LNERGE Posted April 20, 2022 Share Posted April 20, 2022 Another experience I had at Cambridge was when I was around ten or eleven years old. I’d made it there from Letchworth by myself to watch trains. I noted a trap point had both blades standing open in the South Bay. I reported it to a member of staff. They had a look and said they’d find someone who could explain what was going on. They did find someone and the chap explained it was a wide to gauge trap and why it was like it. Neither person had to go as far as they did. It was most educational and inspirational. 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted April 22, 2022 Author Share Posted April 22, 2022 Some more photographs from 1951 today. The captions are those that were supplied with them and if anyone can add any further details then please feel free to do so. B16 61460 between Stockton and Eaglescliffe on an Up mineral. An unidentified B16 pilots an A1 at the same location. Ivatt Class 2 46474 at Piercebridge 46474 on a Darlington to Penrith working. An A4 on the Up Flying Scotsman at Bradbury, Durham. A V2 on an Up passenger at the same location. Chris Turnbull 14 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted April 23, 2022 Author Share Posted April 23, 2022 I've been struggling to replace a broken valve spindle on my Aster Big Boy today and the time has come to walk away from it! So, time for some more photos; Scotland I thought. 170472 (left) and 170456 (right) at Edinburgh Waverley on 19th May 2013. At the other Edinburgh station, Haymarket, this is a commemorative plaque photographed on 6th May 2006 156505 at Glasgow Central on the same day. I was staying at the Jurys Inn hotel (behind the 156 in the last photo) and my room overlooked the station throat. This is Central taken from my room, later that day after it had closed for engineering works Nor must I forget Queen Street where I caught 156447, again on 6th May. And lastly, this is Fort William on a wet 7th September 2017 with Black 5 45407 about to depart for Mallaig. Chris Turnbull 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted April 24, 2022 Author Share Posted April 24, 2022 On 28th June 2002 Modern Railways organised a trip to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) to view the progress made with its construction. The visit started at Ashford (I think) and this is Ashford. Beechbrook farm, the main construction site for the works. The south portal (I think) of the North Downs Tunnel. The Medway Bridge. Mersham with the Folkestone line on the left. Dollands Moor from Sellindge Chris Turnbull 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted April 25, 2022 Author Share Posted April 25, 2022 Once upon a time when lines were closed for whatever reason, trains were diverted rather than a bus replacement service being organised. Sunday 30th September 1979 was just such a day so that day I wandered down to the railway line at Little Thetford (just south of Ely) where I then lived, / 55022 Royal Scots Grey speeds northwards with a down working past West River signalbox. It looks like there was a bit of autumn mist early on. 254014 on a similar down working. And, yes, the box did lean as did the telegraph poles. Taken from the bank of the River Ouse an unidentified HST heads north. By this time the sun had started to break through. I wasn't the only one there but I have no idea who he was. Nor was it all HSTs northbound. Here's 37050 headed south. For more photos of diverted workings see page 20 of this topic and my post dated 31st January 2015. Chris Turnbull 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffP Posted April 26, 2022 Share Posted April 26, 2022 (edited) To go back to your 1951 black and white photos, I believe the A1 being piloted is in fact the solitary A1/1 60113 Great Northern. The deflector shape and the nameplate with crest are clues. Also, the A4 is, I think, 60019 Bittern. Edited April 26, 2022 by JeffP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
great central Posted April 26, 2022 Share Posted April 26, 2022 2 hours ago, JeffP said: To go back to your 1951 black and white photos, I believe the A1 being piloted is in fact the solitary A1/1 60113 Great Northern. The deflector shape and the nameplate with crest are clues. Also, the A4 is, I think, 60019 Bittern. Definitely Great Northern, the position of the cylinders gives it away Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted April 26, 2022 Author Share Posted April 26, 2022 (edited) My better half was out with our younger daughter today and the weather was lovely so rather than stay at home and catch up on boring chores, I decided to take myself off around the highways and byways of the East Anglian rail network covered by the Greater Anglia Day Ranger. Back in March I went up to North Norfolk, this time (26th April) I explored the East Suffolk and Wherry lines. Before I set off to walk to the station I checked Real Time Trains (RTT) to see if anything was due to come through Soham before my 8.38 departure time. There was nothing so I didn't rush. Sitting on the station some five minutes before my train was due I was sure I could hear a freight approaching from the Ely direction. Thinking I must have misread RTT I got my camera ready... ..and this appeared. 