early morning sun as it takes sleepy commuters through to London for their days work Providing a contrast to the 442 are the 460 Juniper units displaying its 'Fly Emirates' advertising London Midland DESIRO 350123 calls at Kensington Olympia en route to Milton Keynes First freight of the day was a rather Claggy 66121 hauling the 6Z57 Hayes Tarmac-Hothfield formed of CEMEX Hoppers and EWS Construction hoppers 313114 is seen at Willesden Jn High Level while it pauses on its way to Richmond. These units are on borrowed time on this route as more of the 378 units are delivered and comissioned Viewed from the footbridge above the WCML, 66017 heads South with the 4L27 Wembley Yd-Parkeston Quay Intermodal as it passes Willesden Depot with a mix of 313s and 378s on Shed The 'New Order' on the North London Line (NLL) sees 378013 call at Brondesbury Park en route to Richmond. Shame the Sun had gone in!! I preffered this shot of 66168 and its 6Z16 Hothfield-Marks Tey train rather than the head on shot as it shows the train length and the Station footbridge and Clock off to good effect The first Liner 'Drag' we saw was 66538 hauling 90041 and the 4M54 Tilbury-Basford Hall. The 66/5 will continue to Willesden Brent sidings where the 90 will work under its own power down the WCML The 6M56 Ripple Lane-Wembley Yard 'Enterprise' passes Brondesbury Park in charge of 66097 with Classmate 66170 hitching a ride back to Wembley 66568 was on full chat as it sped along the NLL at Brondesbury Park with the 4E24 Grain-Leeds Liner The fourth different FOC's 66 we saw belonged to DRS with its daily 4M71 Ripple Lane-Daventry with 66422 in charge. GBRf 66721 was also seen but no picture was obtained thanks to a 313 getting in the way!!! A sojourn at Willesden Jn proved very fruitful with 13 freights in 80 minutes. 59203 applies the Power to get its 6V64 Bow-Merehead empties up the grade through Willesden 59001 soon passed the opposite direction with the 7L56 Acton Yd-Purfleet stone train 59001 curves away from Willesden Jn showing just how close the Railway line passes houses in the North London area. Some might say these houses have a great vantage point!!! There were a lot of 'Orange Jackets' at Willesden Jn keeping an eye on the performance of the new 378 units. A London Overground Manager chats with Contractors as 378007 arrives 378013 passes 66723 'Chinook' working the 4E19 Mountfield-West Burton Gypsum empties One welcome bonus is a daylight hours working of a 92 over part of the NLL. Here, 92026 changes Drivers whilst working the 4E32 Steel empties from Dollands Moor-Scunthorpe. Note how Cloudy it has become...... .......because by the time the next Freight came into view the heavens had opened!!! 66524 powers through the downpour whilst working the 6M80 Dagenham-Calvert 'Pongliner' 'Dusty Bin' 321412 displays its new London Midland livery as it speeds North on a Semi Fast service through Headstone Lane If the Grid had been let loose 5 minutes earlier then this shot would have been in full sun but alas it was not to be. We just had to make do with the 56 on full bore as it charges down the WCML with the 4Z91 Dollands Moor-Hams Hall Norflok Line Intermodal 508303 is seen as it departs from Headstone Lane station bringing an excellent day's 'Spotting' to an end

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]]> Wed Sep 2 2009 Somerset and Devon mini break http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1746539.html Stayed for a few days at the In Laws in Crewkerne and some good weather afforded a couple of days out to Paignton Zoo and the West Somerset steam railway. The following images were recorded and it was great to see lots of things Great Western as well as fulfilling a long time ambition of a trip along the Sea wall at Dawlish by train Thursday 27 August 2009: Stayed for a few days at the In Laws in Crewkerne and some good weather afforded a couple of days out to Paignton Zoo and the West Somerset steam railway. The following images were recorded and it was great to see lots of things Great Western as well as fulfilling a long time ambition of a trip along the Sea wall at Dawlish by train

A dreary Monday morning sees the arrival of 159103 at Crewkerne with the 07.10 service from Waterloo-Paignton I didnt expect this at Paignton Zoo!!!! A Class 37 mock up which was running as 4808 'Peter'!! My Lordz!!! Note the Chocolate and Cream coaches as well!! 4277 'Hercules' is seen stabled adjacent to Paignton station after a days work on the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway (P&DR) 7827 'Lydney Manor' is also seen at Paignton simmering away nicely after its day's exertions The secondman pops a lid on the funnel of 'Hercules' as he carries on his work of disposing of the Loco 7827 basks in the Glorious evening sun in Devon. What a great way to spend your retirement The 2 ex GWR Locos glimmer in the evening sun A contrast between the Old and New at Paignton After December 2009 sights like this will no longer be seen as SWT services will not run West of Exeter. 159108 forms the 19.12 Paignton-Basingstoke service 3850 shunts the stock to form the 11.25 service from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Class 33 'Crompton' D6566 was seen stabled in the bay platform at Bishops Lydeard Having run round the stock, 3850 makes plenty of steam as she returns to the platform All of the stations along the route of the West Somerset Railway are immaculately kept as seen here at the start (and end) of so many journeys on the WSR Williton is almost half way along the line and the maintanence shed is just adjacent to the station. An impressive line up of Power is seen here with a 47,25,Warship and a Hymek all on shed (the Hymek is out of view) A DMU service was in operation, as seen here at Williton with the 11.10 A view of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust 'Yard' at Washford 'Prairie' Tank 4160 climbs into Blue Anchor station with the 12.20 service from Minehead The Guard gives the Right away to the Driver at Dunster Number 88 sits at Minehead and recieves attention to its smokebox 5553 stables at Minehead 9351 arrives at Minehead with the 12.30 from Bishops Lydeard. The loco will drop off the stock, run forwards then back on to the Turntable to give a demonstration on how a Loco is turned The Secondman puts his back into it as 9351 is 'turned' Almost round!!!!! At Blue Anchor, the Traincrew and Signalman exchange tokens 3850 draws some admirers as it blasts away from Watchet and across the foot crossing. There is a quaint little Harbour in this small village and also a Boat museum near the station charting some of the History of the importance boats were in this area of Somerset 4160 makes a spirited departure from Watchet and heads up hill all the way to Washford with the 14.10 from Bishops Lydeard. The Loco could be heard toiling away for at least 3/4 mins A good example of a GWR lower Quadrent signal at Williton The 'Bobby' at Crowcombe Heathfield 'Box awaits the arrival of the 16.00 from Bishops Lydeard........ ......which arrived bang on time behind 3850 On the platform at Bishops Lydeard is a 'Guage Museum' which contains all manner of things Great Western as can be seen here 9351 has run round its stock and been refreshed with a top up of water before heading the last service of the day from Bishops Lydeard, the 16.55 to Minehead The 08.25 Exter St Davids-Waterloo service gets underway from its stop at Crewkerne and is seen passing through the village of Misterton on the Somerset/Dorset border

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]]> Thu Aug 27 2009 Bournemouth Air Festival 2009 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1744384.html Sun, Sea, Sand and the best free Air Display brought the Crowds flocking to the Dorset Coast on Saturday with an estimated Half a Million people crammed into every possible vantage point. The main action took place along the sea front in between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers and the flying was virtually non-stop from 1pm until the Eurofighter Typhoon finished off at 5.15pm Sunday 23 August 2009: Sun, Sea, Sand and the best free Air Display brought the Crowds flocking to the Dorset Coast on Saturday with an estimated Half a Million people crammed into every possible vantage point. The main action took place along the sea front in between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers and the flying was virtually non-stop from 1pm until the Eurofighter Typhoon finished off at 5.15pm

The Royal Marines kicked things off on the Saturday with a 'Storming' of the beach and 'taking' an enemy vessel. Here, a Marine abseils out of a Puma helicopter and into a landing craft Marines board athe 'enemy Yacht' with guns drawn Next up was the Swift Team consisting of a Glider and stunt plane The stunt plane crockscrews over the Glider 4 Russian built Yakovlevs put on a good display in the Blue skies The 4 'Yaks' hold their positions during a climb The smoke trails show just how the Pilots can manoevre the Yaks The Red Bull matadors were next and gave a fantastic stunt show, again showing off the skills of the Pilots in front of the huge crowds The Red Bulls do a passing manoevre A Beautifully drawn heart in the Blue skies over Bournemouth. You can just make out the planes at the bottom corner of the shot just exiting their moves Due to bad weather, the Falcons Parachute team did not do their routine on Friday but no such problems today The Falcons get into a loose stack position as they descend towards Boscombe beach The Falcons drop onto the Beach at Boscombe, the crowds on the beaches show that there is little margin for error!! The Chinook that the Falcons jumped from did a fly past along the beach. It made it down very quickly from 10,000 feet The Hurricane and Lancaster performed the Battle of Britain fly past. Here, the Hurricane is put through its paces The Lancaster banks round after doing a pass along the beach The unmistakable sight (and sound) of the Lancaster Bomber We were also treated to a further awesome display from a Chinook helicopter. Note the White cliffs of the Isle of Wight in the background The Royal Navy Black Cats display team put 2 Lynx helicopters through their paces, here they were flying backwards towards us!! A close up of the 2 Lynx helicopters used by the Royal Navy B-17 Bomber, The Flying Fortress did a solo display although this would have looked superb alongside the Hurricane and Lancaster The B-17 is affectionately known as Sally B and she smokes her way across the Dorset sky The Wing walkers from Team Guinot take to the skies The wing walkers do their stuff One of the wing walkers shows a bit of leg They need no introduction!! The World famous Red Arrows. The next few pics speak for themselves so dont have captions The Spitfire was due to fly with the Lancaster and Hurricane however it appeared with the Mustang instead A very welcome addition to last years Air Show is the Avro Vulcan Bomber The Vulcan shows off those Delta wings!! The Vulcan B2 hovers menacingly above the Sea The last areobatic Team that took to the Air were the Blades, the Pilots all used to fly with the Red Arrows so they were more than at home with passing manouevres like this The Blades do a turn in formation The big finish!! The Eurofighter Typhoon hovers nose up out in the sea. Just below is the 'Waverley' paddle steamer which was moored out to sea to allow spectators a different angle on the Air Show It was as much as i could do to keep up with the Eurofighter as it sped around Dorset's airspace The exhaust lights up as the Pilot gives it some extra boost The Typhoon climbs upwards as it prepares to dissapear from sight and bring an end to the 2009 Air Festival

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]]> Sun Aug 23 2009 Thomas and Friends at the Mid-Hants Railway http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1738811.html Another enjoyable day was spent at the MHR on Sunday 9th August for their Thomas event, despite some problems with the Steam Locos!! 'Lord Nelson', 'Wadebridge' and 'Percy' all had problems during the day and other Locos substituted instead including 37905 and 33053, with the 'Slug' working trains all day Tuesday 11 August 2009: Another enjoyable day was spent at the MHR on Sunday 9th August for their Thomas event, despite some problems with the Steam Locos!! 'Lord Nelson', 'Wadebridge' and 'Percy' all had problems during the day and other Locos substituted instead including 37905 and 33053, with the 'Slug' working trains all day

Thomas is seen at Ropley station and gave rides into the sidings all day with one of his coaches. My 4 year old reckons that the Loco next to Thomas looks like one of the new characters called 'Whiff' Whiff was given the job of giving Brake Van rides with Toad and the 2 of them are seen here on the main line at Ropley 34007 'Wadebridge' was masquerading as 'Emily' (according to my 4 year old!!) and is seen here at Ropley as Daisy the Diesel Railcar approaches Diesel was on his best behaviour and gave Brake Van and Cab rides all day from Alresford station 37905 arrives at Alresford with a service train from Alton. The Slug was pressed into service due to the failure of 850 Lord Nelson with brake problems 37905 runs round at Alresford with Diesel lurking menacingly in the distance Another shot of 905 running round at Alresford Trevor the Traction engine was on display at Alresford along with Bulgy the bus Emily arrives at Ropley and is nicely framed between the 37 and the signal post Disgraced 850 sits in Ropley (Tidmouth) sheds having failed earlier that morning. Bet the Fat Controller wasnt happy!!! Slug 5 awaits departure from Medstead and Four Marks after giving a very loud run from Ropley!! Spencer (aka Bittern) sits on Shed at Ropley Emily arrives on shed for attention and poses next to Percy Whiif powers away down the main line again with Toad following behind More Locos on shed at Ropley While Emily was being fixed, 33053 substituted giving a mini Diesel Gala on the line, the other diagrams being worked by the DMU and 37905 The fitters worked extra fast to fix Emily and she coasts downhill into Alresford to fetch her coaches A panoramic view of Alresford station Percy was also fixed and was able to give Brake Van rides with Toad for the last couple of hours 33053 sits at Ropley and waits to return to the shed for the night

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]]> Tue Aug 11 2009 Fab Fours - A Class 37/4 tribute http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1734816.html During the Mid 80s, 31 'Standard' Class 37 machines were earmarked for conversion at Crewe Works into 37/4s to include ETH for passenger trains in Scotland and Wales. Over 20 years later and these Locos just about survive with DBS, latterly EWS. These images show the 'Fours' in all types of Liveries and in some strange Locations. I managed to capture 28 out of the 31 Locos on film, the missing Locos being 404,424 and 430 Sunday 2 August 2009: During the Mid 80s, 31 'Standard' Class 37 machines were earmarked for conversion at Crewe Works into 37/4s to include ETH for passenger trains in Scotland and Wales. Over 20 years later and these Locos just about survive with DBS, latterly EWS. These images show the 'Fours' in all types of Liveries and in some strange Locations. I managed to capture 28 out of the 31 Locos on film, the missing Locos being 404,424 and 430

37401 is seen in Inter City livery at Eastfield and is named 'Mary Queen of Scots' 37401 is seen adorned in 'Royal Scotsman' maroon livery while stabled at Carlisle. The Loco is also now named 'Royal Sctotsman' 401 attended the Mid Hants diesel Gala in 2005 and is seen here paired up with 37190 on the approach to Alresford A battered up 401 has now recieved EWS livery and at the time was 1 of 3 37/4s being rotated in and out of the WK pool to provide traction for Railtours 37402 'Oor Wullie' is seen stabled at Grangemouth depot in between duties 37402 is painted in the drab Triple Grey colours and is named 'Bont Y Bermo'. 402 is seen awaiting departure from Crewe for a trip along the North Wales Coast Bont Y Bermo calls at Newport whilst en route to Cardiff with a service from Crewe Viewed from a passing HST, 402 stables at Canton and is seen in a bizzare 2 tone Green livery with Red Nameplates!! A pleasently clean 37403 'Ben Cruachan' is seen on display at a Basford Hall Open Day 403 trundles through Newport before taking a well earned rest at Godfrey Road stabling point 37405 is seen at Tinsley Depot undergoing Maintanence. The 'Not to be Moved' board means the Loco is unlikely to make it to Peak Forest to work the Stone trains that are now its staple diet. 405 is named 'Strathclyde Region' 37405 recieves attention inside Wigan's Springs Branch depot. The locos nameplates have been replaced by cardboard versions, temporarily re-naming it 'The Whistler' 37405 became synonymous with the Arriva Trains Leeds-Carlisle Loco hauled set and shared these duties with 37408 and 411. 405 is seen at journeys end at Carlisle 37406 ticks over at Eastfield depot as a driver clambers in to the 47 on the adjacent road. This Loco is called 'The Saltire Society' 37406 can be glimpsed again courtesy of its front end numbers. The loco is resting in between duties at Fort William and is stabled with 37423 to the right and another classmate plus the 08 'pilot' In 2008, 37406 was moved to Eastleigh depot for secure storeage and is seen inside the Hampshire Depot 37407 'Blackpool Tower passes Warrington Bank Quay on a string of Engineers wagons This is the only shot i have of 408 in its Large Logo livery!! 'Loch Rannoch' restarts a Cardiff bound service at Crewe 408 rests at Carlisle having worked the Leed service up with 405 Shortly before the 37s finished on this popular train, the Locos were 'Bulled' up, with 408 recieving black headcode boxes and silver buffers 37409 'Loch Awe' stables at Motherwell depot 37410 hitches a ride North in the consist of the 6S75 Wembley-Mossend enterprise. The location is Carlisle 410 was another Loco that moved to Eastleigh with a possible return to traffic mooted. 410 is kept in a servicable condition at EH by being used as a 'Super Shunter'. 410 was named 'Aluminium 100' 37411 sits at the bizzare location of Woking down yard on a weekend engineering train 411 is seen at Carlisle ready to leave with the Leeds service. 411 had by now gained the name 'The Scottish Raiway Preservation Society' Isnt this how we all remember 411?? Seen arriving at Ystrad Mynach with a Rhymney-Cardiff service, adorned in Green livery and named 'Caerphilly Castle'. This Loco was recently on display at the Eastleigh Works 100 celebrations having been dragged there the short distance from Eastleigh Depot 37412 'Driver John Elliott' awaits blast of from Cardiff with a service for Rhymney 37412 shows off its rather battered Transrail livery at Bescot Holding sidings Llanbradach is the location for this view of 412 on the Rhymneys 37413 stables at Eastfield depot with 37402. 413 was adorned with the name of 'Loch Eil Outward Bound' 413 recieved a coat of Transrail livery and is seen here looking a bit out of place on a North Wales Coast service at Crewe 413 survived long enough to get the EWS treatment but is seen here in a sorry state in the scrapline at Doncaster Carr depot 414 stables at Buxton and wears the correct 'Trainload Construction' decals for working out of Peak Forest 414 later recieved a coat of the smart 'Regional Railways' livery and is seen here about to depart from Chester. Along with the RR livery came the name of 'Cathays C&W Works 1846-1993' A further view of 37414 ready to depart from Crewe A very tidy 37415 sits on the blocks at Crewe having arrived from Bangor 37416 takes a well earned rest at Cardiff's Canton depot Another Loco that got the 'Scotsman' treatment, 416 is seen eeking out its final days at Eastleigh Depot Bizzarely named 'Highland Region', 37417 is aslo adorned with a Cornish lizard depot plaque and was working off St Blazey at the time it appeared at the Laira Open Day How this triple grey livery can be deemed an improvement on the IC livery in the previous picture is anyone guess, but thats Sectorisation for you!!! 417 awaits departure from Newport Seen at the Toton Open Day of 1998, 417 is about to be named 'RAIL Magazine' 417 approaches Cardiff station with ECS ready to form 1 of 3 Rhymney commuter trains that blasted their way up the Valleys 37418 dispalys is Regional Railways livery at Basford Hall 418 recieved the name of the 'East Lancashire Railway' and is seen here calling at Crewe with a Birmingham-Holyhead service 418 is seen in EWS colours speeding through Bescot station 418 has just worked off Godfrey Road SP, Newport and is waiting to run L/E to Alexandra Dock Jn for its next job which on this day was the trip working to Cadoxton I managed a ride behind 418 all the way to Fishguard Harbour on a Summer dated passenger service. 418 runs round at Fishguard 418 arrives at Tees Yard with the 6N91 Limestone working from Thrislington A samrt looking 37419 is seen at Crewe after a trip along the North Wales Coast 37419 is seen approaching Newport station having run L/E from Llanwern

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]]> Sun Aug 2 2009 A Sunny Saturday at Work http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1731048.html Took advantage of a break at Waterloo today to take a few shots round the station including a few trains 'On the Blocks' after arriving. On my way home i managed a couple of pics at Eastleigh during a station stop of the GBRf Loco convoy that arrived there on Friday afternoon, a convoy which included 66402 minus its 'Direct Rail Services' decals Saturday 25 July 2009: Took advantage of a break at Waterloo today to take a few shots round the station including a few trains 'On the Blocks' after arriving. On my way home i managed a couple of pics at Eastleigh during a station stop of the GBRf Loco convoy that arrived there on Friday afternoon, a convoy which included 66402 minus its 'Direct Rail Services' decals

On the Blocks at Waterloo are 444027, 455707 and HC unit 450552 444027 and 455707 at Waterloo 2 High Capacity 450 units are seen, No's 552 and 566 Right over on Platform 19, 458006 waits to leave on a Reading service 158886 brings up the rear of an 8 Car formation that will shortly head towards Exeter St Davids The SWT livery on 159107 really sparkles in the Summer sun at Waterloo With continuing building work taking place around Waterloo, views like this of the Millenium Wheel on the South Bank will soon no longer be possible Over on the Windsor Lines we see 2 458 units coupled together along with the concertina connection between the 2 units. This takes roughly half an hour to put together which is why these units are semi-permanently coupled together 458016 awaits departure from platform 19 with a service to Reading On a nice bright day, Waterloo station can be light and airy as seen here with 455908 sat on the blocks at Platform 17 458010 brings up the rear of the 12.20 service to Reading as it leaves the station A prolonged stop at Eastleigh afforded some shots of a GBRf convoy which arrived on Friday afternoon. Running as 0Y68 from Tonbridge it consisted of 66402 and 73's 204,206 and 208 BR Blue liveried 73208 is nicely sandwiched between 73206 and 73204 73208 'Kirsten' at Eastleigh A side on view of 66402 shows its very bland livery now that the 'Direct Rail Services' Decals have been removed. How long before a splash of 'First GBRf' paint???

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]]> Sat Jul 25 2009 Out and about in London http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1722571.html Went to London chasing Freight on Monday 6th July and found i saw more by moving around the Capital. Started at Acton then moved on to Upper Holloway and finished at South Kenton for the working of the day, 56312 on the 4Z91 Dollands Moor-Hams Hall. Thankfully the Weather wasnt too ba after a dodgy start at Acton!! Tuesday 7 July 2009: Went to London chasing Freight on Monday 6th July and found i saw more by moving around the Capital. Started at Acton then moved on to Upper Holloway and finished at South Kenton for the working of the day, 56312 on the 4Z91 Dollands Moor-Hams Hall. Thankfully the Weather wasnt too ba after a dodgy start at Acton!!

