Andy Louch

One thing I find interesting in both incidents; the bus roof etc. has been completely 'wiped off' - not sure on the integral strength of bus upper decks etc. however, I assume that the driver would hear the horrible crunching sounds and realise what was going on? In which case they would stop and then decide it was probably better to carry on rather than try to reverse? Any thoughts from those more knowledgeable please? My only experience was when I witnessed a brand new Leyland Atlantean dropped onto the quayside whilst we were loading as cargo for Basrah! (About 1978!!) It fell about 20m and was pretty much destroyed. A good lesson learned that you should never walk under a suspended load!!

Just noted the advert on the side of the bus....

Not sure if youve seen this one? "A double-decker bus roof was torn off when it passed under a low railway bridge. The top deck was "completely removed" when it went through the tunnel in Bournville Lane, Birmingham, according to a paramedic who attended". Full story at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=bridge++bournville&sa_f=search-product&scope= If it's the bridge I'm thinking about in Bournville Lane, it has been a 'hazard' since I was a kid in the region over 50 years ago! In fact, the regular bus services have always had to be 'single-deckers' since it was known by all drivers (obviously not!!) and not being high enough to allow double-deckers to pass. Looking at the damage, the driver tried to pass through at speed!!

Lovely photos of the disused Midland route through the Derbyshire Pennines. Every time I see photos from this area I am saddened at the 'vandalism' committed here and wonder how fantastic it would be today. We were so lucky the same fate did not happen to the S&C. Thanks for posting as a reminder of this railway.

Thanks Phil, Happy days!!

No snow in SW Hampshire, so a couple from 'the archives'!

Acknowledging today's Alton - Bath Cathex. at Mottisfont and Dunbridge. I thing the second snap also meets the criteria as you can see the footplate crew!!

Interesting topic this! I expect that the majority of passengers will be overseas visitors and not have a huge interest in railways let alone motive power! The prices quoted put it on par with a luxury cruise and you dont get seasick (hopefully?) on the Royal Scotsman.

David, many thanks for latest posting. The ‘iconic gates’ of Frinton-on-Sea!! My grandparents lived about 1 mile ‘outside’ the gates and we spent many wonderful holidays there in the 1960’s and 70’s! I believe that Network Rail replaced the manually-operated barriers with an automated flashing-light system monitored in Colchester despite local protests by the Frinton Gates Preservation Society in April 2009; allegedly the replacement was completed overnight to avoid protests. The local residents group apparently stated that NR had acted in a ‘cowardly fashion’ and that the locals were treated with contempt also that they were; “the best known gates in the country…. known throughout the world”. Network Rail stated that the change, was part of a £100m upgrade of the line. Frinton was/is a bastion of conservatism and the town resisted the opening of a fish and chip shop until 1992 and didn't allow a pub to open until 2000. Arcades, amusements and ice cream stalls are still banned from the seafront and as many as one of five of the town's 5,500 inhabitants are members of the resident’s association. One quotation from a member of the association states: "The gates provide a little enclave, it keeps us away from the madhouse. We want to protect our little bit of England." Allegedly, a sign at Liverpool Street showing the platforms for the Harwich - Hook of Holland Boat trains was tampered with to read: "Harwich for the continent….. Frinton for the incontinent."

Hello Trevor, wonderful sharp, well composed photos of 'Dellies' at York, thanks for posting. Saw my last in BR operational status here: '21 in July 1981. I always regret that I never traveled behind one on the main line and had to wait until a couple of years ago when I had this opportunity at the ELR! Cheers, Andy

Good day, 45 minutes at Eastleigh this morning.

Sunning photos at Kings X. My brother and I had a ride from the buffers to the platform end on RSG in about 1972! Noise of Napiers echoing around the train shed as you climbed steps from Underground to concourse was unforgettable! Thanks for posting. Andy

Hello Dave, yes, the Deltics at Barkston are absolute 'belters'! Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful archive. Ref. J5911; who is/was Ben??

Hi Peter, saw 9009 'howl' through Millbrook a little earlier! 0430 start for the passengers!! Also, KOYLI working at Watercress Gala this afternoon

Couple from SVR gala

Couple of snaps posted on another forum, No apologies for repeating my comments here! Heartily agree with earlier comments - a wonderful event with something going on all of the time. Spent 3 hours at Bewdley on Saturday afternoon and don't think there could have been anything else added! The signalmen at North Box must be exhausted!! Also traveled on 'overnights' and again really enjoyed this experience which only the SVR does. Got off a southbound train at Highley and waited about 40 minutes for northbound service - magical, with calls of Tawny Owls and Red Deer eventually interrupted by signal box bell calls and the sound of SKP leaving Arley and working all the way lasted for nearly 10 minutes. This will live with me for a long time and thinking about it still makes the hairs stand etc!! Thanks so much for the hardwork and dedication of everyone involved : every visitor I spoke to (including fellow enthusiasts and family groups of all ages) were having a brilliant time! I have bought some more shares on the strength of this weekend and would urge everyone who can, to do the same or make a smaller donation. Thanks SVR!

Hi Dave, love the pictures of the electrics at Shap. I have a couple similar to J5418 also taken at Scout Green. Not sure if you can get into a similar position now as last time I went what looked like a small maintenance area had blocked the view south? Also, I gather that a vast array of palisade (anti-trespass?) fencing has been erected in the area at huge expense which only seems to be capable of trapping sheep and deer between the rails and adjacent moors? Would be interested to know why such a decision was taken by Network Rail. Was trespass really an issue at such a remote location? Andy

Didcot yesterday.

Hello Dave, yes, Glasgow Central was/is a superb station and I well remember the wooden departure board. I visited a number of times in the late 70's and early 80's and I felt the place had more 'atmosphere' than either Queen Street or Edinburgh Waverly when we visited from the Midlands on spotting trips or when I was traveling for work. (The latter usually involved the sleeper from BNS and changing for a 'local' service to various ports on the Clyde! Thanks for re-kindling the memories!! Andy

Managed a short trip to Bognor and Littlehampton this morning; thanks to John M and Colin for tip off, with aim of getting a few shots of the semaphores there. Would have carried on to Brighton this afternoon (not been there for 35 years!) however trip cut short when my son developed a severe migraine so broke off trip early and headed home. Another place back on the list!

Good day Grunfos, that's brilliant, very many thanks. Will definitely complete this tour! Best wishes,

Good day Big Jim, thanks for update. Will also look at Sutton Bridge Junc. Andy

All, many thanks for the ideas. looks like I'll start on the station and then check a couple of other locations as suggested. Thanks again Andy

Planning to spend a few hours at Salop next month. Any advice on best locations to photo semaphores around station please? Interweb search suggests several locations, however, information on most sites are a few years old now. Thanks.

I think this refers to Bell Line. IIRC an Irish shipping company which traded mostly around NW Europe. Their vessels were preficxed with 'Bell' and I recall seeing Bell Ranger and Bell Rover in the southern North Sea. See attached