66710 on what turned out to be a late running 4L43 Doncaster Iport to Felixstowe North. The result of this freight being given the road ahead of us was that we were continually signal checked all the way to Ipswich where we passed it, signal checked, on Bacon Factory Chord. We arrived at Ipswich 10 minutes down. Here is 755415 after late arrival from Peterborough due to poor train regulation. This didn't worry me as I had allowed myself plenty of time to take photos; I like to make these perambulations around East Anglia as relaxing as I can. Naturally, I took my customary photo of the yard adjacent to the station, today with 755310 (at Platform 4), 66545 and 755415 at the extreme right in view. London services are usually provided by Class 745 Flirts, in this case 008. But not all. The second surprise of the day was to see 720564 with 563 behind, also on a Liverpool Street working. There were the usual locos at the north end of the station, 90014, 90041 and 66771. The Flirt is 755413 and formed my next train, the 10.16 to Lowestoft. Here is 755413 almost ready to depart. I climbed aboard and we soon set off. The East Suffolk line is well laid as far as Westerfield where the Felixstowe line diverges but after that it deteriorates markedly. The jointed track was so rough that my copy of Railway Track Diagrams (fifth edition available from all good booksellers) fell off the table as we passed through the closed station at Bealings. Because these units are articulated you get de-dum, de-dum rather than diddley-dum that I am so used to. Despite the rough ride we had an on-time arrival at Lowestoft. I'm growing tired and so are you Let's cut this post into two. - with apologies to Hilaire Belloc (Lord Lundy) More tomorrow... Chris Turnbull Edited April 27, 2022 by Chris Turnbull 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted April 27, 2022 Author Share Posted April 27, 2022 (edited) Here's Part Two of my East Anglian adventure on 26th April. I left Part One at Lowestoft where I had photographed 755413 just after arrival. In the short time it took me to walk the length of the train to the exit 755327 arrived from Norwich. This was to form the next train to Ipswich and 413 the next train the Norwich. However, I like to have a bit of variety on my travels and not stick slavishly to the trains. At one time I could have caught a train to Great Yarmouth but no longer. A walk through the town to the bus station and I was on the bus to Great Yarmouth. The Coast Clipper runs every half hour and trundles through various villages on the way. It is not fast but I wasn't in a rush and it gives me a chance to enjoy the countryside. And anyway, it didn't cost me anything with my bus pass. On arrival at Matket Gates bus station in Great Yarmouth I made my way to the railway station (or train station as people seem to say these days) and this is what greeted me. To think that I called Peterborough utilitarian! It had been quite a walk - there is no such thing as integrated public transport in this part of East Anglia - and I was looking forward to a cup of coffee. A cup of coffee? No chance! So back to the town centre. Leaving the station I came across a handy map that showed a walking route over this bridge to the town centre so I gave it a try. It looks like a railway bridge and so it turned out to be. On the far side of the bridge was this track embedded in the road. I have checked an old map and the far span (this track) was a goods line to Vauxhall Fish Quay, the centre span was a tramway and nearest the camera was a walkway. I won't bore you with how hard it was to find a cafe, let's just say that Great Yarmouth is not the most vibrant, up-market resort on the East Coast especially out of season. Thankfully 755335 turned up on time and at 14.17 I was on my way to Norwich. Our arrival in Norwich was on time and here is 755335 in Platform 5 with East Midlands 158864 peeking out behind. Platforms 1 (right) and 2 (left) held the usual Liverpool Street trains. 745001 was in Platform 1 with the 15.00 and 009 was in Platform 2 with the 15.30. I wanted the 15.27 to Ely which was formed by 755424. The information board fooled me at first as I was looking for a Cambridge train. having forgotten that they now run through to Stansted Airport. The change of trains at Ely was rather tight, just four minutes, but I need not have worried. My train pulled in dead on time at 16.27 in Platform 1 and a swift walk through the underpass brought me on to Platform 2 just as 755327 arrived with the Ipswich train. A few minutes later and I was back in Soham. Not a bad day's entertainment for £16.50 plus a cup of coffee. That Pimms went down well when I got home! Chris Turnbull Edited April 27, 2022 by Chris Turnbull 16 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