Central Line's 91173 arrives at the buffer stops at Ealing Broadway 66134 gets to grips with a long rake of hoppers loaded with Sand. The working is 7M62 Acton Yard-St Pancras 66547 caosts down grade from Acton wells Jn with the 6M22 Cricklewood-Calvert Binliner. 66250 is seen in the Headshunt behind Glimpsed during a brief sunny spell at Acton, 66250 awaits its next turn of duty having worked in on the 7V62 Hither Green-Acton. Note the threatening clouds behind that produced a near monsoon in West London!! 66023 arrives at a still gloomy Acton Main Line with the 6L38 Hayes-Marks Tey hoppers A panoramic view across the platforms at Paddington station sees 4 HSTs and 2 Heathrow Connect services waiting to leave the Terminus Having just arrived at Gospel Oak, the camera was quickly out of the bag to record 66588 trundling through with the 4E24 Grain-Leeds Freightliner A visit to upper Holloway was next to catch the FHH Cement workings and Liner Drags.The first drag i saw was a smoky 66503 with 90042 on the 4M81 Felixstowe-Ditton Liner 66608 passes the 'Box at Upper Holloway with the 6L45 Earles Sidings-West Thurrock Cement 66517 chugged through Upper Holloway towing 90041 and the 4M88 Felixstowe-Basford Hall Liner DBS Red amongst the Sea of F/L Green was provided by 66142 on a lengthy 6X48 Dagenham-Wembley Car train from the Ford Plant Keeping with the F/L theme, 66597 powers the 6M80 Dagenham-Calvert 'Pong'liner!! Apologies for the seemingly out of focus shot, i guess the camera couldnt handle the fact that the sun was out :-) 66619 approaches Upper holloway with the 6M92 West Thurrock-Earles sidings Cement empties. Note the new VTG owned JPA cement wagons As 66619 passed on 6M92, a blast on the horn alerted me to 66558 and 90016 approaching with the 4L75 Basford Hall-Felixstowe Liner 4L75 coasts towards Crouch Hill, showing a decent load for this train Up to South Kenton next and just in time to see 56312 on the 4Z91 Dollands Moor-Hams Hall 'Norfolk Line' containers. The Grid was making loads of racket and could be heard all the way from North Wembley!!! Last piccy of the day was bathed in sunshine and saw veteran Electric 86501 trundle North with the 4M87 Felixstowe-Trafford Park Liner

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]]> Tue Jul 7 2009 Dorset area Signal boxes http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1720631.html A collection of images from my local area Signal Boxes and associated infrastructure, starting with Hamworthy. This collection will be expanded with (hopefully) images from Poole, Wareham, Wool and Dorchester 'Boxes to come as they wont be around forever Friday 3 July 2009: A collection of images from my local area Signal Boxes and associated infrastructure, starting with Hamworthy. This collection will be expanded with (hopefully) images from Poole, Wareham, Wool and Dorchester 'Boxes to come as they wont be around forever

A shunt dummy is buried deep in the undergrowth of the line to Hamworthy Goods, indicating a sign of more bouyant times A view of the much rationalised track layout, the track on the right is out of use and the track to the left is used by the once weekly stone train from Whatley-Hamworthy Inside Hamworthy box and again there are signs of better times. The Box contains 59 Levers but only a fraction of those are still in regular use with the Levers painted white no longer in use Some of the instruments used in Hamworthy box to communicate with Wareham Box A very sparse track plan of Hamworthy This view shows some of the levers pulled which allow the weekly stone train to access the Goods branch. The stone train was unloading at the time of my visit and some of the shunt dummy's were pulled to the 'Off' position Instruments at the London end of the Box which allow contact with Poole Box Levers 45,46 and 48 and what they control The 14.35 from Waterloo-Weymouth arrives at Hamworthy and passes the Box The DESIRO is seen with the 2 aspect Colour light signal at the Country end of the down platform plus a disused Semaphore signal which controlled movements onto the Goods branch These are the Tokens that are handed over to Freights they go onto the Goods or Quay Branch

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]]> Fri Jul 3 2009 Summer Saturday loco hauled returns to Weymouth http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1711744.html The Summer dated Bristol to Weymouth service has returned and once again employes Top and Tailed DBS Class 67s. The inward service leaves Bristol Temple Meads at 09.09 with an arrival in Weymouth at 11.42. The stock then berthes in the Jersey sidings until it returns from Weymouth at 16.55. Pictures were taken on 13th June Saturday 13 June 2009: The Summer dated Bristol to Weymouth service has returned and once again employes Top and Tailed DBS Class 67s. The inward service leaves Bristol Temple Meads at 09.09 with an arrival in Weymouth at 11.42. The stock then berthes in the Jersey sidings until it returns from Weymouth at 16.55. Pictures were taken on 13th June

67017 'Arrow' leads 2O72 the 09.09 Bristol-Weymouth service as it arrives at its destination 67016 brings up the rear and will be doing the donkey work on the way back out of Weymouth with 2V67 back to Bristol, departing at 16.55 444040 awaits departure from Weymouth with 1W18, the 12.03 to Waterloo and stands alongside the recently arrived Loco hauled service from Bristol 67017 on the blocks at Weymouth alongside the sign indicating where the Weymouth Ground Frame is situated 67017 again at Weymouth before the stock heads off into the Jersey sidings Seen from the platform end at Weymouth, 67017 prepares to go off for a rest in the Jersey sidings

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]]> Sat Jun 13 2009 Teesside Treats http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1709037.html A selection of images show how busy it was on Teesside in 2003. Dominated by EWS, Locos worked off Thornaby MPD and it provided the Motive Power for local trip workings to Redcar, Lackenby, Boulby, Middlesbrough Goods, Tees Dock, Hartlepool and Seal Sands with most services centred on the large marshalling yard near Thornaby Depot. These images were taken from a typical day on 31st March 2003 and produced a large amount of Class 56 workings Sunday 7 June 2009: A selection of images show how busy it was on Teesside in 2003. Dominated by EWS, Locos worked off Thornaby MPD and it provided the Motive Power for local trip workings to Redcar, Lackenby, Boulby, Middlesbrough Goods, Tees Dock, Hartlepool and Seal Sands with most services centred on the large marshalling yard near Thornaby Depot. These images were taken from a typical day on 31st March 2003 and produced a large amount of Class 56 workings

56078 passes Marske station with empties for Boulby mine 56038 passes the other way shortly after 56078 had dissapeared. The line remains double track until Saltburn Jn where the Freight only Boulby line diverges and is single line through to Crag Hall On to our first location which is Grangetown in the shadow of the steelworks at Lackenby. Here we see 56111 take empty HEAs to Redcar for loading 56049 arrives with empty HAAs from Wilton Works to Redcar. At this time there were 2 loaded MGRs in to Wilton on each week day 56113 slows to take the junction into Tees Dock with the 6G98 trip from Tees Yard. The Grid later returned with 2 empty BDAs as 6G99 60018 approaches at speed with the EMPTY Limestone hoppers from Redcar to Hardendale After we saw 56078 at Marske earlier, the Grid now brings wagons loaded with Potash back to Tees Dock where they will be unloaded and exported A while later sees 56058 arrive at Grangetown with more loaded wagons of Potash for export As 56058 drops off its wagons and prepares to run round, 56037 heads L/E to Redcar The 'Classic' shot of trains leaving the Tees Dock complex sees 56078 draw it wagons forward after 56058 had entered the Docks 56037 rattles past with the 7G55 Trip working from Redcar-Tees Yard. These HAA hoppers form a Tees Yard to Hardendale via Carlisle Yard service later that evening 66184 coasts past with the 6F46 steel working from Skinningrove Making a welcome change from the EWS dominated freight scene, 66563 heads empty HHAs from Ferrybridge to Redcar for loading 56111 powers past Grangetown with the 6D80 Redcar-Scunthorpe HEAs loaded with Coke Heavy Haul machine was a nice suprise on this freight working which is the 4D07 Wilton-Leeds, a service that did not last very long About mid afternoon, 1 of the 3 Class 56s that were used on the Boulby circuits used to get replaced with a fresh Loco off Thornaby TMD. 56103 is seen bringing empty hoppers which have had their Rock salt unloaded at Middlesbrough Goods Yard A busy scene at Tees Yard sees no less than 5 locos present. On the far left 66089 waits its next job. Also seen are 56111 on the HEAs, 56007 waiting to leave on 6D11 to Scunthorpe, 56103 just arrived from Middlesbrough Goods and 56113 waiting its next job The sidings known as the 'Bull Ring' can be seen here from the bridge that spans Tees Yard and Thornaby Depot. The Loco nearest the camera is 60056 which was servicable whereas all the other locos are awaiting their fate. Note the unusual sight of an AC electric a long way from the overheads!! 60058 passes Thornaby station on the 6E35 steel empties from Llanwern to Lackenby With the Loco weighing considerably more than its trailing load, 56007 haeds the 6D11 to Scunthorpe 56033 is seen passing Thornaby station with the Mondays only 6E79 Workington Dock-Tees Dock 'Hoyer' containers 56037 is off again!! This time working a 6N97 Tees Yard-Tyne Yard train of 11 MEAs and a single HEA 66538 powers through Thornaby with the 4L79 Liner from Wilton-Felixstowe 66089 takes the empty lime hoppers forward to Carlisle Yard as 6Z92 56038 was 1 of the 3 Locos on the Boulbys earlier in the day and completes its diagram by working a trip to Hartlepool and back. This is the 6N74 outward working seen from the footbridge at Thornaby station The last train i fotted on this evening was the 6V02 Tees Yard-Margam which conveyed Lime containers from Thrislington and empty steel carriers from Hartlepool

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]]> Sun Jun 7 2009 Grids, Gronks and friends http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1705679.html A break from duty at Eastleigh today gave me a chance to grab a couple of pictures of the 56s that are stored in the Yard. Also seen were the 2 Eastleigh Yd 'pilots', 47245, 66730,73204 and 66s 003,059 and 078. Not bad for an hour!! Sunday 31 May 2009: A break from duty at Eastleigh today gave me a chance to grab a couple of pictures of the 56s that are stored in the Yard. Also seen were the 2 Eastleigh Yd 'pilots', 47245, 66730,73204 and 66s 003,059 and 078. Not bad for an hour!!

47245 arrives at Eastleigh station with a support coach in tow which it then propelled back into the Works and shunted in behind Steam Loco 'Oliver Cromwell' 56059 has been resident at Eastleigh Yard now for about a month and is still earmarked for a move for further storeage at Crewe Diesel Depot Along with 56059, 56095 enjoys the fine hospitality in Hampshire The 2 Grids are not in the best position for a photo as seen here they are boxed in by various Intermodal flats and Seacow ballast hoppers A shot an an antequated shunt dummy in Eastleigh Yard. This dummy can be passed in the 'On' position provided you stay within the confines of the Yard 08804 was ticking away to itself and seen stabled near the Shunters cabin ready to shunt the few ballast trains that are booked to arrive during the course of the day The other Yard 08, 08482 takes a well earned breather 66078 and 66003 are seen in Eastleigh Yard, i believe 003 was waiting a tow to the Depot after failing on a Ballst train at Wareham yesterday Adjacent to the station are the holding sidings where GBRf stable their locos. 66730 and 73204 are seen stabled. I purposely included the 158 in the shot to provide a contrast in the 'First Group' liveries 66059 approaches its destination with the 6N05 10.00 Hamble-Eastleigh Yard engineers train conveying Spoil and (out of sight) used track panels Eastleigh 'regular' has been seen twice in a week now. Last weekend it was on display at the Eastleigh 100 event and now its back to more mundane work 73204 'Janice' stables at Eastleigh 450117 restarts the 11.44 Southampton-Portsmouth service which was running via Eastleigh today due to engineering work between St Denys and Swanwick via Netley

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]]> Sun May 31 2009 The Works, Eastleigh 100 Celebrations http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1702083.html Eastleigh Works in Hampshire opened its doors to the public this Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate 100 years of the Works at Campbell Road. After an uncertain future a couple of years ago, Knights Rail services secured the site and are going from strength to strength with all manner of work being undertaken by the owners and contractors. The largest gathering of Locomotives and units for quite some time were present at the huge site and the weather played its part to make this an enjoyable weekend. I Volunteered to Steward for the day and my thanks go to Bruce Knights, 'Fuzz' Jordan, Chris Milner and the many others that made this event possible Sunday 24 May 2009: Eastleigh Works in Hampshire opened its doors to the public this Bank Holiday weekend to celebrate 100 years of the Works at Campbell Road. After an uncertain future a couple of years ago, Knights Rail services secured the site and are going from strength to strength with all manner of work being undertaken by the owners and contractors. The largest gathering of Locomotives and units for quite some time were present at the huge site and the weather played its part to make this an enjoyable weekend. I Volunteered to Steward for the day and my thanks go to Bruce Knights, 'Fuzz' Jordan, Chris Milner and the many others that made this event possible

A Swanage to Eastleigh convoy ran on Friday 22nd May with 37706 hauling 34070 Manston, 34028 Eddystone, 30053 and a Brake van to the Works. The convoy passes Holes Bay 33103 'Swordfish' glistens in the morning sun and contrasts nicely with the clear blue sky DBS owned 37411 stands beside DRS' 37059 A superb ED line up from left to right are 73006,109 and 119 WCRC 37706 was used to move stock and exhibits to the Open weekend and is seen taking a well earned breather 47712 'Pride of Carlisle' and its DRS livery provide a contrast with the clear blue sky A classic traction line up from right to left, 47580,55022,45060 and D1015 Ex Southampton Docks Shunter 07007 sees regular use to shunt stock around the vast Eastleigh Works site 33002 'Sea King' sparkles in its immaculate 'Dutch' livery A FlyBe plane continues its steep decent into Southampton Airport and virtually skims the roof of the Works Site owner Bruce Knights addresses the massed crowds just before the official openeing at 11am on Saturday Celebrity 'Spotter' Pete Waterman officially opened the event at 11am on the Saturday Inside one of the maintanence sheds were 37422 'Cardiff Canton', 73136 'Perseverance' and 37308. 37308 is seen in a blue undercoat before recieving a coat of BR Blue A Fly BE jet turns all heads skywards at the Open day 50135 is seen in LoadHaul livery soon after it was re-dedicated Ark Royal after the Aircraft carrier of the same name Britannia 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' eases away from Eastleigh on the last leg of a Norwich-Poole Railtour. Long term restoration project 1881. Hopefully this will be seen again on the main line 20309 awaits attention inside the Works 20301 is seen inside the works displaying adverts for Arlington repair services D6512 Stan Symes recieving an overhaul inside the Works Tank engine 'Normandy' 41312 displays a very apt 'Eastleigh Works Centenary' headboard 31108 in Railfreight Grey livery 47580 'County of Essex' is seen alongside 55022 'Royal Scots Grey' Choppers Galore!! 20305,314 and 110 Cab views of 73's 006, 109 and 119 73006 looking immaculate in its BR Blue livery An afternoon shot of the EDs just to show a slightly different angle GBRf provided 66730 for display Class 25 D7612 is seen on display Aggregate Industries takes a break from hauling Stone out of the Mendips DB Schenker liveried 59206 59103 in Hanson Livery M7 tank 30053 was giving Brake van rides all weekend 73201 after its re-naming 'Broadlands', a name formely carried by 73142 In my opinion the best Livery the Class 50's ever wore was Large Logo and 50026 'Indomitable' shows this to good effect 50135 looks resplendent in non standard LoadHaul livery A classic line up of Southern Motive power, from left to right 442 unit 2415, 4 VEP 3417 'Gordon Pettitt', Lymington CIG unit 1497 'Freshford' and 33103 'Swordfish' Pete Waterman talks 'Steam' with some of the volunteers 820 'Lord Nelson' poses in the evening sun after the site has closed 3 West Coutnry Class Locos stand side by side, 35005 'Canadian Pacific', 34070 'Manston' and 34028 'Eddystone' 37608 advertises the Eastleigh 100 on its headboard Another elevated view of the Works, looking towards where the Steam Locos were mainly congregated A panoramic view of the Works site taken from th Control building 444018 departs from Southampton Airport Parkway with the 16.39 Waterloo-Poole stopping service 37069 and 602 blast away from a signal check at Southampton Airport Parkway with the 1Z45 Weymouth-Crewe

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]]> Sun May 24 2009 Swanage Diesel Gala 2009 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1696195.html Another successful Diesel Gala was held in conjunction with the local Beer Festival and again was blessed with some glorious weather especially on the Friday. A convoy of Locos attended the Gala hauled from Butterly to Swanage by main line registered 55022 although the convoy was very late arriving due to a paperwork glitch with the Deltic. Also in the convoy were 20107, 26007, 31108 and 45060 which also worked with the Swanage Railways own 33103 and 33111. The following images were taken on Sunday 10th May Monday 11 May 2009: Another successful Diesel Gala was held in conjunction with the local Beer Festival and again was blessed with some glorious weather especially on the Friday. A convoy of Locos attended the Gala hauled from Butterly to Swanage by main line registered 55022 although the convoy was very late arriving due to a paperwork glitch with the Deltic. Also in the convoy were 20107, 26007, 31108 and 45060 which also worked with the Swanage Railways own 33103 and 33111. The following images were taken on Sunday 10th May

45060 'Sherwood Forester' starts the ball rolling for Sundays service with the 08.50 departure from Swanage, seen here at the unmistakeable location of Corfe The climb up East Hill took my breath away and so did the view once i got near the top. This picture postcard view of Corfe Castle is seen with an almost cloudless sky and the Gorse a vibrant yellow Another stunning view making it worth while climbing East Hill. This is the village of Corfe. If only you could hear the Church Bells ringing as i could 45060 worked back out of Norden on the 09.45 service giving me just enough time to get my breath back after a rapid assault on East Hill!! Also seen from East Hill, 55022 and 31108 Top and Tail the 09.30 Swanage-Norden service as they approach Corfe 55022 and 31108 have safely arrived at Corfe station 31108 approaches Corfe with its first train of the day, the 10.10 Shuttle to Harmans Cross With a quick turn around at Harmans Cross, the Deltic was soon on its way back and is seen from the foot crossing just South of Corfe station One of the many 'Classic' shots available in the area of Corfe Castle as a backdrop, McRat 26007 powers the 10.30 off Norden 20107 whistles its way towards me with the 10.30 service from Swanage The Sun had just dipped behind some clouds as 31108 thrashes uphill from Corfe with the 10.50 Shuttle to Harmans Cross 33111 is seen working its first service of the day, the 11.05 Shuttle off Harmans Cross 33111 again seen coasting through Corfe Common with the 11.45 Shuttle from Harmans Cross 31108 has lost its Top and Tail partner 55022 and works the 11.50 off Norden, seen at Corfe Common 26007 drifts downhill almost as if it is in the Scottish Highlands on an Inverness working. In reality its the 11.50 off Swanage and this is deepest Dorset!! The Driver of 20107 certainly liked his horn on Sunday and several audible warnings were heard to say the 20 was approaching on the 12.10 Shuttle from Norden Peak 45060 was immaculately turned out and performed faultlessly all weekend. 'Sherwood Forester' approaches Afflington Bridge with the 12.30 Norden-Swanage 33103 prepares to go Solo from Harmans Cross with the 13.05 Shuttle Skinhead 31108 crawls in to Harmans Cross with the 13.10 to Norden. I was lucky enough to get a cab ride with this Loco through to Norden and my thanks go to Steve Barker and Ian McDavid for allowing this Sulzer Power pass each other at Harmans Cross. 33111 is in the Headshunt waiting its next turn of duty and the 26 is on the 13.10 off Norden The Sun decided to make a welcome appearence as the 26 comes rasping uphill at Quarr Farm crossing A panoramic view of 55022 as it coasts across Quarr Farm crossing with the 13.50 from Norden 20107 could be heard thrashing away from Swanage for a good 2 minutes before coming in to view. This location is Knitson 45060 bursts out of the cutting and in to the Sun at Knitson with the 15.10 from Norden It was back to Quarr Fram crossing for some Deltic thrash and 55022 didnt dissapoint. The Sun did however and appeared 2 minutes after the train passed Services had started running a little late as the afternoon wore on. 26007 is seen through the trees as it leaves Harmans Cross with the 15.30 from Norden One could be forgiven for thinking this was the Bluebell Line!! 20107 passes under Afflington Bridge with the 16.10 from Norden The first double header of the day was quite late on in the Gala and saw 31108 and 33103 heading towards Corfe with a late running 16.30 from Norden Last shot of the day was 33111 crossing the viaduct between Corfe and Norden with the 16.25 Shuttle from Harmans Cross

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]]> Mon May 11 2009 Collection 100, The Brockenhurst-Lymington Line http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1692463.html The celebrate reaching 100 Collections on Fotopic i chose to do a collection which is close to my heart and decided on illustrating the Brockenhurst-Lymington Branch line which i spend a lot of time working trains on. This collection will be added to regularly when new photo opportunities present themselves as this COULD be the last Summer of Slam Door operation on the line Monday 4 May 2009: The celebrate reaching 100 Collections on Fotopic i chose to do a collection which is close to my heart and decided on illustrating the Brockenhurst-Lymington Branch line which i spend a lot of time working trains on. This collection will be added to regularly when new photo opportunities present themselves as this COULD be the last Summer of Slam Door operation on the line

1499 makes its booked stop at Lymington Town on 19th March 2005 with the 12.59 service from Brockenhurst One of several Slam Door units that were made in to 3 car units was 1499, seen here on 18th March 2005 with the 14.59 departure to Lymington Pier. This unit has been previously numbered 1394/2251/1276 and 7376 in its days as a 4 car unit 1497 rests at Lymington Pier before heading back to Brockenhurst. The headboard was made by Malcolm Ellis who works in Parkstone Ticket Office and some of us 'Cranks' put it on the train at every opportunity just for something different I'd be hard pushed to know when the last time was that 1497 was in an area with Overhead wires!! In the background is the Wightlink ferry building where passengers can purchase/collect tickets and enjoy drinks and meals waiting for their ferry from the Cafe. Note the Flag at full tilt giving an indication of the healthy sea breeze Wightlink ferry 'Wight Sun' is seen moored up recieving attention. One of the proposed vehicle unloading ramps is seen alongside and named 'St Anton' View from the Guards van leaving Lymington Pier showing part of the extensive marina and also a Swan nesting on 4 eggs Both slam door units are named after old paddle steamers that used to ply the route from Lymington to Yarmouth, 1497 is 'Freshwater' and 1498 'Farringford'. 1497 crosses the Lymington river bridge in between the Town and Pier stations 1497 approaches journeys end at Lymington Pier. The ferry in the background is in service and provides an hourly connection to the Isle of Wight Leaving Lymington Pier in the up direction, the train can be seen crossing a level crossing Towards Brockenhurst the line travels through part of the New Forest and the Gorse can be seen in full flower adding some great colour to this shot Looking in the 'Up' direction but travelling 'Down' to the Pier, i took some shots from the rear of the train to illustrate the nature of the single line Another view of the single line about 2 miles out from Brockenhurst. Note the disused TP hut Line speed is 60 MPH although this does drop to 50 MPH for trains in the 'down' direction. The speed boards can be seen here This is the disused station at Ampress Halt. Trains used to stop there for workers going to the local factories. There was until recently a proposal to re-open the station to serve the local hospital but the plan didnt get off the drawing board Nearly at Lymington Town now and the train rumbles over Marsh Lane foot crossing Lots of fishing boats sit in the harbour on a cloudless day. This view is from the bridge crossing the river between Town and Pier stations A view of Lymington Jn where it diverges from the main Waterloo-Weymouth line Signal BH18 does as it states and tells the Driver that the end of the single line is ahead at Lymington Jn The train has just rumbled over Ringwood Road bridge The bridge at Shirley Holmes has been giving some problems recently and is subject to a Speed restriction of 40MPH due to a kink in the track which the eagle eyed among you may be able to see Another view leaving the Pier with 2 I.O.W ferries present Viewed across the harbour at Lymington, the marina and boat repair area can be seen in the distance On most Wednesdays we get a stone train to Hamworthy from Whatley Quarry and the empties are due to return through Brockenhurst at 18.21, just as the 18.14 from the Pier arrives. I managed this lucky shot as the 2 trains run alongside each other at Lymington Jn. 59102 is the loco on 6V48 to Whatley A quick leap off the train at Platform 4 and i bagged a shot of 59102 as it accelerated through Platform 2 at Brockenhurst There is a dedicated 'Link' of 24 Guards that work the Lymington Line and one of these (Robbie Milsom) attends to a door on the catch on 1498 at Lymington Pier Cars pour off a very busy ferry on Fraday 2nd May at Lymington Pier The ferry back over to Yarmouth will be equally busy as this was one group of an estimated 100 bikers that i saw at Lymington Pier waiting to cross to the Island 1498 arrives with another train from Brockenhurst 1498 coasts in to the Pier station. Note the now 'Retro' BR signage still in place at most Railway station across the Country CEP unit 1198 is seen in full sun at Lymington Pier after arrival with an early morning service from Brockenhurst. This unit was converted in to a 3 Car unit from 4BEP unit 2314 by removal of the Buffet Car Every so often the 2 slam door units are 'turned' via the Southampton-Fareham-Eastleigh triangle to even out wear on the wheel flanges. On Saturday 16th May 1497 is seen at Branksome on the 5Z98 turning move at 10.25am 1497 is seen at Branksome in a lucky patch of Sunshine about to leave on the 5Z98 turning move to Fareham via the Netley line Sunday 14th June saw yet another 450 on the branch, a substitution that is becoming increasingly common. The only benefit is that it does offer a few alternative photo opportunities. This view out onto the Marina is seen through one of the double doors that open on a 450 compared to the single leaf doors on a 444 Another stunning and warm day on the Coast sees another beautiful contrast between the blue of the Sea and the Sky A view of the external display text i entered on the unit. Seen at Brockenhurst, 450077 displays 'Lymmy Flyer' A view of the Internal display text in First Class 450077 is seen at Lymington Pier before departure with 1J30 the 13.14 service to Brockenhurst The Summer flowers have been planted in the 'Boat' flowerpots and also hanging baskets have been added to the station and both can be seen in this view of 450077 at Lymington Pier A last view of 450077 at Lymington Pier on todays service Driver Bill Marlow poses for a photo while the train is marooned at Lymington Town due to a 'Bridge Bash' between the Town and Brockenhurst The station master at the 'Town' station regularly brightens up the stations by providing hanging baskets and flowers, as seen here at the Pier An evening of sunshine and showers produced this dramatic effect over Lymington on Tuesday 14th July Just to illustrate the mixed bag of weather we had on 14th July is this shot of Wightlink ferry 'Wight Sky' arriving at Lymington with a Rainbow over the Isle of Wight The last trip of the evening prepares to leave Lymington Pier at 22.14 as a Wightlink ferry berthes for the night An unusual angle of shot at Lymington Pier thans to a missing fence panel!! 1497 waits to leave with the 11.14 to Brockenhurst. Note the passenger running for the train due to the late arrival of the Wightlink Ferry from Yarmouth!! 1497 crosses the River bridge having just departed from the Town station with the 11.29 ex Brockenhurst 1497 slows for its stop at Lymington Town and passes over the Level crossing with the 11.59 from Brock on 10/9/09 A shot of Lymington Town station with its late Summer flowers in bloom On 16th September timing and loading trials were under taken on the Lymington Branch using a 158 unit from Salisbury. 158885 arrives at Brockenhurst with the 11.44. service from Lymington Pier. The old Motorail carriage next to the station is used as a 'Bike Hire' business for those wishing to explore the New Forest

