I'm completely new to blogging. The intention is to blog about observations of anything vaguely interesting (to me) in the hope it may be of use or others. It will focus on modern image/contemporary and what I see on my travels. I have no specific skills or knowledge around railways, so will just say what I see.

Whilst I spend a fair amount of time on the GE mainline, I travelled to Exeter and back by train. A vinyled HST at Paddington next to the statue of the great man. All credit to GWR for trains that were clean and punctual. Good to see HST's still going strong after 40+ years. The first one is the same age as me. Sadly I've not been refurbished or re-engined.

For anyone interested in the new Robel Mobile Maintenance machines ( http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/infrastructure/single-view/view/mobile-maintenance-train-enters-service.html ), one was sat on Friday at the Passer UK factory in West London by the GWML, and another is sat at the new Romford track maintenance depot. 2 out of 8 in a day is good going.

For AC fans 86401 seems to be based at and can be seen regularly at Ilford EMD. Sadly it always seems to be sat at the London end of the most southerly shed between it and the new Bombardier sheds being built, making a photo from a passing train nigh on impossible. Does look lovely in Caledonian colours.

The revised Chelmsford sidings (ex-Rowntrees chocolate/mail sidings) are regularly host to the Windhof based OHL replacement train. Mornings regularly see a 59 and a line of MRL JHA's being emptied by the 2 large excavators on site, which sit up on a large pile of aggregates to reach down into the wagons This is a busy aggregate flow based on the number of trains sat there. Also there is a new NR depot full of vehicles and stuff. A busy rail site. Good potential for a diorama. I will endeavour to get photos.