great central Posted April 27, 2022 Share Posted April 27, 2022 1 hour ago, Chris Turnbull said: Here's Part Two of my East Anglian adventure on 26th April. I left Part One at Lowestoft where I had photographed 755413 just after arrival. In the short time it took me to walk the length of the train to the exit 755327 arrived from Norwich. This was to form the next train to Ipswich and 413 the next train the Norwich. However, I like to have a bit of variety on my travels and not stick slavishly to the trains. At one time I could have caught a train to Great Yarmouth but no longer. A walk through the town to the bus station and I was on the bus to Great Yarmouth. The Coast Clipper runs every half hour and trundles through various villages on the way. It is not fast but I wasn't in a rush and it gives me a chance to enjoy the countryside. And anyway, it didn't cost me anything with my bus pass. On arrival at Matket Gates bus station in Great Yarmouth I made my way to the railway station (or train station as people seem to say these days) and this is what greeted me. To think that I called Peterborough utilitarian! It had been quite a walk - there is no such thing as integrated public transport in this part of East Anglia - and I was looking forward to a cup of coffee. A cup of coffee? No chance! So back to the town centre. Leaving the station I came across a handy map that showed a walking route over this bridge to the town centre so I gave it a try. It looks like a railway bridge and so it turned out to be. On the far side of the bridge was this track embedded in the road. I have checked an old map and the far span (this track) was a goods line to Vauxhall Fish Quay, the centre span was a tramway and nearest the camera was a walkway. I won't bore you with how hard it was to find a cafe, let's just say that Great Yarmouth is not the most vibrant, up-market resort on the East Coast especially out of season. Thankfully 755335 turned up on time and at 14.17 I was on my way to Norwich. Our arrival in Norwich was on time and here is 755335 in Platform 5 with East Midlands 158864 peeking out behind. Platforms 1 (right) and 2 (left) held the usual Liverpool Street trains. 745001 was in Platform 1 with the 15.00 and 009 was in Platform 2 with the 15.30. I wanted the 15.27 to Ely which was formed by 755424. The information board fooled me at first as I was looking for a Cambridge train. having forgotten that they now run through to Stansted Airport. The change of trains at Ely was rather tight, just four minutes, but I need not have worried. My train pulled in dead on time at 16.27 in Platform 1 and a swift walk through the underpass brought me on to Platform 2 just as 755327 arrived with the Ipswich train. A few minutes later and I was back in Soham. Not a bad day's entertainment for £16.50 plus a cup of coffee. That Pimms went down well when I got home! Chris Turnbull Coffee in Yarmouth near the station? The other side of the station is a big Asda store, recently built McDonald's in the car park, about 2 minutes walk from the station front. I know McDonald's Coffee isn't everyone's taste but saves a longer walk especially when I'd just missed the previous train by less than two minutes. Several options around market gates as well, including Costa (lot), Gregg's and independents on the market itself. Depending on time of day a walk along Regent Road to the seafront can provide several reasonably priced eateries including a seven days a week, all year burger joint where an acceptable burger or hot dog can be had for the princely sum of one English pound, to borrow a phrase from the Who's Magic Bus. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted April 27, 2022 Author Share Posted April 27, 2022 I saw Asda but I try and avoid these large stores if possible. Their petrol was cheap though, 158 or 159 I think, certainly less than 160. Wild horses wouldn't drag me into McDonalds and certainly not for a cup of coffee. I eventually found an independent coffee shop near the market which provided an adequate cappuccino. They weren't very busy and I felt quite sorry for them. I was glad I had taken my custom to them and not Asda. Chris Turnbull Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted April 28, 2022 Author Share Posted April 28, 2022 Places (or lines) beginning with W tonight. 35005 Canadian Pacific at Alresford on the Watercress Line on 20th October 2007 The lovely sweeping walkway down to the river at Wemyss Bay on 18th May 2013 Leeming Bar on the Wensleydale Railway on 2nd September 2006 144023 at Whitby on 31st July 1998 Wickford on 11th August 2007 Bombardier Flexity Swift CR4000 No. 2534 at Wimbledon on 17th April 2004 Chris Turnbull 14 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 3, 2022 Author Share Posted May 3, 2022 (edited) After a few days away I'm back at my PC and I thought a few shots of Ipswich over the years might be nice. Taken from Luther Road above the south portal of Ipswich tunnel in August 1969, to the left of the main line is Ipswich Loco Depot (32B) with the carriage and wagon repairs shops at centre, beyond which can be seen the water softening tower and the original tank house. The concrete coaling tower that once stood between the two is gone. Ipswich lower yard on the same day, now all gone, sadly. Some years later, on 12th April 2003, 86604 is seen either entering or leaving the loco yard. 90018 on 17th July 2004 at the time of the Ipswich blockade. On 3rd September 2005 here is a class 90, curiously devoid of any identification but possibly 90008 (see post from Davexoc below), alongside 170202. The loco yard on 7th April 2012 Moving forward ten years to 22nd March 2022, here is 755326 (left) and 745102 (right). Chris Turnbull Edited May 4, 2022 by Chris Turnbull Loco possibly 90008 