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]]> Mon May 4 2009 Diesel Drags on the GOBLIN http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1687258.html I ventured to London on 23rd April to see some of the Freightliner 'Drags' that were taking place. Engineering work on the North London Line prevented the Electric hauled Liners from taking their booked route so they were diesel hauled between Brent and Temple Mills via the Gospel Oak and Barking line and Lea Valley line. A variety of other freights were seen during the day as can be seen by the accompanying pictures Friday 24 April 2009: I ventured to London on 23rd April to see some of the Freightliner 'Drags' that were taking place. Engineering work on the North London Line prevented the Electric hauled Liners from taking their booked route so they were diesel hauled between Brent and Temple Mills via the Gospel Oak and Barking line and Lea Valley line. A variety of other freights were seen during the day as can be seen by the accompanying pictures

66539 powers through Harringay Green Lanes with 4M51 Tilbury-Daventry 150120 pauses at Harringay Green Lanes to let off passengers whilst en route to Gospel Oak 150120 has a quick turn around at Gospel Oak and heads back towards Harringay with a service for Barking. Note the Semaphore signal in the background First 'Drag' of the day was the 4L89 Coatbridge-Felixstowe Liner, worked by 66536 and 90048. 66136 powers a loaded stone train up the gradient and into South Tottenham station. The train is the 7L43 from Acton-Dagenham Dock 66578 climbs the gradient into South Tottenham station dragging 90047 and 4L41 Ditton-Felixstowe Hampstead Heath station is the setting for 66188 on an 0M56 Ripple Lane-Wembley L/E move 66572 coasts through Hampsted station with the 4E24 Grain-Leeds Liner 66536 applies the power to keep its Liner on the move. 90041 is tucked inside and will take over the journey North from Brent sidings. The train is 4M81 Felixstowe-Garston A welcome change from the procession of Liners was 66613 on a 6L60 Reading West Yd-Bow Olympic loaded stone working. The train had run the previous night up from Burngullow 66541 and 90045 make their way through Hampstead station at the head of 4M88 from Felixstowe-Basford Hall 66431 sparkles in the sun as it powers the 4M71 Tilbury-Daventry Intermodal known locally as the 'Sugarliner' as it carries boxes/containers for Tate and Lyle A suprise double header appeared in the form of 66131 and 66084 on the 6X48 Dagenham-Wembley Cartics 313116 approaches Hampsted Heath having just emerged from a tunnel under one of Londons most expensive areas to live Still adorned with its Union Jack flag, 66705 heads L/E to Wembley from Ferme Park as 0M91 66591 and 90044 are about to leave the electrified section of the North London Line and take the route towards Upper Holloway on the GOBLIN with the 4L75 Basford Hall-Felixstowe Liner 66121 passes Gospel Oak with the 6Z96 Lea Interchange-Hither Green load of box wagons The last 'Drag' i saw was well worth waiting for as a pair of Class 86 veterans were tucked inside 66578 with 4M87 Felixstowe-Trafford Park Liner in tow Making a change from Green sheds was 66003 on the 6M81 Tilbury Raifreight Terminal-Wembley Intermodal After working an earlier Drag, 66536 hitched a lift back to Temple Mills with 66539 on the 4L57 Liner from Daventry-Tilbury

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]]> Fri Apr 24 2009 Full moon at Lymington http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1679332.html Had my favourite job again last night and some beautiful weather as well which produced a lovely Sunset and then followed by a full moon. The job was a trip to Southampton from Bournemouth, back to Brockenhurst then 7 trips on the Lymington Branch after my break. Took the camera to work to try some different shots Thursday 9 April 2009: Had my favourite job again last night and some beautiful weather as well which produced a lovely Sunset and then followed by a full moon. The job was a trip to Southampton from Bournemouth, back to Brockenhurst then 7 trips on the Lymington Branch after my break. Took the camera to work to try some different shots

66552 accelerates through Bournemouth with the 6M42 Wool-Neasden sand train. Note the white HIA behind the loco which is a new addition to this rake of hoppers, 369032 At Milepost 97 and 3 quarters, 1497 approaches Lymington Town with the 18.14 service from the Pier Close up view of the Door Magnets that allow the Slam Door train to run in service, as long as this door retention method carries on working Thought i would try a Sunset shot from inside a 1st Class compartment. It would have worked if the windows were clean!!! The Lymington Pier 'Totem' sign can be seen against the sunset I seem to have a fascination with sunsets and cloud formations and take opportunities to 'snap' them when i can. This view was taken at just after 7.30pm Another interesting cloud formation taken just after 8pm The moon peeps earily through the trees as 1497 waits to depart from Brockenhurst with the 20.59 service to the Pier Arrival at the Pier at just after 9.40pm Another shot taken with the moon breaking the clouds was before we left Brockenhurst with the ECS to Bournemouth after the finish of service Driver Diamond has just relieved Driver Palmer to take the ECS to the Depot from the station after the Guard (ME!!) had got off

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]]> Thu Apr 9 2009 A day return to Swanage please Guard http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1675676.html How long will it be before the residents of Hampshire and Dorset are able to turn up at their local station, jump on a train and request that ticket?? Hopefully SOON!! The first direct service from London to Swanage for 37 years ran today with DBS Class 66s in charge from London Victoria through to the Dorset Terminus. The Charter train was a sellout and a repeat has been arranged for tomorrow. Due to work commitments i couldnt stray too far to Fot the Train and i will include an update tomorrow when i start later. Have also included some shots from the same afternoon on the Lymington Slammer. This collection has now been updated with images form 'Tangmere's' visit to the line with a Charter from London Victoria, the first Steam hauled service to Swanage from London for 40 odd years Wednesday 1 April 2009: How long will it be before the residents of Hampshire and Dorset are able to turn up at their local station, jump on a train and request that ticket?? Hopefully SOON!! The first direct service from London to Swanage for 37 years ran today with DBS Class 66s in charge from London Victoria through to the Dorset Terminus. The Charter train was a sellout and a repeat has been arranged for tomorrow. Due to work commitments i couldnt stray too far to Fot the Train and i will include an update tomorrow when i start later. Have also included some shots from the same afternoon on the Lymington Slammer. This collection has now been updated with images form 'Tangmere's' visit to the line with a Charter from London Victoria, the first Steam hauled service to Swanage from London for 40 odd years

66152 is running approximately 6 late behind 1W21 so runs gingerly downhill through Parkstone station. The Charter is running as 1Z98 Victoria-Swanage 66152 and its recently applied DB livery are seen in beautiful Springtime sunshine at Parkstone station 3 Chocolate and Cream carriages are seen tucked in behind the locomotive A shot from the footbridge at Parkstone sees the Charter approach a signal at Caution as it runs down grade towards Poole The first 6O48 stone train for 8 weeks was worked by 59104 seen at a very shadowy Bournemouth station. Thankfully this flow has started running again as the lighter evenings approach I was allocated to do 5 round trips to Lymington off my Spare turn today. 1498 was provided for my afternoons entertainment When the other Guard had taken over the workings i decided to do one more trip to get a shot of the train coming into Lymington Town station with the 'Lymington Flyer 150' headboard on the train. This is the 17.14 from Lymington Pier Back at Brockenhurst and just in time to see 66142 take 1Z91 from Swanage to London Victoria The spectacular ruins of Corfe Castle sparkle in the sun A distant blast on the horn told us 66152 and 1Z98 was on its way. The train cautiously approaches Corfe station Framed between the Semaphores at Corfe A quick pan back for an overall view of this beautiful location 66142 brings up the rear as it did the day before Even with my 4 year old Son in tow, we managed to get back to the car and beat the train to Swanage. Although the crowds were not as big for the first run of the train, there were still plenty of people at Swanage to witness the arrival 66152 parks up next to Swanage's resident Crompton 33111 Kingston village Church is seen nestled into the hills with the distant signal for Corfe station in the foreground The 4 car DMU set burbles its way towards Harmons Cross 34070 'Manston' runs down hill towards Corfe. This loco will stay in Corfe station as it is passed by 'Tangmere' to provide the sight of 2 West Country Class locos passing 34067 passes a gallery of photographers shortly after leaving Corfe station. Date is Saturday 2nd May 2009 34067 is really struggling to keep its load 11 and a dead 37 on the move as it crosses Corfe Common Corfe Castle provides a stunning backdrop to this historic train, the first Steam hauled passenger train from London-Swanage for 40 odd years 'Tangmere' is still making plenty of steam as she slogs her way towards Harmons Cross and yet more photographers awaiting her arrival on the A351 overbridge A tell tale trace of Diesel exhaust means that 37706 has been comandeered to give 'Tangmere' a helping hand on the last mile or so into Harmons Cross Later that evening i was working on the Brockenhurst-Lymington shuttles and we were due into Brockenhurst at the same time the Diesel hauled return leg was due to pass. Slam Door unit 1497 runs alongside 37706 near Lymington Jn on the approach to Brockenhurst A photographer bags a shot of 37706 and 1497 running alongside each other 37706 was approaching a Red signal, so we manged to pass the Tour and i got a shot just before 37706 opened up through the station On Sunday 3rd May 34067 was booked to undertake a move to turn the Loco and is seen here having just crossed the level crossing at Poole at 11.45am Returning Tender first through Bournemouth, 34067 is admired by some of the Station staff. The 13.48 Weymouth-Waterloo service waits to leave platform 2 at Bournemouth Having been audible for about 3/4 minutes, 'Tangmere appears belching thick black smoke on the climb up Parkstone bank with the 1Z97 Swanage-Victoria charter on Monday 4th May 2009 'Tangmere' is seen from Sandecotes Rd bridge near Parkstone and will have to get a move on if it is not to hold up the Up fast from Weymouth or the XC service that leaves Bournemouth at 17.45 Once evryone had stopped choking, some going away shots were possible but there was so much smoke hanging around that the camera wouldn't focus properly!!! This is the best of a bad bunch 47245 is tagged on the rear having earlier worked 1Z98 down from Victoria to Swanage. The 47 will work the ECS back out of Vic later

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]]> Wed Apr 1 2009 Old Oak Common-RIP http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1672884.html Old Oak Common T&RSMD is due to close this year to make way for the Cross-Rail project, so ive scanned some of my favourite images from the times i have visited the Depot. Fortunately, i used to live in NW London in the early 90s and visited many times after work, to see what was around the turntable and it was noticable then how the Locos 'on Shed' were thinning out. The 50s gave way to 47s on the Oxford-Paddington route and then the Duffs were superseeded by Class 165 and 166 Turbos and Old Oak became a mainly Trainload Freight Depot with the odd interloper. Ive included some pictures from the 2000 Open Day, the last held at the Depot and these show some of the familiar Locos associated with the Depot over the years Friday 27 March 2009: Old Oak Common T&RSMD is due to close this year to make way for the Cross-Rail project, so ive scanned some of my favourite images from the times i have visited the Depot. Fortunately, i used to live in NW London in the early 90s and visited many times after work, to see what was around the turntable and it was noticable then how the Locos 'on Shed' were thinning out. The 50s gave way to 47s on the Oxford-Paddington route and then the Duffs were superseeded by Class 165 and 166 Turbos and Old Oak became a mainly Trainload Freight Depot with the odd interloper. Ive included some pictures from the 2000 Open Day, the last held at the Depot and these show some of the familiar Locos associated with the Depot over the years

31110 and 47484 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel' share the turntable roads A sad sight indeed. A line up of stored 50s is seen awaiting disposal including 50041 'formerly 'Bulwark' 5 Class 47s, a 56 and an 08 gather round the Turntable showing a variety of liveries. NSE, Dutch, Construction, Large Logo, Railfreight and BR Blue can be seen 08929 is surrounded by 47s whilst stabled outside the Factory. Amongst the 47s are a couple of new incumbents, the 47/7s 56034 'Castel Ogwr/Ogmore Castle' is seen stabled with a Construction liveried classmate near the 'Pullman' shed 50032 'Courageous' stables outside the Factory along with withdrawn Classmate 50013 and a Large Logo 47639 Despite the Coal Sector Decals and Toton Depot plaque, 56116 was working off Western Region depots A Southern interloper is seen in the form of Dutch liveried 'Pusher' 33103 47453 stables in between duties on the Oxford-Paddington route Not much requirement for a Metals Sector Loco at Old Oak, nevertheless 37037 is seen at the Depot 47972 The 'Royal Army Ordanance Corps' is seen stabled on the Old Oak turntable roads 09007 and 09008 were found hiding away in the Factory on this visit. The 2 Gronks had been overhauled and painted in preperation for working Trains for the Heathrow Express electrification 47574 'Benjamin Gimbert GC'was one of many RES Locos that Old Oak dealt with due to a high Volume of Mail and Parcel trains that operated into and out of Paddington Formerly named 'Appleby Frodingham', 47222 is now seen sporting RFD colours Stabled inside the servicing shed are 47481 and 47114 D1102/47519 is seen sat on the turntable looking immaculate in BR two tone Green livery The introduction of the Class 165 and 166 Turbos put paid to most of the Class 47 diagrams out of Paddington. These 47s were surplus to requirements and will suffer a similar fate as the Class 50s just a few years previously. 47440 is nearest the camera Another casualty at Old Oak was 37373 More 47s awaiting disposal were 465,453 and 431 60019 and 47558 stable near the 'Pullman' shed on a misty morning The usual Class 47 seminar around the turntable Clearly a Stratford Loco, 47105 stables in the servicing shed A very smart 09018 sits by the Turntable Another stabled shunter was 08709 A snapshot of how Old Oak would have looked in the early 60s with Steam Locos and Diesel Hydraulics sat around the turntable More Western Region stalwarts in the shape of Greyhounds and a Hymek On the occasion of the Open Day in 2000, 56102, 50149 'Defiance' and 50035 'Ark Royal' were on show in the Factory 50031 'Hood' was also stabled in the Factory Looking for all the world as if it has been overhauled in the Factory, D1524/47004 sparkles in the Factory Visitors to the Open Day wait to cab another Western Region workhorse, 'Western Champion' 5002 'Superb' is seen on display at the Open Day Demic Hymek D7029 wouldnt have looked out of place in this condition at this Depot in the Mid 70s 47846 'Thor' displays FGW Green livery with 'Fag Packet' gold stripe

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]]> Fri Mar 27 2009 Bye Bye Bubble Car http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1670134.html The SWT 'Route Learner' Bubble car said farewell to Bournemouth Depot. It ran as a 5Z60 to Norden on the Swanage Railway from where it will be loaded onto a trailer for forwarding to Derby for refurbishment, after which it will return to the Swanage Railway and see out its retirement in the Purbecks Saturday 21 March 2009: The SWT 'Route Learner' Bubble car said farewell to Bournemouth Depot. It ran as a 5Z60 to Norden on the Swanage Railway from where it will be loaded onto a trailer for forwarding to Derby for refurbishment, after which it will return to the Swanage Railway and see out its retirement in the Purbecks

960012 slows to stop at the exit dummy in the confines of Bournemouth Depot The Route Learner named 'John Cameron' prepares to leave Bournemouth Depot for its new life on the Swanage Railway 960012 gets the road and departs spot on time at 10.10, running as 5Z60 Joining the mainline connection leaving Bournemouth Depot. Some other Fotters were on the platform at Branksome station A quick trip to the depot found the only ED on shed lurking in the carriage roads. 73235 is seen half in and half out of the Sun. If rumours are true then very soon SWT will dispense with both of its remaining EDs

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]]> Sat Mar 21 2009 NMT visits Bournemouth http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1669789.html Unbeknown to me to Network Rail Measurement train visited Bournemouth again on Thursday 19 March after a failed attempt in October when the HST failed. Power cars 43014 and 43062 'John Armitt' ran as an 1X21 03.59 Old Oak Common-Old Oak Common and took in most of the SWT Network during the day. Part of my job that day also took me onto the Lymington Branch where the Springtime Daffodils were in full bloom Friday 20 March 2009: Unbeknown to me to Network Rail Measurement train visited Bournemouth again on Thursday 19 March after a failed attempt in October when the HST failed. Power cars 43014 and 43062 'John Armitt' ran as an 1X21 03.59 Old Oak Common-Old Oak Common and took in most of the SWT Network during the day. Part of my job that day also took me onto the Lymington Branch where the Springtime Daffodils were in full bloom

The Driver of 1X21 just confirms with the Signalman at Bournemouth that his HST is to stay in the Extension platform at Bournemouth before dissapearing for a well earned Cup of Tea. The Sun wasnt yet up and the 444 is waiting to come out of the sidings to form the 06.34 to Waterloo. The XC stock to form the 07.30 to Manchester is also seen in the Middle sidings 43014 and its track recording cameras Viewed from the Traincrew walkway into and out of the Middle sidings is this view of the NMT with 43062 at the rear Bournemouth's old Mechanical signalbox still sits proudly above the mainline The sun rises at just after 06.45 and illuminates the sidings. The 450 unit will form the front portion of the 08.59 Waterloo departure from Bournemouth 1X21 had some pathing time at Brockenhurst so a quick leap was made on the 07.30 XC service to get some more Fots. 43062 'John Armitt' brings up the rear of the train The Spring Daffodils make a nice contrast with the Yellow of the NMT 43014 gets ready for departure from Brockenhursts Platform 1. Note the Traverser in the foreground which is used at busy times to save passengers going over the footbridge At 07.49 the NMT rolls out of Brockenhurst station, running very closely behind the XC service 1X21 crosses the Level Crossing at Brockenhurst Later that same day i had to work 4 round trips to Lymington Pier. As the sun beats down, 1497 poses in front of the Flowers at Lymington Pier With the Wightlink ferries only operating an hourly service now, some trains from the Pier are very quiet. No passengers to get in this shot of 1497 Seen on arrival at Brockenhurst with the 13.14 service from the Pier, 1497 displays the 'Lymington 150' celebration headboard The stationmaster at Lymington Town brightens up his stations with some Spring and Summer time plants and flowers, as seen here just outside my Guards van Some of the vintage regalia at the Town station include the old style Totem sign, sack barrow and wheelbarrow with more flowers

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]]> Fri Mar 20 2009 Toton Open Day 1998 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1667173.html Toton Depot in Nottingham opened its doors to the the public for probably the one and only time. There was a huge display of Motive Power on show and the crowds flocked to the Depot. Everyone also got their first view of the brand new Class 66 Locos that were on order and they provide a stark contrast to some of the older 'British' Locos. Also included is a variety of shots from the day before the Open Day at Stenson Jn which also includes some convoys of Locos that were brought in by rail. If anyone is wondering how i managed to get so many shots without any people in, i will sum it up in one word (and Take That had a huge number 1 hit with this word), PATIENCE!! Saturday 14 March 2009: Toton Depot in Nottingham opened its doors to the the public for probably the one and only time. There was a huge display of Motive Power on show and the crowds flocked to the Depot. Everyone also got their first view of the brand new Class 66 Locos that were on order and they provide a stark contrast to some of the older 'British' Locos. Also included is a variety of shots from the day before the Open Day at Stenson Jn which also includes some convoys of Locos that were brought in by rail. If anyone is wondering how i managed to get so many shots without any people in, i will sum it up in one word (and Take That had a huge number 1 hit with this word), PATIENCE!!

