nigb55009

I once signed a partition to protest about graffiti.

The change from a class 6 to a class 8 headcode would be as a direct result of the reclassification of freight trains. Class 6 was a fully fitted freight train. Classes 7 & 8 were partially fitted, class 9 totally unfitted. Around the mid 80s classes 7 & 8 were reclassified as fully fitted, but with differing speeds. Class 6 remained 60 mph, class 7 for trains timed to run at 45mph and class 8 35mph. MGR trains which had previously been class 6 whether loaded or empty became class 7 when loaded but remained class 6 when empty. The maximum speed of loaded HAAs was 45mph, but empty 55mph. Later HDAs were permitted to run at 60mph, loaded or empty, provided the train was only made up of HDAs. Class 9 trains could run partially or fully fitted, but not exceed 35mph.

The longer type of shades are used at locations prone to long periods of direct sunlight. That part of the ECML would have got a lot of sun as it faces south. They are still used today to help Drivers to observe signals from a distance. Strong sunlight from any angle can affect the ability to see the aspect clearly. These days , modern signals use some type of LEDs that make shades of any length redudant.

Shadow play, Rory Gallagher

I always get two choices from the wife. Take it or leave it.

Shadow of love, The Damned

Easy living, Uriah Heep

COUNTRYSIDE Legal term to describe the murder of Piers Morgan

Only one woman, The Marbles

Grove Park is a busy place, if you see a parking space you` ve got to get in there quick.

Days of no trust, Magnum

I remember seeing a DVD or a video of early AC electric locos changing traction at Stafford. The bay platform on the up side at the south end of the station were used as holding sidings. I can't remember what the programme was called, nor can I remember what trains were involved. Station master may be right about Birmingham trains. I seem to recall the diesels were predominantly class 40s, so it must have been quite early in the electrification scheme.

Eyes of the world, Rainbow

The original electrification scheme saw wires erected from Liverpool Lime St to Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe, in the early 1960s. The next phase was from Crewe to Stafford, eventually the wires reached all the way to London Euston. By the mid 1960s trains to Liverpool and Manchester were electrically hauled throughout. Trains to Blackpool, Barrow, Windermere, Carlisle and Glasgow changed to diesel power at Crewe. Full electrification to Glasgow started in 1974. The route from Carstairs to Edinburgh was electrified in the late 1980s. Trains from Liverpool Lime St and Manchester Victoria combined/split at Preston and Carstairs, where Edinburgh portions were attached and detached., until it too was electrified. Through electric working between Liverpool and Manchester to Preston began after completion of the wires between Edge Hill and Springs Branch, WIgan and Manchester via Bolton and Chorley to Euxton Junction in the mid 2010s. The line from Preston to Blackpool North was electrified about the same time allowing through Blackpool - Euston services.

Fire, Krokus

Johnny was, Stiff Little Fingers

Wild on the run, Tobruk

Solid rock, Dire Straits

Light in the black, Rainbow

Wheat = wit? That barley makes sense

Running with the devil, Van Halen

Ain`t talking `bout love, Van Halen

We used to call Manchester Piccadilly " Snooker Junction ". You needed a red before you get a colour.

Demon`s are a girl`s best friend, Powerwolf

Jump, Van Halen