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Davexoc Posted May 3, 2022 RMweb Premium Share Posted May 3, 2022 7 hours ago, Chris Turnbull said: On 3rd September 2005 here is a class 90, curiously devoid of any identification, alongside 170202 Not 100%, but it may be 90008 which had the remnants of silver painted buffers. The loco number was on the tumblehome just by the driver side buffer. Here is the other end on a dismal day just south of Hatfield Peverel 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 4, 2022 Author Share Posted May 4, 2022 A visit to the deep south today. On 11th September 2018 I paid a visit to Bournemouth. This is looking east (I think) from the footbridge. And this is the view looking west. I had no trouble getting on the station to take photographs; "Fill yer boots" was the attitude. Inspired by my account of how accommodating the staff were a fellow enthusiast tried himself the next day. Unfortunately, he came across a jobsworth who refused him access and he returned most dejected. Just to show that trains do call, here is 221122. A day later, the 12th, this is 444006 at Poole. No visit to the south coast would be complete without seeing the Swanage Railway. This is Swanage on the 12th. The other side of Northbrook Road bridge is the loco depot where 08436, 34072 and 30053 were in residence. Chris Turnbull 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 5, 2022 Author Share Posted May 5, 2022 Here's the last of the photographs given to me by a relative. An A3 on the up The Queen of Scots at Bradbury in 1951 Another A3 on the same train at an unidentified location believed to be on the ECML in the northeast. Black 5 5037 at Sheepbridge & Whittington Moor, date unknown. This location was identified by Compound2632 on this thread: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/topic/170238-photograph-location-help-required/ An A3 at Doncaster presumably in the 1930s. The last digit of the loco number is obscured by a buffer but looking at the original photo is probably 2746 Fairway. Britannia 70005 John Milton at an unidentified location but probably somewhere on the GE. If anyone has any more information they can add on any of the photos I would be pleased to hear from you. Chris Turnbull 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwealleans Posted May 5, 2022 Share Posted May 5, 2022 (edited) Afternoon Chris, I am enjoying the photos, especially these older ones. I can't do many diagrams off the top of my head, but I think we have a D45 steel BG behind Fairway and ex-GN BCK and milk van in the train behind. Can't help with the location for 70005 but the leading carriage is either ex-NER or an LNER build to an NER diagram: both would point to a GE location as they were cascaded to or built for that Area respectively. Discs for lamps is also strongly suggestive, of course. Edited May 5, 2022 by jwealleans 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold russ p Posted May 5, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted May 5, 2022 Evening Chris The second picture could be between Harrogate and Northallerton 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 8, 2022 Author Share Posted May 8, 2022 I've just got back after a weekend away. I had hoped to take lots of photos around Felixstowe and Trimley but the weather was dire yesterday (Saturday) so I cut my session short. Before I left to take the photos, I checked Real Time Trains and thought that if I made good time to Trimley station I might just be in time to photograph the 10.31 to Ipswich. Unfortunately a succession of red traffic lights and road works meant the the train was departing across the level crossing as I arrived. The next train was the 4L02 from Hams Hall to Felixstowe North due at 11.12 so I had a look around the station while I waited. A gang of workers were busy on the footbridge clearing vegetation from the disused Up platform and access to the bridge. Thinking this might be the precursor to bringing the platform back into use I wandered over. No way, I was told. The platform is going to be demolished along with the station building. Whether this is true I have no idea. This is the station building looking very sorry for itself. I see that there is a group hoping to restore this building, http://www.trimleystation.org/ but looking at the state of it I would say it is beyond repair. Thinking I had loads of time before 4L02 was due, I strolled back to my car. I hadn't gone very far before the level crossing lights started to flash and the barriers dropped so I dashed up onto the bridge just in time to catch 66761 passing through Trimley at 10.52 on an early running 4L02 Hams Hall to Felixstowe North (due 11.12). And there was me thinking that freight trains never ran early! However, that wasn't the end of the story. It was just starting to spit with rain and there was nothing due until the next passenger at 11.18 so I went back to my car. It was just after 11 o'clock, the rain was getting heavier and I was wondering if I should call it a day when the barriers came down again. What now, I thought. Blow me if 66514 didn't come through on what I later discovered was a very early running 485A Leeds FLT to Felixstowe North due at 11.54 but passing through at 11.05! This has caught me on the