One of the Royal 47s brings a convoy for Toton past the gallery of photographers at Stenson Jn 58023 comes off the Toton branch with an MGR 37884 powers past Stenson Jn with the Saltend-Baglan Bay Vinegar tanks British Steel Blue liveied 60006 heads for Kingsbury with loaded tanks from Humber Loadhaul lovely 56021 is working the Aldwarke-Wolves ST service loaded with steel rods while 60051 passes in the opposite direction with empty tanks from Kingsbury to Lindsey/Humber 47302 approaches with a Healey Mills-Bescot Enterprise service Most of the gathered Fotters got their first view of a Class 66 as this convoy slows for a signal stop before heading to Toton. 66001 leads 66003,37403,66004 and 66005 Another convoy approaches the gathered masses with 47624 Saint Andrew dragging a 50, Warship and a Kettle 37706 is seen just as the sun is going round to far as it works the Baglan Bay-Humber 'Pressure' tanks Interestingly there were a couple of 'Bonus' diverted freights in the form of 2 Bardon Hill workings. 60087 was in charge of the first and 60050 is seen here with the other working 58037 is seen at the Open Day and would have been the first loco many people saw as they walked up the road towards the Depot Several electric locos were dragged into the Depot, 90028 in Belgian livery is seen here Mainline Blue liveried 37383 pokes its nose through the Washer The new brand of EWS livery was launched at the Open Day and the were several locos sporting the new livery. Crompton 33030 wore this livery right through until it was withdrawn 87101 'Stephenson' is seen stabled next to ARC liveried 59102 'Village of Whatley' Also suprising was the painting of some veteran loco types in the new EWS livery especially as EWS were scrapping these locos. as well as 33030 in a new livery, 31466 was also lucky enough to get a lick of paint Old meets new!! D6700 sparkles alongside the new order Class 66 locos, from left to right 66004,005 and 003 Large parts of the Maintanence shed were out of bounds due to the Depot still being a 'working environment' even with thousands of people on the premises!! 37073 recieves attention Newly painted 08569 is seen sandwiched in between 2 snowploughs A Class that was associated with Toton all throughout their working lives were the Peaks. 45060 and D172 bask in the Summer sun outside the depot A homecoming back to Toton for 44004 'Great Gable', looking replendant in BR Blue D1524 (47004) Old Oak Commom T&RSMD stables for the weekend Preserved D5580 keeps a Steamie company for the weekend Another preserved D5500 (31018) is seen in origional BR Green livery with headcode discs and white lining stripes 37258 and 50015 represent English Electric motive power side by side By now D200 was an exhibit at the NRM at York but was let out to play for the weekend. Toton did a lot of work to this loco to prepare it for the many farewell Railtours it worked when the 40s finished in BR service Mainline Blue 37216 is seen inside the shed at Toton. Note the Loadhaul Bubble car 55012 next to the Tractor 57001 'Freightliner Pioneer' is seen outside the main shed 60006 made it to the Open Day after working the tanks to Kingsbury yesterday through Stenson Jn. Note the cast 'Beastie' emblems on 37417 next to the 60 A spotless 56091 is seen with its nameplates covered. These were later reavealed and 56091 was christened 'Stanton' 37403 'Ben Cruachan' looks like it needs some TLC. Hopefully this will happen as the loco has now passed into preservation after many years in the Margam scrapline After engine repairs locos are tested on a static load bank, as seen here with 58040 'Not to be moved' The last of the sun has gone for the day as the cloud rolls in. 47145, 47348 and 31452 are fotted taking a well earned breather A couple of preserved McRats are seen, namely 27001 and Coal 26004 47114 'Freightlinerbulk' stables next to a GW Green 47 believed to be 47500 'Great Western' After naming by Ed Burkhardt, 37417 shows off its 'RAIL magazine' plates Several Railtours ran to the Open weekend so i paid a visit to the Wagonworks footbridge to see some of the tours depart. 58047 heads 1z74 Toton-Finsbury Park 'The Toton Gesture' A nice little bonus was the arrival of Coal liveried 60057 on MEAs Top and Tailed RES 47s were provided to work shuttles to and from Derby station to a temporary platform near the Depot. On the Saturday 47475,766,767 and 776 were in use and the 2 shuttles approach each other near Toton 58028 was used to bring some ECS to Toton for another Tour The last picture i took was of 47744 departing with the 'Sum Toton' to Carlisle. The 47 failed near Bolton and the Tour was 3 hours late back into Carlisle making a long day out for its weary passengers

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]]> Sat Mar 14 2009 A Spring Morning in Swanage http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1663588.html Despite snow on Thursday, the last couple of mornings in Dorset have been glorious so i dragged the Wife and Kids down to Norden for a return trip to Swanage. We chose Steam haulage on the way out for a Diesel on the way home. Managed to get some nice pictures including a few Black and White images at Swanage station Saturday 7 March 2009: Despite snow on Thursday, the last couple of mornings in Dorset have been glorious so i dragged the Wife and Kids down to Norden for a return trip to Swanage. We chose Steam haulage on the way out for a Diesel on the way home. Managed to get some nice pictures including a few Black and White images at Swanage station

M7 Tank 30053 has just arrived at Norden with the ECS for the first working of the day, the 10.30 to Swanage 30053 lets off pressure as she runs round at Norden The Guard has just activated the Groundframe and pulled the points to allow 30053 to set back into the station 30053 burbles away and awaits departure time at 10.30. The Driver plays photographer for a family doing a footplate visit The Secondman and Signalman exchange tokens on arrival at Corfe The gorgeous Spring light illuminates Corfe Castle Steam drifts away over the Purbecks as 30053 pounds away en route to Harmons Cross In the distance there is still evidence of the heavy snowfall of Thursday Morning where the Sun hasnt managed to reach At Harmons Cross we passed the 09.50 service from Swanage formed of a 2 car DMU W51346 and W51388 Further evidence of Thursdays snowfall at Harmons Cross where an estimated 6/7 inches of the White stuff fell 30053 has run round its train at Swanage and prepares to form the 11.10 service back to Norden BR Standard Class 4 MT arrives at Swanage with a strange ECS working from Norden of 2 Coaches Water still drips out of the water pipe quite a while after 30053 has filled its tanks up. Note Swanage signalbox in the background A timeless shot of 30053 about to leave Swanage 30053 makes a good head of Steam as it leaves Swanage on time at 11.10 The Secondman has uncoupled 80078 from its 2 Bogies at Swanage 80078 draws back ready to run to the water tower for a drink 80078 simmers away in Swanage station ready to depart again for Norden after the Driver has had a well earned brew A view of the Shed at Swanage sees 34028 'Eddystone' taking rest inside the shed A general view of Swanage station, almost a timeless shot of the station area save for the men in Hi-Vis jackets!! Stabled up in the sidings are an 08 and 33111 which is standing in while the lines resident Crompton 'Stan Symes' is at Eastleigh for an overhaul The DMU service approaches Swanage station 80078 departs at approximately 11.35 The DMU sits in the station ready to form the 11.50 departure to Norden Propelling us back into 2009 is this Colour shot of the DMU at Swanage which the Springtime Daffodils adding a splash of colour Just like the good old days, the driver had the 'Blinds' raised so that we could see the 'drivers eye view' of the Railway. Here, the Secondman prepares to exchange tokens with the 'Bobby' at Swanage Drivers eye view of the Railway near Herston Halt At Harmons Cross we see 30053 waiting to enter the station with the 11.10 service from Norden 30053 passes the Signalbox at Harmons Cross Final image is this Drivers eye view of arriving at Corfe station with 80078 in the platform awaiting our arrival

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]]> Sat Mar 7 2009 Weymouth Quay Tramway http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1656978.html Network Rail have recently announced that the Tramway to the Quay is to be lifted in preparation for the 2012 Olympic events that will take place in the Weymouth area. Opened by the GWR in 1865, the line first saw passenger traffic in 1889 for connections to the Channel Islands. The line last saw regular use in 1987 with the last train to traverse the Tramway being a Pathfinders Railtour in May 1999 with 73138 and 73106 Top and Tailing. Even 10 years on, the line remains in good condition but another part of our Heritage is soon to dissapear Saturday 21 February 2009: Network Rail have recently announced that the Tramway to the Quay is to be lifted in preparation for the 2012 Olympic events that will take place in the Weymouth area. Opened by the GWR in 1865, the line first saw passenger traffic in 1889 for connections to the Channel Islands. The line last saw regular use in 1987 with the last train to traverse the Tramway being a Pathfinders Railtour in May 1999 with 73138 and 73106 Top and Tailing. Even 10 years on, the line remains in good condition but another part of our Heritage is soon to dissapear

A view of the Tramway looking towards Weymouth station One set of Level crossing gates still exist where the line crosses King Street. DR196 signal can be seen still showing a Red aspect which it has done for nearly 10 years now This view from the Crossing at King Street looks up towards where the Tramway connects to the main line Crossing gates at King Street looking back towards Weymouth Town centre This view down Commercial Road shows a busy main road which would be subject to major congestion if trains still ran The tracks pass Weymouth Marina in Commercial Road The line has now left Commercial Road and follows the waterway all the way round to the Quay station A view back towards where the line crosses Commercial Road Views like this show why it would be a logistical nightmare to run trains today, especially with White Van man blocking the way. This area is now for 'Permit' holders only as displayed by the sign The line nears journeys end and now runs along Custom House Quay and here dives under Town Bridge Aptly named Ferry's corner, you could sit outside the Sailor's Return pub with a pint and watch a Crompton rumble past with a Boat train!! Nice A stream of cars now drive along the Tramway Journeys end for thousands of people, the platform in the background is the Quay station where passengers would leave one mode of Transport and get on to another for their trip to the Channel Islands. The sidings give evidence of a prosperous past at the Terminus On the left can be seen a Cargo Loading stage where goods would be transferred onto Rail and vice versa on to ships. The track has been removed leading to the loading pad Final view of the Terminus with a Tall ship docked at the Quayside. You can almost imagine Tea or Coffee being unloaded and transferred to 4 wheeled wagons with a Tank engine at the head.

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]]> Sat Feb 21 2009 Southern stuff from 1999 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1656004.html A few scans from some of my trips out in 1999 around the South plus a couple taken from my local station at Aldershot which usually only saw loco action on specials, the Holybourne tanks or Engineering work Wednesday 18 February 2009: A few scans from some of my trips out in 1999 around the South plus a couple taken from my local station at Aldershot which usually only saw loco action on specials, the Holybourne tanks or Engineering work

37057 trundles L/E through Eastleigh on a bright spring morning in 1999 Kent Coast unit 1517 leads this 12 coach formation on the 07.20 service from Wareham 47209 powers away on the last leg of its journey to Maritime 58040 heads a string of Seacows away from Eastleigh Yard 58030 works the Eastern Docks-Washwood Heath empty Cartics Dutch liveried 47329 heads a Northbound Liner through Eastleigh 73107 'Redhill' passes Clapham Jn with the Willesden-Tonbridge TPO vans 58025 waits a pathway back out of an Engineers possesion at Bentley 58019 is also seen at Bentley with loaded Seacows waiting to go into the possesion near Alton Ascot week has always thrown up its fair share of special working but in 1999 the VSOE stock worked from Ascot to Aldershot then up the main line to Waterloo, probably to give the Toffs on board more chance to eat their Smoked Salmon and Caviare!! 73131 brings up the rear of the VSOE special at Aldershot Shortly after the VSOE had departed, the signalman had 'belled' off for the Holybourne tanks which were shedded behind 66059 37250 brings the Eastern Dks-Washwood Heath Cartics through Eastleigh 43197 stands at its booked stop of Winchester with a Bournemouth bound XC service 47854 stands at journeys end, Bournemouth. Note the station roof renevation taking place. This picture was taken shortly after i transferred to Bournemouth Traincrew depot from Farnham 47703 brings the ECS into Poole station for the 06.40 service to Liverpool Lime Street

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]]> Wed Feb 18 2009 Cup Final day 1999 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1656001.html The Cup was to be contested by Man Utd and Newcastle in this year and as i have no interest in either, a few hours out were decided on especially as there were a couple of specials about and some Deltics running on the ECML. Chuck some Peds on the Bedford-Bletchley run into the mix and there was the makings of an interesting day out Thursday 19 February 2009: The Cup was to be contested by Man Utd and Newcastle in this year and as i have no interest in either, a few hours out were decided on especially as there were a couple of specials about and some Deltics running on the ECML. Chuck some Peds on the Bedford-Bletchley run into the mix and there was the makings of an interesting day out

55019 Royal Highland Fusilier hammers North on the ECML with the 15.03 service from Kings Cross to York on 22nd May 1999 On Saturdays, a pair of 47s were rostered to work a Southbound Liner on the ECML. The duo are seen here approaching Arlesey A trip on the Bedford-Bletchley line was decided on to go and see the ECS of some football specials leaving Bletchley carriage sidings. 31601 approaches Aspley Guise After arriving at Bletchley, 31468 prepares to head back to Bedford 90131 hurries a Wembley bound Intermodal through Bletchley station 47789 'Lindisfarne' heads the first of 3 ECS to Wembley Central ready to collect the Newcastle fans heading back to the NE 2 of Bletchleys Bubble cars were the other stock in operation on the Bedford run. This is NSE liveried 55031 The other Bubble was 55027 painted in Silverlink colours A rare beast in these parts since its Transfer to Anglia was 86221. The Can worked to Newcastle via the ECML Back at Aspley Guise, we bid farewell to the 31s. Note the gated crossing with crossing keeper in attendance 86221 has picked up its load of dissapointed Geordie fans having been beaten by Man Utd and whisks them up the ECML at Arlesey 47760 'Restless' powers a third Footex North through Arlesey Just before the light fades, 55019 speeds South with a special to KX from York. This was 1 of 3 Deltics in use on the day

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]]> Thu Feb 19 2009 Classic Traction through Wandsworth Road http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1654069.html Wandsworth Road is situated just outside of London Victoria on a main arterial route for Passenger services to Kent. It also sees large volumes of Freight traffic running to and from S.E. London, Kent and the Channel Tunnel. Cars, Enterprise, Aggregates and Engineers traffic were the main flows and before most Freight services were 'Shedded' there was a huge variety of 'Classic' Traction to be seen including 33s,37s,47s,56s,58s and 73s Sunday 15 February 2009: Wandsworth Road is situated just outside of London Victoria on a main arterial route for Passenger services to Kent. It also sees large volumes of Freight traffic running to and from S.E. London, Kent and the Channel Tunnel. Cars, Enterprise, Aggregates and Engineers traffic were the main flows and before most Freight services were 'Shedded' there was a huge variety of 'Classic' Traction to be seen including 33s,37s,47s,56s,58s and 73s

47125 passes with Land Rovers for export to the Continent from Washwood Heath 47293 leads a classmate with a Northbound Intermodal as the light fades rapidly 47228 passes with the Paddock Wood-Wembley Vans. This was one of several Enterprise 'Feeder' trips that ran I usually avoided Wandsworth Road on a Monday as it was a quieter day for Freight however the news came that 47s were soon finishing on Freights with RFD. A working i hadn't fotted was the MO train of China Clay from Exeter Riverside-Dollands Moor. This is the only shot i have of this train in very poor light running 45 mins late. Note the leading 47 has a Blue Tinsley Rose crest and Nameplate 47200 chugs through on an Intermodal for the Tunnel. The Duffs would give way to a 92 at Dollands Moor for the trip through the Chunnel One freight service that is still running is the movement of Ford car parts between Dagenham and Seville in Spain. 47304 passes at a red signal with the Dagenham bound train 47150 and 213 coast through with a train of covered car carriers bound for Ghenk in Belgium The Washwood Heath-Dollands Moor cars are in the hands of 47049 GEFCO 47338 produces a not so healthy looking exhaust as it powers up with the Transfesa Ford Blue train heading towards the Tunnel 47375 emerges through some shadows caused by the low Winter sun with the Washwood Heath cars Standing in for a RFD 47 was 47476 'Night Mail' seen approaching a red signal 58s were employed on some aggregate traffic in the South as well as Enterprise and Engineers duties, a far cry from the MGR traffic they were built for. 58005 heads some ARC empties for Hither Green Another long established working is sea dredged aggregate which is loaded at Cliffe and Angerstein Wharf. The 6Y91 Purley-Cliffe empties pass with Dutch duo 37097 and 098 in charge You can almost hear the racket as 37798 slogs away with 20 loaded Seacows in tow on the Three Bridges-Hoo Jn engineers working The Basford Hall-Thamesport (Grain) Freightliner working was booked for a pair of 47s. When the booked pair failed another 2 were added and all 4 Duffs continued to Thamesport!! 33116 and 33030 erupt with the 6Y91 Purley-Cliffe empties 56066 trundles through with a lightweight 6S75 Sheerness-Mossend Enterprise. Grids were booked traction on these services as far as either Bescot or Warrington 37072 heads a the infamous 7O22 Temple Mills-Hoo Jn engineers train. This working had a habit of producing 37s well into 2000 even after the Shed evasion had taken effect 73119 Kentish Mercury drags a DEMU from Ashford Chart Leacon to Selhurst after repair 37037 returns to Temple Mills L/E as the Washwood Heath cars pass the opposite direction 47344 leads a classmate with the Dagenham bound 'Blue' train The 33s found gainful employment on the Marcon workings off Angerstein Wharf. EWS liveried 33030 and 33202 head the Marcons to Park Royal Shortly after the 33s went through an English Electric double header passed on the Cliffe-Crawley New Yd bogie boxes Another double header that day saw an Inter City pair of EDs on the 6Y91 Purley-Cliffe EPS 37s worked through regularly on route learning duties and on the odd occasion they would be dragging a 'Regional' Eurostar with them. 37606 is still in traffic today with DRS but is seen here in EPS livery with barrier wagons 56007 passes L/E, destination unknown 73010 'The Royal Alex' and 47798 work a Hither Green to Stewarts Lane L/E move to collect the VSOE stock As well as the EPS 37s, the 73s were also employed on various L/E moves. Here 73118 and 130 are seen with the Scrapyard in the background waiting for several Fire Engines to arrive to extinguish the blaze!! 58018 heads the Bardon hoppers back to Leicestershire after a trip to Angerstein. This working still runs today in the hands of FHH And finally, with the impending storeage of all the Class 60s i reckon this might well qualify for Classic Traction, if not now then certainly in the near future!! 60085 has its TRANSRAIL lettering but no big T as it works the 6Y91, another example of the varied traction on this working alone.

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]]> Sun Feb 15 2009 Tornado at Eastleigh http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1653487.html 60163 Tornado ran a Valentines Day special around the Southern Region today running from Waterloo to Waterloo via Staines, Basingstoke, Romsey, Southampton, Woking, Staines and back in to the London Terminus. I took the family out to see the first visit of Tornado to Eastleigh and joined a few hundered other people on Eastleigh Station!! Saturday 14 February 2009: 60163 Tornado ran a Valentines Day special around the Southern Region today running from Waterloo to Waterloo via Staines, Basingstoke, Romsey, Southampton, Woking, Staines and back in to the London Terminus. I took the family out to see the first visit of Tornado to Eastleigh and joined a few hundered other people on Eastleigh Station!!

60163 passes Lee in the Test Valley with its St Valentines Day special from Waterloo-Waterloo The A1 dissapears off into the Springtime sunshine. 67028 was tagged on the bag just in case and also to shunt the stock on arrival at Waterloo later Just a few people turned up to see the newly built A1 Peppercorn!!!!! The Driver takes a breather while Tornado is watered at Eastleigh I just managed to squeeze through the crowds to get a head on shot, note the Platform opposite also jammed to the rafters After the Tour had gone i went for a drive down Campbell Rd to see what could be seen at the Depot. This is the best shot i could manage of 37411 37422 can be seen a bit easier as someone has kept their allotment a bit tidier At the works entrance i took this zoomed in shot of 3 Class 442 Wessex Electrics still in warm storage at the Works BR Blue 07007 was seen stabled with an ex Virgin MKIII carriage Also seen were a couple of coaches from CIG unit 1304, a motor coach on the left and a Trailer Standard on the right

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]]> Sat Feb 14 2009 Lest we forget, Dorset Wanderings http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1653038.html I spent an unbelievable few hours in the company of one of my work colleagues today. Roy Roberts has had nearly 47 years service on the railway and is an avid Steam buff. He offered to take me out to see some Railway History and its amazing how much Infrastructure and dormant trackbeds still remain. We covered a few Freight branches in the locality, also some of the Castlemans Corkscrew route and parts of the Somerset and Dorset. I hope you find these pictures of interest Friday 13 February 2009: I spent an unbelievable few hours in the company of one of my work colleagues today. Roy Roberts has had nearly 47 years service on the railway and is an avid Steam buff. He offered to take me out to see some Railway History and its amazing how much Infrastructure and dormant trackbeds still remain. We covered a few Freight branches in the locality, also some of the Castlemans Corkscrew route and parts of the Somerset and Dorset. I hope you find these pictures of interest

This is Holton Heath Loco shed. The nearby factories once boasted a huge Network of Internal railway systems as well as extensive sidings. This a view at Sandford looking towards Wareham. The line here came up from Wareham to serve the local Brickworks at Sandford. The road adjacent is aptly named Pottery Lines This view is on part of the Castlemans Corkscrew line on the section from Hamworthy Jn to Broadstone and the location is Creekmoor A further view of the Castlemans Corkscrew line at Creekmoor, looking towards Upton and Hamworthy Jn This is a fascinating location. Brogg Street near Corfe Mullen. This track bed is on the Corfe Mullen to Wimborne section and in the background there is a bridge across Brogg Street which carried the Corfe Mullen-Broadstone section of line. This formed part of the Somerset and Dorset line (S & D) Standing virtually on the bridge across Brogg Street can be seen this view of where the S & D line used to go, unfortunately, in the last 40 years since closure someone has built a Bungalow on the old trackbed After scrambling up the embankment, the Bungalow can clearly be seen occupying the former trackbed Further along the Corfe Mullen-Broadstone is this view of a severed bridge near Candys Lane A further shot taken at Candys Lane sees a bridge abutment that carried the Corfe Mullen-Wimborne line. Just further along this line it served sidings at Carters Clay works Beautifully restored to a footpath and nature area is this view of the S & D at Ashington taken from Three Arch Bridge Three Arch Bridge on the S & D at Ashington These remnants and rusty remains are on one side of the Crossing at Corfe Mullen And on the other side is these wonderful set of Crossing gates alongside the origional crossing keepers Cottage A further view of the crossing at Corfe Mullen This view is taken from the bridge near the Water works at Corfe Mullen on the S & D line. The crossing keepers cottage can be seen in the distance. On a still day like it was today you could almost shut your eyes and hear a train starting away from the crossing The S & D looking towards the Water Works at Corfe Mullen Next we journeyed to Wimborne and found a bridge crossing the line at Leigh (pronounced Lie) Lane, again still on the S & D route Viewed through the undergrowth, the line can be seen curving away towards Wimborne Leaving Wimborne, we headed back towards the Branksome area and this is where the line came out as it headed from Branksome Goods Yard to the Clay Pits at Alder Hills. This view is from Sharp Road As the line left Branksome Goods it crossed several level crossings but not all of them still have their gates remaining today!! This is Cromer road which is adjacent to Branksome and the track to the Clay Pits passed just to the right of the brick building This is the best view i could get of the line that dropped down from Parkstone Goods Yard to the Potteries near Lilliput. This line used to serve The South Western Potteries and was called the George Jennings sidings line Last port of call on this step back in time is to a Factory at Hamworthy. The track that used to serve the local Carters Tile works can still be seen in amongst the lorry trailers.