hop somewhat and I didn't have time to get all the correct settings on my camera so this is a bit blurred for which I apologise. And here is 485A with 66514 in the distance taking the line to Felixstowe North Terminal. I'll leave you today with a photo taken on 23rd September 2018 showing the track that both these trains used, under construction. Chris Turnbull 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 9, 2022 Author Share Posted May 9, 2022 Another visit to London today. An underground train leaves Acton Town station on 18th October 2008. I think this is 1973 stock of the Piccadilly line but I'm sure I'll be told if I am wrong. Clapham Junction on 17th April 2004 377469 at Clapham Junction on 12th July 2008 Croydon Tramlink on the same day. I think this is Sandilands but, again, I stand to be corrected. 317650 on the suburban side at Kings Cross on 15th March 2003. I couldn't leave the Cross without a photo of an A4. This is 60019 Bittern on 29th April 2010. This was a Thursday so I was probably on my way to one of my company's building sites when I would often take my camera for just such occasions as this. Chris Turnbull 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 10, 2022 Author Share Posted May 10, 2022 Seaside towns today. 387119 and 387105 at Brighton on 15th August 2015. Southend Victoria on 11th August 2007. Moving up the East Coast, this is 156417 at Lowestoft on 7th March 2009. A short hop away is Great Yarmouth. 156419 is seen there on 28th July 2012. A large hop away is Whitby seen here on 21st August 1999. If Dave F can do landscapes so can I! Not forgetting the West Coast, here is 158835 at Llandudno on 7th May 2016. Chris Turnbull 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 11, 2022 Author Share Posted May 11, 2022 A Scottish miscellany today. 73970 at Fort William on 7th September 2017 having just arrived with the Caledonian Sleeper. This was the branding at the time. 170403 and a crowd from the Railway Study Association at Edinburgh Haymarket on 6th May 2006. On the same day this is the concourse at Edinburgh Waverley with hardly a train in sight. No train in this shot either but at least there's some track. Kyle of Lochalsh on 5th May 2017. A day later and this is 45407 entering Mallaig with The Jacobite. The magnificent station at Wemyss Bay on 18th May 2013. Chris Turnbull 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 12, 2022 Author Share Posted May 12, 2022 A selection of steam specials today. I don't usually follow steam specials so if I do come across one unexpectedly it is a bonus. This is one such example, 34067 Tangmere at Norwich on 5th May 2007. Does anyone recognise themselves? Another bonus was seeing 6233 Duchess of Sutherland on 18th October 2008. I'll leave to work out the location. My better half and I were on a Lochs and Glens holiday staying at the Highland Hotel in Fort William when the coach broke down and we were unable to go on our scheduled trip that day. It was suggested we do our own thing for which a rebate would be given. I am sure you will understand when I say it was no trouble to dash to the station and buy one of the last tickets for this train to Mallaig. 7th September 2017. This is one train I was told about so I did go and see it. 61264 at Ely on 3rd November 2001. And here's another that I deliberately went to see. 71000 Duke of Gloucester at Little Thetford just south of Ely on 17th April 1993. Nor is the unexpected steam special limited to the UK. I was on Cologne station - one of my continental favourites - when I heard what seemed like a steam locomotive whistle and this appeared. I had noticed posters for a Dampflok special but hadn't twigged that it was that day. I don't know what the loco is but the date was 13th August 2005. Chris Turnbull 10 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 15, 2022 Author Share Posted May 15, 2022 A selection from Ely today. 24th March 2017 and what I think are 365536 and 317668 are at platforms 2 and 3 with Kings Cross and Liverpool Street trains respectively. This is only five years ago yet both these trains are long gone. Here's 317506 at platform 3 on 29th June 2018 with a Liverpool Street train. 170117 approaches from Cambridge on the same day. On 2nd August 2019 I cycled in to Ely along the river bank to take some photos from a different vantage point. Here's DR 73911 Puma heading south towards Cambridge. This is 66566 approaching on the Soham Line with what is probably a train from Felixstowe docks. And here is 66566 held at signals in the station with the magnificent cathedral as a backdrop. Chris Turnbull 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Turnbull Posted May 16, 2022 Author Share Posted May 16, 2022 Preserved (or heritage if you prefer) railways today. Havenstreet on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in August 1988. Toddington on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway on 19th February 2012. Bridgnorth loco shed on the Severn Valley Railway on 22nd February 2015. Alresford on the Watercress Line on 20th October 2007 Chappel & Wakes Colne on 14th October 1979. Keighley on the Worth Valley line on 3rd May 2009. Chris Turnbull 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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