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]]> Fri Feb 13 2009 Out and about at work, Saturday 7th Feb http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1650199.html Had a London and back today with over an hour in Waterloo, so decided on a walk to Charing Cross station for a couple of pictures then back to Waterloo for my train home. Managed to take a couple of pictures in the Basingstoke area where there is still plenty of lying snow Saturday 7 February 2009: Had a London and back today with over an hour in Waterloo, so decided on a walk to Charing Cross station for a couple of pictures then back to Waterloo for my train home. Managed to take a couple of pictures in the Basingstoke area where there is still plenty of lying snow

450108 is seen stabled in sidings South of Basingstoke station A view leaving Basingstoke station in the 'up' direction shows the Platform 5 Bay for the trains from Reading Several units stable in Barton Mill carriage sidings The main entrance to Waterloo station Looking East along the Thames, the London skyline includes the Oxo Tower, Gherkin building and St Pauls Cathedral Just as the sun went in, a South Eastern Trains unit arrives at Charing Cross in the shadow of the Millenium Wheel The sun reapeared for this shot of the impressive architecture of the buildings around Charing Cross station Just to prove Charing Cross belonged to the Southern Region!! Just before 465193 departs on the 12.05 to Gravesend, another unit arrives at the Terminus Since the bad weather closed in 37667 has been stabled at Woking to assist with any 'Ploughing' duties. Unfortunately i have not worked any trains that stopped at Woking, so this picture was taken from a passing train doing 70 MPH!!!! 159007 and 021 cross just outside Basingstoke station with WoE line services Leaving Basingstoke on the Down slow line, 450118 is seen stabled waiting its next turn of duty Not far from Worting, the snow is still seen packed in between the rails and in the Cess 444025 is seen going in the opposite direction near Worting Jn on the up slow with a Semi fast service to Waterloo

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]]> Sat Feb 7 2009 Brrrrrrr!!!! Its Fffffffreezing!! Siberia hits Dorset http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1647296.html The forecsters got it spot on and the cold air arrived from the Continent bringing with it some snow. Parts of Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire had up to 12 inches of snow, but even Dorset had a bit. As these pictures show, the powdery snow can cause some disruption to services and make the trains look a mess Monday 2 February 2009: The forecsters got it spot on and the cold air arrived from the Continent bringing with it some snow. Parts of Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire had up to 12 inches of snow, but even Dorset had a bit. As these pictures show, the powdery snow can cause some disruption to services and make the trains look a mess

This was actually the 07.05 fast service to Waterloo. Revised timings today due to the weather An 8 car arrives from Southampton with the snow tightly packed in and around the coupling area 444004 prepares to leave with a late running 07.40 service to Weymouth. Note the old Signal Box above platform 4 at Bournemouth 444045 prepares to leve Bournemouth with the 08.05 service to Waterloo The underside of 444045 caked in ice and frozen snow 444007 and 450031 stand side by side at Bournemouth station. Can you guess which one has been under cover in the depot all night???!!!! Close up of 450031 caked in snow 450038 is seen in the same formation as 450038 and shows how the connections can become clogged with snow Again, 444007 looks remarkably clean compared to the 450s next to it 450s 094 and 087 are seen at Bournemouth The sun makes a break through at Bournemouth at just after 8.20am 450087 arrives at Brockenhurst with the 09.21 Bournemouth to Waterloo Icicles form on this Voyager as melted snow re-freezes. This train is the 08.45 Bournemouth-Manchester service running an hour late in the pathway of the 09.45 service Green machine 1498 approaches Brockenhurst with the 09.44 service from Lymington Pier I took a trip down to the Pier on the 09.59 service and took this shot at the Pier station A rather large lump of ice had dropped off of a speeding ECS train as it passed Brockenhurst. ''ICEBERG DEAD AHEAD CAPTAIN''!!! If this person did not have a ticket then surely the RPIs should Penalty Fare him!!!!

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]]> Mon Feb 2 2009 Summer evenings at Barnetby in 2003 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1645882.html A further collection from some of my 2003 photos showing some workings in the Barnetby area on some warm,sunny Summer evenings. The pictures at Croxton Farm Crossing were taken on 7/8/2003, Barnetby station 8/8/2003 and Worlaby 2/10/2003 Friday 30 January 2009: A further collection from some of my 2003 photos showing some workings in the Barnetby area on some warm,sunny Summer evenings. The pictures at Croxton Farm Crossing were taken on 7/8/2003, Barnetby station 8/8/2003 and Worlaby 2/10/2003

56115 coasts downhill at Croxton with 6C79 MGR empties from Scunthorpe 66556 powers its train of coal past Croxton with a 6G55 Immingham-Cottam 60022 toils uphill with 2000 tonnes of Iron Ore from the Steelworks at Scunthorpe Another long heavy train to head out of the Immingham area are the Oil trains from Lindsey and Humber refineries. This train hauled by 60092 is the 6M03 to Kingsbury 56078 is seen in its triple Grey livery on the 7C79 loaded MGR to Scunny. This Loco was soon to recieve a transformation with a repaint into Large Logo livery and named 'Doncaster Enterprise' 56090 has no problem at all keeping 1 BDA wagon on the move as the 6V19 service to Margam. Due to the Summer holidays this service didnt produce much traffic and ran with just 1 wagon again the following evening 66544 coasts pass Croxton forming the 4G56 empties from Cottam PS The sun dissapeared for a while as 60063 passes on the Ore circuit 56049 catches the evening sun as it rattles towards Brocklesby with the 6E33 Knowsley-Immingham Reception Enterprise 56054 powers a service which no longer runs, the 6N86 Enterprise to Tyne Yard More often than not, the same loco works back out of Immingham with the Knowsley train but 56049 was due an Exam at Imm TMD so gave over the reigns to 56113 Barnetby station on the evening of the 8th sees the 6V19 Margam enterprise formed of just 1 wagon again as mentioned earlier. 60045 provides the 'Super' power 66546 passes Barnetby East 'Box' 60025 applies the Power to keep the 6E82 tanks from Rectory Jn on the move The exhaust shows how hard 56062 is working. These are the Loaded tanks from Welton, running as 6D96 After its trip to Tyne Yard and back overnight, 56054 was allox to work a 6Z85 which i had no idea what the working was. When the train appeared it was a rake of ex Cawoods coal containers and was destined for Warrington Arpley A very smoky 56133 blasts its way through Barnetby on 6C77 empties from Scunny Another train that no longer runs is the Pressure Tanks from Baglan Bay and Stanlow in to the Humber Refinery. Freightliner HH had won this traffic from EWS shortly before it finished and a smart 66525 is working the 6E99 train from Baglan Bay 66717 and 716 were on hire to FHH for their new coal flows and 66717 heads the 6G56 service from Imm to Cottam Yet another flow that doesnt run is the Bitumen flow from Ashton-in-Makerfield. 56115 storms through Barnetby on the 6Z55 working Another location is seen here called Worlaby which is located between Elsham and Scunthorpe. 60049 is employed on the Coal circuit to Scunthorpe 56106 heads L/e to Immingham as 0V19 from Doncaster to work the 6V19 service to Margam 56033 applies the power to keep its empty hoppers on the move 60066 heads up the bank with the 6M99 steel service to Wolverhampton 56095 makes a racket as it works the 7C79 loaded MGRs to Scunthorpe. The date is 2/10/03 and a fortnight later these services were worked by 66s and HTAs

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]]> Fri Jan 30 2009 An afternoon at Colton Jn http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1643501.html Colton Jn is situated just outside York and is where the Electrified Line from Doncaster and the Lines from Milford Jn converge. This gives a wide and varied amount and type of Freight traffic as can be seen from these pictures taken on 23 July 2003 Sunday 25 January 2009: Colton Jn is situated just outside York and is where the Electrified Line from Doncaster and the Lines from Milford Jn converge. This gives a wide and varied amount and type of Freight traffic as can be seen from these pictures taken on 23 July 2003

56049 heads the 6N30 Scunthorpe-Lackenby, seen on the approach to Colton Jn from the Doncaster direction 60001 takes the non electrified lines towards Milford with the 6V37 slabs from Lackenby-Llanwern HH sector 66558 works the 4D07 Liner from Wilton-Leeds EWS ran several trainloads of Pipes from Stanton Gate near Toton to Tees Dock for export to the far East. This is the 6M62 empties behind 60068 Another train off Teesside was the 6D11 Lackenby-Scunthorpe seen here behind 56032. The loco would return L/E though with no traffic from Scunthorpe Freightliner loanee 66716 is seen powering South on the 6M25 Seaham Harbour-Earles Sidings empties During the earley evening there are almost as many freights as there are passenger services. 60045 takes the 'Donny' line at Colton with the 6D43 tanks from Jarrow Was hoping for another 56 on this train but the 6D80 Redcar-Scunthorpe Coke train produced a rancid 66118 No prizes for guessing the location!! 56094 powers the 6E82 Healey Mills-Lackenby empties. on arrival at Teesside the Grid was stord for a short period before returning towards the end of Class 56 operation with EWS Altough it was an overcast evening for July, the sun did pop out briefly to illuminate a GNER express heading North The sun accentuates the grey cloud as a Voyager speeds South on a NE/SW XC working The first of 3 mail trains is seen behind 90031 with a 67 tagged on the rear. These are the Low Fell-Bristol vans and the 67 will work forward from Doncaster RMT (Royal Mail Terminal) I couldnt run across in time to see what the Headboard says but 66611 heads its Coal train towards one of the Aire Valley power stations A real scoop was this shot of 47760 heading South on Vans. At the time, 67s worked 99% of the mail trains 60092 toils its way South with the 6V38 Lackenby-Llanwern slabs With the light fading, this speeding 90 proved difficult to I.D. The cows are unmoved as well!! In very poor light at almost quarter to 9, 56090 powers North with the West Burton-Seal Sands tanks

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]]> Sun Jan 25 2009 Carlisle and Thornaby, 2nd-4th June 2003 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1640412.html Departed Bournemouth on the 06.30 Virgin XC service which arrived at Carlisle at 1.30pm. Spent the rest of that day at Carlisle and part of the following morning when a trip to Thornaby was decide on with the 'Gen' that 37710 was working the Thrislington-Tees limestone (my thanks to Driver Anderson for delaying his departure and for the Mega Thrash!!). The 4th of June was again spent at Carlisle where a prossesion of 'Heritage' Traction passed the station on various workings!! Returned home via the WCML and a very comfy seat in a MK3!! Those were the days!! Sunday 18 January 2009: Departed Bournemouth on the 06.30 Virgin XC service which arrived at Carlisle at 1.30pm. Spent the rest of that day at Carlisle and part of the following morning when a trip to Thornaby was decide on with the 'Gen' that 37710 was working the Thrislington-Tees limestone (my thanks to Driver Anderson for delaying his departure and for the Mega Thrash!!). The 4th of June was again spent at Carlisle where a prossesion of 'Heritage' Traction passed the station on various workings!! Returned home via the WCML and a very comfy seat in a MK3!! Those were the days!!

As i arrived at Carlisle 47279 was waiting the road South with a string of brand new KAA pocket wagons destined for use as piggyback wagons on a cement flow between Westbury and Southampton. The train ran as 6Z23 Rosyth Dk Yd-Bristol East Depot 90005 approaches the station with a Euston-Glasgow service 47830 was comandeered to take a crippled MK3 from Wapping Sidings to Polmadie, a move which probably take a long while as the MK3 was on a wheel skate!! Still wearing GNER livery, 90024 approaches from the South with a Mail train 60032 winds its train off the Tyne Valley line with the 6Z92 empty hoppers from Tees Yard. These continue to Hardendale overnight to be loaded with Lime and then on to Redcar the following day. DRS Intermodals were in their infancy back in 2003 and Pairs of 37s were the Traction for the trains to/from Daventry. However they were soon trialling 66s and GBRf kindly leased a couple of machines for DRS use. 66710 has alresdy gained DRS decals as it crew changes with 4M30 Grangemouth-Daventry 86622 and 633 pause for a crew change whilst working 4L89 Coatbridge-Felixstowe Freightliners Anglo-Scottish coal flows were also just beginning and were all running under 'Z' headcodes. This is 66565 on 6Z45 New Cummnock-Cottam Not sure what was going on here but 92019 arrived at Carlisle with 6M66 Mossend-Wembley Yd and 56067 was put on the front!! Either problems with the Dyson, Overhead wires or a move to get the Grid South Over to Thornaby for a few hours on the 3rd June and just in time to see 60077 depart Tees Yd on 6M46 to Hardendale Making a racket passing the station (cheers Dave!!) is 37710. The Loadhaul lovely is working 6N91 Thrislington-Tees 60096 looks clean as it passes on 6E05 Llanwern-Lackenby empties 66539 heads a newly introduced (but didnt last) Liner service from Leeds-Wilton. Headcode was 4N01 56091 'Stanton' works the 6P60 local trip working from Tees Yard to Seal Sands conveying Acid tanks brought over on the previous nights 6E62 from Carlisle. The Grid would return with more tanks for that nights 6M57 working to Carlisle then Workington 56119 coasts through the station on 6N98 Roundwood 11 to Tees Dock with steel wire for export 60082 powers through Thornaby working a slightly late 6V37 Lackenby-Llanwern slab train. At this time there were still 4 trains a day conveying slab to Llanwern with associated empties returning back North. These trains have now sadly finished 56065 makes light work of its 5 wagons that form 6N30 Scunthorpe-Lackenby Last day at Carlisle for this trip and what a day it was. At 8.45 on 4th June 90022 waits to head a Mail train South Having taken numerous Photos from the 'midle' platforms i decided on Platform 4 for the day as there was some Sun promised. 92013 heads South at 09.41 with 4M63 Mossend-Warrington logs Running a bit late (possibly due to going via the S & C), 56069 'Wolverhampton Steel Terminal' passes with the 6C02 infrastructure train from Basford Hall-Carlisle 60093 'Jack Stirk' heads the last portion of the Dalston tanks back to Carlisle Yard. Running as 6S36 the 60 will drop these tanks onto the other 12 waiting at Carlisle Yd to make 18 empties to return to Grangemouth 56105 attempted to blast the roof off Carlisle station as it powers South with a very late (10 hours!!) 7F64 Carlisle Yd-Warrington enterprise Around lunchtime i was treated to another Grid thrash as 56069 storms South on the 7K05 Carlisle-Basford Hall, loaded to 35 wagons and a crane With Grid music still ringing in my ears this little beauty followed about 4 minutes later!! 37698 blasts out of the station with the 6E00 Carlisle-Tyne Yd loaded to 42 wagons, a CWR set and 30 Rudds!! Next up was 56059 which is seen coming off the Barrow line with 6C48 from Workington. 20305 and 304 then appeared with a 6C43 Sellafield-Kingmoor Yard The other 'On hire' GBRf machine to DRS was on a crew training run, seen here on 4P42 Kingmoor-Kingmoor with 66712 37669 was next up working a bizzare 6L35 Shap Summit-Carlisle Yd with just 1 wagon!! 08897 trundles through the station working the 6C05 wagon move from Carlisle Yd-Carlisle Currock conveying various Mullet and Salmon. Strangely, 08485 returned on 6C05 so the Yard pilot at Carlisle Yd was also changed over 92009 works what i can only think was a late 6M65 Didcot Yd-Carlisle Yd. This makes me think there may have been problems with the WCML freights with 6M66 diesel hauled the previous night, 7F64 very late and this train late as well!! 47848 coasts through with the 4M25 empty Cartics from Mossend-Basford Hall. These will eventually end up at Southampton Docks. 56095 and 56094 take rest at the Stabling point I was so lucky to capture this working as i had just gone across to Fot the 56s before going home!! 'Minimodal' branded 33025 heads a 6C45 Carlisle Yd-Sellafield Remember the days when you could actually open a train window for some fresh air and not rely on the Air Con?!!! A MK3 droplight allowed me to grab this shot of 47851 arriving at Stafford as i made my way home from a very enjoyable 3 days!!

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]]> Sun Jan 18 2009 A day at Newport http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1639017.html Even without the Iron Ore and Coal trains serving Llanwern, there was still a rich variety of trains to be seen at Newport in the not to distant past. The following images were all taken on 3rd July 2002 Friday 16 January 2009: Even without the Iron Ore and Coal trains serving Llanwern, there was still a rich variety of trains to be seen at Newport in the not to distant past. The following images were all taken on 3rd July 2002

60006 'Scunthorpe Ironmaster' crosses the River Usk and heads L/E to Llanwern. This loco later went round Maindee East Jn with a steel train for either Round Oak or Dee Marsh 66541 works the 4O51 Wentloog-Southampton Maritime 'Liner Adalente's were introduced on some Cardiff-Paddington services as seen here 60099 heads past Maindee Jn with a set of empties from Llanwern to Newport Docks A right old mix on this Swansea-Paddington HST sees the new 'FIRST' Group livery and the soon to be phased out G.W. 'Fag Packet' livery 60083 'Mountsorrel' works steel empties over the River Usk 66056 works the Parc Slip-Westbury Cement Terminal loaded MGRs 60099 returns back over the River with a loaded slab train from Newport Docks-Llanwern 60095 is seen in unbranded triple Grey livery working the 6B41 Westbury-Alex Dk Jn engineers train which loaded to 18 Salmon wagons with track panels 60014 'Alexander Fleming' heads L/E to Godfrey Road stabling point 60002 works a loaded Coil and slab train towards Llanwern 66185 and 125 pass Alexandra Dock Jn yard on a L/E move from Cardiff Canton to Godfrey Road 60095 crawls out of ADJ Yd with the return 6C41 service to Westbury conveying 14 Seacows loaded with ballast 66090 passes Newport station with the 7B47 from Machen Quarry 66056 is seen on its return from Westbury with empties for Swansea. Note the MEAs at the front of the formation 60036 'GEFCO' passes Newport with a loaded coil train in the late afternoon sunshine 60056 'William Beveridge' heads a Handsworth-Cardiff Tidal scrap train away from a crew change at Newport 60026 heads 6E30 Margam-Hartlepool coils through Newport The only 37 i saw that day passed on the 6B21 tanks from Didcot Power station to Cardiff Tidal 56s were also in the minority on this day, 56091 'Stanton' sat on Godfrey Rd all day then worked L/E to ADJ to collect the 6M75 enterprise to Warrington as seen here As the shadows lengthen in the evening sun, 67024 re-starts its Willesden PRDC to Swansea van train The last train that was seen was well worth it!! 56069 'Wolverhampton Steel Terminal' passes Newport on the 7E10 Swansea to Immingham loaded MGRs

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]]> Fri Jan 16 2009 Stan and Jeanette go on a date!! http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1638544.html The main aim of the day was to Fot the L/E move of 33012 'Stan Symes' from the Swanage Railway to Eastleigh Works for overhaul and also to see the inaguaral Intermodal from Eastleigh to Fratton and a stock move from Kineton to Eastleigh. The day did not go to plan with Eastleigh being Fog bound until early afternoon and the stock move being cancelled!! I nearly went home but decided to look in at Millbrook and found the sun shinning, amazing given the conditions 6 miles away in Eastleigh!! Thursday 15 January 2009: The main aim of the day was to Fot the L/E move of 33012 'Stan Symes' from the Swanage Railway to Eastleigh Works for overhaul and also to see the inaguaral Intermodal from Eastleigh to Fratton and a stock move from Kineton to Eastleigh. The day did not go to plan with Eastleigh being Fog bound until early afternoon and the stock move being cancelled!! I nearly went home but decided to look in at Millbrook and found the sun shinning, amazing given the conditions 6 miles away in Eastleigh!!

66142 curves its Intermodal train into the Western Docks at Southampton, seen from the overbridge at Millbrook 2 of the Dock cranes are seen with a mountain of Containers and a pile of scrap for company!! 158886 approaches Millbrook for its booked stop on a service from Salisbury 158956 passes Millbrook with a Cardiff-Pompey service 444026 leads a 10 car formation as the 10.03 service from Weymouth-Waterloo 66194 is running as 0O41 passing Millbrook, no traffic from Westbury-Eastleigh 66093 powers through Millbrook with a mixed 6V38 Marchwood-Didcot MOD working 66568 passes Millbrook nearing journeys end with 4O14 from Garston 158954 speeds past Millbrook's Freightliner Terminal with a Pompey-Cardiff service 153305 trundles past Millbrook with the 12.26 service to Worcester Foregate St 59103 is running about an hour late with 6O48 Whately-Hamworthy stone A going away shot of 6O48 A quick turn around for 66568 sees it heading the 4M61 Maritime-Trafford Park 66954 sits at Maritime SP awaiting its next turn of duty An impressive view of the loading cranes at Maritime Jeanette (73205) and Stan (33012) cuddle up together as they pass Maritime SP The happy couple are seen again at Maritime View of Stan and Jeanette as they head to Eastleigh Works on 0Y33 from Swanage 59203 passes Maritime shortly after the sun had finally been enveloped by the cloud, the working is 7V07 Chichester-Whatley A couple of Freightliner FTAs and FSAs lie devoid of wheels at Maritime. The 2 numbers on show look like 608242 at the bottom with 607106 just above 08624 buffers up to a rake of flats at Maritime 66576 arrives at Maritime with 4O54 from Leeds 66133 works the 6Y21 'Cable' train from Ludgershall to Eastleigh Yd Final shot of the day due to the poor light was 66194 and 66186 on the 6V41 Eastleigh-Westbury infrastructure train, seen at Redbridge

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]]> Thu Jan 15 2009 The early-Mid 90s. The Trainload Freight era http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1629235.html This period is best remembered for the Traiload Freight liveries, namely Coal, Petroleum, Construction, Distribution and Metals which gave the Railway a sense of identity with trains running with the correct 'Sector' Loco. The Civil engineer also had the 'Dutch' livery for its trains and the railway was a very clourful place to take photos. Add that to the Mainline, Transrail and Loadhaul liveries which followed and there was PLENTY to Fot prior to the EWS takeover that followed the Mid 90s Thursday 25 December 2008: This period is best remembered for the Traiload Freight liveries, namely Coal, Petroleum, Construction, Distribution and Metals which gave the Railway a sense of identity with trains running with the correct 'Sector' Loco. The Civil engineer also had the 'Dutch' livery for its trains and the railway was a very clourful place to take photos. Add that to the Mainline, Transrail and Loadhaul liveries which followed and there was PLENTY to Fot prior to the EWS takeover that followed the Mid 90s

37891 blasts away from a signal check at Stratford station 56105 wheels a long rake of TARMAC wagons through Acton Main Line A view of the turntable at Old Oak with 47596 and 47315 amongst those present 50033 'Glorious' powers away from Woking with the 09.10 Waterloo-Exeter St Davids 56132 leads a classmate South through York Construction sector 56034 is stabled at Old Oak 90133 and 138 are stabled at the back of Crewe station 31224 stables at Warrington Arpley sidings A depot no longer with us is Buxton where 37414 and 679 are seen stabled 33046 'Merlin' waits at Farnham with a weekend ballast train wating to go into a possesion near Alton 33065 'Sealion' is seen at Eastleigh Depot 33202 'The Burma Star' is seen in Woking down yard at the head of a short infrastructure train 37032 is seen nearest the camera in this line up of 37s at Immingham Depot 56004 awaits its pathway at Bescot yard with the St Blazey-Cliffe Vale china clay train 56046 passes Stenson Jn on a mixed Freight working 33019 and 73139 are stabled at Stewarts Lane depot 33030 and 046 are seen basking in the sun at Hither Green Also at Hither Green the same day as the Class 33's were 37097 and 37114 just behing the Dutch 'Tractor' 31407 brings an 8 VEP formation out of the sidings at Orpington having worked the first leg of the Festive Fiasco Railtour from Victoria 'Greyhound' CIG 1313 accelerates through Eastleigh with an Up Semi fast service to Waterloo This is one of the early 'post privitisation' liveries carried by Great Western's HST fleet, a dark green and ivory livery seen on 2 power cars at Reading 09009 is named 'Three Bridges CED' but is actually seen shunting at Hither Green Freightliner 47s stabled at Hither Green at weekends having worked Liners into Thamesport. 47337 is seen on the blocks at HG 60044 'Ailsa Craig' accelerates a rake of ARC hoppers through Wandsworth Road 58007 'Drakelow Power Station' passes Wandsworth Road with an aggregates working from Angerstein Wharf Eastleigh depot houses a line up of 6 Class 73 EDs, with 73104 nearest the camera Another view of Stewarts Lane depot, this time with Pullman liveried 73101 'The Royal Alex' stabled along with a RES 47 56080 'Selby Coalfield' is stabled at Peterborough along with 31459 37216 'Great Eastern' pulls a long string of wagons out of the sidings at Hither Green 47574 'Benjamin Gimbert GC' awaits its next turn on the turntable at Old Oak Usually a Type 5 haven, 47004 'Old Oak Common traction and rolling stock depot' is stabled amongst the 60s at Acton SP 08854 takes a breather in the sun at Woking down Yard 37370 stables adjacent to the old Carriage sidings at Stratford Whilst i was route learning i had to go to Reading where i took this snowy shot of 47727 'The Duke of Edinburghs Award' on a parcels train The following day and the snow had melted a bit and the sun shone. 47788 'Captain Peter Manisty RN' is seen sparkling away in the Winter sun 37211 is running round its stock at Alton having worked in on The Exhibitionist' Railtour with 37426 33012 and 33052 'Ashford' are seen at the unusual location of Hornsey where they have gone for tyre turning A snowy scene at Bounds Green depot sees 91010 and 89001 stabled A pair of Electrics work a Ravenscraig to Shotton/Dee Marsh train of coils at Warrington. Nearest the camera is 86417 'The Kingsman' The 'Classic' shot off the bridge next to Cardiff Canton depot sees the usual collection of 37s stabled as 37698 rumbles past with Coal empties 37896 heads a line up of classmates at Margam depot Class 47s recieve attention at Crewe Diesel depot including 47442 which is jacked up of its bogies in the foreground 47s 292 and 588 are seen at the North end of Tinsley depot along with 37047 37218 and 238 are seen at Ipswich having just worked a Railtour in from Clacton in conjunction with an Open Day at Colchester Large Logo 56110 powers away from Criclewood with the Binliner to Forders sidings 37019 takes advantage of the hospitality of Didcot sidings 73210 pushes its way through Clapham Jn en route from Gatwick to Victoria A virtually ex works 60096 displays the correct Construction decals for the Ely-Peak Forest RMC stone empties, seen passing Peterborough Coal sector 56116 looks out of place on this SDT passing Peterborough heading for Mountsorrel A nice clean 47 takes a breather at Peterborough while the staff load the train with post and parcels heading North

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]]> Thu Dec 25 2008 The 59s, Coats of many colours http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1619941.html Have had time to sort through some more scans to produce a gallery of the 59s. Affectionately known as the 'Big GMs' the 59s revolutionised the way stone was moved from the Mendips to Acton yard in trainloads of 4000 tonnes where these 'Jumbo' trains were split into smaller portions and sent to terminals in the South East. National Power then ordered some 59s for movement of Coal and Limestone to Drax Power station. The Locos are now all based in the South East and some of their workings and liveries through the years are shown in this gallery. Wednesday 3 December 2008: Have had time to sort through some more scans to produce a gallery of the 59s. Affectionately known as the 'Big GMs' the 59s revolutionised the way stone was moved from the Mendips to Acton yard in trainloads of 4000 tonnes where these 'Jumbo' trains were split into smaller portions and sent to terminals in the South East. National Power then ordered some 59s for movement of Coal and Limestone to Drax Power station. The Locos are now all based in the South East and some of their workings and liveries through the years are shown in this gallery.

Bringing things right up to date is 59001, seen at Hamworthy in Aggregate Industries livery before working 6V48 back to Whatley Quarry Delivered in ARC livery, 59103 passes Reading on a uniform rake of Hoppers for Whatley 59003 is seen at Reading with the afternoon 'Jumbo' train from Acton-Merehead. This loco is now hard at work in Germany The 59/2's were delivered in this stricking National Power livery. 59205 is seen at Sheffield station having been on Railtour duties on the occasion of an Open Day at nearby Tinsley Depot on 27th April 1996 59203 has just arrived at Sheffield having worked in on a circular tour of the Pennines 59103 and 59005 climb out of Sheffield on a Railtour back to Westbury after customers went to the Tinsley Open day 59101 squeals round the tight curves at Lewisham station with a rake of Tiphook ballast wagons, probably from Angerstein Wharf 59102 is seen stabled at Acton Most people remember the 59/2s powering past Milford Jn with a uniform rake of hoppers with 'Black Gold' from the Selby coalfield for Drax Power station Shortly before it was exported, 59003 trundles through Wandsworth Road with a rake of 4 wheel Yeoman hoppers 59s were given a break from their stone duties when they went to South Wales for a spell on the heavy Port Talbot-Llanwern Iron Ore trains. 59004 eases a set of empties through Newport 59201 is easily recognisable from the Bell on its number 1 cab end as it passes Milford Jn with a set of empties for Gascoigne Wood A change of ownership meant a change of livery in 2000 and 59002 is seen at the Old Oak Common open Day sporting 'Mendip Rail' colours By this time the 59/1s were being re-liveried into Hanson colours, as seen here at Wandsworth Rd. 59103 heads a Merehead-Sevington train of stone for the High speed rail link across the Medway River in Kent By this time, the 59/2s were displaced on coal traffic and migrated South to work off Hither Green. 59206 passes Wandsworth Rd with the 7O77 Marcon empties from Park Royal-Angerstein Wharf Even those 59s remaining in 'Yeoman' silver livery were given revised Yeoman colours. 59005 is seen working 6V18 Hither Green-Whatley at Wandsworth Road 59103 is seen again passing Millbrook working the 7O48 Whatley-Hamworthy stone train 59204 is seen in unfamiliar territory at Winchester working 6Y42 Eastleigh-Hoo Jn engineers train with 37057 DIT The first and the last of the 59/2 sub class pass each other at Eastleigh, 201 working the Fareham-Whatley and 206 the Whatley-Hamworthy A combination of poor light and a bad batch of FUGI 400 film gives 59002 a real sludgy green effect as it passes Willesden Jn and heads for Acton Recently 59203 has gained large front end numerals as seen here at Acton with 6O92 from Woking 59001 sits in Acton Yard with the wagons to form 7O55 to Crawley Yard 59103 passes Berkley near Westbury with the Chichester-Whatley empties

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]]> Wed Dec 3 2008 West Coast 37s at Poole http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1618479.html 37s 248 and 676 worked ECS from Carnforth-Poole on Friday for a Spitfire Railtour from Poole to Blackpool on the Saturday. Due to weekend engineering work at Totton the pair of Tractors were to stay at Poole until the early hours of Monday and they would return to Carnforth when the line had re-opened. I ventured out in the rain to take the following shots of the train in Poole sidings. Sunday 30 November 2008: 37s 248 and 676 worked ECS from Carnforth-Poole on Friday for a Spitfire Railtour from Poole to Blackpool on the Saturday. Due to weekend engineering work at Totton the pair of Tractors were to stay at Poole until the early hours of Monday and they would return to Carnforth when the line had re-opened. I ventured out in the rain to take the following shots of the train in Poole sidings.

Ready for the off on Monday morning!! 37248 and 676 will be leaving Poole sidings at 04.40 in the morning when the line re-opens after weekend engineering work Cabside view of 37248 including data panel and 10A shedplate 'Loch Arkaig' nameplate and Scottie dog on 37248 37676 is tucked in between 37248 and the coaching stock Nose end views of 37248 and 37676 37676 with data panel but no shedplate 'Loch Rannoch' nameplate and Scottie dog on 37676 A further view of 37248 at Poole A multitude of connections in between the locos including Jumper cables to allow multiple working, Main Res pipes, Brake pipes and screw coupling A view in the cab of 37676 Some of the dials in No.1 cab end of 37676 Rain trickles down the paintwork of 37676 A view of the train stabled in Poole sidings with the 2 Locos and 11 coaches. Note a last splash of Autumnal colour on the trees The West Coast 37s lurk in the background adjacent to Poole Signalbox

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]]> Sun Nov 30 2008 A few hours at Work http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1615082.html Weekend engineering work meant catching a Bus from Bournemouth to Southampton with all the lovely passengers so i opted to take the car instead and was able to call in at Eastleigh before work and Southampton Maritime after work plus take a few piccies at Waterloo Sunday 23 November 2008: Weekend engineering work meant catching a Bus from Bournemouth to Southampton with all the lovely passengers so i opted to take the car instead and was able to call in at Eastleigh before work and Southampton Maritime after work plus take a few piccies at Waterloo

37401 is seen stabled at Eastleigh Yard. The loco is awaiting a B exam but has been pressed in to use as a Super Shunter in place of the 08/09 turn at East Yard Evidence of some battle scars can be seen on this side view of 401 Anyone got any Polyfilla???? 401 has obviously been side swiped by something, probably another wagon in a yard somewhere An EWS driver fires up 401 401 Clags away to itself in the yard 73205 and 209 are stabled in the sidings adjacent to Eastleigh station as a 444 departs for Portsmouth via Botley At dusk the signals at Waterloo start to twinkle as a 455 arrives on the Windsor side of Waterloo station 4 cranes stand silent on a construction site by the old Euro terminal at Waterloo A panoramic view of the Suburban and Main side of Waterloo station 159014 rumbles away under the station roof at Waterloo having just arrived with a WoE line service 450082 prepares to leave Waterloo with an Alton service 08585 is stabled at Southampton Maritime 08691 is also seen resting between shunting duties 66570 takes rest at Maritime 66955 sparkles in the Depot lights at Maritime Missing a few numbers from its front end, 66540 'Ruby' sits at Maritime 66594 stables on the fuelling road at Maritime in the glare of the lights at Maritime

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]]> Sun Nov 23 2008 Barnetby Tugs http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1609467.html What better thing to do on a rainy day than dip into the Archives. Decided on a few Clas 60 Fots today. Although the 60s work day in and day out on the Oil and Ore trains there are several locations in the area to get some variation for pictures of these trains. Add in the odd Enterprise and Steel working plus a variety of Liveries and you have yourself a colourful and varied Gallery, as can be seen Monday 10 November 2008: What better thing to do on a rainy day than dip into the Archives. Decided on a few Clas 60 Fots today. Although the 60s work day in and day out on the Oil and Ore trains there are several locations in the area to get some variation for pictures of these trains. Add in the odd Enterprise and Steel working plus a variety of Liveries and you have yourself a colourful and varied Gallery, as can be seen

60006 approaches Barnetby working the 6E82 Rectory Jn-Lindsey tanks. The loco is carrying British Steel blue colours and would also recieve the colours of new owners Corus. Note the weeds and dead grass on the platform before the station was re-developed 60016 is seen roaring past Knabbs bridge with empty Ore hoppers for Immingham 60047 passes Melton Ross with more empties for Imm Ore Terminal 60048 approaches Knabbs bridge, Melton Ross with the Humber-Jarrow tanks 60078 powers empty tanks past the Level crossing at New Barnetby forming 6E82 from Rectory Jn 60033coasts pat New Barnetby with the afternoon 6D66 Imm Rec-Doncaster Belmont enterprise. The bare trees show that the train is illuminated by some welcome winter sun 60073 approaches the crossing at New Barnetby with the afternoon Oil train to Hunslet, Leeds. Imm TMD obviously found a 'scratch' set of numbers to put on the front end!! 60056 powers past the semaphores at Wrawby Jn with Ore empties There is a farm crossing in the middle of nowhere in between the villages of Croxton and Kirmington which gives a fantastic view of the railway. 60041 powers a loaded Ore train up the steep gradient from Brocklesby 60046 gets the road at Wrawby Jn to proceed onto the Scunthorpe line with a loaded Ore train for the terminal at Santon 60090 looks the business in Coal Sector decals working an ImmBulk1-Scunthorpe CHP load of MGRs with coal for the blast furnaces at Scunthorpe steel works Brocklesby Jn is where the freight only line to Immingham diverges from the line to Cleethorpes. 60062 has just joined the main line and passes the closed Brocklesby station 60063 passes Brocklesby with the Hunslet tanks 60009 heads some empty BDAs for Scunthorpe past Melton Ross With just 2 wagons in tow, 60084 is hardly stretched as it works 6D45 Doncaster-Imm Rec at Melton Ross 60017 passes New Barnetby in low morning light on the 6M55 Lindsey-Rectory Jn tanks 60044 slogs its way up grade with the Hunslet tanks Barnetby station is the setting for a very clean 60085 heading tanks to Jarrow 60014 would have been more suited to an Oil train with its Petroleum decals however it was on the Ore circuit when passing the station 60028 is showing signs of having worked on the Ore circuit in previous days as it heads the Rectory Jn tanks past Knabbs bridge 60057 was one of 3 60s that were left with its Coal decals as seen here at Knabbs bridge 60025 powers its way up the bank at Croxton at 7am whilst working a short term flow to Round Oak. Headcode was 6Z88 Brunswick Green 'Celebrity' 60081 passes New Barnetby with the 6M08 Humber-Kingsbury tanks An ex works and recently named 60097 passes Wrawby Jn on the Scunny coal circuit 60062 is nearly at its destination with the 6D65 Doncaster-Imm Enterprise. Location is Brocklesby Jn 60079 is seen passing the Limestone works at Melton with the 6M55 Rectory Jn tanks 60025 follows 60079 on an Ore train for Santon I was hoping 60025 would stay stationary for a few seconds longer so that i could Fot both Ore trains together but 025 got the road and moved off towards Immingham. 60021 is the other Ore loco passing Barnetby East box 60079 heads its tanks from Rectory Jn back to Lindsey Oil Refinery with the 6E82 empties At the height of Summer it is just about possible to Fot the 6D03 Tinsley-Immingham slab train which is due to pass after 9pm. At 8.55pm 60044 crawls up the bank from Wrawby Jn trying to keep its heavy load on the move Knabbs bridge can be seen in the background through the exhaust haze off 60086 as it approaches New Barnetby crossing with Ore empties 60006 now sports Corus silver livery and is seen working the 6M99 Immingham-Wolves Steel Terminal past Melton 60045 passes a sea of Semaphore signal that protect Wrawby Jn as it heads Ore empties to Immingham for loading

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]]> Mon Nov 10 2008 Winter Weather comes early!! http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1603946.html Enjoyed a rare chance to travel up North during Half Term with a goal of getting some nice shots of Coal trains around the Aire Valley. On the way up North i stopped in at Water Orton on the Tuesday afternoon where the first taste of Winter was seen with about half an inch of snow!! The Wednesday was one of those clear crisp Winter days so the most was made of the sun before it dissappeared early afternoon, with Thursday being a washout but drier weather was found further South. These 40 images show the different conditions to good effect!! Friday 31 October 2008: Enjoyed a rare chance to travel up North during Half Term with a goal of getting some nice shots of Coal trains around the Aire Valley. On the way up North i stopped in at Water Orton on the Tuesday afternoon where the first taste of Winter was seen with about half an inch of snow!! The Wednesday was one of those clear crisp Winter days so the most was made of the sun before it dissappeared early afternoon, with Thursday being a washout but drier weather was found further South. These 40 images show the different conditions to good effect!!

Water Orton on Tuesday 28th October and after no Freights for 2 hours 2 turn up together!! 60017 is working 6V59 Mountsorrel-Westbury and 66515 is heading the 6Z22 Barrow Hill-Rugeley FHH Coal Even at just after 2pm the light is so bad that i struggled to ''stop'' this train!! 66078 passes with the 6B30 Mountsorrel-Northampton Redlands SDT The day after the clocks went back the weather decided to give its first blast of Winter!! The rain turned to snow and 66540 is seen fightings its way South with 4O17 Lawley St-Maritime 'Liner Already caked in snow is 47237 heading the 6Z64 Shipley-Tidal Sidings scrap working for Advenza Freight As 47237 heads towards Brum, 66079 powers North with 4M33 Southampton Western Docks-Burton Intermodal 170520 fights its way through the blizzard 66552 coasts through the station in the last of the light working 6M01 Basford Hall-Stud Farm 08925 sits at the back of Doncaster Depot. Despite being a few miles further North, 'Winter' had not arrived in Yorkshire!! 08866 is parked up at Donny Depot The weeds have grown around 37521 which hasnt moved from the Depot in a few years This view of 60031 was the only servicable main line loco on the Depot that evening 37503 is also seen in a line up of 5 scrap 37s. Also present were 516,042 and 689 Wednesday 29th October saw a marked improvement in the weather although it was still bitterly cold. 66011 heads up the ECML at HeckIngs with 6F01 Imm-Ferrybridge 66550 leaves Drax power station and accelerates its empties off to collect more coal. The working was 4S60 to Ravenstruther Is the 66 pushing a failed Hull trains unit or is the unit pushing the coal train?? This optical illusion shows 66024 heading South on the ECML with 4D22 Eggboro-Imm HTA empties as the 222 heads North 66601 approaches Drax on the 6E56 Limestone working from Tunstead. Eggborough Power station provides the backdrop 66018 heads more HTAs North up the ECML with coal for Drax 66173 heads some empty HTAs past HeckIngs on a 4D27 Milford-Hull working 66518 leaves Drax on 4N51 to Redcar empties 60071 passes Eggborough with a 6J12 Holbeck Jn-Donny Decoy engineers working Some 60 mins after heading up the ECML, 66018 finally makes it to journeys end with 6R07 form Immingham 60076 staggers up the ECML with the 6N04 Lindsey-Jarrow tanks already an hour late. This train loaded to 30 tanks weighing in at just over 2800 Tonnes!! Whitley Bridge Jn is at the entrance to Eggboro Power station and is where 66181 is seen working 6G93 Drax-Gascoigne Wood with 46 MEAs Adding a splash of colour to the Coal workings is 66708 on a 6H93 Tyne Dock-Drax working 66952 approaches Whitley Bridge Jn with 4A69 Drax-Kellingley Colliery coal empties 66952 passes where the line to Eggboro branches off, with the power station again providing the backdrop This maybe of use to Modellers wanting to re-create Coal trains on their layouts. A string of White and Green HIAs provide the consist for 6R33 Imm-Drax loaded with 'Petcoke' Third location of the day was England Lane crossing near Knottingley which is where 66524 is seen working 4N78 Drax-Tyne Dock 66562 passes England Lane with a late running 6Y50 Tyne Dock-Eggboro with Ferrybridge Power station in the background 66708 returns its GBRf Hoppers as 4N92 Drax-Tyne Dock Unfortunately the light was fading as i arrived at Blackburn Lane crossing where 66137 is passing on 4A09 Eggboro-Milford with Kellingley Colliery in the background 66596 is about 50 mins down as it passes Blackburn Lane on 6R12 Imm-Eggboro Ferrybridge Power station is seen steaming away as the sun goes down Thursday 30th October and more rain was falling as i arrived at Hatfield and Stainforth. 66531 passes on a 4R12 Cottam-Imm working After 1 freight in 90 mins i was just about to leave when 66197 powered through on 6D75 Scunny-Donny train of loaded rails. A broken rail near Althorpe on the Scunthorpe line had delayed all trains with some diverted A trackworker keeps an eye on Fastlines 66301 as it runs round it train of coal empties Its years since been up on the Bank opposite Toton Depot where it was not uncommon to see rows of servicable 20s/56s and 60s in the headshunt sidings. Now rows of stored 60s occupy these sidings including Mainline blue 60078 60s 052,053 and 097 wait in sidings at Toton for a possible return to service 66301 is hooked up to its wagons again and prepares to leave with the 4G95 Ratcliffe-Chaddesden empties 60048 and 66149 keep each other company in the yard at Toton

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]]> Fri Oct 31 2008 Carlisle, Glasgow and Motherwell, March 1999 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1598042.html A few scans from a 1999 overnight visit to Carlisle on 26th March. There were plenty of 60s and 56s on the Anglo-Scottish MGR traffic, all of which was captured on Video. 6024 King Edward provided some variety on a Charter train. On the Saturday morning a trip to Glasgow was made and an unsuccessful attempt was made to visit Motherwell Depot (nasty Foreman!!) Sunday 19 October 2008: A few scans from a 1999 overnight visit to Carlisle on 26th March. There were plenty of 60s and 56s on the Anglo-Scottish MGR traffic, all of which was captured on Video. 6024 King Edward provided some variety on a Charter train. On the Saturday morning a trip to Glasgow was made and an unsuccessful attempt was made to visit Motherwell Depot (nasty Foreman!!)

47736 'Cambridge T&RSMD' sits in the centre road at Carlisle 86401 is stabled alongside the wall at Carlisle station and will work the TPO stock to London that evening. 37672 can also be seen A complete suprise was the arrival of 6024 King Edward on a Steam Charter which headed South again later after the Kettle had been turned via Currock 60060 carries the correct 'Sector' code on this Southbound MGR service from Falkland Yard 56078 powers a loaded MGR service through the station, probably heading for the Aire Valley Power stations 37898 catches some late afternoon sun as it arrives with a trip working from Workington Dock 60077 haeds another MGR South, i believe this was one of 10 loaded trains that headed South that evening in the hands of 60s and 56s 92013 heads an Intermodal service, probably heading for Wembley Yard then on through the Channel Tunnel 86605 leads a Classmate with a Southbound Liner How the WCML used to be!! An IC liveried 86258 Tallylyn heads a Birmingham bound XC service With the light fading rapidly, 60095 works a Southbound Gypsum service having run round in Carlisle Yard After a sleepless night filming freight, some sleep was taken while going to Glasgow. 156511 and 101691 are seen waiting to leave Central station 87010 is seen on the blocks and will head down the WCML with the GNER HST waiting to race it to Kings Cross down the ECML Strathclyde liveried 303082 is seen at Central station An attempt to charm the Foreman of Motherwell Depot proved unsuccessful so we had to view what Locos were on shed. 47770 lurks in the shadows and also several 37s and a 56 can be seen 08624 was stabled next to the resident Snowplough Mainline Blue 37379 'Ipswich WRD' stables at ML Scottish stalwart 37423 'Sir Murray Morrison' is seen from the B&Q Car Park I think tiredness must have set in by this time hence a large portion of concrete bridge in the shot, however it does show a great view of the Depot. Several 37s and 56s can be seen along with a RES 90 and 2 Class 314 units passing the Depot

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]]> Sun Oct 19 2008 London Trip, 12/10/08 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1594870.html In gorgeous Autumn sunshine, 3 Railway Lads set about going to some installations in the West London area. Visits were made to Wembley, Old Oak Common and Acton and a variety of Locos and Liveries were seen. How sad to see lines of wothdrawn 56s and 58s at a soon to close Old Oak Common and not one servicable Main Line loco on Shed. How times have changed Monday 13 October 2008: In gorgeous Autumn sunshine, 3 Railway Lads set about going to some installations in the West London area. Visits were made to Wembley, Old Oak Common and Acton and a variety of Locos and Liveries were seen. How sad to see lines of wothdrawn 56s and 58s at a soon to close Old Oak Common and not one servicable Main Line loco on Shed. How times have changed

A line up of 7 'Fertis' Class 56s are seen awaiting movement at Wembley Yd 92041 soaks up the morning sun at Wembley Yd 67003 is stabled on a rake of 'Charter' stock, probably awaiting movement to Old Oak Common. 67001 is out of sight at the rear of the train 66426 wont stay this clean for long as it prepares for its stint on the Autumn 'Sandite' trains off Wembley Yd 86213 The Lancashire Witch is seen in IC livery at Wembley Inter City depot 66714 stables beside a signalbox which controls the groundframe at the depot 90028 and 020 are seen all ready to leave with that evenings Sleeper stock. Note the buffers in different positions on the locos 90021 and 024 are in matching 'First' Scotrail livery at the other end of the sleeper stock Stabled in Wembley Yd is a third 90 in Scotrail colours, 90019 on the MK3 rake of 'Virgin' coaches 08454 is seen outside Wembley Traincare's Alsthom works Old Oak Common's 'Factory' is home to a number of locos undergoing restoration, one of which is 37308 which is being restored to its former glory 47847 is seen recieving engine repairs in the Factory D1015 is seen at a Depot which it was a regular visitor to in its heyday in the 70s on Expresses into Paddington This scene could easily be from the mid 80s after 50026 Indomitable had returned from Overhaul at Doncaster Works. Instead it is seen in 2008 being immaculately restored 56113 and 56051 are stabled on one of the turntable roads at Old Oak depot. The 56s are seen in Fertis livery after a spell abroad helping the French build a high speed line 56081 is another example seen by the turntable 56096 and 08694 keep each other company by the turntable Another view of 56051 and 56113 56104 heads a line up of another 4 classmates. Personally i preferred this loco in Trainload 'Coal' livery!! 56105 is hemmed in by a carriage off the breakdown train. The weather was more in keeping with the climate these locos were used to when they were in France!! Tucked away towards the HST and Heathrow Express depots are 56103 'STORA and ex Dutch liveried example 56049 56032 heads a line up along with 56133,112 and 070 No.1 Cab end of 56133 shows most of the control panel missing A view of the engine room compartment of 56133 James Welham enjoys 'cabbing' 56032 56058 sits at the head of another line up which includes 56090,074,037 and 58048,045 and 016 58016 is one of 3 'Bones' at Old Oak but the only one in FERTIS colours 56071 is seen in front of the Factory, with 56059 just visible behind 56118 was a casualty in France, being returned to Blighty early due to a traction motor fire. This former Loadhaul machine is seen in a sorry state awaiting its fate The evidence of the traction motor fire is clearly seen here on the bodyside De-named Royal 47799 is seen at Old Oak. The loco is kept in working order to supply ETH for the coaching stock that is still berthed n the sidings adjacent to the depot 56070,112 and 133 were stripped of parts to get the other locos up and running and are therefore in a bit of a mess A wheely nice shot of 56060 sat outside the Factory 37419 is seen inside one of the inspection sheds and was recieving some attention for a possible return to service 08879 was also inside the shed keeping the Tractor company 08918 has done as it was told and stopped in the correct place Its been so long since 37418 has turned a wheel that the spiders have taken up residence!! 56104 heads a line up including classmates 095,094 and 105. Compare this to the other shot of 56s at Old Oak taken some 15 years previously. All 56s are in matching liveries in each photo!! Final port of call after Old Oak was at Acton where there were 9 Locos present. 60009 laps up the Sun waiting its next turn of duty 59104 ticks over to itself while it contemplates the next stone train it will be pulling 66125 has a 'Not to be Moved' board attatched, something that should be compulsory for all 66s!!! 66024 sits on a rake of EWS HOAs having worked in from Stud Farm 59205 basks in the sun at Acton SP 60085 takes a well earned weekend rest at Acton SP Compare this image with the one earlier of 56104 at the head of a line up!! This view sees 56055 heading a line up of Construction liveried 56s, i believe one of the namers was 56001 'Whatley'

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]]> Mon Oct 13 2008 Depot's and Stabling Points http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1587667.html Have raided the archives for some previously unpublished pictures of Locos on sheds and Stabling Points. Through my work i have been lucky enough to visit many Depots with permission and include some Fots from some unusual locations. Other Depots and SP's are illustrated in my 'Tour of Britain' Galleries which contain many more archive pictures Monday 29 September 2008: Have raided the archives for some previously unpublished pictures of Locos on sheds and Stabling Points. Through my work i have been lucky enough to visit many Depots with permission and include some Fots from some unusual locations. Other Depots and SP's are illustrated in my 'Tour of Britain' Galleries which contain many more archive pictures

56027 and 47789 are seen stabled at Thornaby on 9/9/2001 37503 and 66125 rest in between duties at Thornaby 60011 stables at Thornaby on 9/9/2001, 60044 was also present on this day to make 2 Mainline Blue Tugs 56032 stables at Immingham Depot along with 37375 A rare visit was allowed to Southampton Maritime SP which allowed this shot of 08077 in RFS industries livery 09007 in Mainline and 08529 in BR ilustrate 2 types of Blue applied to various shunters over the years. Both are pictured at Doncaster 08633 is tucked away round the back of Worksop stabling point. Note the wagons used on the Middleton Towers sand train behind the Gronk 56062 was also found at Worksop on 18/8/2002 Doncaster Depot houses 66060,56083 and 37203 on 18/8/2002 56018 and 56103 STORA are aslo seen in the sun at Doncaster An unusual mixture of Locos are seen at Knottingley including 60025, 66523 and 58001 before it was cosmetically restored at Barrow Hill 56087 was found lurking deep inside Thornaby shed on 13/10/2002 37051,60031,a RES 47 and 66188 make a line up at Bescot Loco sidings on 30/3/2003 An unusual visitor to Doncaster is 9016 Gordon Highlander in its garish Porterbrook livery Later, 56018 and 60091 are seen resting at Healey Mills A line up of Sheds at Healey Mills sees 153,140 and 163 soaking up the Sun In 2003 there was an unprecedented gathering of 47s at Southampton Maritime due to Diversions taking up Freightliners other Locos. Seen here are 47s 355,829,309 and 841 as well as heavily grafitied 47205. Date is 29/8/03 60064 is resident at Rotherham Steel Terminal on 29/1/04 Maritime always has a large gathering of Locos at a Weekend as this shot shows. The unusual guest is Cotswolds 47316 along with 11 other Locos on 10/4/04 66561 is seen stabled at Basford Hall Electric Locos stable at Basford Hall at weekends in between Freightliner duties. 90041, 86637 and 621 are amongst those stabled 57008 stables at Basford Hall as 60040 departs with a Ballast for Edge Hill Crewe's LNWR workshops are busy with all manner of work, mainly for DRS,FL and Riviera. 66406 is stabled outside the main shed 37606 pokes its nose outside the shed at LNWR, Crewe Crewe International is home to the FL 86s, EWS 90s and 92s. 86s 614 and 639 are amongst Locos recieving attention at the Depot 90029 basks in the Sunshine at CE 92029 leads a line up of Classmates at Crewe IEMD Finally, a charming study of 08676 stabled at Didcot in the shadow of a building from the Didcot Railway Centre

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]]> Mon Sep 29 2008 VSOE comes to Sunny Bournemouth http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1585307.html The VSOE stock was hired by Bath Travel for a Private Charter to Basingstoke and back to provide Lunch for some Dorset folk not affected by the Credit Crunch. A Couple also decided to finish off their Wedding Album by having photos taken with the train after going on Honeymoon together on the Orient Express!! Saturday 27 September 2008: The VSOE stock was hired by Bath Travel for a Private Charter to Basingstoke and back to provide Lunch for some Dorset folk not affected by the Credit Crunch. A Couple also decided to finish off their Wedding Album by having photos taken with the train after going on Honeymoon together on the Orient Express!!

67002 'Special Delivery' heads the 5Z91 ECS from Stewarts Lane to Bournemouth. The train is een here passing Christchurch running 10 mins late 444006 heads to London with the 10.20 service from Weymouth With 67021 now leading, the 1Z91 to Basingstoke roars through Christchurch 67021 is still leading as the train approaches Bournemouth on its way to Poole. Note the Wedding couple on the Platform 67021 coasts through Bouremouth at just after 3pm with 1Z92 from Basingstoke 67002 is now on the rear as the train passes under the Wessex Way at Bournemouth 1Z93 from Poole sits at Bournemouth and the attendants watch the passengers leave the train, full of food and champagne!! All the Pullman carriages are named A shot of a metal plate attatched to all the carriages showing the date and place they were built. AUDREY is of 1928 vintage 67002 soaks up the Sun A view of the table and table lamps that make the VSOE One of the attendants shows off his smart uniform The VSOE sits in platform 3 while the 15.03 Weymouth-Waterloo is ready for departure in Platform 2 at 15.59 The happy couple apparently met each other travelling on trains in Europe then had their Honeymoon on the VSOE, so these pictures finish off their Wedding album After getting serviced and watered at Bournemouth Depot the VSOE went ECS to Southampton Parkway to work a boat train to Victoria. This view sees 67021 on the rear of the train shortly after it has passed through Brockenhurst The sun has just dipped down behind the buildings at Lymington Town casting shadows over the 100's of boats at the Marina 'Kiring' has returned to the Marina after an absence of a couple of months, the owners no doubt have been to sunnier climbs after our Summer washout Taken later at the Marina at Lymington at dusk shows the last of that evenings sunset. The most spectacular shot was missed while we were en route to Brockenhurst but not a bad substitute

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]]> Sat Sep 27 2008 Weekend bits and bobs http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1583003.html Went to a friends wedding on Saturday in Farnham which was my old stamping ground. Went to see Farnham shed and depot and it has changed beyond all recognition. Also popped into Medstead and Four Marks station on the way home to Fot a couple of Kettles only to find some GWR interlopers!!! Finished off with a couple of picture from an evening at work. All pics taken on Sunday 21st Sept. Monday 22 September 2008: Went to a friends wedding on Saturday in Farnham which was my old stamping ground. Went to see Farnham shed and depot and it has changed beyond all recognition. Also popped into Medstead and Four Marks station on the way home to Fot a couple of Kettles only to find some GWR interlopers!!! Finished off with a couple of picture from an evening at work. All pics taken on Sunday 21st Sept.

A line up of 11 Class 450 DESIROs was found at Farnham Depot, a far cry from the 3 sidings that used to exist at this location to serve the old spoil tip!! GWR Loco 4936 Kinlet Hall approaches Medstead and Four Marks station with the 10.56 service from Alton-Alresford. The driver is just exchanging tokens with the signalman 4936 rolls into the station The fire is glowing well as 4936 prepares for the off A reminder to the GWR stranger that this is Southern territory!! Kinlet Hall eases away and heads for Ropley The delightful 'Box at Medstead and Four Marks station 5029 Nunney Castle shuts off steam after the long climb from Ropley 5029 coasts into the station with the 11.00 service from Alresford Nunney Castle sparkles in the sun at Medstead station A first Class reflection of the sun just about to dissapear behind the Yachts at Lymington Pier Sunset over Lymington Marina With nightfall rapidly approaching i took this shot of the Marina along with the new Wightlink ferry 'Wight Light' Due to an engineering block between Bournemouth and Poole the Lymmy Slammer was berthed for the night in the Bay platform at Bournemouth station

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]]> Mon Sep 22 2008 The Early Bird catches the Worm http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1581316.html Another early start today allowed for time to go to Bournemouth Depot to Fot a 31 that was on shed having worked down from Derby RTC yesterday. The 2 SWT EDs were also fotted along with the Sand train empties at Wool sidings and the new Wightlink ferry berthed at Lymington Pier Friday 19 September 2008: Another early start today allowed for time to go to Bournemouth Depot to Fot a 31 that was on shed having worked down from Derby RTC yesterday. The 2 SWT EDs were also fotted along with the Sand train empties at Wool sidings and the new Wightlink ferry berthed at Lymington Pier

31105 is seen on No.4 Road at Bournemouth Depot as a 10 Car DESIRO leaves for Poole View from the other end of 31105. Note the Tail lamp fitted to 105 Side on view of 31105 at the Depot 73235 is seen next to 444041 and 450119 at Bournemouth Depot Closer view of ED 73235 on top of a 455 73109 'Battle of Britain' is seen on 3 road keeping another 455 company Seen from the platform at Wool is the sun rising and glinting of the HH Hoppers that form the Sand train to Neasden HIA Hoppers at Wool along with 66613 at the far end of the rake My job today contained 5 trips to Lymington Pier and 1498 is seen at its destination This is the new Ferry that has been causing so much controversy with the locals claiming the bigger boats will damage the local Wildlife. Wightlink need the bigger boats to encourage more Tourism to the Island

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]]> Fri Sep 19 2008 Aggregate Industries 59 on the Hamworthy Stone http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1580475.html The first visit of one of the re-liveried 59s occured today (17/9/08) when 59001 worked 6O48 Whatley-Hamworthy and 6V48 return. Here are some shots of the train at Poole, Hamworthy Park Crossing and at Hamworthy station Wednesday 17 September 2008: The first visit of one of the re-liveried 59s occured today (17/9/08) when 59001 worked 6O48 Whatley-Hamworthy and 6V48 return. Here are some shots of the train at Poole, Hamworthy Park Crossing and at Hamworthy station

59001 passes Poole station on the 6O48 Whatley-Hamworthy stone train 59001 passes Poole signalbox After unloading and running round, 6V48 heads across Hamworthy Park Crossing with the empty wagons 59001 applies some power to move the empties up the branch towards Hamworthy station 59001 basks in the sun next to Hamworthy signalbox Another view of 59001 next to the 'Box Close up view of No.1 end Cab which is adorned with a bell Broadside view of the new Aggregate Industries livery 59001 departs at just gone 5pm to allow the signaller at Hamworthy to 'switch out' the Box and go home

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]]> Wed Sep 17 2008 Tugging to Hamworthy http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1573544.html An early finish at work allowed me to go and get some pictures of 60056 on the 6O48 Whatley-Hamworthy stone and the 6V48 return. The train started out with 59203 between Whatley and Westbury where a loco swop took place and the 60 continued on to Hamworthy running an hour late Thursday 4 September 2008: An early finish at work allowed me to go and get some pictures of 60056 on the 6O48 Whatley-Hamworthy stone and the 6V48 return. The train started out with 59203 between Whatley and Westbury where a loco swop took place and the 60 continued on to Hamworthy running an hour late

60056 leaves the main line at Hamworthy with the 6O48 loaded stone train from Whatley Quarry 60056 draws alongside the signalbox at Hamworthy to get the token from the Signaller The Tug draws its train forward and onto the branch The only semaphore left on the main line to Weymouth is seen here at Hamworthy Jn. 2 minutes after the train passed the sun made an appearence (typical) 60056 doesnt look so dull in Black and white format The driver passes Poole signalbox and applies the power as he has the road through the station With Poole stadium in the background, 60056 accelerates the 6V48 Hamworthy-Whatley empties through Poole station

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]]> Thu Sep 4 2008 Bournemouth Air Festival 2008 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1571958.html From 28th to 31st August 2008 Bournemouth played host to its first Air show for years, with the Red Arrows and the Eurofighter Typhoon headlining the show. Typical British Summer weather was evident on the Thursday,Friday and Sunday with storms on the South Coast on Sunday preventing some attractions flying along the coast from the Air show at Shoreham in Sussex. Saturday provided the best day weather wise for spectators. The following images were taken on Friday and Sunday Monday 1 September 2008: From 28th to 31st August 2008 Bournemouth played host to its first Air show for years, with the Red Arrows and the Eurofighter Typhoon headlining the show. Typical British Summer weather was evident on the Thursday,Friday and Sunday with storms on the South Coast on Sunday preventing some attractions flying along the coast from the Air show at Shoreham in Sussex. Saturday provided the best day weather wise for spectators. The following images were taken on Friday and Sunday

The Falcons Parachute display team drop in on the Air Festival on Friday One of the Armys Lynx helicopters is put through its paces on the seafront. Most of the action took place between Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier's The unmistakable sight of the Lancaster Bomber banks round over Sandbanks near Poole ready for its first 'Pass' along the seafront The Lancaster Bomber!! 'Nuff said The Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire bank round over the Isle of Wight during the Battle of Britain memorial flight The Lancaster is flanked by the Hurricane and Spitfire as their fly past comes to an end 4 Helicopters from the Blue Eagles display team perform near Bournemouth Pier I make no apology for including several shots of the Red Arrows. Forming a Stealth Bomber shape they bank round towards the seafront Viewed from the beach at Durley Chine the Red Arrows pass very low overhead The Red Arrows pull skywards staying in formation The Red, White and Blue smoke trails are seen here to good effect The formation 'barrel' rolls over Looking like the Eurofighter, the Arrows again stay in perfect formation The main group of 9 planes then split up and performed their various traicks and passing moves The Eurofighter Typhoon blasts around the Dorset sky On to Sunday now and the skies were even greyer to greet these 4 Russian planes The Lynx helicopter powers away after being vertical at 90 degrees This bizzare combination saw a Glider towed along performing rolls whilst another plane performed tricks around the duo The Glider approaches over Bournemouth Pier. Anyone interested in Jazz should note the date!! Due to the poor weather and visability, the Lancaster only did one fly past much to the huge crowds dissapointment A DC6 is put through its paces on Sunday The white under carriage of the Sea Vixen sticks out against the leaden skies One final shot of the Red Arrows performing just before the heavens opened Normally you wont see anyone on Bournemouth beach in the pouring rain but the estimated 100,000 people stayed to see the Eurofighter do its stuff

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]]> Mon Sep 1 2008 Eastleigh EDs http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1568750.html Break time at Eastleigh again and this time there were 4 Class 73s and a 66 present to photograph. Of particular interest were the 2 Railtrack liveried Locos which had helped out with engineering work over the Bank Holiday weekend Tuesday 26 August 2008: Break time at Eastleigh again and this time there were 4 Class 73s and a 66 present to photograph. Of particular interest were the 2 Railtrack liveried Locos which had helped out with engineering work over the Bank Holiday weekend

ED cabs of 73212, 208 and 206 are seen at Eastleigh 73212, 213 and 66701 line up at Eastleigh station sidings 73208 sparkles in its BR Blue livery even on a dull day 73206 'Lisa' was partnering 73208 at Eastleigh Another view of 73212 at Eastleigh 73213 at Eastleigh The Snowploughed EDs stable at Eastleigh awaiting back to St Leonards or Tonbridge Yd The EDs line up with 208 on the left and 212 on the right 73213 viewed from the platform at Eastleigh Note the unofficial name on 73212 'Shiney'. Bizzarely 73213 has the painted name of PMT!!!! Maybe 213 is a bit tempremental!!

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]]> Tue Aug 26 2008 Bescot and Stenson Jn, 5 years ago http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1563258.html From the not to distant archives is a Gallery of images from a day out in the Midlands. An early start from home saw a 7am arrival at Bescot for a busy spell until 8.30am. Then it was on to Stenson Jn from 10am til 3.30pm for a variety of Freight with Freightliner, EWS and DRS locos seen. All images taken on 6th May 2003 Sunday 17 August 2008: From the not to distant archives is a Gallery of images from a day out in the Midlands. An early start from home saw a 7am arrival at Bescot for a busy spell until 8.30am. Then it was on to Stenson Jn from 10am til 3.30pm for a variety of Freight with Freightliner, EWS and DRS locos seen. All images taken on 6th May 2003

Just after arriving at Bescot at 7am, 66057 works into the Yard with 6G04 from Washwood Heath 66025 crawls towards Bescot station on the goods lines with a huge rake of steel wagons forming 6P05 to Wolverhampton Steel Terminal 92005 arrives from the North with 6M76 Mossend-Wembley Yd 37886 waits at the head of some engineers wagons on the 6G29 trip working to Walsall 56068 heads off the Depot light engine 56071 arrives from the Walsall direction L/E 37698 prepares to work a trip working to Pinnox. Note 37516 in the background along with some other stored Locos At Stenson Jn, 56104 passes with an 0Z73 Toton-Toton route learner. 56095 was also out on route learning duties from Toton 66084 approaches with a loaded MGR for Ratcliffe from Daw Mill Colliery 60076 heads a string of empty spoil wagons from Toton Yd-Basford Hall 66534 powers past on the 4E01 Millbrook-Leeds Freightliner service Loadhaul lovely 56090 heads 6M47 Aldwarke-Wolves ST with a load of steel rods 66609 approaches with the 6E54 Kingsbury-Humber tanks Another Fred in the shape of 66602 heads 6P02 Bardon Hill-Chaddesden with loaded PNAs 60022 drags its long rake of loaded tanks off the Branch with the 6M57 Lindsey-Kingsbury. Note the disused track and signal which used to access the closed Willington Power station At the time, 66566 was the last in the batch of Freds ordered by Freightliner. It sparkles with its silver buffers whilst working 6G45 Immingham-Rugeley Towards the end of Virgins association with HSTs a lot of sets were re-formed and called 'Challenger's'. One such set works a XC service at Stenson, probably from Newcastle Freightliner took over this working from EWS but now this traffic has ceased altogether. 66605 heads 6E99 Baglan Bay-Humber pressure tanks 60008 Gypsum Queen was just about caught in the sun working 6M96 Margam-Corby loaded coils 66610 heads a shot rake of tanks on the 6M00 service from Humber-Kingsbury DRS Locos 37229,20307 and 37610 approach on an 0Z73 Kingmoor-Loughborough Works move. The Locos will recieve attention at the Works A view of the DRS convoy with 37610 nearest the camera 60067 powers the 6V98 Beeston-Newport Docks scrap steel train

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]]> Sun Aug 17 2008 Thomas at the Mid Hants Railway http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1563035.html Its become a bit of a tradition in the Summer and at Easter that the Mid Hants railway bring some of the Thomas the Tank Engine characters to life and this year was no exception. We had a fantastic day and the Weather was brill and the Mid Hants put on a great day with lots to do Sunday 17 August 2008: Its become a bit of a tradition in the Summer and at Easter that the Mid Hants railway bring some of the Thomas the Tank Engine characters to life and this year was no exception. We had a fantastic day and the Weather was brill and the Mid Hants put on a great day with lots to do

A 4 Car Daisy the Diesel Railcar set is seen in the sun at Alresford station with the 11.10 departure to Alton The Cheeky little tank engine Percy was giving Brake van rides at Alresford Still with Yeoman branding, 08032 is seen at Alresford station My kids Jamie and Emily pose in front of Trevor the Traction engine Standard '5' 73096 was masquerading as Henry with the 11.55 to Alton At Ropley, Diesel and Toad were giving Brake van rides and they sneak in to the station 35005 Canadian Pacific is seen on Shed at Ropley All the locos at Ropley wore faces to add flavour to the day, 41312 is seen on the left about to be passed by Thomas and Diesel Thomas heads for the sidings with a coach full of passengers in tow More of the Locos that were on Ropley shed 60019 Bittern was turned out as Spencer and is seen approaching Ropley with the 12.35 from Alresford Henry arrives at a packed Ropley station and passes Daisy As well as a giant slide and various catering outlets, a miniture train was in operation with the 'City of Westminster' providing power The delightfully scenic Medstead and Four Marks staion The fireman of Spencer gets on the tender to lossen some coal for Spencer's fire Warning signs at Medstead and Four Marks station Henry exchanges the Token with the 15.15 service from Alton

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]]> Sun Aug 17 2008 Duchess of Sutherland comes to the South Coast http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1561540.html 46233 Duchess of Sutherland worked 'The Catherdrals Express' from Clapham Jn to Weymouth on Wednesday 13th August, a first for this Loco. Despite running late due to the ECS arriving late from Southall, the Loco performed well and looked the part. Once again, the weather was a complete let down and i struggled to keep the camera dry while fotting at Wareham Thursday 14 August 2008: 46233 Duchess of Sutherland worked 'The Catherdrals Express' from Clapham Jn to Weymouth on Wednesday 13th August, a first for this Loco. Despite running late due to the ECS arriving late from Southall, the Loco performed well and looked the part. Once again, the weather was a complete let down and i struggled to keep the camera dry while fotting at Wareham

46233 approaches Wareham running an hour late with 1Z92 the 08.10 from Clapham Jn to Weymouth 6233 appoaches the foot crossing at Wareham station A view of the train taken from the footbridge at Wareham station. The 'Duchess' took on Water here A view of the wheels on 6233 at Wareham in the pouring rain 6233 departs Wareham after its drink!! Note the water pouring off the guttering of the MK 1 coach 6233 arrives at Bournemouth at 7.15pm with the return 1Z93 from Weymouth, running 40 late at this time View of the Coal and shovel on the footplate The driver takes a well earned breather as the fire glows well Note the 'Personalised' headlight which reads '6233 CAMDEN', a reference to Camden shed where the loco was based A view of the 'motion' of 6233 whilst at Bournemouth The 'Duchess' lets off steam at Bournemouth An unscheduled stop at Bournemouth allowed the support Loco to be uncoupled. 47245 draws forward to the signal ready to follow 1Z93 to Waterloo A nice splash of late evening sunshine as 47245 pulls away

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]]> Thu Aug 14 2008 Holiday 2008 Bits and Bobs http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1555743.html Saturday 26th July saw us set off from Poole for a weeks stay at Cockerham Sands Country Park which is 15 mins South of Lancaster on the Irish Sea Coast. Despite it being a family holiday we still managed to do a couple of railway orientated things including the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway and some Blackpool Trams. Add that to the unpreictable British weather and we had quite a mixed week!! Monday 4 August 2008: Saturday 26th July saw us set off from Poole for a weeks stay at Cockerham Sands Country Park which is 15 mins South of Lancaster on the Irish Sea Coast. Despite it being a family holiday we still managed to do a couple of railway orientated things including the Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway and some Blackpool Trams. Add that to the unpreictable British weather and we had quite a mixed week!!

0-6-0 Tank engine 'Hercules' simmers away at Haverthwaite station with the first service of the day, the 10.40 to Lakeside 'Hercules' struggles to get its 5 coaches on the move from Haverthwaite station The train crept forward at snails pace as 'Hercules' chuggs uphill and past the engine shed The delightful Haverthwaite station Some of the lines home fleet of steam and Diesels were in the shed including BR Blue 27024 20188 sparkles in BR Green livery in the shed 2 of the lines Steam fleet take a breather inside the shed 'Hercules' returns to Haverthwaite with the 11.15 service from Lakeside We joined the 11.50 service to Lakeside then took a Boat cruise to Bowness during which this shot of a vintage Aircraft was taken flying over Windermere The Driver takes a well earned break at Lakeside station before departing with the 15.45 to Haverthwaite Back at Haverthwaite station, 'Hercules' is uncoupled and prepares to run round its stock The Loco awaits the Signaller to set the road for its run round Had i been in the right place on the coast, im sure this would have made a stunning shot but i had to grab the camera from the caravan first to get this shot. By the time i'd got to the Beach, the sun had gone in the space of 10 mins!! That evening produced a picturesque sky as the sun set Our day in Blackpool on Tuesday started bright and sunny but Storms were forecast later in the day. Tram 707 heads for Starr Gate via the Pleasure Beach Tram number 723 heads for Fleetwood. The digger in the background is in connection with a lot of improvement work taking place along the Seafront ready for when Blackpool hosts the European Beach Volleyball tournament in 2010 761 works a service to Starr Gate via the Pleasure Beach 761 and 703 pass near Central Pier on the seafront One of the storms forecast approaches over the bay!! Which led to torrential rain for a good 30 mins!! Thankfully this storm missed us During a visit to White Scar Caves i noticed that we were close to the Ribblehead Viaduct so it would be rude not to pop down and see this awesome structure I was just about to return to the family who were having some lunch when i heard a distant 'horn' and was rewarded with a shot of a Leeds bound passenger train on the viaduct. Shame the Wether couldnt produce On the way to the caves, this bizzare structure was seen dissapearing into the Hills near a small village called Claughton on the A683. It looks like a method of bringing stone or other materials out of the hills. I have since found out it is the Claughton Aerial Ropeway which brings clay out of the local hills for the Hanson Brickworks Clay comes out of the hills ends up going into this 'Warehouse' and being unloaded. The third part of this structure stretched across the road. I have no idea if it is still in use. This was the closest i got to seeing a 'Tractor' all week

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]]> Mon Aug 4 2008 Eastleigh, 22/7/08 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1549023.html Took advantage of a beautiful sunny morning to try Eastleigh station for the first time in a while. The yard was quite busy with various trip workings moving off during the morning but the resident Gronks weren't very busy due to the lack of Engineering work during the Summer on the SWT Network. Strangely, 6M44 to Wembley departed from sidings adjacent to the station rather than the Yard Tuesday 22 July 2008: Took advantage of a beautiful sunny morning to try Eastleigh station for the first time in a while. The yard was quite busy with various trip workings moving off during the morning but the resident Gronks weren't very busy due to the lack of Engineering work during the Summer on the SWT Network. Strangely, 6M44 to Wembley departed from sidings adjacent to the station rather than the Yard

The last of a rake of 4 wheeled Tanks are seen passing Eastleigh station being hauled into Eastleigh Yd from Fawley by 66025 66502 gets the 4E44 Millbrook-Leeds 'Liner on the way again under cloudless skies at Eastleigh 66074 snakes a long rake of Cartics out of Eastleigh Yd as the 4O20 Castle Bromwich-Southampton Eastern Docks 66074 and 66502 pass at Eastleigh A 12 car DESIRO formation approaches on the 08.39 Waterloo-Poole stopper 444036 leads the 09.05 Waterloo-Weymouth service through Eastleigh 66083 can just be viewed through a gap in its Cartics as it winds 6Y24 into the Yard from the Eastern Docks 220008 speeds through the centre road with the 09.45 XC service from Bournemouth 66107 was next off the Yard with an Intermodal trip working to Western Docks 66025 takes another rake of Tanks to Fawley All you need to know about TTA 56174 66571 approaches from the North with 4O14 from Garston 66589 awaits the road with 4M58 to Ditton 66083 is attatched to its Cartics again after running round 6Y24 and now forms 6Y58 to the Western Docks Side on view of 66705 'Golden Jubilee' and its Union Jack flag 458015 passes en route to Bournemouth Depot, possibly to collect a classmate off a C4 exam 66011 passes with just 1 NLU forming 6O41 from Westbury 08482 heads a mixture of wagons towards the station sidings. These were then tagged onto 20 Coalfish wagons to form 6M44 to Wembley Yd 66011 was entrusted to work 6M44 to Wembley Yd 66705 and 66707 are seen stabled next to the station

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]]> Tue Jul 22 2008 Cossington 18/7/08 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1547237.html An early start was in order to make a full day at Cossington with the hope of seeing a Fastline 66 or 2!! 6D03 produced 66304 and 2 other workings produced 60s in the shape of 054 in Petroleum and 059 in Loadhaul. Just a shame the Weather didnt play ball and it remained cloudy all day Saturday 19 July 2008: An early start was in order to make a full day at Cossington with the hope of seeing a Fastline 66 or 2!! 6D03 produced 66304 and 2 other workings produced 60s in the shape of 054 in Petroleum and 059 in Loadhaul. Just a shame the Weather didnt play ball and it remained cloudy all day

66513 passess Leicester at 9.40am working 6V94 Earles-Theale Cement 66545 heads North on 6P20 Basford Hall-Mountsorrel empties. The NLUs will be loaded at the quarry before heading North 5 car Meridian unit 222014 heads North at Cossington 66198 races up the fast line with the 6D32 empty wagons from Elstow Just North of Mountsorrel is a foot crossing and we watched 66198 run into the Headshunt then onto the Stabling area after working the Elstow wagons in Back to Cossington in time to see 66304 head the 6D03 Fastline Coal from Daw Mill-Ratcliffe Power station. We should have seen 2 Fastline diagrams but 6D00 was running 100 mins early and passed at 5 past 8 The first Southbound Freight we saw at Cossington was 4E80 Hotchley Hill-West Burton Gypsum empties. The train runs to Humberstone Road near Leicester to run round As 4E80 headed South, 66701 on 6T78 from Whitemoor-Mountsorrel was approaching and the 2 trains are seen from a foot crossing 156406 was working Leicester to Lincoln shuttles all day and is seen here approaching Leicester 66162 was seen working 6Z51 Daw Mill to Toton Our first Class 60 of the day was sole remaing 'Sector' liveried 60054. The Petroleum liveried Tug was working 6M96 from Margam-Corby 66726 has run round its wagons and heads North up the MML to West Burton Power station The 6M53 Self discharge train from Chelmsford was worked by 66119 One of my favourite shots of the day was this HST speeding South and glimpsed between the trees at Cossington Fellow 'Celebrity' Tug 60059 pounds up the MML working a late running 6M87 Ely-Peak Forest empties A brief interlude from the sometimes sparse Freight action was provided by 2 of the RAFs Hercules planes. This view illustrates nicely just how dull the weather was 222002 is formed up as a 7 car Meridian and it rushes North 66124 heads the 4V17 Toton-Portbury coal empties South at approx 4pm 66581 'Sophie' works the newly introduced 6Z92 Cement empties from West Thurrock Shortly before we left, 66701 headed South with its NLUs now loaded with stone for Whitemoor Yard This panoramic view of Wellinborough Yard was actually taken on my way home and shows 66730 on the right and 66728 on the left. The locos are there for weekend ballast work on the Metropolitan Line Tube lines Power car 43073 displays an unusual yellow panel where the emergency cupling connector is housed. It is seen at Wellingborough heading a St Pancras-Leeds service

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]]> Sat Jul 19 2008 Hamworthy Stone, the run round http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1545810.html Although ive seen a few photos of the Hamworthy stone en route to Hamworthy, ive not seen many shots of where the run round takes place at the Quay. The opportunity was taken whilst on leave to take some shots with 59201 providing the power Wednesday 16 July 2008: Although ive seen a few photos of the Hamworthy stone en route to Hamworthy, ive not seen many shots of where the run round takes place at the Quay. The opportunity was taken whilst on leave to take some shots with 59201 providing the power

59201 has finished unloading the last of its 14 wagons loaded with stone from the Mendip quarry of Whatley. The train now has to run round before heading back to Somerset 59201 approaches Hamworthy Park crossing at caution The train now rumbles across the crossing, note the fact there are no barriers which is why the train approaches at 10MPH 59201 runs round its wagons at the once busy Quay. At the moment this stone train is the only traffic down the branch and runs just once a week Weeds or Flowers?? Ive no idea but they add a splash of colour as 201 approaches its empty wagons 59201 is now coupled up to its wagons and awaiting the Shunter to do a brake test 59201 draws forward towards the crossing again Signs of busier times are the buffer stops next to the Loco. A class 09 loco used to shunt Hamworthy Goods on a daily basis not many moons ago 59201 crosses the ungated Hamworthy Park crossing Some of the warning signs that protect the crossing I managed to beat 6V48 to Poole and the train is seen during its booked layover at Poole Yard. The signalman at Hamworthy despatch the train ASAP so that they can finish their shift and 'switch out' the 'Box 59201 again, seen at Sterte Rd 59201 sits in Poole Yard next to the stock for the 17.50 to Waterloo. The 15.05 Waterloo to Weymouth passes on the down line

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]]> Wed Jul 16 2008 Lymington 150 Celebrations http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1544208.html Saturday 12th July 2008 marked the 150th Anniversary of the Lymington Branch. To mark the occasion SWT ran an ED with one of the Heritage line slammers plus there were some fun activities at Brockenhurst between 2pm and 5pm. Between these times SWT charged passengers a fare of 20p return, the equivalent ticket price of 1858 when the fare was 1s 6d when the line opened. Staff were also dressed in period costume and the day was a success Sunday 13 July 2008: Saturday 12th July 2008 marked the 150th Anniversary of the Lymington Branch. To mark the occasion SWT ran an ED with one of the Heritage line slammers plus there were some fun activities at Brockenhurst between 2pm and 5pm. Between these times SWT charged passengers a fare of 20p return, the equivalent ticket price of 1858 when the fare was 1s 6d when the line opened. Staff were also dressed in period costume and the day was a success

The ticket Clerk at Brockenhurst looks more like an engine driver!! My kids Jamie and Emily have fun on the Bouncy Castle at Brockenhurst, one of a few attractions provided by SWT A horse drawn carriage ride was also available Guard Peter Light and Driver Adam Chapman are the next Traincrew to work the Lymington shuttles and are seen with Ian Macavoy (station supervisor, Brockenhurst) disguised as Sherlock Holmes The spare Lymington slam door unit was sent to Fareham to 'turn' the unit to even out wear on the tyres and flanges. 1497 speeds through Brockenhurst on its way back to Bournemouth Depot Class 73 ED locomotive 73109 arrives at Brockenhurst with the 16.14 service from Lymington Pier. Due to high passenger loadings the service was running 6 mins late Face painting and balloon modeling was also provided for the kids!! 73109 is seen at Lymington Pier before departure with the 16.44 to Brockenhurst

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]]> Sun Jul 13 2008 Nobby's ED knees up http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1542595.html I was privileged to be chosen to work a 'Special' from Bournemouth to Waterloo formed of an ED and 3 car CIG unit normally confined to the Lymington Branch services. The train then formed a 'Retirement' special for long serving 'Controller' Nobby at Waterloo who has seen 43 years Railway service. The train ran to Brockenhurst where colleagues retired to a local pub to celebrate his retirement Thursday 10 July 2008: I was privileged to be chosen to work a 'Special' from Bournemouth to Waterloo formed of an ED and 3 car CIG unit normally confined to the Lymington Branch services. The train then formed a 'Retirement' special for long serving 'Controller' Nobby at Waterloo who has seen 43 years Railway service. The train ran to Brockenhurst where colleagues retired to a local pub to celebrate his retirement

73235 is ready for the off at Bournemouth Depot in what litte sun we saw during the day Lets hope a fast run on the main line blew away the cobwebs on 73235!! Ground level shot of one of the Shunt dummies on the exit to the Depot Bang on time at 09.34, 1498 is pushed out of the Depot and into Branksome station 73235 at Branksome Driver Paul Garrett boards 235 for the run to Waterloo as 5Z41 After a fast run to Basingstoke it was time for a crew chage and Driver Dave Hewson would work the train to Wimbledon Park then on to Waterloo and back to Basingstoke via Chertsey. The 'Lymington Flyer' headboard was added during a brief stop at Brockenhurst 73235 sits alongside a DESIRO at Wimbledon Park depot 73109 'Battle of Britain' appears at Wimbledon Depot and will couple on to 1498 to make the train Top and Tailed with EDs The EDs pass at Wimbledon depot Under the watchful eye of the shunters at Wimbledon, 73109 couples up The train is now brake tested and ready to form the 5Z42 ECS to Waterloo, 109 now sporting the headboard Close up of the Headboard and silver buffers on 109 Contrasting front ends at Waterloo with 73235 and 444016 Nobby makes his way up platform 12 at Waterloo where his train awaits. He was unaware of the special train until he was actually on the platform, a well kept secret!! A fitting headcode for 43 years good service An atmospheric shot of a Slammer at Waterloo, the first one for 3 years Courtesy of a signal check at Woking i grabbed this shot of 59204 waiting to leave on 6Z49 to Merehead 73109 has arrived at Brockenhurst bang on time at 17.02 on 1Z43 from Waterloo A timeless shot of the train at Branksome waiting to go into the Depot Its a tough job but somebody has to do it. Myself and Paul pose for a photo at the end of our day 73109 heads for a rest at Bournemouth depot but should make an appearence at the weekend on the Lymington 150 anniversary weekend

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]]> Thu Jul 10 2008 Barnetby before the Red Death http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1540159.html A day was spent in the Barnetby area in 1999 for a few shots before the Class 66 invasion. Apart from the weather it was a good day with plenty of 56s about plus a few working which are no longer with us such as Tanks to Hunslet, Paper to/from Immingham to Ripple Lane and the Grimsby-Roxby Tioxide train Sunday 6 July 2008: A day was spent in the Barnetby area in 1999 for a few shots before the Class 66 invasion. Apart from the weather it was a good day with plenty of 56s about plus a few working which are no longer with us such as Tanks to Hunslet, Paper to/from Immingham to Ripple Lane and the Grimsby-Roxby Tioxide train

56125 passes Melton Ross with the 6D90 tanks to Welton 56038 'Western Mail' powers MGR empties from Scunthorpe past Melton Ross Mainline 60s appeared on Humberside as EWS employed a 'General user' policy for its Motive Power. 075 heads 6N10 Humber-Jarrow at Melton Ross 60050rumbles past with the loaded Tioxide train heading from Grimsby to Roxby 60008 'Gypsum Queen' heads a slab train towards Immingham 56128 accelerates past Melton Ross with a loaded train of coal for Scunthorpe. How i would have loved to live in that house!! Although i was deep into former Loadhaul territory, only 3 Loadhaul lovelies were seen including 56118 on empties from Scunthorpe Metals Sector 56043 finds itself employed on the Scunny coal circuit 56109 heads empty Power station tanks past Melton, probably the early afternoon train from Eggborough 37892 heads the afternoon 6D66 Immingham-Doncaster enterprise Trains were coming in thick and fast now and breaking up the pattern of MGRs and Oils was 56062 'Mountsorrel' with the paper van empties from Ripple Lane 56019 was the last of its type left in the popular Red Stripe Railfreight livery and is seen here on the Wolverhampton Steel Terminal working 60052 heads an unidentified tank train towards the Humberside refineries From Steel to Oil!! 60008 now heads a long rake of tanks to Hunslet, Leeds 56004 heads the only empty MGR service to leave Immingham, the 6V31 service to Swansea Burrows sidings Back at the station and 47457 'Ben Line' heads an U.I.D enterprise working through Barnetby during the early evening

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]]> Sun Jul 6 2008 C.F. Booths, Rotherham 1/10/05 http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1539152.html With around 30 locos awaiting disposal at Booths including a 56 i needed to capture on film i made a long trek North on a fine Saturday morning to pay my Fiver and go round the scapyard and pay my respects to those locos about to be given the last rites Friday 4 July 2008: With around 30 locos awaiting disposal at Booths including a 56 i needed to capture on film i made a long trek North on a fine Saturday morning to pay my Fiver and go round the scapyard and pay my respects to those locos about to be given the last rites

37074 heads a line of Locos which will be next in line for the cutters torch The remains of 37071 are seen while the 'Cutter' finishes off a wagon in the foreground 47146 awaits its fate Big 'T' Dutch liveried 56036 sits silently on the blocks RES liveried 47566 catches the morning rays as it awaits movement into one of the cutting areas Former French Tractor 37298 still shows evidence of its white rimmed wheels as it sits next to 37162 47536 is taken apart bit by bit One of my last 3 possible Grids that i could get for a photo is seen here in the depths of the Scrapyard. Oh how i wish i'd manage to see this Loco pounding away on an MGR in the North East rather than waiting to be chopped up into razor blades All manner of liveries were at Booths including this 'Construction' Tractor 37686 BR Blue 56004 is marked for Component recovery but would eventually see its fate at the hands of the Booths Acetylene torch 56004, 47725 and 37040 lay idle and silent on the blocks A cab height view of part of the scrapline Its been quite a while since 37162 was wound up to 80 MPH The remains of 37071 are seen alongside a MK 3 sleeper The Grim Reaper awaits!!! R.I.P.

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]]> Fri Jul 4 2008 Another Eastleigh PNB http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1536291.html With another hour to kill at Eastleigh on a Sunday i packed my camera just in case and was very glad i did!! I also passed Maritime 4 times and was able to take a couple of shots on the way past Sunday 29 June 2008: With another hour to kill at Eastleigh on a Sunday i packed my camera just in case and was very glad i did!! I also passed Maritime 4 times and was able to take a couple of shots on the way past

66505 is seen at Maritime with part of its roof open for routine maintenance 08624 sits at Maritime on a short rake of flats 10 Locos can be seen stabled at Maritime for the weekend and are viewed from the rear cab of 444011 66026 leads 4 other 66s into Eastleigh station on a shunt move from Depot to Depot 66059 brings up the rear of the L/E move but will lead the other engines back onto EH Shed 09019 busies itself shunting wagons up to Eastleigh Yard 09019 carefully pushes the wagons towards Eastleigh Yd Colas 47s 749 and 727 were stabled near Eastleigh Yard where you would normally see MPVs and Stoneblowers Orange and Yellow Cab ends of 727 and 749 47727 is seen adorned with an 83H Shedplate 47749 and 727 hide amongst the undergrowth at Eastleigh GBRf Locos 66718,66725,73205 and 73209 are seen amongst the weeds at Eastleigh View of 66718 stabled at Eastleigh EDs 209 and 205 are stabled near Eastleigh station 66724 is a long way from its 'Name' Drax Power station!! The EDs are seen alongside 66724 A panoramic view of Bournemouth station sees the 11.35 arrival from Waterloo 'dividing' and a 9 Car Arriva XC set awaiting departure at 13.40 for the North

Published in Photographs by Steve

]]> Sun Jun 29 2008 Lymington Lunch http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1528049.html Rather than working the Lymington Slammer i thought i would take advantage of a day off to go and have some Lunch at the Ship Inn on Lymington Quay and watch the train shuttling up and down. Back to reality on Fathers Day though with 9 trips rostered!! Saturday 14 June 2008: Rather than working the Lymington Slammer i thought i would take advantage of a day off to go and have some Lunch at the Ship Inn on Lymington Quay and watch the train shuttling up and down. Back to reality on Fathers Day though with 9 trips rostered!!

A shot of the soon to dissapear Traverser at Brockenhurst station. I expect the traverser will see a lot of use during the week of the 'New Forest Show' but the facility will go when the station is refurbished Taken sat at my table waiting for my Cheese and Bacon burger to arrive, 1497 heads to Brockenhurst with the 13.14 off the Pier The Quay was a hive of activity with humans and birds in large numbers! The 14.14 off the Pier rumbles over the bridge towards Lymington Town The splendid station building at Lymington Town 1497 arrives at the Town with the 14.29 off Brockenhurst with the wrong display up front!! Whoops 1497 sits at Brockenhurst shortly before departure with the 14.59 shuttle to the Pier

Published in Photographs by Steve

]]> Sat Jun 14 2008 Trains, Swans and Boats!! http://steve-clark.fotopic.net/c1523804.html Taken on Wednesday 4th July, just a bit of variety from an evening at work, obviously far too much spare time on my hands!!!! Saturday 7 June 2008: Taken on Wednesday 4th July, just a bit of variety from an e